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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 1,783 records · Page 99
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Overview of the TCV tokamak program: Scientific progress and facility upgrades

The TCV tokamak is augmenting its unique historical capabilities (strong shaping, strong electron heating) with ion heating, additional electron heating compatible with high densities, and variable divertor geometry, in a multifaceted upgrade program designed to broaden its operational range without sacrificing its fundamental flexibility. The TCV program is rooted in a three-pronged approach aimed at ITER support, explorations towards DEMO, and fundamental research. A 1 MW, tangential neutral beam injector (NBI) was recently installed and promptly extended the TCV parameter range, with record ion temperatures and toroidal rotation velocities and measurable neutral-beam current drive. ITER-relevant scenario development has received particular attention, with strategies aimed at maximizing performance through optimized discharge trajectories to avoid MHD instabilities, such as peeling-ballooning and neoclassical tearing modes. Experiments on exhaust physics have focused particularly on detachment, a necessary step to a DEMO reactor, in a comprehensive set of conventional and advanced divertor concepts. The specific theoretical prediction of an enhanced radiation region between the two X-points in the low-field-side snowflake-minus configuration was experimentally confirmed. Fundamental investigations of the power decay length in the scrape-off layer (SOL) are progressing rapidly, again in widely varying configurations and in both D and He plasmas; in particular, the double decay length in L-mode limited plasmas was found to be replaced by a single length at high SOL resistivity. Experiments on disruption mitigation by massive gas injection and electron-cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) have begun in earnest, in parallel with studies of runaway electron generation and control, in both stable and disruptive conditions; a quiescent runaway beam carrying the entire electrical current appears to develop in some cases. Developments in plasma control have benefited from progress in individual controller design and have evolved steadily towards controller integration, mostly within an environment supervised by a tokamak profile control simulator. TCV has demonstrated effective wall conditioning with ECRH in He in support of the preparations for JT-60SA operation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-J-54: Towards Real-Time Volumetric Imaging Using the Treatment Beam and KV Beam

Purpose: Existing real-time imaging uses dual (orthogonal) kV beam fluoroscopies and may result in significant amount of extra radiation to patients, especially for prolonged treatment cases. In addition, kV projections only provide 2D information, which is insufficient for in vivo dose reconstruction. We propose real-time volumetric imaging using prior knowledge of pre-treatment 4D images and real-time 2D transit data of treatment beam and kV beam. Methods: The pre-treatment multi-snapshot volumetric images are used to simulate 2D projections of both the treatment beam and kV beam, respectively, for each treatment field defined by the control point. During radiation delivery, the transit signals acquired by the electronic portal image device (EPID) are processed for every projection and compared with pre-calculation by cross-correlation for phase matching and thus 3D snapshot identification or real-time volumetric imaging. The data processing involves taking logarithmic ratios of EPID signals with respect to the air scan to reduce modeling uncertainties in head scatter fluence and EPID response. Simulated 2D projections are also used to pre-calculate confidence levels in phase matching. Treatment beam projections that have a low confidence level either in pre-calculation or real-time acquisition will trigger kV beams so that complementary information can be exploited. In case both the treatment beam and kV beam return low confidence in phase matching, a predicted phase based on linear regression will be generated. Results: Simulation studies indicated treatment beams provide sufficient confidence in phase matching for most cases. At times of low confidence from treatment beams, kV imaging provides sufficient confidence in phase matching due to its complementary configuration. Conclusion: The proposed real-time volumetric imaging utilizes the treatment beam and triggers kV beams for complementary information when the treatment beam along does not provide sufficient confidence for phase matching. This strategy minimizes the use of extra radiation to patients. This project is partially supported by a Varian MRA grant.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Microwave power transmission system studies. Volume 2: Introduction, organization, environmental and spaceborne systems analyses

Introduction, organization, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations for each of the spaceborne subsystems are presented. Environmental effects - propagation analyses are presented with appendices covering radio wave diffraction by random ionospheric irregularities, self-focusing plasma instabilities and ohmic heating of the D-region. Analyses of dc to rf conversion subsystems and system considerations for both the amplitron and the klystron are included with appendices for the klystron covering cavity circuit calculations, output power of the solenoid-focused klystron, thermal control system, and confined flow focusing of a relativistic beam. The photovoltaic power source characteristics are discussed as they apply to interfacing with the power distribution flow paths, magnetic field interaction, dc to rf converter protection, power distribution including estimates for the power budget, weights, and costs. Analyses for the transmitting antenna consider the aperture illumination and size, with associated efficiencies and ground power distributions. Analyses of subarray types and dimensions, attitude error, flatness, phase error, subarray layout, frequency tolerance, attenuation, waveguide dimensional tolerances, mechanical including thermal considerations are included. Implications associated with transportation, assembly and packaging, attitude control and alignment are discussed. The phase front control subsystem, including both ground based pilot signal driven adaptive and ground command approaches with their associated phase errors, are analyzed.

Maynard, O. E.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Motorized Beam Alignment of a Commercial X-ray Diffractometer

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful analysis method that allows researchers to noninvasively probe the crystalline structure of a material. This includes the ability to determine the crystalline phases present, quantify surface residual stresses, and measure the distribution of crystallographic orientations. The Structures and Materials Division at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) heavily uses the on-site XRD lab to characterize advanced metal alloys, ceramics, and polymers. One of the x-ray diffractometers in the XRD lab (Bruker D8 Discover) uses three different x-ray tubes (Cu, Cr, and Mn) for optimal performance over numerous material types and various experimental techniques. This requires that the tubes be switched out and aligned between experiments. This alignment maximizes the x-ray tube s output through an iterative process involving four set screws. However, the output of the x-ray tube cannot be monitored during the adjustment process due to standard radiation safety engineering controls that prevent exposure to the x-ray beam when the diffractometer doors are open. Therefore, the adjustment process is a very tedious series of blind adjustments, each followed by measurement of the output beam using a PIN diode after the enclosure doors are shut. This process can take up to 4 hr to perform. This technical memorandum documents an in-house project to motorize this alignment process. Unlike a human, motors are not harmed by x-ray radiation of the energy range used in this instrument. Therefore, using motors to adjust the set screws will allow the researcher to monitor the x-ray tube s output while making interactive adjustments from outside the diffractometer. The motorized alignment system consists of four motors, a motor controller, and a hand-held user interface module. Our goal was to reduce the alignment time to less than 30 min. The time available was the 10-week span of the Lewis' Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Project (LERCIP) summer internship program and the budget goal was $1200. In this report, we will describe our motorization design and discuss the results of its implementation.

Van Zandt, Noah R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Slewing maneuvers and vibration control of space structures by feedforward/feedback moment-gyro controls

This paper presents a moment-gyro control approach to the maneuver and vibration suppression of a flexible truss arm undergoing a constant slewing motion. The overall slewing motion is triggered by a feedforward input, and a companion feedback controller is employed to augment the feedforward input and subsequently to control vibrations. The feedforward input for the given motion requirement is determined from the combined CMG (Control Momentum Gyro) devices and the desired rigid-body motion. The rigid-body dynamic model has enabled us to identify the attendant CMG momentum saturation constraints. The task for vibration control is carried out in two stages; first in the search of a suitable CMG placement along the beam span for various slewing maneuvers, and subsequently in the development of Liapunov-based control algorithms for CMG spin-stabilization. Both analytical and numerical results are presented to show the effectiveness of the present approach.

Yang, Li-Farn↗
DOE OSTI2014

Experimental results of a dual-beam ion source for 200 keV ion implanter

A dual beam ion source for 200 keV ion implanter aimed to produce 200 keV H{sub 2}{sup +} and He{sup +} beams simultaneously has been developed. Not suitable to use the analyzing magnet, the purity of beam extracted from the source becomes important to the performance of implanter. The performance of ion source was measured. The results of experiments show that the materials of inlet tube of ion source, the time of arc ionization in ion source, and the amount of gas flow have significant influence on the purity of beam. The measures by using copper as inlet tube material, long time of arc ionization, and increasing the inlet of gas flow could effectively reduce the impurity of beam. And the method using the gas mass flow controller to adjust the proportion of H{sub 2}{sup +} and He{sup +} is feasible.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Toward high laser power beam manipulation with nanophotonic materials: evaluating thin film damage performance

Nanophotonic materials enable unprecedented control of light-matter interactions, including the ability to dynamically steer or shape wavefronts. Consequently, nanophotonic systems such as metasurfaces have been touted as promising candidates for free-space optical communications, directed energy and additive manufacturing, which currently rely on slow mechanical scanners or electro-optical components for beam steering and shaping. However, such applications necessitate the ability to support high laser irradiances (> kW/cm 2 ) and systematic studies on the high-power laser damage performance of nanophotonic materials and designs are sparse. Here, we experimentally investigate the pulsed laser-induced damage performance (at λ ∼ 1 µm) of model nanophotonic thin films including gold, indium tin oxide, and refractory materials such as titanium nitride and titanium oxynitride. We also model the spatio-thermal dissipation dynamics upon single-pulse illumination by anchoring experimental laser damage thresholds. Our findings show that gold exhibits the best laser damage resistance, but we argue that alternative materials such as transparent conducting oxides could be optimized to balance the tradeoff between damage resistance and optical tunability, which is critical for the design of thermally robust nanophotonic systems. We also discuss damage mitigation and ruggedization strategies for future device-scale studies and applications requiring high power beam manipulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Cosmogenic activation of silicon

In the production of 3 H, 7 Be, and 22 Na by interactions of cosmic-ray particles with silicon can produce radioactive backgrounds in detectors used to search for rare events. Through controlled irradiation of silicon CCDs and wafers with a neutron beam that mimics the cosmic-ray neutron spectrum, followed by direct counting, we determined that the production rate from cosmic-ray neutrons at sea level is (112 ± 24) atoms/( kg day ) for 3 H, (8.1 ± 1.9) atoms/( kg day ) for 7 Be, and (43.0 ± 7.2) atoms/( kg day ) for 22 Na . Complementing these results with the current best estimates of activation cross sections for cosmic-ray particles other than neutrons, we obtain a total sea-level cosmic-ray production rate of (124 ± 25) atoms/(kg day) for 3 H, (9.4 ± 2.0) atoms/( kg day ) for 7 Be, and (49.6 ± 7.4) atoms/( kg day ) for 22 Na. These measurements will help constrain background estimates and determine the maximum time that silicon-based detectors can remain unshielded during detector fabrication before cosmogenic backgrounds impact the sensitivity of next-generation rare-event searches.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1990

A single-axis testbed for slewing control experiments

A simple single-axis testbed is described, and initial experimental results are presented to illustrate collocated and noncollocated control for this structure. The testbed is made up of a pair of single-axis flexible beams attached to a DC servo motor. An optical encoder and strain gauges provide hub and beam position information, respectively. The system is driven by an IBM PC system; with a motor controller, a programmable digital filter processes position error information through user-selected gains and pole-zero configurations. A 25-kHz data acquisition system provides the necessary interface between processor and motor. The control approaches currently being investigated include collocated PD control and noncollocated phase compensation.

Hamilton, Jonathan↗
NASA NTRS2003

Neutron Particle Effects on a Quad-Redundant Flight Control Computer

This paper describes a single-event upset experiment performed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. A closed-loop control system consisting of a Quad-Redundant Flight Control Computer (FCC) and a B737 simulator was operated while the FCC was exposed to a neutron beam. The purpose of this test was to analyze the effects of neutron bombardment on avionics control systems operating at altitudes where neutron strikes are probable. The neutron energy spectrum produced at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is similar in shape to the spectrum of atmospheric neutrons but much more intense. The higher intensity results in accelerated life tests that are representative of the actual neutron radiation that a FCC may receive over a period of years.

Eure, Kenneth↗
NASA NTRS1988

Flexible spacecraft maneuver - Inverse attitude control and modal stabilization

A control law is presented for three-axis rotational maneuvers of a spacecraft (orbiter)-beam-tip body (antenna or a reflector) configuration based on nonlinear inversion and modal velocity feedback. Using invertibility and functional reproducibility results, a decoupling attitude control law is presented such that, in the closed-loop system, the attitude angles of the spacecraft are independently controlled using the control moments acting on the space vehicle. This controller asymptotically decouples the flexible dynamics from the rigid one and also allows the decomposition of the elastic dynamics into two subsystems representing the transverse deflections of the beam in two orthogonal planes. These low-order subsystems are used for derivation of a modal velocity feedback stabilizer using the force and moment actuators at the end body. Simulation results are presented to show that, in the closed-loop system, attitude control and elastic mode stabilization are accomplished in spite of the parameter uncertainty and disturbance torque input in the system.

Singh, Sahjendra N.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Scalable focused ion beam creation of nearly lifetime-limited single quantum emitters in diamond nanostructures

The controlled creation of defect centre—nanocavity systems is one of the outstanding challenges for efficiently interfacing spin quantum memories with photons for photon-based entanglement operations in a quantum network. Here we demonstrate direct, maskless creation of atom-like single silicon vacancy (SiV) centres in diamond nanostructures via focused ion beam implantation with ~32 nm lateral precision and <50 nm positioning accuracy relative to a nanocavity. We determine the Si+ ion to SiV centre conversion yield to be ~2.5% and observe a 10-fold conversion yield increase by additional electron irradiation. Low-temperature spectroscopy reveals inhomogeneously broadened ensemble emission linewidths of ~51 GHz and close to lifetime-limited single-emitter transition linewidths down to 126±13 MHz corresponding to ~1.4 times the natural linewidth. Furthermore, this method for the targeted generation of nearly transform-limited quantum emitters should facilitate the development of scalable solid-state quantum information processors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Two-dimensional inorganic molecular crystals

Two-dimensional molecular crystals, consisting of zero-dimensional molecules, are very appealing due to their novel physical properties. However, they are mostly limited to organic molecules. The synthesis of inorganic version of two-dimensional molecular crystals is still a challenge due to the difficulties in controlling the crystal phase and growth plane. Here, we design a passivator-assisted vapor deposition method for the growth of two-dimensional Sb 2 O 3 inorganic molecular crystals as thin as monolayer. The passivator can prevent the heterophase nucleation and suppress the growth of low-energy planes, and enable the molecule-by-molecule lateral growth along high-energy planes. Using Raman spectroscopy and in situ transmission electron microscopy, we show that the insulating α-phase of Sb 2 O 3 flakes can be transformed into semiconducting β-phase under heat and electron-beam irradiation. Our findings can be extended to the controlled growth of other two-dimensional inorganic molecular crystals and open up opportunities for potential molecular electronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

DIII-D research advancing the physics basis for optimizing the tokamak approach to fusion energy

DIII-D physics research addresses critical challenges for the operation of ITER and the next generation of fusion energy devices. This is done through a focus on innovations to provide solutions for high performance long pulse operation, coupled with fundamental plasma physics understanding and model validation, to drive scenario development by integrating high performance core and boundary plasmas. Substantial increases in off-axis current drive efficiency from an innovative top launch system for EC power, and in pressure broadening for Alfven eigenmode control from a co-/counter-I p steerable off-axis neutral beam, all improve the prospects for optimization of future long pulse/steady state high performance tokamak operation. Fundamental studies into the modes that drive the evolution of the pedestal pressure profile and electron vs ion heat flux validate predictive models of pedestal recovery after ELMs. Understanding the physics mechanisms of ELM control and density pumpout by 3D magnetic perturbation fields leads to confident predictions for ITER and future devices. Validated modeling of high-Z shattered pellet injection for disruption mitigation, runaway electron dissipation, and techniques for disruption prediction and avoidance including machine learning, give confidence in handling disruptivity for future devices. For the non-nuclear phase of ITER, two actuators are identified to lower the L–H threshold power in hydrogen plasmas. With this physics understanding and suite of capabilities, a high poloidal beta optimized-core scenario with an internal transport barrier that projects nearly to Q = 10 in ITER at ~8 MA was coupled to a detached divertor, and a near super H-mode optimized-pedestal scenario with co-I p beam injection was coupled to a radiative divertor. The hybrid core scenario was achieved directly, without the need for anomalous current diffusion, using off-axis current drive actuators. Also, a controller to assess proximity to stability limits and regulate β N in the ITER baseline scenario, based on plasma response to probing 3D fields, was demonstrated. Finally, innovative tokamak operation using a negative triangularity shape showed many attractive features for future pilot plant operation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Study on high-flux laser ion source with applying magnetic field

The laser ion source is a technology where by irradiating a solid target with a pulsed laser of high intensity (10 8 W/cm 2 ~), ablation plasma is generated, and by applying there an external electric field for extracting and accelerating ions, high brightness ion beams are produced. This paper introduced the basic features of laser ion source and recent movement of the control of laser ion source using magnetic field. In the development of heavy ion inertial fusion (HIF) driver, engineers are challenging new tasks of supplying low valence, large current, and low emittance beams. In order to respond to the requirements of large current beams in HIF driver, attempts have been made to control the plasma via magnetic field to further increase the flux. The current of the laser ion source with application of solenoid magnetic field is dramatically improved and its amplification magnification can be adjusted by changing the position, length, and magnetic flux density of the solenoid. In order to further control the laser ion source toward HIF, the authors propose the guiding of plasma via multiple cusp magnetic field, and the guiding effect is being demonstrated through examination. According to the studies so far, the laser ion source can supply ion beams using a simple configuration, so it is suitable for miniaturization and may be adopted at many accelerator facilities. (A.O.)

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Feasibility study of using statistical process control to customized quality assurance in proton therapy

Purpose: To evaluate and improve the reliability of proton quality assurance (QA) processes and, to provide an optimal customized tolerance level using the statistical process control (SPC) methodology. Methods: The authors investigated the consistency check of dose per monitor unit (D/MU) and range in proton beams to see whether it was within the tolerance level of the daily QA process. This study analyzed the difference between the measured and calculated ranges along the central axis to improve the patient-specific QA process in proton beams by using process capability indices. Results: The authors established a customized tolerance level of ±2% for D/MU and ±0.5 mm for beam range in the daily proton QA process. In the authors’ analysis of the process capability indices, the patient-specific range measurements were capable of a specification limit of ±2% in clinical plans. Conclusions: SPC methodology is a useful tool for customizing the optimal QA tolerance levels and improving the quality of proton machine maintenance, treatment delivery, and ultimately patient safety.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1977

Ion-beam-sputter modification of the surface morphology of biological implants

The surface chemistry and texture of materials used for biological implants may significantly influence their performance and biocompatibility. Recent interest in the microscopic control of implant surface texture has led to the evaluation of ion-beam sputtering as a potentially useful surface roughening technique. Ion sources, similar to electron-bombardment ion thrusters designed for propulsive applications, are used to roughen the surfaces of various biocompatible alloys or polymer materials. These materials are typically used for dental implants, orthopedic prostheses, vascular prostheses, and artificial heart components. Masking techniques and resulting surface textures are described along with progress concerning evaluation of the biological response to the ion-beam-sputtered surfaces.

Weigand, A. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Snowmass Neutrino Frontier: DUNE Physics Summary

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a next-generation long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with a primary physics goal of observing neutrino and antineutrino oscillation patterns to precisely measure the parameters governing long-baseline neutrino oscillation in a single experiment, and to test the three-flavor paradigm. DUNE's design has been developed by a large, international collaboration of scientists and engineers to have unique capability to measure neutrino oscillation as a function of energy in a broadband beam, to resolve degeneracy among oscillation parameters, and to control systematic uncertainty using the exquisite imaging capability of massive LArTPC far detector modules and an argon-based near detector. DUNE's neutrino oscillation measurements will unambiguously resolve the neutrino mass ordering and provide the sensitivity to discover CP violation in neutrinos for a wide range of possible values of $\delta_{CP}$. DUNE is also uniquely sensitive to electron neutrinos from a galactic supernova burst, and to a broad range of physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM), including nucleon decays. DUNE is anticipated to begin collecting physics data with Phase I, an initial experiment configuration consisting of two far detector modules and a minimal suite of near detector components, with a 1.2 MW proton beam. To realize its extensive, world-leading physics potential requires the full scope of DUNE be completed in Phase II. The three Phase II upgrades are all necessary to achieve DUNE's physics goals: (1) addition of far detector modules three and four for a total FD fiducial mass of at least 40 kt, (2) upgrade of the proton beam power from 1.2 MW to 2.4 MW, and (3) replacement of the near detector's temporary muon spectrometer with a magnetized, high-pressure gaseous argon TPC and calorimeter.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗