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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Stabilization and control of persistent current magnets using variable inductance

Ultra-stable, tunable magnetic fields are desirable for a wide range of applications in medical imaging, electron microscopy, quantum science, and atomic physics. Superconducting magnets operated in persistent current mode, with device current flowing in a closed superconducting loop disconnected from a power source, are a common approach for applications with the most stringent requirements on temporal field stability. In this work, we present a method for active control of this persistent current by means of dynamic inductance change within the superconducting circuit. For a first realization of this general technique, we consider a variable superconducting inductor placed in series with the main magnet. The inductor acts as a dynamic flux storage device capable of transferring flux to or from the main magnet through inductance change. This allows for fine and fast adjustments of the persistent current without the use of thermal switches that limit the speed and accuracy of many present-day methods. With first experiments employing this technique, we demonstrate stabilization of a 1.95 T Nb–Ti round lens for electron microscopy against decay resulting from residual losses in the superconducting circuit, and more generally show flexibility for precise control over the magnitude and waveform of the persistent current.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Modeling Unconventional Superconductivity at the Crossover between Strong and Weak Electronic Interactions

High-temperature superconductivity emerges in many different quantum materials, often in regions of the phase diagram where the electronic kinetic energy is comparable to the electron-electron repulsion. Describing such intermediate-coupling regimes has proven challenging as standard perturbative approaches are inapplicable. In this study, we employ quantum Monte Carlo methods to solve a multiband Hubbard model that does not suffer from the sign problem and in which only repulsive interband interactions are present. In contrast to previous sign-problem-free studies, we treat magnetic, superconducting, and charge degrees of freedom on an equal footing. We find an antiferromagnetic dome accompanied by a metal-to-insulator crossover line in the intermediate-coupling regime, with a smaller superconducting dome appearing in the metallic region. Across the antiferromagnetic dome, the magnetic fluctuations change from overdamped in the metallic region to propagating in the insulating region. Our findings shed new light on the intertwining between superconductivity, magnetism, and charge correlations in quantum materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2019

Fusion-Enabled Pluto Orbiter and Lander

Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) is a unique fusion engine concept based on the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration (PFRC) fusion reactor conceived by Dr. Sam Cohen of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. DFD would enable the Pluto orbiter and lander context mission and more broadly enable true "rapid transit" to outer-planet and near interstellar space. The truly game-changing levels of thrust and power in a modestly sized package could integrate with our current launch infrastructure while radically expanding the science capability of these missions. Our Phase I was our first funded work on the DFD, with previous work at PSS occurring only under internal R&D. We established the feasibility of our Pluto mission trajectories using straight-line and planar models, including a departure spiral from Earth and insertion at Pluto. We developed our first thrust and specific impulse model using the results of the UEDGE multi-fluid code. Our specific power model was improved. During this Phase II effort, we continued our efforts to increase the fidelity of the designs for the RF, magnet, and shielding subsystems. Dedicated thrust augmentation experiments were run on the PFRC experiment, using a supersonic gas puffing valve. For the first time, we analyzed the design of a closed-loop operation mode and estimated the hardware that would be required for a dual-mode engine. In an exciting new development, we have invented a new thermophotovoltaic thermal conversion method that has the potential to have efficiencies of a Brayton or Stirling system. Our report presents details of these analyses. Our roadmap to bringing DFD to flight predicts that with sufficient support, a first flight unit could be built by 2040. We anticipate that three machine generations are required before this point: a ~1 T PFRC-3 machine hitting new plasma temperature and density levels, a ~5 T PFRC-4 machine with first demonstration of D-3He fusion, and a flight. (The current experiment, PFRC-2, is limited to about 0.1 T). In order to achieve a flight in 2035-2040, the TRL of the supporting systems must be increased in parallel, including low mass radiators, cryogenic propellant storage, and large (>100 kW) thermal conversion systems. Fortunately, many of these systems are dual-use and are required for other technologies including fission systems, so DFD would contribute to and benefit from those programs. This NIAC support and the results of our work have led to multiple follow-on contracts. We won two NASA STTRs focused on DFD subsystems, one on the RF system and one on the superconducting magnets, and our magnet STTR is now midway through a Phase II. We will be receiving a superconducting test magnet for experiments at PPPL this summer. In addition, we won an ARPA-E OPEN grant; this is the first time that OPEN has included fusion technologies, and we are part of a cohort of three alternative fusion companies now supported directly by DOE. We are very optimistic that if we are able to meet our experimental milestones in the next 12-18 months, we will be competitive for additional DOE grants to build PFRC-3.

Propulsion↗
DOE OSTI2021

High Performance Superconducting Undulator Development

Initial Phase I work has involved a collaborative technical analysis of the superconducting magnet design. ANL has provided CMI with a history of the SCAPE prototype including the short 0.5m wet coil versions as well as thoughts on possible manufacturing methods.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2004

Abundance of the Radioactive Be-10 in the Cosmic Radiation up to 2 GeVnucleon-l with the Balloon-borne Instrument ISOMAX1998

The Isotope Magnet Experiment (ISOMAX) a balloon-borne superconducting magnet spectrometer was designed to measure the isotopic composition of the light isotopes (3 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 8) of the cosmic radiation up to 4 GeV nucleon (exp -1) with a mass resolution of better than 0.25 amu by using the velocity vs. rigidity technique. To achieve this stringent mass resolution ISOMAX was comprised of three major detector systems, a magnetic rigidity spectrometer with a precision drift chamber tracker in conjunction with a three-layer time-of-flight system and two silica-aerogel Cherenkov counters for the velocity determination. A special emphasis of the ISOMAX program was the accurate measurement of radioactive Be-10 with respect to its stable neighbor isotope Be-9, which provides important constraints on the age of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. ISOMAX had its first balloon flight on August 4-5, 1998, from Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Thirteen hours of data were recorded during this flight at a residual atmosphere of less than 5 g per square centimeter. The isotopic ratio at the top of the atmosphere for Be-10/Be-9 was measured to be 0.195 plus or minus 0.036 (statistical) plus or minus 0.039 (systematic) between 0.26 - 1.03GeV nucleon (exp -1) and 0.317 plus or minus 0.109 (statistical) plus or minus 0.042 (systematic) between 1.13 - 2.03GeV nucleon(exp -1). This is the first measurement of its kind above 1 GeV nucleon (exp -1). ISOMAX results tend to be higher than predictions from current propagation models.

Hams, T.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Measurement of the Abundance of Radioactive Be-10 and Other Light Isotopes in Cosmic Radiation Up to 2 GeV /Nucleon with the Balloon-Borne Instrument Isomax

The Isotope Magnet Experiment (ISOMAX), a balloon-borne superconducting magnet spectrometer, was designed to measure the isotopic composition of the light isotopes (3 les than or = Z less than or = 8) of cosmic radiation up to 4 GeV/nucleon with a mass resolution of better than 0.25 amu by using the velocity versus rigidity technique. To achieve this stringent mass resolution, ISOMAX was composed of three major detector systems: a magnetic rigidity spectrometer with a precision drift chamber tracker in conjunction with a three-layer time-of-flight system, and two silica-aerogel Cerenkov counters for velocity determination. A special emphasis of the ISOMAX program was the accurate measurement of radioactive Be-10 with respect to its stable neighbor isotope Be-9, which provides important constraints on the age of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. ISOMAX had its first balloon flight on 1998 August 4-5 from Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Thirteen hours of data were recorded during this flight at a residual atmosphere of less than 5 g/sq cm. The isotopic ratio at the top of the atmosphere for Be-10/Be-9 was measured to be 0.195 +/- 0.036 (statistical) +/- 0.039 (systematic) between 0.26 and 1.03 GeV/nucleon and 0.317 +/- 0.109(statistical) +/- 0.042(systematic) between 1.13 and 2.03 GeV/nucleon. This is the first measurement of its kind above l GeV/nucleon. ISOMAX results tend to be higher than predictions from current propagation models. In addition to the beryllium results, we report the isotopic ratios of neighboring lithium and boron in the energy range of the time-of-flight system (up to approx. 1 GeV/nucleon). The lithium and boron ratios agree well with existing data and model predictions at similar energies.

Hams, T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

International Symposium on Magnetic Suspension Technology, Part 2

In order to examine the state of technology of all areas of magnetic suspension and to review related recent developments in sensors and controls approaches, superconducting magnet technology, and design/implementation practices, a symposium was held. The proceedings are presented. The sessions covered the areas of bearings, sensors and controls, microgravity and vibration isolation, superconductivity, manufacturing applications, wind tunnel magnetic suspension systems, magnetically levitated trains (MAGLEV), space applications, and large gap magnetic suspension systems.

Groom, Nelson J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

International Symposium on Magnetic Suspension Technology, Part 1

The goal of the symposium was to examine the state of technology of all areas of magnetic suspension and to review related recent developments in sensors and controls approaches, superconducting magnet technology, and design/implementation practices. The symposium included 17 technical sessions in which 55 papers were presented. The technical session covered the areas of bearings, sensors and controls, microgravity and vibration isolation, superconductivity, manufacturing applications, wind tunnel magnetic suspension systems, magnetically levitated trains (MAGLEV), space applications, and large gap magnetic suspension systems.

Nelson J Groom↗
DOE OSTI2020

Probing Electron Correlations in 1D Electronic Materials Using Single Quantum Channels (Final Technical Report)

This research focuses on the investigation of strong electron correlations in quasi-one-dimensional oxide nanostructures. The archetypical system consisting of heterostructures formed from an ultrathin layer of LaAlO 3 and TiO 2 -terminated SrTiO 3 offers a unique laboratory for probing strong correlations due to intrinsic richness of the physical system and its ability to be modulated at extreme nanoscale dimensions. Under suitable conditions, SrTiO 3 is known to exhibit a variety of important properties associated with strong electronic correlations, especially superconductivity, magnetism. Understanding the nature of these electronic correlations at fundamental scales, and in reduced spatial dimensions, will provide the scientific basis for new energy technologies, information technologies, and materials. The research program is motivated by recent discoveries and technical advances in the PIs' lab, specifically, (1) pioneering work to create conductive nanostructures to be created in LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 heterointerfaces with 2 nm spatial resolution, (2) the discovery of a novel correlated electronic phases in which electrons pair without forming a superconductor, and (3) the demonstrated ability to form high-quality quantum point contacts (QPCs) and achieve ballistic electron transport over micrometer-scales in LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 nanowires. The program has three major components. First, we have press forward to develop a full microscopic understanding of the mechanism for electron pairing in LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 nanostructures. Understanding the “glue” that leads to pairing and superconductivity in a doped semiconductor will help to form a scientific basis for the correlated oxide nanoelectronics platform being developed. Second, we have used their ability to create well-defined quantum channels in nanowires allows to allow novel “scattering” experiments to be performed that probe fundamentally new quasiparticle excitations using an unprecedented combination of experimental methodologies. Experiments already underway with artificially defined superlattices (5 nm period) demonstrate the feasibility of this approach. Third, we have investigated 1D correlations in proximally coupled nanowires, which are predicted exhibit Majorana-like zero modes in the absence of superconductivity or spin-orbit coupling. These studies provide insight not only into new and emergent phenomena in the rich class of complex oxides, but also fundamental mechanisms of superconductivity and magnetism. Thematically, the research aims to combine some of the most important and interesting challenges in the physics of semiconductor nanostructures and correlated electronic materials. The increased understanding of electron correlations can pave the way to the development of new materials with outstanding or novel properties, which could be relevant for energy-related technologies such as low-power high performance computing, quantum computation, or the development of novel materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Initial Development of Fusion Magnet Simulation Capabilities for Performance and Safety Evaluation Using the MOOSE Framework

Fusion energy holds the promise of being a transformative technology as a carbon-neutral, sustainable source of energy. Whole device modeling and the development of fusion digital twins will be increasingly important for emerging fusion device concepts at both national laboratories and within the commercial fusion industry. However, meeting the challenge of whole device modeling of fusion energy devices requires robust, multiphysics, multiscale modeling and simulation technologies capable of running on large-scale supercomputers. Detailed analysis of individual systems at-scale is also required to ensure safe and efficient operation as well as provide the safety basis for future device designs and licensing activities. In a tokamak, toroidal and poloidal magnets confine and shape the fusion plasma to promote the fusion reaction. High plasma temperatures and high magnetic field requirements in modern design concepts (leading to high amounts of energy stored within each magnet) impose electrical, thermal, and mechanical loads on the magnet components, which in turn impacts the safety considerations of the magnet and their supporting systems. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has a history of working in this space, including development and benchmarking of the Magnetic System Circuitry Analysis Program (MSCAP) and Magnet Arcing (MAGARC) codes to study magnet quench events; notably, MAGARC was used to study quenching during the ITER Engineering Design Activity. However, these legacy codes and capabilities are not parallel and scalable, and new tools are required for future advances in this area, which leads to the INL-developed Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework. Developed originally for fission reactor systems under United States Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy modeling and simulation programs, the MOOSE framework has been well-suited to multiscale, multiphysics modeling and simulation needs for nuclear systems. The framework is open-source, well-tested, under continuous development and deployment, and developed to a Nuclear Quality Assurance, Level 1 software quality standard. MOOSE has also been used in the fusion space previously in several projects: INL’s Tritium Migration Analysis Program, Version 8 (TMAP8) for tritium migration, UK Atomic Energy Authority’s A Unified Resource for OpenMC (fusion) Reactor Applications (AURORA) code for fusion thermo-mechanical and neutronics analysis, and Argonne National Laboratory’s Cardinal for high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics and neutronics. However, to model superconducting magnets, several MOOSE enhancements are required: additions to the current MOOSE electromagnetic capabilities, new material libraries for superconductors of interest (such as YBCO), as well as fusion-specific models for thermo-mechanics. This talk will discuss initial development activities to build these capabilities in MOOSE, focusing on initial validation and benchmarking activities. Proposed coupling workflows and future work to support the simulation of fusion magnets and magnet structural assemblies for performance and safety evaluation in MOOSE will also be discussed.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing to Identify Locations of Resistive Transitions in REBCO Conductors and Magnets

High-temperature superconductors such as REBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x (REBCO, RE = rare earth) can generate strong magnetic fields that are promising for applications in particle accelerators and compact fusion reactors. Traditionally, voltage taps are installed in superconducting magnets to measure the voltage signals due to resistive transitions. The voltage-tap-based diagnostics is important for the development of magnet technology as it can help pinpoint the locations in the magnet windings that limit the magnet performance. The architecture of the multi-tape REBCO cable such as CORC wires, however, makes it difficult to apply the voltage-tap-based diagnostics to identify the locations of resistive transitions. Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) has the potential to address this issue. In this paper, we report the measurements of thermal strain along a CORC wire based on optical frequency domain reflectometry with a maximum spatial resolution of 0.65 mm and a temporal resolution of 10 Hz. The optical fiber is co-wound with the CORC wire that is epoxy impregnated. During the test, current was increased until a resistive transition occurred in the conductor. The spectrum shift of the reflected light along the fiber was recorded. The results suggested that with proper thermal isolation from the cryogen, DFOS can be used to identify the locations of resistive transitions in CORC wires and magnets. In conclusion, the results will allow a better understanding of the causes of resistive transitions in REBCO conductors and magnets, which will help improve the REBCO magnet technology.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1985

Magnetic suspension and balance system advanced study

An improved compact design for a superconducting magnetic suspension and balance system for an 8 ft. x 8 ft. transonic wind tunnel is developed. The original design of an MSBS in NASA Cr-3802 utilized 14 external superconductive coils and a superconductive solenoid in the airplane test model suspended in a wind tunnel. The improvements are in the following areas: test model solenoid options, dynamic force limits on the model, magnet cooling options, structure and cryogenic designs, power supply specifications, and cost and performance evaluations. The improvements are: MSBS cost reduction of 28%, weight; reduction of 43%, magnet system ampere-meter reduction of 38%, helium liquifier capacity reduction by 33%, magnet system stored energy reduction by 55%, AC loss to liquid helium reduced by 76%, system power supply reduced by 68%, test coil pole strength increased by 19%, wing magnetization increased by 40%, and control frequency limit increased by 200% from 10 Hz to 30 Hz. The improvements are due to: magnetic holmium coil forms in the test model, better rare earth permanent magnets in the wings, fiberglass-epoxy structure replacing stainless steel, better coil configuration, and new saddle roll coil design.

Boom, R. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

The SHMS 11 GeV/c spectrometer in Hall C at Jefferson Lab

The Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS) has been built for Hall C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). With a momentum capability reaching 11 GeV/ c , the SHMS provides measurements of charged particles produced in electron-scattering experiments using the maximum available beam energy from the upgraded Jefferson Lab accelerator. The SHMS is an ion-optics magnetic spectrometer comprised of a series of new superconducting magnets which transport charged particles through an array of triggering, tracking, and particle-identification detectors that measure momentum, energy, angle and position in order to allow kinematic reconstruction of the events back to their origin at the scattering target. The detector system is protected from background radiation by a sophisticated shielding enclosure. The entire spectrometer is mounted on a rotating support structure which permits measurements to be taken with a large acceptance over laboratory scattering angles from 5.5° to 40°, thus allowing a wide range of low cross-section experiments to be conducted. Finally, these experiments complement and extend the previous Hall C research program to higher energies.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1990

Conceptual design of a 0.1 W magnetic refrigerator for operation between 10 K and 2 K

The design of a magnetic refrigerator for space applications is discussed. The refrigerator is to operate in the temperature range of 10 K-2 K, at a 2 K cooling power of 0.10 W. As in other magnetic refrigerators operating in this temperature range GGG has been selected as the refrigerant. Crucial to the design of the magnetic refrigerator are the heat switches at both the hot and cold ends of the GGG pill. The 2 K heat switch utilizes a narrow He II filled gap. The 10 K heat switch is based on a narrow helium gas gap. For each switch, the helium in the gap is cycled by means of activated carbon pumps. The design concentrates on reducing the switching times of the pumps and the switches as a whole. A single stage system (one magnet; one refrigerant pill) is being developed. Continuous cooling requires the fully stationary system to have at least two stages running parallel/out of phase with each other. In order to conserve energy, it is intended to recycle the magnetic energy between the magnets. To this purpose, converter networks designed for superconducting magnetic energy storage are being studied.

Helvensteijn, Ben P. M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Flightweight Carbon Nanotube Magnet Technology

Virtually all plasma-based systems for advanced airborne/spaceborne propulsion and power depend upon the future availability of flightweight magnet technology. Unfortunately, current technology for resistive and superconducting magnets yields system weights that tend to counteract the performance advantages normally associated with advanced plasma-based concepts. The ongoing nanotechnology revolution and the continuing development of carbon nanotubes (CNT), however, may ultimately relieve this limitation in the near future. Projections based on recent research indicate that CNTs may achieve current densities at least three orders of magnitude larger than known superconductors and mechanical strength two orders of magnitude larger than steel. In fact, some published work suggests that CNTs are superconductors. Such attributes imply a dramatic increase in magnet performance-to-weight ratio and offer real hope for the construction of true flightweight magnets. This Technical Publication reviews the technology status of CNTs with respect to potential magnet applications and discusses potential techniques for using CNT wires and ropes as a winding material and as an integral component of the containment structure. The technology shortfalls are identified and a research and technology strategy is described that addresses the following major issues: (1) Investigation and verification of mechanical and electrical properties, (2) development of tools for manipulation and fabrication on the nanoscale, (3) continuum/molecular dynamics analysis of nanotube behavior when exposed to practical bending and twisting loads, and (4) exploration of innovative magnet fabrication techniques that exploit the natural attributes of CNTs.

Chapman, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A 10 Kelvin 3 Tesla Magnet for Space Flight ADR Systems

Many future space flight missions are expected to use adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs) to reach detector operating temperatures well below one Kelvin. The goal is to operate each ADR with a mechanical cooler as its heat sink, thus avoiding the use of liquid cryogens. Although mechanical coolers are being developed to operate at temperatures of 6 Kelvin and below, there is a large efficiency cost associated with operating them at the bottom of their temperature range. For the multi-stage ADR system being developed at Goddard Space Flight Center, the goal is to operate with a 10 Kelvin mechanical cooler heat sink. With currently available paramagnetic materials, the highest temperature ADR stage in such a system will require a magnetic field of approximately three Tesla. Thus the goal is to develop a small, lightweight three Tesla superconducting magnet for operation at 10 Kelvin. It is important that this magnet have a low current/field ratio. Because traditional NbTi magnets do not operate safely above about six Kelvin, a magnet with a higher Tc is required. The primary focus has been on Nb3Sn magnets. Since standard Nb3Sn wire must be coated with thick insulation, wound on a magnet mandrel and then reacted, standard Nb,Sn magnets are quite heavy and require high currents Superconducting Systems developed a Nb3Sn wire which can be drawn down to small diameter, reacted, coated with thin insulation and then wound on a small diameter coil form. By using this smaller wire and operating closer to the wire s critical current, it should be possible to reduce the mass and operating current of 10 Kelvin magnets. Using this "react-then-wind" technology, Superconducting Systems has produced prototype 10 Kelvin magnets. This paper describes the development and testing of these magnets and discusses the outlook for including 10 Kelvin magnets on space-flight missions.

Tuttle, Jim↗
DOE OSTI2023

HTS Magnet Activity at Fermilab

This presentation reports the progress of High Temperature Superconducting magnet development activities at Fermilab.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(x) wires with low resistance electrical contacts

Materials exhibiting superconductivity above liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) will enable new applications of this phenomena. One of the first commercial applications of this technology will be superconducting magnets for medical imaging. However, a large number of aerospace applications of the high temperature superconducting materials have also been identified. These include magnetic suspension and balance of models in wind tunnels and resistanceless leads to anemometers. The development of superconducting wires fabricated from the ceramic materials is critical for these applications. The progress in application of a patented fiber process developed by Clemson University for the fabrication of superconducting wires is reviewed. The effect of particle size and heat treatment on the quality of materials is discussed. Recent advances made at Christopher Newport College in the development of micro-ohm resistance electrical contacts which are capable of carrying the highest reported direct current to this material is presented.

Buoncristiani, A. M.↗