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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Entropy generation from hydrodynamic mixing in inertial confinement fusion indirect-drive targets

The increase in entropy from the physical mixing of two adjacent materials in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions and gas-filled hohlraums is analytically assessed. An idealized model of entropy generation from the mixing of identical ideal-gas particles across a material interface in the presence of pressure and temperature gradients is applied. Physically, mix-driven entropy generation refers to the work done by the gases in expanding into a larger common volume from atomic mixing under the condition of no internal energy change, or work needed to restore the initial unmixed state. Furthermore, the effect of a mix-generated entropy increase is analytically shown to lead to less compression of the composite ICF fluid under adiabatic conditions. The amount of entropy generation is estimated to be ~10 J for a Rayleigh–Taylor-induced micrometer-scale annular mixing layer between the solid deuterium–tritium fuel and (undoped) high-density carbon pusher of an imploding capsule at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This level of entropy generation is consistent with lower-than-expected fuel compressions measured on the NIF [Hurricane et al., Phys. Plasmas 26, 052704 (2019)]. The degree of entropy increase from mixing of high-Z hohlraum wall material and low-Z, moderate- to high-density gas fills is estimated to lead to ~100 kJ of heat generation for NIF-scale experiments [Moody et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 056317 (2014)]. This value represents a significant fraction of the inferred missing x-ray drive energy based on observed delays in capsule implosion times compared with mainline simulations [Jones et al., Phys. Plasmas 19, 056315 (2012)].

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Equilibrium reconstruction of DIII-D plasmas using predictive modeling of the pressure profile

New workflows have been developed for predictive modeling of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium in tokamak plasmas. The goal of this work is to predict the MHD equilibrium in tokamak discharges without having measurements of the kinetic profiles. The workflows include a cold start tool, which constructs all the profiles and power flows needed by transport codes; a Grad–Shafranov equilibrium solver; and various codes for the sources and sinks. For validation purposes, a database of DIII-D tokamak discharges has been constructed that is comprised of scans in the plasma current, toroidal magnetic field, and triangularity. Initial efforts focused on developing a workflow utilizing an empirically derived pressure model tuned to DIII-D discharges with monotonic safety factor profiles. This workflow shows good agreement with experimental kinetic equilibrium calculations, but is limited in that it is a single fluid (equal ion and electron temperatures) model and lacks H-mode pedestal predictions. The best agreement with the H-mode database is obtained using a theory-based workflow utilizing pressure profile predictions from a coupled TGLF turbulent transport and EPED pedestal models together with external magnetics and Motional Stark Effect (MSE) data to construct the equilibrium. Here, we obtain an average root mean square error of 5.1% in the safety factor profile when comparing the predicted and experimental kinetic equilibrium. We also find good agreement with the plasma stored energy, internal inductance, and pressure profiles. Including MSE data in the theory-based workflow results in noticeably improved agreement with the q-profiles in high triangularity discharges in comparison with the results obtained with magnetic data only. The predictive equilibrium workflow is expected to have wide applications in experimental planning, between-shot analysis, and reactor studies.

Kinsey, J. E. (ORCID:0000000193347473)↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparison of two pressure–temperature equilibration methods

We compare and contrast the traditionally used method of solving the pressure–temperature equilibration problem in hydrodynamics, where specific internal energy and density are considered independent variables, with a different method where pressure and temperature are independent variables. With the goal of examining the robustness of the two methods as the number of components increases, we examine 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-component systems. After equilibrating more than 10 4 initial conditions for each system using both methods, we demonstrate that the latter method constrains the search space by lowering its dimensionality and forces a better initial guess, resulting in a higher probability of convergence to solution with fewer, cheaper iterations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

First principles simulation of reacting hypersonic flow over a blunt wedge

This article presents molecular-level analysis of a reactive, near-continuum, Mach 21 nitrogen flow over a blunt wedge using the direct molecular simulation (DMS) method. The flow conditions lead to internal energy excitation and dissociation in the flow field, resulting in thermal and chemical nonequilibrium in the flow. Thermal nonequilibrium in the vibrational mode is observed to extend to the molecular level, where the vibrational energy distributions at various points in the flow field are observed to be non-Boltzmann. Furthermore, this is the first reactive DMS calculation where the wall is assumed to be isothermal and full momentum accommodation of the particles is enforced, hence incorporating viscous wall effects. Since the DMS method uses a quantum mechanically generated interaction potential as its only modeling input, all thermochemical and transport properties of the flow field can directly be attributed to the ab initio potential energy surface. Using the DMS solution as a benchmark, this article assesses the performance of Navier–Stokes computational fluid dynamics solutions using lower fidelity two-temperature models. Two models are chosen as points of comparison: the well-known Park two-temperature model and the recently developed modified Marrone and Treanor model.

Mechanics↗
DOE OSTI2023

An analytic and complete equation of state for condensed phase materials

Analytic equations of state (EOS) are intended to reproduce theoretical and experimental data in a single phase portion of the thermodynamic space. We devise a complete and thermodynamically consistent model with four distinct features: (1) a reference isotherm that remains thermodynamically stable, (2) a flexible specific heat model based on a fourth-order rational polynomial, (3) a Grüneisen parameter that depends on specific volume and temperature, and (4) pressure and internal energy functions that can be inverted analytically in temperature. The model aims to improve the accuracy of existing equations of state while remaining computationally efficient. To demonstrate its features, we include calibrations for single-crystal pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), liquid nitromethane (NM), and hexagonal close-packed beryllium (Be) metal. The parameter optimization uses the specific heat capacity, Grüneisen parameter, and static compression curves obtained from density functional theory for the crystalline solids and molecular dynamics simulations for liquid NM. We also present a velocity autocorrelation function that yields accurate phonon densities of states for the EOS calibration from the molecular dynamics trajectories. Each of the three calibrations is constrained to enforce the ambient state from experimental measurements and validated against experimental Hugoniot data from multiple sources. We also include one-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of the isentropic compression experiments for beryllium conducted at the Z facility.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Staged Z-pinch radiation-hydrodynamic simulations on a 20-MA driver

We report on one-dimensional simulations of a staged Z-pinch (SZP) fusion scheme using the radiation-hydrodynamics code HYDRA [Marinak et al., Phys. Plasmas 8, 2275 (2001)]. A pulsed-power driver, based on the Z-machine at Sandia National Laboratories, with a peak current around 20 MA, is used to implode a high-Z gas liner surrounding a cylindrical DT fuel target. For the best conditions used in this work, excluding some physical processes, such as mix, we find a “clean” fusion yield of 7.05 MJ (2.5 ×1018 neutrons), thus showing the potential for high yields using this scheme. The design achieving this yield was determined through a study of different liner materials, liner masses, and fuel masses. We also address previous simulations of the SZP setup that used ad hoc limits of the total internal energy of the liner that can artificially increase fusion yields.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal quasiparticle theory

The widely used thermal Hartree–Fock (HF) theory is generalized to include the effect of electron correlation while maintaining its quasi-independent-particle framework. An electron-correlated internal energy (or grand potential) is postulated in consultation with the second-order finite-temperature many-body perturbation theory (MBPT), which then dictates the corresponding thermal orbital (quasiparticle) energies in such a way that all fundamental thermodynamic relations are obeyed. The associated density matrix is of a one-electron type, whose diagonal elements take the form of the Fermi–Dirac distribution functions, when the grand potential is minimized. The formulas for the entropy and chemical potential are unchanged from those of Fermi–Dirac or thermal HF theory. The theory thus stipulates a finite-temperature extension of the second-order Dyson self-energy of one-particle many-body Green’s function theory and can be viewed as a second-order, diagonal, frequency-independent, thermal inverse Dyson equation. At low temperatures, the theory approaches finite-temperature MBPT of the same order, but it may outperform the latter at intermediate temperatures by including additional electron-correlation effects through orbital energies. Here, a physical meaning of these thermal orbital energies is proposed (encompassing that of thermal HF orbital energies, which has been elusive) as a finite-temperature version of Janak’s theorem.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

First indirectly driven liquid-DT filled double shell implosions at the National Ignition Facility

Double shell implosions aim to explore material mixing under fusion conditions in a volume burn geometry using high-Z metal pushers. High-Z pushers are more compressible than low-Z pushers enabling high stagnation pressure which reduces the required implosion speed while maintaining a low pusher adiabat despite strong shock heating. Additionally, the use of a small fuel mass reduces the fuel internal energy required for ignition, thus achieving stable platforms with reasonable fusion output to conduct controlled experiments. These factors make volume burn in a double shell implosion highly promising. Recently, a series of liquid-DT filled, indirectly driven, double shell implosions were conducted at the National Ignition Facility with laser drives reaching up to 1.5 MJ. These experiments achieved a maximum DT neutron yield of 1.67 × 10 14 (yield—479 J), DT ion temperature of 2.6 keV, fuel areal density (ρR) of 0.15 g/cm 2 , and stagnation pressure of 79 Gbar. Over the course of these shots, the DT neutron yield has increased by an order of magnitude largely from improved mitigation of outer shell assembly joint driven instability growth using thicker gold plating at the assembly joint. Further performance improvements are expected by enhancing outer-to-inner shell kinetic energy transfer and refined mitigation of degradations from engineering features such as the outer shell joint, fill tube, and surface roughness.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Finite-temperature vibrational full configuration interaction

Thermodynamic functions of an ideal molecular gas due to its anharmonic vibrations are evaluated in a wide range of temperature (T) by the vibrational full-configuration-interaction (FCI) method using a quartic force field and a finite number (N) of harmonic-oscillator basis functions along each normal mode. The thermodynamic functions considered are the grand potential (Ω), internal energy (U), and entropy (S). They are compared with those obtained from the Bose–Einstein theory with or without truncation of the harmonic-oscillator basis functions after quantum number N–1. The comparison reveals that the finite-basis-set errors in Ω and U are, respectively, k B Tln(k B T/Nℏω) and k B T per mode in the high-T limit, obscuring anharmonic effects when k B T > ℏω, where ω is the lowest mode frequency. Here, the benchmark data for several low-order perturbation corrections to Ω, U, and S are also obtained as the numerical derivatives of their FCI values with respect to dimensionless perturbation strength, and the domain of T and N in which these data are reliable (for the N → ∞ limits) is discussed.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mechanisms and dynamics of the NH + 2 + H + and NH + + H + + H fragmentation channels upon single-photon double ionization of NH 3

We present state-selective measurements on the NH$_2^{+}$ + H$^{+}$ and NH$^{+}$ + H$^{+}$ + H dissociation channels following single-photon double ionization at 61.5 eV of neutral NH$_{3}$, where the two photoelectrons and two cations are measured in coincidence using 3-D momentum imaging. Three dication electronic states are identified to contribute to the NH$_2^{+}$ + H$^{+}$ dissociation channel, where the excitation in one of the three states undergoes intersystem crossing prior to dissociation, producing a cold NH$_2^+$ fragment. In contrast, the other two states directly dissociate, producing a ro-vibrationally excited NH$_2^+$ fragment with roughly 1 eV of internal energy. The NH$^{+}$ + H$^{+}$ + H channel is fed by direct dissociation from three intermediate dication states, one of which is shared with the NH$_2^{+}$ + H$^{+}$ channel. We find evidence of autoionization contributing to each of the double ionization channels. Finally, the distributions of the relative emission angle between the two photoelectrons, as well as the relative angle between the recoil axis of the molecular breakup and the polarization vector of the ionizing field, are also presented to provide insight on the ionization mechanisms for the different dication states.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Role of mechanical stress localizations on the radiation hardness of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Multi-material, multi-layered systems such as AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) contain residual mechanical stresses that arise from sharp contrasts in device geometry and materials parameters. These stresses, which can be either tensile or compressive, are difficult to detect and eliminate because of their highly localized nature. We propose that their high-stored internal energy makes potential sites for defect nucleation sites under radiation, particularly if their locations coincide with the electrically sensitive regions of a transistor. In this study, we validate this hypothesis with molecular dynamic simulation and experiments exposing both pristine and annealed HEMTS to 2.8 MeV Au +3 irradiation. Our unique annealing process uses mechanical momentum of electrons, also known as the electron wind force (EWF) to mitigate the residual stress at room temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence spectra reveal the reduction of point defects and dislocations near the two-dimensional electron gas region of EWF-treated devices compared to pristine devices. The EWF-treated HEMTs showed relatively higher resilience with approximately 10% less degradation of drain saturation current and ON-resistance and 5% less degradation of peak transconductance. Both mobility and carrier concentration of the EWF-treated devices were less impacted compared to the pristine devices. Our results suggest that the lower density of nanoscale stress localization contributed to the improved radiation tolerance of the EWF-treated devices. Intriguingly, the EWF is found to modulate the defect distribution by moving the defects to electrically less sensitive regions in the form of dislocation networks, which act as sinks for the radiation induced defects and this assisted faster dynamic annealing.

AlGaN/GaN HEMTs↗
DOE OSTI2025

Special Issue on the 22nd International Spherical Torus Workshop, 21–24 October 2024

This Special Issue contains papers resulting from research presented at the 22nd International Spherical Torus Workshop (ISTW), which was held during 21–24 October 2024, in Oxford, UK. The objectives of this workshop were to contribute to advancing the understanding of spherical tori (ST) configurations and to enhance their potential for fusion power applications. The scope of the meeting covers the full range of research activities on STs and aims to provide a forum for discussion and collaboration enhancement. The ISTW is organized by the International Energy Agency Technology Collaboration Programme on ST [1], and the 22nd was the latest in a series that started in 1994, but due to the global pandemic it had not been held in person for 5 years. With 15 thirty-minute overview presentations, 33 twenty-minute presentations, 32 posters and 93 total attendees, the 22nd ISTW was, to our knowledge, the largest to date. Representatives attended from at least 9 countries, representing at least 24 institutions, and presenting results from at least 18 existing or planned devices. Furthermore, this demonstrates the current broad interest in STs as fusion research devices and as candidates for future fusion pilot plants. Following on this momentum, the 23rd ISTW is planned to be held in Seville, Spain in late 2026.

Berkery, John W. [Princeton Plasma Physics Laborat↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enhanced particle transport events approaching the density limit of the J-TEXT tokamak

Enhanced particle transport events are discovered and analyzed as the density limit of the J-TEXT tokamak is approached. Edge shear layer collapse is observed and the ratio of Reynolds power to turbulence production decreases. Simultaneously, the divergence of turbulence internal energy flux (i.e. turbulence spreading) increases, indicating that shear layer collapse triggers an outward spreading event. Studies of correlations show that the enhanced particle transport events are quasi-coherent, and manifested primarily in density fluctuations which exhibit positive skewness. Furthermore, electron adiabaticity emerges as the critical parameter which signals transport event onset. For α < 0.35 as density approaches the Greenwald density, both turbulence spreading and density fluctuations rise rapidly. Taken together, these results elucidate the connections between edge shear layer, density fluctuations, particle transport events, turbulence spreading and plasma edge cooling as the density limit is approached.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electrode biasing maintains the edge shear layer at high density in the J-TEXT tokamak

Collapse of the edge flow shear as the line-averaged density approaches the Greenwald density limit has been observed as a precursor to the enhanced edge particle flux characteristic of proximity to the density limit regime. Here, we report the use of a biased electrode to sustain the edge shear layer in high density discharges, in which the shear layer would otherwise collapse. A stable increase in line-averaged density is observed along with a strong increase in edge density. These experiments were carried out on the J-TEXT tokamak. The Reynolds stress at the edge is enhanced, and the zonal flow sustained, while density perturbation levels, the flux of turbulence internal energy (i.e., turbulence spreading), and particle and heat flux all decrease significantly. Electron adiabaticity increases, and bias voltage modulation experiments show that an increase in the edge shear leads the increase in adiabaticity. Furthermore, these results suggest that external edge E × B flow shear drive may be of interest for sustaining edge plasma states at high density, and support the hypothesis that collapse of the edge shear layer triggers the onset of the strong transport and turbulence characteristic of the density limit regime.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Aeroservoelastic Stability of a Floating Wind Turbine

The problem of negative damping undermines the aeroservoelastic stability of floating offshore wind turbines. The negative damping problem is most prevalent around rated wind speed, where the sensitivity of thrust to wind speed is the largest. This paper investigates the implementation of peak shaving, a controller feature that limits the rated thrust by pitching the blades before rated wind speed is reached. Two controller designs are investigated: a de-tuned controller and a nacelle-feedback controller. A time-domain metric is defined, inspired by Lyapunov theory, in order to compute and assess the stability of floating offshore wind turbines. The model of the International Energy Agency 15-MW reference wind turbine mounted on the University of Maine VolturnUS-S floater is simulated in HAWC2 with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory reference open-source controller. Peak shaving is applied to the two controller designs and stability is assessed. According to the chosen metric, peak shaving does not improve the stability of the system. This is due to the trade-off between loads and error tracking: although the loads and displacements in the fore-aft direction of the turbine are reduced, the rotor-speed tracking is poorer, which increases the shaft torsion fatigue load.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Wind Turbine Aeroelastic Stability in OpenFAST

Wind turbines are growing in size and increasingly suffer from aeroelastic instabilities. Unfortunately, numerical models often show inconsistent results during verification studies. We address this gap by first introducing novel linearization capabilities within the open-source aero-hydro-servo-elastic framework OpenFAST. Next, a code-to-code benchmark study is presented that compares modal parameters between OpenFAST and HAWCStab2 for a land-based version of the International Energy Agency 15-MW reference wind turbine modeled with quasi-steady aerodynamics. The two solvers are in strong agreement except for discrepancies in the second rotor flapwise modes. The differences are attributed to the torsional flexibility of the tower, which is assumed torsionally stiff in the OpenFAST model. Work is ongoing to close this modeling gap. The aeroelastic stability of a low-specific-power land-based wind turbine is also investigated. The impact of design choices is discussed, high-lighting how narrow the margins are between a stable design and an unstable design.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Aeroelastic code comparison using the IEA 22MW reference turbine

Reference wind turbine designs and the associated aeroelastic models are widely used in both research and industry. Reference models representing future concepts are of particular interest. Current state of the art aeroelastic tools are relied upon to design the next generation of large wind turbines. However, modelling assumptions may be invalidated by upcoming very large turbines, and different aeroelastic tools may give inconsistent results. A 22MW turbine model has been defined as part of International Energy Agency (IEA) Wind Task 55 on Reference Wind Turbines and Farms to represent future turbines to be deployed in the 2030s. In this study, an aeroelastic model of this turbine has been created in four tools; Bladed, HAWC2, OpenFAST, and QBlade. Code comparisons are presented for steady state operation, linear stability analysis, and time domain power production simulations in steady and turbulent wind. Generally, the codes show a good agreement, but with some differences present in the linear stability analysis, periodic azimuthal variation, and time domain simulations. The models are a good basis for further study with the IEA 22MW turbine, and further code comparison exercises.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Control Co-Design Studies for a 22 MW Semisubmersible Floating Wind Turbine Platform

We present a control co-design software framework that can be used to optimize floating wind turbines and their controllers. Because this framework has many options for design variables, constraints, and merit figures, along with modeling fidelity levels, we seek to demonstrate best practices for using the tool while designing a floating platform for the new 22 MW offshore reference wind turbine developed within the International Energy Agency Wind Technology Commercialization Programme 55 on Reference Wind Turbines and Farms. During these studies, we evaluate the use of different simulation fidelity levels, the effect of using different load cases for controller tuning, and the difference between sequential and simultaneous control co-design solutions. Based on these efforts, we suggest using an algorithm that performs an initial search of the design space before optimization. We find that solving smaller optimization problems, in a sequential manner, leads to more reliable outcomes in fewer iterations than larger, simultaneous control co-design solutions. However a simultaneous CCD solution produces a platform with a 2% lower mass than the sequential CCD outcome.

17 WIND ENERGY↗