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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
NASA NTRS1989

Dynamic analysis of flexible multibody structures

A system composed of several interconnected elastic components that may experience large angular motion relative to each other during operation is referred to as a flexible multibody structure. Several formulations were proposed for the determination of the dynamic response of controlled flexible multibody structures. In general, these formulations consist of superposing elastic deformations of the component body onto the large rigid body motion of the component. It was shown that this particular methodology for combining linear structural deformations with nonlinear kinematics can lead to erroneous response predictions when either the beam member is very flexible or the rotational speed is high. In addition, previous formulations introduce constraint equations to define the interrelations among system components. This approach increases the number of equations that must be solved, and may result in contraint violation when numerical error accumulates during the integration process. In order to overcome the difficulties, a new approach was suggested. The approach is essentially a finite element formulation which takes advantage of the fact that many multibody structures are joint dominated. The Large Angle Transient Dynamic Analysis (LATDYN) program for clarity of documentation, ease of use, user friendliness, modeling generality, and accuracy of results was evaluated. This required gaining a working familiarity with the code and performing several case studies.

Hernried, Alan G.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Probing the ultrafast gain and refractive index dynamics of a VECSEL

Typically, strong gain saturation and gain dynamics play a crucial role in semiconductor laser mode-locking. While there have been several investigations of the ultrafast gain dynamics in vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs), little is known about the associated refractive index changes. Yet, such refractive index changes do not only have a profound impact on the pulse formation process leading to self-phase modulation, which needs to be compensated by dispersion, but they are also of particular relevance for assessing the feasibility of Kerr-lens mode-locking of VECSELs. Here, we measure both refractive index as well as gain dynamics of a VECSEL chip using the ultrafast beam deflection method. We find that, in contrast to the gain dynamics, the refractive index dynamics is dominated by an instantaneous (100 fs) and a very slow component (100 ps). The time-resolved measurement of nonlinear refraction allows us to predict a pulse-length dependent, effective nonlinear refractive index n 2,eff , which is shown to be negative and on the order of 10 -16 m 2 =W for short pulse lengths (100 fs). It becomes positive for large excitation fluences and large pulse lengths (few ps). These results agree with some previous reports of self-mode-locked VECSELs for which the cavity design and pulse properties determine sign and strength of the nonlinear refractive index when assuming Kerr-lens mode-locking.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Theory of stimulated and spontaneous axion scattering.

We present a theory for nonlinear, resonant excitation of dynamical axions by counterpropagating electromagnetic waves in materials that break both 𝒫 and 𝒯 symmetries. We show that dynamical axions can mediate an exponential growth in the amplitude of the lower frequency (Stokes) beam. We also discuss spontaneous generation of a counterpropagating Stokes mode, enabled by resonant amplification of quantum and thermal fluctuations in the presence of a single pump laser. Remarkably, the amplification can be orders of magnitude larger than that obtained via stimulated Brillouin and Raman scattering processes, and can be modulated with the application of external magnetic fields, making stimulated axion scattering promising for optoelectronics applications.

Smith, M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Colliding Pulse Mode Locking and Nonequilibrium Carrier Dynamics within Vertical External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers

The complex nonlinear dynamics of colliding counterpropagating ultrashort laser pulses circulating in a vertical external-cavity surface-emitting ring laser cavity are captured by a first-principles quantum-mechanical microscopic model coupled to an intracavity beam propagator. Furthermore, our numerical simulations establish that overall mode locking stability is sensitive to relative phases and delays of the pulses impinging on the semiconductor saturable absorber mirror. Delay offsets of the counterpropagating pulses lead to asymmetric carrier recovery and instability, often leading in turn to single unidirectional circulating pulses. Although computationally challenging, we also include transverse effects and show that the influence of interference patterns from spatial gratings written by the counterpropagating pulses is significant in stabilizing the modelocked pulses.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1987

Evolution of the axial electron cyclotron maser instability, with applications to solar microwave spikes

The nonlinear evolution of cyclotron radiation from streaming and gyrating electrons in an external magnetic field is analyzed. The nonlinear dynamics of both the fields and the particles are treated fully relativistically and self-consistently. The model includes a background plasma and electrostatic effects. The analytical and numerical results show that a substantial portion of the beam particle energy can be converted to electromagnetic wave energy at frequencies far above the electron cyclotron frequency. In general, the excited radiation can propagate parallel to the magnetic field and, hence, escape gyrothermal absorption at higher cyclotron harmonics. The high-frequency Doppler-shifted cyclotron instability can have saturation efficiencies far higher than those associated with well-known instabilities of the electron cyclotron maser type. Although the analysis is general, the possibility of using this model to explain the intense radio emission observed from the sun is explored in detail.

Vlahos, Loukas↗
NASA NTRS1983

Evaluation of mounting bolt loads for Space Shuttle Get Away Special (GAS) adapter beam

During the prototype vibration tests of the GAS adapter beam, significant impacting of the beam at its support points was observed. The cause of the impacting was traced to gaps under the mounting bolt heads. Because of the nonlinear nature of the response, it was difficult to evaluate the effects which Shuttle launch dynamics might have on the mounting bolt loads. A series of tests were conducted on an electrodynamic exciter in which the transient acceleration time histories, which had been measured during the Space Transportation System-1 (STS-1; Space Shuttle mission 1) launch, were simulated. The actual flight data had to be filtered and compensated so that it could be reproduced on the shaker without exceeding displacement and velocity limitations. Mounting bolt loads were measured directly by strain gages applied to the bolts. Various gap thicknesses and bolt torques were investigated. Although increased gap thickness resulted in greater accelerations due to impacting, the bolt loads were not significantly affected. This is attributed to the fact that impacting excited mostly higher frequency modes which do not have significant modal mass.

Talapatra, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Critical Fluctuations in Beam-Plasma Systems and Solar Type III Radio Bursts

The type III radio bursts are the most intense radio emissions from the sun. In Figure 1, we present a typical type III burst observed by the STEREO spacecraft. Ginzburg and Zheleznyakov (1958) were the first to suggest that Langmuir waves excited by the solar flare accelerated electrons are the source of these bursts. The in situ detection of electron beams and Langmuir waves in association with type III bursts together with tracking of type III burst sources in the interplanetary medium confirmed this plasma hypothesis. However, the dynamics of type III electron beams and their interaction with the ambient plasma through the excited Langmuir waves is an unsolved problem. In order that the electron beams don't lose their energy by resonantly interacting with Langmuir waves, various nonlinear processes, such as the induced scattering of Langmuir waves off the background ions in weak turbulence regime and oscillating two-stream instability in strong turbulence regime were invoked. However, the observed electron density fluctuations do not allow Langmuir waves to grow to very high intensities as pointed out by several authors. As far as the conversion of Langmuir wave energy into electromagnetic energy is concerned, there is no consensus either for the fundamental or for the second harmonic emission. In this paper, we address these issues in terms of critical fluctuations near the boundary of the beam-plasma instability which is analogous to the anomalously growing fluctuations near the phase transition points called critical points. We show that this phenomenon can account for the survival of electron beams over large distances as well as the intensities of Langmuir waves excited during this phase transition regime are sufficient to explain the peak intensities of the fundamental as well as harmonic emissions

Fluctuations↗
NASA NTRS1990

The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures - 13

The optimal control of three-dimensional large angle maneuvers and vibrations of a Shuttle-mast-reflector system is considered. The nonlinear equations of motion are formulated by using Lagrange's formula, with the mast modeled as a continuous beam subject to three-dimensional deformations. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is applied to the slewing problem, to derive the necessary conditions for the optimal controls, which are bounded by given saturation levels. The resulting two point boundary value problem is then solved by using the quasilinearization algorithm and the method of particular solutions. The study of the large angle maneuvering of the Shuttle-beam-reflector spacecraft in the plane of a circular earth orbit is extended to consider the effects of the structural offset connection, the axial shortening, and the gravitational torque on the slewing motion. Finally the effect of additional design parameters (such as related to additional payload requirement) on the linear quadratic regulator based design of an orbiting control/structural system is examined.

Bainum, Peter M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Examination of stiff ion temperature gradient mode physics in simulations of DIII-D H-mode transport

A systematic evaluation of gyrokinetic and gyrofluid model predictions of ion temperature gradient (ITG) stability and transport using parameters from DIII-D high confinement mode (H-mode) plasmas has been performed. The nonlinear CGYRO code is used to make the gyrokinetic predictions, and the quasilinear TGLF model for the corresponding gyrofluid predictions. The assessments are made at three radii (normalized toroidal flux ρtor = 0.4, 0.55, and 0.7) in three different plasma scenarios with varying levels of neutral beam heating and torque. For each of the nine cases (3 radii × 3 scenarios) considered, ITG turbulence is found to be the dominant long-wavelength instability and transport mechanism. The inclusions of both transverse magnetic fluctuations and dynamic fast beam ions are stabilizing for all cases considered, with strongest effects seen at ρor = 0.4 where the fast ion population and normalized plasma pressure β = 2μ0nT/B2 are highest. The further inclusion of parallel magnetic fluctuations does not have a meaningful impact on the ITG turbulence in these scenarios, but does destabilize (in combination with fast ions) new high-frequency instabilities at ρtor = 0.4 in the high power scenarios. In each case the linear and nonlinear ITG critical gradients are predicted to be lower than the measured ITG scale lengths and their associated uncertainties. Inclusion of equilibrium flow shear in the transport predictions generally leads to an upshift in effective critical gradient rather than a qualitative change in the predicted stiffness, with stronger responses typically seen in the gyrokinetic predictions than in the gyrofluid results. However, in most cases these upshifted gradients still remain below the measured values and their uncertainties. Although the predicted critical gradients are below the measured gradients, both models predicted flux-matching gradients consistent with measured values in six of the nine cases considered, with no clear systematic over- or underprediction. Thus, while the experimental ion temperature profiles do not appear to be closely pinned to the ITG critical gradient, both gyrokinetic and gyrofluid models are able to accurately match the measured gradients reasonably well in most cases.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Beam dynamics challenges in linear colliders based on laser-plasma accelerators

In this paper we discuss design considerations and beam dynamics challenges associated with laser-driven plasma-based accelerators as applied to multi-TeV-scale linear colliders. Plasma accelerators provide ultra-high gradients and ultra-short bunches, offering the potential for compact linacs and reduced power requirements. We show that stable, efficient acceleration with beam quality preservation is possible in the nonlinear bubble regime of laser-plasma accelerators using beam shaping. Ion motion, naturally occuring for dense beams (i.e., low emittance and high energy) severely damps transverse beam instabilities. Coulomb scattering by the background ions is considered and it is shown that the strong focusing in the plasma strongly suppresses scattering-induced emittance growth. Finally, Betatron radiation emission from the transverse motion of the beam in the plasma will result in beam power loss and energy spread growth; however for sub-100 nm emittances, the beam power loss and energy spread growth will be sub-percent for multi-TeV-class plasma linacs.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plasma-assisted deflagration to detonation transition in a microchannel with fast-frame imaging and hybrid fs/ps coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering measurements

Our study examines kinetic enhancement by nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge (ns-DBD) plasma on fuellean dimethyl ether (DME), oxygen (O 2 ), and argon (Ar) premixtures during deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) experiments in a microchannel. Non-equilibrium plasma produces active species and radicals and creates fast and slow heating of a mixture to promote ignition due to electronic and vibrational excitation. Experiments have been conducted to examine the influence of the plasma discharge on the premixture and on the resultant deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) onset time and distance through the use of high speed imaging and one-dimensional, two-beam, femtosecond/picosecond, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS). A highspeed camera is used to trace the time histories of flame front position and velocity and to identify the dynamics and onset of DDT. The results show that plasma discharge can nonlinearly affect the onset time and distance of DDT. It is shown that a small number of plasma discharge pulses prior to ignition result in reduced DDT onset time and distance by 60% and 40%, respectively, when compared to the results without pre-excitation by ns discharges. The results also show that an increase of plasma discharge pulses results in an extended DDT onset time and distance of 224% and 94%, respectively. Time history of the deflagration wave speed of DME and the analysis of ignition timescale under the choking condition of the deflagration front suggest low temperature ignition may play a role for DME near the isobaric choking condition of the burned gas and the DDT. Plasmainduced conversion of the reactive mixture was assessed via the O 2 to CO 2 ratio as measured through fs/ps CARS during the DBD discharges. The present experiments demonstrate the ability of non-equilibrium plasma to alter the chemistry of DME/O 2 /Ar premixtures in order to control DDT for applications in advanced propulsion engines.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Data driven methods to recognize patterns in EIC weak-strong simulation

Beam-Beam simulations are currently being studied in preparation for future EIC experiments to study beam-beam effects and, in turn, maximize luminosity. Weak-strong methods are studied for single-particle dynamics during collision. 1 million macro-particles for 1 million turns are typically tracked, corresponding to only 10 seconds in the EIC. The goal of this study is to predict beam properties over the scale of hours. A potential solution focuses on using data-driven methods such as machine learning methods to analyze and extend the insights of the beam properties such as long-term nonlinear effects. This would aid in long-term predictions where results would be more efficiently acquired than a typical tracking simulation. Some limitations such as inaccurate predictions and spatial complexity are also discussed. These methods can then be applied to strong-strong simulations in the future studies.

Accelerator Physics↗
NASA NTRS2015

The Development of Two Composite Energy Absorbers for Use in a Transport Rotorcraft Airframe Crash Testbed (TRACT 2) Full-Scale Crash Test

Two composite energy absorbers were developed and evaluated at NASA Langley Research Center through multi-level testing and simulation performed under the Transport Rotorcraft Airframe Crash Testbed (TRACT) research program. A conical-shaped energy absorber, designated the conusoid, was evaluated that consisted of four layers of hybrid carbon-Kevlar plain weave fabric oriented at [+45deg/-45deg/-45deg/+45deg] with respect to the vertical direction. A sinusoidal-shaped energy absorber, designated the sinusoid, was developed that consisted of hybrid carbon-Kevlar plain weave fabric face sheets, two layers for each face sheet oriented at +/-45deg with respect to the vertical direction, and a closed-cell ELFOAM P200 polyisocyanurate (2.0-lb/cu ft) foam core. The design goal for the energy absorbers was to achieve average floor-level accelerations of between 25- and 40-g during the full-scale crash test of a retrofitted CH-46E helicopter airframe, designated TRACT 2. Variations in both designs were assessed through dynamic crush testing of component specimens. Once the designs were finalized, subfloor beams of each configuration were fabricated and retrofitted into a barrel section of a CH-46E helicopter. A vertical drop test of the barrel section was conducted onto concrete to evaluate the performance of the energy absorbers prior to retrofit into TRACT 2. The retrofitted airframe was crash tested under combined forward and vertical velocity conditions onto soft soil. Finite element models were developed of all test articles and simulations were performed using LS-DYNA, a commercial nonlinear explicit transient dynamic finite element code. Test-analysis results are presented for each energy absorber as comparisons of time-history responses, as well as predicted and experimental structural deformations and progressive damage under impact loading for each evaluation level.

Littell, Justin D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Local chromatic correction optics for Future Circular Collider e + e −

Local chromatic correction optics are proposed for the Future Circular e + − e − Collider. These new optics assume an identical layout of the magnets at all operation energies and include a new design for the arcs, for the straight sections, and for the final focus. The arcs design is a step forward from the classic FODO lattice that achieves near cancellation up to the fourth order of chromatic and geometric aberrations. Straight sections and the final focus benefit from the application of transparency conditions and are thus minimally impacting the global beam dynamics. The final focus design includes both vertical and horizontal chromaticity correction sections, crab sextupoles, and additional specific sextupoles and decapoles for the optimization of the dynamics off-energy. Decapoles are very effective in mitigating the reduction of dynamic aperture due to synchrotron radiation. Nonlinear magnet settings are further optimized with multiobjective algorithms. The overall properties of the new optics proposed are analyzed in the presence of errors and compared to other optics designs.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamics of McMillan mappings II. axially symmetric map

Here, in this article, we investigate the transverse dynamics of a single particle in a model integrable accelerator lattice, based on a McMillan axially-symmetric electron lens. Although the McMillan e-lens has been considered as a device potentially capable of mitigating collective space charge forces, some of its fundamental properties have not been described yet. The main goal of our work is to close this gap and understand the limitations and potentials of this device. It is worth mentioning that the McMillan axially symmetric map provides the first-order approximations of dynamics for a general linear lattice plus an arbitrary thin lens with motion separable in polar coordinates. Therefore, advancements in its understanding should give us a better picture of more generic and not necessarily integrable round beams. In the first part of the article, we classify all possible regimes with stable trajectories and find the canonical action-angle variables. This provides an evaluation of the dynamical aperture, Poincaré rotation numbers as functions of amplitudes, and thus determines the spread in nonlinear tunes. Also, we provide a parameterization of invariant curves, allowing for the immediate determination of the map image forward and backward in time. The second part investigates the particle dynamics as a function of system parameters. We show that there are three fundamentally different configurations of the accelerator optics causing different regimes of nonlinear oscillations. Each regime is considered in great detail, including the limiting cases of large and small amplitudes. In addition, we analyze the dynamics in Cartesian coordinates and provide a description of observable variables and corresponding spectra.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1988

A novel approach to the modelling and control of flexible robot arms

A general dynamic model of a two-link Euler-Bernoulli beam flexible robot arm is presented in the form of partial-differential-integral equations. Observations are made on important properties of the dynamic model. The resulting infinite-dimensional system is then input-output decoupled and partially linearized by a diffeomorphic state transformation and nonlinear state feedback. The local stability issue is addressed for a one-link flexible robot arm.

Ding, Xuru↗
NASA NTRS1991

A low-power, high-efficiency Ka-band TWTA

A NASA-sponsored program is described for developing a high-efficiency low-power TWTA operating at 32 GHz and meeting the requirements for the Cassini Mission to study Saturn. The required RF output power of the helix TWT is 10 watts, while the dc power from the spacecraft is limited to about 30 watts. The performance level permits the transmission to earth of all mission data. Several novel technologies are incorporated into the TWT to achieve this efficiency including an advanced dynamic velocity taper characterized by a nonlinear reduction in pitch in the output helix section and a multistage depressed collector employing copper electrodes treated for secondary electron-emission suppression. Preliminary program results are encouraging: RF output power of 10.6 watts is obtained at 14-mA beam current and 5.2-kV helix voltage with overall TWT efficiency exceeding 40 percent.

Curren, A. N.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Multi-Level Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of Two Composite Energy Absorbers

Two composite energy absorbers were developed and evaluated at NASA Langley Research Center through multi-level testing and simulation performed under the Transport Rotorcraft Airframe Crash Testbed (TRACT) research program. A conical-shaped energy absorber, designated the conusoid, was evaluated that consisted of four layers of hybrid carbon-Kevlar plain weave fabric oriented at [+45 deg/-45 deg/-45 deg/+45 deg] with respect to the vertical, or crush, direction. A sinusoidal-shaped energy absorber, designated the sinusoid, was developed that consisted of hybrid carbon-Kevlar plain weave fabric face sheets, two layers for each face sheet oriented at +/-45deg with respect to the vertical direction and a closed-cell ELFOAM P200 polyisocyanurate (2.0-lb/cu ft) foam core. The design goal for the energy absorbers was to achieve average floor-level accelerations of between 25- and 40-g during the full-scale crash test of a retrofitted CH-46E helicopter airframe, designated TRACT 2. Variations in both designs were assessed through dynamic crush testing of component specimens. Once the designs were finalized, subfloor beams of each configuration were fabricated and retrofitted into a barrel section of a CH-46E helicopter. A vertical drop test of the barrel section was conducted onto concrete to evaluate the performance of the energy absorbers prior to retrofit into TRACT 2. The retrofitted airframe was crash tested under combined forward and vertical velocity conditions onto soil, which is characterized as a sand/clay mixture. Finite element models were developed of all test articles and simulations were performed using LS-DYNA, a commercial nonlinear explicit transient dynamic finite element code. Test-analysis results are presented for each energy absorber as comparisons of time-history responses, as well as predicted and experimental structural deformations and progressive damage under impact loading for each evaluation level.

Jackson, Karen E.↗