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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

A lumped particle direct simulation Monte-Carlo method combined with the collisional-radiative model for simulations of non-equilibrium laser-induced plasma plumes

Collisional plasma plumes induced by laser irradiation of material targets exhibit large variations in local density as well as ionization and excitation states, making purely hydrodynamic or kinetic simulations inaccurate or infeasible. To address this challenge and capture non-equilibrium effects in laser-induced plasma plumes at arbitrary degrees of ionization, we develop a hybrid computational approach that combines the kinetic direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method with a collisional-radiative model (CRM). This ℓDSMC-CRM approach utilizes a lumped particle method to represent minor fractions of excited ions in particle-based simulations and a special coarse-graining technique for atomic spectra and photoionization rates, ensuring numerical convergence at reduced computational cost. The hybrid approach is applied to simulate spatially homogeneous relaxation as well as one- and two-dimensional expansions of plasma plumes induced by irradiation of a copper target by a nanosecond laser pulse in a vacuum or background gas. The comparison with an equilibrium model, where local Saha-Boltzmann equilibrium is enforced, shows that the non-equilibrium effects play a dominant role. The equilibrium model can fail to predict the flow structure and strongly underestimate the degree of absorption of laser radiation by the plume. The ℓDSMC-CRM approach is validated against experimental data demonstrating reasonable agreement with the experimental electron density and temperature, while the equilibrium model is found to dramatically underestimate electron density and temperature. The flexibility of the ℓDSMC-CRM approach allows for its seamless integration into existing DSMC frameworks, making it a valuable tool for high-fidelity plasma modeling in laser-material interactions, laser-based manufacturing, and beyond.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1975

Pulsed electromagnetic gas acceleration

Terminal voltage measurements with various cathodes and anodes in a high power, quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) are discussed. The magnitude of the current at the onset of voltage fluctuations is shown to be an increasing function of cathode area and a weaker decreasing function of anode area. Tests with a fluted cathode indicated that the fluctuations originate in the plasma adjacent to the cathode rather than at the cathode surface. Measurements of radiative output from an optical cavity aligned to examine the current-carrying portion of a two-dimensional, 56 kA magnetoplasmadynamic discharge reveal no lasing in that region, consistent with calculations of electron excitation and resonance radiation trapping. A voltage-swept double probe technique allows single-shot determination of electron temperature and electron number density in the recombining MPD exhaust flow. Current distributions within the cavity of MPD hollow cathodes for various static prefills with no injected mass flow are examined.

Jahn, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Heating of the solar middle chromosphere by large-scale electric currents

A global resistive, two-dimensional, time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model is used to introduce and support the hypothesis that the quiet solar middle chromosphere is heated by resistive dissipation of large-scale electric currents which fill most of its volume. The scale height and maximum magnitude of the current density are 400 km and 31.3 m/sq m, respectively. The associated magnetic field is almost horizontal, has the same scale height as the current density, and has a maximum magnitude of 153 G. The current is carried by electrons flowing across magnetic field lines at 1 m/s. The resistivity is the electron contribution to the Pedersen resitivity for a weakly ionized, strongly magnetized, hydrogen gas. The model does not include a driving mechanism. Most of the physical quantities in the model decrease exponentially with time on a resistive timescale of 41.3 minutes. However, the initial values and spatial; dependence of these quantities are expected to be essentially the same as they would be if the correct driving mechanism were included in a more general model. The heating rate per unit mass is found to be 4.5 x 10(exp 9) ergs/g/s, independent of height and latitude. The electron density scale height is found to be 800 km. The model predicts that 90% of the thermal energy required to heat the middle chromosphere is deposited in the height range 300-760 km above the temperature minimum. It is shown to be consistent to assume that the radiation rate per unit volume is proportional to the magnetic energy density, and then it follows that the heating rate per unit volume is also proportional to the energy from the photosphere into the overlying chromosphere are briefly discussed as possible driving mechanisms for establishing and maintaining the current system. The case in which part of or all of the current is carried by protons and metal ions, and the contribution of electron-proton scattering to the current are also considered, with the conclusion that these effects do not change the qualitative prediction of the model, but probably change the quantitative predictions slightly, mainly by increasing the maximum magntiude of the current density and magnetic field to at most approximately 100 mA/m and approximately 484 G, respectively. The heating rate per unit mass, current density scale height, magnetic field scale height, temperatures, and pressures are unchanged or are only slightly changed by including these additional effects due to protons and ions.

Goodman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ozone depletion in the high latitude lower stratosphere - 1979-1990

Archived Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE, SAGE II) and Solar and Backscattered Ultraviolet (SBUV) data are used to examine lower stratospheric O3 variations at 50 deg latitude in both hemispheres. These data indicate that from 1979 to 1985, 73-90 percent of the total O3 changes have occurred below approximately 25 km in altitude. Significant O3 depletions (up to 15 percent) have occurred in the partial column (127-15.8 mbar) in both hemispheres with indications of a recovery after 1985. Two-dimensional model simulations of O3 changes from 1979 to 1990 have been carried out. Comparisons with O3 data are presented. Model results suggest that by 1985, significant declines in global O3 were caused by destruction by odd nitrogen associated with long-term variations in the flux of precipitating relativistic electrons (2.6 percent); solar UV flux changes (1.8 percent); the dilution effect associated with the Antarctic O3 hole (1.2 percent); and atmospheric increases in CH4, N2O, and chlorofluorocarbons (0.4 percent). Analyses of drift-corrected SBUV and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer data and model calculations indicate that between 1979 and 1985, reductions of 4.3 to 4.8 percent in total column O3 averaged between 65 deg S and 65 deg N have occurred. Calculations indicate a full global O3 decline of 5.2 percent (peak-to-peak) or 6 percent (annual average) between 1979 and 1985 with a partial recovery between 1985 and 1989.

Callis, Linwood B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Robust and tunable oxide nanoscrolls for solar-driven H 2 generation and storage

Hydrogen gas is a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy output and environmentally safe byproducts. Various morphologies of photocatalytic materials have been explored for high-efficiency H 2 production, for instance, quasi-1D nanoscroll structures that provide a larger surface-to-volume ratio. Recently, we predicted layer-by-layer formation of stable oxide nanoscrolls directly from dichalcogenide precursors, eliminating the need for costly formation of two-dimensional oxides for a roll-up synthesis of nanoscrolls. Here, in this study, we evaluate the suitability of those oxide nanoscroll materials—MoO 3 , WO 3 , PdO 2 , HfO 2 , and GeO 2 —for solar-driven photocatalytic H 2 production and storage. Using excited state theory coupled with Bethe–Salpeter equation simulations, we discern their electronic and optical properties as a function of interlayer scroll spacing and find them to be highly conducive for solar-driven photocatalysis. Additionally, using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we show that they are also suitable for H 2 storage as the nanoscrolls exhibit an effective trapping of hydrogen, even in the presence of defects and vacancies in the oxides. This work thus demonstrates the discovery of robust and tunable oxide nanoscrolls as materials for advancing solar-driven hydrogen technologies.

Chemical compounds↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hot-spot model for inertial confinement fusion implosions with an applied magnetic field

Imposing a magnetic field on inertial confinement fusion implosions magnetizes the electrons in the compressed fuel; this suppresses thermal losses, which increases temperature and fusion yield. Indirect-drive experiments at the National Ignition Facility with 12 and 26 T applied magnetic fields demonstrate up to 40% increase in temperature, 3× increase in fusion yield, and indicate that magnetization alters the radial temperature profile [Moody et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 195002 (2022); Lahmann et al., APS DPP (2022)]. In this work, we develop a semi-analytic hot-spot model, which accounts for the two-dimensional (2D) Braginskii anisotropic heat flow due to an applied axial magnetic field. First, we show that hot-spot magnetization alters the radial temperature profile, increasing the central peakedness, which is most pronounced for moderately magnetized implosions (with 8–14 T applied field), compared to both unmagnetized (with no applied field) and highly magnetized (with 26 T or higher applied field) implosions. This model explains the trend in the experimental data, which finds a similarly altered temperature profile in the 12 T experiment. Next, we derive the hot-spot model for gas-filled (Symcap) implosions, accounting for the effects of magnetization on the thermal conduction and in changing the radial temperature (and density) profiles. Using this model, we compute predicted central temperature amplification and yield enhancement scaling with the applied magnetic field. The central temperature fits the experimental data accurately, and the discrepancy in the yield suggests a systematic (independent of applied field) degradation, such as mix, and additional degradation in the reference unmagnetized shot, such as reduced laser drive, increased implosion asymmetry, or the magnetic field suppressing ablator mixing into the hot-spot.

Alpha particles↗
NASA NTRS2000

Test Cases for Flutter of the Benchmark Models Rectangular Wings on the Pitch and Plunge Apparatus

The supercritical airfoil was chosen as a relatively modem airfoil for comparison. The BOO12 model was tested first. Three different types of flutter instability boundaries were encountered, a classical flutter boundary, a transonic stall flutter boundary at angle of attack, and a plunge instability near M = 0.9 and for zero angle of attack. This test was made in air and was Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) Test 468. The BSCW model (for Benchmark SuperCritical Wing) was tested next as TDT Test 470. It was tested using both with air and a heavy gas, R-12, as a test medium. The effect of a transition strip on flutter was evaluated in air. The B64AOlO model was subsequently tested as TDT Test 493. Some further analysis of the experimental data for the BOO12 wing is presented. Transonic calculations using the parameters for the BOO12 wing in a two-dimensional typical section flutter analysis are given. These data are supplemented with data from the Benchmark Active Controls Technology model (BACT) given and in the next chapter of this document. The BACT model was of the same planform and airfoil as the BOO12 model, but with spoilers and a trailing edge control. It was tested in the heavy gas R-12, and was instrumented mostly at the 60 per cent span. The flutter data obtained on PAPA and the static aerodynamic test cases from BACT serve as additional data for the BOO12 model. All three types of flutter are included in the BACT Test Cases. In this report several test cases are selected to illustrate trends for a variety of different conditions with emphasis on transonic flutter. Cases are selected for classical and stall flutter for the BSCW model, for classical and plunge for the B64AOlO model, and for classical flutter for the BOO12 model. Test Cases are also presented for BSCW for static angles of attack. Only the mean pressures and the real and imaginary parts of the first harmonic of the pressures are included in the data for the test cases, but digitized time histories have been archived. The data for the test cases are available as separate electronic files. An overview of the model and tests is given, the standard formulary for these data is listed, and some sample results are presented.

Robert M Bennett↗
NASA NTRS2005

3-D GRMHD Simulations of Disk-Jet Coupling and Associated Variabilities and Emission

We have performed the fully three-dimensional general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulation of jet formation from a thin accretion disk around a Schwarzschild black hole with a free-falling corona. The initial simulation results show that a bipolar jet is created as shown by previous two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations with mirror symmetry at the equator. The 3-D simulation ran over one hundred light-crossing time units which is considerably longer than the previous simulations. We show that the jet is initially formed as predicted due in part to magnetic pressure from the twisting the initially uniform magnetic field and from gas pressure associated with shock formation in the region around r = 3 r_S. At later times, the accretion disk becomes thick and the jet fades resulting in a wind that is ejected from the surface of the thickened (torus-like) disk. It should be noted that no streaming matter from a donor is included at the outer boundary in the simulation (an isolated black hole not binary black hole). The wind flows outwards with a wider angle than the initial jet. The widening of the jet is consistent with the outward moving torsional Alfven waves (TAWs). This evolution of disk-jet coupling suggests that the jet fades with a thickened accretion disk due to the lack of streaming material from an accompanying star. We will report initial results of emission calculated based on simulations with Kerr metric using a new ray-tracing method developed by S. Feurst and K. Wu. Images include free-free emission, absorption, and electron scattering. Fluorescent iron line emission and its variabilities from black holes will also be calculated based on simulation results.

Nishikawa, K. I.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Plasma assisted NH 3 /H 2 /air ignition in nanosecond discharges with non-equilibrium energy transfer

Ammonia (NH 3 ), with its high energy density and easiness to store and transport as a hydrogen carrier, has become a promising alternative green fuel. However, its adoption in power generation is hindered by challenges such as low burning velocity, slow low-temperature oxidation, high NO x emissions, and ignition difficulty. Here, this work computationally investigates the effects of non-equilibrium energy transfer by nanosecond discharges on NH 3 ignition and flame propagation in an NH 3 /H 2 /air flow at 700 K and 1 atm. The simulation results demonstrate that NH 3 /air mixtures require a large ignition energy due to their large critical ignition radius. It is shown that adding 30 % hydrogen significantly reduces the critical ignition radius and minimum ignition energy. Two-dimensional modeling further shows a non-monotonic dependence of ignition kernel volume on the applied voltage and reduced electric field. The optimum ignition enhancement occurs at 200 Td where the generation of electronically excited species and radicals including N 2 (B), O( 1 D) and OH becomes most efficient. Higher voltages divert electron energy toward ionization, which makes it less effective for NH 3 ignition. The study also identifies an optimal electrode gap size for a given pulse energy. Smaller gap sizes increase deposited energy density, raising temperature and radical concentrations. However, excessive reduction of the gap distance reduces flame propagation speed due to the flame stretch effect in rich mixtures with the effective Lewis number greater than unity. A nonlinear relationship between pulse repetition frequency and ignition kernel volume is observed in a nanosecond pulsed high frequency discharge (NPHFD). An optimal frequency range of 200 kHz to 2 MHz is found when two pulses are used. In addition, an optimal number of pulses exists for each pulse repetition frequency, with higher frequencies requiring more pulses to maximize the overlap region. These findings provide critical insights on developing controlled plasma discharge techniques for efficient NH 3 ignition in reactive flows within internal combustion engines and gas turbines.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

A dual dynamic shutter system for accelerating ion irradiation sample throughput via lateral gas implantation gradients

Ion irradiation for material performance testing is limited due to its serial nature, which allows for only one value of the implantation (appm) versus dose (dpa) parameter space to be explored for each ion and experiment at a time. While ion irradiation can accelerate the process by up to three orders of magnitude compared to neutron irradiation experiments, the sample throughput for ion irradiation remains relatively low. To address these limitations, a novel capability has been developed at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory (MIBL), enabling for the creation of single- and two-dimensional lateral ion implantation gradients using recently installed motorized-controlled ion-beam shutters. This advancement can generate a wide scope of the two-dimensional (H+, He2+) implantation parameter space within a single sample. Integration of this new capability now allows for dual- and triple-ion beam experiments to be performed with full user control over not only the ion implantation depth, but also laterally across the sample by imposing ion implantation concentration gradients, thus providing researchers with a high-throughput means for material testing under various irradiation conditions. Furthermore, recent improvements in MIBL's microbeam ion-beam analysis (IBA) target station now allow for probing these concentration gradients in irradiated alloys with exceptional spatial resolution, down to 10 µm. These two approaches promise to significantly improve ion irradiation capabilities and increase the sample throughput by several orders of magnitude. The application of the shutter technique plus the subsequent microbeam characterization of the imposed implantation gradients are showcased by two proof-of-principle ion-irradiated experiments, one performed on single-crystal Si and the other on the fusion-candidate alloy F82H-IEA. These advancements mark a substantial leap in ion-beam technology, offering researchers a robust, high-throughput method to efficiently investigate candidate alloys with high technological readiness for both advanced fission and fusion reactor applications, in a time- and cost-effective manner.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Visualizing Size-Dependent Dynamics of CeO 2-δ {100}-Supported CoO x Nanoparticles Under CO 2 Hydrogenation Conditions

Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas. In order to optimize processes focused on its chemical valorization, one needs detailed information about the effects of CO 2 and/or CO 2 /H 2 mixtures on the structure and morphology of metal/oxide catalysts. Here, in this study, the evolution of a catalyst with cobalt supported on CeO 2 -cube nanostructures under CO 2 hydrogenation conditions was investigated by using a set of in situ characterization techniques (X-ray absorption fine structure, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and environmental transmission electron microscopy (TEM)). The {100} facets of the ceria support displayed an unexpectedly high stability due to strong interactions with the aggregates of cobalt oxide. A significant influence of interfacial bonding between CoO x and CeO 2-δ {100} is evident through a clear preference in the orientation of CoO x nanoparticles (NPs) with respect to the substrate. For initially reduced Co/CeO 2 -cube nanostructures, a kinetically controlled oxidation of cobalt upon the introduction of CO 2 was observed during the early stages of CO 2 hydrogenation. Environmental TEM revealed the size-dependent morphological behavior of cobalt oxide NPs due to strong interactions with the CeO 2 {100} surface. When the environment was switched from H 2 to a mixture of H 2 and CO 2 at 250 °C, small CoO x NPs (in the largest dimension < 2.5 nm) rapidly transformed from a pyramidal three-dimensional (3D) form to a planar, monatomic layer attached to the concurrently oxidized CeO 2-δ {100} surface. This maximizes the number of sites available for the binding of CO 2 or reaction intermediates. The shape transformation reflected the oxophilic character of cobalt and strong metal–support interactions. The removal of CO 2 from the gas phase led to a reduction of the cobalt oxide NPs by hydrogen and a reversible two-dimensional → 3D transformation. In contrast, no significant morphological changes, apart from further oxidation, were observed for big CoO x NPs (in the largest dimension > 3 nm). These trends are not seen for nanoparticles of noble metals. The observed morphological and structural changes in the small CoO x NPs affected the stability of reaction intermediates and modified the selectivity of the CoO x /CeO 2 catalyst system for methane production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Physics insights from a large-scale 2D UEDGE simulation database for detachment control in KSTAR

A large-scale database of two-dimensional UEDGE simulations has been developed to study detachment physics in KSTAR and to support surrogate models for control applications. Nearly 70 000 steady-state solutions were generated, systematically scanning upstream density, input power, plasma current, impurity fraction, and anomalous transport coefficients, with magnetic and electric drifts across the magnetic field included. The database identifies robust detachment indicators, with strike-point electron temperature at detachment onset consistently T e,target ~ 3-4 eV, largely insensitive to upstream conditions. Scaling relations reveal weaker impurity sensitivity than one-dimensional models and show that heat flux widths follow Eich’s scaling only for uniform, low D and χ. Distinctive in–out divertor asymmetries are observed in KSTAR, differing qualitatively from DIII-D. Complementary time-dependent simulations quantify plasma response to gas puffing, with delays of 5 - 15 ms at the outer strike point and ∼ 40 ms for the low-magnetic-field-side radiation front. These dynamics are well captured by first-order-plus-dead-time models and are consistent with experimentally observed detachment-control behavior in KSTAR (Gupta et al 2025 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion (submitted)).

Physics - Plasma physics↗
NASA NTRS1972

A two component model of the diurnal variations in the thermospheric composition

A self-consistent, two-dimensional, two-component diffusion model is presented to describe the diurnal component of thermosphere dynamics. In the regions where oxygen and helium are the minor constituents, diffusion is shown to increase the amplitudes of these constituents and to advance the times of their diurnal maxima by several hours with respect to the gas temperature and the major species. Both effects are in basic agreement with satellite observations. The diffusion process is relatively insignificant for temperature, total mass density, and wind fields. The magnitude of the temperature-density phase delay is discussed with respect to its dependence on the electron density distribution.

Mayr, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Numerical method for solution of systems of non-stationary spatially one-dimensional nonlinear differential equations

A computational scheme and a standard program is proposed for solving systems of nonstationary spatially one-dimensional nonlinear differential equations using Newton's method. The proposed scheme is universal in its applicability and its reduces to a minimum the work of programming. The program is written in the FORTRAN language and can be used without change on electronic computers of type YeS and BESM-6. The standard program described permits the identification of nonstationary (or stationary) solutions to systems of spatially one-dimensional nonlinear (or linear) partial differential equations. The proposed method may be used to solve a series of geophysical problems which take chemical reactions, diffusion, and heat conductivity into account, to evaluate nonstationary thermal fields in two-dimensional structures when in one of the geometrical directions it can take a small number of discrete levels, and to solve problems in nonstationary gas dynamics.

Morozov, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spatial Distribution of Free Radicals in PMR-15 Polyimide Resins

Prior studies have shown that free radicals generated by heating polyimides above 300 C are stable at room temperature and are involved in thermo-oxidative degradation in the presence of oxygen gas. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging (EPRI) is a technique to determine the spatial distribution of free radicals. X-band (9.5 GHz) EPR images of PMR-15 polyimide were obtained with a spatial resolution of about 0.18 mm along a 2 mm dimension of the sample. In a polyimide sample that was not thermocycled, the radical distribution was uniform along the 2 mm dimension of the sample. For a polyimide sample that was exposed to thermocycling in air for 300 one-hour cycles at 335 C, one-dimensional EPRI showed a higher concentration of free radicals in the surface layers than in the bulk sample. A spectral-spatial two-dimensional image showed that the EPR lineshape of the surface layer remained the same as that of the bulk. These EPRI results suggest that the thermo-oxidative degradation of PMR-15 resin involves free radicals present in the oxygen-rich surface layer.

Ahn, Myong K.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging of the Spatial Distribution of Free Radicals in PMR-15 Polyimide Resins

Prior studies have shown that free radicals generated by heating polyimides above 300 C are stable at room temperature and are involved in thermo-oxidative degradation in the presence of oxygen gas. Electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) is a technique to determine the spatial distribution of free radicals. X-band (9.5 GHz) EPR images of PMR-15 polyimide were obtained with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.18 mm along a 2-mm dimension of the sample. In a polyimide sample that was not thermocycled, the radical distribution was uniform along the 2-mm dimension of the sample. For a polyimide sample that was exposed to thermocycling in air for 300 1-h cycles at 335 C, one-dimensional EPRI showed a higher concentration of free radicals in the surface layers than in the bulk sample. A spectral-spatial two-dimensional image showed that the EPR lineshape of the surface layer remained the same as that of the bulk. These EPRI results suggest that the thermo-oxidative degradation of PMR-15 resin involves free radicals present in the oxygen-rich surface layer.

Ahn, Myong K.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Magnetohydrodynamic MACH Code Used to Simulate Magnetoplasmadynamic Thrusters

The On-Board Propulsion program at the NASA Glenn Research Center is utilizing a state of-the-art numerical simulation to model the performance of high-power electromagnetic plasma thrusters. Such thrusters are envisioned for use in lunar and Mars cargo transport, piloted interplanetary expeditions, and deep-space robotic exploration of the solar system. The experimental portion of this program is described in reference 1. This article describes the numerical modeling program used to guide the experimental research. The synergistic use of numerical simulations and experimental research has spurred the rapid advancement of high-power thruster technologies for a variety of bold new NASA missions. From its inception as a U.S. Department of Defense code in the mid-1980's, the Multiblock Arbitrary Coordinate Hydromagnetic (MACH) simulation tool has been used by the plasma physics community to model a diverse range of plasma problems--including plasma opening switches, inertial confinement fusion concepts, compact toroid formation and acceleration, z-pinch implosion physics, laser-target interactions, and a variety of plasma thrusters. The MACH2 code used at Glenn is a time-dependent, two-dimensional, axisymmetric, multimaterial code with a multiblock structure. MACH3, a more recent three-dimensional version of the code, is currently undergoing beta tests. The MACH computational mesh moves in an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) fashion that allows the simulation of diffusive-dominated and dispersive-dominated problems, and the mesh can be refined via a variety of adaptive schemes to capture regions of varying characteristic scale. The mass continuity and momentum equations model a compressible viscous fluid, and three energy equations are used to simulate nonthermal equilibrium between electrons, ions, and the radiation field. Magnetic fields are modeled by an induction equation that includes resistive diffusion, the Hall effect, and a thermal source for magnetic fields. Various models of plasma resistivity are included, along with ablation models and multiport circuit solvers. The set of equations is closed using either an ideal gas or real equation of state.

Mikellides, Pavlos G.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Wear Mechanisms in Electron Sources for Ion Propulsion, 1: Neutralizer Hollow Cathode

Upon the completion of two long-duration life tests of a 30-cm ion engine, the orifice channel of the neutralizer hollow cathode was eroded away to as much as twice its original diameter. Whereas the neutralizer cathode orifice opened significantly, no noticeable erosion of the discharge cathode orifice was observed. Noquantitative explanation of these erosion trends has been established since the completion of the two life tests. A two-dimensional model of the partially ionized gas inside these devices has been developed and applied to the neutralizer hollow cathode. The numerical simulations show that the main mechanism responsible for the channel erosion is sputtering by Xe+. These ions are accelerated by the sheath along the channel and bombard the surface with kinetic energy/charge of about 17 V at the beginning of cathode life. The density of the ions inside the neutralizer orifice is computed to be as high as 2.1 x 10(sup 22) m(sup -3). Because of the 3.5-times larger diameter of the discharge cathode orifice, the ion density inside the orifice is more than 40 times lower and the sheath drop 7 V lower compared with the values in the neutralizer. At these conditions, Xe+ can cause no significant sputtering of the surface.

ionized gas↗