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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 199 records · Page 11
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NASA NTRS1981

Plasma waves near Saturn - Initial results from Voyager 1

The Voyager 1 plasma wave instrument detected many familiar types of plasma waves during the encounter with Saturn, including ion-acoustic waves and electron plasma oscillations upstream of the bow shock, an intense burst of electrostatic noise at the shock, and chorus, hiss, electrostatic electron cyclotron waves, and upper hybrid resonance emissions in the inner magnetosphere. A clocklike Saturn rotational control of low-frequency radio emissions was observed, and evidence was obtained of possible control by the moon Dione. Strong plasma wave emissions were detected at the Titan encounter indicating the presence of a turbulent sheath extending around Titan, and upper hybrid resonance measurements of the electron density show the existence of a dense plume of plasma being carried downstream of Titan by the interaction with the rapidly rotating magnetosphere of Saturn.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Analysis of spacecraft data

A software program for the production and analysis of data from the Dynamics Explorer-A (DE-A) satellite was maintained and modified and new software initiated. A capability was developed to process DE-A plasma-wave instrument mission analysis files on the Tektronic 4027 color CRT, for which two programs were written. The algorithm for the calibration lookup table for the plasma-wave instrument data was modified and verified, and a production program to generate color FR-80 spectrograms was written.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1998

Polar Plasma Wave Observations in the Auroral Region and Polar Cap

Auroral kilometric radiation (AKR), sometimes associated with auroral myriametric radiation (AMR), has been observed by the plasma wave instrument on board Polar on almost every northern hemisphere pass. High spectral resolution plots of the AKR obtained by the wide-band receiver of the plasma wave instrument on board the spacecraft often show discrete, negative-slope striations each extending over a period of several seconds. A preliminary survey of over 4000 spectrograms (each for 48 seconds of data) indicates that the striations are seen in the northern hemisphere near apogee about 5% of the time. The frequency range is 40 kHz less than f less than 100 kHz, but a few observations of signatures have been made at higher frequency (f less than 225 khz. The frequency drift rates R, are similar ranging from -9.0 kHz/sec less than R less than -1.0 kHz/sec. No data is currently available for perigee (southern hemisphere) passes. The paucity of positive-slope features may be due to the location of the satellite at altitudes well above the AKR source region. Past studies have suggested these features are due to AKR wave growth stimulated by the propagation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves travelling up (-R) or down (+R) the field line, through the source region. High-resolution waveform data from both Polar and FAST show the presence of solitary waves in the auroral region which may also be a source of these striations. AMR is seen as diffuse emission associated with, but at lower frequency than the lower AKR. Direction finding of these emissions is not conclusive, but for one case, they have a source region distinct from the magnetic field line containing the AKR source, but possibly associated with the auroral cavity density gradient.

Menietti, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Instrument technology for magnetosphere plasma imaging from high Earth orbit. Design of a radio plasma sounder

The use of radio sounding techniques for the study of the ionospheric plasma dates back to G. Briet and M. A. Tuve in 1926. Ground based swept frequency sounders can monitor the electron number density (N(sub e)) as a function of height (the N(sub e) profile). These early instruments evolved into a global network that produced high-resolution displays of echo time delay vs frequency on 35-mm film. These instruments provided the foundation for the success of the International Geophysical Year (1958). The Alouette and International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) programs pioneered the used of spaceborne, swept frequency sounders to obtain N(sub e) profiles of the topside of the ionosphere, from a position above the electron density maximum. Repeated measurements during the orbit produced an orbital plane contour which routinely provided density measurements to within 10%. The Alouette/ISIS experience also showed that even with a high powered transmitter (compared to the low power sounder possible today) a radio sounder can be compatible with other imaging instruments on the same satellite. Digital technology was used on later spacecraft developed by the Japanese (the EXOS C and D) and the Soviets (Intercosmos 19 and Cosmos 1809). However, a full coherent pulse compression and spectral integrating capability, such as exist today for ground-based sounders (Reinisch et al., 1992), has never been put into space. NASA's 1990 Space Physics Strategy Implementation Study "The NASA Space Physics Program from 1995 to 2010" suggested using radio sounders to study the plasmasphere and the magnetopause and its boundary layers (Green and Fung, 1993). Both the magnetopause and plasmasphere, as well as the cusp and boundary layers, can be observed by a radio sounder in a high-inclination polar orbit with an apogee greater than 6 R(sub e) (Reiff et al., 1994; Calvert et al., 1995). Magnetospheric radio sounding from space will provide remote density measurements of unprecedented precision and coverage in the plasmasphere, inner magnetosphere and magnetopause, from which the structure, inter-relationship, and variations of different plasma regions can be determined (Armstrong Johnson, 1995). A space-borne Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) could provide a unique global view of the magnetosphere revealing the underlying structure of remote plasma regions, thereby providing a framework for the interpretation of images obtained by other techniques as identified in the technical areas TA1 to TA4 in the MSFC NRA8-8.

Haines, D. Mark↗
NASA NTRS1974

Observations of interplanetary plasma waves, spacecraft noise, and sheath phenomena on Imp 7

The Imp 7 plasma wave instrument measures electric and magnetic wave components of plasma oscillations over the frequency range from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The instrumentation and relevant external characteristics of the spacecraft that appear to be responsible for some in-flight disturbance effects are briefly described. It is shown that as each one of the 16 solar panel flats rotates into shadow or sunlight, the array transients produce fluctuating magnetic fields that are detected on the magnetic loop mounted 3.4 m from the spacecraft. These transients occur 16 times per spin period, and the corresponding magnetic noise has a high frequency on the rapidly spinning Imp 7 spacecraft. The analysis suggests that some Imp magnetic threshold levels measured 3-4 m from the spacecraft are determined by the solar array current transient effects associated with the discrete 16-sided geometry of the spacecraft. The geometry also influences the response of the electric dipole antenna by modulating the sheath.

Scarf, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Preliminary Interpretation of Titan Plasma Interaction as Observed by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer: Comparisons With Voyager 1

The Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) instrument made measurements of Titan s plasma environment when the Cassini Orbiter flew through the moon s plasma wake October 26,2004 (flyby TA) and December 13,2004 (flyby TB). Preliminary CAPS ion and electron measurements from these encounters (1,2) are compared with measurements made by the Voyager I Plasma Science Instrument (PLS). The comparisons are used to evaluate previous interpretations and predictions of the Titan plasma environment that have been made using PLS measurements (3,4). The plasma wake trajectories of flybys TA, TB and Voyager 1 are similar because they occurred when Titan was near Saturn s local noon. These similarities make possible direct, meaningful comparisons between the various plasma wake measurements. The inquiries stimulated by the previous interpretations and predictions made using PLS data have produced the following results from the CAPS ion measurements: A) The major ambient ion components of Saturn s rotating magnetosphere in the vicinity of Titan are H+, H2+, and O+. B) Finite gyroradius effects are apparent in ambient 0 as the result of its interaction with Titan s atmosphere. C) The principal pickup ions are composed of H+, H2+, CH4+ and N2+. D) There is clear evidence of slowing down of the ambient plasma due to pickup ion mass loading; and, as the ionopause~ is approached, heavier pickup ions such as N2+ become dominant. The similarities and differences between the magnitudes and structures of the electron densities and temperatures along the three flyby trajectories are described

Hartle, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Preliminary Interpretation of Ambient Pickup Ions at Titan Observed by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer

The Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) instrument is scheduled to observe the plasma environment at Titan October 26,2004 from the Cassini Orbiter. Preliminary CAPS ion measurements from this encounter will be compared with measurements made by the Voyager I Plasma Science Instrument (PSI). The comparison will be used to evaluate previous interpretations and predictions of the Titan plasma environment that have been made using PSI measurements. The comparisons will focus on the composition and nature of the ambient plasma and pickup ions. Using the CAPS ion measurements, some of the questions to be addressed, as stimulated by the previous interpretations and predictions made evaluating PSI data, are the following: A) Are H+ and N+ the major ion components of Saturn's rotating magnetosphere in the vicinity of Titan? B) Are other ambient ions present? C) Are finite gyroradius effects apparent in ambient N+ as the result of its interaction with Titans atmosphere? D) Are the principal pickup ions composed of H+, H2+, N+, N2+ and CH4+? E) Is the dominant pickup ion closest to Titan's ionopause N2+? F) Is there evidence of slowing down of the ambient plasma due to pickup ion mass loading? F) If so, does the ambient plasma slow down rapidly, as the ionopause is approached and heavier pickup ions like N2+ are added? During the Voyager I flyby, Titan was in Saturn's magnetosphere. If Titan is in Saturn's magnetosheath or the solar wind at the encounter, questions similar to the above will be addressed as appropriate.

Hartle, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Evidence of high densities and ion outflows in the polar cap during the recovery phase

The composition and characteristics of the polar cap plasma for an Oct. 14, 1981 outflow of polar wind ions are examined using data from the DE 1 satellite. The on-board instruments included a plasma wave instrument, a retarding ion mass spectrometer (RIMS) and a high altitude plasma instrument (HAPI). The outflow took place at an altitude of about 19,000 km at a magnetic local time of about midnight. The total plasma density measured was about 50/cu cm, which was an order of magnitude higher than normally recorded at that location and altitude. The background hydrogen plasma was disturbed by highly collimated flows of hydrogen and oxygen ions. The H(+) ions had a mean energy of 0.15 eV and a density of 6-10/cu cm. The O(+) ions had an average density of 20/cu cm and a temperature of 0.26 eV. The total flux of outflowing H(+) and O(+) was about 10 million/sq cm per sec. The HAPI data indicated that the O(+) ions appeared in the dayside ionosphere and the H(+) ions detected by the RIMS originated in the nightside polar cap.

Gallagher, D. L.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Toward Automated Plasma Focus Ion Beam Instrument Calibration for Materials Processing [Poster]

To accelerate the transition to autonomous focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy, we require an objective figure of merit (FOM) for assessing calibration. For our purposes, these FOMs related to beam astigmatism, quad, and focus. Intelligent calibration integrated into scripted workflows will enable fully automated sample preparation workflows that produce higher quality samples with less operator time.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS2007

Interplanetary Dust Clouds Near 1AU Detected by STEREO

For a 21 day interval beginning on Jan 28, 2007, the radio and plasma wave instruments (S/WAVES) on the twin STEREO spacecraft detected intense impulse-like emissions in both the time-domain receivers and the low end of the frequency-domain receivers. These emissions were much more intense on the STEREO Ahead instrument, but were detected by both. During that interval, the two STEREO spacecraft were only separated by about 0.1deg in heliocentric longitude. All attempts to understand the emissions in terms of electrical disturbances onboard the spacecraft were unsuccessful and, since the impulsive events essentially ceased on Feb 18,2007, the entire study was put on lower priority. However, beginning abruptly on July 20, 2007, a very similar and more intense episode of impulses was detected exclusively by S/WAVES on the STEREO Ahead spacecraft, now separated from Behind by more than 20deg of heliocentric longitude. This new episode lasted nearly as long as the Jan-Feb episode, some 20 days, ending on Aug. 9. On Aug. 13,2007, the STEREO Behind spacecraft arrived at the same heliocentric longitude as the Ahead spacecraft was at on July 20 and the S/WAVES instrument abruptly started detecting impulsive events, although at lower intensities than those on Ahead. The individual waveform of the detected impulses is very similar to signals recorded by the Voyager plasma wave (PWS) and radio astronomy (PRA) instruments and more recently by the Cassini radio and plasma wave science (RPWS) instrument when those spacecraft plunged through Saturn's rings. Those Saturnian signals are attributed to micron-sized dust particle impacts on the spacecraft which creates a temporary plasma cloud which, in turn, induces an electrical signal on the antennas. We reanalyzed the STEREO episodes along the lines of the Saturnian ring plane analyses and have concluded that the STEREO impulses are very likely due to similar dust impacts with bands or clouds of dust of cometary or, more generally, zodiacal light material near 1 AU. The distribution of these clouds of small dust particles is significantly different than theoretical models of interplanetary dust distribution

Kaiser↗
NASA NTRS1987

Voyager 2 plasma wave observations at Uranus

At Uranus, the Voyager 2 plasma wave investigation observed very significant phenomena related to radio emissions, dust impacts, and magnetospheric wave-particle interactions. On January 19, 1986 (R = 270 R-sub U) the plasma wave investigation detected an intense radio burst at 31 and 56 kHz, and this provided the first indication that Uranus had a magnetosphere. During the encounter, more of these sporadic bursts were observed along with relatively continuous radio emissions extending down to 10 kHz, and a sporadic narrowband radio signal with f near 5 kHz. As Voyager passed through the ring plane, the plasma wave investigation recorded a large number of dust impacts. The Voyager 2 plasma wave instrument also detected many strong electromagnetic and electrostatic plasma waves, with intensity peaks in the region within 12 Uranus radii. These waves have characteristics that can interact strongly with the local plasma and with the trapped energetic particles, leading to precipitation into the atmosphere, charged particle acceleration, and charged particle diffusion. In addition, strong wave activity was detected in the region of the bow and shock and moderate levels in the magnetic tail.

Scarf, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Instrumented adhesion tests on plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings

The failure mechanisms of plasma-sprayed two-layer coatings consisting of an NiCrAlY or NiCrAlZr bond coat with an yttria-stabilized zirconia overlay are presently examined by tensile adhesion tests. It has been found that adhesive failure within the bond coat exhibits greater failure strain than the cohesive failure of the ceramic overlay, supporting the view of the intermediate coatings being highly compliant. The absolute extension exhibited by failures occurring only through the ceramic coating is greater than that of adhesive failure, since the ceramic coating is much thicker than the bond coat.

Berndt, Christopher C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Observation of auroral secondary electrons in the Jovian magnetosphere

Localized enhancements in the flux of suprathermal electrons were observed by the Voyager 1 Plasma Science instrument near the outer boundary of the Io plasma torus between L = 7.5 and l = 10. This localization, which occurs within the general region of hot electrons noted by Sittler and Strobel (1987), and the spectral characteristics of the observed electrons are consistent with secondary (backscattered) electron production by intense Jovian auroral energetic particle precipitation and support the hypothesis that such electrons may contribute to the processes that heat the plasma in this region of the magnetosphere.

Mcnutt, Ralph L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Ion Escape from the Ionosphere of Titan

Ions have been observed to flow away from Titan along its induced magnetic tail by the Plasma Science Instrument (PLS) on Voyager 1 and the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) on Cassini. In both cases, the ions have been inferred to be of ionospheric origin. Recent plasma measurements made at another unmagnetized body, Venus, have also observed similar flow in its magnetic tail. Much earlier, the possibility of such flow was inferred when ionospheric measurements made from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) were used to derive upward flow and acceleration of H(+), D(+) and O(+) within the nightside ionosphere of Venus. The measurements revealed that the polarization electric field in the ionosphere produced the principal upward force on these light ions. The resulting vertical flow of H(+) and D(+) was found to be the dominant escape mechanism of hydrogen and deuterium, corresponding to loss rates consistent with large oceans in early Venus. Other electrodynamic forces were unimportant because the plasma beta in the nightside ionosphere of Venus is much greater than one. Although the plasma beta is also greater than one on Titan, ion acceleration is expected to be more complex, especially because the subsolar point and the subflow points can be 180 degrees apart. Following what we learned at Venus, upward acceleration of light ions by the polarization electric field opposing gravity in the ionosphere of Titan will be described. Additional electrodynamic forces resulting from the interaction of Saturn's magnetosphere with Titan's ionosphere will be examined using a recent hybrid model.

Hartle, R.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Production of Negative Hydrogen Ions Within the MMS Fast Plasma Investigation Due to Solar Wind Bombardment

The particle data delivered by the Fast Plasma Investigation instrument aboard National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission allow for exceptionally high-resolution examination of the electron and ion phase space in the near-Earth plasma environment. It is necessary to identify populations which originate from instrumental effects. Using Fast Plasma Investigation's Dual Electron Spectrometers, we isolate a high-energy (approximately kiloelectron volt) beam, present while the spacecraft are in the solar wind, which exhibits an azimuthal drift with period associated with the spacecraft spin. We show that this population is consistent with negative hydrogen ions H− generated by a double charge exchange interaction between the incident solar wind H+ ions and the metallic surfaces within the instrument. This interaction is likely to occur at the deflector plates close to the instrument aperture. The H− density is shown to be approximately 0.2-0.4% of the solar wind ion density, and the energy of the negative ion population is shown to be 70% of the incident solar wind energy. These negative ions may introduce errors in electron velocity moments on the order of 0.2-0.4% of the solar wind velocity and significantly higher errors in the electron temperature.

Magnetospheric Multiscale↗
NASA NTRS1986

Plasma wave observations at comet Giacobini-Zinner

The plasma wave instrument on the International Cometary Explorer (ICE) detected strong ion acoustic waves together with electromagnetic whistlers and low-level electron plasma oscillations when the spacecraft was within two million km of the nucleus of comet Giacobini-Zinner. As ICE approached the anticipated bow-shock location, electromagnetic and electrostatic wave levels increased significantly, but even amidst this turbulence, the wave instrument detected structures with familiar bow shock characteristics that were correlated with observations of localized electron heating phenomena. Just beyond the visible coma, high-amplitude broadband waves were detected accounting for the significant electron heating observed in this region. Near closest approach, broadband electrostatic noise was detected together with a changing pattern of weak electron plasma oscillations that yielded a density profile for the outer layers of the cold plasma tail. Near the tail axis, the plasma wave instrument also detected a nonuniform flux of dust impacts, and a preliminary profile of the Giacobini-Zinner dust distribution for micrometer-sized particles is presented.

Scarf, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Electron density distributions in the high-latitude magnetosphere

Electron density profiles were constructed to study the plasma density depletions in the nightside auroral zone and the density variations with increasing altitude in the polar cap, using electric field spectrum measurements from the plasma wave instrument on DE-1. Sharply defined regions of depleted plasma densities were commonly observed on nightside auroral field lines, in which electron densities were strongly depleted in relation to the adjacent plasmaspheric and polar densities, forming a low-density cavity at about 70 deg invariant latitude. A correlation was found between low auroral plasma densities, upflowing ion distributions, and an energetic precipitating electron population, indicating that electron density depletions in the nightside auroral zone are directly associated with auroral acceleration processes.

Persoon, Ann M.↗