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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Investigation of the arcjet plume near field using electrostatic probes

The near field plum of a 1 kW class arcjet thruster was investigated using electrostatic probes of various geometries. The electron number densities and temperatures were determined in a simulated hydrazine plume at axial distances between 3 cm (1.2 in) and 15 cm (5.9 in) and radial distances extending to 10 cm (3.9 in) off centerline. Values of electron number densities obtained using cylindrical and spherical probes of different geometries agreed very well. The electron density on centerline followed a source flow approximation for axial distances as near as 3 cm (1.2 in) from the nozzle exit plane. The model agreed well with previously obtained data in the far field. The effects of propellant mass flow rate and input power level were also studied. Cylindrical probes were used to obtain ion streamlines by changing the probe orientation with respect to the flow. The effects of electrical configuration on the plasma characteristics of the plume were also investigated by using a segmented anode/nozzle thruster. The results showed that the electrical configuration in the nozzle affected the distribution of electrons in the plume.

Sankovic, John M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Investigation of the Arcjet near Field Plume Using Electrostatic Probes

The near field plume of a 1 kW class arcjet thruster was investigated using electrostatic probes of various geometries. The electron number densities and temperatures were determined in a simulated hydrazine plume at axial distances between 3 cm (1.2 in.) and 15 cm (5.9 in.) and radial distances extending to 10 cm (3.9 in.) off centerline. Values of electron number densities obtained using cylindrical and spherical probes of different geometries agreed very well. The electron density on centerline followed a source flow approximation for axial distances as near as 3 cm (1.2 in.) from the nozzle exit plane. The model agreed well with previously obtained data in the far field. The effects of propellant mass flow rate and input power level were also studied. Cylindrical probes were used to obtain ion streamlines by changing the probe orientation with respect to the flow. The effects of electrical configuration on the plasma characteristics of the plume were also investigated by using a segmented anode/nozzle thruster. The results showed that the electrical configuration in the nozzle affected the distribution of electrons in the plume.

Sankovic, John M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Direct comparison of gyrokinetic and fluid scrape-off layer simulations

Typically, fluid simulations are used for tokamak divertor design. However, fluid models are only valid if the scrape-off layer (SOL) is highly collisional. This assumption is valid in many present-day experiments but is questionable in the upstream SOL of some high-power scenarios envisioned for burning plasmas and fusion pilot plants. This paper reports on comparisons between fluid and kinetic simulations of the SOL for upstream parameters and geometry representative of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production fusion pilot plant. The SOLPS-ITER (fluid) and Gkeyll (gyrokinetic) codes are operated in a two-dimensional axisymmetric mode, which replaces turbulence with ad-hoc diffusivities. In kinetic simulations, we observe that the ions in the upstream SOL experience significant mirror trapping. This substantially increases the upstream temperature and has important implications for impurity dynamics. We show that the mirror force, which is excluded in SOLPS’s fluid equations, enhances the electrostatic potential drop along the field line in the SOL. We also show that the assumption of equal main ion and impurity temperatures, which is made in commonly used fluid codes, is invalid for the regimes explored here. The combination of these effects results in superior confinement of impurities to the divertor region in kinetic simulations, consistent with our earlier predictions [Kotschenreuther et al., in 29th IAEA 29 Fusion Energy Conference (IAEA, London, UK, 2023)]. This effect can be dramatic, reducing the midplane impurity density by orders of magnitude. These results indicate that in lower collisionality SOL’s the tolerable downstream impurity densities may be higher than would be predicted by fluid simulations, allowing for higher radiated power while avoiding unacceptable core contamination. Our results highlight the importance of kinetic simulations for divertor design and optimization for fusion pilot plants.

Computational fluid dynamics↗
NASA NTRS1981

Far-infrared properties of dust in the reflection nebula NGC 7023

Thermal emission from dust in the reflection nebula NGC 7023 has been observed at wavelengths between 40 and 400 microns. The observed far-infrared emission comes from a region approximately 4 arcmin in diameter and shows spatial structure which correlates well with the distribution of reflected visible radiation. Temperature and optical depth maps indicate that the dust which emits the far-infrared radiation is heated by UV and visual radiation from the central star (HD 200775) and that the dust density increases steeply northwest of the star. The far-infrared data are not consistent with either the spherical or uniform slab geometries used in earlier analyses of optical observations. Comparisons of the far-infrared measurements with optical and UV measurements give a value between 2000 and 5000 for the ratio of extinction efficiency in the UV to that at 125 microns. This value is compared with the results of other observational studies and with theoretical grain models.

Whitcomb, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Overview

The creation of a spherical model in cylindrical geometry is discussed. The model requires a radial body force to simulate gravity. This force is achieved by dielectric effects on a liquid in the presence of a large voltage, but in the terrestrial laboratory it cannot be made large enough to overwhelm gravity. However, in an orbiting vehicle like Spacelab, this dielectric force will dominate. The behavior of a stripped down general circulation system (GCS) is a salient omission of GCM. It is suggested that the system will contribute to global weather and climate studies.

Fowlis, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Comparison of the X-ray observations of the AM Herculis objects to theory

The X-ray observations of the original AM Her objects (AM Her, VV Pup, EF Eri, and AN UMa are reexamined. The work differs from that carried out previously in that the observed X-ray spectral properties are compared to theoretical models calculated using a dipolar accretion geometry rather than a spherically symmetric one, and the observed X-ray light curves are compared to theoretical light curves calculated assuming that the X-ray sources are cataclysmic variable-like binaries which contain a strongly magnetic white dwarf. The added constraints offered by the light curve properties restrict the possible kinds of X-ray emission scenarios in some cases. For instance, it is found that the X-ray observations of AM Her can be self-consistently explained by accretion powered radiative shock models. Further, the observations cannot be self-consistently explained by conduction dominated models as has been suggested by previous workers.

Imamura, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Advanced Containerless Processing Technology

Breadboards for high temperature containerless processing systems are to be developed, the principles of operation are to be studied, the performance is to be characterized, the limitations identified, and the influence of the acoustic field on the samples established. The subjects to be addressed are experimental and theoretical studies of: (1) acoustic positioning and manipulation capabilities in a high temperature gradient environment (from 26 C to 990 C); (2) acoustic waveforms, harmonic contents, power transfer, sample transport and stability associated with high temperature gradient system; (3) high temperature ground based levitation systems which will allow melting, processing, and solidifying samples without crucibles in the laboratory, (4) KC-135 and laboratory tests of various acoustic geometries which may have spherical applications in the Materials Processing in Space Program; and (5) provide technical information to Acoustics Containerless Experimental System (ACES) engineering team and establish the operation conditions for ACES.

Wang, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

New radio detections of early-type pre-main-sequence stars

Results of VLA radio continuum observations of 13 early-type pre-main-sequence stars selected from the 1984 catalog of Finkenzeller and Mundt are presented. The stars HD 259431 and MWC 1080 were detected at 3.6 cm, while HD 200775 and TY CrA were detected at both 3.6 and 6 cm. The flux density of HD 200775 has a frequency dependence consistent with the behavior expected for free-free emission originating in a fully ionized wind. However, an observation in A configuration suggests that the source geometry may not be spherically symmetric. In contrast, the spectral index of TY CrA is negative with a flux behavior implying nonthermal emission. The physical mechanism responsible for the nonthermal emission has not yet been identified, although gyrosynchrotron and synchrotron processes cannot be ruled out.

Skinner, Stephen L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

New techniques for diffusing-wave spectroscopy

We present two new types of measurements that can be made with diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS), a form of dynamic light scattering that applies in limit of strong multiple scattering. The first application is to measure the frequency-dependent linear viscoelastic moduli of complex fluids using light scattering. This is accomplished by measuring the mean square displacement of probe particles using DWS. Their response to thermal fluctuations is determined by the fluctuation-dissipation relation, and is controlled by the response of the surrounding complex fluid. This response can be described in terms of a memory function, which is directly related to the complex elastic modulus of the system. Thus by measuring the mean square displacement, we are able to determine the frequency dependent modulus. The second application is the measurement of shape fluctuations of scattering particles. This is achieved by generalizing the theory for DWS to incorporate the effects if amplitude fluctuations in the scattering intensity of the particles. We apply this new method to study the thermally induced fluctuations in the shape of spherical emulsion droplets whose geometry is controlled by surface tension.

Mason, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Modeling Neutral Densities Downstream of a Gridded Ion Thruster

The details of a model for determining the neutral density downstream of a gridded ion thruster are presented. An investigation of the possible sources of neutrals emanating from and surrounding a NEXT ion thruster determined that the most significant contributors to the downstream neutral density include discharge chamber neutrals escaping through the perforated grids, neutrals escaping from the neutralizer, and vacuum facility background neutrals. For the neutral flux through the grids, near- and far-field equations are presented for rigorously determining the neutral density downstream of a cylindrical aperture. These equations are integrated into a spherically-domed convex grid geometry with a hexagonal array of apertures for determining neutral densities downstream of the ion thruster grids. The neutrals escaping from an off-center neutralizer are also modeled assuming diffuse neutral emission from the neutralizer keeper orifice. Finally, the effect of the surrounding vacuum facility neutrals is included and assumed to be constant. The model is used to predict the neutral density downstream of a NEXT ion thruster with and without neutralizer flow and a vacuum facility background pressure. The impacts of past simplifying assumptions for predicting downstream neutral densities are also examined for a NEXT ion thruster.

Soulas, George C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Cosmic Ray Exposure & Linear-Energy-Transfer Evaluations for the COBE Mission

Magnetospherically attenuated, orbit integrated, surface incident cosmic ray fluxes of galactic origin were determined for the COBE mission. All heavy ions up to Nickel (z=28) were considered in this, evaluation. In order to provide worst case approximations, estimates were based on solar minimum conditions. Transport and material shielding calculations were then performed for these vehicle encountered particles, for a simple spherical 3-D aluminum geometry, and the materially attenuated cosmic ray distributions emerging behind selected shield thicknesses were obtained. Finally, Linear-Energy-Transfer (LET) spectra were evaluated for the energy spectra of each ion specie and these were, in turn, integrated into the sum-total LET distribution contained in this report. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form for eight (8) different shield thicknesses from.01 to 10.0 gm/cm2 of aluminum. They show most conclusively, and not unexpectedly, that material shielding has virtually no 'effect on the final LET spectrum, at least not for aluminum shields. This was predictable. Please note that in the LET graphs, two curves were plotted. Of these, please ignore the one labeled "grazing" and use only the one labeled "normal". Again, it should be remembered that the end results contain contributions from all elements up to Nickel (z=28).

Stassinopoulos, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Algorithms for the Computation of Debris Risks

Determining the risks from space debris involve a number of statistical calculations. These calculations inevitably involve assumptions about geometry - including the physical geometry of orbits and the geometry of non-spherical satellites. A number of tools have been developed in NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office to handle these calculations; many of which have never been published before. These include algorithms that are used in NASA's Orbital Debris Engineering Model ORDEM 3.0, as well as other tools useful for computing orbital collision rates and ground casualty risks. This paper will present an introduction to these algorithms and the assumptions upon which they are based.

Matney, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1982

On composites with periodic structure

The overall moduli of a composite with an isotropic elastic matrix containing periodically distributed (anisotropic) inclusions or voids, can be expressed in terms of several infinite series which only depend on the geometry of the inclusions or voids, and hence can be computed once and for all for given geometries. For solids with periodic structures these infinite series play exactly the same role as does Eshelby's tensor for a single inclusion or void in an unbounded elastic medium. For spherical and circular-cylindrical geometries, the required infinite series are calculated and the results are tabulated. These are then used to estimate the overall elastic moduli when either the overall strains or the overall stresses are prescribed, obtaining the same results. These results are compared with other estimates and with experimental data. It is found that the model of composites with periodic structure yields estimates in excellent agreement with the experimental observations.

Nemat-Nasser, S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Architectural study of the design and operation of advanced force feedback manual controllers

A teleoperator system consists of a manual controller, control hardware/software, and a remote manipulator. It was employed in either hazardous or unstructured, and/or remote environments. In teleoperation, the main-in-the-loop is the central concept that brings human intelligence to the teleoperator system. When teleoperation involves contact with an uncertain environment, providing the feeling of telepresence to the human operator is one of desired characteristics of the teleoperator system. Unfortunately, most available manual controllers in bilateral or force-reflecting teleoperator systems can be characterized by their bulky size, high costs, or lack of smoothness and transparency, and elementary architectures. To investigate other alternatives, a force-reflecting, 3 degree of freedom (dof) spherical manual controller is designed, analyzed, and implemented as a test bed demonstration in this research effort. To achieve an improved level of design to meet criteria such as compactness, portability, and a somewhat enhanced force-reflecting capability, the demonstration manual controller employs high gear-ratio reducers. To reduce the effects of the inertia and friction on the system, various force control strategies are applied and their performance investigated. The spherical manual controller uses a parallel geometry to minimize inertial and gravitational effects on its primary task of transparent information transfer. As an alternative to the spherical 3-dof manual controller, a new conceptual (or parallel) spherical 3-dof module is introduced with a full kinematic analysis. Also, the resulting kinematic properties are compared to those of other typical spherical 3-dof systems. The conceptual design of a parallel 6-dof manual controller and its kinematic analysis is presented. This 6-dof manual controller is similar to the Stewart Platform with the actuators located on the base to minimize the dynamic effects. Finally, a combination of the new 3-dof and 6-dof concepts is presented as a feasible test-bed for enhanced performance in a 9-dof system.

Tesar, Delbert↗
NASA NTRS1995

Radiative Instabilities in Three-Dimensional Astrophysical Masers

Inherent instabilities in the radiative transfer for astrophysical masers have been recognized and calculated in the linear maser idealization in our previous investigations. The same instabilities are now shown to occur in the more realistic, three-dimensional geometries. Fluctuations in the emergent flux result and may be related to the observed fluctuations in the radiative flux from the 1665 MHz OH masers that have been reported to occur on timescales as short as 1000 s. The time-dependent differential equations of radiative transfer are solved numerically for three-dimensional astrophysical masers. Computations are performed for spherical and elongated (rectangular parallelepiped) geometries.

Scappaticci, Gerardo A.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Experimental Investigation of Distributed Sand-Grain Roughness Effects on Transition Onset and Turbulent Heating at Mach 6

An experimental investigation of distributed sand-grain surface roughness effects on hypersonic boundary-layer transition and turbulent heating has been performed. Two representative entry vehicle geometries, a sphere-cone aeroshell and a spherical-cap aeroshell, were considered. Cast ceramic models of each geometry were fabricated with distributed sand-grain roughness patterns of different heights that simulated an ablated thermal protection system. Wind tunnel testing was performed at Mach 6 over a range of Reynolds numbers sufficient to produce laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow. Aeroheating and boundary-layer transition onset data were obtained using global phosphor thermography. The experimental heating data are presented herein, as are comparisons to laminar and turbulent smooth-wall heat transfer distributions from computational flow field simulations. The boundary-layer transition data were found to correlate with a functional representation developed in prior roughness studies, although the data scatter was greater owing to the height variability of distributed sand-grain roughness.

Brian R Hollis↗
DOE OSTI2024

LLNL FESP Theory Highlights: November 2024

This talk presented a refined understanding of plasma-facing thermionic emitter cathodes by examining the limitations of the conventional space charge-limited model, which overlooks ion trapping dynamics within the virtual cathode. While conventional theory distinguishes between temperature-limited and space charge-limited regimes based on electron current constraints, recent findings reveal that trapped ions can form a quasi-neutral "second plasma," expanding upstream and interacting with the primary plasma. These effects are amplified in non-planar geometries, such as cylindrical or spherical sheaths, where trapped ions create a positive feedback loop with the upstream plasma. To address these phenomena, a new "Aid-and-Compete" model was developed, offering insights into current enhancement and sheath mode transitions relevant for plasma devices, including emissive cathodes in electric propulsion, fusion applications, thin film deposition systems, and plasma diagnostics.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1977

Black holes and relativitic gravity theories

All presently known relativistic gravitation theories were considered which have a Riemannian background geometry and possess exact static, spherically symmetric solutions which are asymptotically flat. Each theory predicts the existence of trapped surfaces (black holes). For a general static isotropic metric, MACSYMA was used to compute the Newman-Penrose equations, the black hole radius, the impact parameter, and capture radius for photon accretion. These results were then applied to several of the better known gravitation theories.

Fennelly, A. J.↗