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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

Interactive Power to Frequency Dynamics Between Grid-Forming Inverters and Synchronous Generators in Power Electronics-Dominated Power Systems

With increased attention on grid-forming inverters as a power system stabilizing device during high shares of inverter-based resource operations, there is a present need for a transparent and methodical investigation of the inverted and direct power to frequency control capabilities and impacts of these devices on emerging power systems. Here, analysis of the frequency dynamics of the droop-controlled grid-forming inverter and the synchronous generator illuminates the inverted active power-frequency relationship and the frequency response order reduction, forming the basis for novel, nonlinear frequency control approaches. Device-level electromagnetic transient domain simulations corroborate the order-reduction findings, establish that a properly designed dc-side system has a negligible impact on power transfer and will not impede frequency regulation, and confirm the primary frequency response improvement with nonlinear control. Simulations of the 9- and 39-bus test systems validate the order reduction and associated decoupling of the nadir and rate of change of frequency in larger networks. Oscillatory mode analysis confirms the grid-forming benefit of increased damping; decreased damping is observed at shares above 80%, but not at 100%. Finally, simulations on a validated Maui power system model with a 96% of inverter-based resources model yield a trend toward a first-order response.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Particle acceleration, magnetic field generation, and emission in relativistic pair jets

Shock acceleration is a ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical plasmas. Recent simulations show that the Weibel instability created by relativistic pair jets is responsible for particle (electron, positron, and ion) acceleration. Using a 3-D relativistic electromagnetic particle (REMP) code, we have investigated particle acceleration associated with a relativistic jet propagating through an ambient plasma with and without initial magnetic fields. The growth rates of the Weibel instability depends on the distribution of pair jets. The Weibel instability created in the collisionless shock accelerates particles perpendicular and parallel to the jet propagation direction. This instability is also responsible for generating and amplifying highly nonuniform, small-scale magnetic fields, which contribute to the electron s transverse deflection behind the jet head. The jitter radiation from deflected electrons has different properties than synchrotron radiation which is calculated in a uniform magnetic field. This jitter radiation may be important to understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets, and supernova remnants.

Nishikawa, K.-I.↗

Particle Acceleration, Magnetic Field Generation, and Emission in Relativistic Pair Jets

Shock acceleration is a ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical plasmas. Plasma waves and their associated instabilities (e.g., the Buneman instability, two-streaming instability, and the Weibel instability) created by relativistic pair jets are responsible for particle (electron, positron, and ion) acceleration. Using a 3-D relativistic electromagnetic particle (REMP) code, we have investigated particle acceleration associated with a relativistic jet propagating through an ambient plasma with and without initial magnetic fields. The growth rates of the Weibel instability depends on the distribution of pair jets. Simulations show that the Weibel instability created in the collisionless shock accelerates particles perpendicular and parallel to the jet propagation direction. The simulation results show that this instability is responsible for generating and amplifying highly nonuniform, small-scale magnetic fields, which contribute to the electron's transverse deflection behind the jet head. The "jitter" radiation from deflected electrons has different properties than synchrotron radiation which is calculated in a uniform magnetic field. This jitter radiation may be important to understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets, and supernova remnants.

Nishikawa, K.-I.↗

F-106 data summary and model results relative to threat criteria and protection design analysis

The NASA F-106 has acquired considerable data on the rates-of-change of electromagnetic parameters on the aircraft surface during 690 direct lightning strikes while penetrating thunderstorms at altitudes ranging from 15,000 to 40,000 feet. These in-situ measurements have provided the basis for the first statistical quantification of the lightning electromagnetic threat to aircrat appropriate for determining lightning indirect effects on aircraft. The data are presently being used in updating previous lightning criteria and standards developed over the years from ground-based measurements. The new lightning standards will, therefore, be the first which reflect actual aircraft responses measured at flight altitudes. The modeling technique developed to interpret and understand the direct strike electromagnetic data acquired on the F-106 provides a means to model the interaction of the lightning channel with the F-106. The reasonable results obtained with the model, compared to measured responses, yield confidence that the model may be credibly applied to other aircraft types and uses in the prediction of internal coupling effects in the design of lightning protection for new aircraft.

Pitts, F. L.↗

Quantifying the Role of EMIC Wave Scattering During the 27 February 2014 Storm by RAM–SCB Simulations

Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) wave scattering has been proved to be responsible for the fast loss of both radiation belt (RB) electrons and ring current (RC) protons. However, its role in the concurrent dropout of these two co–located populations remains to be quantified. In this work, we study the effect of EMIC wave scattering on both populations during the 27 February 2014 storm by employing the global physics–based RAM–SCB model. Throughout this storm event, MeV RB electrons and 100s keV RC protons experienced simultaneous dropout following the occurrence of intense EMIC waves. By implementing data–driven initial and boundary conditions, we perform simulations for both populations through the interplay with EMIC waves and compare them against Van Allen Probes observations. Notably, the results indicate that by including EMIC wave scattering loss, especially by the He–band EMIC waves, the model aligns closely with data for both populations. Additionally, we investigate the simulated pitch angle distributions (PADs) for both populations. Including EMIC wave scattering in our model predicts a 90° peaked PAD for electrons with stronger losses at lower pitch angles, while protons exhibit an isotropic PAD with enhanced losses at pitch angles above 40°. Furthermore, our model predicts considerable precipitation of both particle populations, predominantly confined to the afternoon to midnight sector (12 hr < MLT < 24 hr) during the storm's main phase, corresponding closely with the presence of EMIC waves.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Metastable argon dynamics in a pulsed microplasma at 43 GHz

Short pulses of millimeter wave (MMW) radiation at 43 GHz create microplasma within a photonic crystal for pressures from 40 to 600 Torr (1.3 × 10 3 –8.0 × 10 4 Pa). Gas breakdown occurs within a photonic crystal, which acts as an electromagnetic resonator to create a strong initial electric field. The time response of the argon metastable density is experimentally determined during the pulse and in the afterglow using laser absorption. The metastable density overshoots the steady-state condition at the beginning of the pulse and during the afterglow. Modeling is presented to understand these observations. The overproduction of argon 1s5 at the beginning of each pulse is due to a concurrent overshoot in the MMW electric field within the photonic crystal. This field overheats the plasma electrons and enhances the production of excited states. The burst of argon metastables observed in the afterglow is due to the pooled energy of the plasma stored in electrons, ions, and excited states of argon. As a result, understanding metastable production is an important intermediate step to ionization and is also critical in the study of diode-pumped rare gas lasers.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A section 110 evaluation of the huron king test chamber, area 3, nevada national security site, nye county, nevada

The U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Field Office tasked Desert Research Institute (DRI) with the identification and evaluation of the Huron King Test Chamber as part of their cultural resources program obligations under Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Huron King nuclear test was a vertical line-of-sight weapons effects test that took place in Area 3 on June 24, 1980. Unique to this event was a specially designed aboveground test chamber that held a model defense communications satellite in a vacuum tank meant to replicate the space environment. Sponsored by the Defense Nuclear Agency, the purpose of the experiment was to understand the response of the satellite and its materials and equipment to an electromagnetic pulse and attendant radiation. Between July and August 2022, DRI conducted an archival review on the Huron King experiment and its associated test chamber. Subsequently, pedestrian fieldwork was undertaken at the Huron King Test Chamber by DRI on September 29, 2022. During fieldwork, the outside of the test chamber was documented using a Nevada State Historic Preservation Office Architectural Resource Assessment form. This effort included verifying the substructures that compose the test chamber as determined by the archival review, as well as obtaining a detailed photographic recordation of the exterior and assessing its current condition. Notably, the site where the Huron King test took place has been abandoned and almost entirely naturalized. All of the portable instrumentation trailers, communications and data cabling, and winch systems used to retract the test chamber following the detonation were removed after completion of the experiment in 1980. Only the subsidence crater and the test chamber remain as physical evidence of this experiment. Based on these findings, DRI recommends that the Huron King Test Chamber is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) at the local level under Significance Criteria A and C and that it meets Criteria Consideration G for properties less than 50 years old.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Particle Acceleration in Relativistic Jets due to Weibel Instability

Shock acceleration is an ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical plasmas. Plasma waves and their associated instabilities (e.g., the Buneman instability, two-streaming instability, and the Weibel instability) created in the shocks are responsible for particle (electron, positron, and ion) acceleration. Using a 3-D relativistic electromagnetic particle (REMP) code, we have investigated particle acceleration associated with a relativistic jet front propagating through an ambient plasma with and without initial magnetic fields. We find only small differences in the results between no ambient and weak ambient magnetic fields. Simulations show that the Weibel instability created in the collisionless shock front accelerates particles perpendicular and parallel to the jet propagation direction. The simulation results show that this instability is responsible for generating and amplifying highly nonuniform, small-scale magnetic fields, which contribute to the electron s transverse deflection behind the jet head. The jitter radiation (Medvedev 2000) from deflected electrons has different properties than synchrotron radiation which is calculated in a uniform magnetic field. This jitter radiation may be important to understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets, and supernova remnants.

Nishikawa, K.↗

Tunable high Néel temperature and large anomalous Hall response in antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn 3 Sn 1− x Ga x thin films

Antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetals based on Mn 3 X(X = Ge, Sn, Ga) kagome compounds exhibit the same ferromagnetic-like responses, including anomalous Hall, Nernst, and magneto-optical effects, as recently discussed for altermagnets. Driven by the Berry curvature due to Weyl fermions, these materials show a disproportionately large magnitude of electromagnetic effects even in the absence of large magnetization. For applications it is crucial to realize these responses in a wide range of temperatures both below and above 300 K. While stoichiometric Mn 3 X materials do not offer optimal performance, we show that Mn 3 Sn 1−x Ga x sputtered films with a variable composition offers a tunable Néel temperature, T N ≈ 425 ± 6–500 ± 15 K, which is crucial for device applications, together with a large tunable anomalous Hall effect. Our thin film growth method enables continuous and precise control over the film composition between x = 0 and x = 1. Through a detailed magnetization and Hall transport, we establish the magnetic phase diagram for the hexagonal Mn 3 Sn 1−x Ga x . Our results reveal an enhanced T N and antichiral magnetic phase in Ga-doped Mn 3 Sn and an enhanced anomalous Hall magnitude in Sn-doped Mn 3 Ga compared to their stoichiometric undoped forms. Our work demonstrates a route to optimize the technologically relevant antiferromagnets for various applications.

Magnetic properties and materials↗

The scattering of electromagnetic pulses by a slit in a conducting screen

A direct method for calculating the impulse response of a slit in a conducting screen is presented which is derived specifically for the analysis of transient scattering by two-dimensional objects illuminated by a plane incident wave. The impulse response is obtained by assuming that the total response is composed of two sequences of diffracted waves. The solution is determined for the first two waves in one sequence by using Green's functions and the equivalence principle, for additional waves in the sequence by iteration, and for the other sequence by a transformation of coordinates. The cases of E-polarization and H-polarization are considered.

Ackerknecht, W. E., III↗

EMP-Resilient Electric Grid Transformer Analysis

The response of a high - voltage (HV) transformer to fast rise time voltages, such as that from a electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can result in interruption of power distribution and possibly system failure. To help identify these potential occurrences, it is necessary to develop a transformer model that not only captures the input/output response of the transformer but also the internal behavior. The model constructed should cover the frequency band of interest while capturing the internal physical and electrical characteristics. This broad-band, high-fidelity model would enable the prediction of unwanted effects through simulation. A proposed modeling scheme for a HV transformer is described in Part 1 of this report. Part 2 of this report details assessments of internal voltage and electrical field holdoff testing of transformer insulation dielectric breakdown, including comparison of low frequency (DC/60 Hz) holdoff to rise times characteristic of lightning (1 s) and EMP E1 transients (10 - 30 ns). This initial project is a path toward establishing electrical grid transformer failure criteria for EMP voltage transients. We developed modeling methods and measured breakdown electrical field statistical distributions for direct current, 60 Hz, lightning and EMP characteristic voltage rise times. Methods of nanosecond-scale capacitive discharge unit high voltage source development, suggestions for derating of 60 Hz insulation maximum electrical fields for EMP nanosecond pulse voltage withstand rating, and potential methods for increasing transformer resilience to such fast rise time pulses are described.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Particle Acceleration and Emission in Relativistic Jets

Shock wave acceleration is an ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical plasmas. Plasma waves and their associated instabilities (e.g., the Buneman instability, two-streaming instability, and the Weibel instability) created in the shocks are responsible for particle (electron, positron, and ion) acceleration. Using a 3-D relativistic electromagnetic particle (REMP) code, we have investigated particle acceleration associated with a relativistic jet front propagating through an ambient plasma with and without initial magnetic fields. We find only small differences in the results between no ambient and weak ambient magnetic fields. Simulations show that the Weibel instability created in the collisionless shock front accelerates particles perpendicular and parallel to the jet propagation direction. While some Fermi acceleration may occur at the jet front, the majority of electron acceleration takes place behind the jet front and cannot be characterized as Fermi acceleration. The simulation results show that this instability is responsible for generating and amplifying highly nonuniform, small-scale magnetic fields, which contribute to the electron's transverse deflection behind the jet head. The 'jitter' radiation from deflected electrons has different properties than synchrotron radiation which is calculated in a uniform magnetic field. This jitter radiation may be important to understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets, and supernova remnants.

Nishikawa, K.↗

Particle Acceleration and Radiation associated with Magnetic Field Generation from Relativistic Collisionless Shocks

Shock acceleration is an ubiquitous phenomenon in astrophysical plasmas. Plasma waves and their associated instabilities (e.g., the Buneman instability, two-streaming instability, and the Weibel instability) created in the shocks are responsible for particle (electron, positron, and ion) acceleration. Using a 3-D relativistic electromagnetic particle (REMP) code, we have investigated particle acceleration associated with a relativistic jet front propagating through an ambient plasma with and without initial magnetic fields. We find only small differences in the results between no ambient and weak ambient magnetic fields. Simulations show that the Weibel instability created in the collisionless shock front accelerates particles perpendicular and parallel to the jet propagation direction. While some Fermi acceleration may occur at the jet front, the majority of electron acceleration takes place behind the jet front and cannot be characterized as Fermi acceleration. The simulation results show that this instability is responsible for generating and amplifying highly nonuniform, small-scale magnetic fields, which contribute to the electron s transverse deflection behind the jet head. The "jitter" radiation from deflected electrons has different properties than synchrotron radiation which is calculated in a uniform magnetic field. This jitter radiation may be important to understanding the complex time evolution and/or spectral structure in gamma-ray bursts, relativistic jets, and supernova remnants.

Nishikawa, K.↗

Identifying Large Transients within ARTEMIS Solar Wind Data for Nightside Time Domain Electromagnetic Sounding

Mysteries regarding the Moon’s internal composition persist. By studying the induced magnetic fields produced by the Moon in response to changes in the magnetic field of the surrounding solar wind, inferences can be made regarding the associated eddy currents and thus regarding the electrical conductivities of the lunar regions hosting these currents. In this manner, a greater understanding of the Moon’s inner geophysical properties can be garnered. This investigative strategy, known as electromagnetic sounding, can be employed using magnetic field data from the ARTEMIS satellites. In particular, data taken from time intervals in which one satellite is within the lunar wake and within 500 km of the surface while the other is relatively far from the surface immersed within the pristine solar wind. Per Faraday’s Law, the steeper the magnetic transient from the solar wind, the greater the current induced within the Moon, and per Ampère’s Law, the greater this induced current, the larger the magnetic field it produces. Larger signals generally feature higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Thus, larger transients tend to produce more valuable data in terms of sounding. The enhanced separation between source signal and reaction signal via the aforementioned positioning of the probes during time intervals of interest augments the SNRs as well. Here we discuss tools developed in Python (making use of the PySPEDAS package) that expedites the task of identifying large magnetic transients within these time frames of interest. These exceptional changes in magnetic field are then evaluated for use in electromagnetic sounding as described above. We have identified 51 major transient events (during times of interest) from 8/1/2011 to 7/31/2021. One key hurdle we overcame was identifying and navigating data gaps. These data gaps would often interfere with our time intervals of interest, necessitating an algorithm to avoid them.

Moons↗

Model of the Radio Frequency (RF) Excitation Response from Monopole and Dipole Antennas in a Large Scale Tank

Good antenna-mode coupling is needed for determining the amount of propellant in a tank through the method of radio frequency mass gauging (RFMG). The antenna configuration and position in a tank are important factors in coupling the antenna to the natural electromagnetic modes. In this study, different monopole and dipole antenna mounting configurations and positions were modeled and responses simulated in a full-scale tank model with the transient solver of CST Microwave Studio (CST Computer Simulation Technology of America, Inc.). The study was undertaken to qualitatively understand the effect of antenna design and placement within a tank on the resulting radio frequency (RF) tank spectrum.

Wilson, Jeffrey D.↗

Infrared all-dielectric Kerker metasurfaces

The unidirectional scattering of electromagnetic waves in the backward and forward direction, termed Kerkers’ first and second conditions, respectively, is a prominent feature of sub-wavelength particles, which also has been found recently in all-dielectric metasurfaces. Here we formulate the exact polarizability requirements necessary to achieve both Kerker conditions simultaneously with dipole terms only and demonstrate its equivalence to so-called “invisible metasurfaces”. We further describe the perfect absorption mechanism in all-dielectric metasurfaces through development of an extended Kerker formalism. The phenomena of both invisibility and perfect absorption is shown in a 2D hexagonal array of cylindrical resonators, where only the resonator height is modified to switch between the two states. The developed framework provides critical insight into the range of scattering response possible with all-dielectric metasurfaces, providing a methodology for studying exotic electromagnetic phenomena.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Advances in the Large Area Picosecond Photo-Detector (LAPPD TM ): 8" × 8" MCP-PMT with Capacitively Coupled Readout

Abstract We present advances made in the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD), an 8" × 8" microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT), since pilot production was initiated at Incom, Inc. in 2018. The Gen-I LAPPD utilizes a stripline anode for direct charge readout. The novel Gen-II LAPPD employs an internal resistive thin-film which capacitively couples to a customizable external signal readout board, streamlining production and increasing customer flexibility. The Gen-II LAPPD, with an active area of 373 cm 2 , is capable of high single photoelectron (PE) gain of ∼10 7 , low dark rates (∼1 kHz/cm 2 ), single PE (SPE) timing resolution of ∼65 ps, and 𝒪(mm) position resolution. Coupled with a UV-grade fused silica window, the LAPPD features a high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathode of >30% at 365 nm with spectral response down to ∼165 nm. The LAPPD is an excellent candidate for electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) timing layers, photon-based neutrino detectors, high energy collider experiments, medical imaging systems, and nuclear non-proliferation applications.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗

Distributed-switch Dicke radiometers

A radiometer on an orbiting spacecraft is described which derives high spatial resolution information from terrestrial and atmospheric regions. The N elements or subapertures on the spacecraft transduce electromagnetic energy into electric signals. Many or all of the elements are simultaneously illuminated by electromagnetic energy radiated from the same region. Identical, parallel processing channels are responsive to the N elements. Each of the channels includes a variable gain amplifier responsive to the signal transduced by its corresponding array elements. The gain of each amplifier is controlled as a function of the output difference when the channel is connected periodically to each of a pair of Dicke noise sources, such as resistors maintained at predetermined temperatures.

Levis, C. A.↗