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At least 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2003

Dynamic Turbulence Modelling in Large-eddy Simulations of the Cloud-topped Atmospheric Boundary Layer

The use of large eddy simulation, or LES, to study the atmospheric boundary layer dates back to the early 1970s when Deardor (1972) used a three-dimensional simulation to determine velocity and temperature scales in the convective boundary layer. In 1974 he applied LES to the problem of mixing layer entrainment (Deardor 1974) and in 1980 to the cloud-topped boundary layer (Deardor 1980b). Since that time the LES approach has been applied to atmospheric boundary layer problems by numerous authors. While LES has been shown to be relatively robust for simple cases such as a clear, convective boundary layer (Mason 1989), simulation of the cloud-topped boundary layer has proved more of a challenge. The combination of small length scales and anisotropic turbulence coupled with cloud microphysics and radiation effects places a heavy burden on the turbulence model, especially in the cloud-top region. Consequently, over the past few decades considerable effort has been devoted to developing turbulence models that are better able to parameterize these processes. Much of this work has involved taking parameterizations developed for neutral boundary layers and deriving corrections to account for buoyancy effects associated with the background stratification and local buoyancy sources due to radiative and latent heat transfer within the cloud (see Lilly 1962; Deardor 1980a; Mason 1989; MacVean & Mason 1990, for example). In this paper we hope to contribute to this effort by presenting a number of turbulence models in which the model coefficients are calculated dynamically during the simulation rather than being prescribed a priori.

Kirkpatrick, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Comparison of Human Modeling Tools for Efficiency of Prediction of EVA Tasks

Design of ExtraVehicular Activity (EVA) interfaces for International Space Station is important to successful assembly. This is highlighted by the recent rise in the estimate of time required for EVA during the assembly to 900 hours. The traditional method of evaluating EVA design is examination of mockups in neutral buoyancy testing. While effective, this is costly. Any tools for streamlining this process have positive cost and schedule implications for Station design. The human modelling software package Jack has been shown to be a useful tool in computer-aided design of space hardware requiring actuation in EVA. The package has been used to aid in the design of flight hardware for a Station Assembly Mission; evaluation was based on comparison of the computer simulations with neutral buoyancy simulations. When used to predict the feasibility of tasks, the software was found to be effective for reach and visibility evaluation. Some limitations have been encountered in prediction of work clearances. Another human simulator is currently being evaluated using the same hardware and comparisons to the same Neutral Buoyancy simulations. Preliminary results for ERGO, which is derived from robotics software, indicate similar strengths and weaknesses.

Dischinger, H. Charles, Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of Charge Fraction on the Phase Behavior of Symmetric Single-Ion Conducting Diblock Copolymers

A series of symmetric poly[(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-oligo(ethylene glycol) propyl sodium sulfonate methacrylate)]-block-polystyrene (PsOEGMA-PS) diblock copolymers were synthesized as a model system to probe the effect of charge fraction on the phase behavior of charged-neutral single-ion conducting diblock copolymers. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments showed that increasing the charge fraction does not alter the ordered phase morphology (lamellar) but increases the order–disorder transition temperature (T ODT ) significantly. Additionally, the effective Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ eff ) was found to increase linearly with the charge fraction, similar to the case of conventional salt-doped diblock copolymers. This indicates that the effect of counterion solvation, attributed to the significant mismatch between the dielectric constant of each block, provides the dominant effect in tuning the phase behavior of this charged diblock copolymer. Lastly, we therefore infer that electrostatic cohesion (local charge ordering induced by Coulombic interactions), which is predicted to suppress microphase separation and lead to asymmetric phase diagrams, only plays a minor role in this model system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1982

Transport of aurorally produced N/2D/ by winds in the high latitude thermosphere

A time-dependent, two-dimensional model is developed for describing the meridional circulation of thermospheric odd nitrogen species produced in the auroral zone. The model is based on a previous model by Roble and Gary (1979) extended to upper altitude transport of the nitrogen species. Assumptions made include the existence of a steady neutral wind flowing from low to high latitudes, and an initial background due to scattered Lyman-beta and nightglow emissions. The aurora is also assumed as steady, along with a constant ion production. Predictions made using the model are compared with observations with the Atmosphere Explorer C spacecraft and rocket sounding measurements of the 5200 A distribution near the day-side polar cusp. The model requires thermospheric winds of 100-200 m/sec, flowing from day to nightside. Convective velocities near 1000 m/sec were detected by the Explorer spacecraft, as well as a day-to-nightside flow at the cusp.

Gerard, J.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Io: Escape and ionization of atmospheric gases

The partitioning of the major ion densities throughout the torus is described. This description is required as input information for the Io oxygen and sulfur cloud models. In the radial interval from 4.9 to 5.4 Rj ion partitioning information is used to initially explore that impact of charge exchange reactions between the neutral gas clouds and the plasma torus ions. Because of the spatial distribution of torus ions, these reactions may be able to introduce a magnetic longitudinal effect in the plasma torus properties. Modeling efforts for the Io oxygen and sulfur clouds and for the sodium cloud data are also discussed.

Smyth, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The effects of dipole tilt on magnetotail structure and dynamics

A three-dimensional time-dependent global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of the interaction between the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere has been used to study the effects of dipole tilt on the structure and dynamics of the magnetotail. The location of the tail neutral sheet shifts in the north-south direction following changes in the dipole tilt. When the northern edge of the geomagnetic dipole is tilted toward the sun (positive tilt), it is above the geocentric solar magnetosphere (GSM) equator, while for negative tilt, it is below. The neutral sheet forms an arc across the tail in the y-z plane for nonzero tilt. For positive tilt, the neutral sheet rises above the GSM equatorial plane near the noon-midnight meridian and returns to the equator near the magnetopause. The position and shape of the neutral sheet result from the requirement that the earthward magnetic flux equals the tailward flux and can be well explained by a simple analytical model.

Walker, Raymond J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

First lithium experiments in HIDRA and evidence of helium retention during quasi-steady-state stellarator plasma operations

Recent experiments in Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications (HIDRA) have had operational discharges between t discharge = 60 and 1000 s using electron cyclotron resonant heating (ECRH) of the plasma. This means that quasi-steady-state plasma discharges reach conditions to study long-pulse plasma material interactions (PMIs). The newly commissioned HIDRA-Material Analysis Test-stand PMI diagnostic is used to place a drop of lithium onto a heated tungsten surface, transfer the sample in-vacuo and expose it in a helium plasma. Helium is of interest as there is an open question to whether lithium will be able to remove helium ash in real fusion devices. The introduction of the W-Li sample in HIDRA resulted in evaporation of lithium into the helium plasma during a 600 s pulse and caused a reduction of over 90% in neutral pressure during the discharge. It was also observed that the plasma density and temperature increased by over 2.5 times. Using spectroscopy and a helium collisional radiative model, the peak temperature and density of the helium plasma can be monitored during the discharge. During lithium evaporation, as significant lithium ionization occurs, there is a 85% drop in the HIDRA vessel neutral pressure, despite a constant flow rate of He gas. This reduction in neutral pressure is supported by spectroscopy data with corresponding reductions in He I line intensities (587 nm, 667 nm, 706 nm, and 728 nm), as well as those of other impurities. At one point in the discharge a lithium plasma is created, as indicated by an increase in Li + emission and a complete reduction in He + emission, but the electron density jumps from ne = 3 × 10 18 m –3 to over ne = 8 × 10 18 m –3 while the core temperature stays relatively constant between Te = 16 eV and 20 eV. Once lithium has completely evaporated from the sample and the majority of the ionized lithium has diffused from the plasma to the vessel walls, pressure and spectroscopy data paired with He collisional radiative model calculations shows a re-establishment of a helium plasma in a low recycling regime. In this regime, the density drops down to ne = 2 × 10 18 m –3 and the electron temperature increases from T e = 20 eV to over T e = 50 eV indicating an increase in helium heating efficiency. This is also indicated by the He+ emission re-establishing and having a higher intensity. Here, we show the results from the first lithium campaign in HIDRA. In the presence of lithium, and in particular when lithium ions are present, the helium disappears from the plasma via an as of yet unknown complex relationship that needs to be further studied. The most likely explanation is that the lithium ions are distributed around the vessel and able to trap helium to the surface turning HIDRA into a large gettering surface. These results have potential implications on future plasma facing component design using liquid lithium for impurity and recycling control using limiters and divertors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Assessment of the impacts of renewable energy variability in long-term decarbonization strategies

To meet the nationally determined contributions proposed by the countries that signed the Paris Agreement, investments must be made in renewable generation technologies such as solar and wind. However, due to their high variability, these technologies pose challenges in terms of meeting demand or generating excess electricity. For this reason, energy system models are designed to capture this variability by considering flexibility technologies. Nevertheless, it is important to note that some energy system models lack integration with other sectors. Therefore, integrated assessment models have been employed to evaluate mitigation strategies, as they endogenously consider the linkages between energy and non-energy sectors. In addition, due to their complexity, these models do not account for the variability of renewable resources. Hence, this research aims to address this issue. Here, this work represents the first attempt to evaluate how the introduction of hourly resolution affects the outcomes of integrated assessment models, specifically focusing on the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM). We employ a soft-linking approach between the GCAM and the Highway to Renewable Energy Systems model (H2RES, an hourly level energy system model) to accomplish this. The proposed approach is tested using Chile’s Nationally Determined Contributions under different hydrological profiles in the power sector. The results show that it is possible to use the capacity obtained from the Global Change Analysis Model and implement it on an hourly scale. However, the feasibility of implementation depends on high levels of flexibility technologies, such as battery energy storage. When given the choice of investments in renewable sources and flexible technologies, the optimal dispatch of the H2RES model show small differences than those obtained by GCAM-Chile. H2RES differs from GCAM-Chile in approximately 5% for wind and 3% for solar electricity generation in the year 2050. However, feasible integration of significant renewable sources is obtained with relatively high Critical Excess Electricity Production levels, reaching 20% in 2050. This excess electricity is attributed to the necessity for flexible technologies to manage the intermittency of renewables sources when hourly profiles of such sources are considered.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
NASA NTRS1923

Tests on an airplane model, AEG D I of the Allgemeine Elektricitats Gesellschft, A-G, airplane construction section conducted at the Gottingen Model Testing Laboratory for Aerodynamics

Tests were carried out in the small wind tunnel of the Gottingen establishment on a complete model of the AEG D I airplane. The agreement between the model and the complete airplane applies particularly to the wings, which have ribs cut out of sheet metal and built up in exactly the same manner as in the actual airplane. Various series of tests were carried out with this model in which one or the other of the control surfaces were adjusted to various angles, while the others remained in their neutral positions. During the first three series of tests, the stabilizer was set at a positive angle of 3 degrees, 45' relative to the axis of the engine crankshaft, after which further tests at a 6 degree 30' we made. Finally, the model was tested with the tail group removed. With the elevators set in the prescribed positions, the lift, the drag, and the moments about an axis passing through the center of gravity and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry were measured. All three sets of readings are given as absolute coefficients. Where one of the other control surfaces was deflected from its normal position, the moment produced by that adjustment of the surface was also measured.

Munk, Max↗
DOE OSTI2026

Experimental observation and integrated modelling of proton-beryllium fusion in He and D plasmas at JET

Validated integrated modelling of JET ITER-like wall experiments in which fusion performance is driven by reactions between fast ions and intrinsically present metal wall impurities is presented. A steady-state L-mode plasma with dominant proton-beryllium fusion and neutron yields of up to ≈ 6·10 13 s -1 is developed in He and D, via radiofrequency heating of a H minority. The fusion drive is unambiguously confirmed by the neutral particle analyser, fast ion loss detector, and γ-ray diagnostics. Experiments are analysed via an integrated modelling framework, developed to model the two-stage proton beryllium-fusion chain and produce high-fidelity fusion product source terms. The modelling chain comprises TRANSP and JETTO for plasma core modelling, LOCUST for full orbit product tracking and collisional slowing-down, DRESS to resolve two- and three-body fusion kinematics, and MCNP for neutron transport calculations. Modelling shows that the primary 9 Be(p,n) 9 B reaction is the dominant neutron emitter at naturally present concentrations of beryllium in these experiments. The yield contribution of secondary reactions between fusion products and beryllium, 9 Be(d,n) 10 B and 9 Be(α,n) 12 C, is found to be negligible. The proton-deuteron knock-on effect in D plasmas is modelled, which is calculated to contribute ≈ 25% to the total neutron yield. For both He and D discharges the total computed neutron rates match fission chamber (FC) measurements within the combined experimental and computational uncertainty, with an average discrepancy of ≈ ± 20%. Realistic proton-beryllium neutron sources are propagated through JET’s MCNP neutron transport model which shows that 235 U FCs’ response is sensitive to p–Be source changes, with up to ≈ 10% variation compared to a D–D neutron source. We show that the high-energy tail of the fast proton minority can be studied with multi-foil neutron activation. The framework is also applied to the study of interactions between fast protons and boron impurities, of relevance to ITER. We calculate that in JET conditions a significant alpha source with DT-like energies could be generated through 11 B(p, α)2α fusion, and detected via γ-emission in secondary interactions between fast alphas and boron. The work represents an important step towards validating predictive integrated modelling capabilities for non-standard fusion reactions.

JET↗
NASA NTRS1985

Explosive tail reconnection - The growth and expansion phases of magnetospheric substorms

In the current 'conceptual' model of magnetospheric substorms, the growth phase terminates and the expansion phase commences with the onset of rapid reconnection at a new, near-earth X-type neutral line. Physical concepts developed in the analysis of the collisionless tearing mode and the flow of collisionless plasma in weakly magnetized, thin current sheets are combined to construct a model of purely collisionless, time-dependent, ion-dominated reconnection. Formulated in the context of time-dependent magnetospheric convection, the model describes the reconnection collapse of the initially thick plasma sheet. In the nonlinear phase the reconnection rate grows explosively in time and saturates into a steady collisionless reconnection flow when the initial magnetic flux in the current sheet has reconnected; at saturation the reconnection rate is comparable to the maximum Petschek rate. The time scale and dynamics of the explosive reconnection model are broadly consistent with observations of substorm growth phase and expansion phase onset. For typical plasma sheet parameters the explosive reconnection electromotive force across the tail approaches 1 MV at saturation.

Coroniti, F. V.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver-Modified Nanoporous Silica Materials for Enhanced Iodine Removal

In aquatic environments, the presence of iodine species, including radioactive isotopes like 129 I and I 2 , poses significant environmental and health concerns. Iodine can enter water resources from various sources, including nuclear accidents, medical procedures, and natural occurrences. To address this issue, the use of natural occurring nanoporous minerals, such as zeolitic materials, for iodine removal will be explored. This study focuses on the adsorption of iodine by silver-modified zeolites (13X-Ag, 5A-Ag, Chabazite-Ag, and Clinoptilolite-Ag) and evaluates their performance under different conditions. All materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopey (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption studies. The results indicate that Chabazite-Ag exhibited the highest iodine adsorption capacity, with an impressive 769 mg/g, making it a viable option for iodine removal applications. 13X-Ag and 5A-Ag also demonstrated substantial adsorption capacities of 714 mg/g and 556 mg/g, respectively, though their behavior varied according to different models. In contrast, Clinoptilolite-Ag exhibited strong pH-dependent behavior, rendering it less suitable for neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of ionic strength on iodine adsorption, revealing that Chabazite-Ag is efficient in low-salinity environments with an iodine adsorption capacity of 51.80 mg/g but less effective in saline conditions. 5A-Ag proved to be a versatile option for various water treatments, maintaining its iodine adsorption capacity across different salinity levels. In contrast, Clinoptilolite-Ag exhibited high sensitivity to ionic competition, virtually losing its iodine adsorption ability at a NaCl concentration of 0.1 M. Kinetic studies indicated that the pseudo-second-order model best describes the adsorption process, suggesting chemisorption mechanisms dominate iodine removal. Chabazite-Ag exhibited the highest initial adsorption rate with a k 2 value of 0.002 mg g -1 h -1 , emphasizing its superior adsorption capabilities. Chabazite and Clinoptilolite, naturally occurring minerals, provide eco-friendly solutions for iodine adsorption. Chabazite superior iodine removal highlights its value in critical applications and its potential for addressing pressing environmental challenges.

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

Combinations of Single Chain Variable Fragments From HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Demonstrate High Potency and Breadth

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are currently being assessed in clinical trials for their ability to prevent HIV infection. Single chain variable fragments (scFv) of bNAbs have advantages over full antibodies as their smaller size permits improved diffusion into mucosal tissues and facilitates vector-driven gene expression. We have previously shown that scFv of bNAbs individually retain significant breadth and potency. Here we tested combinations of five scFv derived from bNAbs CAP256-VRC26.25 (V2-apex), PGT121 (N332-supersite), 3BNC117 (CD4bs), 8ANC195 (gp120-gp41 interface) and 10E8v4 (MPER). Either two or three scFv were combined in equimolar amounts and tested in the TZM-bl neutralization assay against a multiclade panel of 17 viruses. Experimental IC 50 and IC 80 data were compared to predicted neutralization titers based on single scFv titers using the Loewe additive and the Bliss-Hill model. Like full-sized antibodies, combinations of scFv showed significantly improved potency and breadth compared to single scFv. Combinations of two or three scFv generally followed an independent action model for breadth and potency with no significant synergy or antagonism observed overall although some exceptions were noted. The Loewe model underestimated potency for some dual and triple combinations while the Bliss-Hill model was better at predicting IC 80 titers of triple combinations. Given this, we used the Bliss-Hill model to predict the coverage of scFv against a 45-virus panel at concentrations that correlated with protection in the AMP trials. Using IC 80 titers and concentrations of 1μg/mL, there was 93% coverage for one dual scFv combination (3BNC117+10E8v4), and 96% coverage for two of the triple combinations (CAP256.25+3BNC117+10E8v4 and PGT121+3BNC117+10E8v4). Combinations of scFv, therefore, show significantly improved breadth and potency over individual scFv and given their size advantage, have potential for use in passive immunization.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

DIII-D research to provide solutions for ITER and fusion energy

The DIII-D tokamak has elucidated crucial physics and developed projectable solutions for ITER and fusion power plants in the key areas of core performance, boundary heat and particle transport, and integrated scenario operation, with closing the core-edge integration knowledge gap being the overarching mission. New experimental validation of high-fidelity, multi-channel, non-linear gyrokinetic turbulent transport models for ITER provides strong confidence it will achieve Q ≥ 10 operation. Experiments identify options for easing H-mode access in hydrogen, and give new insight into the isotopic dependence of transport and confinement. Analysis of 2,1 islands in unoptimized low-torque IBS demonstration discharges suggests their onset time occurs randomly in the constant β phase, most often triggered by non-linear 3-wave coupling, thus identifying an NTM seeding mechanism to avoid. Pure deuterium SPI for disruption mitigation is shown to provide favorable slow cooling, but poor core assimilation, suggesting paths for improved SPI on ITER. At the boundary, measured neutral density and ionization source fluxes are strongly poloidally asymmetric, implying a 2D treatment is needed to model pedestal fuelling. Detailed measurements of pedestal and SOL quantities and impurity charge state radiation in detached divertors has validated edge fluid modelling and new self-consistent 'pedestal-to-divertor' integrated modeling that can be used to optimize reactors. New feedback adaptive ELM control minimizes confinement reduction, and RMP ELM suppression with sustained high core performance was obtained for the first time with the outer strike point in a W-coated, compact and unpumped small-angle slot divertor. Advances have been made in integrated operational scenarios for ITER and power plants. Wide pedestal intrinsically ELM-free QH-modes are produced with more reactor-relevant conditions, Low torque IBS with W-equivalent radiators can exhibit predator-prey oscillations in Te and radiation which need control. High-β P scenarios with q min > 2, q 95 –7.9, β N > 4, β T –3.3% and H 98y2 > 1.5 are sustained with high density ($\overline{n}$ = 7E19 m -3 , f G –1) for 6 τ E , improving confidence in steady-state tokamak reactors. Diverted NT plasmas achieve high core performance with a non-ELMing edge, offering a possible highly attractive core-edge integration solution for reactors.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

Theoretical study of the seasonal behavior of the global ionosphere at solar maximum

The seasonal behavior of the global ionosphere was studied using a time-dependent three-dimensional physical model (developed by Shunk and his coworkers) of the ionosphere at altitudes between 120 and 800 km. This model accounts for field-aligned diffusion, cross-field electrodynamic drifts both the equatorial region and at high latitudes, interhemispheric flow, thermospheric winds, polar wind escape, energy-dependent chemical reactions, neutral composition changes, ion production due to solar EUV radiation and auroral precipitation, thermal conduction, diffusion-thermal heat flow, and local heating and cooling processes. The model studies were carried out for both June and December solstice conditions at solar maximum and for low geomagnetic activity. The ionospheric features predicted by the model agreed qualitatively with the available measurements.

Sojka, J. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Monopoles, exotic states and muon $$g-2$$ in TeV scale trinification

Abstract We study the low energy implications of a trinification model based on the gauge symmetry $$G= SU(3)_c \times SU(3)_L \times SU(3)_R$$ G = S U ( 3 ) c × S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R , without imposing gauge coupling unification. A minimal model requires two Higgs multiplets that reside in the bi-fundamental representation of G , and this is shown to be adequate for accommodating the Standard Model (SM) fermion masses and generate, via loop corrections and seesaw mechanism, suitable masses for the heavy neutral leptons as well as the observed SM neutrinos. We estimate a lower bound of around 15 TeV for the masses of the new down- type quarks that are required by the $$SU(3)_L \times SU(3)_R$$ S U ( 3 ) L × S U ( 3 ) R symmetry. We examine the resonant production at the LHC of the new gauge bosons, which leads to a lower bound of 16 TeV for the symmetry breaking scale of G . We also show how the muon $$g-2$$ g - 2 anomaly can be resolved in the presence of these new gauge bosons and the heavy charged leptons present in the model. Finally, the model predicts the presence of a topologically stable monopole carrying three quanta $$(6 \pi /e)$$ ( 6 π / e ) of Dirac magnetic charge and mass $$\gtrsim 160$$ ≳ 160 TeV. If new matter fields lying in the fundamental representations of G are included, the model predicts the presence of exotic leptons, mesons and baryons carrying fractional electric charges such as $$\pm e/3$$ ± e / 3 and $$\pm 2e/3$$ ± 2 e / 3 , fully compatible with the Dirac quantization condition.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

Charge-exchange losses of beam ions in MAST Upgrade: experiments and modelling

Dedicated experiments were performed on MAST Upgrade to study beam-ion losses caused by charge exchange (CX) with edge neutrals. The fuelling was switched from the high-field side to the low-field side mid-discharge. Direct measurements suggest a strong increase in the neutral density around the plasma and a decrease in the beam-ion density, which is qualitatively explained by CX losses. Measurements by a resistive bolometer have suggested particle bombardment during neutral beam injection, providing a unique opportunity to separate CX from other loss mechanisms. To verify and quantify CX losses, the orbit-following code ASCOT, which accounts both for CX neutralization and reionization, was used to simulate beam-particle power loads on the bolometer. Simulations reproduce measured bolometer power loads during high-field-side fuelling, verifying CX losses of approximately 10% of the off-axis beam power. Toroidally symmetric simulations overestimate power loads on the bolometer during low-field-side fuelling, which is explained by toroidal asymmetry in the neutral density distribution, as is demonstrated by toroidally asymmetric simulations. Results suggest significantly higher CX losses during low-field-side fuelling, up to about 50% of off-axis beam power.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1991

Monte Carlo simulation of ion-neutral charge exchange collisions and grid erosion in an ion thruster

A combined particle-in-cell (PIC)/Monte Carlo simulation model has been developed in which the PIC method is used to simulate the charge exchange collisions. It is noted that a number of features were reproduced correctly by this code, but that its assumption of two-dimensional axisymmetry for a single set of grid apertures precluded the reproduction of the most characteristic feature of actual test data; namely, the concentrated grid erosion at the geometric center of the hexagonal aperture array. The first results of a three-dimensional code, which takes into account the hexagonal symmetry of the grid, are presented. It is shown that, with this code, the experimentally observed erosion patterns are reproduced correctly, demonstrating explicitly the concentration of sputtering between apertures.

Peng, Xiaohang↗