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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Ballistic transport in planetary ring systems due to particle erosion mechanisms. I - Theory, numerical methods, and illustrative examples

Ballistic transport, defined as the net radial transport of mass and angular momentum due to exchanges of meteoroid hypersonic-impact ejecta by neighboring planetary ring regions on time-scales orders-of-magnitude shorter than the age of the solar system, is presently considered as a problem in mathematical physics. The preliminary results of a numerical scheme for following the combined effects of ballistic transport and viscous diffusion demonstrate that ballistic transport generates structure near sharp edges already present in the ring-mass distribution; the entire ring system ultimately develops an undulatory structure whose length scale is typically of the order of the radial excursion of the impact ejecta.

Durisen, Richard H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Electrostatic waves and anomalous transport in the solar wind

In situ measurements of fluctuation spectra and particle distribution functions have now been carried out throughout interplanetary space. The link between these observations is established by theories of wave particle interaction. Linear instability analysis for the actual nonMaxwellian particle distribution functions and an examination of the velocity dependence of microscopic diffusion coefficients form the basis of such an investigation. It is described in more detail for the short wavelength, ion acoustic like turbulence which is found by linear instability analysis to correspond to the observed electrostatic fluctuations. Of the transport processes associated with these fluctuations, electron heat conduction and electron ion energy transfer are of particular importance for macroscopic solar wind expansion. These effects are studied with the aid of an anomalous transport theory. This theory (Dum, 1978 a,b) is based on the dominance of elastic scattering of electrons by fluctuations, similar to (enhanced) electron ion collisions. It has a much wider range of applicability than classical transport theory, which assumes dominance of Coulomb collisions for elastic and inelastic scattering.

Dum, C. T.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Thermal relaxation and the complete set of second-order transport coefficients for the unitary Fermi gas from kinetic theory

We compute the complete set of second-order transport coefficients of the unitary Fermi gas, a dilute gas of spin-1/2 particles interacting via an 𝑠 -wave interaction tuned to infinite scattering length. The calculation is based on kinetic theory and the Chapman-Enskog method at second order in the Knudsen expansion. We take into account the exact two-body collision integral. We extend previous results on second-order coefficients related to shear stress by including terms related to heat flow and gradients of the fugacity. We confirm that the thermal relaxation time is given by the simple estimate 𝜏 𝜅 = 𝜅⁢𝑚/(𝑐 𝑃 ⁢𝑇) even if the full collision kernel is taken into account. Furthermore, 𝜅 is the thermal conductivity, 𝑚 is the mass of the particles, 𝑐𝑃 is the specific heat at constant pressure, and 𝑇 is the temperature.

Kinetic theory↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phonon transport governed by intrinsic scattering in short-period AlN/GaN superlattices

Here we employ density functional theory based phonon transport methods to provide a rigorous understanding of the nature of thermal transport in coherent short-period AlN/GaN superlattices (SLs), with period lengths up to three unit cells of each, and compare these with properties of their bulk constituents. Increasing the period length leads to phonon band folding with frequency gaps and thus smaller phonon velocities and more phonon scattering than in bulk, both of which reduce lattice thermal conductivity (κ). Contrary to expectations, we find that velocity variations among larger-period AlN/GaN SLs play only a minor role in cross-plane κ reductions, while variations in intrinsic phonon scattering are strongly correlated with their transport behaviors. This work provides insights into the microscopic behaviors of technologically relevant nanostructured materials, which are likely applicable to a wider range of SL systems and other nanostructures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigations about iso-geometric analysis for self-shielding calculations with the subgroup method

The implementation of a self-shielding method for a neutron transport calculation code based on the iso-geometric analysis (IGA) method that can resolve the multi-group neutron transport equation for arbitrary spatial domain, is presented. The self-shielding model based on the subgroup theory is adopted because the subgroup method can be used to perform calculations for any arbitrary geometrical domain which is the main purpose of our IGA code. Some basic theory of the subgroup method is given. A self-shielding calculation based on the PWR fuel pin composed of MOX fuel is presented and compared with a Monte Carlo calculation. The result is that the combination of SN transport theory, IGA and the subgroup method gives correctly shielded cross sections. Validation of the combination of the IGA method and SN neutron transport for subgroup calculations in two steps are presented: the first step is to ascertain the correctness of the IGA solutions compared to a known analytical solution in diffusion theory; the second step is a validation of the IGA solutions compared to a reference calculation in SN transport theory. The relation between the settings for the IGA solver and the accuracy of the results are elucidated. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extended Donnan-Manning theory for selective ion partition and transport in ion exchange membrane

The use of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) for electrochemical ion-ion separation leverages the selectivity of the IEMs toward like-charged species via valence difference and/or other ion membrane interactions. A mechanistic model that relates selectivity with membrane structural and chemical properties is lacking in the literature. Here, in this study, we extend the Manning’s counter-ion condensation model for describing ion partition and ion mobility inside IEMs to mixed salts scenarios. We evaluate the extended Donnan-Manning model against experimental data from literature and compare the performance the Donnan-Manning model to that of the ideal Donnan model and the Donnan-Affinity model. Our analysis shows that, despite its structural complexity, the Donnan-Manning model has less fitting parameters than the Donnan-Affinity model and generally outperforms the two other models in predicting counter-ion and co-ion partition. With the assumption of a higher mobility of condensed ions than that of uncondensed ions, the generalized Manning’s model can also predict counter-ion mobility selectivity for cation exchange membranes, but its performance for predicting mobility selectivity for anion exchange membranes is still unsatisfactory.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Spin polarization and correlation of quarks from the glasma

We investigate the interaction of strong color fields in the glasma stage of high-energy nuclear collisions with the spins of quarks and antiquarks. We employ the perturbative solution of the quantum kinetic theory for the spin transport of (massive) quarks in a background color field governed by the linearized Yang-Mills equation and derive expressions for the quark-spin polarization and quark-antiquark spin correlation at small momentum in terms of field correlators. For the Golec-Biernat–Wusthoff dipole distribution the quark-spin polarization vanishes, but the out-of-plane spin correlation of quarks and antiquarks is nonzero. Our order-of-magnitude estimate of the correlation far exceeds that caused by vorticity effects, but does not fully explain the data for vector meson alignment. We identify possible mechanisms that could further increase the predicted spin correlation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Theory of plasma contractors for electrodynamic tethered satellite systems

Recent data from ground and space experiments indicate that plasma releases from an object dramatically reduce the sheath impedance between the object and the ambient plasma surrounding it. Available data is in qualitative accord with the theory developed to quantify the flow of current in the sheath. Electron transport in the theory is based on a fluid model of a collisionless plasma with an effective collision frequency comparable to frequencies of plasma oscillations. The theory leads to low effective impedances varying inversely with the square root of the injected plasma density. To support such a low impedance mode of operation using an argon plasma source for example requires that only one argon ion be injected for each thirty electrons extracted from the ambient plasma. The required plasma flow rates are quite low; to extract one ampere of electron current requires a mass flow rate of about one gram of argon per day.

Parks, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Theory of plasma contactors for electrodynamic tethered satellite systems

Recent data from ground and space experiments indicate that plasma releases from an object dramatically reduce the sheath impedance between the object and the ambient plasma surrounding it. Available data is in qualitative accord with the theory developed to quantify the flow of current in the sheath. Electron transport in the theory is based on a fluid model of a collisionless plasma with an effective collision frequency comparable to frequencies of plasma oscillations. The theory leads to low effective impedances varying inversely with the square root of the injected plasma density. To support such a low impedance mode of operation using an argon plasma source, for example, requires that only one argon ion be injected for each thirty electrons extracted from the ambient plasma. The required plasma flow rates are quite low; to extract one ampere of electron current requires a mass flow rate of about one gram of argon per day.

Parks, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Theory of high-field electronic transport in bulk ZnS and ZnSe

This paper theoretically investigates the nature of electronic transport and the high-energy tails of the electron distribution functions in bulk ZnSe and ZnS as a function of the applied electric field were investigated using calculations based on an ensemble Monte Carlo model. The calculations include the full details of the first two conduction bands as well as the full-order treatment of the electron-phonon scattering mechanisms. Results of high-field electronic transport calculations show that the electron energy distribution function is significanty cooler in ZnS than in ZnSe at comparable electric field strengths. The cooler distribution in ZnS is due to the much greater electron scattering rate. Consequently, it is more difficult to achieve carrier heating to comparable energies in ZnS than in ZnSe.

Brennan, Kevin↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparing Theoretical Salt Concentration Profiles in a Polymer Electrolyte with Experimental Measurements using Operando Raman Spectroscopy

Concentrated solution theory has furthered our understanding of ion transport in electrolytes. This theory can be used to predict salt concentration profiles under an applied current if the transport properties of the electrolyte (conductivity ( κ ), restricted diffusion coefficient ( D ), and the cation transference number with respect to the solvent velocity ( t + 0 )), and the thermodynamic factor ( T f ) are known. In this work, we provide the first study comparing the predicted salt concentration profiles with measurements based on operando Raman spectroscopy. Concentration polarization is asymmetrical; the increase in salt concentration near the positive electrode is a factor of two greater than the decrease in salt concentration near the negative electrode. We find qualitative agreement between theory and experiment. Further work is needed to resolve the quantitative differences.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1992

Efficiency of a statistical transport model for turbulent particle dispersion

In developing its theory for turbulent dispersion transport, the Litchford and Jeng (1991) statistical transport model for turbulent particle dispersion took a generalized approach in which the perturbing influence of each turbulent eddy on consequent interactions was transported through all subsequent eddies. Nevertheless, examinations of this transport relation shows it to be able to decay rapidly: this implies that additional computational efficiency may be obtained via truncation of unneccessary transport terms. Attention is here given to the criterion for truncation, as well as to expected efficiency gains.

Litchford, Ron J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Transport, charge exchange and loss of energetic heavy ions in the earth's radiation belts - Applicability and limitations of theory

Computer simulations of processes which control the relative abundances of ions in the trapping regions of geospace are compared with observations from discriminating ion detectors. Energy losses due to Coulomb collisions between ions and exospheric neutrals are considered, along with charge exchange losses and internal charge exchanges. The time evolution of energetic ion fluxes of equatorially mirroring ions under radial diffusion is modelled to include geomagnetic and geoelectric fluctutations. Limits to the validity of diffusion transport theory are discussed, and the simulation is noted to contain provisions for six ionic charge states and the source effect on the radiation belt oxygen ion distributions. Comparisons are made with ion flux data gathered on Explorer 45 and ISEE-1 spacecraft and results indicate that internal charge exchanges cause the radiation belt ion charge state to be independent of source charge rate characteristics, and relative charge state distribution is independent of the radially diffusive transport rate below the charge state redistribution zone.

Spjeldvik, W. N.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Pair Fluctuation Effects on Quasiparticle Transport in Fermi Systems

The leading corrections to Fermi liquid theory for non-equilibrium quasiparticle transport near a Cooper instability arise from the virtual emission and absorption of incipient Cooper pairs. We formulate the corrections to the Landau-Boltzmann transport equation starting from Keldysh's field theory for non-equilibrium, strongly interacting Fermions. The theory is applicable to quasiparticle transport in conventional and unconventional superconductors, dense nuclear matter and the low temperature phases of liquid $^3$He. Validation of the theory is provided by our analysis, and quantitative agreement between theory and experiment, of the excess attenuation of zero sound in liquid $^3$He near the superfluid transition. We propose an additional experimental test of the theory based on the effects of a Zeeman field on the spectrum of pairing fluctuations for the Cooper instability in spin-triplet superfluids.

Lin, Wei-Ting↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transport Properties of Magnetized High-Energy Density Plasma (Final Project Report)

This report summarizes results of project DE-SC0016159 "Transport Properties of Magnetized High-Energy-Density Plasma,'' which ran from 7/15/2016 - 7/14/2021. The primary objectives of the work, as stated in the original proposal, were to develop a theory that describes transport coefficients in magnetized high energy density plasmas and to test the theory with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The science challenge is that strong ion coupling, strong magnetization of electrons, and partial degeneracy of electrons, cause the system to be in a regime that is not well described by current theory. The particular processes that were to be investigated include: ion stopping power, diffusion, electron-ion temperature relaxation, thermal conduction and viscosity. All of the primary research objectives were accomplished during the course of this work. In addition, some unexpected results were discovered along the way that led to new and productive research directions. This work resulted in 17 publications in well-respected peer-reviewed journals (primarily Physics of Plasmas and Physical Review E), and 2 more are being prepared for publication. A few of these were selected as Editor's Picks and one was published as a Rapid Communication. Highlights of the research results include: Transport phase space: The first identification of the parameter space that defines fundamental transport regimes in terms of the Coulomb coupling and magnetization parameters. Mean force kinetic theory: Systematic derivation of a kinetic theory for strongly coupled plasmas based on a new expansion parameter of the BBGKY hierarchy. This provided the derivation of a theory that we had previously posed phenomenologically, and also revealed a new term that captures the equation of state properties at all coupling strengths. Transverse friction force: Discovery that the friction force on a test charge in a strongly magnetized plasma includes a component that is perpendicular to the motion of the test charge in the plane defined by the velocity and magnetic field vectors. Gyrofriction force: Discovery that the friction force on a test charge in a plasma that is both strongly magnetized and strongly coupled includes a component of the force in the direction of the Lorentz force. Kinetic theory for warm dense matter: Extension of the mean force kinetic theory to include partial electron degeneracy, so that it applies to warm dense matter.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1984

Ballistic transport in Saturn's rings - An analytic theory

Ejecta from impacts of micrometeoroids on Saturn's ring particles will, in most cases, remain in orbit about Saturn and eventually be reaccreted by the rings, possibly at a different radial location. The resulting mass transport has been suggested as the cause of some of the features observed in Saturn's rings. Previous attempts to model this transport have used numerical simulations which have not included the effects of the angular momentum transport coincident with mass transport. An analytical model for ballistic mass transport in Saturn's rings is developed. The model includes the effects of angular momentum advection and shows that the net material movement due to angular momentum advection is comparable to that caused by direct ballistic mass transport.

Lissauer, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Intrinsic Limits of Charge Carrier Mobilities in Layered Halide Perovskites

Layered halide perovskites have emerged as potential alternatives to three-dimensional (3D) halide perovskites due to their improved stability and larger material phase space, allowing fine tuning of structural, electronic, and optical properties. However, their charge carrier mobilities are significantly smaller than those of 3D halide perovskites, which has a considerable impact on their application in optoelectronic devices. Here, we employ state-of-the-art approaches to unveil the electron-phonon mechanisms responsible for the diminished transport properties of layered halide perovskites. Starting from a prototypical A M X 3 halide perovskite, we model the case of n = 1 and n = 2 layered structures and compare their electronic and transport properties to the 3D reference. The electronic and phononic properties are investigated within density functional theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), while transport properties are obtained via the Boltzmann transport equation. The vibrational modes contributing to charge carrier scattering are investigated and associated with polar-phonon scattering mechanisms arising from the long-range Fröhlich coupling and deformation-potential scattering processes. Our investigation reveals that the lower mobilities in layered systems primarily originate from the increased electronic density of states at the vicinity of the band edges, while the electron-phonon coupling strength remains similar. Such an increase is caused by the dimensionality reduction and the break in octahedra connectivity along the stacking direction. Our findings provide a fundamental understanding of the electron-phonon coupling mechanisms in layered perovskites and highlight the intrinsic limitations of the charge carrier transport in these materials. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Cucco, Bruno (ORCID:0000000331564143)↗