Pulsed-neutron-source studies with the NASA zero power reactor 2
Pulsed neutron measurements on nuclear reactor shutdown reactivities
Fieno, D.↗
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Results for “Pulse Power”
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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Generation of straight and curved hollow plasma channels by laser-generated nonlinear wakefields and studies of ultra-intense laser pulse guiding
We report on a study of highly controllable, quasi-static hollow plasma channels generated by ion motion following a laser–plasma interaction via numerical simulations. These channels are generated by ion motion in a nonlinear wakefield, which has an asymmetry between focusing and defocusing periods. Such plasma channels, driven by a fs duration, 100 TW level laser pulse, have the capability to guide more powerful laser pulses. Moreover, we show that curved plasma channels can be generated in a transverse density gradient plasma and alloptical guiding of a second, significantly more powerful laser pulse in such a curved plasma channel. This mechanism may be useful for creating plasma optics for multi-stage TeV laser plasma accelerators and compact synchrotron radiation sources.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Integrated Pulse Detonation Propulsion and Magnetohydrodynamic Power
The prospects for realizing an integrated pulse detonation propulsion and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power system are examined. First, energy requirements for direct detonation initiation of various fuel-oxygen and fuel-air mixtures are deduced from available experimental data and theoretical models. Second, the pumping power requirements for effective chamber scavenging are examined through the introduction of a scavenging ratio parameter and a scavenging efficiency parameter. A series of laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the basic engineering performance characteristics of a pulse detonation-driven MHD electric power generator. In these experiments, stoichiometric oxy-acetylene mixtures seeded with a cesium hydroxide/methanol spray were detonated at atmospheric pressure in a 1-m-long tube having an i.d. of 2.54 cm. Experiments with a plasma diagnostic channel attached to the end of the tube confirmed the attainment of detonation conditions (p2/p1 approximately 34 and D approximately 2,400 m/sec) and enabled the direct measurement of current density and electrical conductivity (approximately = 6 S/m) behind the detonation wave front, In a second set of experiments, a 30-cm-long continuous electrode Faraday channel, having a height of 2.54 cm and a width of 2 cm, was attached to the end of the tube using an area transition duct. The Faraday channel was inserted in applied magnetic fields of 0.6 and 0.95 T, and the electrodes were connected to an active loading circuit to characterize power extraction dependence on load impedance while also simulating higher effective magnetic induction. The experiments indicated peak power extraction at a load impedance between 5 and 10 Omega. The measured power density was in reasonable agreement with a simple electrodynamic model incorporating a correction for near-electrode potential losses. The time-resolved thrust characteristics of the system were also measured, and it was found that the NM interaction exerted a negligible influence on system thrust and that the measured I(sub sp) of the system (200 see) exceeded that computed for an equivalent nozzleless rocket (120 see).
Litchford, Ron J.↗
Integrated Pulse Detonation Propulsion and Magnetohydrodynamic Power
The prospects for realizing an integrated pulse detonation propulsion and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power system are examined. First, energy requirements for direct detonation initiation of various fuel-oxygen and fuel-air mixtures are deduced from available experimental data and theoretical models. Second, the pumping power requirements for effective chamber scavenging are examined through the introduction of a scavenging ratio parameter and a scavenging efficiency parameter. A series of laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the basic engineering performance characteristics of a pulse detonation-driven MHD electric power generator. In these experiments, stoichiometric oxy-acetylene mixtures seeded with a cesium hydroxide/methanol spray were detonated at atmospheric pressure in a 1-m-long tube having an i.d. of 2.54 cm. Experiments with a plasma diagnostic channel attached to the end of the tube confirmed the attainment of detonation conditions (p(sub 2)/p(sub 1) approx. 34 and D approx. 2,400 m/sec) and enabled the direct measurement of current density and electrical conductivity (=6 S/m) behind the detonation wave front. In a second set of experiments, a 30-cm-long continuous electrode Faraday channel, having a height of 2.54 cm and a width of 2 cm, was attached to the end of the tube using an area transition duct. The Faraday channel was inserted in applied magnetic fields of 0.6 and 0.95 T. and the electrodes were connected to an active loading circuit to characterize power extraction dependence on load impedance while also simulating higher effective magnetic induction. The experiments indicated peak power extraction at a load impedance between 5 and 10 Ohm. The measured power density was in reasonable agreement with a simple electrodynamic model incorporating a correction for near-electrode potential losses. The time-resolved thrust characteristics of the system were also measured, and it was found that the MHD interaction exerted a negligible influence on system thrust and that the measured I(sub sp) of the system (200 sec) exceeded that computed for an equivalent nozzleless rocket (120 sec).
Litchford, R. J.↗
Propagation and amplification of microwave radiation in a plasma channel created in gas by a high-power femtosecond UV laser pulse
The time evolution of a nonequilibrium plasma channel created in a noble gas by a high-power femtosecond KrF laser pulse is investigated. It is shown that such a channel possesses specific electrodynamic properties and can be used as a waveguide for efficient transportation and amplification of microwave pulses. The propagation of microwave radiation in a plasma waveguide is analyzed by self-consistently solving (i) the Boltzmann kinetic equation for the electron energy distribution function at different spatial points and (ii) the wave equation in the parabolic approximation for a microwave pulse transported along the plasma channel.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Method to provide meta-stable operation of a DC microgrid comprising a pulsed load
A Hamiltonian surface shaping power flow control (HSSPFC) method is used to analyze the meta-stability and adjust pulsed power loads on a DC electric power distribution network. Pulsed power loads are nonlinear, time-variant systems that cause nonlinear limit-cycles. During the on periods of a pulsed load, the system can be in an unstable state and is damped back to stability during the off state of the load. Therefore, over the entire period of the pulse the system may only be assessed as meta-stable. As shown through simulation, HIL and hardware results, the HSSPFC method is more accurate than the other small-signal approaches, such as Eigenvalues, Nyquist, and Floquet theory, and can reveal important details about the transient responses and performance.
Wilson, David G.↗
Commissioning of the Power Supplies and Coils of the SMART Tokamak
The small aspect ratio tokamak (SMART) is a spherical tokamak (ST) that offers unique capabilities for studying the potential of negative triangularity. It has been designed, constructed, and is currently being operated by the Plasma Science Fusion Technology (PSFT) Laboratory at the University of Seville. SMART has a total of 21 coils, organized into seven independent circuits and driven by five modular power supplies (PS). The PS operation relies on switching converter technology based on IGBT and supercapacitors (SCs). The PS delivers predefined current waveforms to the copper coil system consisting of the central solenoid (CS), 12 toroidal field (TF) coils, three series pairs of poloidal field (PF) coils, and two independent PF coils. This study details the commissioning and validation of the PS toroidal and solenoid coils, as well as the assembly of coils in SMART. The maximum rated current and slope were measured, along with the series impedance of the coils, the output current ripple, and the noise levels. The internal parameters of the SCs were measured, and optimized current profiles were proposed to enhance overall performance. A comparison has been made between the theoretical values and the experimental results, providing insight into the performance of the PS and areas for improvement.
Power electronics↗
Dual-Mode Propulsion System Enabling CubeSat Exploration of the Solar System: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (Phase I Final Report)
It is apparent the cost of planetary exploration is rising as mission budgets declining. Currently small scientific beds geared to performing limited tasks are being developed and launched into low earth orbit (LEO) in the form of small-scale satellite units, i.e., CubeSats. These micro- and nano-satellites are gaining popularity among the university and science communities due to their relatively low cost and design flexibility. To date these small units have been limited to performing tasks in LEO utilizing solar-based power. If a reasonable propulsion system could be developed, these CubeSat platforms could perform exploration of various extra-terrestrial bodies within the solar system engaging a broader range of researchers. Additionally, being mindful of mass, smaller cheaper launch vehicles (~1,000 kgs to LEO) can be targeted. This, in effect, allows for beneficial exploration to be conducted within limited budgets. Researchers at the Center for Space Nuclear Re-search (CSNR) are proposing a low mass, radioisotope-based, dual-mode propulsion system capable of extending the exploration realm of these CubeSats out of LEO. The proposed radioisotope-based system would leverage the high specific energies [J/kg] associated with radioisotope materials and enhance their inherent low specific powers [W/g]. This is accomplished by accumulating thermal energy from nuclear decay within a central core over time. This allows for significant amounts of power to be transferred to a flowing gas over short periods of time. In the proposed configuration the stored energy can be utilized in two ways: (1) with direct propellant injection to the core, the energy can be converted into thrust through the use of a converging-diverging nozzle and (2) by flowing a working fluid through the core and subsequent Brayton engine, energy within the core can be converted to electrical energy. The first scenario achieves moderate ranges of thrust, but at a higher Isp than traditional chemical-based systems. The second scenario allows for the production of electrical power, which is then available for electric-based propulsion. Additionally, once at location the production of electrical power can be dedicated to the payload’s communication system for data transfer. Ultimately, the proposed dual-mode propulsion platform capitalizes on the benefits of two types of propulsion methods – the thrust of thermal propulsion ideal for quick orbital maneuvers and the specific impulse of electric propulsion ideal for efficient inter-planetary travel. Previous versions of this RTR-based concept have been studied for various applications [NETS 1-3]. The current version of this concept is being matured through a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I grant, awarded for FY 2014. In this study the RTR concept is being developed to deliver a 6U CubeSat payload to the orbit of the Saturnian moon - Enceladus. Additionally, this study will develop an entire mission architecture for Enceladus targeting a total allowable launch mass of 1,000 kg.
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
Pulsed Laser-Assisted Helium Ion Nanomachining of Monolayer Graphene—Direct-Write Kirigami Patterns
A helium gas field ion source has been demonstrated to be capable of realizing higher milling resolution relative to liquid gallium ion sources. One drawback, however, is that the helium ion mass is prohibitively low for reasonable sputtering rates of bulk materials, requiring a dosage that may lead to significant subsurface damage. Manipulation of suspended graphene is, therefore, a logical application for He+ milling. We demonstrate that competitive ion beam-induced deposition from residual carbonaceous contamination can be thermally mitigated via a pulsed laser-assisted He+ milling. By optimizing pulsed laser power density, frequency, and pulse width, we reduce the carbonaceous byproducts and mill graphene gaps down to sub 10 nm in highly complex kiragami patterns.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Combinatorial pulse position modulation for power-efficient free-space laser communications
A new modulation technique called combinatorial pulse position modulation (CPPM) is presented as a power-efficient alternative to quaternary pulse position modulation (QPPM) for direct-detection, free-space laser communications. The special case of 16C4PPM is compared to QPPM in terms of data throughput and bit error rate (BER) performance for similar laser power and pulse duty cycle requirements. The increased throughput from CPPM enables the use of forward error corrective (FEC) encoding for a net decrease in the amount of laser power required for a given data throughput compared to uncoded QPPM. A specific, practical case of coded CPPM is shown to reduce the amount of power required to transmit and receive a given data sequence by at least 4.7 dB. Hardware techniques for maximum likelihood detection and symbol timing recovery are presented.
Budinger, James M.↗
Nonlinear propagation of a high-power focused femtosecond laser pulse in air under atmospheric and reduced pressure
This paper examines the propagation of focused femtosecond gigawatt laser pulses in air under normal and reduced pressure in the case of Kerr self-focusing and photoionisation of the medium. The influence of gas density on the beam dimensions and power and the electron density in the plasma column in the nonlinear focus zone of the laser beam has been studied experimentally and by numerical simulation. It has been shown that, in rarefied air, the radiation-induced reduction in the rate of plasma formation diminishes the blocking effect of the plasma on the growth of the beam intensity in the case of tight focusing. This allows higher power densities of ultrashort laser pulses to be reached in the focal waist region in comparison with beam self-focusing under atmospheric pressure.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Information about Practicums at Los Alamos
The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center is the premier facility for neutron science experiments ranging from cross section measurements, neutron scattering experiments, proton radiography, cold neutrons, actinide neutronic properties, and many other exciting topics. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is home to several powerful magnets, including the one that created the first non-destructive 100 Tesla field in March 2012. They probe the electronic structure of superconductors, magnetic properties of materials (including magneto-quantum effects). Research is also conducted in correlated materials, thermoacoustics, and magnetic properties of actinides. The Trident Laser has a unique niche with very high power, short pulse experiments, with a peak power of 10{sup 20} W in short pulse mode. Discoveries range from production of monoenergetic MeV ion beam, nonlinear kinetic plasma waves, the transition between kinetic and fluid nonlinear behavior and other laser-plasma interaction processes.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Burst-Mode Ultraviolet Laser Pulses at Megawatt Peak Power in a Doubly-Resonant Enhancement Cavity
We demonstrate power enhancement of burst-mode UV (355 nm) laser with 50 ps pulse width and 402.5 MHz repetition rate. Peak intracavity power of >1.5 MW has been achieved for bunches with 10 μs at 10 Hz rate in a doubly-resonant optical cavity under high vacuum.
Oguz, Abdurahim↗
Final Scientific/Technical Report for A Robust Modular IGBT Power Supply For Innovative Confinement Concepts
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
High-power efficient cw and pulsed lasers based on bulk Yb : KYW crystals with end diode pumping
End-diode-pumped lasers based on one and two Yb : KYW crystals operating in cw and Q-switched regimes, as well as in the regime of mode-locking, are studied. The single-crystal laser generated stable ultrashort (shorter than 100 fs) laser pulses at wavelengths of 1035 and 1043 nm with an average power exceeding 1 W. The average output power of the two-crystal laser exceeded 18 W in the cw regime and 16 W in the Q-switched regime with a slope efficiency exceeding 30%.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Pulsed mid-infrared radiation from spectral broadening in laser wakefield simulations
Spectral red-shifting of high power laser pulses propagating through underdense plasma can be a source of ultrashort mid-infrared (MIR) radiation. During propagation, a high power laser pulse drives large amplitude plasma waves, depleting the pulse energy. At the same time, the large amplitude plasma wave provides a dynamic dielectric response that leads to spectral shifting. The loss of laser pulse energy and the approximate conservation of laser pulse action imply that spectral red-shifts accompany the depletion. In this paper, we investigate, through simulation, the parametric dependence of MIR generation on pulse energy, initial pulse duration, and plasma density.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Multichannel pulse height analyzer is inexpensive, features low power requirements
Consumption multichannel pulse height analyzer performs balloon and rocket investigations of solar neutrons with energies greater than 10 MeV. The lightweight unit can operate in a temperature range of minus 30 degrees to plus 70 degrees C and withstand storage temperatures from minus 50 degrees to plus 90 degrees C.
Ewald, C. J.↗