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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Neural network model of the multi-mode anomalous transport module for accelerated transport simulations

Here, a neural network version of the Multi-Mode Anomalous Transport Module, known as MMMnet, has been developed to calculate plasma turbulent diffusivities in DIII-D with a calculation time suitable for control applications. MMMnet uses a simple artificial neural network structure to predict the ion thermal, electron thermal, and toroidal momentum diffusivities while reproducing Multi-Mode Model (MMM) data with good accuracy and keeping the calculation time as a fraction of that associated with MMM. Model-based control techniques require models with fast calculation times, making many existing physics-oriented predictive codes unsuitable. The control-oriented predictive code COTSIM (Control Oriented Transport SIMulator) calculates the most significant plasma dynamics in response to the different actuators while running at a speed useful for control design. In order to achieve this calculation speed, COTSIM often relies on scaling laws and control-level models. Replacing some of these scaling laws and control-level models with neural network versions of more complex physics-level models has the potential of increasing the range of validity and the level of accuracy of COTSIM without compromising its computational speed. In this work, MMMnet is integrated into COTSIM to improve the turbulent diffusivity predictions, which will in turn improve the prediction accuracy associated with the dynamics of many plasma properties.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

Calculation of electron energy flux distributions in noble gases.

The electron flux spectrum has been calculated over the entire range from delta-ray energies to ionization-potential energies. Estimates based on the Born approximation indicate that electron-gas atom elastic losses can be neglected. Gryzinski's (1965) classical cross sections show that electron-thermalized electron interactions can be ignored. Under those conditions the energy degradation is primarily due to the excitation and ionization of background gas.

Lo, R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electron temperature gradient driven transport model for tokamak plasmas

A new model for electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes is developed as a component of the multi-mode anomalous transport module [Rafiq et al., Phys Plasmas 20, 032506 (2013)] to predict a time-dependent electron temperature profile in conventional and low aspect ratio tokamaks. This model is based on two-fluid equations that govern the dynamics of low-frequency short- and long-wavelength electromagnetic toroidal ETG driven drift modes. A low collisionality NSTX discharge is used to scan the plasma parameter dependence on the ETG real frequency, growth rate, and electron thermal diffusivity. Electron thermal transport is discovered in the deep core region where modes are more electromagnetic in nature. Several previously reported gyrokinetic trends are reproduced, including the dependencies of density gradients, magnetic shear, β and gradient of β (β'), collisionality, safety factor, and toroidicity, where β is the ratio of the plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure. Furthermore, the electron heat diffusivity associated with the ETG mode is discovered to be on a scale consistent with the experimental diffusivity determined by power balance analysis.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Electronic and Thermal Properties of the Cation Substitution-Derived Quaternary Chalcogenide CuInSnSe 4

Quaternary chalcogenides continue to be of interest for a variety of technological applications, with physical properties stemming from their structural complexity and stoichiometric variation. In certain structure types, partial vacancies on specific lattice positions present an opportunity to investigate electrical and thermal properties in light of these lattice defects. In this work, we investigated the structural, thermal, and electronic properties of CuInSnSe 4 , a material that belongs to a relatively unexplored class of quaternary chalcogenides with a defect adamantine crystal structure. First-principles calculations together with experimental measurements revealed a chalcopyrite-like structure with inherent vacancies and characteristic s–p and p–d orbital hybridizations in the electronic structure of the material. Cation disorder and lattice anharmonicity result in very low thermal conductivity with values significantly lower than those for related compositions. In conclusion, this work reveals the fundamental physical properties of a previously uninvestigated quaternary chalcogenide and may aid investigations of similar as well as other quaternary chalcogenide compositions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electron Temperature Gradient Driven Transport Model for Tokamak Plasmas

A new model for electron temperature gradient (ETG) modes is developed as a component of the Multi-Mode anomalous transport module [T. Rafiq \textit{et al.,} Phys Plasmas \textbf{20}, 032506 (2013)] to predict a time dependent electron temperature profile in conventional and low aspect ratio tokamaks. This model is based on two-fluid equations that govern the dynamics of low-frequency short- and long-wavelength electromagnetic toroidal ETG driven drift modes. A low collisionality NSTX discharge is used to scan the plasma parameter dependence on the ETG real frequency, growth rate, and electron thermal diffusivity. Electron thermal transport is discovered in the deep core region where modes are more electromagnetic in nature. Several previously reported gyrokinetic trends are reproduced, including the dependencies of density gradients, magnetic shear, $\beta$ and gradient of $\beta$ $(\betap)$, collisionality, safety factor, and toroidicity, where $\beta$ is the ratio of plasma pressure to the magnetic pressure. The electron heat diffusivity associated with the ETG mode is discovered to be on a scale consistent with the experimental diffusivity determined by power balance analysis.

ETG↗
NASA NTRS1977

The plasma line revisited as an aeronomical diagnostic - Suprathermal electrons, solar EUV, electron-gas thermal balance

Spectra of plasma wave intensities in the ionosphere over Arecibo are calculated and compared with those from observations of the plasma line intensity. This approach involving directly observed quantities avoids the uncertainties that have plagued past comparisons with photoelectron theory. In addition, careful comparisons in physically relevant segments of the spectra show that any significant increase in the magnitude of the solar EUV flux would lead to a contradiction of the observed plasma wave intensities. Further, the comparisons indicate that resolution of the thermal electron-gas heat balance problem must be sought through better heat transfer rates (e.g., heating and cooling rates, etc.), rather than in the solar EUV. This approach utilizes more fully the potential of the plasma line experiment as a diagnostic tool for aeronomical studies, (e.g., photoelectrons, auroral secondaries, ionosphere-modification experiments, etc.).

Carlson, H. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Application of reversal electron attachment for ultrasensitive detection of thermal electron-attaching molecules - CCl4 and C6H5O2

A standard gas-dilution method was used to determine the selective response of the reversal electron attachment detector to carbon tetrachloride concentrations in nitrogen. Data are provided that determine the lowest concentration of sample detectable with the present instrumental configuration as being below 1.0 part per trillion by volume. The incorporation of a 90-deg electrostatic deflector with the quadrupole mass spectrometer is shown to be vital, and with it, negative-ion quadrupole mass spectrometry is used to characterize the ionization process. Observations are also made of the reversal electron attachment response to nitrobenzene. The analytical potential of reversal electron capture negative-ion mass spectrometry is examined, and areas for future development are discussed.

Bernius, Mark T.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Effects of Galactic Irradiation on Thermal and Electronic Transport in Tungsten

The impact of irradiation on the thermal and electronic properties of materials is a persistent puzzle, particularly defect formation at the atomic and nanoscales. This work examines the nanoscale effects of low-energy irradiation on tungsten (W), focusing on defect-induced modifications to thermal and electronic transport. Using the site-projected thermal conductivity (SPTC) method [A. Gautam et al. PSS-RRL, 2400306, 2024], bulk and twin-grain boundary W with vacancy defects based on the Norgett–Robinson–Torrens displacements per atom model is analyzed. SPTC provides a detailed prediction of postcascade spatial thermal conductivity distribution. Electronic conductivity activity is estimated using the “N 2 method” [K. Nepal et al. Carbon, 119711, 2025] to explore the consequences of vacancies and grain boundaries, highlighting the defect-dependent nature of charge transport behavior. These findings offer high-resolution insights into irradiation-driven transport phenomena, with implications for space-exposed materials and nanoscale thermal/electronic management.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1990

Electronic assembly thermal testing - Dwell/duration/cycling

Testing of electronic assemblies varies throughout industry, NASA, and the military. Differences include test levels, atmospheric versus vacuum testing of assemblies, dwell durations at temperature extremes (especially high temperature), and thermal cycling versus dwell testing. Of particular interest are the different philosophies of thermal cycling versus single-cycle thermal dwell. An examination of the various failure physics for electronic assemblies has been initiated at JPL. The intent is to determine which failure modes are best revealed by thermal cycling testing and which are susceptible to high-temperature dwell physics. Preliminary results of this study are presented, along with discussions of testing goals, flight environments, reliability models, and the differences between industry and JPL design/test approaches.

Gibbel, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1992

Electrons in the ionosphere of Titan

A theoretical model of the spatial and energy distribution of electrons in the ionosphere of Titan has been constructed using the two-stream electron transport method and the electron energy equation. The calculated electron spectra show abrupt decreases that can contribute to the 'bite-out' signature observed by the Voyager 1 plasma science instrument. Energy deposition rates in the exosphere of Titan by photoelectrons and magnetospheric electrons are calculated. Calculated N2 EUV airglow emission rates lead to the conclusion that airglow emission due to photoelectron impact is much more important than airglow emission due to magnetospheric electron interactions. Thermal electron temperatures at Titan are calculated for the first time. The electron gas remains well thermalized with the neutral atmosphere for radial distances from the center of Titan less than 3500 km. For radial distances beyond about 4000 km, energy transport dominates the energetics, and the electrons are almost isothermal along magnetic field lines.

Gan, L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Applications of high thermal conductivity composites to electronics and spacecraft thermal design

Recently, high thermal conductivity graphite fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) have become available that can save weight over present methods of heat conduction. Another significant advantage is that these materials can be used without the plumbing and testing complexities that accompany the use of liquid heat pipes. A spinoff of this research was the development of other MMCs as electronic device heat sinks. These use particulates rather than fibers and are formulated to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of electronic substrates in order to alleviate thermally induced stresses. The development of both types of these materials as viable weight-saving substitutes for the traditional methods of thermal control for electronics packaging and also for spacecraft thermal control applications are the subjects of this report.

Sharp, G. Richard↗
NASA NTRS1990

Applications of high thermal conductivity composites to electronics and spacecraft thermal design

Recently, high thermal conductivity continuous graphite fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (MMC's) have become available that can save much weight over present methods of heat conduction. These materials have two or three times higher thermal conductivity in the fiber direction than the pure metals when compared on a thermal conductivity to weight basis. Use of these materials for heat conduction purposes can result in weight savings of from 50 to 70 percent over structural aluminum. Another significant advantage is that these materials can be used without the plumbing and testing complexities that accompany the use of liquid heat pipes. A spinoff of this research was the development of other MMC's as electronic device heat sinks. These use particulates rather than fibers and are formulated to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of electronic substrates in order to alleviate thermally induced stresses. The development of both types of these materials as viable weight saving substitutes for traditional methods of thermal control for electronics packaging and also for spacecraft thermal control applications are the subject of this report.

Sharp, G. Richard↗
NASA NTRS1993

Simulated space environmental effects on a polyetherimide and its carbon fiber-reinforced composites

The selection of materials for spacecraft construction requires identification of candidate materials which can perform reliably in the space environment. Understanding the effects of the space environment on the materials is an important step in the selection of candidate materials. This work examines the effects of energetic electrons, thermal cycling, electron radiation in conjunction with thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen on a thermoplastic polyetherimide and its carbon-fiber-reinforced composites. Composite materials made with non-sized fibers as well as materials made with fibers sized with an epoxy were evaluated. The mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the materials were studied and spectroscopic techniques were used to investigate the mechanisms for the observed effects. Considerations for future material development are suggested.

Kern, Kristen T.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Thermal and Electronic Properties of Ba 2 MnSe 3

The structural, thermal, and electronic properties of Ba 2 MnSe 3 were investigated. Analysis of the low-temperature heat capacity revealed a low Debye temperature and a low average speed of sound that, together with the bonding in this material, result in a low thermal conductivity over a relatively large temperature range. Density functional theory and calculated electron localization were employed to investigate the electronic structure and bonding. Absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements corroborated our calculations and revealed a direct band gap of 1.75 eV. This study expands on our understanding of the physical properties of this material and reveals previously unascertained properties, the knowledge of which is imperative for any potential application of interest.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Synthesis, structure, electronic and thermal properties of sphalerite CuZn 2 InS 4

Quaternary chalcogenides continue to be of interest due to the variety of physical properties they possess, as well as their potential for different applications of interest. Investigations on materials with the sphalerite crystal structure have only recently begun. In this study we have synthesized sulfur-based sphalerite quaternary chalcogenides, including off-stoichiometric compositions, and investigated the temperature-dependent electronic, thermal and structural properties of these materials. Insulating to semiconducting transport is observed with stoichiometric variation, and analyses of heat capacity and thermal expansion revealed lattice anharmonicity that contributes to the low thermal conductivity these materials possess. Finally, we include similar analyses for CuZn 2 InSe 4 and compare these sphalerite quaternary chalcogenides to that of zinc blende binaries in order to fully understand the origin of the low thermal conductivity these quaternary chalcogenides possess.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Collective Energy Transport of Excitons in Two-dimensional Materials

Electronic thermal transport and thermoelectric measurements are pursued in this project to obtain unique insights into the unusual collective energy transport behaviors in two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures. Electronic thermal transport and thermoelectric measurements are essential techniques for characterizing bulk superconductors by probing the heat-carrying quasi-particles. Thermoelectric and electronic thermal transport measurements are expanded in this work beyond bulk systems to probe interactions among electrons, holes, and phonons in 2D heterostructures. In one experiment, a microbridge platform is advanced to demonstrate field-effect resistive-thermometry measurements of the electronic thermal conductivity of graphene heterostructures. Together with first principles theoretical calculations and analytical models, the experimental results suggest that tunable electron coupling with flexural phonons provides a knob to control quantum matters in graphene heterostructures with broken reflection symmetry. In another experiment, the Seebeck coefficient (S) is measured to probe interlayer interactions in electron-hole bilayers that are predicted to give rise to the emergence of a variety of correlated states. As a measure of the entropy, the measured S reveals the signature of electric injection of interlayer excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1972

Average thermal characteristics of solar wind electrons

Average solar wind electron properties based on a 1 year Vela 4 data sample-from May 1967 to May 1968 are presented. Frequency distributions of electron-to-ion temperature ratio, electron thermal anisotropy, and thermal energy flux are presented. The resulting evidence concerning heat transport in the solar wind is discussed.

Montgomery, M. D.↗