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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
DOE OSTI2020

Combustion, criteria pollutant and soot property assessment of mixing-controlled high-load engine operation with gasoline and diesel

Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) is an emerging technology that can achieve high fuel efficiency and low criteria emissions in diesel engine platforms using gasoline and gasoline-like fuels. While low- and mid-range loads are enabled with low temperature combustion (LTC) approaches, high-loads are more efficient with high temperature combustion (HTC) requiring mixing-controlled combustion (MCC). Lower soot emissions are achieved with gasoline even in high-load MCC than with diesel, but detailed soot properties from gasoline and diesel have been rarely discussed. In order to better understand how high-load operations affect soot properties, in this study gasoline and diesel were tested in a six-cylinder heavy duty engine at 14 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) at similar combustion phasing. Effects of pilot mass ratio and EGR on heat release rates, cylinder temperatures, ignition delay (ID) and combustion duration (CD) were examined, relating with emissions variations with applications of the two fuels. Soot mass and particle number emissions were slightly lower with gasoline than with diesel, resulting in a more favorable NOx-soot trade-off with gasoline like other reports. Contrary to other findings in the literature, gasoline and diesel soot samples presented similar particle distribution shapes, carbon crystalline structures and primary particle sizes, regardless of fuel type and EGR rate. Consequently, the current result proposes that soot particles have undergone similar soot formation and oxidation processes despite reactivity difference and oxygen availability under the examined high-load MCC with similar combustion phases.

02 PETROLEUM↗
NASA NTRS1972

Earth's magnetospheric processes; Proceedings of the Symposium, Cortina, Italy, August 30-September 10, 1971.

New data obtained by satellites, rockets, aircraft, and ground-based observations are interpreted in papers dealing with the magnetospheric structure and processes, particle distributions, magnetic and electric fields, plasma convection, particle acceleration and diffusion mechanisms, and substorm phenomena. Attention is given to particle populations in different magnetospheric regions, auroral particle precipitation patterns, effects of electric fields on plasma convection, VLF phenomena, a high-energy proton model for the inner radiation belt, substorm behavior of plasma sheet particles, and interpretations of magnetic field variations during substorms. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Mccormac, B. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Ion-ion waves in the auroral region - Wave excitation and ion heating

The properties of the ion-ion mode which is excited in plasmas when two or more cold ion beams are streaming relative to one another are investigated assuming a warm electron distribution at rest (the model consistent with particle distributions observed in auroral plasma cavities). Numerical solutions are derived for the generalized electrostatic dispersion equation for parallel propagation and for oblique propagation of ion waves. It is shown that the relative ion temperature and concentration have significant effects on the stability of the accelerated plasma and the expected ion heating. Finally, a relationship between ion drift and thermal speed is derived using the marginal stability of ion-ion waves for nonzero ion temperature; the relationship was found to compare favorably with DE-1 ion observations at the high-altitude boundary of the auroral cavity.

Dusenbery, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Analysis of Microcrafters in Materials Specimens after Long-Term Exposure on ISS Surface

The "Komplast" experiment has been carried out on the ISS by the Khrunichev Space Center jointly with other Russian scientific centers since 1998. The experiment incorporates the "Komplast" cartridges on the FGB exterior, which are fitted with materials specimens and sensors. The cartridges were sent into orbit together with FGB on 20 November 1998. In March 2011, two of the cartridges were taken back from the ISS by the "Discovery" American space shuttle after being exposed in the open space for 12 years. In the framework of this experiment the subject of analysis is the effect of the space environment on the exposed specimens of various materials. This report covers the analysis results of the surface morphology of various materials taken from the "Komplast" cartridges exposed to hits of micrometeors and micronic particles of space debris. Analysis is made of microcraters of 5 to 250 mcm in specimens of polished metals and silicone comprised in the sensor for micrometeoric particles. The report represents optic and scanning electron microscope images of craters formed in the specimens by high-velocity and low-velocity particles impacting the surface. By virtue of the electronic microscope, data on composition of the substance in the craters and of the substance of the low-velocity particles are obtained. The data make it possible to differentiate the particles as the natural-origin particles or anthropogenic-origin space debris particles. Distribution of craters and low-velocity particles in the size range of 5 to 50 mcm is obtained. The data are compared with the existing models of fluxes of natural-origin and artificial-origin microparticles on the ISS orbit. Inhomogeneous particles of complicated configuration are discovered on the surface of the analyzed specimens, whose origin are not uniquely determined and are to be the subject of further study.

Shaevich, S. K.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Initial position optimization in molecular dynamics simulations for a Coulomb system

A new algorithm for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations is developed to optimize plasma particle distributions at given initial temperatures. By combining velocity scaling and reassignment, the method effectively eliminates the initial rise and oscillation in temperatures observed with randomly distributed positions. These rises and oscillations are undesired numerical artifacts observed in conventional plasma MD simulations, arising from unoptimized particle positions. The algorithm demonstrates temperature relaxation without initial rises or oscillations, as well as precise flow velocity relaxation, enabling accurate measurement of relaxation times. The code is accelerated using graphics processing units for parallel processing, enhancing the study of plasma dynamics. The proposed method for distributing physically valid particles in MD simulations enables accurate studies of intrinsic collision processes in plasmas, including the dynamics of strongly coupled plasmas, plasma–wave interactions, and transport phenomena in magnetized plasmas. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential applications and future enhancements to the algorithm.

Jo, Jawon (ORCID:0009000924193285)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Simulation of Alfvénic avalanche onset in NSTX

In some tokamak discharges, a number of Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) have been observed to cause a large-scale collapse of the high energy particle distribution, a phenomenon referred to as an avalanche. We examine the necessary conditions for an avalanche using the available experimental information from NSTX on the equilibrium and mode properties for two cases, one with a measurable but benign AE activity and one with an AE activity leading up to an avalanche. To produce an avalanche, the modes present in the discharge must possess resonances that can overlap with a modest increase in instability magnitude, providing a path to global particle stochastic motion. In this paper, we find that the modes present in the avalanche-free discharge do not provide such a path even at a very large amplitude. During the discharge which subsequently produces an avalanche, the high energy population is growing and the Alfvén frequency is dropping due to increasing density, and we find that both these changes, producing a small increased drive or an increased resonance width for the Alfvén modes, can lead in this case to uncontrolled mode growth and large-scale beam particle loss.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

On the collisional damping of plasma velocity space instabilities

For plasma velocity space instabilities driven by particle distributions significantly deviated from a Maxwellian, weak collisions can damp the instabilities by an amount that is significantly beyond the collisional rate itself. This is attributed to the dual role of collisions that tend to relax the plasma distribution toward a Maxwellian and to suppress the linearly perturbed distribution function. The former effect can dominate in cases where the unstable non-Maxwellian distribution is driven by collisionless transport on a timescale much shorter than that of collisions, and the growth rate of the ideal instability has a sensitive dependence on the distribution function. The whistler instability driven by electrostatically trapped electrons is used as an example to elucidate such a strong collisional damping effect of plasma velocity space instabilities, which is confirmed by first-principles kinetic simulations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Phase-space dynamics of Alfvén mode chirping

In tokamak discharges, toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes often experience complex semi-periodic frequency modulation known as chirping. These events modify the local high energy particle distribution and are expected to occur in many future fusion devices, which include energetic beams or fusion products. In this paper, we present a study of simulations of mode chirping made in order to better understand its phase-space properties in a realistic tokamak configuration. We find a mechanism that permits rapid repeated chirping with strong amplitude variation in each chirp. Each chirp is then associated with an amplitude crash to low magnitude and local manipulation of the density gradients through a shift of mode phase through π. The chirping produces high density clumps, which propagate down the fast ion density gradient and low density holes that propagate up the density gradient away from the resonance. This flow of particles across the resonance provides an energy source and local gradients for repeated chirping.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nonlinear kinetic simulation study of the ion–ion streaming instability in single- and multi-ion species plasmas

The nonlinear evolution of the ion–ion streaming instability (IISI) is studied using numerical techniques novel to this problem that afford direct insight into the evolution of the particle distributions of each species. Here, during the linear phase of the instability, we demonstrate quantitative agreement with linear kinetic theory. Subsequently, the electrostatic field generated by the IISI causes ring-like velocity distributions of ions to form that are both heated and slowed to varying degrees relative to their initial flows. Due to variation in the trapping conditions for ion species of differing charge-to-mass ratio, when flows of multiple species interact, the nonlinear evolution of each species can be starkly different: we show a case where a lighter ion species is completely stopped by a heavier ion species via the IISI alone (i.e., without collisions) and, for the first time, demonstrate how the IISI can introduce a relative flow between ion species that initially have the same flow velocities, thereby separating them.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1981

Leakage of magnetospheric ions into the magnetosheath along reconnected field lines at the dayside magnetopause

Strong evidence is presented for escape of magnetospheric particles along reconnected field lines into the magnetosheath, using observations of approximately 30 to approximately 120-keV/charge protons and alpha particles made by the Max-Planck-Institut/University of Maryland instrument on Isee 1. During three magnetopause crossings, which have been identified from tangential stress balance analysis as reconnection events, the magnetospheric particle distribution extends well into the magnetosheath, and the particles in the magnetosheath show a strong anisotropy along the magnetic field. The proton to alpha particle ratio in this layer as well as in distinct bursts within the magnetosheath is the same as this ratio within the magnetosphere (at equal energy per charge). It is concluded that the most likely explanation for these observations is that magnetospheric particles are escaping along reconnected field lines into the magnetosheath. It is argued that magnetospheric particles are seen in the magnetosheath up to the reconnection separatrix, and the magnetosheath bursts are interpreted as multiple encounters of this magnetosheath layer by the satellite due to boundary motions.

Scholer, M.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Extant and Extinct Lunar Regolith Simulants: Modal Analyses of NU-LHT-1M and -2m, OB-1, JSC-1, JSC-1A and -1AF,FJS-1, and MLS-1

This work is part of a larger effort to compile an internally consistent database on lunar regolith (Apollo samples) and lunar regolith simulants. Characterize existing lunar regolith and simulants in terms of: a) Particle type; b) Particle size distribution; c) Particle shape distribution; d) Bulk density; and e) Other compositional characteristics. Evaluate regolith simulants (Figure of Merit) by above properties by comparison to lunar regolith (Apollo sample) This presentation covers new data on lunar simulants.

Schrader, Christian↗
DOE OSTI2021

Post-Newtonian kinetic theory

A kinetic theory for relativistic gases in the presence of gravitational fields is developed in the second post-Newtonian approximation. The corresponding Boltzmann equation is determined from the evolution of the one-particle distribution function with respect to the proper time along the world line of the particle. From the knowledge of the equilibrium Maxwell–Jüttner distribution function in the second post-Newtonian approximation the components of the particle four-flow and energy–momentum tensor are obtained. The Eulerian hydrodynamic equations for the mass density, mass-energy density and momentum density in the second post-Newtonian approximation are determined from the Boltzmann equation. It is shown that the combination of the hydrodynamic equations of mass and mass-energy densities leads to the hydrodynamic equation for the internal energy density in the first post-Newtonian approximation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Generalized Eulerian-Lagrangian Analysis, with Application to Liquid Flows with Vapor Bubbles

Under a NASA MSFC SBIR Phase 2 effort an analysis has been developed for liquid flows with vapor bubbles such as those in liquid rocket engine components. The analysis is based on a combined Eulerian-Lagrangian technique, in which Eulerian conservation equations are solved for the liquid phase, while Lagrangian equations of motion are integrated in computational coordinates for the vapor phase. The novel aspect of the Lagrangian analysis developed under this effort is that it combines features of the so-called particle distribution approach with those of the so-called particle trajectory approach and can, in fact, be considered as a generalization of both of those traditional methods. The result of this generalization is a reduction in CPU time and memory requirements. Particle time step (stability) limitations have been eliminated by semi-implicit integration of the particle equations of motion (and, for certain applications, the particle temperature equation), although practical limitations remain in effect for reasons of accuracy. The analysis has been applied to the simulation of cavitating flow through a single-bladed section of a labyrinth seal. Models for the simulation of bubble formation and growth have been included, as well as models for bubble drag and heat transfer. The results indicate that bubble formation is more or less 'explosive'. for a given flow field, the number density of bubble nucleation sites is very sensitive to the vapor properties and the surface tension. The bubble motion, on the other hand, is much less sensitive to the properties, but is affected strongly by the local pressure gradients in the flow field. In situations where either the material properties or the flow field are not known with sufficient accuracy, parametric studies can be carried out rapidly to assess the effect of the important variables. Future work will include application of the analysis to cavitation in inducer flow fields.

Dejong, Frederik J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Insensitivity of Line-Ratio Diagnostics to Steady-State Non-Maxwellian Electron Distributions in Solar Corona

We examine the idea that the corona is heated by a population of nonthermal particles. An upper limit on the size of the nonthermal population is derived by assuming that all of the radiation and conduction losses in the corona are provided by the nonthermal tail of the particle distribution. Only a very small percentage of nonthermal particles are allowed. These particles have a negligable effect on temperature sensitive line ratios typically observed in the EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation).

Falconer, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Individual Aerosol Particles from Biomass Burning in Southern Africa: Compositions and Size Distributions of Carbonaceous Particles - 1

Individual aerosol particles in smoke plumes from biomass fires and in regional hazes in southern Africa were studied using analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which allowed detailed characterization of carbonaceous particle types in smoke and determination of changes in particle properties and concentrations during smoke aging. Based on composition, morphology, and microstructure, three distinct types of carbonaceous particles were present in the smoke: organic particles with inorganic (K-salt) inclusions, tar ball particles, and soot. The relative number concentrations of organic particles were largest in young smoke, whereas tar balls were dominant in a slightly aged (1 hour) smoke from a smoldering fire. Flaming fires emitted relatively more soot particles than smoldering fires, but soot was a minor constituent of all studied plumes. Further aging caused the accumulation of sulfate on organic and soot particles, as indicated by the large number of internally mixed organic/sulfate and soot/sulfate particles in the regional haze. Externally mixed ammonium sulfate particles dominated in the boundary layer hazes, whereas organic/sulfate particles were the most abundant type in the upper hazes. Apparently, elevated haze layers were more strongly affected by biomass smoke than those within the boundary layer. Based on size distributions and the observed patterns of internal mixing, we hypothesize that organic and soot particles are the cloud-nucleating constituents of biomass smoke aerosols. Sea-salt particles dominated in the samples taken in stratus clouds over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Namibia, whereas a distinct haze layer above the clouds consisted of aged biomass smoke particles.

Posfai, Mihaly↗
NASA NTRS2016

A Neural Network Approach for Identifying Particle Pitch Angle Distributions in Van Allen Probes Data

Analysis of particle pitch angle distributions (PADs) has been used as a means to comprehend a multitude of different physical mechanisms that lead to flux variations in the Van Allen belts and also to particle precipitation into the upper atmosphere. In this work we developed a neural network-based data clustering methodology that automatically identifies distinct PAD types in an unsupervised way using particle flux data. One can promptly identify and locate three well-known PAD types in both time and radial distance, namely, 90deg peaked, butterfly, and flattop distributions. In order to illustrate the applicability of our methodology, we used relativistic electron flux data from the whole month of November 2014, acquired from the Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope instrument on board the Van Allen Probes, but it is emphasized that our approach can also be used with multiplatform spacecraft data. Our PAD classification results are in reasonably good agreement with those obtained by standard statistical fitting algorithms. The proposed methodology has a potential use for Van Allen belt's monitoring.

Souza, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Resonant diffusion in the presence of strong plasma turbulence.

The diffusion equation which describes the evolution of the average one-particle distribution function for an ensemble of strongly turbulent plasmas is derived. The diffusion tensor is a time integral of the autocorrelation tensor of the fluctuations as observed by particles moving along statistically distributed orbits. These orbits contain the effects of fluctuations and thus differ from those encountered in weak turbulence theory. Two statistical orbit effects quadratic in the strength of the fluctuations affect the magnitude of the diffusion: (a) modification of the ensemble average orbits by the fluctuations, and (b) statistical dispersion in particle orbits about the average. The plasma trajectory equations are used to relate each to the diffusion tensor itself when the turbulence is electrostatic. The diffusion tensor is explicitly evaluated for a strongly turbulent unmagnetized plasma.

Birmingham, T. J.↗