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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Magnetic properties of iron-bearing graphite fibers

Carbon fibers containing ferromagnetically-ordered iron or other transition metals could be used in a variety of lightweight magnetic composites. Intercalation of bulk graphite with CoCl2 or FeCl3, followed by reduction with butyl lithium, did indeed produce magnetic samples; however, the observed room temperature permeabilities (mu) were less than 2 G/Oe. Magnetic data are presented on carbon fibers containing large amounts of elemental iron, which were prepared by a new method. In this method Amoco P-75 fibers were intercalated with Br2 and I2 followed by fluorination, forming CF(0.75). This product was then intercalated with FeCl3. Subsequent heat treatments in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres converted most of the iron to the pure alpha phase. Room temperature permeabilities as large as 40 G/Oe are observed.

Ferrante, R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of geomagnetic field forecasting and fluid dynamics of the core

The magnetic determination of the depth of the core-mantle boundary using MAGSAT data is discussed. Refinements to the approach of using the pole-strength of Earth to evaluate the radius of the Earth's core-mantle boundary are reported. The downward extrapolation through the electrically conducting mantle was reviewed. Estimates of an upper bound for the time required for Earth's liquid core to overturn completely are presented. High order analytic approximations to the unsigned magnetic flux crossing the Earth's surface are also presented.

Benton, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Dynamo magnetic-field generation in turbulent accretion disks

Magnetic fields can play important roles in the dynamics and evolution of accretion disks. The presence of strong differential rotation and vertical density gradients in turbulent disks allows the alpha-omega dynamo mechanism to offset the turbulent dissipation and maintain strong magnetic fields. It is found that MHD dynamo magnetic-field normal modes in an accretion disk are highly localized to restricted regions of a disk. Implications for the character of real, dynamically constrained magnetic fields in accretion disks are discussed. The magnetic stress due to the mean magnetic field is found to be of the order of a viscous stress. The dominant stress, however, is likely to come from small-scale fluctuating magnetic fields. These fields may also give rise to energetic flares above the disk surface, providing a possible explanation for the highly variable hard X-ray emission from objects like Cyg X-l.

Stepinski, T. F.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Studies of the Martian Magnetic Field

This report covers two awards: the first NAGW-2573 was awarded to enable participation in the Mars 94 mission that slipped to become the Mars 96 mission. Upon the unfortunate failure of Mars 96 to achieve its intended trajectory, the second grant was awarded to closeout the Mars 96 activities. Our initial efforts concentrated on assisting our colleagues: W. Riedler, K. Schwingenschuh, K. Gringanz, M. Verigin and Ye. Yeroshenko with advice on the development of the magnetic field portion of the investigation and to help them with test activities. We also worked with them to properly analyze the Phobos magnetic field and plasma data in order to optimize the return from the Mars 94/96 mission. This activity resulted in 18 papers on Mars scientific topics, and two on the instrumentation. One of these latter two papers was the last of the papers written, and speaks to the value of the closeout award. These 20 papers are listed in the attached bibliography. Because we had previously studied Venus and Titan and since it was becoming evident that the magnetic field was very weak, we compared the various properties of the Martian interaction with those of the analogous interactions at Venus and Titan while other papers simply analyzed the properties of the interaction as Phobos 2 observed them. One very interesting observation was the identification of ions picked up in the solar wind, originating in Mars neutral atmosphere. These had been predicted by our earlier observation of cyclotron waves at the proton gyrofrequency in the region upstream from Mars in the solar wind. Of course, the key question we addressed was that of the intrinsic or induced nature of the Martian magnetic field. We found little evidence for the former and much for the latter point of view. We also discussed the instrumentation planned for the Mars balloon and the instrumentation on the orbiter. In all these studies were very rewarding despite the short span of the Phobos data. Although they did not affect the eventual analysis of the Mars 96 data, these studies did pave the way for the Mars Global Surveyor and have been fully confirmed by the measurements at much closer distances than Phobos 2 ever reached. No patents or inventions resulted from the work.

Russell, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Electric field observations of time constants related to charging and charge neutralization processes in the ionosphere

The Polar 5 electric field results are reviewed, and the transients from Polar 3 are presented. The phenomena are discussed from the standpoint of space charge. On the basis of the Polar 5 results, the large magnitude of the electric field from Polar 3 is seen as indicating that the observed space charge was probably within a few km or less of the payload. Reference is made to Cole's prediction (1960) that charges in the ionosphere would reach equilibrium with a time constant of the order of a few microsec. The processes involved in the two cases presented here require time constants of the order of ms. If the sheath dimensions are taken to be between 50 and 100 m, which is not considered unreasonable in view of the electric field measurements, then a qualitative estimate of the neutralization time would be the transit time for ions across the sheath. Since the kinetic velocity of a 1-eV proton is approximately 14 m/s, it would traverse the distance in 4 to 8 ms, assuming freedom of movement across magnetic field lines. This is the order of the decay times observed on Polar 5.

Maynard, N. C.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Kinetic-Scale Magnetic Turbulence and Finite Larmor Radius Effects at Mercury

We use a nonstationary generalization of the higher-order structure function technique to investigate statistical properties of the magnetic field fluctuations recorded by MESSENGER spacecraft during its first flyby (01/14/2008) through the near-Mercury space environment, with the emphasis on key boundary regions participating in the solar wind - magnetosphere interaction. Our analysis shows, for the first time, that kinetic-scale fluctuations play a significant role in the Mercury's magnetosphere up to the largest resolvable timescale (approx.20 s) imposed by the signal nonstationariry, suggesting that turbulence at this plane I is largely controlled by finite Larmor radius effects. In particular, we report the presence of a highly turbulent and extended foreshock system filled with packets of ULF oscillations, broad-band intermittent fluctuations in the magnetosheath, ion-kinetic turbulence in the central plasma sheet of Mercury's magnetotail, and kinetic-scale fluctuations in the inner current sheet encountered at the outbound (dawn-side) magnetopause. Overall, our measurements indicate that the Hermean magnetosphere, as well as the surrounding region, are strongly affected by non-MHD effects introduced by finite sizes of cyclotron orbits of the constituting ion species. Physical mechanisms of these effects and their potentially critical impact on the structure and dynamics of Mercury's magnetic field remain to be understood.

Uritsky, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Laboratory formation of a simulated comet

A laboratory simulation experiment to study the interaction between a cometary plasma and the solar wind has been performed using the UCR-T1 space simulation facility (dia. 1.3 m, length 11 m). Intense plasma flow simulating the solar wind interacts with another light-emitting plasma composed of Ba, Sr, and/or C by a plasma emitter which simulates a cometary coma. The purposes of this experiment are to investigate how the solar wind parameters contribute to the formation of the cometary ion tail and to determine the magnetic field structure of a comet. In order to estimate the solar wind parameters by ground-based observations of actual comets, knowledges of such relationships are essential. The experimental results show that the interplanetary magnetic field of the solar wind is very important in forming the cometary tail.

Minami, S.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Magnet Configurations for Magnetohydrodynamic Trajectory Control during Planetary Entry

Magnetohydrodynamics is a phenomenon that can be harnessed during planetary entry to augment aerodynamic drag and may enable higher mass payloads to safely reach the surface. The magnetohydrodynamic force is quantified over a wide range of freestream conditions using computational fluid dynamics results from a previous study. The force is calculated for an array of small electromagnets, a large non-superconducting magnet, a large superconducting magnet, and a uniform field. The superconducting magnet produces a magnetohydrodynamic force within an order of magnitude of aerodynamic drag for velocities higher than 10 km/s, indicating that it may have a reasonable impact on the trajectory for some cases. The array of small magnets and non-superconducting magnet produced a magnetohydrodynamic force that is less than 1% of the aerodynamic drag, so their magnetic fields are not strong enough to affect an entry trajectory. Additionally, the magnet placement plays an important role in magnetohydrodynamic force magnitude, with a magnet located near the shoulder producing approximately eight times more force than a magnet placed on the axis of symmetry. A mass and power budget for each magnet configuration is given assuming current state-of-the-art magnet technology. This study also discusses implementation challenges for each type of magnet on a spacecraft.

Magnetohydrodynamics↗
NASA NTRS1982

Zonal harmonic model of Saturn's magnetic field from Voyager 1 and 2 observations

An analysis of the magnetic field of Saturn is presented which takes into account both the Voyager 1 and 2 vector magnetic field observations. The analysis is based on the traditional spherical harmonic expansion of a scale potential to derive the magnetic field within 8 Saturn radii. A third-order zonal harmonic model fitted to Voyager 1 and 2 observations is found to be capable of predicting the magnetic field characteristics at one encounter based on those observed at another, unlike models including dipole and quadrupole terms only. The third-order model is noted to lead to significantly enhanced polar surface field intensities with respect to dipole models, and probably represents the axisymmetric part of a complex dynamo field.

Connerney, J. E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The zero-frequency ion ring instability

The electrostatic zero-frequency ion ring instability with wave vector perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field B is examined through linear and second-order theory as well as by computer simulation. In the simulation ions are taken as magnetized particles; the electrons are described as a massless fluid subject to E x B motion. Saturation of the instability is primarily due to broadening of the ion ring distribution. A second-order theory provides an approximate criterion for the saturation amplitude, as does a simple trapping argument. Thus, for the simulation presented here, both quasi-linear and trapping effects contribute to saturation.

Gary, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS2001

High Resolution Observations and Modeling of Small-Scale Solar Magnetic Elements

This research contract investigating the radiative transfer and dynamic physics of the smallest observable magnetic structures in the solar photosphere. Due to the lack of a high-resolution visible light satellite instrument for solar studies, all data were acquired using ground-based instrumentation. The primary goal of the investigation was to understand the formation and evolution of "G-band bright points" in relation to the associated magnetic elements. G-band bright points are small (on the order of 100 kin or less in diameter) bright signatures associated with magnetic flux elements in the photosphere. They are seen in the A2A-X2 4308 A molecular bandhead of the CH radical ill the solar spectrum and offer the highest spatial resolution and highest contrast "tracers" of small magnetic structure on the Sun.

Berger, Thomas E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Stellar fibril magnetic systems. I - Reduced energy state

The remarkable fibril structure of the magnetic fields at the surface of the sun (with fibrils compressed to 1,000-2,000 gauss) lies outside existing statistical theories of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. The total energy of the fibril field is enhanced by a factor of more than 100 above the energy for the mean field in a continuum state. The magnetic energy density within a fibril is of the order of 100 times the local kinetic energy density, so that no simple application of equipartition principles is possible. It is pointed out that the total energy of the atmosphere (thermal + gravitational + magnetic) is reduced by the fibril state of the field by avoiding the magnetic inhibition of the convective overturning, suggesting that the formation of the observed intense fibril state may be in response to the associated energy reduction. Calculation of the minimum total energy of a polytropic atmosphere permeated by magnetic fibrils yields theoretical fibril fields of the order of 1-5 kilogauss when characteristics appropriate to the solar convective zone are introduced, in rough agreement with the actual fields of 1-2 kilogauss. The polytrope model, although crude, establishes that a large reduction in total energy is made possible by the fibril state.

Parker, E. N.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Large-scale structure of the solar corona and inner heliosphere

The large-scale structure of the solar corona influences solar activity particularly coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The helmet streamers that are observed to dominate the structure of the inner corona are formed by the interaction of the solar wind with coronal magnetic fields. We have simulated this interaction in three dimensions using the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations. In order to create a realistic model, we use the magnetic field that is observed at the Sun's surface (deduced from daily Wilcox Solar Observatory magnetograms) as input, in combination with specified density and temperature profiles at the surface. A self-consistent 3D solar-wind solution is developed by integrating the MHD equations in time to steady state. Such solutions can reproduce the observed structures that are seen in coronagraph images and eclipse photographs of the corona. This model allows us to accurately determine the position of the heliospheric current sheet. We will compare the results obtained from our model with Ulysses observations during the period May-June 1993, and with an eclipse photograph of the corona on November 3, 1994.

Mikic, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Parameter Design and Optimal Control of an Open Core Flywheel Energy Storage System

In low earth orbit (LEO) satellite applications spacecraft power is provided by photovoltaic cells and batteries. To overcome battery shortcomings the University of Maryland, working in cooperation with NASA/GSFC and NASA/LeRC, has developed a magnetically suspended flywheel for energy storage applications. The system is referred to as an Open Core Composite Flywheel (OCCF) energy storage system. Successful application of flywheel energy storage requires integration of several technologies, viz. bearings, rotor design, motor/generator, power conditioning, and system control. In this paper we present a parameter design method which has been developed for analyzing the linear SISO model of the magnetic bearing controller for the OCCF. The objective of this continued research is to principally analyze the magnetic bearing system for nonlinear effects in order to increase the region of stability, as determined by high speed and large air gap control. This is achieved by four tasks: (1) physical modeling, design, prototyping, and testing of an improved magnetically suspended flywheel energy storage system, (2) identification of problems that limit performance and their corresponding solutions, (3) development of a design methodology for magnetic bearings, and (4) design of an optimal controller for future high speed applications. Both nonlinear SISO and MIMO models of the magnetic system were built to study limit cycle oscillations and power amplifier saturation phenomenon observed in experiments. The nonlinear models include the inductance of EM coils, the power amplifier saturation, and the physical limitation of the flywheel movement as discussed earlier. The control program EASY5 is used to study the nonlinear SISO and MIMO models. Our results have shown that the characteristics and frequency responses of the magnetic bearing system obtained from modeling are comparable to those obtained experimentally. Although magnetic saturation is shown in the bearings, there are good correlations between the theoretical model and experimental data. Both simulation and experiment confirm large variations of the magnetic bearing characteristics due to air gap growth. Therefore, the gap growth effect should be considered in the magnetic bearing system design. Additionally, the magnetic bearing control system will be compared to other design methods using not only parameter design but H-infinity optimal control and mu synthesis.

Pang, D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Steady state toroidal magnetic field at earth's core-mantle boundary

Measurements of the dc electrical potential near the top of earth's mantle have been extrapolated into the deep mantle in order to estimate the strength of the toroidal magnetic field component at the core-mantle interface. Recent measurements have been interpreted as indicating that at the core-mantle interface, the magnetic toroidal and poloidal field components are approximately equal in magnitude. A motivation for such measurements is to obtain an estimate of the strength of the toroidal magnetic field in the core, a quantity important to our understanding of the geomagnetic field's dynamo generation. Through the use of several simple and idealized calculation, this paper discusses the theoretical relationship between the amplitude of the toroidal magnetic field at the core-mantle boundary and the actual amplitude within the core. Even with a very low inferred value of the toroidal field amplitude at the core-mantle boundary, (a few gauss), the toroidal field amplitude within the core could be consistent with a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo dominated by nonuniform rotation and having a strong toroidal magnetic field.

Levy, Eugene H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Qualifying the Sunpower M-87N Cryocooler for Operation in the AMS-02 Magnetic Field

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02 (AMs-02) experiment consists of a superfluid helium dewar. The outer vapor cooled shields of the dewar are to be held at 77 K by four Sunpower M87N cryocoolers. These cryocoolers have magnetic components that might interact with the external applied field generated by the superconducting magnet, thereby degrading the cryocoolers' performance. Engineering models of the Sunpower M87N are being tested at NASA Goddard Space Flight in order to qualify them to operate in a magnetic environment similar to the AMS-02 magnetic environment. AMS-02 will be a space station based particle detector studying the properties and origin of cosmic particles including antimatter and dark matter. It uses a superconducting magnet that is cooled by the superfluid helium dewar. Highly sensitive detector plates inside the magnet will measure a particle's momentum and charge.

Mustafi, Shuvo↗
NASA NTRS2011

Magnetic Penetration Effects in Small Superconducting Devices

The temperature dependent behavior of a superconducting body in an applied magnetic field involves flux penetration/expulsion both from screening currents (within a magnetic penetration depth) and variations in the superconducting order parameter (locally to form vortices or a mixed state, or globally in the Meissner effect). The temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth, in particular, has been used to make highly sensitive macroscopic thermometers. For the microscopic device volumes required in sensitive low temperature photon detectors, properties of actual thin film materials, non-uniformity of applied magnetic fields, and the influence of measurement circuit dynamics are complicating factors. We discuss the various penetration effects as demonstrated in a particularly promising combination of material and geometry that we have used to make sensitive x-ray microcalorimeters.

Stevenson, T. R.↗