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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Guiding and collimating fast electron beam by the quasi-static electromagnetic field array

A guidance and collimation scheme for fast electron beam in a traverse periodic quasi-static electromagnetic field array is proposed with the semi-analytic method and the particle-in-cell simulation. The sheath electric fields on the surfaces of nanowires and the magnetic fields around the nanowires form a traverse periodic quasi-static electromagnetic field array. Therefore, most of the fast electrons are confined at the nanowire surfaces and transport forward. More importantly, due to the divergent property of the beams, the magnitudes of the generated fields decrease with the target depth. The lateral momenta of the electrons convert into the forward momenta through Lorenz force, and they cannot recover their initial values. Therefore, the fast electrons can be guided and collimated efficiently in the gaps between the nanowires. In our particle-in-cell simulations, the observed guiding efficiency exceeds 80% compared with the reference target.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Investigation on broadband propagation characteristic of terahertz electromagnetic wave in anisotropic magnetized plasma in frequency and time domain

In this paper, we investigate the propagation of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic wave in an anisotropic magnetized plasma by JE convolution-finite difference time domain method. The anisotropic characteristic of the plasma, which leads to right-hand circularly polarized (RCP) and right-hand circularly polarized (LCP) waves, has been taken into account. The interaction between electromagnetic waves and magnetized plasma is illustrated by reflection and transmission coefficients for both RCP and LCP THz waves. The effects of both the magnetized plasma thickness and the external magnetized field are analyzed and numerical results demonstrate that the two factors could influence the THz wave greatly. It is worthy to note that besides the reflection and transmission coefficients in the frequency domain, the waveform of the electric field in the time domain varying with thicknesses and external magnetic fields for different polarized direction has been studied.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a magnetized plasma column at oblique incidence

Scattering of electromagnetic waves from a magnetized plasma column is investigated using Maxwell's equations and applying boundary conditions. Backscattering cross section is evaluated by analytic solution of electric fields inside and outside of plasma column. Plots of backscattering cross section versus frequency, for the range up to J band, reveal two main peaks and two sidebands. Effects of plasma density and radius, as main parameters determining the characteristics of plasma column, on backscattering are discussed. Furthermore, the effect of electromagnetic wave incidence angle on backscattering of plasma column is included in the analysis. The influence of wave incidence angle and frequency, as well as, plasma density and radius on scattering pattern, which is an indicator of the distribution of scattered power in different azimuthal angles, is discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Bubble shape and electromagnetic field in the nonlinear regime for laser wakefield acceleration

The electromagnetic field in the electron “bubble” regime for ultra-intense laser wakefield acceleration was solved using the d'Alembert equations. Ignoring the residual electrons, we assume an ellipsoidal bubble forms under ideal conditions, with bubble velocity equal to the speed of light in vacuum. The general solution for bubble shape and electromagnetic field were obtained. The results were confirmed in 2.5D PIC (particle-in-cell) simulations. Moreover, slopes for the longitudinal electric field of larger than 0.5 were found in these simulations. With spherical bubbles, this slope is always smaller than or equal to 0.5. This behavior validates the ellipsoid assumption.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Evolution of laser induced electromagnetic postsolitons in multi-species plasma

The evolution of an s-polarized relativistic electromagnetic soliton created in multi-species plasma by an intense short laser pulse is investigated using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The multi-component plasma consists of electrons and high-Z ions with a small addition of protons. By comparison, the evolution of postsoliton is very different from that in hydrogen plasma. A halo-like structure is found in spatial patterns of both electromagnetic fields and electron densities. The process of energy depletion is much slower due to the smaller charge-to-mass ratio of ions, which implies a better way of detecting postsolitons in simulations and experiments. In addition, it is found that the Coulomb explosion of high-Z ions in the postsoliton stage facilitates low-Z ion acceleration, and the maximum energy of low-Z ions increases with the component ratio of high-Z to low-Z ions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effects of electromagnetic wiggler and ion channel guiding on equilibrium orbits and waves propagation in a free electron laser

In this paper, an analysis of equilibrium orbits for electrons by a simultaneous solution of the equation of motion and the dispersion relation for electromagnetic wave wiggler in a free-electron laser (FEL) with ion-channel guiding has been presented. A fluid model has been used to investigate interactions among all possible waves. The dispersion relation has been derived for electrostatic and electromagnetic waves with all relativistic effects included. This dispersion relation has been solved numerically. For group I and II orbits, when the transverse velocity is small, only the FEL instability is found. In group I and II orbits with relatively large transverse velocity, new couplings between other modes are found.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Modulated electromagnetic fields in inhomogeneous media, hyperbolic pseudoanalytic functions, and transmutations

The time-dependent Maxwell system describing electromagnetic wave propagation in inhomogeneous isotropic media in the one-dimensional case reduces to a Vekua-type equation for bicomplex-valued functions of a hyperbolic variable, see Kravchenko and Ramirez [Adv. Appl. Cliord Algebr. 21(3), 547–559 (2011)]. Using this relation, we solve the problem of the transmission through an inhomogeneous layer of a normally incident electromagnetic time-dependent plane wave. The solution is written in terms of a pair of Darboux-associated transmutation operators [Kravchenko, V. V. and Torba, S. M., J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 45, 075201 (2012)], and combined with the recent results on their construction [Kravchenko, V. V. and Torba, S. M., Complex Anal. Oper. Theory 9, 379-429 (2015); Kravchenko, V. V. and Torba, S. M., J. Comput. Appl. Math. 275, 1–26 (2015)] can be used for efficient computation of the transmitted modulated signals. We develop the corresponding numerical method and illustrate its performance with examples.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

On the exhaust of electromagnetic drive

Recent reports about propulsion without reaction mass have been met on one hand with enthusiasm and on the other hand with some doubts. Namely, closed metal cavities, when fueled with microwaves, have delivered thrust that could eventually maintain satellites on orbits using solar power. However, the measured thrust appears to be without any apparent exhaust. Thus the Law of Action-Reaction seems to have been violated. We consider the possibility that the exhaust is in a form that has so far escaped both experimental detection and theoretical attention. In the thruster’s cavity microwaves interfere with each other and invariably some photons will also end up co-propagating with opposite phases. At the destructive interference electromagnetic fields cancel. However, the photons themselves do not vanish for nothing but continue in propagation. These photon pairs without net electromagnetic field do not reflect back from the metal walls but escape from the resonator. By this action momentum is lost from the cavity which, according to the conservation of momentum, gives rise to an equal and opposite reaction. We examine theoretical corollaries and practical concerns that follow from the paired-photon conclusion.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Nonlinear coupling of electromagnetic and electron acoustic waves in multi-species degenerate astrophysical plasma

Nonlinear wave-coupling is studied in a multispecies degenerate astrophysical plasma consisting of two electron species (at different temperatures): a highly degenerate main component plus a smaller classical relativistic flow immersed in a static neutralizing ion background. It is shown that the high frequency electromagnetic waves through their strong nonlinear interactions with the electron-acoustic waves [sustained by a multielectron component (degenerate) plasma surrounding a compact astrophysical object] can scatter to lower frequencies so that the radiation observed faraway will be spectrally shifted downward. It is also shown that, under definite conditions, the electromagnetic waves could settle into stationary solitonic states. It is expected that the effects of such structures may persist as detectable signatures in forms of modulated micropulses in the radiation observed far away from the accreting compact object. Both these effects will advance our abilities to interpret the radiation coming out of the compact objects.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Tokamak ITG-KBM transition benchmarking with the mixed variables/pullback transformation electromagnetic gyrokinetic scheme

Electromagnetic gyrokinetic simulation of high temperature plasma is required to predict confinement in magnetic fusion devices and has posed challenges for existing codes. In this paper, we demonstrate successful global gyrokinetic simulation of the ion temperature gradient-driven mode-kinetic ballooning mode transition in a toroidal fusion plasma test case using the mixed variables/pullback transformation (MV/PT) scheme with the particle-in-cell codes XGC and ORB5, and compare to results from a conventional continuum code from the literature. Furthermore, the MV/PT scheme combines explicit time integration with mitigation of the well-known electromagnetic gyrokinetic “cancelation problem.” We calculate eigenmodes in the electrostatic and parallel vector potentials, and find good agreement in growth rate, real frequency, and the normalized plasma pressure of mode transition.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Interacting quantum and classical waves: Resonant and non-resonant energy transfer to electrons immersed in an intense electromagnetic wave

Dynamics of electrons subjected to a constant amplitude classical electromagnetic (EM) wave is investigated as a fundamental, representative problem in the physics of interacting quantum and classical waves. In the nonrelativistic regime (electrons as Schrödinger waves), the electron energy acquires a constant and a time dependent part. Driven by EM waves, both parts scale strongly with the amplitude, but we expect no resonant enhancement since the parallel electron “speed” of nonrelativistic electrons could never match the wave phase velocity. In the relativistic regime (electron as a Klein–Gordon wave), however, a class of electron waves (with parallel speed matching the EM phase speed) are resonantly excited to extremely high energies. Such a direct resonant energy transfer from intense electromagnetic waves constitutes a mechanism that could, in principle, power the most energetic of cosmic rays (this mechanism will work on protons just as well). Some predictions of the theory will, hopefully, be tested in laboratory laser experiments. In conclusion, the nonrelativistic calculations will also be examined in the context of recent experiments using photon-induced near-field electron microscopy in detail.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Verification of electromagnetic simulation capabilities in global gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code GTS

Recently, the numerical scheme presented by Mishchenko et al. enabled explicit gyrokinetic simulations of low-frequency electromagnetic instabilities in tokamaks at experimentally relevant values of plasma β⁠. This scheme resolved the long-standing cancellation problem that previously hindered gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code simulations of magnetohydrodynamic phenomena with inherently small parallel electric fields. Moreover, the scheme did not employ approximations that eliminate critical tearing-type instabilities. Here, we report on the implementation of this numerical scheme in the global gyrokinetic particle-in-cell code GTS. This implementation allows for a more complete and accurate picture of interaction between small scale turbulence and MHD modes in tokamaks. Additionally, we present a comprehensive set of verification simulations of numerous electromagnetic instabilities relevant to present-day tokamaks. These simulations encompass the kinetic ballooning mode, the internal kink mode, the tearing mode, the micro-tearing mode, and the toroidal Alfven eigenmode destabilized by energetic ions, which are all instrumental in understanding tokamak physics. We will also showcase the preliminary nonlinear simulations of kinetic ballooning instabilities and (2,1) island formation due to tearing mode instability. These simulations validate the accuracy of the scheme implementation and pave the way for studying how these instabilities affect plasma confinement and performance.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Asymptotic theory of ponderomotive dynamics of an electron in the field of a focused relativistically intense electromagnetic envelope

Based on a formal asymptotic solution of Maxwell’s equations for a field propagating in a vacuum and of the relativistic Newton equation for an electron driven by the corresponding Lorentz force, we construct a description of the relativistic ponderomotive dynamics of an electron in the field of an intense focused electromagnetic envelope. A small parameter for the asymptotic expansion is proportional to the ratio of the radiation wavelength to the focal spot radius. Using the obtained averaged model of ponderomotive dynamics, electron beam scattering patterns are plotted with regard to an angle relative to the electromagnetic field propagation axis for laser pulses with a Gaussian transverse intensity distribution, as well as the energy spectra of scattered electrons corresponding to individual ranges of this angle. Scattered particles are absent in some ranges of the polar angle. (interaction of laser radiation with matter. laser plasma)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Causal extraction of black hole rotational energy by various kinds of electromagnetic fields

Recent general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations have suggested that relativistic jets from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) have been powered by the rotational energy of central black holes. Some mechanisms for extraction of black hole rotational energy have been proposed, like the Penrose process, Blandford-Znajek mechanism, MHD Penrose process, and superradiance. The Blandford-Znajek mechanism is the most promising mechanism for the engines of the relativistic jets from AGNs. However, an intuitive interpretation of this mechanism with causality is not yet clarified, while the Penrose process has a clear interpretation for causal energy extraction from a black hole with negative energy. In this paper, we present a formula to build physical intuition so that in the Blandford-Znajek mechanism, as well as in other electromagnetic processes, negative electromagnetic energy plays an important role in causal extraction of the rotational energy of black holes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Large-amplitude, circularly polarized, compressive, obliquely propagating electromagnetic proton cyclotron waves throughout the Earth's magnetosheath: low plasma β conditions

During 1999 August 18, both Cassini and WIND were in the Earth's magnetosheath and detected transverse electromagnetic waves instead of the more typical mirror-mode emissions. The Cassini wave amplitudes were as large as ∼14 nT (peak to peak) in a ∼55 nT ambient magnetic field B {sub 0}. A new method of analysis is applied to study these waves. The general wave characteristics found were as follows. They were left-hand polarized and had frequencies in the spacecraft frame (f {sub scf}) below the proton cyclotron frequency (f{sub p} ). Waves that were either right-hand polarized or had f {sub scf} > f{sub p} are shown to be consistent with Doppler-shifted left-hand waves with frequencies in the plasma frame f{sub pf} < f{sub p} . Thus, almost all waves studied are consistent with their being electromagnetic proton cyclotron waves. Most of the waves (∼55%) were found to be propagating along B {sub 0} (θ{sub kB{sub 0}}<30{sup ∘}), as expected from theory. However, a significant fraction of the waves were found to be propagating oblique to B {sub 0}. These waves were also circularly polarized. This feature and the compressive ([B {sub max} – B {sub min}]/B {sub max}, where B {sub max} and B {sub min} are the maximum and minimum field magnitudes) nature (ranging from 0.27 to 1.0) of the waves are noted but not well understood at this time. The proton cyclotron waves were shown to be quasi-coherent, theoretically allowing for rapid pitch-angle transport of resonant protons. Because Cassini traversed the entire subsolar magnetosheath and WIND was in the dusk-side flank of the magnetosheath, it is surmised that the entire region was filled with these waves. In agreement with past theory, it was the exceptionally low plasma β (0.35) that led to the dominance of the proton cyclotron wave generation during this interval. A high-speed solar wind stream ((V{sub sw} ) = 598 km s{sup –1}) was the source of this low-β plasma.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Understanding the electromagnetic topology during the ohmic breakdown in tokamaks considering self-generated electric fields

We report that the physical mechanisms of the ohmic breakdown in a tokamak have been understood based on the classical Townsend avalanche theory. However, a new systematic theory (Yoo et al 2018 Nat. Commun.9 3523) recently demonstrated that electron avalanches during the ohmic breakdown are completely different from the Townsend avalanche due to strong self-generated electric fields. In this study, we elucidate the multi-dimensional effects of the self-generated electric field on plasma dynamics during the ohmic breakdown. We also propose a novel electromagnetic topology analysis method that can easily predict the overall plasma behavior and where the main plasma is generated. The topology analysis method is validated by a state-of-art particle simulation for various magnetic configurations. New physical insights into the complex electromagnetic topology would facilitate designing more reliable and optimized ohmic breakdown scenarios in future tokamaks, such as ITER and beyond.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Three-dimensional Fréchet sensitivity kernels for electromagnetic wave propagation

Electromagnetic imaging methods are useful tools for monitoring subsurface changes in pore-fluid content and the associated changes in electrical permittivity and conductivity. The most common method for georadar tomography uses a high frequency ray-theoretic approximation that is valid when material variations are sufficiently small relative to the wavelength of the propagating wave. Georadar methods, however, often utilize electromagnetic waves that propagate within heterogeneous media at frequencies where ray theory may not be applicable. In this paper we describe the 3-D Fréchet sensitivity kernels for EM wave propagation. Various data functional types are formulated that consider all three components of the electric wavefield and incorporate near-, intermediate-, and far-field contributions. We show that EM waves exhibit substantial variations for different relative source-receiver component orientations. The 3-D sensitivities also illustrate out-of-plane effects that are not captured in 2-D sensitivity kernels and can influence results obtained using 2-D inversion methods to image structures that are in reality 3-D.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Design and Optimization of a Fast-Switching Electromagnetic Valve Actuator for Off-highway Vehicle Hydraulic Systems

Electrification of off-highway vehicles offers improved efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the extremely low power densities of electric machines relative to the hydraulics used in conventional off-highway vehicles makes electrification challenging. Although the recently proposed Hybrid Hydraulic Electric Architecture (HHEA) can overcome this limitation, it requires frequent switching between the pressure rails using switching valves resulting in losses. Fast switching minimizes the switching losses in these valves, which otherwise significantly reduce the overall efficiency of the system. The primary contribution of this paper is the design and optimization of a linear electromagnetic actuator for a fast-switching valve. This paper identifies the actuator requirements to enable fast switching and presents a design and optimization technique to realize actuators that meet the design objectives. In addition, a multi-physics approach is proposed to model the performance of the complete switching valve by considering the electromagnetic, fluidic, and mechanical physics. An optimal actuator design is obtained using the developed optimization framework, and the multi-physics model demonstrates that the selected design achieves a 30% reduction in throttling-related switching losses by switching 70 % faster than comparable commercial valve designs.

Linear actuators, off-highway vehicle electrificat↗