Utility of Plasma Physics in Global Security
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Light, Max Eugene↗
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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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Cosmic plasma
Attention is given to experimental and theoretical approaches to plasma physics, plasma phenomena in laboratory and space, field and particle aspects of plasmas, the present state of the classical theory, boundary conditions and circuit dependence, and cosmology. Electric currents in space plasmas are considered, taking into account dualism in physics, particle-related phenomena in plasma physics, magnetic field lines, filaments, local plasma properties and the circuit, electric double layers, field-aligned currents as 'cables', an expanding circuit, different types of plasma regions, the cellular structure of space, and the fine structure of active plasma regions. Other topics discussed are related to circuits, the theory of cosmic plasmas, the origin of the solar system, the coexistence of matter and antimatter, annihilation as a source of energy, the Hubble expansion in a Euclidean space, and a model for the evolution of the Metagalaxy.
Alfven, H.↗
A necessary and sufficient condition for the stability of linear Hamiltonian systems with periodic coefficients
Linear Hamiltonian systems with time-dependent coefficients are of importance to nonlinear Hamiltonian systems, accelerator physics, plasma physics, and quantum physics. It is shown here that the solution map of a linear Hamiltonian system with time-dependent coefficients can be parameterized by an envelope matrix w(t), which has a clear physical meaning and satisfies a nonlinear envelope matrix equation. It is proved that a linear Hamiltonian system with periodic coefficients is stable if and only if the envelope matrix equation admits a solution with periodic w † w and a suitable initial condition. The mathematical devices utilized in this theoretical development with significant physical implications are time-dependent canonical transformations, normal forms for stable symplectic matrices, and horizontal polar decomposition of symplectic matrices. These tools systematically decompose the dynamics of linear Hamiltonian systems with time-dependent coefficients and are expected to be effective in other studies as well, such as those on quantum algorithms for classical Hamiltonian systems.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Conference Grant Proposal for ICOPS 2016
ICOPS (International Conference on Plasma Science) is an internationally renowned, well-attended annual conference that involves topics of direct interest to the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences of Department of Energy. In particular, ICOPS 2016 emphasized both the traditional areas of plasma science and the new areas of growth that include but are not limited to Fusion (Inertial, Magnetic and Alternate Concepts), Particle Acceleration with Laser and Beams, High Energy Density Matter, Laser Produced Plasma, Fast Z-pinches, Computational Plasma Physics, Plasma Diagnostics, and such frontiers as studying Warm Dense Matter using the X-ray free electron lasers. The travel support of the students at ICOPS comes usually from sponsor organizations. Increasing the participation of outstanding students at ICOPS 2016 who are the first authors of the abstracts and are selected to receive the travel support based on the scientific merit of the submitted abstracts is crucial for the creation of the new generation of the plasma physicists.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
Research activity conducted at Electronic Sciences Laboratory, USC Consolidated semiannual progress report no. 2, 1 Apr. - 30 Sep. 1965
Solid state physics, plasma physics, and information sciences research activities report
INFORMATION THEORY↗
Cosmic-Ray Accelerators in Milky Way studied with the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
High-energy gamma-ray astrophysics is now situated at a confluence of particle physics, plasma physics and traditional astrophysics. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (FGST) and upgraded Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) have been invigorating this interdisciplinary area of research. Among many new developments, I focus on two types of cosmic accelerators in the Milky-Way galaxy (pulsar, pulsar wind nebula, and supernova remnants) and explain discoveries related to cosmic-ray acceleration.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Computational general relativistic force-free electrodynamics: II. Characterization of numerical diffusivity
Scientific codes are an indispensable link between theory and experiment; in (astro-)plasma physics, such numerical tools are one window into the universe’s most extreme flows of energy. The discretization of Maxwell’s equations – needed to make highly magnetized (astro)physical plasma amenable to its numerical modeling – introduces numerical diffusion. It acts as a source of dissipation independent of the system’s physical constituents. Understanding the numerical diffusion of scientific codes is the key to classifying their reliability. It gives specific limits in which the results of numerical experiments are physical. We aim at quantifying and characterizing the numerical diffusion properties of our recently developed numerical tool for the simulation of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics by calibrating and comparing it with other strategies found in the literature. Our code correctly models smooth waves of highly magnetized plasma. We evaluate the limits of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics in the context of current sheets and tearing mode instabilities. We identify that the current parallel to the magnetic field (j ∥ ), in combination with the breakdown of general relativistic force-free electrodynamics across current sheets, impairs the physical modeling of resistive instabilities. We find that at least eight numerical cells per characteristic size of interest (e.g., the wavelength in plasma waves or the transverse width of a current sheet) are needed to find consistency between resistivity of numerical and of physical origins. High-order discretization of the force-free current allows us to provide almost ideal orders of convergence for (smooth) plasma wave dynamics. The physical modeling of resistive layers requires suitable current prescriptions or a sub-grid modeling for the evolution of j ∥ .
79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
Imaging Shock Waves in Diamond with Both High Temporal and Spatial Resolution at an XFEL
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Schropp, Andreas↗
Imaging velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR) diagnostics for high energy density sciences
Two variants of optical imaging velocimetry, specifically the one-dimensional streaked line-imaging and the two-dimensional time-resolved area-imaging versions of the Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR), have become important diagnostics in high energy density sciences, including inertial confinement fusion and dynamic compression of condensed matter. Here, we give a brief review of the historical development of these techniques, then describe the current implementations at major high energy density (HED) facilities worldwide, including the OMEGA Laser Facility and the National Ignition Facility. We illustrate the versatility and power of these techniques by reviewing diverse applications of imaging VISARs for gas-gun and laser-driven dynamic compression experiments for materials science, shock physics, condensed matter physics, chemical physics, plasma physics, planetary science and astronomy, as well as a broad range of HED experiments and laser-driven inertial confinement fusion research.
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
An Efficient Deterministic Parallel Algorithm for Adaptive Multidimensional Numerical Integration on GPUs
Recent development in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) has enabled a new possibility for highly efficient parallel computing in science and engineering. Their massively parallel architecture makes GPUs very effective for algorithms where processing of large blocks of data can be executed in parallel. Multidimensional integration has important applications in areas like computational physics, plasma physics, computational fluid dynamics, quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics and signal processing. The computationally intensive nature of multidimensional integration requires a high-performance implementation. In this study, we present an efficient deterministic parallel algorithm for adaptive multidimensional numerical integration on GPUs. Various optimization techniques are applied to maximize the utilization of the GPU. GPU-based implementation outperforms the best known sequential methods and achieves a speed-up of up to 100. It also shows good scalability with the increase in dimensionality.
Arumugam, Kamesh↗
An implementation plan for priorities in solar-system space physics
The scientific objectives and implementation plans and priorities of the Space Science Board in areas of solar physics, heliospheric physics, magnetospheric physics, upper atmosphere physics, solar-terrestrial coupling, and comparative planetary studies are discussed and recommended programs are summarized. Accomplishments of Skylab, Solar Maximum Mission, Nimbus-7, and 11 other programs are highlighted. Detailed mission plans in areas of solar and heliospheric physics, plasma physics, and upper atmospheric physics are also described.
Krimigis, Stamatios M.↗
Spacelab Science Results Study: Executive Summary
Beginning with OSTA-1 in November 1981, and ending with Neurolab in March 1998, thirty-six shuttle missions are considered Spacelab missions because they carried various Spacelab components such as the Spacelab module, the pallet, the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), or the MPESS. The experiments carried out during these flights included astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, Earth observations, and a wide range of microgravity experiments in life sciences, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics which includes combustion and critical point phenomena. In all, some 764 experiments were conducted by investigators from the United States, Europe, and Japan. These experiments resulted in several thousand papers published In refereed journals, and thousands more in conference proceedings, chapters in books, and other publications. The purpose of this Spacelab Science Results Study is to document the contributions made in each of the major research areas by giving a brief synopsis of the more significant experiments and an extensive list of the publications that were produced. We have also endeavored to show how these results impacted the existing body of knowledge, where they have spawned new fields, and, if appropriate, where the knowledge they produced has been applied.
Naumann, Robert J.↗
Spacelab Science Results Study: Microgravity Science - Volume 3
Beginning with OSTA-1 in November 1981, and ending with Neurolab in March 1998, thirty-six shuttle missions are considered Spacelab missions because they carried various Spacelab components such as the Spacelab module, the pallet, the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), or the MPESS. The experiments carried out during these flights included astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, Earth observations, and a wide range of microgravity experiments in life sciences, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics which includes combustion and critical point phenomena. In all, some 764 experiments were conducted by investigators from the United States, Europe, and Japan. These experiments resulted in several thousand papers published in refereed journals, and thousands more in conference proceedings, chapters in books, and other publications. The purpose of this Spacelab Science Results Study is to document the contributions made in each of the major research areas by giving a brief synopsis of the more significant experiments and an extensive list of the publications that were produced. We have also endeavored to show how these results impacted the existing body of knowledge, where they have spawned new fields, and, if appropriate, where the knowledge they produced has been applied.
Naumann, Robert J.↗
Spacelab Science Results Study: Microgravity Science - Volume 2
Beginning with OSTA-1 in November 1981, and ending with Neurolab n March 1998, thirty-six shuttle missions are considered Spacelab missions because they carried various Spacelab components such as the Spacelab module, the pallet, the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), or the MPESS (Mission Peculiar Experiment Support Structure). The experiments carried out during these flights included astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, Earth observations, and a wide range of microgravity experiments in life sciences, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics which includes combustion and critical point phenomena. In all, some 764 experiments were conducted by investigators from the United States, Europe, and Japan. These experiments resulted in several thousand papers published in refereed journals, and thousands more in conference proceedings, chapters in books, and other publications. The purpose of this Spacelab Science Results Study is to document the contributions made in each of the major research areas by giving a brief synopsis of the more significant experiments and an extensive list of the publications that were produced. We have also endeavored to show how these results impacted the existing body of knowledge, where they have spawned new fields, and, if appropriate, where the knowledge they produced has been applied.
Naumann, Robert J.↗
Spacelab Science Results Study
Beginning with OSTA-1 in November 1981 and ending with Neurolab in March 1998, a total of 36 Shuttle missions carried various Spacelab components such as the Spacelab module, pallet, instrument pointing system, or mission peculiar experiment support structure. The experiments carried out during these flights included astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, Earth observations, and a wide range of microgravity experiments in life sciences, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics which includes combustion and critical point phenomena. In all, some 764 experiments were conducted by investigators from the U.S., Europe, and Japan. The purpose of this Spacelab Science Results Study is to document the contributions made in each of the major research areas by giving a brief synopsis of the more significant experiments and an extensive list of the publications that were produced. We have also endeavored to show how these results impacted the existing body of knowledge, where they have spawned new fields, and if appropriate, where the knowledge they produced has been applied.
Naumann, R. J.↗
The current status and future direction of high magnetic field science in the United States
This grant provided partial support for the National Research Council (NRC) study that assesses the current status of high magnetic field research in the United States and provides recommendations to guide the future of research and technology development for this area given the needs of user communities and in the context of other programs worldwide. A pdf version of the report is available for download, for free, at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18355. The science drivers fall into 4 broad areas—(1) condensed matter and materials physics; (2) chemistry, biochemistry, and biology; (3) medical and life science studies; and (4) other fields such as high-energy physics, plasma physics, and particle astrophysics. Among the topics covered in the report’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations are a recognition that there is a continuing need for a centralized facility but also that clear benefits will flow to research communities from decentralized facilities. According to the report, support agencies should evaluate whether to establish such facilities when 32 Tesla superconducting magnets become available. The report also recommends the provision of facilities that combine magnetic fields with scattering facilities and THz radiation sources, and sets out specific magnet goals for magnets needed in several areas of research.
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
Overview of Space Station attached payloads in the areas of solar physics, solar terrestrial physics, and plasma processes
This paper outlines the currently planned utilization of the Space Station to perform investigations in solar physics, solar terrestrial physics, and plasma physics. The investigations and instrumentation planned for the Solar Terrestrial Observatory (STO) and its associated Space Station accommodation requirements are discussed as well as the planned placement of the STO instruments and typical operational scenarios. In the area of plasma physics, some preliminary plans for scientific investigations and for the accommodation of a plasma physics facility attached to the Space Station are outlined. These preliminary experiment concepts use the space environment around the Space Station as an unconfined plasma laboratory. In solar physics, the initial instrument complement and associated accommodation requirements of the Advanced Solar Observatory are described. The planned evolutionary development of this observatory is outlined, making use of the Space Station capabilities for servicing and instrument reconfiguration.
Roberts, W. T.↗
Physics and applications of dusty plasmas: The Perspectives 2023
Dusty plasmas are electrically quasi-neutral media that, along with electrons, ions, neutral gas, radiation, and electric and/or magnetic fields, also contain solid or liquid particles with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. These media can be found in many natural environments as well as in various laboratory setups and industrial applications. As a separate branch of plasma physics, the field of dusty plasma physics was born in the beginning of 1990s at the intersection of the interests of the communities investigating astrophysical and technological plasmas. An additional boost to the development of the field was given by the discovery of plasma crystals leading to a series of microgravity experiments of which the purpose was to investigate generic phenomena in condensed matter physics using strongly coupled complex (dusty) plasmas as model systems. Finally, the field has gained an increasing amount of attention due to its inevitable connection to the development of novel applications ranging from the synthesis of functional nanoparticles to nuclear fusion and from particle sensing and diagnostics to nano-contamination control. The purpose of the present perspectives paper is to identify promising new developments and research directions for the field. As such, dusty plasmas are considered in their entire variety: from classical low-pressure noble-gas dusty discharges to atmospheric pressure plasmas with aerosols and from rarefied astrophysical plasmas to dense plasmas in nuclear fusion devices. Both fundamental and application aspects are covered.
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗