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At least 1,279 records · Page 71

Effect of Controlled Artificial Disorder on the Magnetic Properties of EuFe 2 (As 1– x P x ) 2 Ferromagnetic Superconductor

Static (DC) and dynamic (AC, at 14 MHz and 8 GHz) magnetic susceptibilities of single crystals of a ferromagnetic superconductor, EuFe 2 ( As 1 – x P x ) 2 ( x = 0.23), were measured in pristine state and after different doses of 2.5 MeV electron or 3.5 MeV proton irradiation. The superconducting transition temperature, T c ( H ) , shows an extraordinarily large decrease. It starts at T c ( H = 0 ) ≈ 24 K in the pristine sample for both AC and DC measurements, but moves to almost half of that value after moderate irradiation dose. Remarkably, after the irradiation not only T c moves significantly below the FM transition, its values differ drastically for measurements at different frequencies, ≈16 K in AC measurements and ≈12 K in a DC regime. We attribute such a large difference in T c to the appearance of the spontaneous internal magnetic field below the FM transition, so that the superconductivity develops directly into the mixed spontaneous vortex-antivortex state where the onset of diamagnetism is known to be frequency-dependent. We also examined the response to the applied DC magnetic fields and studied the annealing of irradiated samples, which almost completely restores the superconducting transition. Overall, our results suggest that in EuFe 2 ( As 1 – x P x ) 2 superconductivity is affected by local-moment ferromagnetism mostly via the spontaneous internal magnetic fields induced by the FM subsystem. Another mechanism is revealed upon irradiation where magnetic defects created in ordered Eu 2 + lattice act as efficient pairbreakers leading to a significant T c reduction upon irradiation compared to other 122 compounds. On the other hand, the exchange interactions seem to be weakly screened by the superconducting phase leading to a modest increase of T m (less than 1 K) after the irradiation drives T c to below T m . Our results suggest that FM and SC phases coexist microscopically in the same volume.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Endogenous Lunar Volatiles: Insights into the Abundances of Volatiles in the Moon from Lunar Apatite

At the time of publication of New Views of the Moon, it was thought that the Moon was bone dry with less than about 1 ppb H2O. However in 2007, initial reports at the 38th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference speculated that H-species were present in both apatites and pyroclastic volcanic lunar glasses. These early reports were later confirmed through peer-review, which motivated many subsequent studies on magmatic volatiles in and on the Moon within the last decade. Some of these studies have cast into question the post-Apollo view of lunar formation, the distribution and sources of volatiles in the Earth-Moon system, and the thermal and magmatic evolution of the Moon. The mineral apatite has been one of the pillars of this new field of study, and it will be the primary focus of this abstract. Although apatite has been used both to understand the abundances of volatiles in lunar systems as well as the isotopic compositions of those volatiles, the focus here will be on the abundances of F, Cl, and H2O. This work demonstrates the utility of apatite in advancing our understanding of lunar volatiles, hence apatite should be among the topics covered in the endogenous lunar volatile chapter in NVM II. Truncated ternary plot of apatite X-site occupancy (mol%) from highlands apatite and mare basalt apatite plotted on the relative volatile abundance diagram from. The solid black lines delineate fields of relative abundances of F, Cl, and H2O (on a weight basis) in the melt from which the apatite crystallized. The diagram was constructed using available apatite/melt partitioning data for fluorine, chlorine, and hydroxyl.

McCubbin, Francis↗

Interplanetary magnetic fields

The paper reviews the following studies on interplanetary magnetic fields: (1) the relation of the interplanetary field to the sun and to solar-wind streams; (2) radial gradients in the solar wind and interplanetary field; (3) shocks, hydromagnetic waves and discontinuities; (4) variations of interplanetary field parameters over the solar cycle; (5) the relation between the interplanetary field and the terrestrial magnetosphere; (6) the internal dynamics of the magnetic field and solar wind plasma; and (7) the transport, acceleration, and modulation of energetic particles, including cosmic rays. It is noted that further studies will relate to the complex relations between the interplanetary field and solar structure.

Smith, E. J.↗

Spin-lattice coupling in magnetocaloric Gd 5 ( Ge , Si ) 4 alloys by $in$ $situ$ x-ray pair distribution analysis in magnetic field

Here, using in situ x-ray pair distribution analysis in magnetic field, we study the strong spin-lattice coupling in archetypal magnetocaloric Gd 5 (Ge,Si) 4 alloys manifested by the presence of a first order paramagnetic (PM)-to-ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition that can be triggered by either decreasing temperature in zero magnetic field or increasing magnetic field at constant temperature. We find that the coupling arises from the tendency of Gd-(Si,Ge) slabs in the alloys to reversibly slide against each other to both pack closely and couple ferromagnetically. We also find that, locally, the packing of slabs in FM phases induced by decreasing temperature in zero field is different from that in FM phases of the same chemical composition induced by increasing magnetic field isothermally, indicating that temperature and magnetic field are coupled but not necessarily equivalent control variables for triggering phase transitions in strongly correlated systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ions upstream of the earth's bow shock - A theoretical comparison of alternative source populations

The trajectories of ions reflected or leaked upstream from the earth's bow shock and subject solely to the Lorentz force in a steady interplanetary magnetic field B and the V x B electric field are studied theoretically. Expressions are obtained for the guiding center motion and gyromotion in a frame (the Hoffman-Teller frame) moving parallel to the shock surface with sufficient speed to transform the incident solar wind velocity into motion entirely along the interplanetary magnetic field. Equations are derived which transform these motions back to the observer's frame. The predicted upstream motions for four different source models for upstream ions are compared using these expressions: magnetic moment-conserving reflection of solar wind ions, specular reflection of solar wind ions, magnetic moment-conserving leakage of magnetosheath ions, and leakage of magnetosheath ions parallel to the shock normal.

Schwartz, S. J.↗

Electric Field Effects in Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis under Microgravity Conditions

Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) has been used to form many materials. SHS generally involves mixing reactants together (e.g., metal powders) and igniting the mixture such that a combustion (deflagration) wave passes though the mixture. The imposition of an electric field (AC or DC) across SHS reactants has been shown to have a marked effect on the dynamics of wave propagation and on the nature, composition, and homogeneity of the product . The use of an electric field with SHS has been termed "field-assisted SHS". Combustion wave velocities and temperatures are directly affected by the field, which is typically perpendicular to the average wave velocity. The degree of activation by the field (e.g., combustion rate) is related to the current density distribution within the sample, and is therefore related to the temperature-dependent spatial distribution of the effective electrical conductivity of reactants and products. Furthermore, the field can influence other important SHS-related phenomena including capillary flow, mass-transport in porous media, and Marangoni flows. These phenomena are influenced by gravity in conventional SHS processes (i.e., without electric fields). As a result the influence of the field on SHS under reduced gravity is expected to be different than under normal gravity. It is also known that heat loss rates from samples, which can depend significantly on gravity, can influence final products in SHS. This research program is focused on studying field-assisted SHS under reduced gravity conditions. The broad objective of this research program is to understand the role of an electric field in SHS reactions under conditions where gravity-related effects are suppressed. The research will allow increased understanding of fundamental aspects of field-assisted SHS processes as well as synthesis of materials that cannot be formed in normal gravity.

Unuvar, C.↗

Turbo- and Hybrid-Electrified Aircraft Propulsion Concepts for Commercial Transport

This review of aircraft electric propulsion architectures conveys that several aircraft system studies have indicated a potential benefit associated with using electrical systems to replace or augment the traditional fuel-based propulsion system. This exciting new approach for designing aircraft opens the door for new configurations. It is also important to convey that this field of study is in its infancy and much improvement is required across the breadth of supporting technologies if the promise of these aircraft concepts is to be realized.

electric motor vehicles↗

Exploring the effectiveness of a back-supporting exosuit: Trunk muscle activity and user experience in controlled and real-world shoveling scenarios

Introduction: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a passive wearable exosuit (HeroWear Apex) in reducing lumbar muscle effort while shoveling. Method: Two experiments were conducted, involving: (1) moving calibrated sandbags at a predefined pace in a laboratory, and (2) moving loose dirt in an in-field setting. Studies were designed to emulate real-world shoveling conditions at Department of Energy - Environmental Management sites. Muscle activity of the lumbar and oblique muscles was analyzed, along with user perceptions. Due to the asymmetric nature of shoveling, analysis of muscle activity was split between the weighted and unweighted sides, with the weighted side being defined as the side of the body closest to the head of the shovel in a neutral posture. Results: While donning the device, both experiments showed a significant decrease in muscle activity for at least one lumbar muscle on the weighted side. Participants rated the device with a high usability score, and perceived exertion ratings were significantly lower while wearing the exosuit. While opinions varied regarding the device’s helpfulness, participants felt the device was comfortable and did not hinder motion during the task. Practical applications: The reduction in back muscle activity associated with wearing the exosuit has the potential to reduce muscle fatigue resulting from repetitive motions.

Exoskeleton↗

Intermittent behavior of galactic dynamo activities

Recent observations by Beck and Golla of far-infrared and radio continuum emission from nearby spiral galaxies suggest that the galactic magnetic field strength is connected to the current star formation rate. The role of star formation on the generation of large-scale galactic magnetic field is studied in this paper. Using a simple galactic model, it is shown how the galactic dynamo depends strongly on the turbulent velocity of the interstellar medium. When the star formation efficiency is high, the ISM is churned which in turn amplifies the galactic magnetic field. Between active star formation epochs, the magnetic field is in dormant state and decays at a negligible rate. If density waves trigger star formation, then they also turn on the otherwise dormant dynamo.

Ko, C. M.↗

The Sensitivity of Ground-Reflected GNSS Signals to Near-Surface Soil Moisture, as Recorded by Spaceborne Receivers

Spatial and temporal variations in near-surface soil moisture are important to measure for climate studies, numerical weather forecasts, and drought monitoring. Several previous studies have shown success in using ground-reflected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals as a form of bistatic radar to sense soil moisture. However, the ability of this type of data to sense soil moisture variations from space is still a nascent field of study. In the past two years, three satellites have been launched that were either designed to capture ground-reflected GNSS signals or have been modified to record these signals. The data provided by these satellites are giving scientists an unprecedented opportunity to investigate their ability to detect changes in Earth’s land surface, including but certainly not limited to near-surface soil moisture. This paper will present spaceborne observations of ground-reflected GNSS signals and evaluate their sensitivity to near-surface soil moisture. This sensitivity will be compared to empirical and theoretical sensitivities of monostatic L-band radar measurements to soil moisture. We will also comment on possibilities for retrieval algorithm development, using techniques employed for monostatic radar as a guide.

Chew, C.↗

Implications of Wind-Assisted Aerial Navigation for Titan Mission Planning and Science Exploration

The recent Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM) proposal incorporates a montgolfiere (hot air balloon) as part of its architecture. Standard montgolfiere balloons generate lift through heating of the atmospheric gases inside the envelope, and use a vent valve for altitude control. A Titan aerobot (robotic aerial vehicle) would have to use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for electric power, and the excess heat generated can be used to provide thermal lift for a montgolfiere. A hybrid montgolfiere design could have propellers mounted on the gondola to generate horizontal thrust; in spite of the unfavorable aerodynamic drag caused by the shape of the balloon, a limited amount of lateral controllability could be achieved. In planning an aerial mission at Titan, it is extremely important to assess how the moon-wide wind field can be used to extend the navigation capabilities of an aerobot and thereby enhance the scientific return of the mission. In this paper we explore what guidance, navigation and control capabilities can be achieved by a vehicle that uses the Titan wind field. The control planning approach is based on passive wind field riding. The aerobot would use vertical control to select wind layers that would lead it towards a predefined science target, adding horizontal propulsion if available. The work presented in this paper is based on aerodynamic models that characterize balloon performance at Titan, and on TitanWRF (Weather Research and Forecasting), a model that incorporates heat convection, circulation, radiation, Titan haze properties, Saturn's tidal forcing, and other planetary phenomena. Our results show that a simple unpropelled montgolfiere without horizontal actuation will be able to reach a broad array of science targets within the constraints of the wind field. The study also indicates that even a small amount of horizontal thrust allows the balloon to reach any area of interest on Titan, and to do so in a fraction of the time needed by the unpropelled balloon. The results show that using the Titan wind field allows an aerobot to significantly extend its scientific reach, and that a montgolfiere (unpropelled or propelled) is a highly desirable architecture that can very significantly enhance the scientific return of a future Titan mission.

aerobot↗

Energy partitioning of gaseous ions in an electric field.

The partitioning of ion energy among thermal energy, drift energy, and random-field energy is studied by solution of the Boltzmann equation. An expansion in powers of the square of the electric field strength is obtained by Kihara's method. Numerical calculations for several ion-neutral force laws show that Wannier's constant mean-free-time model gives a reasonable first approximation. The formal extension to multicomponent mixtures is also given. The matrix elements obtained are tabulated, and can be used to study the field dependence of other moments of the ion-distribution function.

Hahn, H.-S.↗

An experimental study of the structure and acoustic field of a jet in a cross stream

The investigation reported is related to studies of the noise generated by a lifting jet in forward motion such as in the case of a V/STOL aircraft. The investigation involved experiments in a subsonic wind tunnel. The two-microphone cross-correlation method used for measuring the acoustic intensity provides data concerning the noise directly radiated from the source, practically free from any reflection effects. The theoretical basis of the two-microphone method is discussed along with the experimental apparatus, the characteristics of the flow inside the jet, and the features of the acoustic field.

Camelier, I.↗

A white paper on dusty plasmas

Dusty plasmas is the name given to plasmas heavily laden with charged dust grains which together with the surrounding ions and electrons constitute a kind of plasma regime. This field of study is receiving increased attention because of the observation of dust during recent spacecraft missions to the planets and comets, together with the dawning recognition that the evolution of dusty plasma clouds in space may be quite different from that of nondusty clouds. Recent work in this field is reviewed and recommendations are made on the kind of research that is needed in the immediate future.

Whipple, E. C.↗

Multilayer theory for delamination analysis of a composite curved bar subjected to end forces and end moments

A composite test specimen in the shape of a semicircular curved bar subjected to bending offers an excellent stress field for studying the open-mode delamination behavior of laminated composite materials. This is because the open-mode delamination nucleates at the midspan of the curved bar. The classical anisotropic elasticity theory was used to construct a multilayer theory for the calculations of the stress and deformation fields induced in the multilayered composite semicircular curved bar subjected to end forces and end moments. The radial location and intensity of the open-mode delamination stress were calculated and were compared with the results obtained from the anisotropic continuum theory and from the finite element method. The multilayer theory gave more accurate predictions of the location and the intensity of the open-mode delamination stress than those calculated from the anisotropic continuum theory.

Ko, William L.↗

Multilayer theory for delamination analysis of a composite curved bar subjected to end forces and end moments

A composite test specimen in the shape of a semicircular curved bar subjected to bending offers an excellent stress field for studying the open-mode delamination behavior of laminated composite materials. This is because the open-mode delamination nucleates at the midspan of the curved bar. The classical anisotropic elasticity theory was used to construct a 'multilayer' theory for the calculations of the stress and deformation fields induced in the multilayered composite semicircular curved bar subjected to end forces and end moments. The radial location and intensity of the open-mode delamination stress were calculated and were compared with the results obtained from the anisotropic continuum theory and from the finite element method. The multilayer theory gave more accurate predictions of the location and the intensity of the open-mode delamination stress than those calculated from the anisotropic continuum theory.

Ko, William L.↗

How the effects of winds and electric fields in F2-layer storms vary with latitude and longitude - A theoretical study

The effects of thermospheric winds and electric fields on the ionospheric F2-layer are controlled by the geometry of the magnetic field, and so vary with latitude and longitude. A simple model of the daytime F2-layer is adopted and the effects at midlatitudes (25-65 deg geographic) of three processes that accompany geomagnetic storms: (1) thermospheric changes due to auroral heating; (2) equatorward winds that tend to cancel the quiet-day poleward winds; and (3) the penetration of magnetospheric electric fields are studied. At +/- 65 deg, the effects of heating and electric fields are strongest in the longitudes toward which the geomagnetic dipole is tilted, i.e., the North American and the South Indian Ocean sectors. Because of the proximity of the geomagnetic equator to the East Asian and South American sectors, the reverse is true at +/- 25 deg.

Mendillo, M.↗

A study of geomagnetic storms

Twenty-one geomagnetic storm events during 1966 and 1970 were studied by using simultaneous interplanetary magnetic field and plasma parameters. Explorer 33 and 35 field and plasma data were analyzed on large-scale (hourly) and small-scale (3 min.) during the time interval coincident with initial phase of the geomagnetic storms. The solar-ecliptic Bz component turns southward at the end of the initial phase, thus triggering the main phase decrease in Dst geomagnetic field. When the Bz is already negative, its value becomes further negative. The By component also shows large fluctuations along with Bz. When there are no clear changes in the Bz component, the By shows abrupt changes at the main phase onet. On the small-scale behavior of the magnetic field and electric field (E=-VxB) studied in details for the three events, it is found that the field fluctuations in By, Bz and Ey and Ez are present in the initial phase. These fluctuations become larger just before the main phase of the storm begins. In the largescale behavior field remains quiet because the small scale variations are averaged out.

Patel, V. L.↗