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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 361 records · Page 20
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Direct imaging of plasma waves using ultrafast electron microscopy

A femtosecond plasma imaging modality based on a new development of ultrafast electron microscope is introduced. We investigated the laser-induced formation of high-temperature electron microplasmas and their subsequent non-equilibrium evolution. Based on a straightforward field imaging principle, we directly retrieve detailed information about the plasma dynamics, including plasma wave structures, particle densities, and temperatures. We discover that directly subjected to a strong magnetic field, the photo-generated microplasmas manifest in novel transient cyclotron echoes and form new wave states across a broad range of field strengths and different laser fluences. Intriguingly, the transient cyclotron waves morph into a higher frequency upper-hybrid wave mode with the dephasing of local cyclotron dynamics. The quantitative real-space characterizations of the non-equilibrium plasma systems demonstrate the feasibilities of a new microscope system in studying the plasma dynamics or transient electric fields with high spatiotemporal resolutions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Global heliospheric termination shock strength in the solar–interstellar interaction

A heliospheric termination shock (HTS) surrounds our Solar System at approximately 100 astronomical units from the Sun, where the expanding solar wind (SW) is compressed and heated before encountering the interstellar medium. HTS-accelerated particles govern the pressure balance with the interstellar medium, but little is known about the global properties of the HTS beyond in situ measurements from Voyager in only two directions of the sky. Here we fill this gap by extracting the HTS strength using particle-in-cell, test particle and magnetohydrodynamic simulations, constrained by Interstellar Boundary Explorer observations of energetic neutral atoms produced from HTS-accelerated particles. Our results reveal there is a higher compression near the poles during solar minimum compared with solar maximum due to the higher Mach number flow. North–south asymmetries arise from the disparate evolution of the polar coronal holes, while minimum compression near the flanks is probably due to SW slowing from mass loading over a greater distance to the HTS. The results imply a strong connection between the HTS strength and the SW and interstellar medium dynamics.

Astrophysical plasmas↗
DOE OSTI2021

Alfvénic modes excited by the kink instability in PHASMA

Magnetic flux ropes have been successfully created with plasma guns in the newly commissioned PHAse Space MApping (PHASMA) experiment. The flux ropes exhibit the expected m = 1 kink instability. The observed threshold current for the onset of this kink instability is half of the Kruskal–Shafranov current limit, consistent with predictions for the non-line tied boundary condition of PHASMA. The helicity, paramagnetism, and growth rate of the observed magnetic fluctuations are also consistent with kink instability predictions. The observed fluctuation frequency appears to be a superposition of a real frequency due to a Doppler shift of the kink mode arising from plasma flow (~2kHz) and a contribution from a wave mode (~5 kHz). The dispersion of the wave mode is consistent with an Alfvén wave. Distinct from most previ-ous laboratory studies of flux ropes, the working gas in PHASMA is argon. Thus, the ion cyclotron frequency in PHASMA is quite low and the frequency of the Alfvénic mode plateaus at ~0.5 of the ion gyro frequency with increasing background magnetic field strength.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Simulation of convective transport during frequency chirping of a TAE using the MEGA code

Here, we present a procedure to examine energetic particle phase-space during long range frequency chirping phenomena in tokamak plasmas. To apply the proposed method, we have performed self-consistent simulations using the MEGA code and analyzed the simulation data. We demonstrate a traveling wave in phase-space and that there exist specific slices of phase-space on which the resonant particles lie throughout the wave evolution. For non-linear evolution of an n = 6 toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode (TAE), our results reveal the formation of coherent phase-space structures (holes/clumps) after coarse-graining of the distribution function. These structures cause a convective transport in phase-space which implies a radial drift of the resonant particles. We also demonstrate that the rate of frequency chirping increases with the TAE damping rate. Our observations of the TAE behavior and the corresponding phase-space dynamics are consistent with the Berk–Breizman theory.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hybrid particle-in-cell simulations of electromagnetic coupling and waves from streaming burst debris

Various systems can be modeled as a point-like explosion of ionized debris into a magnetized, collisionless background plasma-including astrophysical examples, active experiments in space, and laser-driven laboratory experiments. Debris streaming from the explosion parallel to the magnetic field may drive multiple resonant and non-resonant ion-ion beam instabilities, some of which can efficiently couple the debris energy to the background and may even support the formation of shocks. We present a large-scale hybrid (kinetic ions + fluid electrons) particle-in-cell simulation, extending hundreds of ion inertial lengths from a 3D explosion, that resolves these instabilities. We show that the character of these instabilities differs notably from the 1D equivalent by the presence of unique transverse structure. Additional 2D simulations explore how the debris beam length, width, density, and speed affect debris-background coupling, with implications for the generation of quasi-parallel shocks.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Study on Particle Trajectory Error in Finite-Element Particle-in-Cell Algorithms

Particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithms are widely used for the simulation of kinetic plasmas. PIC algorithms account for the interaction between charged particles in a plasma and the electromagnetic field in ambient space, including self-field interactions. The objective of this article is to study the error in charged particle trajectories present in finite-element (FE)-based PIC algorithms on unstructured meshes. We study how the trajectory error behaves according to the FE mesh resolution and the matrix solver employed in the FE algorithm. The study is performed by considering a trajectory established by a parabolic electric potential and an axial magnetic force acting on the charged particle. Under a proper choice combination of electric and magnetic field parameters, the 2-D particle trajectories comprise closed orbits. Numerical errors cause small perturbations on the trajectories, with cumulative effects. As a result, the resulting orbital trajectories exhibit distortions including spurious apsidal precession. These distortions provide a clear imprint of the numerical error. Here, we also study the numerical error in a quantitative fashion by computing the distance norm between the trajectories obtained by the exact fields and numerical fields.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Error field correction strategies in preparation to MAST-U operation

In magnetic fusion devices, unwanted non-axisymmetric magnetic field perturbations, known as error fields (EF), can have detrimental effects on plasma stability and confinement. Such EFs may originate from several sources, such as axi-symmetric coil misalignments, coil feeds, 3D structures in the wall surrounding the plasma, presence of ferromagnetic materials near the plasma surface, blanket materials in future devices. To minimize their impact on plasma performance and on the available operational space, it is important to identify the EF sources and develop EF control strategies. MAST Upgrade (MAST-U) is a spherical tokamak which will operate in the near future after a series of enhancements from the previous MAST experiment. To deliver a machine with EF amplitude low enough to allow a high quality experimental programme, systematic analysis of the intrinsic EF sources has been carried out for poloidal eld (P) and divertor (D) coils. To deliver a machine with EF amplitude low enough to allow a high quality experimental programme, systematic analysis of the intrinsic EF sources has been carried out for poloidal field (P) and divertor (D) coils, whose magnetic eld measurements were available when writing this paper. Such measurements reveal that P and D coils are 3D deformed and thus are responsible for intrinsic EFs, with mainly n=1 and n=2 toroidal mode numbers. In preparation to MAST-U operation, both passive and active EF control strategies have been adopted for n=1 and n=2 EFs compensation. Passive EF control consisted of installing finely each D and P coil within MAST-U device so as to minimize the intrinsic n=1 EF amplitude. The optimal coil alignment has been determined based on magnetic eld measurements and the corresponding 3D electro-magnetic modelling, and envisaged coil shift and tilt of 3.2 mm and 0.7 mrad, respectively, in the case of P coil named P4. Conversely, active control will be use during MAST-U operation to reduce the n=2 EF which is associated mainly with P4 and P5, as well. Since these coils have been re-used from the MAST device, studies attempting n=2 EF control, based on MAST plasmas, have been modelled utilizing the MARS-F code to interpret experimental results in MAST and to give hints for future n=2 EF control studies in MAST-U. Here, a model-based control set for n=2 EF control has been identified which would allow for the minimization of rotation braking, of the resonant magnetic field at the q=2 and of the plasma displacement in MAST-U, simultaneously.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advances and challenges in KSTAR plasma control toward long-pulse, high-performance experiments

An overview of advances and progress on the KSTAR plasma control improvement is given. The enhancement of the KSTAR plasma control system (PCS) continues in order to enable implementations of more sophisticated control algorithms and capabilities of integrated controls on magnets, gas, heating and off-normal event handling. Features and functionalities on the generic magnetic controls, kinetic controls and new fault scheme design are added for the operation space expansion, mainly regarding recent achievements of higher plasma current up to 1.0–1.2MA, high-performance long pulse up to 90s, and discharges relevant to ITER. Technical challenges and prospective upgrades in the near future are described.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Conceptual design of a heavy ion beam probe diagnostic for the Wendelstein 7-X Stellarator

This article describes the current state of the design of the heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) for Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X). It will be the first HIBP diagnostic on an optimized stellarator and is designed to study electric fields and ion scale turbulence in all W7-X reference magnetic configurations. The use of an existing 2 MV accelerator, located outside of the torus hall, results in the need for a circuitous primary beamline. This increases the complexity of the ion optics design to deliver a focused beam to the plasma. To access most of the magnetic configuration space of W7-X, the secondary beamline and an energy analyzer are designed to pivot, thereby redirecting a wider range of secondary beam trajectories. Signal level estimates indicate that the equilibrium potential can be measured at all radii and that the radial coverage for potential and density fluctuations measurements depends on the plasma density.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Magnetic Reconnection in High Energy Density Laboratory Plasmas

Understanding the physics of collisionless, magnetized plasmas is key to unlocking a number of important problems in space and astrophysics. Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental mechanism which can explosively release stored magnetic energy, convert it to plasma heat and flows, and accelerate particles. In this project we developed technique and conducted experiments and simulations of magnetic reconnection in laser produces plasmas. Through this project, we also developed experimental techniques to generate magnetized collisionless shocks, and we therefore expanded the scope of the project to develop these experiments. These projects make fundamental progress on understanding the dynamics of magnetized laser-produced plasmas. In additional to plasma astrophysics, these results have broad interest for laboratory high energy density plasmas, since magnetic fields can be used to confine and control plasmas in many contexts and may offer new capabilities toward laboratory ignited plasmas.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal conductivity evaluation of ion irradiated Si 3 N 4 and ZrN ceramics using spatial domain thermoreflectance

Nitride ceramics have been investigated for different applications in the nuclear industry, such as space nuclear power, fusion reactor diagnostics and plasma heating, inert matrix fuels, and accident tolerant fuels. Although thermal conductivity remains one of the most important properties to track following irradiation, traditional techniques such as laser flash and xenon flash are limited to bulk sample characterization, which requires lengthy and cost-consuming neutron irradiation. This work used spatial domain thermoreflectance (SDTR) for the micrometer-scale measurement of thermal conductivity in 15 MeV Ni ion-irradiated silicon nitride and zirconium nitride from 1 to 50 dpa and 300 to 700 °C. Here, the SDTR-measured unirradiated thermal conductivity was found to be consistent with the published data on bulk samples. Electrically conductive ZrN exhibits modest reduction after irradiation which is minimal at the highest irradiation temperatures. In electrically insulating Si 3 N 4 , the reduction is more significant and unlike ZrN, the reduction remains significant even at a higher irradiation temperature. The thermal resistance evolution following irradiation was compared with lattice swelling, which was determined using grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, and radiation-induced defects were observed using transmission electron microscopy. A saturation value was observed between 15 and 50 dpa for thermal conductivity degradation in both nitride ceramics and a direct correlation with high-temperature defect recombination was observed, as well as the potential presence of additional carrier scattering mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Adaptive machine learning for time-varying systems: low dimensional latent space tuning

Machine learning (ML) tools such as encoder-decoder convolutional neural networks (CNN) can represent incredibly complex nonlinear functions which map between combinations of images and scalars. For example, CNNs can be used to map combinations of accelerator parameters and images which are 2D projections of the 6D phase space distributions of charged particle beams as they are transported between various particle accelerator locations. Despite their strengths, applying ML to time-varying systems, or systems with shifting distributions, is an open problem, especially for large systems for which collecting new data for re-training is impractical or interrupts operations. Particle accelerators are one example of large time-varying systems for which collecting detailed training data requires lengthy dedicated beam measurements which may no longer be available during regular operations. We present a novel method of adaptive ML for time-varying systems. Our approach is to map very high (N ≈ 100k) dimensional inputs (a combination of scalar parameters and images) into the low dimensional (N ≈ 2) latent space at the output of the encoder section of an encoder-decoder CNN. We then actively tune the low dimensional latent space-based representation of complex system dynamics by the addition of an adaptively tuned feedback vector directly before the decoder sections builds back up to our image-based high-dimensional phase space density representations. This method allows us to learn correlations within and to quickly tune the characteristics of incredibly large parameter space systems and to track their evolution in real time based on feedback without massive new data sets for re-training. We demonstrate that our method can accurately predict and track the phase space of charged particle beams at various locations in a particle accelerator by adaptively adjusting in real-time while the unknown input beam distribution of the accelerator is changing in shape, charge, and offset and while the RF system of the accelerator itself is also changing in an unpredictable way. For FACET-II we demonstrate that such an approach has the potential to use transverse deflecting cavity and energy spread spectrum beam measurements to accurately predict 2D projections of the 6D phase space of the electron beam at the plasma wakefield acceleration interaction point where such diagnostics are unavailable.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Performance Portable, Fully Implicit Landau Collision Operator with Batched Linear Solvers

Modern accelerators use hierarchical parallel programming models that enable massive multithreading within a processing element (PE), with multiple PEs per device driven by traditional processes. Batching is a technique for exposing PE-level parallelism in algorithms that have traditionally run on MPI processes or multiple threads within a single process. Opportunities for batching arise in, for example, kinetic discretizations of magnetized plasmas where collisions are advanced in velocity space at each spatial point independently. This paper builds on previous work on a high-performance, fully nonlinear, Landau collision operator by batching the linear solver, as well as batching the spatial point problems and adding new support for multiple grids for multiscale, multispecies problems. An anisotropic relaxation verification test that agrees well with previously published results and analytical models is presented. The performance results from NVIDIA A100 and AMD MI250X nodes are presented with hardware utilization analysis for each architecture. Finally, the entire implicit Landau operator time advance is implemented in Kokkos for performance portability, running entirely on the device and is available in the PETSc numerical library.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Global weak solutions for a nonlocal multispecies Fokker–Planck–Landau system

The global-in-time existence of weak solutions to a spatially homogeneous multispecies Fokker–Planck–Landau system for plasmas in the three-dimensional whole space is shown. The Fokker–Planck–Landau system is a simplification of the Landau equations assuming a linearized, velocity-independent, and isotropic kernel. The resulting equations depend nonlocally and nonlinearly on the moments of the distribution functions via the multispecies local Maxwellians. Furthermore, the existence proof is based on a three-level approximation scheme, energy and entropy estimates, as well as compactness results, and it holds for both soft and hard potentials.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Filamentation and focusing of electron beams due to interactions with plasma waves

Results of numerical modeling of the interaction of an electron beam propagating across relativistic plasma waves indicate that electron beam filamentation and focusing may occur under certain conditions. The model is based on solving the relativistic equation of motion in three dimensions for the individual electrons in a tenuous Gaussian beam, as they pass through a relativistic plasma wave. Several electron beam and plasma wave parameters were varied, and the results are summarized. One of the results is that the spacing of the electron beam filaments correlates with the wavelength of the plasma wave. The electron beam filaments appear as vertical slabs after the beam exits the plasma waves. The electron beam also compresses to a focus after it exits the plasma, and the focal distance depends on several parameters including the electron beam energy and phase velocity of the relativistic plasma wave. It is suggested that these focusing and filamentation phenomena may be the basis for diagnostics schemes for laser plasma interactions. The parameters used in the model were electron beam energies in the 5–50 keV range and plasma wave properties typical for the beat-wave produced by CO2 lasers, which correspond to the facilities available in our laboratory. The limitations of these results to lower energy density beam and plasma regimes and to higher energy density regimes will be discussed.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2020

New Septum Dump Quadrupole Magnet Design

The purpose of the septum dump quadrupole (SDQ) magnet is to expand the beam size on the septum dump of the DARHT Axis 2 downstream transport in the same manner as the S2 magnet expands the beam on the beam stop for mode 1 operations of DARHT Axis 2. This is necessary in order to minimize the heating of the carbon beam dump and suppress desorption of ions. Initially, ions are generated through stimulated desorption and ionization of the monolayers of water vapor stuck to the beam dump surface. These ions propagate upstream at high speeds and act as an electrostatic focusing lens by reducing the beam space charge. As the beam size on the dump decreases, the dump is sufficiently heated so that a surface plasma is formed and much greater quantities of ions are generated through space charge limited emission. The interaction of these ions with the beam causes significant disruption of the beam.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experimental study of hot electron generation in shock ignition relevant high-intensity regime with large scale hot plasmas

In the shock ignition (SI) laser fusion scheme, hot electrons generated by the laser spike pulse can either preheat the fuel or strengthen the ignition shock, depending on the hot electron characteristics. We conducted a planar target experiment on the OMEGA-EP laser facility and characterized the temperature and total energy of hot electrons generated from a kilojoule-class 100-ps infrared (IR) or a 1-ns ultraviolet (UV) laser interacting with a large (L n ~330-450 μm) and hot (T e ~1-2 keV) coronal plasma at the SI-relevant intensities (~10 16 W/cm 2 ). The IR laser converts ~2.5% energy into hot electrons with T hot ~ 60–90 keV, while the UV laser couples 0.8% ± 0.7% energy into T hot =27 ± 9 keV hot electrons. The IR-produced hot electrons yield five times higher Cu Kα emission than the UV case, confirming the higher electron conversion efficiency with the IR laser. The low energy conversion from the UV laser to hot electrons may be due to the refraction of the off-normal incident laser in the large coronal plasma. These findings are the first comparisons of hot electron generation between the IR and UV pulses at kilojoule scales in SI-relevant large-scale plasmas. The findings may expand the SI design space to include IR lasers as the possible spike lasers.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗