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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 811 records · Page 45
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Magnetized and collimated millimeter scale plasma jets with astrophysical relevance

Magnetized collimated plasma jets are created in the laboratory to extend our understanding of plasma jet acceleration and collimation mechanisms with particular connection to astrophysical jets. In this study, plasma collimated jets are formed from supersonic unmagnetized flows, mimicking a stellar wind, subject to currents and magnetohydrodynamic forces. It is found that an external poloidal magnetic field, like the ones found anchored to accretion disks, is essential to stabilize the jets against current-driven instabilities. The maximum jet length before instabilities develop is proportional to the field strength and the length threshold agrees well with Kruskal-Shafranov theory. The plasma evolution is modeled qualitatively using MHD theory of current-carrying flux tubes showing that jet acceleration and collimation arise as a result of electromagnetic forces.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Atomic-orbital close-coupling calculations for collisions involving fusion relevant highly charged impurity ions using very large basis sets

The atomic-orbital close-coupling formalism is a well-known method for the semiclassical treatment of ion-atom collisions. Cross sections for these kinds of collisions are mainly needed in the analysis of certain spectroscopic data from nuclear fusion experiments as well as astrophysical data. We shall outline how the computational implementation can be improved in such a way that collisions involving heavy, highly charged impurity ions, such as Ar{sup 18+} can be treated. Furthermore we show and discuss exemplary results.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

On the relevance of magnetohydrodynamic pumping in solar coronal loop simulation experiments

A magnetohydrodynamic pumping mechanism was proposed by Bellan [Phys. Plasmas 10, 1999 (2003)] to explain the formation of highly collimated plasma-filled magnetic flux tubes in certain solar coronal loop simulation experiments. In this paper, measurements on such an experiment are compared to the predictions of Bellan's pumping and collimation model. Significant discrepancies between theoretical implications and experimental observations have prompted more elaborate investigations by making use of pertinent modifications of the experimental device. On the basis of these studies, it is concluded that the proposed MHD pumping mechanism does not play a crucial role for the formation and temporal evolution of the arched plasma structures that are generated in the coronal loop simulation experiments under consideration.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Fuel ion ratio measurements in reactor relevant neutral beam heated fusion plasmas

In this paper, we present a method to derive n{sub t}/n{sub d} using the ratio of the thermonuclear neutron emission to the beam-target neutron emission. We apply it to neutron spectroscopy data from the magnetic proton recoil spectrometer taken during the deuterium tritium experiment at JET. n{sub t}/n{sub d}-values obtained using neutron spectroscopy are in qualitative agreement with those from other diagnostics measuring the isotopic composition of the exhaust in the divertor.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

A novel technique for single-shot energy-resolved 2D x-ray imaging of plasmas relevant for the inertial confinement fusion

A novel x-ray diagnostic of laser-fusion plasmas is described, allowing 2D monochromatic images of hot, dense plasmas to be obtained in any x-ray photon energy range, over a large domain, on a single-shot basis. The device (named energy-encoded pinhole camera) is based upon the use of an array of many pinholes coupled to a large area CCD camera operating in the single-photon mode. The available x-ray spectral domain is only limited by the quantum efficiency of scientific-grade x-ray CCD cameras, thus extending from a few keV up to a few tens of keV. Spectral 2D images of the emitting plasma can be obtained at any x-ray photon energy provided that a sufficient number of photons had been collected at the desired energy. Results from recent inertial confinement fusion related experiments will be reported in order to detail the new diagnostic.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2012

Divertor conditions relevant for fusion reactors achieved with linear plasma generator

Intense magnetized hydrogen and deuterium plasmas have been produced with electron densities up to 3.6 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 20} m{sup -3} and electron temperatures up to 3.7 eV with a linear plasma generator. Exposure of a W target has led to average heat and particle flux densities well in excess of 4 MW m{sup -2} and 10{sup 24} m{sup -2} s{sup -1}, respectively. We have shown that the plasma surface interactions are dominated by the incoming ions. The achieved conditions correspond very well to the projected conditions at the divertor strike zones of fusion reactors such as ITER. In addition, the machine has an unprecedented high gas efficiency.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Atypical water lattices and their possible relevance to the amorphous ices: A density functional study

Of the fifteen known crystalline forms of ice, eleven consist of a single topologically connected hydrogen bond network with four H-bonds at every O. The other four, Ices VI–VIII and XV, consist of two topologically connected networks, each with four H-bonds at every O. The networks interpenetrate but do not share H-bonds. This article presents two new periodic water lattice families whose topological connectivity is “atypical”: they consist of many two-dimensional layers that share no H-bonds. Layers are held together only by dispersion forces. Within each layer there are still four H-bonds at each O. Called “Hexagonal Bilayer Water” (HBW) and “Pleated Sheet Water” (PSW), they have computed densities of about 1.1 g/mL and 1.3 g/mL respectively, and nearest neighbor O-coordination is 4.5 to 5.5 and 6 to 8 respectively. Using density functional theory (BLYP-D/TZVP), various proton ordered forms of HBW and PSW are optimized and categorized. There are simple pathways connecting Ice-Ih to HBW and HBW to PSW. Their computed properties suggest similarities to the high density and very high density amorphous ices (HDA and VHDA) respectively. It is unknown whether HDA, VHDA, and Low Density Amorphous Ice (LDA) are fully disordered glasses down to the molecular level, or whether there is some short-range local order. Based on estimated radial distribution functions (RDFs), one proton ordered form of HBW matches HDA best. The idea is explored that HDA could contain islands with this underlying structure, and likewise, that VHDA could contain regions of PSW. A “microlattice model version 1” (MLM1) is presented as a device to compare key experimental data on the amorphous ices with these atypical structures and with a microlattice form of Ice-XI for LDA. Resemblances are found with the amorphs’ RDFs, densities, Raman spectra, and transition behaviors. There is not enough information in the static models to assign either a microlattice structure or a partial microlattice structure to any amorphous ice phase.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Radiative reverse shock laser experiments relevant to accretion processes in cataclysmic variables

We discuss the production of radiative reverse shocks in experiments at the Omega-60 laser facility. The ability of this high-intensity laser to impart large energy densities on micron-thin foils makes it feasible to create supersonic plasma flows. Obtaining a radiative reverse shock in the laboratory requires a sufficiently fast flow (∼100 km/s) of a material whose opacity is large enough to produce energetically significant emission from experimentally achievable shocked layers. The reverse shock forms in the flow once it is impeded. This paper presents the first radiographic data of normal incidence, reverse shockwaves. These experiments are primarily motivated by the contribution of radiative reverse shock waves to the evolving dynamics of the cataclysmic variable (CV) system in which they reside. We show similarity properties to suggest that the experimental production of radiative reserve shocks in the laboratory may be scalable to such astrophysical systems.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

EBIT spectroscopy of highly charged heavy ions relevant to hot plasmas

We present spectra of highly charged iron, gadolinium, and tungsten ions obtained with electron beam ion traps. Spectroscopic studies of these ions are important to diagnose and control hot plasmas in several areas. For iron ions, the electron density dependence of the line intensity ratio in extreme ultraviolet spectra is investigated for testing the model calculation used in solar corona diagnostics. Soft x-ray spectra of gadolinium are studied to obtain atomic data required in light source development for future lithography. Tungsten is considered to be the main impurity in the ITER plasma, and thus visible and soft x-ray spectra of tungsten have been observed to explore the emission lines useful for the spectroscopic diagnostics of the ITER plasma.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

Turbulent energy exchange: Calculation and relevance for profile prediction

The anomalous heat production due to turbulence is neither routinely calculated in nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations nor routinely retained in profile prediction studies. In this work, we develop a symmetrized method to compute the exchange which dramatically reduces the intermittency in the time-dependent moment, thereby improving the accuracy of the time-average. We also examine the practical impact on transport-timescale simulations, and show that the exchange has only a minor impact on profile evolution for a well-studied DIII-D discharge.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electron-ion dissociative recombination rate constants relevant to the Titan atmosphere and the Interstellar Medium

Following the arrival of Cassini at Titan in 2004, the Titan atmosphere has been shown to contain large complex polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons. Since Cassini has provided a great deal of data, there exists a need for kinetic rate data to help with modeling this atmosphere. One type of kinetic data needed is electron-ion dissociative recombination (e-IDR) rate constants. These data are not readily available for larger compounds, such as naphthalene, or oxygen containing compounds, such as 1,4 dioxane or furan. Here, the rate constants for naphthalene, 1,4 dioxane, and furan have been measured and their temperature dependencies are determined when possible, using the University of Georgia's Variable Temperature Flowing Afterglow. The rate constants are compared with those previously published for other compounds; these show trends which illustrate the effects which multi-rings and oxygen heteroatoms substitutions have upon e-IDR rate constants.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electron ionization of open/closed chain isocarbonic molecules relevant in plasma processing: Theoretical cross sections

In this paper, we report theoretical electron impact ionization cross sections from threshold to 2000 eV for isocarbonic open chain molecules C{sub 4}H{sub 6}, C{sub 4}H{sub 8}, C{sub 4}F{sub 6} including their isomers, and closed chain molecules c-C{sub 4}H{sub 8} and c-C{sub 4}F{sub 8}. Theoretical formalism employed presently, viz., Complex Scattering Potential-ionization contribution method has been used successfully for a variety of polyatomic molecules. The present ionization calculations are very important since results available for the studied targets are either scarce or none. Our work affords comparison of C{sub 4} containing hydrocarbon versus fluorocarbon molecules. Comparisons of the present ionization cross sections are made wherever possible, and new ionization data are also presented.

2-METHYLPROPENE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Astrophysics studies relevant to stellar x-ray bursts

Two reactions of {sup 14}O(α,p){sup 17}F and {sup 18}Ne(α,p){sup 21}Na provide the pathways for breakout from the hot CNO cycles to the rp-process in type I X-ray bursts. To better determine their astrophysical reaction rates, resonance parameters of the compound nuclei {sup 18}Ne and {sup 22}Mg have been investigated by the resonant elastic scattering of {sup 17}F+p and {sup 21}Na+p, respectively. The {sup 17}F and {sup 21}Na radioactive ion beams were produced at the CNS Radioactive Ion Beam Separator and impinged on the thick proton targets. The excitation functions were obtained with a thick-target method over a wide excitation energy range. The resonance parameters in the compound nuclei {sup 18}Ne and {sup 22}Mg have been determined through an R-matrix analysis. New reaction rates of these two (α,p) reactions are recalculated. The astrophysical impact for the {sup 18}Ne(α,p){sup 21}Na reaction has been investigated through one-zone postprocessing X-ray burst calculations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Study of {sup 24}Mg resonances relevant for carbon burning nucleosynthesis

We have studied decays of resonances in {sup 24}Mg at excitation energies above the {sup 12}C+{sup 12}C decay threshold, using {sup 12}C({sup 16}O,α){sup 24}Mg* reaction. This experiment has been performed at INFNLNS, using Tandem accelerator beam of 16O at E = 94 MeV. Some preliminary results are presented.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Phononic crystals and elastodynamics: Some relevant points

In the present paper we review briefly some of the first works on wave propagation in phononic crystals emphasizing the conditions for the creation of acoustic band-gaps and the role of resonances to the band-gap creation. We show that useful conclusions in the analysis of phononic band gap structures can be drawn by considering the mathematical similarities of the basic classical wave equation (Helmholtz equation) with Schrödinger equation and by employing basic solid state physics concepts and conclusions regarding electronic waves. In the second part of the paper we demonstrate the potential of phononic systems to be used as elastic metamaterials. This is done by demonstrating negative refraction in phononic crystals and subwavelength waveguiding in a linear chain of elastic inclusions, and by proposing a novel structure with close to pentamode behavior. Finally the potential of phononic structures to be used in liquid sensor applications is discussed and demonstrated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Relevance of β-delayed neutron data for reactor, nuclear physics and astrophysics applications

Initially, yields (or abundances) and branching ratios of β-delayed neutrons (βdn) from fission products (P{sub n}-values) have had their main importance in nuclear reactor control. At that time, the six-group mathematical approximation of the time-dependence of βdn-data in terms of the so-called 'Keepin groups' was generally accepted. Later, with the development of high-resolution neutron spectroscopy, βdn data have provided important information on nuclear-structure properties at intermediate excitation energy in nuclei far from stability, as well as in nuclear astrophysics. In this paper, I will present some examples of the βdn-studies performed by the Kernchemie Mainz group during the past three decades. This work has been recognized as an example of 'broad scientific diversity' which has led to my nomination for the 2014 Hans A. Bethe prize.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dense and half-dense NiZnCo ferrite ceramics: Their respective relevance for antenna downsizing, according to their dielectric and magnetic properties at microwave frequencies

Spinel ferrite Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.3}Co{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 1.98}O{sub 4−x} nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method, and samples were realized by moulding and annealing at key temperatures (T{sub M} = 800 °C, 900 °C, 1050 °C, determined beforehand through shrinkage measurements) going with calcining and sintering processes. Annealing at 800 °C and 900 °C led to half-dense ceramics (porosity ∼50 vol. %), whereas bulky ferrite was obtained after annealing at 1050 °C. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and ion chromatography analysis were performed. Complex dielectric permittivity (ε*) and magnetic permeability (μ*) were investigated up to 6 GHz. With increasing T{sub M}, a decreasing amount of Fe{sup 2+} was observed, going with increasing sample density. Coupled effects of the Fe{sup 2+} concentration and of the porosity, both on dielectric and magnetic properties, were chiefly investigated and discussed. The materials show almost constant permittivities (ε′ = 5.0, 6.0, and 14.8 for T{sub M} = 800 °C, 900 °C and 1050 °C, respectively). The bulk value at f = 1 GHz (ε′ = 14.8) can be interpreted well according to Shannon's theory. The permittivities of the half-dense ceramics are discussed on the basis of Bruggeman's Effective Medium Theory. The materials annealed at 800 °C and 900 °C show almost constant magnetic permeabilities in the frequency range from 0.2 to 1 GHz (μ′ = 3.4 and 6.0 for T{sub M} = 800 °C and 900 °C). The observed permeability behavior is typical of monodomain particles, except for the sample annealed at 1050 °C, for which domain wall contribution to μ* is suspected because of non-negligible losses at low frequency (μ″ = 1.3–1.8 at f < 0.3 GHz). This finding is supported by estimations of the upper and lower values for the critical grain size, on the basis of Brown–Van der Zaag's theory. Facing bulk ceramics, and in view of using Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.3}Co{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 1.98}O{sub 4−x} ferrite as substrate for antenna miniaturization, the electromagnetic properties of half-dense ceramics materials seem to be very competitive at frequencies beyond 0.2 GHz, and up to 0.7–0.8 GHz.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Communication: Equilibrium rate coefficients from atomistic simulations: The O({sup 3}P) + NO({sup 2}Π) → O{sub 2}(X{sup 3}Σ{sub g}{sup −}) + N({sup 4}S) reaction at temperatures relevant to the hypersonic flight regime

The O({sup 3}P) + NO({sup 2}Π) → O{sub 2}(X{sup 3}Σ{sub g}{sup −}) + N({sup 4}S) reaction is among the N- and O- involving reactions that dominate the energetics of the reactive air flow around spacecraft during hypersonic atmospheric re-entry. In this regime, the temperature in the bow shock typically ranges from 1000 to 20 000 K. The forward and reverse rate coefficients for this reaction derived directly from trajectory calculations over this range of temperature are reported in this letter. Results compare well with the established equilibrium constants for the same reaction from thermodynamic quantities derived from spectroscopy in the gas phase which paves the way for large-scale in silico investigations of equilibrium rates under extreme conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗