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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 OSTI2026

Predictions of m/n = 2/1 neoclassical tearing mode stabilization via high field side lower hybrid current drive on the DIII-D tokamak

Neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) are a class of resistive instabilities that arise in tokamaks at rational surfaces and form magnetic islands. These islands flatten the pressure gradient, reducing plasma performance and may lead to disruptions if they grow large enough. Driving current within the island can stabilize the NTM, which has been achieved with electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) on multiple devices. An alternative to ECCD is lower hybrid current drive (LHCD), which offers the advantages of increased current drive efficiency and reduced system cost. LHCD has been viewed as poorly suited for NTM suppression due to the large spatial extent of the driven current when in the multi-pass absorption regime (as has been the case in all past LHCD experiments). However, the driven current is more localized when in the single pass absorption regime, as is predicted for the DIII-D high field side (HFS) LHCD experiment. This work evaluates the feasibility of NTM suppression with HFS LHCD on DIII-D by predicting the island growth rate for a set of representative DIII-D plasmas via the modified Rutherford equation with and without the application of LHCD. In these plasmas, NTM suppression is achieved at reasonable power levels, even with finite misalignment between LH current and the island. The effect of current condensation was included and found to be most significant at smaller island sizes, assuming an experimentally typical temperature perturbation amplitude of 10%.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ideal MHD Limited Electron Temperature in Spherical Tokamaks

It is well documented that the central electron temperature in the national spherical torus experiment (NSTX) remains largely unchanged as the external heating power, and hence the normalized volume averaged plasma pressure β increases [Stutman, Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 115002 (2009)]. Herein we present a hypothesis that low n, pressure driven ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities that are nondisruptive, can break magnetic surfaces in the central region and thereby flatten the electron temperature profiles. We demonstrate this mechanism in a 3D resistive MHD simulation of a NSTX discharge. By varying the toroidal magnetic field strength, and/or the heating power, we show that there is a critical value of β, above which the central temperature profile no longer peaks on axis.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tokamak Disruption Simulation (Final Technical Report)

The Tokamak Disruption Simulation collaboration was a SciDAC (Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing) program led by Xianzhu Tang of the Los Alamos National Laboratory but with separate grants to each institution. I was the PI for Columbia University and the only person at Columbia directly funded by this SciDAC. Disruptions are a sudden loss of confinement in tokamaks, and a reliable method of preventing disruptions must be developed before tokamak fusion power plants become feasible. A related plasma confinement concept, the stellarator, is the only way known way of preventing disruptions with the required reliability. The largest devices, both existing and under construction, for confining plasmas for fusion using magnetic fields are tokamaks, so it is important to solve their disruption issues. The sudden loss of confinement in tokamaks can be from a bit of material falling into the plasma, which causes the plasma energy to be quickly lost by radiation, or by an instability causing a breakup of the confining surfaces formed by the magnetic field. This breakup can occur more than a million times faster than one would naively think possible. The sudden breakup of surfaces is called a fast magnetic reconnection and also results in a sudden cooling of the plasma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

NGC 4869 in the Coma Cluster: Twist, Wrap, Overlap, and Bend

The upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) has been used to image the head–tail radio galaxy NGC 4869 in the Coma cluster with an angular resolution of 6.″26 at 250–500 MHz and 2.″18 at the 1050–1450 MHz bands. The archival legacy GMRT data have also been used to image the source with angular resolutions from 4.″9 to 21.″8 at 610 MHz, 325 MHz, 240 MHz, and 150 MHz. We find that the ∼200 kpc scale radio morphology consists of five distinct regions with the clear presence of a pinch at ≈1.′4 (=38.8 kpc) and a ridge at ≈3.′4 (=94.2 kpc) from the head. The sharp bend by ∼70° at ∼3.′5 (=97 kpc) from the head is possibly due to projection effects. The radio spectra show progressive spectral steepening as a function of distance from the head and there is possibly re-acceleration of the synchrotron electrons and perhaps also magnetic field regeneration in the 6″–208″ (=2.8–96.1 kpc) region of the jet. We report a steep spectrum sheath layer enveloping a flat spectrum spine, hinting at a transverse velocity structure with a fast-moving spine surrounded by a slow-moving sheath layer. We also derive the lifetimes of the radiating electrons and equipartition parameters. A plausible explanation for the characteristic feature, a ridge of emission perpendicular to the direction of tail is the flaring of a straight, collimated radio jet as it crosses a surface brightness edge due to Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Gravity shear waves atop the cirrus layer of intense convective storms

Recent visual satellite photographs of certain intense convective storms have revealed concentric wave patterns. A model for the generation and growth of these waves is proposed. The proposed initial generating mechanism is similar to the effect noticed when a pebble is dropped into a calm pond. The penetration of the tropopause by overshooting convection is analogous to the pebble's penetration of the water's surface. The model for wave growth involves instability due to the wind shear resulting from the cirrus outflow. This model is based on an equation for the waves' phase speed which is similar to the Helmholtz equation. It, however, does not assume an incompressible atmosphere, but rather assumes density is a logarithmic function of height. Finally, the model is evaluated on the two mid-latitude and three tropical cases. The data indicate that shearing instability may be a significant factor in the appearance of these waves.

Stobie, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

On higher eigenstates of Goertler instability in compressible flow

The effect of secondary instabilities of Goertler vortices with respect to their growth and amplification was investigated. Instability of viscous flow along a concave surface is in the form of counterrotating streamwise vortices commonly known as Goertler vortices. The effects of suction on higher modes of Goertler vortices are also considered.

Goglia, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Liquid management in low gravity using baffled rotating containers

Possible static configurations of liquids in rotating cylindrical containers with baffles evenly spaced in the axial direction are found. The force balance is among surface tension, centrifugal force and gravity. Two instabilities are found in this parameter space: type 1 is the inability of the liquid to form an interface attached to the baffles; type 2 is the inability for multi-baffled configurations to sustain interfaces between each pair of baffles. The type 1 analysis is confirmed through laboratory based equipment. Applications to orbiting containers are discussed.

Gans, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Liquid management in low gravity using baffled rotating containers

Possible static configurations of liquids in rotating cylindrical containers with baffles evenly spaced in the axial direction are found. The force balance is among surface tension, centrifugal force and gravity. Two instabilities are found in this parameter space: type 1 is the inability of the liquid to form an interface attached to the baffles; type 2 is the inability for multi-baffled configurations to sustain interfaces between each pair of baffles. The type 1 analysis is confirmed through laboratory based equipment. Applications to orbiting containers are discussed.

Gans, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Bearing development program for a 25 kWe solar-powered organic Rankine-cycle engine

The bearing development program is summarized for a 25-kWe power conversion subsystem (PCS) consisting of an organic Rankine-cycle engine, and permanent magnetic alternator (PMA) and rectifier to be used in a 100-kWe point-focusing distributed receiver solar power plant. The engine and alternator were hermetically sealed and used toluene as the working fluid. The turbine, alternator, and feed pump (TAP) were mounted on a single shaft operating at speeds up to 60,000 rev/min. Net thermal-to-electric efficiencies in the range of 21 to 23% were demonstrated at the maximum working fluid temperature of 400 C (750 F). A chronological summary of the bearing development program is presented. The primary causes of bearing wear problems were traced to a combination of rotordynamic instability and electrodynamic discharge across the bearing surfaces caused by recirculating currents from the PMA. These problems were resolved by implementing an externally supplied, flooded-bearing lubrication system and by electrically insulating all bearings from the TAP housing. This program resulted in the successful development of a stable, high-speed, toluene-lubricated five-pad tilting-pad journal bearing and Rayleigh step thrust bearing system capable of operating at all inclinations between horizontal and vertical.

Nesmith, B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Unsteady aerodynamic loading of delta wings for low and high angles of attack

Experimental and theoretical investigations dealing with unsteady flow phenomena are surveyed, with the emphasis on the pattern of vortices which originate from flow separation at sharp leading edges. It is concluded that these vortices exhibit quasi-steady behavior when the alpha-vibrations are such that bursting instability does not occur above the wing surface. A selection of test results from Jarrah (1988) is presented and discussed. For sharp-edged delta models at low speeds, the aerodynamic loads which are plotted quantify the role of parameters AR and K for three ranges of alpha-variation. An extremely approximate and empirical 'theory' is offered, with data on crossflow drag and burst location, to reproduce the behavior of these airloads up to 90 deg. Recent attempts to apply the more sophisticated tools of computational fluid dynamics to the combination of unsteadiness and very high alpha are shown to be deficient.

Ashley, H.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Geometric Perturbations and Asymmetric Vortex Shedding about Slender Pointed Bodies

The flow about slender, pointed bodies can be characterized by different states with angle of attack. At moderate-to-high angles of attack (alpha approx. = 40 deg.), a steady, asymmetric vortex pattern develops along the body, leading to a net lateral force. At higher angles of attack (alpha approx. = 60 deg.), the aft-end of the body develops an unsteady von Karman shedding. As the angle of attack approaches 90 deg., the entire body length exhibits a time-dependent vortex shedding pattern. The current work uses three-dimensional, thin-layer Navier-Stokes simulations to investigate the physical mechanisms of asymmetric vortex shedding at alpha = 40 deg. and alpha = 60 deg. The development of an asymmetric vortex pattern via a convective instability mechanism is investigated using tip bumps, surface roughness, and tip curvature. It's found that surface roughness simulations can incite an asymmetric vortex state at alpha = 60 deg. which is consistent with the application of a tip bump, and the experimentally observed flowfield. The unsteady von Karman vortex shedding on the aft. portion of the body is also well resolved. The use of surface roughness did not incite a flow asymmetry at alpha = 40 deg., and it was necessary to simulate tip curvature at this angle of attack in order to generate an asymmetric vortex state.

Murman, Scott M.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Aeroelastic Response of Nonlinear Wing Section by Functional Series Technique

This paper addresses the problem of the determination of the subcritical aeroelastic response and flutter instability of nonlinear two-dimensional lifting surfaces in an incompressible flow-field via indicial functions and Volterra series approach. The related aeroelastic governing equations are based upon the inclusion of structural and damping nonlinearities in plunging and pitching, of the linear unsteady aerodynamics and consideration of an arbitrary time-dependent external pressure pulse. Unsteady aeroelastic nonlinear kernels are determined, and based on these, frequency and time histories of the subcritical aeroelastic response are obtained, and in this context the influence of the considered nonlinearities is emphasized. Conclusions and results displaying the implications of the considered effects are supplied.

Silva, Walter A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Aeroelastic Response of Nonlinear Wing Section By Functional Series Technique

This paper addresses the problem of the determination of the subcritical aeroelastic response and flutter instability of nonlinear two-dimensional lifting surfaces in an incompressible flow-field via indicial functions and Volterra series approach. The related aeroelastic governing equations are based upon the inclusion of structural and damping nonlinearities in plunging and pitching, of the linear unsteady aerodynamics and consideration of an arbitrary time-dependent external pressure pulse. Unsteady aeroelastic nonlinear kernels are determined, and based on these, frequency and time histories of the subcritical aeroelastic response are obtained, and in this context the influence of the considered nonlinearities is emphasized. Conclusions and results displaying the implications of the considered effects are supplied.

Marzocca, Piergiovanni↗
NASA NTRS2000

Geometric Perturbations and Asymmetric vortex shedding About Slender Pointed Bodies

The flow about slender, pointed bodies can be characterized by different states with angle of attack. At moderate-to-high angles of attack (alpha approximately equals 40deg), a steady, asymmetric vortex pattern develops along the body, leading to a net lateral force. At higher angles of attack (alpha approximately equals 60deg), the aft-end of the body develops an unsteady von Karman shedding. As the angle of attack approaches 90deg, the entire body length exhibits a time-dependent vortex shedding pattern. The current work uses three-dimensional, thin-layer Navier-Stokes simulations to investigate the physical mechanisms of asymmetric vortex shedding at alpha = 40deg and alpha = 60deg. The development of an asymmetric vortex pattern via a convective instability mechanism is investigated using tip bumps, surface roughness, and tip curvature. It's found that surface roughness simulations can incite an asymmetric vortex state at alpha = 60deg which is consistent with the application of a tip bumps, and the experimentally observed flowfield. The unsteady von Karman vortex shedding on the aft portion of the body is also well resolved. The use of surface roughness did not incite a flow asymmetry at alpha = 40deg, and it was necessary to simulate tip curvature at this angle of attack in order to generate an asymmetric vortex state.

Murman, Scott M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

New Type of the Interface Evolution in the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability

We performed systematic theoretical and numerical studies of the nonlinear large-scale coherent dynamics in the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability for fluids with contrast densities. Our simulations modeled the interface dynamics for compressible and viscous uids. For a two-fluid system we observed that in the nonlinear regime of the instability the bubble velocity decays and its surface attens, and the attening is accompanied by slight oscillations. We found the theoretical solution for the system of conservation laws, describing the principal influence of the density ratio on the motion of the nonlinear bubble. The solution has no adjustable parameters, and shows that the attening of the bubble front is a distinct property universal for all values of the density ratio. This property follows from the fact that the RM bubbles decelerate. The theoretical and numerical results validate each other, describe the new type of the bubble front evolution in RMI, and identify the bubble curvature as important and sensitive diagnostic parameter.

Abarzhi, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Nocturnal Propagating Thunderstorms May Favor Urban "Hot-Spots": A Model-Based Study over Minneapolis

High-resolution WRF model sensitivity experiments are carried out (with and without urban land cover) to study urban impacts on nocturnal propagating thunderstorms over the city of Minneapolis. It is found that the storm spatial characteristics, especially the position of the storm cell, are appreciably altered by the presence of urban land cover. The most robust urban instability during stormy conditions is the enhanced surface convergence due to increased frictional drag. No urban impact is visible on the rainfall intensity simulated by the model. The frictional convergence, aided by the nocturnal Urban Heat Island (UHI), appears to be responsible for attracting propagating storms towards the urban center. Advanced modeling experiments are needed to quantify the mechanical and thermal influence along with similar studies in other cities to further investigate the urban impact on the frequency and trajectory of nocturnal propagating storms.

nocturnal thunderstorms↗