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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 541 records · Page 30
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasi-Elastic-Like $\nu_{\mu}$ Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector

Current and future generation neutrino oscillation experiments aim towards a high-precisionmeasurement of the oscillation parameters, which requires an unprecedented understanding ofneutrino-nucleus scattering. Charged-current quasi-elastic (CCQE) scattering is the process inwhich the neutrino produces a charged lepton and removes a single intact nucleon from the nu-cleus without producing any additional particles. For existing and forthcoming accelerator–based neutrino experiments, CCQE interactions are either the dominant process or part of the signal.MicroBooNE is the first liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) commissioned as part ofthe Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program at Fermilab and its excellent particle reconstructioncapabilities allow the detection of neutrino interactions using exclusive final states, which will playa crucial role in the success of future kiloton LArTPC detectors such as DUNE. This talk willpresent the first measurement of exclusive νμ-Ar CCQE–like flux integrated total and differentialcross sections using single proton knock–out interactions recorded by the MicroBooNE LArTPCdetector, which has comparable acceptance to deuterium Bubble Chambers.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1983

Milgrom's revision of cosmic dynamics: Amending Newton's laws or Keplers?

Milgrom's recent revision of Newtonian dynamics was introduced to eliminate the inference that large quantities of invisible mass exist in galaxies. Simple examples show that a Milgrom acceleration, in the form presented so far, imply other far-reaching changes in dynamics. The momentum of an isolated system is not conserved, and the usual theorem for center-of-mass motion of any system does not hold. Naive applications require extreme caution. The model fails to provide a complete description of particle dynamics and should be thought of as a revision of Kepler's laws rather than Newton's. The Milgrom acceleration also implies fundamental changes in cosmology. A quasi-Newtonian calculation adapted from Newtonian cosmology suggests that a Milgrom universe will recollapse even if the classical closure parameter theta is less than 1. The solution, however, fails to satisfy the cosmological principle. Reasons for the breakdown of this calculation are examined. A theory of gravitation needed before the behavior of a Milgrom universe can be predicted.

Felten, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Milgrom's revision of Newton's laws - Dynamical and cosmological consequences

Milgrom's (1983) recent revision of Newtonian dynamics was introduced to eliminate the inference that large quantities of invisible mass exist in galaxies. It is shown by simple examples that a Milgrom acceleration, in the form presented so far, implies other far-reaching changes in dynamics. The momentum of an isolated system is not conserved, and the usual theorem for center-of-mass motion of any system does not hold. Naive applications require extreme caution. The model fails to provide a complete description of particle dynamics and should be thought of as a revision of Kepler's laws rather than Newton's. The Milgrom acceleration also implies fundamental changes in cosmology. A quasi-Newtonian calculation adapted from Newtonian cosmology suggests that a 'Milgrom universe' will recollapse even if the classical closure parameter Omega is much less than unity. The solution, however, fails to satisfy the cosmological principle. Reasons for the breakdown of this calculation are examined. A new theory of gravitation will be needed before the behavior of a Milgrom universe can be predicted.

Felten, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Intrinsic Variability in the Quiet-Time Magnetotail

This study investigates the evolution of the magnetotail's magnetic field with the aid of a self-consistent two-dimensional model in which the ion current periodically updates the magnetic field. The plasma mantle supplies particles continuously to the magnetotail, and the perturbation magnetic field is calculated from the ion current using the Biot-Savart law. The simulated magnetotail evolves into a quasi-steady state, characterized by the periodic motion of the near-Earth X-line in the model. This variability is caused by the nonadiabatic acceleration of ions in the current sheet and their rapid loss from the tail. Particularly noteworthy is the value found for the characteristic time scale of variability in the magnetotail. on the order of 4 - 5 minutes.

Peroomian, Vahe↗
DOE OSTI2022

Single-particle and collective excitations in Zn 66

Single-particle and collective excitations in 66 Zn have been investigated via the multinucleon transfer reaction, 26 Mg( 48 Ca, α4nγ) using the Gammasphere multidetector array and the Fragment Mass Analyzer. In addition to confirming and complementing the previously known low-spin structure, a new quasi-rotational band comprising several stretched E2 transitions has been established to high spins. However, due to fragmentary nature of its decay, it was not possible to link this sequence to the low-lying states and, thus, determine the absolute excitation energies, spins, and parities unambiguously. Large-scale shell-model calculations employing the JUN45 and jj44b effective interactions are able to successfully describe the low-spin structure and herewith confirm that it is dominated by single-particle excitations. Furthermore, the newly established rotational cascade is compared with known superdeformed bands in the A ≈ 60–70 mass region, and with results of calculations performed within the frameworks of the cranked shell model and the adiabatic and configuration-fixed constrained covariant density functional theory and the quantum particle-rotor model.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
NASA NTRS1973

Quadrature solution for the general relativistic motion of a satellite or a planet.

The general relativistic motion of a particle in a bounded orbit around a central mass M is derived with the aid of the Schwarzschild field of M. A quadrature gives the central angle as a quasi-periodic function of an effective true anomaly. The mean rate of advance of the pericenter is investigated. Classical and general relativistic orbiters with the same initial conditions are compared, taking into account the treatment of the general relativistic effect by means of a differential correction. General relativistic variations are discussed, giving attention to the variation of the eccentric anomaly and the variation of the central angle.

Vinti, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The measurement of chemically reactive atmospheric constituents by mass spectrometers carried on high-speed spacecraft

The quasi-open-source mass spectrometer carried on the Atmospheric Explorer-C satellite has a mode of operation which utilizes the velocity of the vehicle to distinguish between incoming ambient particles and ambient particles which have struck instrument surfaces and become accommodated. Utilization of this mode has made possible the simultaneous measurement of atomic and molecular ambient oxygen without the ambiguity which usually arises due to surface reactions in the instrument. The method appears promising as a means for analyzing planetary atmospheres or the gas surrounding comets.

Nier, A. O.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The signature of parallel electric fields in a collisionless plasma

The presence of a parallel electric field in the magnetosphere should be apparent through its effect on particles. An analysis is made of particle trajectories in phase space for a steady state collisionless plasma. The analysis utilizes the concepts of distribution function, total energy, and magnetic moment because all three quantities are conserved in a steady state situation in the absence of collisions. Two methods are presented for using particle data to gain information on the potential distribution. The first method involves the use of measurements of both ion and electron distribution functions and invokes the principle of quasi-neutrality. The second method involves the observation of discontinuities in velocity space which can be interpreted in terms of the effect of the electric field on the apparent loss or source cone.

Whipple, E. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Relativistic cosmic ray spectra in the full non-linear theory of shock acceleration

The non-linear theory of shock acceleration was generalized to include wave dynamics. In the limit of rapid wave damping, it is found that a finite ave velocity tempers the acceleration of high Mach number shocks and limits the maximum compression ratio even when energy loss is important. For a given spectrum, the efficiency of relativistic particle production is essentially independent of v sub Ph. For the three families shown, the percentage of kinetic energy flux going into relativistic particles is (1) 72%, 2) 44%, and (3) 26% (this includes the energy loss at the upper energy cuttoff). Even small v sub ph, typical of the HISM, produce quasi-universal spectra that depend only weakly on the acoustic Mach number. These spectra should be close enough to e(-2) to satisfy cosmic ray source requirements.

Eichler, D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Feasibility of reduced gravity experiments involving quiescent, uniform particle cloud combustion

The study of combustible particle clouds is of fundamental scientific interest as well as a practical concern. The principal scientific interests are the characteristic combustion properties, especially flame structure, propagation rates, stability limits, and the effects of stoichiometry, particle type, transport phenomena, and nonadiabatic processes on these properties. The feasibility tests for the particle cloud combustion experiment (PCCE) were performed in reduced gravity in the following stages: (1) fuel particles were mixed into cloud form inside a flammability tube; (2) when the concentration of particles in the cloud was sufficiently uniform, the particle motion was allowed to decay toward quiescence; (3) an igniter was energized which both opened one end of the tube and ignited the suspended particle cloud; and (4) the flame proceeded down the tube length, with its position and characteristic features being photographed by high-speed cameras. Gravitational settling and buoyancy effects were minimized because of the reduced gravity enviroment in the NASA Lewis drop towers and aircraft. Feasibility was shown as quasi-steady flame propagation which was observed for fuel-rich mixtures. Of greatest scientific interest is the finding that for near-stoichiometric mixtures, a new mode of flame propagation was observed, now called a chattering flame. These flames did not propagate steadily through the tube. Chattering modes of flame propagation are not expected to display extinction limits that are the same as those for acoustically undisturbed, uniform, quiescent clouds. A low concentration of fuel particles, uniformly distributed in a volume, may not be flammable but may be made flammable, as was observed, through induced segregation processes. A theory was developed which showed that chattering flame propagation was controlled by radiation from combustion products which heated the successive discrete laminae sufficiently to cause autoignition.

Ross, Howard D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Overview of the results from divertor experiments with attached and detached plasmas at Wendelstein 7-X and their implications for steady-state operation

Abstract Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X), the largest advanced stellarator, is built to demonstrate high power, high performance quasi-continuous operation. Therefore, in the recent campaign, experiments were performed to prepare for long pulse operation, addressing three critical issues: the development of stable detachment, control of the heat and particle exhaust, and the impact of leading edges on plasma performance. The heat and particle exhaust in W7-X is realized with the help of an island divertor, which utilizes large magnetic islands at the plasma boundary. This concept shows very efficient heat flux spreading and favourable scaling with input power. Experiments performed to overload leading edges showed that the island divertor yields good impurity screening. A highlight of the recent campaign was a robust detachment scenario, which allowed reducing power loads even by a factor of ten. At the same time, neutral pressures at the pumping gap entrance yielded the particle removal rate close to the values required for stable density control in steady-state operation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ion beam generation at the plasma sheet boundary layer by kinetic Alfven waves

A two-dimensional quasi-linear numerical code was developed for studying ion beam generation at the plasma sheet boundary layer by kinetic Alfven waves. The model assumes that the central plasma sheet is the particle source, and that the last magnetic field lines on which kinetic Alfven waves exist and diffusion occurs can be either open or closed. As the possible source for the excitement of the kinetic Alfven waves responsible for ion diffusion, the resonant mode conversion of the surface waves to kinetic Alfven waves is considered. It is shown that, depending on the topology of the magnetic field at the lobe side of the simulation system, i.e., on whether field lines are open or closed, the ion distribution function may or may not reach a steady state.

Moghaddam-Taaheri, E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Study of magnetic reconnection at low- β using laser-powered capacitor coils

Magnetic reconnection is a ubiquitous fundamental process in space and astrophysical plasmas that rapidly converts magnetic energy into some combination of flow energy, thermal energy, and non-thermal energetic particles. Over the past decade, a new experimental platform has been developed to study magnetic reconnection using strong coil currents powered by high-power lasers at low plasma beta, typical conditions under which reconnection is energetically important in space and astrophysics. KJ-class lasers were used to drive parallel currents to reconnect MG-level magnetic fields in a quasi-axisymmetric geometry, similar to the magnetic reconnection experiment or MRX, and thus this platform is named micro-MRX. This presentation summarizes two major findings from micro-MRX: direct measurement of accelerated electrons and observation of ion acoustic waves during anti-parallel reconnection. The angular dependence of the measured electron energy spectrum and the resulting accelerated energies, supported by particle-in-cell simulations, indicate that direct acceleration by the out-of-plane reconnection electric field is at work. Furthermore, a sudden onset of ion acoustic bursts has been measured by collective Thomson scattering in the exhaust of magnetic reconnection, followed by electron acoustic bursts with electron heating and bulk acceleration. These results demonstrate that the micro-MRX platform offers a novel and unique approach to study magnetic reconnection in the laboratory in addition to the capabilities provided by traditional magnetized plasma experiments such as MRX and the upcoming Facility for Laboratory Reconnection experiments (FLARE). Future prospects to study other particle acceleration mechanisms and ion acoustic waves from magnetic reconnection are also discussed.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dynamical Modulation of Solar Flare Electron Acceleration due to Plasmoid-shock Interactions in the Looptop Region

A fast-mode shock can form in the front of reconnection outflows and has been suggested as a promising site for particle acceleration in solar flares. Recent developments in the study of magnetic reconnection have shown that numerous plasmoids can be produced in a large-scale current layer. Here we investigate the dynamical modulation of electron acceleration in the looptop region when plasmoids intermittently arrive at the shock by combining magnetohydrodynamics simulations with a particle kinetic model. As plasmoids interact with the shock, the looptop region exhibits various compressible structures that modulate the production of energetic electrons. The energetic electron population varies rapidly in both time and space. The number of 5–10 keV electrons correlates well with the compression area, while that of >50 keV electrons shows good correlation with the strong compression area but only moderate correlation with shock parameters. We further examine the impacts of the first plasmoid, which marks the transition from a quasi-steady shock front to a distorted and dynamical shock. The number of energetic electrons is reduced by ~20% at 15–25 keV and nearly 40% for 25–50 keV, while the number of 5–10 keV electrons increases. In addition, the electron energy spectrum above 10 keV evolves softer with time. We also find that double or even multiple distinct sources can develop in the looptop region when the plasmoids move across the shock. Our simulations have strong implications to the interpretation of nonthermal looptop sources, as well as the commonly observed fast temporal variations in flare emissions, including the quasi-periodic pulsations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fire–precipitation interactions amplify the quasi-biennial variability in fires over southern Mexico and Central America

Fires have great ecological, social, and economic impact. However, fire prediction and management remain challenges due to a limited understanding of their roles in the Earth system. Fires over southern Mexico and Central America (SMCA) are a good example of this, greatly impacting local air quality and regional climate. Here we report that the spring peak (April–May) of fire activities in this region has a distinct quasi-biennial signal based on multiple satellite datasets measuring different fire characteristics. The variability is initially driven by quasi-biennial variations in precipitation. Composite analysis indicates that strong fire years correspond to suppressed ascending motion and weakened precipitation over the SMCA. The anomalous precipitation over the SMCA is further found to be mostly related to the East Pacific–North Pacific (EP-NP) pattern 2 months prior to the fire season. The positive phase of the EP-NP leads to enhanced precipitation over the eastern US but suppressed precipitation over the SMCA, similar to the spatial pattern of precipitation differences between strong and weak fire years. Meanwhile, the quasi-biennial signals in precipitation and fires appear to be amplified by their interactions through a positive feedback loop at short timescales. Model simulations show that in strong fire years, more aerosol particles are released and transported downstream over the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern US, where suspended light-absorbing aerosols warm the atmosphere and cause the ascending motion of the air aloft. Subsequently, a compensating downward motion is formed over the region of the fire source and ultimately suppresses precipitation and intensifies fires. Statistical analysis shows the different durations of the two-way interaction, where the fire suppression effect of precipitation lasts for more than 20 d, while fire leads to a decrease in precipitation at shorter timescales (3–5 d). This study demonstrates the importance of fire–climate interactions in shaping the fire activities on an interannual scale and highlights how precipitation–fire interactions at short timescales contribute to the interannual variability in both fire and precipitation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1978

On the configuration of the magnetotail near midnight during quiet and weakly disturbed periods - State of the magnetosphere

Particle and field data are analyzed for a number of magnetically quiet days. It is shown that the magnetotail near midnight may exist for hours at a time in widely different quasi-stable configurations which, in their limit, can be characterized as being (1) fairly dipolelike to about 15 R(E), beyond which the field becomes taillike; and (2) dipolelike to only about 10 R(E), beyond which the field becomes taillike. These different states affect both the dynamics of the substorm and the evolution of the pitch angle distributions of energetic electrons in the near-earth plasma sheet past midnight. During quiet times, the plasma sheet in its azimuthal variation is at its thinnest in the region near midnight.

West, H. I., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

A statistical study of interplanetary shock associated proton intensity increases

Large intensity increases of low-energy protons are frequently observed in connection with interplanetary forward shocks. Essentially two different particle acceleration mechanisms to explain these 'ESP events' are presently under discussion. To find out which is the dominant process for particle acceleration a large number of these events observed on ISEE-3 was analyzed. The events with the highest fluxes of 35-56 keV protons are associated with shocks which are quasi-parallel and originate close to the central meridian of the sun, and it is concluded that they are produced by a first order Fermi acceleration process.

Reinhard, R.↗