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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Performance of the 12GHz, 200 watt transmitter experiment package for the Hermes satellite

Performance characteristics from on-orbit tests of the Transmitter Experiment Package (TEP) for the Hermes Satellite are presented. The TEP consists of a Power Processing System (PPS), an Output Stage Tube (OST) and a Variable Conductance Heat Pipe System (VCHPS), all of which are described. The OST is a coupled-cavity Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) with a Multistage Depressed Collector (MDC) and a stepped velocity-tapered slow wave structure for efficiency enhancement. It has an RF output power of 233 watts and overall efficiency of 50.75 percent at a center band frequency of 12.080 GHz. The PPS provides the required operating voltages, regulation, control and protection for the OST. The VCHPS consists of a fin radiator and three dual-artery stainless steel heat pipes using methanol and a mixture of inert gases. Test results presented include efficiencies, RF output power and body current. A discussion of thermal anomalies which occurred is presented.

Alexovich, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Performance of the 12 GHz, 200 watt Transmitter Experiment Package for the Hermes Satellite

Performance characteristics from on-orbit tests of the Transmitter Experiment Package (TEP) for the Hermes Satellite are presented. The tests were conducted from February 8, 1976 through August 8, 1977. The TEP consists of a Power Processing System (PPS), an Output Stage Tube (OST) and a Variable Conductance Heat Pipe System (VCHPS), all of which are described. The OST is a coupled-cavity traveling wave tube with a multistage depressed collector and a stepped velocity-tapered slow wave structure for efficiency enhancement. It has an RF output power of 233 W and overall efficiency of 50.75% at a center band frequency of 12.080 GHz. The PPS provides the required operating voltages, regulation, control and protection for the OST. The VCHPS consists of a fin radiator and three dual-artery stainless steel heat pipes using methanol and a mixture of inert gases. Test results presented include efficiencies, RF output power and body current. A discussion of thermal anomalies which occurred is presented.

Alexovich, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Heart rate, multiple body temperature, long-range and long-life telemetry system for free-ranging animals

The design details and rationale for a versatile, long-range, long-life telemetry data acquisition system for heart rates and body temperatures at multiple locations from free-ranging animals are presented. The design comprises an implantable transmitter for short to medium range transmission, a receiver retransmitter collar to be worn for long-range transmission, and a signal conditioner interface circuit to assist in signal discrimination and demodulation of receiver or tape-recorded audio outputs. Implanted electrodes are used to obtain an ECG, from which R-wave characteristics are selected to trigger a short RF pulse. Pulses carrying heart rate information are interrupted periodically by a series of pulse interval modulated RF pulses conveying temperature information sensed at desired locations by thermistors. Pulse duration and pulse sequencing are used to discriminate between heart rate and temperature pulses as well as radio frequency interference. The implanted transmitter may be used alone for medium and short-range tracking, or with a receiver-transmitter collar that employs commercial tracking equipment for transmissions of up to 12 km. A system prototype has been tested on a dog.

Lund, G. F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Results and lessons learned from accelerating radio frequency modeling using machine learning [slides]

The “advanced tokamak” reactor concept is a leading candidate for a steady state fusion pilot plant. An advanced tokamak (AT) sustains a majority of the required plasma current with effects resulting from maintenance of the peaked pressure at the device center. This current is augmented by auxiliary current drive sources. These auxiliary actuators may consist of neutral particle beams and/or radio frequency (RF) systems such as lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) and high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) current drive using radio and microwaves from antennas. The primary focus of this work is to develop models of RF current profile control suitable for use in integrated modeling frameworks and for real-time control in experiments. Direct physics models of RF current drive can be computationally intensive. In order to achieve predictive times appropriate for the thousands of calls needed in real-time control of experiments and for use in integrated models, we will apply modern machine learning (ML) techniques to accelerate these models and interpolate their results. To generate the fast and accurate models for use in control level algorithms and integrated modeling we need to replace present models with high dimensional interpolation of their results. We will perform additional simulations across a broader parameter range for EAST and other tokamaks in different physics regimes (Alcator C-Mod, DIII-D, WEST, CFETR, ARC, ITER) and combine them into a larger database for training and testing of the ML models. Further testing of the control level models with experimental current profile data from EAST and C-Mod tokamaks will provide additional confirmation of the control level model before integration in a tokamak control system or integrated modeling suite. ML will be used to optimize the selection of training data consisting of RF current driven at different values of density profile, temperature profile, plasma current, and wavenumber. ML will also be used to facilitate classification of current drive from these input data. The output of this effort will be a validated classifier capable of determining the current drive profiles for HHFW CD and LHCD on a mille-second timescale. This will provide a breakthrough capability enabling real-time control of RF driven current profiles in experiments including ITER ICRF and use integrated modeling frameworks requiring thousands of current profile calculations in discharge simulations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1992

Self-focusing of whistler waves

The theory of axially symmetric self-focusing of whistler waves, based on the full system of Maxwell equations, is developed. The plasma is described by the magnetohydrodynamic equations including the ponderomotive force from RF field. The nonlinear Schrodinger equations (NSE) for arbitrary azimuthal modes of whistler waves are derived. It is shown that they differ from the NSE for a scalar field; this is connected with an intrinsic angular momentum due to the rotating polarization of whistlers. It is shown that the self-focusing, as described by the NSE, differs in its final stage from the results following the full set of Maxwell equations. The latter gives defocusing after sufficient narrowing of the initial wave beam, due to transformation of the trapped wave into a nontrapped branch which is not contained in the NSE description. The oscillatory character of the defocusing is demonstrated.

Karpman, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS2003

GPS Position and Heading Circuitry for Ships

Circuit boards that contain radio-frequency (RF) and digital circuitry have been developed by NASA to satisfy a requirement of the Port of Houston Authority for relatively inexpensive Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers that indicate the azimuthal headings as well as the positions of ships. The receiver design utilizes the unique architecture of the Mitel commercial chip-set, which provides for an accurate GPS-based heading-determination device. The major components include two RF front ends (each connected to a separate antenna), a surface-acoustic-wave intermediate-frequency filter between second- and third-stage mixers, a correlator, and a reduced-instruction- set computer. One of the RF front ends operates as a master, the other as a slave. Both RF front ends share a 10-MHz sinusoidal clock oscillator, which provides for more accurate carrier phase measurements between the two antennas. The outputs of the RF front ends are subjected to conventional GPS processing. The commercial-based chip-set design approach provides an inexpensive open architecture GPS platform, which can be used in developing and implementing unique GPS-heading and attitude-determination algorithms for specific applications. The heading is estimated from the GPS position solutions of the two antennas by an algorithm developed specifically for this application. If a third (and preferably a fourth) antenna were added, it would be possible to estimate the attitude of the GPS receiver in three dimensions instead of only its heading in a horizontal plane.

Cooke, Michael P.↗
DOE OSTI2022

High efficiency normal conducting linac for environmental water remediation

A continuous wave (CW) electron accelerator for the treatment of industrial streams including an electron beam source, a modified high efficiency slot coupled cavity, at least one focusing magnet positioned surrounding the accelerator to contain the beam in the accelerator, an efficient radio frequency power supply means for supplying power of a radio frequency to the cavity to induce a TM01 accelerating mode in the cavity, an electron beam spreader or raster, a fixed magnet array or two-dimensional scanning magnet for deflecting the accelerated beam into a desired shape, and an exit window for extracting the deflected electron beam. The accelerator includes a graded-beta cavity to enable use with a low-power pulsed electron source. The accelerator benefits from a low wall-power loss accelerating cavity that is energized with efficient RF sources, enabling it to be operated in continuous wave mode.

Hannon, Fay↗
NASA NTRS1975

Power processing system for a 200 watt communication satellite transmitter

A power processing system (PPS) for a communication satellite, high power (200W RF) multi-stage depressed collector, 12 GHz, traveling wave tube, is described. The PPS converts spacecraft bus power at a nominal voltage of 76 Vdc to the levels necessary for operating a ten-collector coupled cavity TWT requiring approximately 500 watts of input power. Regulated voltages of up to -11.3K Vdc are provided along with command, protection and telemetry signal conditioning circuits. Power processor interface requirements are set forth and a block diagram illustrating the basic approach utilized is presented. Overall performance, design characteristics and unique features are discussed. Thermal and mechanical interface requirements impacting on PPS design are described as well as the thermal control technique utilized for the overall PPS/TWT assembly.

Farber, B. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Experimental verification of a computational procedure for the design of TWT-refocuser-MDC systems

A comparison of analytical and experimental results is presented for a high performance dual-mode helix TWT, equipped with multistage depressed collectors (MDC), and operated over conditions ranging from saturation to the linear regime. The computations are carried out with advanced multidimensional computer programs which model the electron beam as a series of disks or rings of charge and follow their trajectories from the RF input of the TWT, through the slow-wave structure, through the refocusing system, to their points of impact in the depressed collector. TWT performance, collector efficiency, and collector current distribution are computed and compared with measurements. Very good agreement is obtained between computed and measured TWT performance and collector efficiencies. The analytical techniques were subsequently applied to the design of a smaller MDC of nearly equal efficiency.

Dayton, J. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Verification of an improved computational design procedure for TWT-dynamic refocuser-MDC systems with secondary electron emission losses

A computational procedure for the design of TWT-refocuser-MDC systems was used to design a short 'dynamic' refocusing system and highly efficient four-stage depressed collector for a 200-W 8-18-GHz TWT. The computations were carried out with advanced multidimensional computer programs which model the electron beam as a series of disks of charge and follow their trajectories from the RF input of the TWT, through the slow-wave structure and refocusing section, to their points of impact in the depressed collector. Secondary emission losses in the MDC were treated semiquantitatively by injecting a representative beam of secondary electrons into the MDC analysis at the point of impact of each primary beam. A comparison of computed and measured TWT and MDC performance showed very good agreement. The electrodes of the MDC were fabricated from a particular form of isotropic graphite that was selected for its low secondary electron yield, thermal expansion characteristics, ease of machinability and vacuum properties. This MDC was tested at CW for more than 1000 h with negligible degradation in TWT and MDC performances.

Ramins, P.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nb$_3$Sn Superconducting Radiofrequency Cavities: a Maturing Technology for Particle Accelerators and Detectors

Nb3Sn superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities have substantial potential for enabling new performance capabilities for particle accelerators for high energy physics (HEP), as well as for RF cavity-based detectors for dark matter, gravitational waves, and other quantum sensing applications. Outside of HEP, Nb3Sn SRF cavities can also benefit accelerators for nuclear physics, basic energy sciences, and the industry. In this contribution to Snowmass 2021, we overview the potential, status, and outlook of Nb3Sn SRF cavities.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Frontiers in the Application of RF Vacuum Electronics

The application of radio frequency (RF) vacuum electronics for the betterment of the human condition began soon after the invention of the first vacuum tubes in the 1920s and has not stopped since. Today, microwave vacuum devices are powering important applications in health treatment, material and biological science, wireless communication-terrestrial and space, Earth environment remote sensing, and the promise of safe, reliable, and inexhaustible energy. This article highlights some of the exciting application frontiers of vacuum electronics.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Optimization of a traveling wave superconducting radiofrequency cavity for upgrading the International Linear Collider

The standing wave TESLA niobium-based superconducting radio frequency structure is limited to an accelerating gradient of about 50 MV/m by the critical rf magnetic field. To break through this barrier, we explore the option of niobium-based traveling wave (TW) structures. Optimization of TW structures was done considering experimentally known limiting electric and magnetic fields. It is shown that a TW structure can have an accelerating gradient above 70 MeV/m that is about 1.5 times higher than contemporary standing wave structures with the same critical magnetic field. The other benefit of TW structures shown is R/Q about 2 times higher than the TESLA structure that reduces the dynamic heat load by a factor of 2. A method is proposed how to make TW structures multipactor-free. Some design proposals are offered to facilitate fabrication. Further increase of the real-estate gradient (equivalent to 80 MV/m active gradient) is also possible by increasing the length of the accelerating structure because of higher group velocity and cell-to-cell coupling. Realization of this work opens paths to International Linear Collider energy upgrades beyond 1 to 3 TeV in competition with CLIC. The paper will discuss corresponding opportunities and challenges.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2013

RF Exposure Analysis for Multiple Wi-Fi Devices In Enclosed Environment

Wi-Fi devices operated inside a metallic enclosure have been investigation in the recent years. A motivation for this study is to investigate wave propagation inside an enclosed environment such as elevator, car, aircraft, and spacecraft. There are performances and safety concerned that when the RF transmitters are used in the metallic enclosed environments. In this paper, the field distributions inside a confined room were investigated with multiple portable Wi-Fi devices. Computer simulations were performed using the rigorous computational electromagnetics (CEM). The method of moments (MoM) was used to model the mutual coupling among antennas. The geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) was applied for the multiple reflections off the ground and walls. The prediction of the field distribution inside such environment is useful for the planning and deployment of a wireless radio and sensor system. Factors that affect the field strengths and distributions of radio waves in confined space were analyzed. The results could be used to evaluate the RF exposure safety in confined environment. By comparing the field distributions for various scenarios, it was observed that the Wi-Fi device counts, spacing and relative locations in the room are important factors in such environments. The RF Keep Out Zone (KOZ), where the electric field strengths exceed the permissible RF exposure limit, could be used to assess the RF human exposure compliance. As shown in this study, it s possible to maximize or minimize field intensity in specific area by arranging the Wi-Fi devices as a function of the relative location and spacing in a calculated manner.

Hwu, Shian U.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Modeling rf sheath formation in turbulent tokamak boundary plasma

During ICRF antenna operation, complex interactions between turbulent density profiles, nonlinear RF sheaths, and RF-induced convective transport are observed to alter plasma density in the tokamak edge [D’Ippolito et al., Nucl. Fusion 38, 1543 (1998)]. In this work, we explore the physics of such interactions via numerical modeling, using a nonlinear EM/plasma/sheath code (VSim) and profiles obtained from a fluid plasma turbulence code (Hermes) in a 3D slab domain containing biased side-wall limiters. RF-rectified sheath formation on antenna and limiter surfaces is observed as electromagnetic waves launched by the antenna are refracted through the turbulent density profile. On transport timescales, such sheath potentials have been shown to influence both the mean species density and its RMS fluctuation spectrum [Smithe et al., these proceedings]. On the faster RF timescales, we demonstrate that the converse is also true – regions of high plasma density near material surfaces give rise to the highest sheath potential amplitudes. When density is turbulent and spatially nonuniform, localized regions of high sheath potential (hotspots) may develop where high-density filaments intersect material surfaces. Such hotspots are of particular concern as sources of impurity sputtering, and we explore their behavior in response to changes both to the local plasma density and to antenna operating parameters and structure. Related results exploring the role of Faraday shields and/or enclosing structures in suppressing high sheath potentials for other devices (e.g. SPARC) will also be shown.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-power test of a C-band linear accelerating structure with an RFSoC-based LLRF system

Normal conducting linear particle accelerators consist of multiple rf stations with accelerating structure cavities. Low-level rf (LLRF) systems are employed to set the phase and amplitude of the field in the accelerating structure and to compensate for the pulse-to-pulse fluctuation of the rf field in the accelerating structures with a feedback loop. The LLRF systems are typically implemented with analog rf mixers, heterodyne-based architectures, and discrete data converters. There are multiple rf signals from each of the rf stations, so the number of rf channels required increases rapidly with multiple rf stations. With a large number of rf channels, the footprint, component cost, and system complexity of the LLRF hardware will increase significantly. To meet the design goals of being compact and affordable for future accelerators, we have designed the next-generation LLRF (NG-LLRF) with a higher integration level based on RFSoC technology. The NG-LLRF system samples rf signals directly and performs rf mixing digitally. Further, the NG-LLRF has been characterized in loopback mode to evaluate the performance of the system and has also been tested with a standing-wave accelerating structure, a prototype for the Cool Copper Collider (C 3 ) with a peak rf power level up to 16.45 MW. The loopback test demonstrated amplitude fluctuation below 0.15% and phase fluctuation below 0.15°, which are considerably better than the requirements of C 3 . The rf signals from the different stages of the accelerating structure at different power levels are measured by the NG-LLRF, which will be critical references for the control algorithm designs. The NG-LLRF also offers flexibility in waveform modulation, so we have used rf pulses with various modulation schemes, which could be useful for controlling some of the rf stations in accelerators. In this paper, the high-power test results at different stages of the test setup will be summarized, analyzed, and discussed.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗