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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Plasma regimes in the deep geomagnetic tail - ISEE 3

The spacecraft remained close to or within a previously unexplored part of the distant (60-220 earth radii) geomagnetic tail nearly continuously from January 1 to March 30, 1983. Analysis of the data reveals that all of the plasma regimes identified previously with near-earth measurements (plasma sheet, low-latitude boundary layer, plasma mantle, lobe, and magnetosheath) remain recognizable in the distant tail. These regimes, however, are found to be intermingled in a more chaotic fashion than near the earth. Within the plasma sheet at approximately 200 earth radii, typical flow velocities are about 500 km/s tailward, considerably higher than in the near-earth plasma sheet. Earthward flow within the plasma sheet is observed occasionally, indicating the temporary presence of a neutral line beyond 220 earth radii. Also found are strong bidirectional electron anisotropies throughout much of the distant plasma sheet, boundary layer, and magnetosheath.

Bame, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Radio Plasma Imager Simulations and Measurements

The Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) will be the first-of-its kind instrument designed to use radio wave sounding techniques to perform repetitive remote sensing measurements of electron number density (N(sub e)) structures and the dynamics of the magnetosphere and plasmasphere. RPI will fly on the Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) mission to be launched early in the year 2000. The design of the RPI is based on recent advances in radio transmitter and receiver design and modern digital processing techniques perfected for ground-based ionospheric sounding over the last two decades. Free-space electromagnetic waves transmitted by the RPI located in the low density magnetospheric cavity will be reflected at distant plasma cutoffs. The location and characteristics of the plasma at those remote reflection points can then be derived from measurements of the echo amplitude, phase, delay time, frequency, polarization, Doppler shift, and echo direction. The 500 m tip-to-tip X and Y (spin plane) antennas and 20 m boom Z axis antenna on RPI will be used to measures echoes coming from distances of several R(sub E).

Green, J. L.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Continuum radiated power density $(P^{\textrm{C}}_{\textrm{rad}})$ and effective charge $(Z_{\textrm{eff}})$ estimates from multi-energy photon-counting measurements

Multi-energy soft x-ray pinhole cameras have been designed, built, calibrated, and operated at Madison symmetric Torus, Alcator C-Mod, and more recently at Tokamak a configuration variable and Tungsten Environment in Steady-State Tokamak (WEST), to measure plasma emission across multiple energy ranges. Here we describe a new methodology to estimate the local continuum radiated power density and the plasma effective charge (Z eff ) directly from photon-counting measurements of the line-free continuum emission (Bremsstrahlung and Radiative Recombination) in several energy bands between 11 and 18 keV. This capability is particularly valuable for confinement systems using metal plasma-facing components, where x-ray losses from interactions with the sputtered wall can represent a significant fraction of the total radiated power (P rad ). The approach leverages a well-characterized detector responsivity, modeled by a complementary error function, and interprets the differential multi-energy measurements between adjacent energy levels through the probability density function of a Gaussian distribution. The implementation of this diagnostic technique is currently under development on the WEST tokamak, aiming at the goal of providing real-time P rad and Z eff measurements during long-pulse operation (up to 1000 s) in the 2026 campaign.

WEST↗
NASA NTRS1990

Whistlers in Neptune's magnetosphere: Evidence of atmospheric lightning

During the Voyager 2 flyby of Neptune, a series of 16 whistler-like events were detected by the plasma wave instrument near closest approach. These events were observed at radial distances from 1.30 to 1.99 R sub N and magnetic latitudes from -7 to 33 deg. The frequencies ranged from 6.1 to 12.0 kHz, and the dispersions fit the Eckersley law for lightning-generated whistlers. Lightning in the atmosphere of Neptune is the only known source of such signals. The frequency range of the whistlers (up to 12 kHz) indicates that the local electron densities are substantially higher (N sub e greater than 30 t0 100 per cu cm) than indicated by the in situ plasma measurements. The dispersion of the whistlers is very large, typically 26,000 sec Hz(exp 0.5). Based on existing plasma density models and measurements, the dispersions are too large to be accounted for by a single direct path from the lightning source to the spacecraft. Therefore, multiple bounces from one hemisphere to the other are required. The most likely propagation path probably involves a lightning source on the dayside of the planet, with repeated bounces through the dense dayside ionosphere at low L-values.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Whistlers in Neptune's magnetosphere - Evidence of atmospheric lightning

During the Voyager 2 flyby of Neptune, a series of 16 whistler-like events were detected by the plasma wave instrument near closest approach. These events were observed at radial distances from 1.30 to 1.99 R sub N and magnetic latitudes from -7 to 33 deg. The frequencies ranged from 6.1 to 12.0 kHz, and the dispersions fit the Eckersley law for lightning-generated whistlers. Lightning in the atmosphere of Neptune is the only known source of such signals. The frequency range of the whistlers (up to 12 kHz) indicates that the local electron densities are substantially higher (N sub e greater than 30 to 100 per cu cm) than indicated by the in situ plasma measurements. The dispersion of the whistlers is very large, typically 26,000 sec Hz(exp 0.5). Based on existing plasma density models and measurements, the dispersions are too large to be accounted for by a single direct path from the lightning source to the spacecraft. Therefore, multiple bounces from one hemisphere to the other are required. The most likely propagation path probably involves a lightning source on the dayside of the planet, with repeated bounces through the dense dayside ionosphere at low L-values.

Gurnett, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Gender Differences in Baroreflex Sensitivity after Bed Rest

Two potential contributing factors to post-spaceflight orthostatic intolerance are decreases in baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and sympathetic nervous system response. The purpose of this study was to examine the shape of the BRS curve and sympathetic response to a wide range of blood pressures (BP) before and during 6 head-down bed rest (BR). METHODS: Normal volunteers were tested one day before BR (20M, 1 0F) and near BR days 30 (20M, 10F), 60 (16M, 8F), and 90 (1 0M, 5F). BP was pharmacologically manipulated by 10-min infusions of phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at 3 increasing concentrations with a 20-min rest between PE and SNP. Electrocardiogram and continuous finger blood pressure were recorded. A blood sample was drawn at the end of each infusion to measure plasma norepinephrine levels. The spontaneous baroreflex slope (SBS), a measure of BRS, was calculated as the slope of a sequence of 3 or more beats in which the systolic BP (SBP) and following R-R interval (RR) both increased or decreased. The data included saturated responses at the upper but not the lower end of the BP range. Mean response curves were constructed using second-order mixed model analysis. Results are based on term significance in the models. RESULTS RR: RR was lower during BR than pre BR (p<0.001). Pre BR males were modeled by a linear RR response to SBP (p=0.000) while females had a quadratic response which saturated at high SBP (p=0.019). By day 30, both genders were modeled by a linear response; compared to males, females had an attenuated (lower slope) RR response to changes in SBP (p=0.031). SBS: SBS vs SBP analysis showed a lower SBS during BR (p<0.001) when compared to pre BR. Females had a higher SBS than males pre BR (p=0.006). Females exhibited saturating SBS at higher SBP (p=0.016) on day 30, while males were modeled by a linear SBS response to SBP (p=0.035). NE: Females had different NE response to diastolic BP than males pre BR (p=0.035) and on day 30 (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: NE, RR and SBS responses to BP are affected by gender and BR. Not only do gender and BR baseline differences exist, but gender and BR also influence the slope and saturation of the BRS curves. Attenuated and saturating RR and SBS responses, as well as differences in baseline values, may contribute to the higher rates of orthostatic intolerance in women and after bed rest.

Arzeno, Natalia M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Electromagnetic Radiation in the Plasma Environment Around the Shuttle

As part of the SAMPIE (The Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment) program, the Langmuir probe (LP) was employed to measure plasma characteristics during the flight STS-62. The whole set of data could be divided into two parts: (1) low frequency sweeps to determine voltage-current characteristics and to find electron temperature and number density; (2) high frequency turbulence (HFT dwells) data caused by electromagnetic noise around the shuttle. The broadband noise was observed at frequencies 250-20,000 Hz. Measurements were performed in ram conditions; thus, it seems reasonable to believe that the influence of spacecraft operations on plasma parameters was minimized. The average spectrum of fluctuations is in agreement with theoretical predictions. According to purposes of SAMPIE, the samples of solar cells were placed in the cargo bay of the shuttle, and high negative bias voltages were applied to them to initiate arcing between these cells and surrounding plasma. The arcing onset was registered by special counters, and data were obtained that included the amplitudes of current, duration of each arc, and the number of arcs per one experiment. The LP data were analyzed for two different situations: with arcing and without arcing. Electrostatic noise spectra for both situations and theoretical explanation of the observed features are presented in this report.

Vayner, Boris V.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Low Frequency Waves in the Plasma Environment Around the Shuttle

As a part of the SAMPIE (The Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment) program, the Langmuir probe (LP) was employed to measure plasma characteristics during the flight of STS-62. The whole set of data could be divided into two parts: (1) low frequency sweeps to determine voltage-current characteristics and to find the electron temperature and number density; (2) high frequency turbulence (HFT) data caused by electromagnetic noise around the Shuttle. Broadband noise was observed at 250-20,000 Hz frequencies. Measurements were performed in ram conditions; thus, it seems reasonable to believe that the influence of spacecraft operations on plasma parameters was minimized. It is shown that ion acoustic waves were observed, and two kinds of instabilities are suggested for explanation of the origin of these waves. According to the purposes of SAMPIE, samples of solar cells were placed in the cargo bay of the Shuttle, and high negative bias voltages were applied to them to initiate arcing between these cells and the surrounding plasma. The arcing onset was registered by special counters, and data were obtained that included the amplitudes of current, duration of each arc, and the number of arcs per one experiment. The LP data were analyzed for two different situations: with arcing and without arcing. Electrostatic noise spectra for both situations and a theoretical explanation of the observed features are presented in this paper.

Vayner, Boris V.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reconstructing 3-D Asymmetries in Laser-Direct-Drive Implosions on OMEGA

Three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms have been developed which determine the hot-spot velocity, hot-spot apparent ion temperature distribution, and fuel areal-density distribution present in laser-direct- drive inertial confinement fusion implosions on the OMEGA laser. These reconstructions rely on multiple independent measurements of the neutron energy spectrum emitted from the fusing plasma. Measurements of the neutron energy spectrum on OMEGA are made using a suite of quasi-orthogonal neutron time-of-flight detectors and a magnetic recoil spectrometer. These spectrometers are positioned strategically around the OMEGA target chamber to provide unique 3-D measurements of the conditions of the fusing hot spot and compressed fuel near peak compression. The uncertainties involved in these 3-D reconstructions are discussed and are used to identify a new nTOF diagnostic line of sight which when built will reduce the uncertainty in the hot-spot apparent ion temperature distribution from 700 to <400 eV.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Reconstructing 3D asymmetries in laser-direct-drive implosions on OMEGA

Three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms have been developed which determine the hot-spot velocity, hot-spot apparent ion temperature distribution, and fuel areal density distribution present in laser-direct-drive inertial con finement fusion implosions on the OMEGA laser. These reconstructions rely on multiple independent measurements of the neutron energy spectrum emitted from the fusing plasma. Measurements of the neutron energy spectrum on OMEGA are made using a suite of quasi-orthogonal neutron time-of-flight detectors and a magnetic recoil spectrometer. These spectrometers are positioned strategically around the OMEGA target chamber to provide unique 3-D measurements of the conditions of the fusing hot spot and compressed fuel near peak compression. Here, the uncertainties involved in these 3-D reconstructions are discussed and are used to identify a new nTOF diagnostic line of sight which when built will reduce the uncertainty in the hot-spot apparent ion temperature distribution from 0.7 to < 0.4 keV.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigation of heat transport using directly driven gold spheres

Recently, heat transport was investigated using a directly driven beryllium sphere [Farmer et al., Phys. Plasmas 27, 082701 (2020)]. Models that overly restrict heat transport were rejected. This paper extends work to directly driven gold spheres where radiation loss is more important. Here, gold coated spheres are directly driven at the OMEGA laser facility at intensities of 5×10 14 W/cm 2 . Plasma conditions, laser coupling, and x-ray flux are all measured. Additionally, comparisons to 2D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations are performed. Simulations use three common heat transport models: local transport with flux limiters of f = 0.15 and f = 0.03, and the nonlocal Schurtz–Nicolai–Busquet (SNB) model. It is shown that both the SNB model and f = 0.15 match the measured plasma conditions with the SNB model better capturing the temporal evolution of electron temperature. The f = 0.03 model predicts too low of an electron density and too hot of a temperature. The measured scattered light is roughly 6% of the incident energy, the f = 0.15 and SNB models predict 0.5% uncoupled light, and f = 0.03, 38% uncoupled light. The x-ray fluxes in the f = 0.15 and SNB simulations rise too quickly and are just outside the measurement's error, while the x-ray flux in the f = 0.03 simulation is low by a factor of two-three. For these reasons, the f = 0.03 model is rejected.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1989

ECR plasma thruster research - Preliminary theory and experiments

A preliminary theory of the operation of the electron-cyclotron-resonance (ECR) plasma thruster is described along with an outline of recent experiments. This work is presented to communicate the status of an ongoing research effort directed at developing a unified theory to quantitatively describe the operation of the ECR plasma thruster. The theory is presented as a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and boundary conditions which describe the plasma density, velocity, and electron temperature. Diagnostic tools developed to measure plasma conditions in the existing research device are described.

Sercel, Joel C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Transfer Orbit Plasma Interaction Experiment (TROPIX)

Viewgraphs on the Transfer Orbit Plasma Interaction Experiment (TROPIX) are presented. Objectives of this research are (1) to map the charged particles in Earth's magnetosphere from LEO to GEO at high inclinations; (2) to measure plasma current collection and resulting shifts in vehicle electrical potential from LEO to GEO across range of orbital inclinations; (3) to study spacecraft interaction with plasma environment using solar electric propulsion (SEP) thrusters as plasma contactors; (4) to measure array degradation over mission duration; (5) to evaluate the potential of various microelectronics, spacecraft components, and instruments for future space missions; and (6) to demonstrate SEP technology applied to a flight vehicle. An overview of TROPIX is presented.

Hickman, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1987

An experimental investigation of the plasma contacting process

Measurements including plasma potential profile measurements made on a simple hollow cathode plasma contactor operating in the electron collection and emission modes are described. The ignited electron collection mode of contactor operation is identified, shown to improve contactor performance and found to be facilitated by increasing the size of the contactor anode. Potential profile data are compared to the predictions of a simple theoretical model that describes space-charge-current limitations imposed by the formation of a double sheath and found to agree with each other to within about + or - 25 percent. Because electrons, which are the dominant charge carriers, tend to be emitted from the hollow cathode in the emission mode and collected by the anode in the collection mode it is suggested that operation at high electrodynamic tether currents will probably require switching the point of tether connection to the contactor between its cathode and anode when the direction of tether current is reversed.

Wilbur, Paul J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

New observations of plasma vortices and insights into their interpretation

Two- and three-dimensional plasma measurements and three-dimensional magnetic field measurements made with the ISEE 1 and 2 satellites during sixteen plasma vortex occurrences in the magnetotail plasma sheet are used to develop a fuller description of the vortex phenomenon than has existed heretofore. The phase and energy propagation properties of the vortex waves was studied in particular. The rotation period of the vortices (T = 10 + or - 5 minutes) is apparently independent of location, while the wavelength (lambda not less than several Re) increases with increasing distance down the tail, pointing to a global mode of propagation in which effects of inhomogeneous equilibrium are important. The flow rotation can be explained by propagation of surface waves or resonant waves in a uniform medium. Other observed features, however, require a nonuniform model: nonuniform propagation properties and differences of the phase propagation speed calculated from different components of velocity or magnetic field.

Hones, E. W., Jr.↗