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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2015

Improved Detection System Description and New Method for Accurate Calibration of Micro-Channel Plate Based Instruments and Its Use in the Fast Plasma Investigation on NASA's Magnetospheric MultiScale Mission

The Fast Plasma Investigation (FPI) on NASAs Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission employs 16 Dual Electron Spectrometers (DESs) and 16 Dual Ion Spectrometers (DISs) with 4 of each type on each of 4 spacecraft to enable fast (30 ms for electrons; 150 ms for ions) and spatially differentiated measurements of the full 3D particle velocity distributions. This approach presents a new and challenging aspect to the calibration and operation of these instruments on ground and in flight. The response uniformity, the reliability of their calibration and the approach to handling any temporal evolution of these calibrated characteristics all assume enhanced importance in this application, where we attempt to understand the meaning of particle distributions within the ion and electron diffusion regions of magnetically reconnecting plasmas. Traditionally, the micro-channel plate (MCP) based detection systems for electrostatic particle spectrometers have been calibrated using the plateau curve technique. In this, a fixed detection threshold is set. The detection system count rate is then measured as a function of MCP voltage to determine the MCP voltage that ensures the count rate has reached a constant value independent of further variation in the MCP voltage. This is achieved when most of the MCP pulse height distribution (PHD) is located at higher values (larger pulses) than the detection system discrimination threshold. This method is adequate in single-channel detection systems and in multi-channel detection systems with very low crosstalk between channels. However, in dense multi-channel systems, it can be inadequate. Furthermore, it fails to fully describe the behavior of the detection system and individually characterize each of its fundamental parameters. To improve this situation, we have developed a detailed phenomenological description of the detection system, its behavior and its signal, crosstalk and noise sources. Based on this, we have devised a new detection system calibration method that enables accurate and repeatable measurement and calibration of MCP gain, MCP efficiency, signal loss due to variation in gain and efficiency, crosstalk from effects both above and below the MCP, noise margin, and stability margin in one single measurement. More precise calibration is highly desirable as the instruments will produce higher quality raw data that will require less post-acquisition data correction using results from in-flight pitch angle distribution measurements and ground calibration measurements. The detection system description and the fundamental concepts of this new calibration method, named threshold scan, will be presented. It will be shown how to derive all the individual detection system parameters and how to choose the optimum detection system operating point. This new method has been successfully applied to achieve a highly accurate calibration of the DESs and DISs of the MMS mission. The practical application of the method will be presented together with the achieved calibration results and their significance. Finally, it will be shown that, with further detailed modeling, this method can be extended for use in flight to achieve and maintain a highly accurate detection system calibration across a large number of instruments during the mission.

detection system↗
NASA NTRS2022

Advancing Theory and Modeling Efforts in Heliophysics

Heliophysics theory and modeling build understanding from fundamental principles to motivate, interpret, and predict observations. Together with observational analysis, they constitute a comprehensive scientific program in heliophysics. As observations and data analysis become increasingly detailed, it is critical that theory and modeling develop more quantitative predictions and iterate with observations. Advanced theory and modeling can inspire and greatly improve the design of new instruments and increase their chance of success. In addition, in order to build physics based space weather forecast models, it is important to keep developing and testing new theories, and maintaining constant communications with theory and modeling. Maintaining a sustainable effort in theory and modeling is critically important to heliophysics. We recommend that all funding agencies join forces and consider expanding current and creating new theory and modeling programs–especially, 1. NASA should restore the HTMS program to its original support level to meet the critical needs of heliophysics science; 2. a Strategic Research Model program needs to be created to support model development for next-generation basic research codes; 3. new programs must be created for addressing mission-critical theory and modeling needs; and 4. enhanced programs are urgently required for training the next generation of theorists and modelers.

Fan Guo↗
DOE OSTI2024

Dynamical generation of the baryon asymmetry from a scale hierarchy

We propose a novel baryogenesis scenario where the baryon asymmetry originates directly from a hierarchy between two fundamental mass scales: the electroweak scale v and the Planck scale M P , in the form of Y B ∼ v M P . This relation straightforwardly gives the observed baryon yield today Y B , which can be a hint for underlying fundamental physics. We provide an example of baryogenesis models that yield this relation. Our model is based on the neutrino-portal Affleck-Dine mechanism, which generates the asymmetry of the Affleck-Dine sector during the radiation-dominated era and subsequently transfers it to the baryon number before the electroweak phase transition. The observed baryon asymmetry is then a natural outcome of this scenario. The model is testable as it predicts the existence of a Majoron with a keV mass and an electroweak scale decay constant. The impact of the relic Majoron on the effective number of neutrinos ( Δ N eff ) can be measured through near-future cosmic microwave background observations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Calibration of the ProtoDUNE Horizontal-Drift position reconstruction using a laser system

Forthcoming in the next decade of neutrino physics advancements is the construction of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment which has the potential to answer fundamental questions such as why there is more matter than antimatter in the universe, and ultimately why we exist at all. A prototype of this experiment, ProtoDUNE, sits in a charged particle test beam at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and uses Liquid Argon time projection chambers to image interactions of these particles. ProtoDUNE Single-Phase (ProtoDUNESP) had positively charged hadrons as well as positrons in its initial 2018 beam data run. Because ProtoDUNE is a surface-based time projection chamber, it experiences a constant influx of cosmic rays. These cosmic rays ionize the liquid argon within the detector, resulting in an accumulation of slow moving positive ions towards the cathode. This local charge distribution results in electric field non uniformities, which can have a significant effect on the accuracy of the event reconstruction. This paper outlines a monte carlo simulation study which adapts methodology from the MicroBooNE experiment, another neutrino oscillation experiment, to derive electric field correction maps which can correct for distortions of the electric field within the detector. These correction maps accurately estimate the electric field throughout the detector volume and correct for uncertainties in reconstructed event data enabling for physics discoveries.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2007

Coated Fused Silica Fibers for Enhanced Sensitivity Torsion Pendulum

In order to investigate the fundamental thermal noise limit of a torsion pendulum using a fused silica fiber, we systematically measured and modeled the mechanical losses of thin fused silica fibers coated by electrically conductive thin metal films. Our results indicate that it is possible to achieve a thermal noise limit for coated silica lower by a factor between 3 and 9, depending on the silica diameter, compared to the best tungsten fibers available. This will allow a corresponding increase in sensitivity of torsion pendula used for weak force measurements, including the gravitational constant measurement and ground-based force noise testing for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission.

Numata, Kenji↗
DOE OSTI2022

At-power subcritical multiplication in the advanced test reactor

The degree to which a given physical subdivision of a critical reactor acts as a neutron source for other lobes is not analytically characterized for general application. ATR and ATRC both operate at power, and individual power-producing lobes rely on each other as neutron sources in order to maintain constant power, which in general requires either exactly critical multiplication within a reactor or an external neutron source. Here, this work shows that lobe powers in ATR or ATRC can be related with subcritical multiplication theory, demonstrating that the lobes are not individually critical. This explanation is significant for ATR due to the desire to irradiate a large variety of experiments simultaneously, each having its impact on the core neutron population. This work also establishes the lack of relationship between experiment reactivity worth and cross-sections calculated from fundamental nuclear data. For any physical subdivision of any other critical reactor, it is likewise true that the subdivision undergoes only subcritical multiplication.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurement of Thermal Conductivity in a Supercooled Hydrogel-Salt Complex Near Its Phase Transition

Solid-liquid phase transitions, i.e. solidification processes, have applications in data storage, development of novel thermoelectric materials, cooling of microelectronic substrates and air conditioning condensers. Standard analyses of solidification (Stefan problem) assume constant thermal properties of the solid and liquid sides. It is not known how these properties change across the spatial transition interface, though most studies report a discontinuity in the solid and liquid properties through the transition temperature [1]. When the phase transition releases enthalpy, recent research has shown if the phonon or electron transport time is of the same order of magnitude as the time scale of the atomic transformation, this increases the heat capacity of the solid material at temperatures near the phase transition temperature [2]. A fundamental understanding of the phase transition may help shed light on the molecular origins of supercooling and spontaneous nucleation, which will help with applications involving them. We report studies of supercooling and nucleation of sodium sulfate decahydrate, a salt hydrate which is of recent interest in thermal storage, and of a hydrogel-sodium sulfate complex which shows limited supercooling. We will also report the measurement of their thermal properties during the phase transition process. This will be done with a hot-wire setup which produces small temperature changes of the order of ~1 C.

crystallization, phase transformation, thermal con↗
DOE OSTI2026

Flame Characterization and Flashback Studies of Hydrogen-Enriched Low-Swirl Flames Using High-Speed OH-PLIF

Here, this paper reports the flashback mechanism observed in hydrogen-enriched flames stabilized in a low-swirl burner (LSB) at atmospheric temperature and pressure. The fundamentals of hydrogen-rich stable flames and spatiotemporal information of flashback phenomena were observed experimentally using a high-repetition-rate nanosecond (ns)-duration hydroxyl planar laser-induced fluorescence (OH-PLIF) diagnostic. Testing was conducted for methane and hydrogen (50–90%H 2 , by mole) blends in an optically accessible LSB premixer with measured swirl numbers varying from 0.43 to 0.49. The flashback propensity showed dependence on liftoff length, which was dependent on premixer velocity (𝑉), hydrogen content (𝑋 H 2 ), and equivalence ratio (𝜙) at constant temperature and pressure. High-speed OH-PLIF images revealed that lifted flames were first observed at low 𝜙/𝑋 H 2 conditions, which were changed to an M-shaped flame attached to the burner rim with an increase in 𝜙/𝑋 H 2 . A further increase in 𝜙/𝑋 H 2 triggered the flame flashback into the premixer. Flame 𝜙 at flashback (𝜙 FB ) showed an expected linearly increasing trend with increasing 𝑉 and decreasing 𝑋 H 2 , and the conclusions drawn aligned well with detailed liftoff length investigations. The 𝜙 FB increased with increasing perforated plate hole diameter and increasing swirler vane angle. The vane angle had little effect on flashback tendency at high premixer velocity.

combustion↗
NASA NTRS2002

The Statistical Mechanics of Ideal Homogeneous Turbulence

Plasmas, such as those found in the space environment or in plasma confinement devices, are often modeled as electrically conducting fluids. When fluids and plasmas are energetically stirred, regions of highly nonlinear, chaotic behavior known as turbulence arise. Understanding the fundamental nature of turbulence is a long-standing theoretical challenge. The present work describes a statistical theory concerning a certain class of nonlinear, finite dimensional, dynamical models of turbulence. These models arise when the partial differential equations describing incompressible, ideal (i.e., nondissipative) homogeneous fluid and magnetofluid (i.e., plasma) turbulence are Fourier transformed into a very large set of ordinary differential equations. These equations define a divergenceless flow in a high-dimensional phase space, which allows for the existence of a Liouville theorem, guaranteeing a distribution function based on constants of the motion (integral invariants). The novelty of these particular dynamical systems is that there are integral invariants other than the energy, and that some of these invariants behave like pseudoscalars under two of the discrete symmetry transformations of physics, parity, and charge conjugation. In this work the 'rugged invariants' of ideal homogeneous turbulence are shown to be the only significant scalar and pseudoscalar invariants. The discovery that pseudoscalar invariants cause symmetries of the original equations to be dynamically broken and induce a nonergodic structure on the associated phase space is the primary result presented here. Applicability of this result to dissipative turbulence is also discussed.

Shebalin, John V.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Gamma-ray bursts, supernovae Ia, and baryon acoustic oscillations: A binned cosmological analysis

Abstract Cosmological probes at any redshift are necessary to reconstruct consistently the cosmic history. Studying properly the tension on the Hubble constant, H0, obtained by supernovae type Ia (SNe Ia) and the Planck measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation would require complete samples of distance indicators at any epoch. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are necessary for the aforementioned task because of their huge luminosity that allows us to extend the cosmic ladder to very high redshifts. However, using GRBs alone as standard candles is challenging, because their luminosity varies widely. To this end, we choose a reliable correlation for GRBs with a very small intrinsic scatter: the so-called fundamental plane correlation for GRB afterglows corrected for selection biases and redshift evolution. We choose a well defined sample: the platinum sample, composed of 50 long GRBs. To further constrain the cosmological parameters, we use baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs) given their reliability as standard rulers. Thus, we have applied GRBs, SNe Ia, and BAOs in a binned analysis in redshifts so that the GRB contribution is fully included in the last redshift bin, which reaches z = 5. We use the fundamental plane correlation (also known as the 3D Dainotti relation), together with SNe Ia and BAOs, to constrain H0 and the density matter today, ΩM. This methodology allows us to assess the role of GRBs combined with SNe Ia and BAOs. We have obtained results for H0 and ΩM using GRBs+SNe Ia+BAOs with better precision than SNe Ia alone for every bin, thus confirming the beneficial role of BAOs and GRBs added together. In addition, consistent results between GRBs+SNe Ia+BAOs are obtained when compared with SNe Ia+BAOs, showing the importance of GRBs since the distance ladder is extended up to z = 5 with a similar precision obtained with other probes without including GRBs.

Dainotti, Maria Giovanna↗
NASA NTRS1986

Optimal take-off trajectories in the presence of windshear

The present consideration of takeoff trajectory optimization in eight different fundamental problems involving wind shears assumes that the power setting is held at the maximum value, and that the aircraft is controlled with respect to angle-of-attack. While the first three problems are least-squares ones of the Bolza type, the remaining five are minimax problems of the Chebyshev type which can be converted to Bolza type by means of suitable transformations. All problems are solved on the basis of the dual sequential gradient-restoration algorithm for optimal control problems. The trajectory solutions obtained are superior to constant angle-of-attack trajectories.

Miele, A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

General Kinetic Model for pH Dependence of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer: Application to an Electrochemical Water Oxidation System

The pH dependence of proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, which are critical to many chemical and biological processes, is a powerful probe for elucidating their fundamental mechanisms. Herein, a general, multichannel kinetic model is introduced to describe the pH dependence of both homogeneous and electrochemical PCET reactions. According to this model, a weak pH dependence can arise from the competition among multiple sequential and concerted PCET channels involving different forms of the redox species, such as protonated and deprotonated forms, as well as different proton donors and acceptors. The contribution of each channel is influenced by the relative populations of the reactant species, which often depend strongly on pH, leading to complex pH dependence of PCET apparent rate constants. This model is used to explain the origins of the experimentally observed weak pH dependence of the electrochemical PCET apparent rate constant for a ruthenium-based water oxidation catalyst attached to a tin-doped In2O3 (ITO) surface. The weak pH dependence is found to arise from the intrinsic differences in the rate constants of participating channels and the dependence of their relative contributions on pH. This model predicts that the apparent maximum rate constant will become pH-independent at higher pH, which is confirmed by experimental measurements. Our analysis also suggests that the dominant channels are electron transfer at lower pH and sequential PCET via electron transfer followed by fast proton transfer at higher pH. Furthermore, this work highlights the importance of considering multiple competing channels simultaneously for PCET processes.

Catalysts↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum optical classifier with superexponential speedup

Abstract Classification is a central task in deep learning algorithms. Usually, images are first captured and then processed by a sequence of operations, of which the artificial neuron represents one of the fundamental units. This paradigm requires significant resources that scale (at least) linearly in the image resolution, both in terms of photons and computational operations. Here, we present a quantum optical pattern recognition method for binary classification tasks. It classifies objects without reconstructing their images, using the rate of two-photon coincidences at the output of a Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer, where both the input and the classifier parameters are encoded into single-photon states. Our method exhibits the behaviour of a classical neuron of unit depth. Once trained, it shows a constant $${{\mathcal{O}}}(1)$$ O ( 1 ) complexity in the number of computational operations and photons required by a single classification. This is a superexponential advantage over a classical artificial neuron.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1992

An accurate ab initio quartic force field for ammonia

The quartic force field of ammonia is computed using basis sets of spdf/spd and spdfg/spdf quality and an augmented coupled cluster method. After correcting for Fermi resonance, the computed fundamentals and nu 4 overtones agree on average to better than 3/cm with the experimental ones except for nu 2. The discrepancy for nu 2 is principally due to higher-order anharmonicity effects. The computed omega 1, omega 3, and omega 4 confirm the recent experimental determination by Lehmann and Coy (1988) but are associated with smaller error bars. The discrepancy between the computed and experimental omega 2 is far outside the expected error range, which is also attributed to higher-order anharmonicity effects not accounted for in the experimental determination. Spectroscopic constants are predicted for a number of symmetric and asymmetric top isotopomers of NH3.

Martin, J. M. L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electric dipole moments of three-nucleon systems in the pionless effective field theory

We calculate the electric dipole moments (EDMs) of three-nucleon systems at leading order in pionless effective field theory. The one-body contributions that arise from permanent proton and neutron EDMs and the two-body contributions that arise from charge-parity-odd nucleon-nucleon interactions are taken into account. Neglecting the Coulomb interaction, we consider the triton and 3 He, and also investigate them in the Wigner-SU(4) symmetric limit. We also calculate the electric dipole form factor and find numerically that the momentum dependence of the electric dipole form factor in the Wigner limit is, up to an overall constant (and numerical accuracy), the same as the momentum dependence of the charge form factor. Finally, we study the cutoff dependence of these observables and find that they are properly renormalized.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Iridium Nanoparticles Grown via Atomic Layer Deposition

Nonlinear optical phenomena enable novel photonic and optoelectronic applications. Especially, metallic nanoparticles and thin films with nonlinear optical properties offer the potential for micro-optical system integration. For this purpose, new nonlinear materials need to be continuously identified, investigated, and utilized for nonlinear optical applications. While noble-metal nanoparticles, nanostructures, and thin films of silver and gold have been widely studied, iridium (Ir) nanoparticles and ultrathin films have not been investigated for nonlinear optical applications yet. Here, we present a combined theoretical and experimental study on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of iridium nanoparticles deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD). Linear optical constants, such as the effective refractive index and extinction coefficient, were evaluated at different growth stages of nanoparticle formation. Both linear and nonlinear optical properties of these Ir ALD coatings were calculated theoretically using the Maxwell Garnett theory. The third-order susceptibility of iridium nanoparticle samples was experimentally investigated using the z-scan technique. According to the experiment, for an Ir ALD coating with 45 cycles resulting in iridium nanoparticles, the experimentally determined nonlinear third-order susceptibility is about χ Ir (3) = (2.4 – i2.1) × 10 –17 m 2 /V 2 at the fundamental wavelength of 700 nm. The theory fitted to the experimental results predicts a 5 × 10 6 -fold increase around 230 nm. This strong increase is due to the proximity to the Mie resonance of iridium nanoparticles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2019

High-Speed Schlieren Analysis of Retropropulsion Jet in Mach 10 Flow

High-speed schlieren imaging of a 5-in.-diam, 70° sphere-cone model with a single centerline 15° half-angle nozzle was performed in a Mach 10 flow. Image sequences captured at 100 kHz were obtained with the nozzle plugged (fully blunted model), no nozzle flow, and with nozzle flow over a range of supply pressures. The freestream unit Reynolds number was kept constant for all runs at3.38×106m−1. Time-average information pertaining to the location, width, and stand-off distance of the bow shock, interface, terminal shock, and triple point as a function of jet pressure ratio are presented based on analysis of covariance images from each run. Measurement of jet plume boundary shape as a function of jet pressure ratio is also presented. Analyses of frequency content associated with the jet structure are shown, as are results of the proper orthogonal decomposition of these data. For all runs with nozzle flow, a dominant fundamental frequency of 2 kHz was observed. Finally, a discussion of bow shock unsteadiness resulting from interaction with freestream disturbances for the blunted and no nozzle flow is provided, as is a discussion on the formation of weak waves emanating from the bow shock resulting from this interaction.

Brett F Bathel↗
DOE OSTI2024

Stairway to discovery: A report on the CMS programme of cross section measurements from millibarns to femtobarns

The Large Hadron Collider at CERN, delivering proton-proton collisions at much higher energies and far higher luminosities than previous machines, has enabled a comprehensive programme of measurements of the standard model (SM) processes by the CMS experiment. These unprecedented capabilities facilitate precise measurements of the properties of a wide array of processes, the most fundamental being cross sections. The discovery of the Higgs boson and the measurement of its mass became the keystone of the SM. Knowledge of the mass of the Higgs boson allows precision comparisons of the predictions of the SM with the corresponding measurements. These measurements span the range from one of the most copious SM processes, the total inelastic cross section for proton-proton interactions, to the rarest ones, such as Higgs boson pair production. They cover the production of Higgs bosons, top quarks, single and multibosons, and hadronic jets. Associated parameters, such as coupling constants, are also measured. These cross section measurements can be pictured as a descending stairway, on which the lowest steps represent the rarest processes allowed by the SM, some never seen before.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗