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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 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

A model of sonoluminescence

A bubble of air, trapped at the center of a spherical container of water on the surface of which spherical sound waves are maintained by transducers, may emit light, a phenomenon known as sonoluminescence. The surface of the bubble expands and contracts in obedience to the Rayleigh-Lamb equation, which requires knowledge of the gas pressure on the surface of the bubble. In many investigations of bubble pulsations, it is assumed that the air in the bubble moves adiabatically. To understand sonoluminescence, however, it is necessary to allow for the possibility that shocks are generated within the bubble. We couple the Rayleigh-Lamb equation governing the bubble radius to Euler's equations governing the motion of air in the bubble, and solve the two equations simultaneously. The air is modelled by a van der Waals gas. Results are presented for a number of slightly different conditions of excitation, but in which the response of the system is widely different.

Wu, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Neutron starquake model for gamma-ray bursts

A neutron starquake model for gamma ray bursts is presented and critically analyzed. It is suggested that a slowly accreting neutron star may develop density inversions deep in its crust. These unstable layers, may be subject to elastic Rayleigh-Taylor instability which can liberate sufficient gravitational and perhaps also nuclear energy to account for individual bursts. Energy can be transported to the surface by shear waves and slowly transmitted into the magnetosphere as relativistic Alfven waves. Particle acceleration and gamma ray emission from the outer magnetosphere should ensue. Some observational implications are mentioned.

Blandford, R. D.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Direct Acceleration of an Electron Beam with a Radially Polarized Long-Wave Infrared Laser

Direct laser acceleration with radially polarized lasers is an intriguing variant of laser-based particle acceleration that has the potential of offering GeV/cm-level energy while avoiding the instabilities and complex beam dynamics associated with plasma wakefield accelerators. A major limiting factor is the difficulty of generating high-power radially polarized beams. In this paper, we propose the use of CO2-based long-wave infrared (LWIR) lasers as a driver for direct laser acceleration, as the polarization insensitivity of the gain medium allows a radially polarized beam to be amplified. Additionally, the larger waist sizes, Rayleigh lengths, and pulse lengths associated with the long wavelength could improve the injection efficiency of the electron beam. By comparing acceleration simulations using a near-infrared laser and an LWIR laser, we show that the injection efficiency is indeed improved by up to an order of magnitude with the longer wavelength. Furthermore, we show that even sub-TW peak powers with an LWIR laser can provide MeV-level energy gains. Thus, radially polarized LWIR lasers show significant promise as a driver of a direct laser-driven demonstration accelerator.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multifidelity validation of digital surrogates using variable-density turbulent mixing models

In this study, ensembles of experimental data are presented and utilized to compare and validate two models used in the simulation of variable-density (Atwood = 0.22), compressible turbulent mixing. Though models of this kind (Reynolds averaged NavierStokes and large-eddy simulations) have been validated extensively with more canonical flows in previous studies, here the present approach offers novelty in the complexity of the geometry, the ensemble-based validation, and the uniformity of the computational framework on which the models are tested. Moreover, all experimental and computational tasks were completed by the authors which has led to a tightly coupled experimental configuration with its “digital twin.” The experimental divergent-shock-tube facility and its data acquisition methods are described and replicated in simulation space. A 2D Euler model which neglects the turbulent mixing at the interface is optimized to experimental data using a Gaussian process. This model then serves as the basis for both the 2D RANS and 3D LES studies that make comparisons to the mixing-layer data from the experiment. A relatively simple RANS model is shown to produce good agreement with experimental data only at late flow development times. The LES ensembles generally show good agreement with experimental data but display sensitivity to the characterization of initial conditions. Resolution-dependent behavior is also observed for certain higher-order statistics of interest. Overall, the LES model successfully captures the effects of divergent geometry, compressibility, and combined nonlinear instabilities inherent to the problem. The successful prediction of mixing width and its growth rate highlight the existence of three distinct regimes in the development of the instability, each with similarities to previously studied instabilities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Distributed fiber sensor and machine learning data analytics for pipeline protection against extrinsic intrusions and intrinsic corrosions

This paper presents an integrated technical framework to protect pipelines against both malicious intrusions and piping degradation using a distributed fiber sensing technology and artificial intelligence. A distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system based on phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (φ-OTDR) was used to detect acoustic wave propagation and scattering along pipeline structures consisting of straight piping and sharp bend elbow. Signal to noise ratio of the DAS system was enhanced by femtosecond induced artificial Rayleigh scattering centers. Data harnessed by the DAS system were analyzed by neural network-based machine learning algorithms. The system identified with over 85% accuracy in various external impact events, and over 94% accuracy for defect identification through supervised learning and 71% accuracy through unsupervised learning.

Peng, Zhaoqiang↗
NASA NTRS1976

Radar imaging of ocean surface patterns

The paper presents some examples of imaging radar oceanographic observations and discusses physical phenomena on the surface that may cause the radar image. The different ocean scattering theories are briefly discussed, including the tangent plane model, the Bragg-Rice model, and the Rayleigh scattering model. All but one of the images presented were obtained with an L-band HH-polarized radar; they include deep-ocean swells, coastal swells, wave refractions, internal waves, ship wakes, abrupt transitions in open-ocean surface roughness, surface slicks, island wind shadowing, and currents. Analyses are shown to suggest that the primary source of the L-band imagery of ocean surface patterns is the variation of small-scale surface roughness and local tilt angle. It is also noted that surface irregularities behave as isotropic scatterers for a radar wavelength of 25 cm.

Brown, W. E., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Analysis of all-frequency variational behavior of the Kirchhoff approximation for a classic surface-scattering model

In testing a stochastic variational principle at high frequencies by using a Kirchhoffean trial function in an idealized model for surface scattering - a randomly embossed plane - we have found not only the predicted high-frequency improvement but also an unexpected low-frequency improvement in the calculated scattering amplitudes. To investigate systematically the all-frequency variational behavior, we consider here the deterministic one-boss case - Rayleigh's classic model whose exact solution is available for comparison - over all wavelengths, polarizations, and configurations of incidence and scattering. We examine analytically in particular the long-wave limit of the variational-Kirchhoff amplitudes; the results demonstrate improvements in both wavelength and angle depedence for horizontal (TM) polarization and some variational improvements for vertical (TE) polarization. This low-frequency behavior in tandem with the foreseen high-frequency improvement leads to good variational-Kirchhoff results through the intermediate resonance-frequency regime for this model.

Bird, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Nonlinear stability of supersonic jets

The stability calculations made for a shock-free supersonic jet using the model based on parabolized stability equations are presented. In this analysis the large scale structures, which play a dominant role in the mixing as well as the noise radiated, are modeled as instability waves. This model takes into consideration non-parallel flow effects and also nonlinear interaction of the instability waves. The stability calculations have been performed for different frequencies and mode numbers over a range of jet operating temperatures. Comparisons are made, where appropriate, with the solutions to Rayleigh's equation (linear, inviscid analysis with the assumption of parallel flow). The comparison of the solutions obtained using the two approaches show very good agreement.

Tiwari, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Stabilization and Low-Frequency Oscillation of Capillary Bridges with Modulated Acoustic Radiation Pressure

In the work reported here it is demonstrated that acoustic radiation pressure may be used in simulated low gravity to produce stable bridges significantly beyond the Rayleigh limit with S as large as 3.6. The bridge (PDMS mixed with a dense liquid) has the same density as the surrounding water bath containing an ultrasonic standing wave. Modulation was first used to excite specific bridge modes. In the most recent work reported here the shape of the bridge is optically sensed and the ultrasonic drive is electronically adjusted such that the radiation stress distribution dynamically quenches the most unstable mode. This active control simulates passive stabilization suggested for low gravity. Feedback increases the mode frequency in the naturally stable region since the effective stiffness of the mode is increased.

Marston, Philip L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nonlinear Stability of Supersonic Jets

This paper presents stability calculations made for a shock-free supersonic jet using the model based on parabolized stability equations. In this analysis the large-scale structures, which play a dominant role in the mixing as well as the noise radiated, are modeled as instability waves. This model takes into consideration non-parallel flow effects and also nonlinear interaction of the instability waves. The stability calculations have been performed for different frequencies and mode numbers over a range of jet operating temperatures. Comparisons are made, where appropriate, with the solutions to Rayleigh's equation (linear, inviscid analysis with the assumption of parallel flow). The comparison of the solutions obtained using the two approaches show very good agreement.

Bhat, T. R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Effect of Density Gradients in Confined Supersonic Shear Layers: Three-Dimensional Modes - 2

The effect of density gradients on three-dimensional (3-D) supersonic acoustic modes and 3-D subsonic modes in a compressible confined shear layer were investigated using linear analysis. The compressible Rayleigh equation with the solution of the steady compressible boundary layer equations as its basic profiles was solved for two different density ratios, 1.398 and 3.0, and several spanwise wave numbers. For a density ratio of 1.398, the 2-D Co, mode had the highest growth rate for a fixed aspect ratio BIH=2. At the higher-density ratio, the 3-D mode had a slightly higher maximum growth rate than the two-dimensional (2-D) mode, and the maximum growth rate was at a location where the phase speed was supersonic with respect to the fast stream.

Peroomian, Oshin↗
NASA NTRS1986

XeF lidar measurements of density and temperature in the middle atmosphere

In recent years, it has been widely recognized that vertically propagating internal gravity waves in the middle atmosphere play an important role in determining the large scale wind field by their momentum transport and deposition. However, very little is known about them in the upper stratosphere and lower mesosphere because of the lack of adequate techinques to observe small scale motions. A XeF excimer laser was used for the Rayleigh lidar observation. The characteristics of the XeF lidar system are given. The wavelength of the XeF laser is in the region that is ozone absorption free, and the Rayleigh scattering cross section is 5 times larger than in 532 nm. The advantages of using the XeF laser as against the YAG laser have been discussed in detail. The density and temperature profiles between the altitude range of 30 and 70 km measured with this lidar system are illustrated. The accuracy is less than + or - 3% and 10k at 60 km for an observation time of 15 min. The results on the gravity waves by the observation through about one year since Apr. 1985 is presented.

Shibata, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Reynolds stress closure in jet flows using wave models

A wave model was developed for the two dimensional shear layer. This configuration is being used as a test case for the closure schemes. Numerical methods are under development to solve the nonseparable Rayleigh equation. A model problem is being used to assist in the algorithm development. An analytic solution of the Rayleigh equation for a basic elliptic flow was obtained. This will be used to verify the stability codes developed for arbitrary geometries. Other numerical methods for solving the Rayleigh equation based on the boundary element technique are being examined.

Morris, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Reynold stress closure in jet flows using wave models

Research program efforts have continued to concentrate on the development of the numerical methods that will form the computational part of the turbulence closure scheme. Studies have continued on the wave model for the two dimensional shear layer. This configuration is being used as a test case for the closure schemes. Several numerical schemes for the solution of the non-separable Rayleigh equation were developed. This solution is required for the closure scheme in more complex geometries. The most efficient method found is a Hybrid scheme that combines both pseudospectral and finite difference techniques. In addition, conformal transformation techniques were developed to transform the arbitrary geometry of the jet to a simple computational domain. The study of the shock structure in arbitrary geometry jets and multiple jets. These developments are described briefly.

Morris, P. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Transition from sub-Rayleigh anticrack to supershear crack propagation in snow avalanches

Snow slab avalanches, characterized by a distinct, broad fracture line, are released following anticrack propagation in highly porous weak snow layers buried below cohesive slabs. The anticrack mechanism is driven by the volumetric collapse of the weak layer, which leads to the closure of crack faces and to the onset of frictional contact. Here, on the basis of snow fracture experiments, full-scale avalanche measurements and numerical simulations, we report the existence of a transition from sub-Rayleigh anticrack to supershear crack propagation. This transition follows the Burridge–Andrews mechanism, in which a supershear daughter crack nucleates ahead of the main fracture front and eventually propagates faster than the shear wave speed. Furthermore, we show that the supershear propagation regime can exist even if the shear-to-normal stress ratio is lower than the static friction coefficient as a result of the loss of frictional resistance during collapse. This finding shows that snow slab avalanches have fundamental similarities with strike-slip earthquakes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Staged Z-pinch experiment at the double-EAGLE pulsed power facility

The staged Z-pinch is a potential high-energy gain fusion concept where a high atomic number liner implodes on a deuterium target using a pulsed multi-MA current source. Over the past several years this concept has been studied on 0.5–1.0 MA facilities using Ar and Kr gas puffs injected at R = 1.2 cm. Neutron yield up to (2.5 ± 0.34) x 10 10 was measured, Ruskov et al (2023 IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 51 3310–6). Here, in this study, we present experimental results from the 4 MA, 110 ns current rise time Double-EAGLE facility at L3Harris (currently, Fisica Inc.) where a larger radius nozzle created gas density profiles peaked at R = 2.5 cm. Modeling with the MACH2 and FLASH codes indicates that the larger radius allows stronger acceleration of the liner plasma and generation of shock waves that preheat a target plasma layer next to the liner to temperatures $T_i >$1 keV. The resulting counter thermal pressure on the liner plasma limits the growth of the Magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor (MRT) instability at the liner-vacuum boundary and the implosion proceeds in a relatively stable manner. Near bang time the enormous target plasma thermal pressure smoothens the MRT perturbations developed during the earlier implosion stages. Time integrated x-ray pinhole images with cutoff energy of 100 eV confirm that a long (∼3 cm), stable and uniform high energy density plasma column is formed in the final implosion stage. Consistent neutron yield in the 10 10 –10 11 range was measured for both Ar and Kr liners imploding on a deuterium target.

Physics - Plasma physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

Photon–photon chemical thermodynamics of frequency conversion processes in highly multimode systems

Abstract Frequency generation in highly multimode nonlinear optical systems is inherently a complex process, giving rise to an exceedingly convoluted landscape of evolution dynamics. While predicting and controlling the global conversion efficiencies in such nonlinear environments has long been considered impossible, here, we formally address this challenge even in scenarios involving a very large number of spatial modes. By utilizing fundamental notions from optical statistical mechanics, we develop a universal theoretical framework that effectively treats all frequency components as chemical reactants/products, capable of undergoing optical thermodynamic reactions facilitated by a variety of multi-wave mixing effects. These photon–photon reactions are governed by conservation laws that directly determine the optical temperatures and chemical potentials of the ensued chemical equilibria for each frequency species. In this context, we develop a comprehensive stoichiometric model and formally derive an expression that relates the chemical potentials to the optical stoichiometric coefficients, in a manner akin to atomic/molecular chemical reactions. This advancement unlocks new predictive capabilities that can facilitate the optimization of frequency generation in highly multimode photonic arrangements, surpassing the limitations of conventional schemes that rely exclusively on nonlinear optical dynamics. Notably, we identify a universal regime of Rayleigh–Jeans thermalization where an optical reaction at near-zero optical temperatures can promote the complete and entropically irreversible conversion of light to the fundamental mode at a target frequency. Our theoretical results are corroborated by numerical simulations in settings where second-harmonic generation, sum-frequency generation and four-wave mixing processes can manifest.

Optics↗