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At least 55 records · Page 3

An Analytical Model for Non-Uniform Magnetic Field Effects on Two-Dimensional Laminar Jet Diffusion Flames

In 1846, Michael Faraday found that permanent magnets could cause candle flames to deform into equatorial disks. He believed that the change in flame shape was caused by the presence of charged particles within the flames interacting with the magnetic fields. Later researchers found that the interaction between the flame ions and the magnetic fields were much too small to cause the flame deflection. Through a force analysis, von Engel and Cozens showed that the change in the flame shape could be attributed to the diamagnetic flame gases in the paramagnetic atmosphere. Paramagnetism occurs in materials composed of atoms with permanent magnetic dipole moments. In the presence of magnetic field gradients, the atoms align with the magnetic field and are drawn into the direction of increasing magnetic field. Diamagnetism occurs when atoms have no net magnetic dipole moment. In the presence of magnetic gradient fields, diamagnetic substances are repelled towards areas of decreasing magnetism. Oxygen is an example of a paramagnetic substance. Nitrogen, carbon monoxide and dioxide, and most hydrocarbon fuels are examples of diamagnetic substances. In order to evaluate the usefulness of these magnets in altering flame behavior, a study has been undertaken to develop an analytical model to describe the change in the flame length of a laminar diffusion jet in the presence of a nonuniform magnetic field.

Calvert, M. E.↗

Equilibrium configurations of Vlasov plasmas carrying a current component along an external magnetic field.

A model of equilibrium configurations of Vlasov plasmas is considered which represents a combination of the models of Harris (1962) and Nicholson (1963). These plasma configurations carry a current component along an external magnetic field. The considered slab model contains a diamagnetic current and a field-aligned current for an arbitrary ratio of particle pressure to magnetic pressure of the applied constant field. For a fixed pressure ratio and field-aligned current, the model admits a family of equilibrium solutions in which the diamagnetic currents range from zero to a maximum value. The amount of diamagnetic current flowing in a machine depends on the width of the machine, the field-aligned current and other plasma parameters.

Kan, J. R.↗

Plasma waves observed by the IRM and UKS spacecraft during the AMPTE solar wind lithium releases - Overview

The wave measurements from the Ion Release Module and the United Kingdom Satellite in the diamagnetic cavity, the transition region, and the upstream region are examined. Solar wind conditions during the releases on September 11 and 20, 1984 are described. The quasi-static electric field, wideband, high-frequency waves, and medium and VLF waves observations are analyzed. The data reveal that extremely low levels of wave activity are observed in the boundary between the diamagnetic cavity and external magnetic field, medium and VLF waves in the ion acoustic electrostatic cyclotron harmonic modes are detected in the transition region from the diamagnetic cavity to the solar wind, and decay in the magnetic field strength and density, and an increase in the quasi-static electric field is seen in the upstream edge of the transition region. The emissions observed are related to the different phases of the Li cloud development and different spatial regimes of the Li plasma-solar wind interaction.

Haeusler, B.↗

A magnetohydrodynamical model of the inner coma of Comet Halley

The magnetometer onboard the Giotto spacecraft observed a diamagnetic cavity surrounding the nucleus of Comet Halley. The location of the boundary of this diamagnetic cavity is determined by a balance between an inward magnetic pressure gradient force and an outward ion-neutral drag force, associated with collisions between the outwardly flowing neutrals and the stagnated ions. A one-dimensional time-dependent MHD model has been developed for the inner coma of Comet Halley, and includes ion-neutral collisions, photochemical production and loss of plasma, and finite conductivity. This model is used to investigate the plasma dynamics in the vicinity of the diamagnetic cavity boundary surface. A narrow transition layer with enhanced plasma density is shown to exist just inside the boundary, although a full understanding of this layer will require a two- or three-dimensional MHD model. The flux of cometary ions into this shocklike layer is removed by electron-ion recombination. The thickness of this layer is determined by the Mach number of the incident flow.

Cravens, T. E.↗

Preliminary study of the CRRES magnetospheric barium releases

Preliminary theoretical and computational analyses of the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) magnetospheric barium releases are presented. The focus of the studies is on the evolution of the diamagnetic cavity which is formed by the barium ions as they expand outward, and on the structuring of the density and magnetic field during the expansion phase of the releases. Two sets of simulation studies are discussed. The first set is based upon a 2D ideal MHD code and provides estimates of the time and length scales associated with the formation and collapse of the diamagnetic cavity. The second set uses a nonideal MHD code; specifically, the Hall term is included. This additional term is critical to the dynamics of sub-Alfvenic plasma expansions, such as the CRRES barium releases, because it leads to instability of the expanding plasma. Detailed simulations of the G4 and G10 releases were performed. In both cases the expanding plasma rapidly structured: the G4 release structured at time t less than about 3 s and developed scale sizes of about 1-2 km, while the G10 release structured at time t less than about 22 s and developed scale sizes of about 10-15 km. It is also found that the diamagnetic cavity size is reduced from those obtained from the ideal MHD results because of the structure. On the other hand, the structuring allows the formation of plasma blobs which appear to free stream across the magnetic field; thus, the barium plasma can propagate to larger distances traverse to the magnetic field than the case where no structuring occurs. Finally, a new normal mode of the system was discovered which may be excited at the leading edge of the expanding barium plasma.

Huba, J. D.↗

Suppression of Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection in Asymmetric Current Sheets

Using fully kinetic simulations, we study the suppression of asymmetric reconnection in the limit where the diamagnetic drift speed >> Alfven speed and the magnetic shear angle is moderate. We demonstrate that the slippage between electrons and the magnetic flux mitigates the suppression and can even result in fast reconnection that lacks one of the outflow jets. Through comparing a case where the diamagnetic drift is supported by the temperature gradient with a companion case that has a density gradient instead, we identify a robust suppression mechanism. The drift of the x-line is slowed down locally by the asymmetric nature of the x-line, and then the x-line is run over and swallowed by the faster-moving following flux.

Magnetic↗

Ion-wave current instabilities and anomalous resistivity.

A theory of ion-wave current instabilities which takes into account, in a self-consistent manner, the inhomogeneities generated by field-aligned currents in a collisionless plasma is presented. Diamagnetic current associated with the current-produced density gradient is included in the distribution. The theory predicts that for a given frequency, the current threshold for ion-wave current instabilities is, in general, much below the threshold of ion acoustic instability in a uniform plasma as given by Fried and Gould. The current threshold is essentially zero in the limit when the ion Landau damping effect is negligible, or equivalently, the ion-wave current instabilities are absolute if there are no limitations on the wavelength. This is true even in the absence of externally applied density gradients in contrast to Kadomtsev's drift-wave results. For dimensions of interest in laboratory plasmas, the predicted linear growth rate increases with increasing longitudinal wavelength and with decreasing wavelength parallel to the diamagnetic current. Under the conditions of an experiment on anomalous resistivity (the dimensions but not the geometry of the machine have been considered), there is good agreement between the predicted onset of ion-wave current instabilities and the experimental data on the onset of anomalous resistivity.

Kan, J. R.↗

Impulsive penetration of filamentary plasma elements into the magnetospheres of the earth and Jupiter

Assuming that the solar wind plasma is usually nonuniform over distances of 10,000 km or less, it is shown that filamentary plasma elements stretched out from the sun can penetrate impulsively and become engulfed into the magnetosphere. The diamagnetic effects associated with these plasma inhomogeneities are observed in outer magnetospheres and magnetosheaths as dips or directional discontinuities in the magnetic field measurements. From the mean penetration distances of these diamagnetic plasma elements one can deduce a mean deceleration time, as well as an approximate value of the integrated Pedersen conductivity in the polar cusp of the earth and Jupiter.

Lemaire, J.↗

Plasma waves associated with the AMPTE artificial comet

Numerous plasma wave effects were detected by the AMPTE/IRM spacecraft during the artificial comet experiment on December 27, 1984. As the barium ion cloud produced by the explosion expanded over the spacecraft, emissions at the electron plasma frequency and ion plasma frequency provided a determination of the local electron density. The electron density in the diamagnetic cavity produced by the ion cloud reached a peak of more than 5 x 10 to the 5th per cu cm, then decayed smoothly as the cloud expanded, varying approximately as t exp-2. As the cloud began to move due to interactions with the solar wind, a region of compressed plasma was encountered on the upstream side of the diamagnetic cavity. The peak electron density in the compression region was about 1.5 x 10 to the 4th per cu cm. Later, a very intense (140 mVolt/m) broadband burst of electrostatic noise was encountered on the sunward side of the compression region. This noise has characteristics very similar to noise observed in the earth's bow shock, and is believed to be a shocklike interaction produced by an ion beam-plasma instability between the nearly stationary barium ions and the streaming solar wind protons.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Waves and electric fields associated with the first AMPTE artificial comet

The solar-wind Ba release experiment with the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers is discussed. The explosion of the two Ba-containing canisters produced a rapidly expanding cloud of neutral Ba, which was rapidly ionized by the UV radiation from the sun. A static electric field of about 1-2 mV/m was detected inside the diamagnetic cavity created by the ion cloud. This field is in the same direction as the solar-wind electric field, suggesting that this field may be able to penetrate into the cloud. Electrostatic emissions were observed inside the diamagnetic cavity at the Ba ion plasma frequency.

Gurnett, D. A.↗

Observations and theory of the AMPTE magnetotail barium releases

The barium releases in the magnetotail during the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) operation were monitored by ground-based imagers and by instruments on the Ion Release Module. After each release, the data show the formation of a structured diamagnetic cavity. The cavity grows until the dynamic pressure of the expanding ions balances the magnetic pressure on its surface. The magnetic field inside the cavity is zero. The barium ions collect on the surface of the cavity, producing a shell. Plasma irregularities form along magnetic field lines draped over the surface of the cavity. The scale size of the irregularities is nearly equal to the thickness of the shell. The evolution and structuring of the diamagnetic cavity are modeled using magnetohydrodynamics theory.

Bernhardt, P. A.↗

Lower-hybrid turbulence in a nonuniform magnetoplasma

An experimental study of a pressure-gradient-driven instability in a large discharge plasma is presented. When the electron diamagnetic drift exceeds the sound speed, ion-acoustic-like waves are driven unstable. The growth rate maximizes near the lower-hybrid frequency and the waves propagate essentially across B. The sound waves grow to large amplitudes and saturate by wave steepening and refraction away from the destabilizing drift. Magnetic fluctuations result from electron diamagnetic currents and opposing Hall currents associated with the wave density fluctuations. Ions are essentially unmagnetized and slow compared to the magnetized electrons. In spite of the large amplitude waves little acceleration of electrons or ions is observed.

Stenzel, R. L.↗

Electromagnetic Meissner effect launcher

An electromagnetic projectile launcher provides acceleration of a superconducting projectile through the diamagnetic repulsion of the superconducting projectile. A superconducting layer is provided aft of the projectile, either directly on the projectile or on a platform upon which the projectile is carried, and a traveling magnetic field is caused to propagate along a magnetic field drive coil in which the projectile is disposed. The resulting diamagnetic repulsion between the superconducting projectile and the traveling magnetic field causes the projectile to be propelled along the coil. In one embodiment, a segmented drive coil is used to generate the traveling magnetic field.

Robertson, Glen A.↗

High Tc superconductors: The scaling of Tc with the number of bound holes associated with charge transfer neutralizing the multivalence cations

It is observed that for the known high-T(sub c) Cu-, Tl-, and Bi-based superconductors, T(sub c) scales consistently with the number of bound holes per unit cell which arise from charge transfer excitations of frequency approximately = 3 x 10(exp 13) that neutralized the multivalence cations into diamagnetic states. The resulting holes are established on the oxygens. Extrapolation of this empirical fit in the up-temperature direction suggests a T(sub c) of about 220-230 K at a value of 25 holes/unit cell (approximately the maximum that can be materials-engineered into a high-T(sub c) K2MnF4 or triple Perovskite structure). In the down-temperature direction, the extrapolation gives a T(sub c) in the vicinity of 235 K for the Y-Ba-Cu-O system as well as the known maximum temperature of 23 K for low-T(sub c) materials shown by Nb3Ge. The approach is also consistent with the experimental findings that only multivalence ions which are diamagnetic in their atomic state (Cu, Tl, Bi, Pb, and Sb) associate with high-T(sub c) compounds.

Vezzoli, G. C.↗

Observation and theory of the barium releases from the CRRES satellite

The relationship between releases of barium from the NASA Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) and enhanced auroral activity is discussed with reference to observational data. Barium releases were conducted at a variety of altitudes and injection velocities, and plasma irregularities are reported as a result of the interactions. Auroral activity increased within 5 min of each release, and references are made to the effects on diamagnetic cavities, bulk ion motion, and stimulated electron and ion precipitation. Artificially created structured diamagnetic cavities are noted for each release, plasma waves are generated by the high-speed ion clouds, and enhanced ionization is found in the critical ionization-velocity process. Barium releases are effective in stimulating electron precipitation, and the observed irregularities are related to cycloid bunching of the initial ion distributions.

Bernhardt, P. A.↗

Magnetic beneficiation of lunar soils

We will present a review of recent laboratory results obtained in dry magnetic separation of one gram samples of the minus 1 mm size fraction of five lunar soils of widely differing maturities. Two highland soils were investigated as potential sources of low iron content feed stocks for space manufacture of metals, including aluminum, silicon, and calcium. Pure anorthite was separated from the diamagnetic fraction of immature highland regolith. Three high titanium mare soils were investigated as potential sources of ilmenite for production of hydrogen and for recovery of He-3. Ilmenite and pyroxene were separated from the paramagnetic fractions of the mare basalts. Agglutinates and other fused soil components containing metallic iron were separated from the strongly magnetic fractions of all soils. We will present conceptual magnetic separation flow sheets developed from the laboratory data and designed for production of anorthite from highland soils and for production of ilmenite from mare soils. Using these flow sheets, we will discuss problems and opportunities associated with the magnetic separation of lunar soils. Separation of high-grade anorthite or other diamagnetic components at moderately high recovery can be achieved in processing immature highland soils. Further, while magnet weight is always an issue in magnetic separation technology, recent developments in both low temperature and high temperature superconductivity present unusual opportunities for magnet design specific to the lunar environment.

Mckay, D. S↗

Stability of the Halley cometosheath with resistivity and plasma motion

The MHD stability of the cometary inner sheath determined by the balance between the inward Lorentz body force and the outward ion-neutral drag force is investigated by numerically solving the wave equations which include resistivity, plasma motion and plasma pressure with the help of two-point boundary value method. The eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions are obtained numerically by treating the cometary inner sheath as a layer of finite thickness, bounded by the contact surface, that is, the diamagnetic cavity boundary. To gain insight into the problem, certain limiting cases of the wave equations are also discussed. The diamagnetic cavity boundary and the adjacent layer of about 100-km thickness of Comet Halley is found to be unstable. The effects of finite plasma pressure, dissociative recombination, mass loading due to photoionization, resistivity, and plasma motion are found to be stabilizing but are unable to quench the instability completely. Motion of the Halley ionopause has been confirmed by observations.

Srivastava, Krishna M.↗

Three-Dimensional Multiscale MHD Model of Cometary Plasma Environments

First results of a three-dimensional multiscale MHD model of the interaction of an expanding cometary atmosphere with the magnetized solar wind are presented. The model starts with a supersonic and super-Alfvenic solar wind far upstream of the comet (25 Gm upstream of the nucleus) with arbitrary interplanetary magnetic field orientation. The solar wind is continuously mass loaded with cometary ions originating from a 10-km size nucleus. The effects of photoionization, electron impact ionization, recombination, and ion-neutral frictional drag are taken into account in the model. The governing equations are solved on an adaptively refined unstructured Cartesian grid using our new multiscale upwind scalar conservation laws-type numerical technique (MUSCL). We have named this the multiscale adaptive upwind scheme for MHD (MAUS-MHD). The combination of the adaptive refinement with the MUSCL-scheme allows the entire cometary atmosphere to be modeled, while still resolving both the shock and the diamagnetic cavity of the comet. The main findings are the following: (1) Mass loading decelerates the solar wind flow upstream of the weak cometary shock wave (M approximately equals 2, M(sub A) approximately equals 2), which forms at a subsolar standoff distance of about 0.35 Gm. (2) A cometary plasma cavity is formed at around 3 x 10(exp 3) km from the nucleus. Inside this cavity the plasma expands outward due to the frictional interaction between ions and neutrals. On the nightside this plasma cavity considerably narrows and a relatively fast and dense cometary plasma beam is ejected into the tail. (3) Inside the plasma cavity a teardrop-shaped inner shock is formed, which is terminated by a Mach disk on the nightside. Only the region inside the inner shock is the 'true' diamagnetic cavity. (4) The model predicts four distinct current systems in the inner coma: the density peak current, the cavity boundary current, the inner shock current, and finally the cross-tail current. (5) The calculated plasma parameters (magnetic field, plasma density, speed, and temperature) are in very good agreement with published Giotto observations.

Gombosi, Tamas I.↗