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At least 91 records · Page 5

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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Computational Modeling Development of Solid-state Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety for Electric Aircraft

All electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) for urban air mobility (UAM) concepts face numerous challenging technical barriers before their introduction into the consumer marketplace. The most challenging of these technical barriers to overcome is developing an energy storage system capable of meeting the rigorous aerospace safety and performance criteria. The performance metrics for eVTOL craft are at least 2 times greater than those of electric automobiles. Furthermore, safety is essential for operation of commercial electric aerovehicles. Preliminary systems level analysis has indicated that there are five key properties which must be optimized for successful implementation of battery systems. Those five key criteria are: safety, energy density, power, packaging design and scalability. Current state-of-the-art (SOA) lithium-ion batteries meet or exceed the requirements for electric aviation in the areas of power and scalability, yet are insufficient in the key performance criteria of energy, safety and packaging design. The SABERS concept proposes a battery that meets all five key performance criteria through development of a solid-state architecture battery utilizing high energy density and power density sulfur-selenium cathode with a lithium metal anode. The combination of sulfur and selenium offers a balanced energy-to-power density ratio, which can be tailored to the specific application by altering the stoichiometric ratios of sulfur to selenium. This cathode will be developed by implementing NASA patented holey graphene technology as a highly conductive, ultra-lightweight electrode scaffold. A solid-state electrolyte will be used as a safe, non-flammable replacement to the highly flammable liquid organic electrolytes currently used in SOA lithium-ion batteries. This solid-state lithium-sulfur-selenium cell will be designed into a serial stacking configuration to enable dense packaging of the battery cells. The serial stacking configuration is termed a bipolar stack, which has the advantages of reducing overall cell weight, reducing the amount of interfaced connections for the cell, and minimizing the cooling requirements for the cell. Lastly, optimization of battery components will occur through a robust and rigorous combination of various computational modeling techniques covering multiple length scales. The expected result will be a fully solid-state battery with operational temperatures from 0 °C to 150 °C which provides the required energy density, discharge rates, and inherent safety to meet the strict aerospace performance criteria. This presentation will show initial results that demonstrate the SABERS Team has developed a composite carbon-sulfur cathode which exceeds 1100 Wh/kg at a discharge rate of 0.4C, and 804 Wh/kg at a discharge rate of 1C. Additionally, this presentation will show the SABERS Team multiscale computational modeling approach and has produced a novel particle dynamics method called Solid Electrolyte Sphere Approximation Model (SESAM). SESAM is on the 1-10 µm scale and provides electromechanical and grain interactions for predictive design guidelines for the experimental team to follow.

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Vehicles↗

NASA NTRS2023

Hermes LunarG Executive Summary

Hermes LunarG is a flight-proven research platform that can measure the effects of lunar gravity on different types of astromaterials using Blue Origin's reusable sub-orbital flight system. Hermes LunarG is part of the Strata-1 family of experiments that leverages International Space Station (ISS) flight hardware to investigate particle dynamics. The platform is a single payload locker consisting of four clear, polycarbonate tubes containing different regolith simulant materials. Onboard the New Shephard, once lunar gravity conditions are achieved, the payload releases the simulants to move freely in the tubes. The payload will capture images and sensor data to illustrate the dust settling effects and behavior of lunar regolith simulant in this environment. Funded by NASA STMD (Space Technology Mission Directorate) GCD (Game Changing Development) Program, the project has been developed by NASA, T STAR (Texas Space Technology Applications and Research) and Texas A&M's SOAR (Sub-Orbital Astromaterial Research) team to deliver a platform that will further address gaps in dust mitigation and improve the understanding of regolith in lunar gravity.

regolith↗

NASA NTRS2014

Gradual Diffusion and Punctuated Phase Space Density Enhancements of Highly Relativistic Electrons: Van Allen Probes Observations

The dual-spacecraft Van Allen Probes mission has provided a new window into mega electron volt (MeV) particle dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts. Observations (up to E (is) approximately 10MeV) show clearly the behavior of the outer electron radiation belt at different timescales: months-long periods of gradual inward radial diffusive transport and weak loss being punctuated by dramatic flux changes driven by strong solar wind transient events. We present analysis of multi-MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) changes during March 2013 in the context of the first year of Van Allen Probes operation. This March period demonstrates the classic signatures both of inward radial diffusive energization and abrupt localized acceleration deep within the outer Van Allen zone (L (is) approximately 4.0 +/- 0.5). This reveals graphically that both 'competing' mechanisms of multi-MeV electron energization are at play in the radiation belts, often acting almost concurrently or at least in rapid succession.

Van Allen Probes↗

DOE OSTI2024

Plasma Dynamics and Nonthermal Particle Acceleration in 3D Nonrelativistic Magnetic Reconnection

Understanding plasma dynamics and nonthermal particle acceleration in 3D magnetic reconnection has been a long-standing challenge. In this paper, we explore these problems by performing large-scale fully kinetic simulations of multi-X-line plasmoid reconnection with various parameters in both the weak- and strong-guide-field regimes. In each regime, we have identified its unique 3D dynamics that lead to field-line chaos and efficient acceleration, and we have achieved nonthermal acceleration of both electrons and protons into power-law spectra. The spectral indices agree well with a simple Fermi acceleration theory that includes guide-field dependence. In the low-guide-field regime, the flux rope kink instability governs the 3D dynamics for efficient acceleration. The weak dependence of the spectra on the ion-to-electron mass ratio and β ($\ll$1) implies that the particles are sufficiently magnetized for Fermi acceleration in our simulations. While both electrons and protons are injected at reconnection exhausts, protons are primarily injected by perpendicular electric fields through Fermi reflections and electrons are injected by a combination of perpendicular and parallel electric fields. The magnetic power spectra agree with in situ magnetotail observations, and the spectral index may reflect a reconnection-driven size distribution of plasmoids instead of the Goldreich–Sridhar vortex cascade. As the guide field becomes stronger, the oblique flux ropes of large sizes capture the main 3D dynamics for efficient acceleration. Intriguingly, the oblique flux ropes can also experience flux rope kink instability, to drive extra 3D dynamics. This work has broad implications for 3D reconnection dynamics and particle acceleration in heliophysics and astrophysics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1991

Interrelation of soft and hard X-ray emissions during solar flares. II - Simulation model

Two-dimensional electrostatic particle simulations are presented which incorporate the effect of quasi-static electric fields on particle dynamics as well as effects associated with wave-particle interactions induced by the accelerated particles. The properties of the soft and hard X-ray and microwave emissions from such systems are examined. In particular, it is shown that acceleration by quasi-static electric fields and heating via wave-particle interactions produces electron distributions with a broken-power law, similar to those inferred from hard X-ray spectra. Also, heating of the ambient plasma gives rise to a region of hot plasma propagating down to the chromosphere at about the ion sound speed.

Winglee, R. M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Probing the Self-Assembly dynamics of cellulose nanocrystals by X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy

Charge-stabilized colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can self-assemble into higher-ordered chiral nematic structures by varying the volume fraction. The assembly process exhibits distinct dynamics during the isotropic to liquid crystal phase transition, which can be elucidated using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). Anionic CNCs were dispersed in propylene glycol (PG) and water spanning a range of volume fractions, encompassing several phase transitions. Coupled with traditional characterization techniques, XPCS was conducted to monitor the dynamic evolution of the different phases. Additionally, simulated XPCS results were obtained using colloidal rods and compared with the experimental data, offering additional insights into the dynamic behavior of the system. The results indicate that the particle dynamics of CNCs undergo a stepped decay in three stages during the self-assembly process in PG, coinciding with the observed phases. The phase transitions are associated with a total drop of Brownian diffusion rates by four orders of magnitude, a decrease of more than a thousand times slower than expected in an ideal system of repulsive Brownian rods. Given the similarity in the phase behaviors in CNCs dispersed in PG and in water, we hypothesize that these dynamic behaviors can be extrapolated to other polar solvent environments. Importantly, these findings represent the direct measurement of CNC dynamics using XPCS, underscoring the feasibility of directly assessing the dynamic behavior of other rod-like colloidal suspensions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Bridging microscopic dynamics and rheology in the yielding of charged colloidal suspensions

The yielding of soft materials is critical to many natural and industrial processes, yet experimental insights into microscopic aspects of yielding are limited. This study combines angle X-ray scattering, X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, and in situ rheology (Rheo-SAXS-XPCS) with fast lubrication dynamics simulations to examine how interparticle interactions influence yielding in charged colloidal suspensions. By tuning attraction through salt addition, we compare repulsive and attractive systems under deformation. Repulsive suspensions yield uniformly with Andrade-like creep and minimal structural change. In contrast, attractive suspensions show complex behaviors, including shear banding, delayed yielding, and resolidification, governed by transient dynamics at shear band interfaces. These results directly link microscopic particle dynamics to macroscopic flow and demonstrate how interaction potentials control rheological behavior. This work offers a framework for designing soft materials with tailored properties for applications in coatings, food processing, drug delivery, and other technologies requiring precise mechanical control.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation↗

NASA NTRS2000

Novel Optical Diagnostic Techniques for Studying Particle Deposition Upon Large Cylinders in a Sheared Suspension

On a twelve-month voyage to Mars, one astronaut will require at least two tons of potable water and two tons of pure oxygen. Efficient, reliable fluid reclamation is therefore necessary for manned space exploration. Space habitats require a compact, flexible, and robust apparatus capable of solid-fluid mechanical separation over a wide range of fluid and particle densities and particle sizes. In space, centrifugal filtration, where particles suspended in fluid are captured by rotating fixed-fiber mat filters, is a logical candidate for mechanical separation. Non-colloidal particles are deposited on the fibers due to inertial impaction or direct interception. Since rotation rates are easily adjustable, inertial effects are the most practical way to control separation rates for a wide variety of multiphase mixtures in variable gravity environments. Understanding how fluid inertia and differential fluid-particle inertia, characterized by the Reynolds and Stokes numbers, respectively, affect deposition is critical in optimizing filtration in a microgravity environment. This work will develop non-intrusive optical diagnostic techniques for directly visualizing where and when non-colloidal particles deposit upon, or contact, solid surfaces: 'particle proximity sensors'. To model particle deposition upon a single filter fiber, these sensors will be used in ground-based experiments to study particle dynamics as in the vicinity of a large (compared with the particles) cylinder in a simply sheared (i.e., linearly-varying, zero-mean velocity profile) neutrally-buoyant, refractive-index matched solid-liquid suspension.

Yoda, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Assembly of small silica nanoparticles using lipid-tethered DNA ‘bonds’

Single-stranded DNA molecules modified with cholesterol functional groups are physically tethered to silica nanoparticles (diameter 25 nm) that are encapsulated in a lipid bilayer. Such tethering increases the azimuthal mobility of the DNA molecules across the nanoparticle surface and enables nonspecific bonding, eliminating the need for specialized surface chemistries (such as silane or thiol ligands). To induce assembly, double-stranded DNA ‘bridge’ molecules are then added with complementary nucleotides to the DNA ‘anchor’ molecules that are physically tethered to the lipids on the surface of the particles. Assembly is observed to occur at room temperature and without the need for temperature annealing. Using automated liquid handling tools, assemblies are created in high throughput and rapidly characterized using SAXS. It is determined that the relative concentration of DNA-to-silica and the ionic strength of the solution are important parameters that affect the resulting assembly. Analysis of SAXS data is performed using coarse-grained particle dynamics simulations. The results support the spontaneous formation of semi-crystalline particle assemblies by particle condensation, where the interparticle distance is tuned by the sequence of the DNA ‘bridge’ used to link the particles. Crystallinity analysis performed on the resulting simulations, optimized to match SAXS observations, suggest that particle clusters display increased crystallinity in the center of the clusters, but their maximum size remains relatively small (sub-micron) before settling occurs, which limits the extent of crystallization.

Chiang, Huat Thart [Univ. of Washington, Seattle, ↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Sensitivity Study of Dust-Laden Flows in the DLR GBK Facility using the DUST-US3D Framework

An unstructured integrated simulation framework DUST-US3D has been used to study particle-laden flows in the German Aerospace Center (DLR) GBK facility. Air/particle inflow conditions and the overall simulation methodology has been adjusted to ensure consonance with recent experimental work. The resulting particle dynamics are found to be extremely sensitive to the configuration of the particle injection process. However, owing to relatively low particle mass flow rates incorporating 2-way coupling (particles-gas exchange momentum/energy) or particle-particle collisions has no significant impact on predictions. Numerical estimates for particle velocity magnitude are consistently lower than those observed during experiments which could be indicative of particles coalescing into larger, possibly non-spherical aggregates.

Dusty Flows↗

NASA NTRS1999

MRI Measurements and Granular Dynamics Simulation of Segregation of Granular Mixture

A counter intuitive axial segregation phenomenon in a rotating horizontal cylinder has recently captured attention of many researchers in different disciplines. There is a growing consensus that the interplay between the particle dynamics and the evolution of the internal structure during the segregation process must be carefully investigated. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to non-invasively obtain much needed dynamic/static information such as velocity and concentration profiles, and it has proven to be capable of depicting the evolution of segregation processes. Segregation in a rotating cylinder involves two processes: the first is to transport small particles in the radial direction to form a radial core, and the second is to transform the radial core into axially segregated bands. Percolation and/or "stopping" have been proposed as mechanisms for the radial segregation. As to mechanisms for axial band formation, much less is known. The difference in the dynamic angle of repose has been proposed to segregate different components in the axial direction. Recently, Hill and Kakalios have reported that particles mix or demix depending upon the competition between diffusion and preferential drift whose order can be determined by the dynamic angle of repose through the adjustment of the rotation rate. We claim that the dynamic angle of repose could be one of the causes, however, it fails to offer reasonable explanations for certain aspects of the axial migration. For example, we always observe that the radial segregation precedes the axial segregation and small particles migrate in the radial direction to form an axially extended radial core. It then transforms into axially segregated bands. By definition, the effects of the dynamic angle of repose are restricted near the free surface where the flowing layer is present. However, during the process of transforming from the radially segregated core to axially segregated bands, small particles located in the deep core region, which is untouched by the flowing layer, also completely disappear. Usually, the dynamics angle of repose are uniquely defined for individual species to characterize particle properties, and the dynamic angle of repose thus defined provides little information for the dynamic angle of repose of the mixture since the concentration ratio and the internal packing structure do not remain the same during the segregation processes. Under microgravity environment, the dynamics angle of repose argument does not hold since there is simply no flowing layer to influence/determine the preferred directions of segregation. We have thus designed an experiment so that the effects of the dynamic angle of repose can be minimized by filling the cylinder almost completely full. Small particles still formed a radial core and also migrated to form axial bands. As ground based experiments we have designed and conducted both 2D and 3D segregation experiments. The 2D experiments are performed using a thin cylinder (the gap between two end caps is about 5 mm) filled with different combinations of particles. The 3D experiments are conducted with a long cylinder of its length and diameter of 27cm and 7cm, respectively. Results of 2D experiments indicate that different mechanisms govern particle motion in regions near and far from the axis of rotation. Results of 3D experiments indicate that a series of collapses of microstructures of particle packing (micro-collapses) may be responsible for the creation of voids for small particles to migrate through in the axial direction. We have successfully eliminated the dynamic angle of repose as a cause for segregation, however, by almost completely filling the cylinder with the particles, we have lost an opportunity to investigate a possibility of particle "mobility" being a cause for segregation which requires a flowing surface but not the difference in the angle of repose. This is currently being investigated.

Nakagawa, M.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Simulations of Magnetic Reconnection - Kinetic Mechanisms Underlying the Fluid Description of Ions

Because of its ability to transfer the energy stored in magnetic field together with the breaking of the flux freezing constraint, magnetic reconnection is considered as one of the most important phenomena in plasma physics. When it happens in a collision less environment such as the terrestrial magnetosphere, it should a priori be modelled with in the framework of kinetic physics. The evidence of kinetic features has incidentally for a long time, been shown by researchers with the help of both numerical simulations and satellite observations. However, most of our understanding of the process comes from the more intuitive fluid interpretation with simple closure hypothesis which do not include kinetic effects. To what extent are these two separate descriptions of the same phenomenon related? What is the role of kinetic effects in the averaged/fluid dynamics of reconnection? This thesis addresses these questions for the proton population in the particular case of anti parallel merging with the help of 2D Hybrid simulations. We show that one can not assume, as is usually done, that the acceleration of the proton flow is only due to the Laplace force. Our results show, for symmetric and asymmetric connection, the importance of the pressure force, opposed to the electric one on the separatrices, in the decoupling region. In the symmetric case, we emphasize the kinetic origin of this force by analyzing the proton distribution functions and explain their structure by studying the underlying particle dynamics. Protons, as individual particles, are shown to bounce in the electric potential well created by the Hall effect. The spatial divergence of this well results in a mixing in phase space responsible for the observed structure of the pressure tensor. A detailed energy budget analysis confirms the role of the pressure force for the acceleration; but, contrary to what is sometimes assumed, it also reveals that the major part of the incoming Poynting flux is transferred to the thermal energy flux rather than to the convective kinetic energy flux, although the latter is generally supposed dominant. In the symmetric case, we propose the pressure tensor to be an additional proxy of the ion decoupling region in satellite data and verify this suggestion by studying a reconnection event encountered by the Cluster spacecrafts. Finally, the last part of this thesis is devoted to the study of the kinetic structure of asymmetric tangential current sheets where connection can develop. This theoretical part consists in finding a steady state solution to the Vlasov-Maxwell system for the protons in such a configuration. We present the theory and its first confrontation to numerical tests.

Aunai, icolas↗

DOE OSTI2026

Longitudinal Phase Space Tomography for the Booster Synchrotron

Efforts in the study of the longitudinal behavior of charged particles in the Fermilab Booster can be catalyzed with an image of the two-dimensional phase space distribution. In the past, tomography has been extensively employed in the reconstruction of the phase space in accelerators such as the Recycler at Fermilab and the Proton Synchrotron Booster at CERN. However, such a capability had yet to realize for the Fermilab Booster synchrotron. In this work, the first successful tomographic phase space reconstruction of a low-energy Booster bunch is presented along with validation metrics. A numerical turn-by-turn model of the longitudinal particle dynamics in the Booster has been implemented, which utilizes a fast, map-based particle transport algorithm. Using a sinogram generated from the Wall Current Monitor, the iterative reconstruction algorithm recovers a discretized image of the original phase space distribution at variable resolution. The reconstruction result shows low root-mean-square error and a rapid convergence toward the solution, providing strong evidence of accuracy. Future and ongoing work includes modeling high-energy bunches above transition and using tomography to infer certain machine parameters such as synchronous phase, peak gap voltage, and synchronous energy in addition to the phase space distribution.

Ebeid, Safi [Unlisted]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Longitudinal Phase Space Tomography for the Booster Synchrotron (Abstract Only)

Ebeid, Safi [Unlisted, US]↗

DOE OSTI2026

Longitudinal Phase Space Tomography for the Booster Synchrotron

Efforts in the study of the longitudinal behavior of charged particles in the Fermilab Booster can be catalyzed with an image of the two-dimensional phase space distribution. In the past, tomography had been employed in the reconstruction of the phase space in accelerators such as the Recycler at Fermilab and the Proton Synchrotron Booster at CERN. However, such a capability had yet to realize for the Fermilab Booster synchrotron. In this work, the first successful tomographic phase space reconstruction of a low-energy Booster bunch is presented along with validation metrics. A numerical turn-by-turn model of the longitudinal particle dynamics in the Booster has been implemented, which utilizes a fast, map-based particle transport algorithm. Using a sinogram generated from the Wall Current Monitor signal, the iterative reconstruction algorithm recovers a discretized image of the original phase space distribution at variable resolution. The reconstruction result shows low root-mean-square error and a rapid convergence toward the solution, providing strong evidence of accuracy. Future and ongoing work includes modeling high-energy bunches above transition and using tomography to infer certain machine parameters such as synchronous phase, peak gap voltage, and synchronous energy in addition to the phase space distribution.

Ebeid, Safi [Unlisted; Fermilab]↗

NASA NTRS1996

Orbits Close to Asteroid 4769 Castalia

We use a radar-derived physical model of 4769 Castalia (1989 PB) to investigate close orbit dynamics around that kilometer- sized, uniformly rotating asteroid. Our methods of analysis provide a basis for systematic studies of particle dynamics close to any uniformly rotating asteroid. We establish that a Jacobi integral exists for particles orbiting this asteroid, examine the attendant zero-velocity surfaces, find families of periodic orbits, and determine their stability. All synchronous orbits and direct orbits within approx. 3 mean radii of Castalia are unstable and are subject to impact or escape from Castalia. Retrograde orbits are mostly stable and allow particles to orbit close to the asteroid surface. We derive a model which allows us to predict the escape conditions of a particle in orbit about Castalia and the (temporary) capture conditions for a hyperbolic interloper. Orbits within 1.5 km of Castalia are subject to immediate ejection from the system. Hyperbolic orbits with a V(sub infinity) less than 0.4 m/sec can potentially be captured by Castalia if their periapsis radius Is within approx. 2 km. For Castalia this capture region is small, but the results also apply to larger asteroids whose capture regions would also be larger. We determine bounds on ejecta speeds which either ensure ejecta escape or re-impact as functions of location on Castalia's surface. The speeds that ensure escape range from 0.28 to 0.84 m/sec and the speeds that ensure re-impact range from 0 to 0.18 m/sec. Speeds between these two bounds lead either to escape, re-impact, or potentially finite-time stable orbits. We develop a simple criterion which can establish whether a particle could have been ejected from the asteroid in the past and if it will impact the surface in the future.

Scheeres, D. J.↗

DOE OSTI2025

A parallel-kinetic-perpendicular-moment model for magnetised plasmas

We describe a new model for the study of weakly collisional, magnetised plasmas derived from exploiting the separation of the dynamics parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field. This unique system of equations retains the particle dynamics parallel to the magnetic field while approximating the perpendicular dynamics through a spectral expansion in the perpendicular degrees of freedom, analogous to moment-based fluid approaches. In so doing, a hybrid approach is obtained that is computationally efficient enough to allow for larger-scale modelling of plasma systems while eliminating a source of difficulty in deriving fluid equations applicable to magnetised plasmas. We connect this system of equations to historical asymptotic models and discuss advantages and disadvantages of this approach, including the extension of this parallel-kinetic-perpendicular moment beyond the typical region of validity of these more traditional asymptotic models. This paper forms the first of a multi-part series on this new model, covering the theory and derivation, alongside demonstration benchmarks of this approach that include shocks and magnetic reconnection.

astrophysical plasmas↗

NASA NTRS1979

Interplanetary dust

Progress in the study of interplanetary dust during the past four years is reviewed. Attention is given to determinations of the relative contributions of interstellar dust grains, collisional debris from the asteroid belt and short-period comets to the interplanetary dust cloud. Effects of radiation pressure and collisions on particle dynamics are discussed, noting the discovery of the variation of the orbital parameters of dust particles at 1 AU with size and in situ measurements of dust density between 0.3 and 5 AU by the Helios and Pioneer spacecraft. The interpretation of the zodiacal light as produced by porous absorbing particles 10 to 100 microns in size is noted, and measurements of the Doppler shift, light-producing-particle density, UV spectrum, photometric axis and angular scattering function of the zodiacal light are reported. Results of analyses of lunar rock microcraters as to micrometeoroid density, flux rate, size distribution and composition are indicated and interplanetary dust particles collected from the stratosphere are discussed. Findings concerning the composition of fragile meteoroid types found as cosmic spherules in deep sea sediments are also presented.

Brownlee, D. E.↗