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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2010

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) Multipoint Observations of Temporal and Spatial Variability of Field-Aligned Currents

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, sun-synchronous polar orbit from March 22 to June 21, 2006, for technology validations. In this paper, we present a study of the temporal variability of field-aligned currents using multi-point magnetic field measurements from ST5. The data demonstrate that mesoscale current structures are commonly embedded within large-scale field-aligned current sheets. The meso-scale current structures are very dynamic with highly variable current density and/or polarity in time scales of about 10 min. They exhibit large temporal variations during both quiet and disturbed times in such time scales. On the other hand, the data also shown that the time scales for the currents to be relatively stable are about 1 min for meso-scale currents and about 10 min for large scale current sheets. These temporal features are obviously associated with dynamic variations of their particle carriers (mainly electrons) as they respond to the variations of the parallel electric field in auroral acceleration region. The characteristic time scales for the temporal variability of meso-scale field-aligned currents are found to be consistent with those of auroral parallel electric field.

Le, Guan↗
NASA NTRS2010

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) Observations of Field-Aligned Currents: Temporal Variability

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, sun-synchronous polar orbit from March 22 to June 21, 2006, for technology validations. In this paper, we present a study of the temporal variability of field-aligned currents using multi-point magnetic field measurements from STS. The data demonstrate that masoscale current structures are commonly embedded within large-scale field-aligned current sheets. The meso-scale current structures are very dynamic with highly variable current density and/or polarity in time scales of about 10 min. They exhibit large temporal variations during both quiet and disturbed times in such time scales. On the other hand, the data also shown that the time scales for the currents to be relatively stable are about I min for meso-scale currents and about 10 min for large scale current sheets. These temporal features are obviously associated with dynamic variations of their particle carriers (mainly electrons) as they respond to the variations of the parallel electric field in auroral acceleration region. The characteristic time scales for the temporal variability of meso-scale field-aligned currents are found to be consistent with those of auroral parallel electric field.

Le, Guan↗
NASA NTRS2009

Space Technology 5 Multipoint Observations of Temporal and Spatial Variability of Field-Aligned Currents

Space Technology 5 (ST5) is a constellation mission consisting of three microsatellites. It provides the first multipoint magnetic field measurements in low Earth orbit, which enables us to separate spatial and temporal variations. In this paper, we present a study of the temporal variability of field-aligned currents using the ST5 data. We examine the field-aligned current observations during and after a geomagnetic storm and compare the magnetic field profiles at the three spacecraft. The multipoint data demonstrate that mesoscale current structures, commonly embedded within large-scale current sheets, are very dynamic with highly variable current density and/or polarity in approx.10 min time scales. On the other hand, the data also show that the time scales for the currents to be relatively stable are approx.1 min for mesoscale currents and approx.10 min for large-scale currents. These temporal features are very likely associated with dynamic variations of their charge carriers (mainly electrons) as they respond to the variations of the parallel electric field in auroral acceleration region. The characteristic time scales for the temporal variability of mesoscale field-aligned currents are found to be consistent with those of auroral parallel electric field.

Le, G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Vacuum microelectronics for beam power and rectennas

Vacuum Microelectronic devices can be described as vacuum transistors or micro-miniature vacuum tubes, as one chooses. The fundamental reason behind this new technology is the very large current densities available from field emitters, namely as high as 10(8) A/sq cm. Array current densities as high as 1000 A/sq cm have been measured. Total electron transit times from source to drain for 1 micron feature size devices have been predicted to be about 150fs. This very short transit time implies the possibility of submillimeter wave transmitters and rectennas in devices which can operate with reasonably high voltages and which are small in size and are lightweight. In addition, they are expected to be extremely radiation hard and very temperature insensitive. That is, they are expected to have radiation hardness characteristics similar to vacuum tubes, and both the high temperature and low temperature limits should be determined by the package. That is, there should be no practical intrinsic temperature or carrier freezeout problems for devices based on metals or composites. But the technology is difficult to implement at the present time because it is based on 300 to 500 angstrom radius field emitters which must be relatively uniform. There is also the need to understand the non-equilibrium transport physics in the near-surface regions of the field emitters.

Gray, Henry F.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Large-Area Permanent-Magnet ECR Plasma Source

A 40-cm-diameter plasma device has been developed as a source of ions for material-processing and ion-thruster applications. Like the device described in the immediately preceding article, this device utilizes electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) excited by microwave power in a magnetic field to generate a plasma in an electrodeless (noncontact) manner and without need for an electrically insulating, microwave-transmissive window at the source. Hence, this device offers the same advantages of electrodeless, windowless design - low contamination and long operational life. The device generates a uniform, high-density plasma capable of sustaining uniform ion-current densities at its exit plane while operating at low pressure [<10(exp -4) torr (less than about 1.3 10(exp -2) Pa)] and input power <200 W at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Though the prototype model operates at 2.45 GHz, operation at higher frequencies can be achieved by straightforward modification to the input microwave waveguide. Higher frequency operation may be desirable in those applications that require even higher background plasma densities. In the design of this ECR plasma source, there are no cumbersome, power-hungry electromagnets. The magnetic field in this device is generated by a permanent-magnet circuit that is optimized to generate resonance surfaces. The microwave power is injected on the centerline of the device. The resulting discharge plasma jumps into a "high mode" when the input power rises above 150 W. This mode is associated with elevated plasma density and high uniformity. The large area and uniformity of the plasma and the low operating pressure are well suited for such material-processing applications as etching and deposition on large silicon wafers. The high exit-plane ion-current density makes it possible to attain a high rate of etching or deposition. The plasma potential is <3 V low enough that there is little likelihood of sputtering, which, in plasma processing, is undesired because it is associated with erosion and contamination. The electron temperature is low and does not vary appreciably with power.

Foster, John E.↗
DOE OSTI2024

(CrMnCoNiZn) 3 O 4 @PPy core-shell nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical performance as lithium-ion battery anode

High entropy oxides (HEOs) have an excellent potential for use as electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical specific capacity. In this work, spinel-structured (CrMnCoNiZn) 3 O 4 HEO nanoparticles with five elements in equal molar ratio is first generated by solution combustion method. (CrMnCoNiZn) 3 O 4 @polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites are prepared by in-situ polymerization method. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries, the electrochemical performance of the (CrMnCoNiZn) 3 O 4 @PPy composite outperforms that of (CrMnCoNiZn) 3 O 4 nanoparticles. The capacity is 802 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, 416 mAh/g after 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1 A/g, and 360 mAh/g rate capacity at 2 A/g. The excellent electrochemical performance of the composites is mainly due to the fact that the conductive and flexible PPy is encapsulated on the high-entropy oxides, which can alleviate the volume change triggered by extraction-insertion of lithium ions process, as well as enhance the electrical conductivity and reduce the occurrence of some side reactions. Finally, this method of compositing materials can also be used in other HEOs and conductive polymers, providing a new idea to enhance the electrochemical properties of HEOs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1997

Effects of Neutral Density on Energetic Ions Produced Near High-Current Hollow Cathodes

Energy distributions of ion current from high-current, xenon hollow cathodes, which are essential information to understand erosion phenomena observed in high-power ion thrusters, were obtained using an electrostatic energy analyzer (ESA). The effects of ambient pressure and external flow rate introduced immediately downstream of hollow cathode on ion currents with energies greater than that associated with the cathode-to-anode potential difference were investigated. The results were analyzed to determine the changes in the magnitudes of ion currents to the ESA at various energies. Either increasing the ambient pressure or adding external flow induces an increase in the distribution of ion currents with moderate energies (epsilon less than 25 to 35 eV) and a decrease in the distribution for high energies (epsilon greater than 25 to 35 eV). The magnitude of the current distribution increase in the moderate energy range is greater for a cathode equipped with a toroidal keeper than for one without a keeper, but the distribution in the high energy range does not seem to be affected by a keeper. An MHD model, which has been proposed to describe energetic-ion production mechanism in hollow cathode at high discharge currents, was developed to describe these effects. The results show, however, that this model involves no mechanism by which a significant increase of ion current could occur at any energy. It was found, on the other hand, that the potential-hill model of energetic ion production, which assumes existence of a local maximum of plasma potential, could explain combined increases in the currents of ions with moderate energies and decreases in high energy ions due to increased neutral atom density using a charge-exchange mechanism. The existing, simplified version of the potential-hill model, however, shows poor quantitative agreement with measured ion-current-energy-distribution changes induced by neutral density changes.

Kameyama, Ikuya↗
DOE OSTI2025

Asymmetric ether solvents for high-rate lithium metal batteries

Recent electrolyte solvent design based on weakening lithium-ion solvation have shown promise in enhancing cycling performance of Li-metal batteries. However, they often face slow redox kinetics and poor cycling reversibility at high rate. Here we report using asymmetric solvent molecules substantially accelerates Li redox kinetics. Asymmetric ethers (1-ethoxy-2-methoxyethane, 1-methoxy-2-propoxyethane) showed higher exchange current densities and enhanced high-rate Li 0 plating/stripping reversibility compared to symmetric ethers. Adjusting fluorination levels further improved oxidative stability and Li 0 reversibility. The asymmetric 1-(2,2,2-trifluoro)-ethoxy-2-methoxyethane, with 2 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, exhibited high exchange current density, oxidative stability, compact solid–electrolyte interphase (~10 nm). This electrolyte exhibited superior performance among state-of-the-art electrolytes, enabling over 220 cycles in high-rate Li (50 μm)||LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811, 4.9 mAh cm −2 ) cells and for the first time over 600 cycles in anode-free Cu | |Ni95 pouch cells (200 mAh) under electric vertical take-off and landing cycling protocols. Our findings on asymmetric molecular design strategy points to a new pathway towards achieving fast redox kinetics for high-power Li-metal batteries.

batteries↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synergizing superwetting and architected electrodes for high-rate water splitting

Water splitting is one of the most promising technologies for generating green hydrogen. To meet industrial demand, it is essential to boost the operation current density to industrial levels, typically in the hundreds of mA cm -2 . However, operating at these high current densities presents significant challenges, with bubble formation being one of the most critical issues. Efficient bubble management is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and stability of the water splitting process. Superwetting electrodes, which can enhance aerophobicity, are particularly favorable for facilitating bubble detachment and transport. By reducing bubble contact time and minimizing the size of detached bubbles, these electrodes help prevent blockage and maintain high catalytic efficiency. Here, in this review, we aim to provide an overview of recent advancements in tackling bubble-related issues through the design and implementation of superwetting electrodes, including surface modification techniques and structural optimizations. We will also share our insights into the principles and mechanisms behind the design of superwetting electrodes, highlighting the key factors that influence their performance. Our review aims to guide future research directions and provides a solid foundation for developing more efficient and durable superwetting electrodes for high-rate water splitting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1990

A model of the magnetospheric tail with current-free lobes

A model of the earth's tail field with no current density in its high latitude lobes is obtained as a modification of Tsyganenko's tail model. This is achieved by replacing Tsyganenko's current element with one in which the current density ends abruptly at a distance D from the central axis.

Stern, David P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Development of practical high temperature superconducting wire for electric power application

The technology of high temperature superconductivity has gone from beyond mere scientific curiousity into the manufacturing environment. Single lengths of multifilamentary wire are now produced that are over 200 meters long and that carry over 13 amperes at 77 K. Short-sample critical current densities approach 5 x 104 A/sq cm at 77 K. Conductor requirements such as high critical current density in a magnetic field, strain-tolerant sheathing materials, and other engineering properties are addressed. A new process for fabricating round BSCCO-2212 wire has produced wires with critical current densities as high as 165,000 A/sq cm at 4.2 K and 53,000 A/sq cm at 40 K. This process eliminates the costly, multiple pressing and rolling steps that are commonly used to develop texture in the wires. New multifilamentary wires with strengthened sheathing materials have shown improved yield strengths up to a factor of five better than those made with pure silver. Many electric power devices require the wire to be formed into coils for production of strong magnetic fields. Requirements for coils and magnets for electric power applications are described.

Hawsey, Robert A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

High rate reactive sputtering in an opposed cathode closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering system

Attention is given to an opposed cathode sputtering system constructed with the ability to coat parts with a size up to 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length. Initial trials with this system revealed very low substrate bias currents. When the AlNiCo magnets in the two opposed cathodes were arranged in a mirrored configuration, the plasma density at the substrate was low, and the substrate bias current density was less than 1 mA/sq cm. If the magnets were arranged in a closed-field configuration where the field lines from one set of magnets were coupled with the other set, the substrate bias current density was as high as 5.7 mA/sq cm when NdFeB magnets were used. In the closed-field configuration, the substrate bias current density was related to the magnetic field strength between the two cathodes and to the sputtering pressure. Hard well-adhered TiN coatings were reactively sputtered in the opposed cathode system in the closed-field configuration, but the mirrored configuration produced films with poor adhesion because of etching problems and low plasma density at the substrate.

Sproul, William D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Electrochemical recovery of Gd into liquid Bi in molten LiCl-KCl-GdCl 3

The electrochemical recovery of Gd into liquid Bi electrodes was investigated in molten LiCl-KCl-GdCl 3 electrolyte at 773–973 K using constant currents of 10–150 mA cm −2 . High round-trip coulombic efficiency (>97 %) was demonstrated for deposition and removal of Gd into and from liquid Bi at all temperatures, confirming chemically reversible electrode reactions towards high recovery yield of Gd using liquid Bi. Furthermore, the overpotential associated with deposition of Gd into the liquid Bi electrode gradually increased with current density and decreased with temperature. At the lowest temperature of 773 K, a steep increase in overpotential was evident at high current densities due to slower mass transport and low solubility of Gd in liquid Bi (0.5 at.% Gd). Based on the impedance spectra of Bi electrodes at 773–973 K, the exchange current density was estimated to be 110–220 mA cm −2 , indicating facile charge transfer at the liquid electrode-electrolyte interface. Post-mortem characterization of Bi cathodes after electrolysis at 873 K indicated the formation of a solid GdBi(s) compound layer at the Bi electrode surface. Chemical analysis of Bi cathodes at various deposited Gd compositions resulted in Faradaic efficiencies of ∼75–84 %, promising a high recovery yield of Gd from molten salts using a strongly-interacting liquid Bi electrode.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optimized Tandem Catalyst Patterning for CO 2 Reduction Flow Reactors

Tandem catalysis involves two or more catalysts arranged in proximity within a single reaction vessel, with the aim of synergistically aligning the catalysts’ reaction pathways to maximize overall system performance. This study presents a proof of concept showing the integration of continuum transport modeling with design optimization in a simplified two-dimensional flow reactor setup for electrochemical CO 2 reduction. Ag catalysts provide the CO 2 ⟶ CO reaction capability, and Cu catalysts provide the CO ⟶ high-value products reaction capability. Given a set of input parameters, the optimization algorithm uses adjoint methods to modify the Ag/Cu surface patterning in order to maximize the current density toward high-value products, such as ethylene. The optimized designs yield significant performance enhancement especially at more negative applied voltages (i.e., stronger surface reactions) and for larger numbers of patterning sections. For an applied voltage of −1.7 V vs. SHE, the 12-section optimized design increases the current density toward ethylene by up to 65% compared to the unoptimized 2-section design. For the optimized cases, observed differences in the production and consumption of CO (the key intermediate species) and minimized zones of low CO reactant surface concentration on Cu sections explain the improved reactor performance.

CO2 reduction↗
NASA NTRS1984

Stability of Bromine Intercalated Graphite Fibers

Previous evidence suggested that bromine intercalation compounds of crystalline graphite spontaneously deintercalate when the bromine atmosphere is removed. However, results show that bromine intercalated P-100 graphite fibers are stable for long periods of time. They are stable under vacuum conditions, high humidity, and current densities up to 24,000 A/sq cm. They are thermally stable to 200 C, and at temperatures as high as 400 C still retain 80 percent of the conductivity gained by intercalation. At temperatures greater than 300 C, there is significant oxidative degradation of the fibers. The environmental stability shown by the bromine compound makes it a promising candidate for practical applications in aerospace technology.

Gaier, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Advanced silver sheathed 2212/Ag wire for high field magnets

Commercial High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) are all tape shaped (widths > 10 times thickness), because achieving useful current densities required them to be processed into this form, even though this also makes it more problematic to use them in some important coil types. Our product is based on 2212 (Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8) and it is the only HTS that can be processed into high current density wire forms that are similar to proven low temperature superconductors (LTS), while surpassing them in field generating and operating temperature capability. Required now are higher current density, lower cost and longer length 2212 wires to enable broad utilization where HTS tape usage is problematic. In Phase II we developed vital cost-lowering process technology elements and we test-processed longer wires with the standard commercial design as baseline and benchmark for our lower cost, higher quality and longer piece length wire advances. By initial application of Jc-boosting wire features, these wires exhibited significant performance increases. This Phase IIA program has now developed and qualified these technologies for lower cost, higher quality and longer piece length manufacturing in combination with current density-boosting wire features, paving the way to manufacturing capability that is essential for cost-effective commercial utilization of 2212 wire. Technical areas included automated, high uniformity powder packing, advanced drawing, annealing, lubricant cleaning and filament bundling, followed by integration of higher current density wire features and process variations.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1975

15 cm cusped magnetic field mercury ion thruster research

The importance of achieving a uniform current density in the exhaust beam of an electrostatic ion thruster is discussed in terms of thrust level and accelerator grid lifetime. A neutral residence time approach is used to propose a magnetic field geometry which should produce a highly uniform beam current density. The discharge chamber length to diameter ratio is shown to be an important optimization parameter and experimental evaluation of the cusped field thruster over a wide range of this parameter is presented. Beam profile measurements 5 cm downstream of the accelerator grid indicate a beam profile flatness parameter which is 25% greater than the SERT II value. Flatness parameters extrapolated to the plane of the accelerator grid are demonstrated to be as high as 0.9.

Beattie, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Design, construction and long life endurance testing of cathode assemblies for use in microwave high-power transmitting tubes

The ability of state of the art cathode types to produce current densities of 2A/sq cm, respectively, over a minimum designed life of 30,000 hours of continuous operation without failures was demonstrated. The performance of the state of the art cathode types was evaluated by endurance testing while operating under identical electrical geometrical, and vacuum conditions that realistically duplicate the operating conditions present in a transmitter tube. Although there has been considerable life testing done on high current density types of cathodes, these have beem primarily limited to diodes. A diode and high power microwave tube are grossly different devices. A comparison of these two devices is provided. A diode and high power microwave tube are quite different; one could therefore assume different internal environments, especially in the cathode region. Therefore, in order to establish life capabilities of the cathodes just mentioned, they should be tested in a vehicle which has an internal environment similar to that of a high power microwave tube.

Gorshe, R.↗