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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Investigating the effects of electron bounce-cyclotron resonance on plasma dynamics in capacitive discharges operated in the presence of a weak transverse magnetic field

Recently, Patil et al. [Phys. Rev. Res. 4, 013059 (2022)] have reported the existence of an enhanced operating regime when a low-pressure (5 mTorr) capacitively coupled discharge (CCP) is driven by a very high radio frequency (60 MHz) source in the presence of a weak external magnetic field applied parallel to its electrodes. Their particle-in-cell simulations show that a significantly higher bulk plasma density and ion flux can be achieved at the electrode when the electron cyclotron frequency equals half of the applied radio frequency for a given fixed voltage. In the present work, we take a detailed look at this phenomenon and further delineate the effect of this “electron bounce-cyclotron resonance (EBCR)” on the electron and ion dynamics of the system. We find that the ionization collision rate and stochastic heating are maximum under resonance condition. The electron energy distribution function also indicates that the population of tail-end electrons is highest for the case where EBCR is maximum. Formation of electric field transients in the bulk plasma region is also seen at lower values of applied magnetic field. Finally, we demonstrate that the EBCR-induced effect is a low-pressure phenomenon and weakens as the neutral gas pressure increases. The potential utility of this effect to advance the operational performance of CCP devices for industrial purposes is discussed in this report.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Uncovering turbulent plasma dynamics via deep learning from partial observations

One of the most intensely studied aspects of magnetic confinement fusion is edge plasma turbulence which is critical to reactor performance and operation. Drift-reduced Braginskii two-fluid theory has for decades been widely applied to model boundary plasmas with varying success. Towards better understanding edge turbulence in both theory and experiment, we demonstrate that a novel multi-network physics-informed deep learning framework constrained by partial differential equations can accurately learn turbulent fields consistent with the two-fluid theory from partial observations of electron pressure which is not otherwise possible using conventional equilibrium models. Furthermore, this technique presents a novel paradigm for the advanced design of plasma diagnostics and validation of magnetized plasma turbulence theories in challenging thermonuclear environments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Uncovering turbulent plasma dynamics via deep learning from partial observations

One of the most intensely studied aspects of magnetic confinement fusion is edge plasma turbulence which is critical to reactor performance and operation. Drift-reduced Braginskii two-fluid theory has for decades been widely applied to model boundary plasmas with varying success. Towards better understanding edge turbulence in both theory and experiment, we demonstrate that a novel multi-network physics-informed deep learning framework constrained by partial differential equations can accurately learn turbulent fields consistent with the two-fluid theory from partial observations of electron pressure which is not otherwise possible using conventional equilibrium models. This technique presents a novel paradigm for the advanced design of plasma diagnostics and validation of magnetized plasma turbulence theories in challenging thermonuclear environments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Investigations of laser plasmas dynamics by means of real and virtual Langmuir probes

In this paper we propose a novel technique for LPP-Laser Produced Plasmas investigation, combining high time resolved measurements using compact Langmuir Probes with the output of a theoretical model called HYBLAS developed on purpose, which is able to simulate the charged particles collected by a so-called virtual probe. It will be shown that with an appropriate experimental set-up and with the use of a Matlab software able to accurately analyze the experimental I-V curves, laser plasmas can be investigated properly even if the probe is placed very close to the target surface. This permits not only to study the plume expansion with a high temporal resolution, but also to estimate correctly the self-generated coulomb electric field inside the plume and to detect the inner structure of the the first upcoming expanding plasma. HYBLAS is able to predict and describe the plume expansion at relatively low power densities and is a powerful method to compare directly the experimental current signals with the numerical results if the initial conditions are settled properly. A direct comparison of the theoretical data with the experimental ones realized on different metal targets shows that our method is able to predict properly the overall plasma expansion in the nanosecond laser pulse duration regime. The virtual probe method was moreover tested by comparing the numerical results with another numerical code called MULTI, which simulate the expansion by combining the hydrodynamics equations to a multigroup method in order to include the radiation transport. (authors)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Advances in 3D transient plasma dynamics and control through MHD and hybrid fluid-kinetic simulations with JOREK

Transient phenomena and their control are of high relevance in magnetic confinement fusion plasmas to guarantee a stable and safe plasma operation. Interpretative simulations can maximize the insights gained from experiments on present machines and predictive simulations can help in the preparation of design, mitigation techniques and operational scenarios for future devices. In this article, we provide an overview of recent advances and novel scientific results obtained with the 3D non-linear hybrid fluid-kinetic code JOREK, covering physics of plasma transients from the core to the scrape-off layer (SOL) both for tokamak and stellarator devices. Substantial progress was made in the physics understanding, model validation with experiments and experiment interpretation, thus, giving confidence for predictions to devices like DTT, ITER and DEMO. The topics addressed comprise a wide range: the edge physics of new operation scenarios and edge localized mode suppression; major disruptions with a focus on runaway electrons and vertical displacement events as well as disruption mitigation by shattered pellet injection; the physics mechanisms and operational limits of the flux pumping regime for sawtooth control; MHD limits of stellarators and work towards incorporating advanced edge/SOL/exhaust dynamics; continuing improvements of the code for more efficient hybrid simulations on conventional and accelerated high performance computing architectures.

disruptions↗
DOE OSTI2012

A 3D Monte Carlo code for the modeling of plasma dynamics and beam formation mechanism in electron cyclotron resonance ion sources

The code here presented is the first part of a Monte Carlo (MC) self-consistent 3D plasma simulator. It is yet able to solve the equation of motion for thousands of independent charged particles. The procedure allows to understand the consequences of each phenomenon introduced in the evolution steps of the code. MC random selection of starting parameters is used for each particles; the environmental conditions enclosed in the simulation are ECRIS magnetic field, resonant electromagnetic wave, initial plasma density distribution and MC calculation of Spitzer collision. The results of the first simulations explain some typical effects as the hollow beam formation and the main plasma deconfinement mechanism.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Streaked Sub-ps-resolution X-ray Line Shapes and Implications for Solid-density Plasma Dynamics

A high-resolution x-ray spectrometer was coupled with an ultrafast x-ray streak camera to produce time-resolved line shape spectra measured from hot, solid-density plasmas. A Bragg crystal was placed near a laser-produced plasma to maximize throughput; alignment tolerances were established by raytracing. The streak camera produced single-shot time-resolved spectra, heavily sloped due to photon time-of-flight differences, with sufficient reproducibility to accumulate photon statistics. The images are time-calibrated by the slope of streaked spectra and dewarped to generate spectra emitted at different times defined at the source. The streaked spectra demonstrate the evolution of spectral shoulders and other features on ps timescales, showing the feasibility of plasma parameter measurements on the rapid timescales necessary to study high-energy-density plasmas.

High-energy-density plasmas↗
DOE OSTI2016

NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF PLASMA DYNAMICS IN THE VICINITY OF A RETRACTING FLUX TUBE

In a previous paper, we presented an analytical, zero- β model for supra-arcade downflows in which a retracting flux tube deforms the surrounding magnetic field, constricting the flow of plasma along affected field lines and, in some cases, forcing the plasma to exhibit collimated shocks. Here we present a numerical simulation based on the same model construction—a retracting flux tube is treated as a rigid boundary around which the plasma is forced to flow and the magnetic field and plasma evolve according to the governing equations of magnetohydrodynamics. We find that the collimated shocks described in our previous study are recovered for plasma β in the range of 0 ≤ β ≲ 1, while for 1 ≲ β the behavior is similar to the simpler hydrodynamic case, with classical bow shocks forming when the acoustic Mach number approaches or exceeds unity. Furthermore, we find that while the plasma β is important for identifying the various types of behaviors, more important still is the Alfvén Mach number, which, if large, implies that the bulk kinetic energy of the fluid exceeds the internal energy of the magnetic field, thereby leading to the formation of unconfined, fast-mode magnetosonic shocks, even in the limit of small β .

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Plasma dynamics near critical density inferred from direct measurements of laser hole boring

Here, we use multiframe picosecond optical interferometry to make direct measurements of the hole boring velocity, vHB, of the density cavity pushed forward by a train of CO 2 laser pulses in a near critical density helium plasma. As the pulse train intensity rises, the increasing radiation pressure of each pulse pushes the density cavity forward and the plasma electrons are strongly heated. After the peak laser intensity, the plasma pressure exerted by the heated electrons strongly impedes the hole boring process and the vHB falls rapidly as the laser pulse intensity falls at the back of the laser pulse train. We present a heuristic theory that allows the estimation of the plasma electron temperature from the measurements of the hole boring velocity. Furthermore, the measured values of v HB , and the estimated values of the heated electron temperature as a function of laser intensity are in reasonable agreement with those obtained from two-dimensional numerical simulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Plasma dynamics in laboratory-produced current sheets

Evolution of currents and Ampere forces in current sheets are analyzed on the basis of magnetic measurements. Two new effects are observed in the current distributions at the later stage of the sheet evolution: first, a broadening of the current area at the side edges of the current sheet; second, a generation of reverse currents followed by their propagation from the edges to the center of the sheet. Super-thermal plasma flows moving across the width of the current sheet are observed by spectroscopic methods. The energies of plasma jets are consistent with the spatial structure and time dependences of the Ampere forces in the current sheets. The assumption is advanced that plasma acceleration may be more effective at the regions with lower plasma density, which are located at some distances from the sheet mid-plane. Generation of reverse currents provides an additional confirmation of transfer of energetic plasma jets toward the sheet edges.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Center for Multiscale Plasma Dynamics: Report on Activities (UCLA/MIT), 2009-2010

The final 'phaseout' year of the CMPD ended July 2010; a no cost extension was requested until May 2011 in order to enable the MIT subcontract funds to be fully utilized. Research progress over this time included verification and validation activities for the BOUT and BOUT++ code, studies of spontaneous reconnection in the VTF facility at MIT, and studies of the interaction between Alfven waves and drift waves in LAPD. The CMPD also hosted the 6th plasma physics winter school in 2010 (jointly with the NSF frontier center the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization, significant funding came from NSF for this most recent iteration of the Winter School).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Center for Multiscale Plasma Dynamics: Report on Activities (UCLA/MIT), 2009-2010

The final “phaseout” year of the CMPD ended July 2010; a no cost extension was requested until May 2011 in order to enable the MIT subcontract funds to be fully utilized. Research progress over this time included verification and validation activities for the BOUT and BOUT++ code, studies of spontaneous reconnection in the VTF facility at MIT, and studies of the interaction between Alfv´en waves and drift waves in LAPD. The CMPD also hosted the 6th plasma physics winter school in 2010 (jointly with the NSF frontier center the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization, significant funding came from NSF for this most recent iteration of theWinter School).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Experimental studies of the magnetic structure and plasma dynamics in current sheets (a review)

Based on measurements of magnetic fields in current sheets, spatial distributions of the electric current and electrodynamic forces in successive stages of the sheet evolution are determined. Two new effects manifesting themselves mostly in the late stages of the current sheet evolution have been discovered, namely, expansion of the current flow region at the periphery of the sheet and the appearance of a region with inverse currents, which gradually expands from the periphery toward the center of the sheet. Using spectroscopic methods, generation of superthermal plasma flows accelerated along the sheet width from the center toward the periphery has been revealed and investigated. The measured energies of accelerated plasma ions satisfactorily agree with the Ampère forces determined from magnetic measurements. The excitation of inverse currents additionally confirms the motion of high-speed plasma flows from the center of the current sheet toward its side edges.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Observations of soft X-ray emission and plasma dynamics of a compact capillary discharge operated in xenon

We report observations of a low stored energy, low inductance compact capillary discharge operated in xenon. Even though the stored electrical energy is less than 1 J, significant output in the optical windows at 110 and 135 Å is measured. The soft X-ray emission is time-resolved and the conversion energy of the source is obtained. A lower bound to the conversion efficiency at 110 Å ± 2% and 135 Å ± 1% of 3.6% and 1.6% is obtained, respectively. The use of moiré-schlieren optical diagnostic allows the evolution of the line electron density. In particular, we observe a significant degree of compression in a tight on axis pinch as well as radial compression waves. The temporal evolution of the X-ray emission, which occurs during the current reversal and later, is discussed in relation to work in argon discharges and in relation to model calculations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Plasma dynamics above solar flare soft x-ray loop tops

We measure non-thermal motions in flare loop tops and above the loop tops using profiles of highly ionized spectral lines of Fe XXIV and Fe XXIII formed at multimillion-degree temperatures. Non-thermal motions that may be due to turbulence or multiple flow regions along the line of sight are extracted from the line profiles. The non-thermal motions are measured for four flares seen at or close to the solar limb. The profile data are obtained using the Extreme-ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer on the Hinode spacecraft. The multimillion-degree non-thermal motions are between 20 and 60 km s{sup –1} and appear to increase with height above the loop tops. Motions determined from coronal lines (i.e., lines formed at about 1.5 MK) tend to be smaller. The multimillion-degree temperatures in the loop tops and above range from about 11 MK to 15 MK and also tend to increase with height above the bright X-ray-emitting loop tops. The non-thermal motions measured along the line of sight, as well as their apparent increase with height, are supported by Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly measurements of turbulent velocities in the plane of the sky.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗