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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Improved understanding of the hot cathode current modes and mode transitions [Mechanism of the hot cathode current mode transitions]

Hot cathodes are crucial components in a variety of plasma sources and applications, but they induce mode transitions and oscillations that are not fully understood. It is often assumed that negatively biased hot cathodes have a space-charge limited (SCL) sheath whenever the current is limited. Here, we show on theoretical grounds that a SCL sheath cannot persist. First, charge-exchange ions born within the virtual cathode (VC) region get trapped and build up. After the ion density reaches the electron density at a point in the VC, a new neutral region is formed and begins growing in space. In planar geometry, this 'new plasma' containing cold trapped ions and cold thermoelectrons grows towards the anode and fills the gap, leaving behind an inverse cathode sheath. This explains how transitions from temperature-limited mode to anode glow mode occur in thermionic discharge experiments with magnetic fields. If the hot cathode is a small filament in an unmagnetized plasma, the trapped ion region is predicted to grow radially in both directions, get expelled if it reaches the cathode, and reform periodically. Filament-induced current oscillations consistent with this prediction have been reported in experiments. Here, we set up planar geometry simulations of thermionic discharges and demonstrate several mode transition phenomena for the first time. Lastly, our continuum kinetic code lacks the noise of particle simulations, enabling a closer study of the temporal dynamics.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Lattice calculation of nucleon isovector axial charge with improved currents

We employ dimension-4 operators to improve the local vector and axial-vector currents and calculate the nucleon isovector axial coupling $g$ ${^3}_{A}$ with overlap valence on 2 + 1-flavor domain wall fermion (DWF) sea. Using the equality of $g$ ${^3}_{A}$ from the spatial and temporal components of the axial-vector current as a normalization condition, we find that $g$ ${^3}_{A}$ is increased by a few percent towards the experimental value. Here, the excited-state contamination has been taken into account with three time separations between the source and sink. The improved axial charges $g$ ${^3}_{A}$ (24I) = 1.22 (4) (3) and $g$ ${^3}_{A}$ (32I) = 1.21 (3)(3) are obtained on a 24 3 × 64 lattice at pion mass of 330 MeV and a 32 3 × 64 lattice at pion mass 300 MeV and are increased by 3.4% and 1.7% from their unimproved values, respectively. We have also used clover fermions on the same DWF configurations and find the same behavior for the local axial charge as that with overlap fermions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Search for active-sterile neutrino mixing using neutral-current interactions in NOvA

Here, we report results from the first search for sterile neutrinos mixing with active neutrinos through a reduction in the rate of neutral-current interactions over a baseline of 810 km between the NOvA detectors. Analyzing a 14-kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05 × 10 20 protons-on-target in the NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 95 neutral-current candidates at the Far Detector compared with 83.5 ± 9.7(stat) ± 9.4(syst) events predicted assuming mixing only occurs between active neutrino species. No evidence for νμ→νs transitions is found. Interpreting these results within a 3+1 model, we place constraints on the mixing angles θ 24 < 20.8° and θ 34 < 31.2° at the 90% C.L. for 0.05 eV 2 ≤ Δm 41 2 ≤ 0.5 eV 2 , the range of mass splittings that produce no significant oscillations over the Near Detector baseline.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Search for flavor-changing neutral currents in top quark decays t → H c and t → H u in multilepton final states in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Flavor-changing neutral currents are not present in the Standard Model at tree level and are suppressed in loop processes by the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix; the corresponding rates for top quark decay processes are experimentally unobservable. Extensions of the Standard Model can generate new flavor-changing neutral current processes, leading to signals which, if observed, would be unambiguous evidence of new interactions. A data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.1 fb -1 of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of √ s = 13 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is used to search for top quarks decaying to up or charm quarks with the emission of a Higgs boson, with subsequent Higgs boson decay to final states with at least one electron or muon. In conclusion, no signal is observed and limits on the branching fractions B (t → H c) < 0.16 % and B (t → H u) < 0.19 % at 95% confidence level are obtained (with expected limits of 0.15% in both cases).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Analytical Expression for DC Link Capacitor Current in a Cascaded H-Bridge Multi-Level Active Front-End Converter

Medium-voltage grid-tied systems often use a cascaded H-bridge multi-level active front-end. In this converter, dc link bus capacitors play an important role in stabilizing the converter and enabling both active and reactive power injections. The present work provides analytical expressions for the capacitor current, which are essential for optimizing system design (especially capacitor size vs. lifetime). Then, the expression is incorporated into the grid connected bidirectional power system model. Consequently, this work contributes to the guiding principles to choose accurate dc link capacitor ratings against grid-side power delivery requirements. The analytical results have been validated with detailed simulations and hardware results.

cascaded H-bridge, carrier-based PWM, dc-link capa↗
DOE OSTI2021

Analysis and Optimization of a Multi-Layer Integrated Organic Substrate for High Current GaN HEMT-Based Power Module

In this paper, analysis and optimization of a multi-layer organic substrate for high current GaN HEMT based power module are discussed. The organic multi-layer substrates can provide high electrical performance in terms of low parasitic inductance in the power loop by providing vertical layout, and shielding for reduction of common-mode noise, a common problem in fast switching power converters. Furthermore, high performance cooling solutions, such as micro-channel heat sinks, can be directly bonded to the substrate for optimum thermal management. The structure of the proposed architecture, thermal analysis and optimization of layer thickness, thermo-mechanical stress analysis of the GaN HEMT and development of a high-performance heat sink are discussed.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-Current Density Durability of Pt/C and PtCo/C Catalysts at Similar Particle Sizes in PEMFCs

The durability of carbon supported PtCo-alloy based nanoparticle catalysts play a key role in the longevity of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) in electric vehicle applications. To improve its durability, it is important to understand and mitigate the various factors that cause PtCo-based cathode catalyst layers (CCL) to lose performance over time. These factors include i) electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss, ii) specific activity loss, iii) H + /O 2 -transport changes and iv) Co 2+ contamination effects. We use a catalyst-specific accelerated stress test (AST) voltage cycling protocol to compare the durability of Pt and PtCo catalysts at similar average nanoparticle size and distribution. Our studies indicate that while Pt and PtCo nanoparticle catalysts suffer from similar magnitudes of electrochemical surface area (ECSA) losses, PtCo catalyst shows a significantly larger cell voltage loss at high current densities upon durability testing. The distinctive factor causing the large cell voltage loss of PtCo catalyst appears to be the secondary effects of the leached Co 2+ cations that contaminate the electrode ionomer. A 1D performance model has been used to quantify the cell voltage losses arising from various factors causing degradation of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Influence of Current Density on Transport of Vanadium Acetylacetonate through a Cation-Exchange Membrane

Fluxes of negatively charged, neutral, and positively charged vanadium acetylacetonates through the cation-exchange membrane Nafion® 211 were measured as functions of current density. Fluxes increase in order V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 – < V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 0 < V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 + as expected for a membrane with fixed negative charges. Furthermore, the dependence of these fluxes on current density is quantitatively consistent with predictions made using independently measured conductivities in Nernst-Planck-Einstein transport equations. However, differences between the three fluxes are smaller than predicted by Donnan equilibrium calculations for Nafion 211 immersed in V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 solutions. Furthermore, specific interactions between sorbed species appear to be responsible for the relatively rapid transport of V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 – compared to V(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 + .

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

Current Status of the DOE/NNSA Nuclear Criticality Safety Program Hands-on Criticality Safety Training Courses

In 2011, the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP) developed and piloted a 2-week nuclear criticality safety (NCS) practitioner course to support training and qualification of new NCS staff. The course was developed in accordance with the American National Standard Institute/American Nuclear Society (ANSI/ANS) standard for NCS training and qualifications (ANSI/ANS-8.26-2007). In 2013, an NCS manager’s course was developed for process supervisors, managers, regulators, and other professionals with NCS-related responsibilities. These courses consist of classroom education, facility training, and hands-on subcritical and critical experiments training. Each course is currently offered twice per year. The 2-week practitioner course offers a week of classroom training, with practical workshops and exercises focused on teaching students how to perform an NCS evaluation. The second week of training involves hands-on critical and subcritical experiments and measurements. The first week is offered in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the DOE Nevada Field Office or the National Atomic Testing Museum. Depending on the student’s clearance level, the second week is offered at Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) (uncleared and L-cleared students) or at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) (Q-cleared students). The 1-week manager’s course is offered at SNL or NCERC, depending on clearance or interest, and includes classroom and hands-on critical and subcritical experiments and measurements. This paper provides an overview and status report for the DOE/NNSA NCSP training courses in NCS and provides information about future course offerings.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

The Implementation Of Solid State Switches In A Parallel Configuration To Gain Output Current Capacity In A High Current Capacitive Discharge Unit (CDU).

For my project I have selected to research and design a high current pulse system, which will be externally triggered from a 5V pulse. The research will be conducted in the region of paralleling the solid state switches for a higher current output, as well as to see if there will be any other advantages in doing so. The end use of the paralleled solid state switches will be used on a Capacitive Discharge Unit (CDU). For the first part of my project, I have set my focus on the design of the circuit, selection of components, and simulation of the circuit.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Achieving Integrated Daylighting and Electric Lighting Systems: Current State of the Art and Needed Research

This paper presents the results of a multi-disciplinary scoping study, the goals of which were to see the seamless integration and application of light in buildings, regardless of source, that is purposely modulated to illuminate surfaces and designed in a way that is comfortable, healthy, pleasing, cost effective, and energy efficient. The scoping study was performed in order to set the stage for transforming the design and realization of lighting systems integration (daylight and electric). This, in turn, will support achieving the the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Technologies Office (BTO) long-term energy savings goals. Holistic lighting systems of the future should include components that are adaptable to change, resilient to disruption, and robust. The system of codes, standards, guidelines, and contracts employed to design and implement lighting systems should be structured to help them to flourish, rather than being barriers to realization. Finally, the research thrusts and mechanisms should be engaged with these goals in mind. While integrated lighting systems may reduce lighting energy use in buildings, a broader web of non-energy impacts affecting occupant’s overall health, comfort, and satisfaction may also guide technology investment goals when the entire lighting systems lifecycle is considered. Daylighting systems are separated from electric lighting systems, and both are characteristically detached from other systems such as safety, security, communications, and information systems. Being disconnected from the inputs and outputs of other building systems precludes the ability to acquire and utilize information about occupation, status of systems, and interior and exterior environmental conditions. The outcome of this separation is that the standard building is not fulfilling the potential for creating dynamic and holistic lighting for building occupants.

Davis, Robert G.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Current and Future Constraints on Primordial Magnetic Fields

We present new limits on the amplitude of potential primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) using temperature and polarization measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from Planck, the BICEP2/Keck Array, Polarbear, and SPTpol. We reduce twofold the 95% confidence upper limit on the CMB anisotropy power due to a nearly scale-invariant PMF, with an allowed B-mode power at ℓ = 1500 of D{sub ℓ=1500}{sup BB}<0.071 μK{sup 2} for Planck versus D{sub ℓ=1500}{sup BB}<0.034 μK{sup 2} for the combined data set. We also forecast the expected limits from soon-to-deploy CMB experiments (like SPT-3G, Adv. ACTpol, or the Simons Array) and the proposed CMB-S4 experiment. Future CMB experiments should dramatically reduce the current uncertainties by one order of magnitude for the near-term experiments and two orders of magnitude for the CMB-S4 experiment. The constraints from CMB-S4 have the potential to rule out much of the parameter space for PMFs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Aerospace technology development of three types of solid state remote power controllers for 120VDC with current ratings of five, and thirty amperes, one type having current limiting

The first generation of remote power controllers (RPC) developed included: a 5-ampere design (Type 1), capable of limiting maximum overload current to 15 amperes for .1 sec; and 5-ampere noncurrent (Type 2) and 30-ampere noncurrent (Type 3) limiting designs, both with selectable instant trip levels for high-current overload. Each design provides overcurrent protection through an inverse I squared T trip-out function with an automatic reset option and demonstrates step-applied fault capability with a 4000-ampere surge, fast-risetime (low-inductance) power source. They also meet MIL - STD - 461A specification for electromagnetic interference. The second generation RPCs traded off specification compliance for reduction in cost and complexity for the Type 1 and 2 designs and give comparable or improved performance in most areas. The noncurrent limiting RPC proved to be a more economical and feasible method of overload protection for certain load types.

Baker, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A New Current Drogue System for Remotely Monitoring Shelf Current Circulation

The author has identified the following significant results. An ocean current drogue system was developed for use in the coastal zone and continental shelf region. The method features an extremely simple radiosonde device whose position is determined from a pair of cooperative shore stations. These ocean sondes follow the tradition of the atmospheric radiosonde in that they are economically disposable at the end of their mission. The system was successfully tested in a number of environments, including the North Atlantic in two winter coastal storms. Tracking to the edge of the Baltimore and Wilmington trenches was achieved. The drogue system is being used in conjunction with remote sensing aircraft and satellites to chart current circulation at ocean waste disposal sites 40 miles off Delaware's coast.

Klemas, V.↗