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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Mitigation of rotational instability of high-beta field-reversed configuration by double-sided magnetized plasmoid injection

Active control of destructive rotational instability in a high-beta field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma was demonstrated by using double-sided plasmoid injection technique. The elliptical deformation of the FRC's cross section was mitigated as a result of substantial suppression of spontaneous spin-up by the plasmoid injection. It was found that the injected plasmoid provided better stability against the rotational mode, suggesting that the compensation of the FRC's decaying magnetic flux might help to suppress its spin-up.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

INJECTION OF PLASMA INTO THE NASCENT SOLAR WIND VIA RECONNECTION DRIVEN BY SUPERGRANULAR ADVECTION

To understand the origin of the solar wind is one of the key research topics in modern solar and heliospheric physics. Previous solar wind models assumed that plasma flows outward along a steady magnetic flux tube that reaches continuously from the photosphere through the chromosphere into the corona. Inspired by more recent comprehensive observations, Tu et al. suggested a new scenario for the origin of the solar wind, in which it flows out in a magnetically open coronal funnel and mass is provided to the funnel by small-scale side loops. Thus mass is supplied by means of magnetic reconnection that is driven by supergranular convection. To validate this scenario and simulate the processes involved, a 2.5 dimensional (2.5D) numerical MHD model is established in the present paper. In our simulation a closed loop moves toward an open funnel, which has opposite polarity and is located at the edge of a supergranulation cell, and magnetic reconnection is triggered and continues while gradually opening up one half of the closed loop. Its other half connects with the root of the open funnel and forms a new closed loop which is submerged by a reconnection plasma stream flowing downward. Thus we find that the outflowing plasma in the newly reconnected funnel originates not only from the upward reconnection flow but also from the high-pressure leg of the originally closed loop. This implies an efficient supply of mass from the dense loop to the dilute funnel. The mass flux of the outflow released from the funnel considered in our study is calculated to be appropriate for providing the mass flux at the coronal base of the solar wind, though additional heating and acceleration mechanisms are necessary to keep the velocity at the higher location. Our numerical model demonstrates that in the funnel the mass for the solar wind may be supplied from adjacent closed loops via magnetic reconnection as well as directly from the footpoints of open funnels.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

High resolution studies of sunspots and flux tubes

This contract is for a three-year research study of sunspots and magnetic flux tubes in the solar atmosphere, using tunable filter images collected with a CCD camera during observing runs at the Canary Islands observatories in Spain. The best observations are analyzed and compared with theoretical models, to study the structure and dynamics of sunspots, their connections with surrounding magnetic fields, and the properties and evolution of smaller flux tubes in plage and quiet sun. Scientific results are reported at conferences and published in the appropriate journals. The contract is being performed by the Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, part of the Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory (LPARL) of the Research and Development Division (RDD) of Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc. (LMSC). The principal investigator is Dr. Alan Title, and the research is done by him and other scientific staff at LPARL and Solar Physics Research Corporation (SPRC), often in collaboration with visiting scientists and students from other institutions. Highlights during this reporting period include completing the final version of a paper on the Evershed effect, writing a paper on magnetic diffusion, continuing work on contrast of small flux tubes, and work on the development of new models to interpret our sunspots observations.

Title, Alan↗

Simulation of multi-pulse coaxial helicity injection in the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment

Nonlinear, numerical computation with the NIMROD code is used to explore magnetic self-organization during multi-pulse coaxial helicity injection in the Sustained Spheromak Physics eXperiment. We describe multiple distinct phases of spheromak evolution, starting from vacuum magnetic fields and the formation of the initial magnetic flux bubble through multiple refluxing pulses and the eventual onset of the column mode instability. Experimental and computational magnetic diagnostics agree on the onset of the column mode instability, which first occurs during the second refluxing pulse of the simulated discharge. Our computations also reproduce the injector voltage traces, despite only specifying the injector current and not explicitly modeling the external capacitor bank circuit. Furthermore, the computations demonstrate that global magnetic evolution is fairly robust to different transport models and, therefore, that a single fluid-temperature model is sufficient for a broader, qualitative assessment of spheromak performance. Although discharges with similar traces of normalized injector current produce similar global spheromak evolution, details of the current distribution during the column mode instability impact the relative degree of poloidal flux amplification and magnetic helicity content.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Pursuing the Origin and Remediation of Low Q0 observed in the Original CEBAF Cryomodules

We report on results of a new investigation into the Q0 degradation phenomenon observed in original CEBAF cavities when assembled into cryomodules. As a result, the RF dissipation losses increased by roughly a factor of two. The origin of the degradation, first observed in 1994, has remained unresolved up to current period, despite much effort. Recently, a new investigation has been launched, taking advantage of the latest cryomodule to undergo refurbishment. Systematic measurements are conducted with respect to the magnetic shielding effects of the double-layer shields and the magnetic properties of various components within the inner shield. This resulted in the new discovery of strongly magnetized strut springs as a major source of remnant magnetic flux near a cavity inside of all magnetic shielding. New springs with superior magnetic properties have been found, evaluated and implemented into the current cryomodule. Cryogenic RF testing of this module is expected to complete by end of 2013. In this contribution, we will review the data accumulated so far. Options for complete Q0 preservation of assembled cavities and possible Q0 remediation for those 330 cavities already installed in CEBAF will be presented.

Geng, R.L.↗

Pursuing the Origin and Remediation of Low Q0 observed in the Original CEBAF Cryomodules

We report on results of a new investigation into the Q0 degradation phenomenon observed in original CEBAF cavities when assembled into cryomodules. As a result, the RF dissipation losses increased by roughly a factor of two. The origin of the degradation, first observed in 1994, has remained unresolved up to current period, despite much effort. Recently, a new investigation has been launched, taking advantage of the latest cryomodule to undergo refurbishment. Systematic measurements are conducted with respect to the magnetic shielding effects of the double-layer shields and the magnetic properties of various components within the inner shield. This resulted in the new discovery of strongly magnetized strut springs as a major source of remnant magnetic flux near a cavity inside of all magnetic shielding. New springs with superior magnetic properties have been found, evaluated and implemented into the current cryomodule. Cryogenic RF testing of this module is expected to complete by end of 2013. In this contribution, we will review the data accumulated so far. Options for complete Q0 preservation of assembled cavities and possible Q0 remediation for those 330 cavities already installed in CEBAF will be presented.

Geng, R. L.↗

Statistical Study of Solar Dimmings Using CoDiT

We present the results from analyzing the physical and morphological properties of 154 dimmings (transient coronal holes) and the associated flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Each dimming in our 2013 catalog was processed with the semi-automated Coronal Dimming Tracker using Solar Dynamics Observatory AIA 193 Å observations and HMI magnetograms. Instead of the typically used difference images, we used our coronal hole detection algorithm to detect transient dark regions “directly” in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images. This allowed us to study dimmings as the footpoints of CMEs—in contrast with the larger, diffuse dimmings seen in difference images that represent the projected view of the rising, expanding plasma. Studying the footpoint-dimming morphology allowed us to better understand the CME structure in the low corona. While comparing the physical properties of dimmings, flares, and CMEs we were also able to identify relationships between the different parts of this complex eruptive phenomenon. We found that larger dimmings are longer-lived, suggesting that it takes longer to “close down” large open magnetic regions. Also, during their growth phase, smaller dimmings acquire a higher magnetic flux imbalance (i. e., become more unipolar) than larger dimmings. Furthermore, we found that the EUV intensity of dimmings (indicative of local electron density) correlates with how much plasma was removed and how energetic the eruption was. Studying the morphology of dimmings (single, double, fragmented) also helped us identify different configurations of the quasi-open magnetic field.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Overstability and cooling in sunspots

The role played by overstable Alfven modes in magnetic structures such as sunspots is considered in detail for a column of magnetic field. It is demonstrated explicitly that overstable Alfven waves cool the interior of the magnetic column. It is suggested that these waves account for the cooling in sunspot umbrae, and therefore, in concurrence with Parker, we conclude that a sunspot is a region of enhanced heat transport. The calculations indicate that sunspots have small regions at normal photospheric brightness, and we tentatively suggest that these regions are umbral dots. We also suggest that cooling by overstable Alfven waves may explain the existence of the intense small magnetic flux tubes that constitute the general solar magnetic field.

Roberts, B.↗

Trapped-flux spin-down torques on a spherical superconducting gyroscope

Magnetic flux trapped in the rotor of a superconducting gyroscope can cause the rotor to lose energy through dissipation in a readout loop encompassing the rotor and by the generation of eddy currents in the support electrodes. These losses are calculated and shown to be negligible for the rotor in the gyroscope-relativity experiment, a proposed satellite experiment which is to test predictions of the theory of general relativity.

Holdeman, L. B.↗

Physical properties of individual coronal loops in a solar active region observed in the XUV

The physical properties of individual coronal loops in a solar active region observed in the XUV by the slitless objective grating spectroheliograph on board Skylab are investigated. Spectroheliograms of the normal active loop region McMath 12378 reveal three distinctive structural groups of loops in different temperature ranges, namely (1) small compact and smaller loops at temperatures of about 2,000,000 K observed in Fe XV and Fe XVI; (2) large Ne VII and Mg IX loops at temperatures from 500,000 to 1,000,000 K; and (3) chromospheric ribbons in He II and H alpha. The temperature of the active region is found to be uniform at about 2,000,000 K in the loops and background while loop density is found to be 3.5 x 10 to the 9th/cu cm in the loops and 2.5 x 10 to the 9th/cu cm in the surrounding background. Significant changes in the active region are observed in 24 h, although the gross temperature density structures of many loops do not show changes in 7 min. Gas pressure within the coronal loops is found to be about 40% greater than that of the background plasma. The observed loop parameters are noted to be consistent with flux-limited models of density enhancement in magnetic flux tubes and thus no esoteric heating function is required.

Cheng, C.-C.↗

Vortex attraction and the formation of sunspots

A downdraft vortex ring in a stratified atmosphere exhibits universal attraction for nearby vertical magnetic flux bundles. It is speculated that the magnetic fields emerging through the surface of the sun are individually encircled by one or more subsurface vortex rings, providing an important part of the observed clustering of magnetic fibrils to form pores and sunspots.

Parker, E. N.↗

On the inclination of photospheric solar magnetic fields

We analyze the Kitt Peak magnetograms and find that the distribution function of magnetic field strengths is given by a power law, with an index that depends on the mean absolute magnetic flux. We also find that weak (measured) magnetic fields - but not strong ones - are significantly inclined to the vertical. We argue that this inclination is produced by convective motions at the top of the convection zone.

Murray, Norman↗

Electromechanical coupling of the solar atmosphere; Proceedings of the OSL Workshop, Capri, Italy, May 27-31, 1991

The present conference discusses the role of magnetic flux tubes as communication channels, flux tube sizes and their temporal evolution, magnetic field line topology in the solar active regions, weak solar magnetic fields, explosive events and magnetic reconnection in the solar atmosphere, and 3D kinematic reconnection of plasmoids with nulls. Also discussed are coronal heating mechanisms, coronal heating through a lack of MHD equilibrium, Alfven waves in current-carrying inhomogeneous plasmas, hydrostatic models of X-ray coronal loops, MHD turbulence in an expanding atmosphere, and hot mass transport in the solar active prominence.

Spicer, Daniel S.↗

The Earth's magnetosphere is 165 R(sub E) long: Self-consistent currents, convection, magnetospheric structure, and processes for northward interplanetary magnetic field

The subject of this paper is a self-consistent, magnetohydrodynamic numerical realization for the Earth's magnetosphere which is in a quasi-steady dynamic equilibrium for a due northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Although a few hours of steady northward IMF are required for this asymptotic state to be set up, it should still be of considerable theoretical interest because it constitutes a 'ground state' for the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction. Moreover, particular features of this ground state magnetosphere should be observable even under less extreme solar wind conditions. Certain characteristics of this magnetosphere, namely, NBZ Birkeland currents, four-cell ionospheric convection, a relatively weak cross-polar potential, and a prominent flow boundary layer, are widely expected. Other characteristics, such as no open tail lobes, no Earth-connected magnetic flux beyond 155 R(sub E) downstream, magnetic merging in a closed topology at the cusps, and a 'tadpole' shaped magnetospheric boundary, might not be expected. In this paper, we will present the evidence for this unusual but interesting magnetospheric equilibrium. We will also discuss our present understanding of this singular state.

Fedder, J. A.↗

Comparisons of Solar Wind Coupling Parameters with Auroral Energy Deposition Rates

Measurement of the global rate of energy deposition in the ionosphere via auroral particle precipitation is one of the primary goals of the Polar UVI program and is an important component of the ISTP program. The instantaneous rate of energy deposition for the entire month of January 1997 has been calculated by applying models to the UVI images and is presented by Fillingim et al. In this session. A number of parameters that predict the rate of coupling of solar wind energy into the magnetosphere have been proposed in the last few decades. Some of these parameters, such as the epsilon parameter of Perrault and Akasofu, depend on the instantaneous values in the solar wind. Other parameters depend on the integrated values of solar wind parameters, especially IMF Bz, e.g. applied flux which predicts the net transfer of magnetic flux to the tail. While these parameters have often been used successfully with substorm studies, their validity in terms of global energy input has not yet been ascertained, largely because data such as that supplied by the ISTP program was lacking. We have calculated these and other energy coupling parameters for January 1997 using solar wind data provided by WIND and other solar wind monitors. The rates of energy input predicted by these parameters are compared to those measured through UVI data and correlations are sought. Whether these parameters are better at providing an instantaneous rate of energy input or an average input over some time period is addressed. We also study if either type of parameter may provide better correlations if a time delay is introduced; if so, this time delay may provide a characteristic time for energy transport in the coupled solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system.

Elsen, R.↗

Characterization of Losses in Superconducting Radio-Frequency Cavities by Combined Temperature and Magnetic Field Mapping

Superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities are one of the fundamental building blocks of modern particle accelerators. To achieve the highest quality factors (10 10 -10 11 ), SRF cavities are operated at liquid helium temperatures. Magnetic flux trapped on the surface of SRF cavities during cool-down below the critical temperature is one of the leading sources of residual RF losses. Instruments capable of detecting the distribution of trapped flux on the cavity surface are in high demand in order to better understand its relation to the cavity material, surface treatments and environmental conditions. We have designed, developed, and commissioned two novel diagnostic tools to measure the distribution of trapped flux at the surface of SRF cavities. One is a magnetic field scanning system (MFSS) which uses cryogenic Hall probes and anisotropic magnetoresistance sensors that fit the contour of a 1.3 GHz cavity. The second setup is a stationary, combined magnetic and temperature mapping system which uses AMR sensors and carbon resistor temperature sensors, covering the surface of a 3 GHz SRF cavity. The MFSS system revealed a non-uniform distribution of trapped flux on the cavities' surface, dependent on the magnitude of the applied magnetic field during field-cooling below the critical temperature. The MFSS shows that magnetic field scanning as a function of the RF field indicates redistribution of trapped flux at some locations. About ~ 33% of hot-spots observed by temperature mapping during high power RF tests overlapped with the high B-field spots. Almost all high B-field spots observed after field-cool were found to be overlapped on grain boundaries. A clear correlation between the hot- spot formed after quench and local trapped flux was found, providing insight on the RF dissipation of trap vortices. The combined B&T map system showed that the T-map system is capable of detecting hot-spots and quench location on the surface of the 3 GHz SRF cavity. Different distribution of trapped flux was measured after different cool-down and residual B-field, but, no variation in magnetic field distribution was observed during quench, possibly due to magnetic sensors being far from the quench location.

Parajuli, Ishwari↗

Testing the Accuracy of Data-driven MHD Simulations of Active Region Evolution

Models for the evolution of the solar coronal magnetic field are vital for understanding solar activity, yet the best measurements of the magnetic field lie at the photosphere, necessitating the development of coronal models which are “data-driven” at the photosphere. We present an investigation to determine the feasibility and accuracy of such methods. Our validation framework uses a simulation of active region (AR) formation, modeling the emergence of magnetic flux from the convection zone to the corona, as a ground-truth data set, to supply both the photospheric information and to perform the validation of the data-driven method. We focus our investigation on how the accuracy of the data-driven model depends on the temporal frequency of the driving data. The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory produces full-disk vector magnetic field measurements at a 12-minute cadence. Using our framework we show that ARs that emerge over 25 hr can be modeled by the data-driving method with only ∼1% error in the free magnetic energy, assuming the photospheric information is specified every 12 minutes. However, for rapidly evolving features, under-sampling of the dynamics at this cadence leads to a strobe effect, generating large electric currents and incorrect coronal morphology and energies. We derive a sampling condition for the driving cadence based on the evolution of these small-scale features, and show that higher-cadence driving can lead to acceptable errors. Future work will investigate the source of errors associated with deriving plasma variables from the photospheric magnetograms as well as other sources of errors, such as reduced resolution, instrument bias, and noise.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗