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At least 37 records · Page 2

Heating system with induction power supply and electromagnetic acoustic transducer with induction power supply

A system for heating a fluid and an electromagnetic acoustic transducer EMAT system is provided. Both systems have a drive circuit. The amount of heat and the amplitude (and acceleration) of the vibrations is respectively controllable by controlling an input to a terminal of a switch. The heating system comprises a porous graphite foam conductor which is exposed to an electromagnetic field generated by an oscillating circuit. When exposed, the foam conductor conducts induced electric current which heats the same and a fluid in contact with the conductor. The EMAT system comprises at least one magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field, an oscillating circuit and a working element. The working element, when exposed to the static magnetic field and the electromagnetic field produced by the oscillating circuit, vibrates against a load. The vibrations dry the load.

Kisner, Roger A.↗

Magnetic antenna using metallic glass

A lightweight search-coil antenna or sensor assembly for detecting magnetic fields and including a multi-turn electromagnetic induction coil wound on a spool type coil form through which is inserted an elongated coil loading member comprised of metallic glass material wrapped around a dielectric rod. The dielectric rod consists of a plastic or a wooden dowel having a length which is relatively larger than its thickness so as to provide a large length-to-diameter ratio. A tri-axial configuration includes a housing in which is located three substantially identical mutually orthogonal electromagnetic induction coil assemblies of the type described above wherein each of the assemblies include an electromagnetic coil wound on a dielectric spool with an elongated metallic glass coil loading member projecting therethrough.

Desch, Michael D.↗

Chondrites, S asteroids, and space weathering: Thumping noises from the coffin?

Most of the spectral characteristics of ordinary chondrites and S-asteroids in the visible and infrared can be reduced to three numerical values. These values represent the depth of the absorption band resulting from octahedrally coordinated Fe(sup 2+), the reflectance at 0.56 microns and the slope of the continuum (as measured according to convention). By plotting these three characteristics, it is possible to immediately compare the spectral characteristics of large numbers of ordinary chondrites and S-asteroids. Commonality of spectral characteristics between these populations can thus be evaluated on the basis of overlap in position on three two-coordinate systems: albedo vs. band depth, band depth vs. slope, and slope vs. albedo. In order to establish identity, members of the two populations must overlap on all three of these independent parameter spaces. In this coordinate system, spectra of 23 ordinary chondrites (representing all metamorphic grades), and 39 S-asteroids were compared. It was found that there was no overlap between the two populations in terms of the slope vs. band depth parameters, nor were most chondrites identical to the S-asteroids with respect to the other criteria. However, the controversial question remains: Where are the parent bodies of the chondrites? Perhaps an even more critical question is: Where are our samples of the S-asteroids? Considering the geography of the asteroid belt and the theory that early solar-system electromagnetic induction heating differentiated protoasteroids in the inner portion of the main belt, it was suggested that although S-asteroids and ordinary chondrites have very similar mineralogy, the S-asteroids are mixtures of metallic nickel iron and silicates which resulted from magmatism induced by electromagnetic heating whereas chondrites were only slightly metamorphosed nebular condensates. In this scenario chondrites would have been derived from a population of bodies with thermal lag times so short that they were not subjected to melting during the phase of the electromagnetic induction heating event but only to various degrees of pervasive metamorphism. Furthermore, these objects would then have been too small to be observed and systematically included in the library of asteroidal spectra. It was also suggested that the parametric distribution of S-asteroid spectra could be reproduced by mixing various proportions of NiFe meteorite and achondritic materials. This has also been demonstrated in the laboratory.

Fanale, F. P.↗

Microwave-Spectral Signatures Would Reveal Concealed Objects

A proposed technique for locating concealed objects (especially small antipersonnel land mines) involves the acquisition and processing of spectral signatures over broad microwave frequency bands. This technique was conceived to overcome the weaknesses of older narrow- band electromagnetic techniques like ground-probing radar and low-frequency electromagnetic induction. Ground-probing radar is susceptible to false detections and/or interference caused by rocks, roots, air pockets, soil inhomogeneities, ice, liquid water, and miscellaneous buried objects other than those sought. Moreover, if the radar frequency happens to be one for which the permittivity of a sought object matches the permittivity of the surrounding soil or there is an unfavorable complex-amplitude addition of the radar reflection at the receiver, then the object is not detected. Low-frequency electromagnetic induction works well for detecting metallic objects, but the amounts of metal in plastic mines are often too small to be detectable. The potential advantage of the proposed technique arises from the fact that wideband spectral signatures generally contain more relevant information than do narrow-band signals. Consequently, spectral signatures could be used to make better decisions regarding whether concealed objects are present and whether they are the ones sought. In some cases, spectral signatures could provide information on the depths, sizes, shapes, and compositions of objects. An apparatus to implement the proposed technique (see Figure 1) could be assembled from equipment already in common use. Typically, such an apparatus would include a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver, a broad-band microwave antenna, and a fast personal computer loaded with appropriate software. In operation, the counter would be turned on, the antenna would be aimed at the ground or other mass suspected to contain a mine or other sought object, and the operating frequency would be swept over the band of interest.

Arndt, G.↗

Soil architecture and subsurface stratigraphic heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces along Lake Erie.

Uploaded raw datasets from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI) and insitu sensors were acquired across land-lake interfaces along Lake Erie. These datasets were useful to delineate the soil architecture and subsurface stratigraphic heterogeneities. We combined multiple geophysical methods with lithostratigraphic logs from borehole cores and data from soil and borehole sensors to investigate spatial heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces. The apparent electrical conductivity (Eca) maps matched closely with the soil maps from public database and also detected additional soil units that were missing in the traditional soil maps. This implies that electromagnetic induction (EMI) could be relied upon for non invasive characterization of soils in sampling restricted sites where only non-invasive measurements are feasible. Results from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Ground penetrating radar (GPR) are consistent with the surficial geology of the study area, and revealed that the vertical variabilities at the sites are mainly driven by stratigraphy.The ERT data (.stg) were acquired from three different sites portage river (PTR), crane creek (CRC) and old woman creek (OWC). The ".stg" files can be opened with ERT inversion software such as EarthImager, ResIpy or Res2DInv. The GPR data (.GPZ) were also acquired from the three sites, and the ".GPZ" data files can be opened with EKKO_project 5 software from Sensors & Software Inc., or with any other standard GPR software. The EM data (.csv) were acquired from the three sites while the soil sensor data (.csv) here were acquired only from crane creek site. The ".csv) files can be opened with MS Excel or any other spread sheet software.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Geophysical methods reveal the soil architecture and subsurface stratigraphic heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces along Lake Erie

Abstract Purpose The land-lake interface is a unique zone where terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems meet, forming part of the Earth’s most geochemically and biologically active zones. The unique characteristics of this interface are yet to be properly understood due to the inherently high spatiotemporal variability of subsurface properties, which are difficult to capture with the traditional soil sampling methods. Geophysical methods offer non-invasive techniques to capture variabilities in soil properties at a high resolution across various spatiotemporal scales. Methods We combined electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground penetrating radar (GPR) with data from soil cores and in situ sensors to investigate hydrostratigraphic heterogeneities across land-lake interfaces along the western basin of Lake Erie. Results EMI revealed high spatial heterogeneities in ECa distribution across the land-lake interfaces, with higher values in the wetland and transition zones compared to the upland zone. Soil ECa maps matched soil maps from a public database with the hydric soil units delineated as high conductivity zones (ECa > 40 mS/m). ERT and GPR showed vertical variation in soil properties with clear stratigraphic boundaries, and correlation of ERT profiles with lithologs from piezometers revealed the stratigraphic units of silt–clay and till sequence down to 3.5 m depth which are consistent with the surficial geology of the study area. Conclusions These results validate the use of multiple geophysical methods for extrapolating soil properties and mapping stratigraphic structures at land-lake interfaces, thereby providing the missing information required to improve the earth system model (ESM) of coastal interfaces.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of the Feasibility of UAS-Based EMI Sensing for Underground Utilities Detection and Mapping

This paper investigates the feasibility of using a linear current sensing (LCS) technique integrated on an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for detecting and mapping underground infrastructure rapidly and cost-effectively. The LCS technique is based on data from a wide band of electromagnetic induction frequencies (50 kHz to 2 MHz) using a vector magnetic field gradiometer. This technique takes advantage of a slowly decaying secondary magnetic field in order to achieve greater standoff detection distance ($\frac{1}{R^2}$ vs. $\frac{1}{R^6}$ for compact metallic targets during EMI sensing, where R is the distance from a target to the sensor). These secondary magnetic fields are produced by the excite current on long conductors, allowing detection at a distance of 10 meters or more. The system operates between tens of kHz to a few MHz and uses either an active EMI source or existing EM fields to excite this linear current on a long metallic subsurface target. Once excited, these linear currents produce a secondary magnetic field that is detected with an above ground triaxial magnetic field gradiometer. By moving and tracking its geolocation, the system outputs rich datasets sufficient to support high-fidelity forward and inverse EMI models for estimating the depth and orientation of deep underground long linear metallic infrastructure. The system’s hardware and its integration to a UAS system are outlined, along with the formulation of LCS theory, and numerical and experimental data are presented. The results illustrate that the LCS technique offers large standoff detection, is adaptable to UAS, and could be used effectively for detecting deep underground infrastructure such as wires and pipes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Correlating armature and needle dynamics with voltage waveforms of solenoid-actuated GDI injector

The injector voltage hump that appears near the needle closing has been used for the real-time monitoring and feedback control of fuel injection duration in modern engines. This voltage hump has been thought to result from the abrupt change in electromagnetic induction by the stoppage of needle motion but detailed electromagnetic processes and associated armature and needle dynamics during the needle closing have not been thoroughly investigated in a wide range of injection conditions, which knowledge is crucial for the delicate control of fuel injection based on the voltage hump. Here, the current study analyzes the transient armature and needle dynamics of a solenoid-actuated gasoline direct injection injector using an X-ray phase-contrast imaging technique. Then, the results are correlated with voltage waveforms during the needle closing transient under various injection pressures, injection pulse durations, and dwell times of split injections. The time derivatives of voltage waveforms showed lower and upper peaks in order in the regime of the voltage hump. Inconsistent with conventional understandings, the lower peak timing of the voltage derivative did not match with the timing of needle closing (end of injection) but rather matched with the abrupt descent timing of the armature and needle. The inflection timing and upper peak timing of the voltage derivative matched with the timings of actual needle closing and armature closing respectively. The amplitude of the voltage hump was near linearly dependent on the needle closing speed. The needle closing speed decreased upon the decrease of injection pulse duration and injection pressure which made it difficult to detect the voltage humps in ballistic injection regimes and low injection pressures. In split injection conditions, the voltage hump of the first injection was not detectable if the dwell time was shorter than the needle closing delay, the time from the current cut-off to the actual needle closing.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Fabrication and test of a space power boiler feed electromagnetic pump. 3: Endurance and final performance tests

A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump designed for the boiler feed pump of a potassium Rankine cycle space power system was developed and built. It was mounted in a liquid metal test loop and successfully tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction head from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. Maximum efficiency at design point conditions of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed head, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant inlet temperature was 16.3 percent. After the performance tests the pump was operated without any difficulty at design point for 10,000 hours, and then a limited number of repeat performance tests were made. There was no appreciable change in pump performance after 10,000 hours of operation. A supplementary series of tests using the quasi-square wave power output of a dc to three-phase ac inverter showed that the pump would operate without difficulty at a frequency as low as 25 Hz, with little loss in efficiency.

Powell, A. H.↗

Fabrication and test of a space power boiler feed electromagnetic pump. Part 2: Test facility and performance test

A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump, designed for the boiler-feed pump of a potassium Rankine-cycle space power system, was built and tested. The pump was tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction heads (NPSH) from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. The maximum efficiency at the pump design point of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed pressure, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant temperature was 16.3 percent. The tests also showed successful operation of the pump at an NPSH as low as 1.5 psi without cavitating.

Powell, A. H.↗

Fabrication and test of a space power boiler feed electromagnetic pump. Part 1: Design and manufacture of pump

A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic (EM) pump has been designed and built. This pump was designed for use as the boiler-feed pump of a potassium Rankine-cycle space electric power system. The pump is constructed of high temperature materials including a T-111 duct, Hiperco 27 magnetic material, nickel clad silver conductor wire, and a completely inorganic insulation system. The pump is designed to deliver 3.25 lb/sec potassium at 1000 F with a developed head of 240 psi while being cooled by 800 F NaK. At these conditions, the overall pump efficiency is expected to be 18%.

Gahan, J. W.↗

Sounding of Icy Galilean Satellites by Surface Observatories

Several independent geological and geophysical investigations suggest that Europa and Ganymede contain subsurface oceans. Using Jupiter's rotating magnetic field as a primary signal, the magnetometer experiment onboard Galileo has measured secondary induction signals emanating from Europa, Ganymede, and surprisingly Callisto. The strong electromagnetic induction from these moons suggests that large global electrical conductors are located just below their icy crusts. A detailed analysis reveals that global salty oceans with salinity similar to the Earth's ocean and thicknesses in the range of approx. 6-100 kms can explain the induction observed by the Galileo magnetometer. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Khurana, K. K.↗

Miniature implantable ultrasonic echosonometer

A miniature echosonometer adapted for implantation in the interior of an animal for imaging the internal structure of a organ, tissue or vessel is presented. The echosonometer includes a receiver/transmitter circuit which is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer. Power is coupled to the echosonometer by electromagnetic induction through the animal's skin. Imaging signals from the echosonometer are electromagnetically transmitted through the animal's skin to an external readout apparatus.

Kojima, G. K.↗

Electromagnetic containerless processing requirements and recommended facility concept and capabilities for space lab

Containerless melting, reaction, and solidification experiments and processes which potentially can lead to new understanding of material science and production of new or improved materials in the weightless space environment are reviewed in terms of planning for spacelab. Most of the experiments and processes discussed are amenable to the employment of electromagnetic position control and electromagnetic induction or electron beam heating and melting. The spectrum of relevant properties of materials, which determine requirements for a space laboratory electromagnetic containerless processing facility are reviewed. Appropriate distributions and associated coil structures are analyzed and compared on the basis of efficiency, for providing the functions of position sensing, control, and induction heating. Several coil systems are found capable of providing these functions. Exchangeable modular coils in appropriate sizes are recommended to achieve the maximum power efficiencies, for a wide range of specimen sizes and resistivities, in order to conserve total facility power.

Frost, R. T.↗

Solar wind induction in Mercury - Constraints on the formation of a magnetosphere

A model is outlined in which the origin of Mercury's magnetic field is attributed to electromagnetic induction from the interplanetary magnetic field. Both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) induction are considered. It is found that neither mode can produce a totally detached magnetopause, so the highly nonlinear dynamics of magnetopausal flux deflection is investigated as a potential inhibitor of the decaying tendency of linear induction. No mechanism is discovered which can account for the large distance of the magnetopause, its temporal stability, and the orientation of the magnetic field. It is shown that the stochastic trapped-field TE model comes close to fulfilling these requirements, but cannot explain the Mariner 10 observations of Mercury's field. Noting the potential difficulties of the convective magnetic dynamo model, it is concluded that the source of Mercury's field is still poorly understood.

Herbert, F.↗

Electromagnetic deep-probing (100-1000 kms) of the Earth's interior from artificial satellites: Constraints on the regional emplacement of crustal resources

The reconnaissance phase of using satellite observtions to studying electromagnetic induction in the solid earth is summarized. Several points are made: (1) satellite data apparently suffer far less from the effects of near surface lateral heterogeneities in the earth than do ground-based data; (2) zonal ionospheric currents during the recovery phase of major magnetic storms appear to be minimal, at least in the dawn and dusk sectors wher MAGSAT was flown; hence the internal contributions that satellites observe during these times is in fact due primarily to induction in the Earth with little or no contribution from ionospheric currents; and (3) the interpretation of satellite data in terms of primitive electromagnetic response functions, while grossly over-simplified, results in a surprisingly well-resolved radius for an equivalent super-conductor representing the conductivity region of the Earth's interior (5,370 + or - 120 km).

Hermance, J. F.↗

High Velocity Linear Induction Launcher with Exit-Edge Compensation for Testing of Aerospace Components

Advances in ultra high speed linear induction electromagnetic launchers over the past decade have focused on magnetic compensation of the exit and entry-edge transient flux wave to produce efficient and compact linear electric machinery. The paper discusses two approaches to edge compensation in long-stator induction catapults with typical end speeds of 150 to 1,500 m/s. In classical linear induction machines, the exit-edge effect is manifest as two auxiliary traveling waves that produce a magnetic drag on the projectile and a loss of magnetic flux over the main surface of the machine. In the new design for the Stator Compensated Induction Machine (SCIM) high velocity launcher, the exit-edge effect is nulled by a dual wavelength machine or alternately the airgap flux is peaked at a location prior to the exit edge. A four (4) stage LIM catapult is presently being constructed for 180 m/s end speed operation using double-sided longitudinal flux machines. Advanced exit and entry edge compensation is being used to maximize system efficiency, and minimize stray heating of the reaction armature. Each stage will output approximately 60 kN of force and produce over 500 G s of acceleration on the armature. The advantage of this design is there is no ablation to the projectile and no sliding contacts, allowing repeated firing of the launcher without maintenance of any sort. The paper shows results of a parametric study for 500 m/s and 1,500 m/s linear induction launchers incorporating two of the latest compensation techniques for an air-core stator primary and an iron-core primary winding. Typical thrust densities for these machines are in the range of 150 kN/sq.m. to 225 kN/sq.m. and these compete favorably with permanent magnet linear synchronous machines. The operational advantages of the high speed SCIM launcher are shown by eliminating the need for pole-angle position sensors as would be required by synchronous systems. The stator power factor is also improved.

Kuznetsov, Stephen↗

Induction Heating of Hypervelocity Impact Samples to 2500 Degrees Centigrade

The Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory (RHTL) at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) was asked to heat samples up to 2500 degrees Centigrade (4532 degrees Fahrenheit) to simulate reentry scenarios of crafts where heated shields are impacted with single small particles ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 millimeters (.008 to.039 inches) of various materials. The team decided an electromagnetic induction (induction heater) was the best method to achieve and control the temperatures in a rapid manner. The samples consisted of three-dimensional carbon-carbon and two-dimensional carbon-phenolic, which are both electrically conductive. After several attempts the team was able to achieve over 2500 degrees Centigrade (4532 degrees Fahrenheit) in ambient atmosphere. When the system was moved to the target chamber and the vacuum system evacuated down to 250 millitorr, arcing occurred between the bus bars and tank, the feedthrough fittings that carried the coolant and current, and between the target sample and coil. To overcome this arcing, conformal coatings, room temperature vulcanization (RTV) silicone, and other non-conductive materials were used to isolate the electromagnetic fields.

Simmons, Joshua↗