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NASA NTRS1989

Interstellar dust as generator of x ray radiation

The x ray generation due to arising of hot dense plasma balls at high-velocity (greater than or equal to 70 km/s) collisions of dust grains in the interstellar medium is considered. Analytical expressions for efficiency of conversions of colliding dust particle kinetic energy into x ray radiation are presented. The observed intensity distribution of the diffuse component of soft cosmic x rays (0.1 to 1 keV) may be partly caused by collisions between the dusty components of high velocity clouds and of the disk of the Galaxy.

Ibadov, Subhon↗

NASA NTRS1990

NASCAP/LEO calculations of current collection

NASCAP/LEO is a 3-dimensional computer code for calculating the interaction of a high-voltage spacecraft with the cold dense plasma found in Low Earth Orbit. Although based on a cubic grid structure, NASCAP/LEO accepts object definition input from standard computer aided design (CAD) programs so that a model may be correctly proportioned and important features resolved. The potential around the model is calculated by solving the finite element formulation of Poisson's equation with an analytic space charge function. Five previously published NASCAP/LEO calculations for three ground test experiments and two space flight experiments are presented. The three ground test experiments are a large simulated panel, a simulated pinhole, and a 2-slit experiment with overlapping sheaths. The two space flight experiments are a solar panel biased up to 1000 volts, and a rocket-mounted sphere biased up to 46 kilovolts. In all cases, the authors find good agreement between calculation and measurement.

Mandell, Myron J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Saha equation, single and two particle states

Single- and two-particle properties in a dense plasma are discussed in connection with their role in the mass action law for a partially ionized plasma. The two-particle-bound states are nearly density independent, while the continuum is essentially shifted. The single-particle states are damped, and their energy has a negative shift and a parabolic behavior for small momenta.

Kraeft, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Basic properties and models of solar prominences

Prominences are relatively cool (10,000 K) and dense plasma clouds which may persist for 100 days or more in the midst of the much hotter (1 million K) and more tenuous (10 exp 9/cu cm) corona. Many observations imply that the magnetic field in and around prominences is responsible both for isolating prominences from the corona and for supporting them against gravity. It is not at all obvious how the magnetic field can do both these tasks, but the limited theoretical models that are available suggest that a magnetic-flux rope is involved. Using a new analytical model, it is argued that the flux rope could also play a key role in the eruption of a prominence by supplying the magnetic energy necessary to drive the prominence outwards.

Forbes, T. G.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A Remote Laser Mass Spectrometer for Lunar Resource Assessment

The use of lasers as a source of excitation for surface mass spectroscopy has been investigated for some time. Since the laser can be focused to a small spot with intensity, it can vaporize and accelerate atoms of material. Using this phenomenon with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer allows a surface elemental mass analysis of a small region with each laser pulse. While the technique has been well developed for Earth applications, space applications are less developed. NASA Langley recently began a research program to investigate the use of a laser to create ions from the lunar surface and to analyze the ions at an orbiting spacecraft. A multijoule, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser would be focused to a small spot on the lunar surface, creating a dense plasma. This plasma would eject high-energy ions, as well as neutrals, electrons, and photons. An experiment is being set up to determine the characteristics of such a laser mass spectrometer at long flight distances. This experiment will determine the character of a future flight instrument for lunar resource assessment.

Deyoung, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1997

X-Ray Flare Characteristics in the B2e Star Lambda Eridani (ROSAT)

We document the results of a simultaneous wavelength monitoring on the B2e star (lambda) Eri. This campaign was carried out from ground stations and with the ROSAT, ASCA, IUE, and Voyager 2 space platforms during a week in February-March 1995; a smaller follow-up was conducted in September 1995. During the first of these intervals (lambda) Eri exhibited extraordinary wind and disk-ejection activity. The ROSAT/HRI X-ray light curves showed no large flares such as the one the ROSAT/PSCA observed in 1991. However, possible low level fluctuations in the February-March ROSAT data occurred at the same time as unusual activity in H(alpha) He I (lambda)6678, He II (lambda)1640, and the C IV doublet. For example, the hydrogen and helium lines exhibited an emission in the blue half of their profiles, probably lasting several hours. The C IV lines showed a strong high-velocity Discrete Absorption Component (DAC) accompanied by unusually strong absorption at lower velocities. The helium line activity suggests that a mass ejection occurred at the base of the wind while the strong C III (Voyager) and C IV (IUE) lines implies that shock interactions occurred in the wind flow. It is not clear that the X-ray elevations are directly related to the strong C IV absorptions because the former changed on a much more rapid timescale than absorptions in the C IV lines. Within hours of the mild X-ray flux variations found by ROSAT on February 28, the Voyager UVS observed a "ringing" that decayed over three 3-hr. cycles. The amplitude of these fluctuations was strong (50%) at (lambda)(lambda)950-1100, decreased rapidly with wavelength, and faded to nondetection longward of (lambda)1300. Various considerations indicate that these continuum variations were not due to an instrumental pathology in the UVS. Rather, they appear to be due to a time-dependent flux deficit in the (lambda)(lambda)950-1250 region. We outline a scenario in which a dense plasma structure over the star's surface is heated and cooled quasi-periodically to produce such flux changes. Observations of new examples of this phenomenon are badly needed. Amateur astronomers can make a significant contribution to its understanding by searching for ringing in light curves of Be stars during their outburst phases. Finally we draw attention to an increase in the emission of the H(alpha) line that occurred at about the time the FUV ringing started. This increased emission hints that approximately 50,000K plasma near the star's surface can influence the circumstellar disc at approximately 12R. by its increased Lyman continuum flux.

Smith, Myron A.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Global Plasmaspheric Issues

The plasmasphere and the dense plasmas drawn from it into the middle and outer magnetosphere dynamically participates in the transport of energy produced during magnetic storms into the inner magnetosphere and ionosphere. These plasmas are also a tracer of electric fields induced globally by the solar wind and locally through transient phenomena. The outstanding issues related to plasmaspheric plasma in the magnetosphere will be discussed in the context of the anticipated IMAGE mission which, for the first time, will provide global images of this plasma system.

Gallagher, Dennis L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

A Close Look at the Plasmasphere

The plasmasphere is a toroidal region around the Earth and is filled with cold dense plasma in which the magnetic field lines are mainly closed. The plasmasphere has been studied since the discovery of the plasmaspause by Carpenter in 19xx. Since that time an impressive array of satellites and rockets have been brought to bear on studies of the region. It is a region in which the science seems to be considered as mature. We will explore the known aspects of the plasmasphere, those things that appear to be known well enough to be modeled with some degree of confidence. The areas that are not as confidently modeled, mostly on the outer boundary, aspects of refilling, convection around to the dayside, and duskside phenomenon, will be examined with the object of showing the areas of research in the plasmasphere that need further investment of resources.

Craven, Paul D.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Satellite Atmosphere and Io Torus Observations

Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system, and it is embedded deep within the strongest magnetosphere of any planet. This combination of circumstances leads to a host of scientifically compelling phenomena, including (1) an atmosphere out of proportion with such a small object, (2) a correspondingly large atmospheric escape rate, (3) a ring of dense plasma locked in a feedback loop with the atmosphere, and (4) a host of Io-induced emissions from radio bursts to UV auroral spots on Jupiter. This proposal seeks to continue our investigation into the physics connecting these phenomena, with emphasis on Io's atmosphere and plasma torus. The physical processes are clearly of interest for Io, and also other places in the solar system where they are important but not readily observable.

Schneider, Nicholas M.↗

NASA NTRS2000

EUVE Observations of the Jupiter System

This document is the final report for NASA Grant NAG5-4615, 'Satellie Atmosphere and Io Torus Observations', Nicholas M. Schneider, P.I., awarded to the University of Colorado, 8/l/97-3/31/00. The grant was originally awarded to Dr. Doyle T. Hall, who left the University of Colorado before the completion of the project. Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system, and it is embedded deep within the strongest magnetosphere of any planet. This combination of circumstances leads to a host of scientifically compelling phenomena, including (1) an atmosphere out of proportion with such a small object, (2) a correspondingly large atmospheric escape rate, (3) a ring of dense plasma locked in a feedback loop with the atmosphere, and (4) a host of Io-induced emissions from radio bursts to UV auroral spots on Jupiter. This proposal seeks to continue our investigation into the physics connecting these phenomena, with emphasis on Io's atmosphere and plasma torus. The physical processes are clearly of interest for Io, and also other places in the solar system where they are important but not readily observable.

Schneider, Nicholas M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

The Origin and Evolution of Deep Plasmaspheric Notches

Deep plasmaspheric notches can extend over more than 2 RE in radial distance and 3 hours MLT in the magnetic equatorial plane. They appear to be among the largest evacuated features in the exterior plasmaspheric boundary. They can last for days and exhibit varying structure. It appears that low-density channels resulting from the entrainment of the plasmaspheric convection plume during storm-time recovery share the same origin as notches. Notches rather than channels result from differences in storm- time conditions. Strong convection tends to result in low-density channels, while weaker convection and limited erosion results in notches. Eighteen events in 2000 have been analyzed. Among these events, notches were found to drift as slowly as 72% of corotation. In only one case was a notch found to drift at the corotation rate within measurement error. On average, notches drift at about 2 1.5 hours per day or 90% of the co-rotational rate. Notches also sometimes exhibit an interior structure that appears as an extended prominence of dense plasma, which forms a W-like feature in IMAGEEUV images when viewed from Earth-center. Modeling suggests such features may be caused by small-scale potential structures that result from the localized injection of ring current plasma. Plasma filling rates during recovery and drainage during a minor storm are reported.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Origin and Evolution of Deep Plasmaspheric Notches

Deep plasmaspheric notches can extend over more than 2 R(sub E) in radial distance and 3 hours MLT in the magnetic equatorial plane, as observed by the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imager on the IMAGE mission. They are among the largest evacuated features in the exterior plasmaspheric boundary. They can last for days and exhibit a variety of shapes. It appears that weak convection and limited erosion precedes notch formation at the westward, near-Earth edge of the convection plume. Eighteen clear notch events were found and analyzed in 2000. Among these events, notches were found to drift as slowly as 44% of corotation. In only one case was a notch found to drift at the corotation rate within measurement error. On average, these notches drift at about 21.5 h d(sup -1) or 90% of the corotational rate. Notches sometimes exhibit an interior structure that appears as an extended prominence of dense plasma, which forms a W- or M-like feature in IMAGE/EUV images, depending on viewing perspective. Initial modeling suggests that notches and notch prominences may be caused in part by intense small-scale potential structures that result from the localized injection of ring current plasma. Plasma filling rates during recovery are examined in three L shell ranges from L = 2 to L = 3.5 with rates ranging from 5 to 140 cm(sup -3) d(sup -1). Plasma loss during a minor substorm is found to extend to surprisingly low L shell with rates ranging from 100 to 130 cm(sup -3) d(sup -1) across the L shells examined.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Spectral Analysis of the Accretion Flow in NGC 1052 with Suzaku

We present an analysis of the 101 ks, 2007 Suzaku spectrum of the LINER galaxy NGC 1052. The 0:3..10 keV continuum is well-modeled by a power-law continuum modified by Galactic and intrinsic absorption, and exhibits a soft, thermal emission component below 1 keV. Both a narrow core and a broader component of Fe-Ka emission are robustly detected at 6:4 keV. While the narrow line is consistent with an origin in material distant from the black hole, the broad line is best fit empirically by a model that describes fluorescent emission from the inner accretion disk around a rapidly rotating black hole. We find no direct evidence for Comptonized reflection of the hard X-ray source by the disk above 10 keV, however, which casts doubt on the hypothesis that the broad iron line is produced in a standard accretion disk. We explore other possible scenarios for producing this spectral feature and conclude that the high equivalent width and full width half maximum velocity of the broad iron line (v greater than or equals 0:37c) necessitate an origin within d approx. 8r(sub g) of the hard X-ray source. Based on the confirmed presence of a strong radio jet in this source, the broad iron line may be produced in dense plasma at the base of the jet, implying that emission mechanisms in the central-most portions of active galactic nuclei are more complex than previously thought.

Brenneman, L. W.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Morphology and Density Structure of Post-CME Current Sheets

Eruption of a coronal mass ejection (CME) is believed to drag and open the coronal magnetic field, presumably leading to the formation of a large-scale current sheet and field relaxation by magnetic reconnection. This paper analyzes the physical characteristics of ray-like coronal features formed in the aftermath of CMEs, to confirm whether interpreting such phenomena in terms of a reconnecting current sheet is consistent with observations. Methods: The study focuses on UVCS/SOHO and LASCO/SOHO measurements of the ray width, density excess, and coronal velocity field as a function of the radial distance. The morphology of the rays implies that they are produced by Petschek-like reconnection in the large-scale current sheet formed in the wake of CME. The hypothesis is supported by the flow pattern, often showing outflows along the ray, and sometimes also inflows into the ray. The inferred inflow velocities range from 3 to 30 km/s, and are consistent with the narrow opening-angle of rays, which add up to a few degrees. The density of rays is an order of magnitude higher than in the ambient corona. The model results are consistent with the observations, revealing that the main cause of the density excess in rays is a transport of the dense plasma from lower to higher heights by the reconnection outflow.

Vrsnak, B.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Prominences: The Key to Understanding Solar Activity

Prominences are spectacular manifestations of both quiescent and eruptive solar activity. The largest examples can be seen with the naked eye during eclipses, making prominences among the first solar features to be described and catalogued. Steady improvements in temporal and spatial resolution from both ground- and space-based instruments have led us to recognize how complex and dynamic these majestic structures really are. Their distinguishing characteristics - cool knots and threads suspended in the hot corona, alignment along inversion lines in the photospheric magnetic field within highly sheared filament channels, and a tendency to disappear through eruption - offer vital clues as to their origin and dynamic evolution. Interpreting these clues has proven to be contentious, however, leading to fundamentally different models that address the basic questions: What is the magnetic structure supporting prominences, and how does so much cool, dense plasma appear in the corona? Despite centuries of increasingly detailed observations, the magnetic and plasma structures in prominences are poorly known. Routine measurements of the vector magnetic field in and around prominences have become possible only recently, while long-term monitoring of the underlying filament-channel formation process also remains scarce. The process responsible for prominence mass is equally difficult to establish, although we have long known that the chromosphere is the only plausible source. As I will discuss, however, the motions and locations of prominence material can be used to trace the coronal field, thus defining the magnetic origins of solar eruptions. A combination of observations, theory, and numerical modeling must be used to determine whether any of the competing theories accurately represents the physics of prominences. I will discuss the criteria for a successful prominence model, compare the leading models, and present in detail one promising, comprehensive scenario for prominence formation and evolution that could answer the two questions posed above.

Karpen, Judy T.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Fusion Propulsion Z-Pinch Engine Concept

Miernik, J.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Z-Pinch Magneto-Inertial Fusion Propulsion Engine Design Concept

Fusion-based nuclear propulsion has the potential to enable fast interplanetary transportation. Due to the great distances between the planets of our solar system and the harmful radiation environment of interplanetary space, high specific impulse (Isp) propulsion in vehicles with high payload mass fractions must be developed to provide practical and safe vehicles for human spaceflight missions. Magneto-Inertial Fusion (MIF) is an approach which has been shown to potentially lead to a low cost, small fusion reactor/engine assembly (1). The Z-Pinch dense plasma focus method is an MIF concept in which a column of gas is compressed to thermonuclear conditions by an estimated axial current of approximately 100 MA. Recent advancements in experiments and the theoretical understanding of this concept suggest favorable scaling of fusion power output yield as I(sup 4) (2). The magnetic field resulting from the large current compresses the plasma to fusion conditions, and this is repeated over short timescales (10(exp -6) sec). This plasma formation is widely used in the field of Nuclear Weapons Effects (NWE) testing in the defense industry, as well as in fusion energy research. There is a wealth of literature characterizing Z-Pinch physics and existing models (3-5). In order to be useful in engineering analysis, a simplified Z-Pinch fusion thermodynamic model was developed to determine the quantity of plasma, plasma temperature, rate of expansion, energy production, etc. to calculate the parameters that characterize a propulsion system. The amount of nuclear fuel per pulse, mixture ratio of the D-T and nozzle liner propellant, and assumptions about the efficiency of the engine, enabled the sizing of the propulsion system and resulted in an estimate of the thrust and Isp of a Z-Pinch fusion propulsion system for the concept vehicle. MIF requires a magnetic nozzle to contain and direct the nuclear pulses, as well as a robust structure and radiation shielding. The structure, configuration, and materials of the nozzle must meet many severe requirements. The configuration would focus, in a conical manner, the Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) fuel and Lithium-6/7 liner fluid to meet at a specific point that acts as a cathode so the Li-6 can serve as a current return path to complete the circuit. In addition to serving as a current return path, the Li liner also serves as a radiation shield. The advantage to this configuration is the reaction between neutrons and Li-6 results in the production of additional Tritium, thus adding further fuel to the fusion reaction and boosting the energy output. To understand the applicability of Z-Pinch propulsion to interplanetary travel, it is necessary to design a concept vehicle that uses it. The propulsion system significantly impacts the design of the electrical, thermal control, avionics, radiation shielding, and structural subsystems of a vehicle. The design reference mission is the transport of crew and cargo to Mars and back, with the intention that the vehicle be reused for other missions. Several aspects of this vehicle are based on a previous crewed fusion vehicle study called Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE), which employed a Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) propulsion concept. Analysis of this propulsion system concludes that a 40-fold increase of Isp over chemical propulsion is predicted. This along with a greater than 30% predicted payload mass fraction certainly warrants further development of enabling technologies. The vehicle is designed for multiple interplanetary missions and conceivably may be suited for an automated one-way interstellar voyage.

Miernik, Janie H.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Z-Pinch Fusion Propulsion

Fusion-based nuclear propulsion has the potential to enable fast interplanetary transportation. Shorter trips are better for humans in the harmful radiation environment of deep space. Nuclear propulsion and power plants can enable high Ispand payload mass fractions because they require less fuel mass. Fusion energy research has characterized the Z-Pinch dense plasma focus method. (1) Lightning is form of pinched plasma electrical discharge phenomena. (2) Wire array Z-Pinch experiments are commonly studied and nuclear power plant configurations have been proposed. (3) Used in the field of Nuclear Weapons Effects (NWE) testing in the defense industry, nuclear weapon x-rays are simulated through Z-Pinch phenomena.

Miernik, Janie↗