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At least 433 records · Page 24

Superconducting vortices carrying a temperature-dependent fraction of the flux quantum

Magnetic field penetrates type-II bulk superconductors by forming quantum vortices that enclose a magnetic flux equal to the magnetic flux quantum. The flux quantum is a universal quantity that depends only on fundamental constants. In this study, we investigated isolated vortices in the hole-overdoped Ba 1–x K x Fe 2 As 2 (x = 0.77) by using scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry. In many locations, we observed objects that carried only part of a flux quantum, with a magnitude that varied continuously with temperature. Here, we demonstrated mobility and manipulability of these objects and interpreted them as quantum vortices with nonuniversally quantized (fractional) magnetic flux whose magnitude is determined by the temperature-dependent parameters of a multicomponent superconductor.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DO THE LEGS OF MAGNETIC CLOUDS CONTAIN TWISTED FLUX-ROPE MAGNETIC FIELDS?

Magnetic clouds (MCs) are a subset of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) characterized primarily by a smooth rotation in the magnetic field direction indicative of the presence of a magnetic flux rope. Energetic particle signatures suggest MC flux ropes remain magnetically connected to the Sun at both ends, leading to widely used model of global MC structure as an extended flux rope, with a loop-like axis stretching out from the Sun into the heliosphere and back to the Sun. The time of flight of energetic particles, however, suggests shorter magnetic field line lengths than such a continuous twisted flux rope would produce. In this study, two simple models are compared with observed flux rope axis orientations of 196 MCs to show that the flux rope structure is confined to the MC leading edge. The MC “legs,” which magnetically connect the flux rope to the Sun, are not recognizable as MCs and thus are unlikely to contain twisted flux rope fields. Spacecraft encounters with these non-flux rope legs may provide an explanation for the frequent observation of non-MC ICMEs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The cyclical variation of energy flux and photospheric magnetic field strength from coronal holes

The average soft X-ray emission from coronal holes observed on images obtained during rocket flights from 1974 to 1981 is measured. The variation of this emission over the solar cycle was then compared with photospheric magnetic flux measurements within coronal holes over the same period. It was found that coronal hole soft X-ray emission could be detected and that this emission appeared to increase with the rise of the sunspot cycle from activity minimum to maximum. These quantitative results confirmed previous suggestions that the coronal brightness contrast between holes and large-scale structure decreased during this period of the cycle. Gas pressures at the hole base were estimated for assumed temperatures and found to vary from about 0.03 dyne/sq cm in 1974 to 0.35 dyne/sq cm in 1981. The increase in coronal hole X-ray emission was accompanied by a similar trend in the surface magnetic flux of near-equatorial holes between 1975 and 1980 (Harvey et al., 1982).

Webb, D. F.↗

Validation and Interpretation of a Three-dimensional Configuration of a Magnetic Cloud Flux Rope

One strong magnetic cloud (MC)with a magnetic field magnitude reaching∼40 nT at 1 au during 2012 June16–17 is examined in association with a preexisting magnetic flux rope (MFR)identified on the Sun. The MC is characterized by a quasi-three-dimensional(3D) flux rope model based on in situ measurements from the Wind spacecraft. The contents of the magnetic flux and other parameters are quantified. In addition, a correlative study with the corresponding measurements of the same structure crossed by the Venus Express (VEX)spacecraft at a heliocentric distance of 0.7 au and with an angular separation of∼6°in longitude is performed to validate the MC modeling results. The spatial variation between the Wind and VEX magnetic field measurements is attributed to the3D configuration of the structure appearing as a knotted bundle of flux. A comparison of the magnetic flux contents between the MC and the preexisting MFR on the Sun indicates that the 3D reconnection process accompanying anM1.9flare may correspond to the magnetic reconnection between the field lines of the preexisting MFR rooted in the opposite polarity foot points. Such a process reduces the amount of the axial magnetic flux in the erupted flux rope, by approximately 50%, in this case.

Qiang Hu↗

Final Report for contract DE-SC0010151, "A Cost-Effective Oxygen Separation System Based on Open Gradient Magnetic Field by Polymer Beads"

At present much of the oxygen enrichment market is based primarily on cryogenic systems, ion transport membranes made of ceramics, or polymer membranes technologies. All these methods have some positive and some negative attributes, but remain too expensive for the cost effective production of pure oxygen needed for clean renewable energy conversion projects. In a very successful Phase I period, the ITN-TAMU team accomplished the completion of most of the sub-tasks on oxygen separation based on our proposed magnetic field gradients. Theoretical and computer simulation data under different conditions of flow rates, magnetic flux, magnetic beads packing density, pressure and temperature have resulted very valuable observations. Chitosan based polymer magnetic beads showed the best results for uniformity and column packing. Due to limited magnetic force of 1 Tesla, we were restricted to use only single small column of magnetic beads and limited air pressure with controlled flow rate. We also fabricated smaller sized beads column with metal and clear plastic frames to be used for more concentrated packed capacity. Beads made with rare earth Neodymium were not uniform and were quite brittle. Different surfactants have minimized the effect of the de-aggregation of polymer magnetic beads. This Phase I development work also included overcoming key packaging hurdles such as high packing capacity of magnetic polymer beads and formation of consistent batch of magnetic beads. Market and commercialization studies were also initiated to show that there is a growing market for the proposed cost-effective oxygen separation system for energy conversion projects.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

An hourglass model for the flare of HST-1 in M87

To explain the multi-wavelength light curves (from radio to X-ray) of HST-1 in the M87 jet, we propose an hourglass model that is a modified two-zone system of Tavecchio and Ghisellini (hereafter TG08): a slow hourglass-shaped or Laval-nozzle-shaped layer connected by two revolving exponential surfaces surrounding a fast spine through which plasma blobs flow. Based on the conservation of magnetic flux, the magnetic field changes along the axis of the hourglass. We adopt the result of TG08—the high-energy emission from GeV to TeV can be produced through inverse Compton by the two-zone system, and the photons from radio to X-ray are mainly radiated by the fast inner zone system. Here, we only discuss the light curves of the fast inner blob from radio to X-ray. When a compressible blob travels down the axis of the first bulb in the hourglass, because of magnetic flux conservation, its cross section experiences an adiabatic compression process, which results in particle acceleration and the brightening of HST-1. When the blob moves into the second bulb of the hourglass, because of magnetic flux conservation, the dimming of the knot occurs along with an adiabatic expansion of its cross section. A similar broken exponential function could fit the TeV peaks in M87, which may imply a correlation between the TeV flares of M87 and the light curves from radio to X-ray in HST-1. The Very Large Array (VLA) 22 GHz radio light curve of HST-1 verifies our prediction based on the model fit to the main peak of the VLA 15 GHz radio one.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Open Flux Problem

The heliospheric magnetic field is of pivotal importance in solar and space physics. The field is rooted in the Sun’s photosphere, where it has been observed for many years. Global maps of the solar magnetic field based on full-disk magnetograms are commonly used as boundary conditions for coronal and solar wind models. Two primary observational constraints on the models are (1) the open field regions in the model should approximately correspond to coronal holes (CHs) observed in emission and (2) the magnitude of the open magnetic flux in the model should match that inferred from in situ spacecraft measurements. In this study, we calculate both magnetohydrodynamic and potential field source surface solutions using 14 different magnetic maps produced from five different types of observatory magnetograms, for the time period surrounding 2010 July. We have found that for all of the model/map combinations, models that have CH areas close to observations underestimate the interplanetary magnetic flux, or, conversely, for models to match the interplanetary flux, the modeled open field regions are larger than CHs observed in EUV emission. In an alternative approach, we estimate the open magnetic flux entirely from solar observations by combining automatically detected CHs for Carrington rotation 2098 with observatory synoptic magnetic maps. This approach also underestimates the interplanetary magnetic flux. Our results imply that either typical observatory maps underestimate the Sun’s magnetic flux, or a significant portion of the open magnetic flux is not rooted in regions that are obviously dark in EUV and X-ray emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Thermal profile shaping and loss impacts of strain annealing on magnetic ribbon cores

We report the use of the advanced manufacturing technique of strain annealing for nanocomposite magnetic ribbons enables control of relative permeabilities and spatially dependent permeability profiles. Tuned permeability profiles enable enhanced control of the magnetic flux throughout magnetic cores, including the concentration or dispersion of the magnetic flux over specific regions. Due to the correlation between local core losses and temperature rises with the local magnetic flux, these profiles can be tuned at the component level for improved losses and reduced steady-state temperatures. We present analytical models for a number of assumed permeability profiles. This work shows significant reductions in the peak temperature rise with overall core losses impacted to a lesser extent. Controlled strain annealing profiles can also adjust the location of hotspots within a component for optimal cooling schemes. Finally, as a result, magnetic designs can have improved performance for a range of potential operating conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of magnetization on fusion product trapping and secondary neutron spectra

By magnetizing the fusion fuel in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) systems, the required stagnation pressure and density can be relaxed dramatically. This happens because the magnetic field insulates the hot fuel from the cold pusher and traps the charged fusion burn products. This trapping allows the burn products to deposit their energy in the fuel, facilitating plasma self-heating. Here, we report on a comprehensive theory of this trapping in a cylindrical DD plasma magnetized with a purely axial magnetic field. Using this theory, we are able to show that the secondary fusion reactions can be used to infer the magnetic field-radius product, BR, during fusion burn. This parameter, not ρR, is the primary confinement parameter in magnetized ICF. Using this method, we analyze data from recent Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion experiments conducted on the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories. We show that in these experiments BR ≈ 0.34(+0.14/−0.06) MG · cm, a ∼ 14× increase in BR from the initial value, and confirming that the DD-fusion tritons are magnetized at stagnation. This is the first experimental verification of charged burn product magnetization facilitated by compression of an initial seed magnetic flux.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A Review of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine Technology

Axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPM) are popular for applications that benefit from high torque density and an axially compact form factor, such as in-wheel traction drives. Although the radial flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) and the AFPM work based on the same underlying principle, the differences in their geometry introduce complexities in analysis of the AFPM. In this paper, the different AFPM design variants, their sizing approaches, computationally efficient design optimization techniques, and manufacturing techniques reported in literature are reviewed. In addition to classical AFPM machines, emerging variants and research opportunities with potential to push the boundaries of electric machine technology are reviewed. Furthermore, these include bearingless AFPMs, magnetically geared AFPMs, and combined radial-axial flux machines.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Recent Advances in Analysis and Design of Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Electric Machines

Axial flux permanent magnet machines (AFPM) are popular for applications that benefit from high torque density and an axially compact form factor, such as in-wheel traction drives. Although the radial flux permanent magnet machine (RFPM) and the AFPM work based on the same underlying principle, the differences in their geometry introduce complexities in analysis of the AFPM. In this paper, the different AFPM design variants, their sizing approaches, computationally efficient design optimization techniques, and manufacturing techniques reported in literature are reviewed. In addition to classical AFPM machines, emerging variants and research opportunities with potential to push the boundaries of electric machine technology are reviewed. These include bearingless AFPMs, magnetically geared AFPMs, and combined radial-axial flux machines.

Nishanth, FNU↗

THE TOPOLOGY OF CANONICAL FLUX TUBES IN FLARED JET GEOMETRY

Magnetized plasma jets are generally modeled as magnetic flux tubes filled with flowing plasma governed by magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). We outline here a more fundamental approach based on flux tubes of canonical vorticity, where canonical vorticity is defined as the circulation of the species’ canonical momentum. This approach extends the concept of magnetic flux tube evolution to include the effects of finite particle momentum and enables visualization of the topology of plasma jets in regimes beyond MHD. A flared, current-carrying magnetic flux tube in an ion-electron plasma with finite ion momentum is thus equivalent to either a pair of electron and ion flow flux tubes, a pair of electron and ion canonical momentum flux tubes, or a pair of electron and ion canonical vorticity flux tubes. We examine the morphology of all these flux tubes for increasing electrical currents, different radial current profiles, different electron Mach numbers, and a fixed, flared, axisymmetric magnetic geometry. Calculations of gauge-invariant relative canonical helicities track the evolution of magnetic, cross, and kinetic helicities in the system, and show that ion flow fields can unwind to compensate for an increasing magnetic twist. The results demonstrate that including a species’ finite momentum can result in a very long collimated canonical vorticity flux tube even if the magnetic flux tube is flared. With finite momentum, particle density gradients must be normal to canonical vorticities, not to magnetic fields, so observations of collimated astrophysical jets could be images of canonical vorticity flux tubes instead of magnetic flux tubes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Effect of Inhomogeneities on High-Frequency, Low-1 p-Modes: DIFOS Experiment on CORONAS-I

The investigation of the effects of inhomogeneities of the acoustic modes of the global solar oscillation spectrum has two parts, the first dealing with the prediction of wave fluxes in magnetic flux tubes due to the excitation of longitudinal (i.e. pressure) modes, and the second part, concerning the effects of radiation damping on the p-modes themselves. Part 1 of this work, in collaboration with S.S. Hasan (Indian Institute of Astro- physics, Bangalore), is complete and has resulted in a publication titled Excitation of Longitudinal Modes in Solar Magnetic Flux Tubes, By S.S. Hasan & WK. It is in press in the ASP conference series, containing the proceedings of the Cool Stars conference of 1997, R.A. Donahue and J.A. Bookbinder, editors; publication is expected in 1998. Part 2, in collaboration with Y. Zhugzhda (Izmiran, Moscow) and J. Staude (Sonnenobservatorium Einsteinturm, Potsdam) is in progress and is expected to result in a paper in the forthcoming Boston conference on Helio- and Asteroseismology in June, 1998. A fuller accounting of the work done under the grant will be given when the work started with funding from the grant is complete.

Kalkofen, Wolfgang↗

Correlation of electron path lengths observed in the highly wound outer region of magnetic clouds with the slab fraction of magnetic turbulence in the dissipation range

Three magnetic cloud events, in which solar impulsive electron events occurred in their outer region, are employed to investigate the difference of path lengths L {sub 0eIII} traveled by non-relativistic electrons from their release site near the Sun to the observer at 1 AU, where L {sub 0eIII} = v {sub l} × (t {sub l} – t {sub III}), v {sub l} and t {sub l} being the velocity and arrival time of electrons in the lowest energy channel (∼27 keV) of the Wind/3DP/SST sensor, respectively, and t {sub III} being the onset time of type III radio bursts. The deduced L {sub 0eIII} value ranges from 1.3 to 3.3 AU. Since a negligible interplanetary scattering level can be seen in both L {sub 0eIII} > 3 AU and ∼1.2 AU events, the difference in L {sub 0eIII} could be linked to the turbulence geometry (slab or two-dimensional) in the solar wind. By using the Wind/MFI magnetic field data with a time resolution of 92 ms, we examine the turbulence geometry in the dissipation range. In our examination, ∼6 minutes of sampled subintervals are used in order to improve time resolution. We have found that, in the transverse turbulence, the observed slab fraction is increased with an increasing L {sub 0eIII} value, reaching ∼100% in the L {sub 0eIII} > 3 AU event. Our observation implies that when only the slab spectral component exists, magnetic flux tubes (magnetic surfaces) are closed and regular for a very long distance along the transport route of particles.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Flux Eruption Events Drive Angular Momentum Transport in Magnetically Arrested Accretion Flows

We evolve two high-resolution general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of advection-dominated accretion flows around nonspinning black holes (BHs), each over a duration ~3 × 10 5 GM BH /c 3 . One model captures the evolution of a weakly magnetized (SANE) disk and the other that of a magnetically arrested disk (MAD). Magnetic flux eruptions in the MAD model push out gas from the disk and launch strong winds with outflow efficiencies at times reaching 10% of the incoming accretion power. Despite the substantial power in these winds, average mass outflow rates remain low out to a radius ~100GM BH /c 2 , only reaching ~60%–80% of the horizon accretion rate. The average outward angular momentum transport is primarily radial in both modes of accretion, but with a clear distinction: magnetic flux eruption–driven disk winds cause a strong vertical flow of angular momentum in the MAD model, while for the SANE model, the magnetorotational instability (MRI) moves angular momentum mostly equatorially through the disk. Further, we find that the MAD state is highly transitory and nonaxisymmetric, with the accretion mode often changing to a SANE-like state following an eruption before reattaining magnetic flux saturation with time. The Reynolds stress changes directions during such transitions, with the MAD (SANE) state showing an inward (outward) stress, possibly pointing to intermittent MRI-driven accretion in MADs. Pinning down the nature of flux eruptions using next-generation telescopes will be crucial in understanding the flow of mass, magnetic flux, and angular momentum in sub-Eddington accreting BHs like M87* and Sagittarius A*.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Evolution of the magnetic helicity flux during the formation and eruption of flux ropes

We describe the evolution and the magnetic helicity flux for two active regions (ARs) since their appearance on the solar disk: NOAA 11318 and NOAA 11675. Both ARs hosted the formation and destabilization of magnetic flux ropes. In the former AR, the formation of the flux rope culminated in a flare of C2.3 GOES class and a coronal mass ejection (CME) observed by Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment. In the latter AR, the region hosting the flux rope was involved in several flares, but only a partial eruption with signatures of a minor plasma outflow was observed. We found a different behavior in the accumulation of the magnetic helicity flux in the corona, depending on the magnetic configuration and on the location of the flux ropes in the ARs. Our results suggest that the complexity and strength of the photospheric magnetic field is only a partial indicator of the real likelihood of an AR producing the eruption of a flux rope and a subsequent CME.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Characteristics of Low-latitude Coronal Holes near the Maximum of Solar Cycle 24

We investigate the statistics of 288 low-latitude coronal holes extracted from SDO /AIA-193 filtergrams over the time range of 2011 January 01–2013 December 31. We analyze the distribution of characteristic coronal hole properties, such as the areas, mean AIA-193 intensities, and mean magnetic field densities, the local distribution of the SDO /AIA-193 intensity and the magnetic field within the coronal holes, and the distribution of magnetic flux tubes in coronal holes. We find that the mean magnetic field density of all coronal holes under study is 3.0 ± 1.6 G, and the percentaged unbalanced magnetic flux is 49 ± 16%. The mean magnetic field density, the mean unsigned magnetic field density, and the percentaged unbalanced magnetic flux of coronal holes depend strongly pairwise on each other, with correlation coefficients cc > 0.92. Furthermore, we find that the unbalanced magnetic flux of the coronal holes is predominantly concentrated in magnetic flux tubes: 38% (81%) of the unbalanced magnetic flux of coronal holes arises from only 1% (10%) of the coronal hole area, clustered in magnetic flux tubes with field strengths >50 G (10 G). The average magnetic field density and the unbalanced magnetic flux derived from the magnetic flux tubes correlate with the mean magnetic field density and the unbalanced magnetic flux of the overall coronal hole (cc>0.93). These findings give evidence that the overall magnetic characteristics of coronal holes are governed by the characteristics of the magnetic flux tubes.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗