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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 253 records · Page 14

Containerless Processing Studies in the MSFC Electrostatic Levitator

Levitation or containerless processing represents an important tool in materials research. Levitated specimens are free from contact with a container, which permits studies of deeply undercooled melts, and high-temperature, highly reactive materials. Containerless processing provides data for studies of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, metastable state formation, microstructure formation, undercooling, and nucleation. Levitation techniques include: acoustic, aero-acoustic, electromagnetic, and electrostatic. In microgravity, levitation can be achieved with greatly reduced positioning forces. Microgravity also reduces the effects of buoyancy and sedimentation in melts. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) jointly developed an electromagnetic levitator facility (MSL-EML) for containerless materials processing in space. The MSL-EML will be accommodated in the European Columbus Facility on the International Space Station (ISS). The electrostatic levitator (ESL) facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center provides support for the development of containerless processing studies for the ISS. The capabilities of the facility and recent results will be discussed.

Rogers, J. R.↗

Nonlinear dynamics of topological Dirac fermions in 2D spin-orbit coupled materials

Abstract The graphene family materials are two-dimensional staggered monolayers with a gapped energy band structure due to intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. The mass gaps in these materials can be manipulated on-demand via biasing with a static electric field, an off-resonance circularly polarized laser, or an exchange interaction field, allowing the monolayer to be driven through a multitude of topological phase transitions. We investigate the dynamics of spin-orbit coupled graphene family materials to unveil topological phase transition fingerprints embedded in the nonlinear regime and show how these signatures manifest in the nonlinear Kerr effect and in third-harmonic generation processes. We show that the resonant nonlinear spectral response of topological fermions can be traced to specific Dirac cones in these materials, enabling characterization of topological invariants in any phase by detecting the cross-polarized component of the electromagnetic field. By shedding light on the unique processes involved in harmonic generation via topological phenomena our findings open an encouraging path towards the development of novel nonlinear systems based on two-dimensional semiconductors of the graphene family.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Arguments for fundamental emission by the parametric process L yields T + S in interplanetary type III bursts

Observations of low frequency ion acoustic-like waves associated with Langmuir waves present during interplanetary Type 3 bursts are used to study plasma emission mechanisms and wave processes involving ion acoustic waves. It is shown that the observed wave frequency characteristics are consistent with the processes L yields T + S (where L = Langmuir waves, T = electromagnetic waves, S = ion acoustic waves) and L yields L' + S proceeding. The usual incoherent (random phase) version of the process L yields T + S cannot explain the observed wave production time scale. The clumpy nature of the observed Langmuir waves is vital to the theory of IP Type 3 bursts. The incoherent process L yields T + S may encounter difficulties explaining the observed Type 3 brightness temperatures when Langmuir wave clumps are incorporated into the theory. The parametric process L yields T + S may be the important emission process for the fundamental radiation of interplanetary Type 3 bursts.

Cairns, I. H.↗

Analytical modeling and sensor monitoring for optimal processing of polymeric composite material systems

Process simulation models and cure monitoring sensors are discussed for use in optimal processing of fiber-reinforced composites. Analytical models relate the specified temperature and pressure cure cycle to the thermal, chemical, and physical processes occurring in the composite during consolidation and cure. Frequency-dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDEMS) is described as an in situ sensor for monitoring the composite curing process and for verification of process simulation models. A model for resin transfer molding of textile composites is used to illustrate the predictive capabilities of a process simulation model. The model is used to calculate the resin infiltration time, fiber volume fraction, resin viscosity, and resin degree of cure. Results of the model are compared with in situ FDEMS measurements.

Loos, Alfred C.↗

Moving from scientific research to consenting guidance for MRE environmental risk

Potential environmental effects from tidal and wave devices are of concern to regulators, advisors, and other stakeholders in many nations. Monitoring results from early deployments and the first commercial arrays, coupled with targeted research studies, are providing a growing base of knowledge of how components of tidal turbines and wave energy converters might interact with marine animals and habitats. Efforts are underway to organize and direct these findings towards facilitating consenting that allays concerns and allows the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry to move forward. The OES-Environmental international initiative has developed scientific evidence bases for several key interactions from MRE devices, organized around stressors (portions of MRE systems that may cause injury or stress to the marine ecosystem), and receptors (the animals, habitats, and ecosystem processes that may be affected). This paper summarizes the evidence bases for four stressors (underwater noise, electromagnetic fields, habitat change, and changes in oceanographic systems) and presents the process of moving from the scientific knowledge into guidance documents to support the regulatory process. The guidance documents will serve as a broad guide that can be used internationally to look at stressor-receptor interactions of interest within a regulatory context. The evidence bases and guidance documents aim to assist MRE developers, regulators, and advisors with project scoping, consenting, and licensing processes.

Copping, Andrea E.↗

Large-Signal Stability Improvement of Parallel Grid-Forming Inverter-Driven Black Start: Preprint

With the rapid increase of inverter-based resources in modern grids, advanced grid-forming (GFM) inverter capa- bilities, such as system restoration and operation under faults, are urgently needed to realize power electronics-dominant grids at scale. One such capability is inverter-driven black start using GFM inverters. This paper analyzes the ability of two recently proposed advanced GFM controls to help GFM inverters sustain system-wide, off-nominal conditions and remain synchronized until they can overcome the momentary overloading as more GFMs join the process without generator sequence coordination or communications and finally stabilize the grid. Through an extensive set of 1,200 full-order electromagnetic transient simu- lations, we evaluate the black-start process while employing the various GFM inverter controls. The results show that the GFM current limiter and primary control have a significant impact on the stability of the system during dynamic operating conditions and thus impact the success of inverter-driven system restoration.

current limit↗

Data-Driven Analysis of Multipactor Dynamics via Dynamic Mode Decomposition

Multipactor effect is a performance-limiting kinetic plasma effect that can occur in high-power microwave and radio frequency (RF) devices. Multipactor effect is of special concern in vacuum or near-vacuum conditions such as those in particle accelerators and spaceborne devices. In this work, we present a data-driven reduced-order model (ROM) based on dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) for modeling of multipactor effects. We study multipactor effects and the resulting nonlinear harmonic generation by processing high-fidelity data generated from electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EMPIC) simulations using the DMD algorithm. We also investigate time-delay embedding extensions of DMD with improved generalizability and accuracy for modeling the electron plasma current density behavior. Here, the results show that DMD provides valuable insights into multipactor phenomena by extracting relevant modal spatiotemporal patterns and frequencies. In addition, DMD offers the potential to time extrapolate EMPIC simulations at a minimal cost, thereby reducing overall simulation time.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Gravitational scattering of zero-rest-mass plane waves

The Feyman-diagram technique is used to calculate the differential cross sections for the scattering of zero-rest-mass plane waves of spin 0, 1, and 2 by linearized Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries in the long-wavelength weak-field limit. It is found that the polarization of right (or left) circularly polarized electromagnetic waves is unaffected by the scattering process (i.e., helicity is conserved) and that the two helicity (polarization) states of the photon are scattered differently by the Kerr geometry. This coupling between the photon helicity and the angular momentum of the scatterer also leads to a partial polarization of unpolarized incident light. For gravitational waves, on the other hand, there is neither helicity conservation nor helicity-dependent scattering; the angular momentum of the scatterer has no polarizing effect on incident unpolarized gravitational waves.

De Logi, W. K.↗

Containerless Atomic-Fluorescence Property Measurements

Report describes studies conducted to establish and verify use of laser-induced fluorescence in monitoring and controlling high-temperature containerless processes. Specimens levitated by gas jets or electromagnetic fields and heated by laser beams or electromagnetic induction while being irradiated and detected by fluorescence technique. Makes quantitative and qualitative comparisons among three new methods of temperature measurement; all rely on laser-induced fluorescence. One method gas-density thermometry with seed gas. Other two methods involve measurements of velocities of evaporating atoms or of population ratios of different electronic states.

Nordine, P.↗

Monitoring Polymer Curing Via Electromagnetic Impedance

New nondestructive in-situ electromagnetic-impedance measurement technique senses cure-processing properties of high-temperature, high-performance thermostat and thermoplastic resins. Continuous frequency-dependent measurement and analysis performed during curing cycle. Monitors and measures molecular properties of polymeric resin in liquid and solid states. Applications include nondestructive means for evaluation of materials, determination of "window" boundaries of curing cycles of thermoplastics and thermoset resins, and for online, closed-loop control of curing cycles.

Freeman, William T.↗

Quantum processes in resonators with moving walls

The behavior of an electromagnetic field in an ideal cavity with an oscillating boundary is considered in the resonance long-time limit. The rates of photon creation from the vacuum and thermal states are evaluated. The squeezing coefficients for the field modes are found, as well as the backward reaction of the field on the vibrating wall.

Klimov, A. B.↗

Engineering design of sub-micron topographies for simultaneously adherent and reflective metal-polymer interfaces

The approach of the project is to base the design of multi-function, reflective topographies on the theory that topographically dependent phenomena react with surfaces and interfaces at certain scales. The first phase of the project emphasizes the development of methods for understanding the sizes of topographic features which influence reflectivity. Subsequent phases, if necessary, will address the scales of interaction for adhesion and manufacturing processes. A simulation of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation, or light, with a reflective surface is performed using specialized software. Reflectivity of the surface as a function of scale is evaluated and the results from the simulation are compared with reflectivity measurements made on multi-function, reflective surfaces.

Brown, Christopher A.↗

Engineering design of sub-micron topographies for simultaneously adherent and reflective metal-polymer interfaces

The approach of the project is to base the design of multi-function, reflective topographies on the theory that topographically dependent phenomena react with surfaces and interfaces at certain scales. The first phase of the project emphasizes the development of methods for understanding the sizes of topographic features which influence reflectivity. Subsequent phases, if necessary, will address the scales of interaction for adhesion and manufacturing processes. A simulation of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation, or light, with a reflective surface is performed using specialized software. Reflectivity of the surface as a function of scale is evaluated and the results from the simulation are compared with reflectivity measurements made on multi-function, reflective surfaces.

Brown, Christopher A.↗

CRRES combined radiation and release effects satellite program

The various regions of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system are coupled by flows of charged particle beams and electromagnetic waves. This coupling gives rise to processes that affect both technical and non-technical aspects of life on Earth. The CRRES Program sponsored experiments which were designed to produce controlled and known input to the space environment and the effects were measured with arrays of diagnostic instruments. Large amounts of material were used to modify and perturb the environment in a controlled manner, and response to this was studied. The CRRES and PEGSAT satellites were dual-mission spacecraft with a NASA mission to perform active chemical-release experiments, grouped into categories of tracer, modification, and simulation experiments. Two sounding rocket chemical release campaigns completed the study.

Giles, B. L.↗

Electromagnetic Components of Auroral Hiss and Lower Hybrid Waves in the Polar Magnetosphere

DE-1 has frequently observed waves in the whistler and lower hybrid frequencies range. Besides the electrostatic components, these waves also exhibit electromagnetic components. It is generally believed that these waves are excited by the electron acoustic instability and the electron-beam-driven lower hybrid instability. Because the electron acoustic and the lower hybrid waves are predominately electrostatic waves, they cannot account for the observed electromagnetic components. In this work, it is suggested that these electromagnetic components can be explained by waves that are generated near the resonance cone and that propagate away from the source. The role that these electromagnetic waves can play in particle acceleration processes at low altitude is discussed.

Wong, H. K.↗

Physics of Boundaries and their Interactions in Space Plasmas

This report describes the work done by SciberNet, Inc. during the month of October. We are working on the further refinement of the model used in our large-scale hybrid simulations of the magnetopause. Specifically, we are experimenting with several ways of modeling the effects of cold magnetospheric ions into our simulations. In addition, we are preparing two presentations for the upcoming Fall AGU highlighting the results of these simulations. We have also made progress in our development of a new kinetic linear code which we are using to study the linear properties of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the magnetopause. We have extended the code from the electrostatic limit to the fully electromagnetic regime and are currently in the process of debugging and testing the code. Finally, we have made several test runs with our 2-D hybrid code for the magnetopause. The inflow-outflow boundary conditions are working properly. However, there are issues related to the setup and evolution of the original equilibrium that we are still trying to resolve. Finally, we are preparing several presentations for the upcoming Fall AGU.

Omidi, Nojan↗

Electrical Breakdown of Anodized Structures in a Low Earth Orbital Environmental

A comprehensive set of investigations involving arcing on a negatively biased anodized aluminum plate immersed in a low density argon plasma at low pressures (P(sub O), 7.5 x 10(exp -5) Torr) have been performed. These arcing experiments were designed to simulate electrical breakdown of anodized coatings in a Low Earth Orbital (LEO) environment. When electrical breakdown of an anodized layer occurs, an arc strikes, and there is a sudden flux of electrons accelerated into the ambient plasma. This event is directly followed by ejection of a quasi-neutral plasma cloud consisting of ejected material blown out of the anodized layer. Statistical analysis of plasma cloud expansion velocities have yielded a mean propagation velocity, v = (19.4 +/- 3.5) km/s. As the plasma cloud expands into the ambient plasma, energy in the form of electrical noise is generated. The radiated electromagnetic noise is detected by means of an insulated antenna immersed in the ambient plasma. The purpose of the investigations is (1) to observe and record the electromagnetic radiation spectrum resulting from the arcing process. (2) Make estimates of the travel time of the quasi-neutral plasma cloud based on fluctuations to several Langmuir probes mounted in the ambient plasma. (3) To study induced arcing between two anodized aluminum structures in close proximity.

Galofaro, J. T.↗

High Power MPD Thruster Development at the NASA Glenn Research Center

Propulsion requirements for large platform orbit raising, cargo and piloted planetary missions, and robotic deep space exploration have rekindled interest in the development and deployment of high power electromagnetic thrusters. Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters can effectively process megawatts of power over a broad range of specific impulse values to meet these diverse in-space propulsion requirements. As NASA's lead center for electric propulsion, the Glenn Research Center has established an MW-class pulsed thruster test facility and is refurbishing a high-power steady-state facility to design, build, and test efficient gas-fed MPD thrusters. A complimentary numerical modeling effort based on the robust MACH2 code provides a well-balanced program of numerical analysis and experimental validation leading to improved high power MPD thruster performance. This paper reviews the current and planned experimental facilities and numerical modeling capabilities at the Glenn Research Center and outlines program plans for the development of new, efficient high power MPD thrusters.

LaPointe, Michael R.↗