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At least 397 records · Page 22

Magnetic Shield Design Modeling and Validation for SWOT Spacecraft Ka-Band Extended Interaction Klystron

Two Extended Interaction Klystrons (EIKs) containing strong permanent magnets were modeled magnetically in a representative spacecraft geometry using commercial finite element modeling techniques and were validated against measurements made at varying distances. Initial modeling results for the 63 A-m2 (amperes per square meter) dipole moment magnets showed that magnetic shields would be necessary in order to meet magnetic field requirements for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) spacecraft, which contains components that are susceptible to external DC (Direct Current) magnetic fields. JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and the EIK vendor proposed cold rolled steel and mu-metal as potential shield materials along with proposed thicknesses of 0.5 millimeters and 1.5 millimeters. Magnetic shields made from each of these materials were designed and modeled in software, taking high-field saturation into account. Prototype magnetic shields with these parameters were then built, measured with an existing EIK, and compared against modeling results. For single-axis field measurements along the dipole axis, modeling results were within 7 gauss of the measured values at 10 centimeters from the magnet, and converged to less than 1.5 gauss at distances greater than 14 centimeters from the magnet. Three-axis field measurements at locations of interest showed that model correlation improved to within 4 gauss at 11 centimeters and 2 gauss for distances ranging between 15 centimeters and 36 centimeters.

Gonzales, Edward↗

Magnetic Shield Design Modeling and Validation for SWOT Spacecraft Ka-Band Extended Interaction Klystron

Two Extended Interaction Klystrons (EIKs) containing strong permanent magnets were modeled magnetically in a representative spacecraft geometry using commercial finite element modeling techniques and were validated against measurements made at varying distances. Initial modeling results for the 63 A-m2 dipole moment magnets showed that magnetic shields would be necessary in order to meet magnetic field requirements for the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) spacecraft, which contains components that are susceptible to external DC magnetic fields. JPL and the EIK vendor proposed cold rolled steel and mu-metal as potential shield materials along with proposed thicknesses of 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Magnetic shields made from each of these materials were designed and modeled in software, taking highfield saturation into account. Prototype magnetic shields with these parameters were then built, measured with an existing EIK, and compared against modeling results. For single-axis field measurements along the dipole axis, modeling results were within 7 gauss of the measured values at 10 cm from the magnet, and converged to less than 1.5 gauss at distances greater than 14 cm from the magnet. Three-axis field measurements at locations of interest showed that model correlation improved to within 4 gauss at 11 cm and 2 gauss for distances ranging between 15 cm and 36 cm.

Gonzales, Edward↗

Ultra-fine-scale filamentary structures in the Outer Corona and the Solar Magnetic Field

Filamentary structures following magnetic field lines pervade the Sun's atmosphere and offer us insight into the solar magnetic field. Radio propagation measurements have shown that the smallest filamentary structures in the solar corona are more than 2 orders of magnitude finer than those seen in solar imaging. Here we use radio Doppler measurements to characterize their transverse density gradient and determine their finest scale in the outer corona at 20-30 R(circled dot operator), where open magnetic fields prevail. Filamentary structures overly active regions have the steepest gradient and finest scale, while those overlying coronal holes have the shallowest gradient and least finest scale. Their organization by the underlying corona implies that these subresolution structures extend radially from the entire Sun, confirming that they trace the coronal magnetic field responsible for the radial expansion of the solar wind. That they are rooted all over the Sun elucidates the association between the magnetic field of the photosphere and that of the corona, as revealed by the similarity between the power spectra of the photospheric field and the coronal density fluctuations. This association along with the persistence of filamentary structures far from the Sun demonstrate that subresolution magnetic fields must play an important role not only in magnetic coupling of the photosphere and corona, but also in coronal heating and solar wind acceleration through the process of small-scale magnetic reconnection. They also explain why current widely used theoretical models that extrapolate photospheric magnetic fields into the corona do not predict the correct source of the solar wind.

Sun : Corona↗

Coronal Polarimetry: Determining the Magnetic Origins of Coronal Mass Ejections

Synopsis: The mechanism for the release of stored magnetic energy in solar eruptions remains a major unsolved problem of Heliophysics. Choosing between triggers requires knowledge of pre-eruptive magnetic fields (B). Although linear polarization in visible/infrared (VIR) coronal emission lines reveals intriguing clues about coronal mass ejection (CME) precursor topology, small telescope apertures limit current capability for measuring vector field. Current coronal observations are insufficient to diagnose 3D coronal magnetic fields in CME precursors. Coronal cavities are the ideal candidates for CME precursor studies. BLOS in cavities is a direct measure of stored magnetic free energy, and the presence and location of topological X-points (reconnection locations) and O-points (circulation of B about axis) distinguish predictions of the flux rope-torus-instability and sheared-arcade-breakout CME models. - Finding: Coronal cavities are ubiquitous throughout the solar cycle, erupt as CMEs, and have coronal polarimetric signatures that distinguish between model predictions. - Recommendation: Coronal cavities should be targeted in a comprehensive multiwavelength study of CME precursors & associated eruption-driving mechanisms. Large ground-based VIR telescopes can measure both coronal magnetic field topology and strength through a combination of the saturated Hanle and BLOS -sensitive Zeeman effects. - Finding: The 4m Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) and proposed 1.5m Coronal Solar Magnetism Observatory Large Coronagraph (COSMO-LC) make a major leap forward in VIR coronal sensitivity, enabling measurement of vector B. - Recommendation: A dedicated coronal synoptic telescope with a large field-of-view (i.e., COSMO-LC) is needed to identify the dominant CME driving mechanisms, by measuring coronal magnetic fields from precursor state into eruption. In the UV, a new opportunity has arisen to make use of the strong H I Lyman-α coronal line, which obtains a measurement of B that is independent of the Zeeman effect. - Finding: Small-telescope spectropolarimetric capability in the unsaturated Hanle regime provides an independent and complementary coronal magnetic diagnostic to large ground-based telescope measurements. - Recommendation: The proposed 12-cm Coronal Lyman-α Resonance Observatory (CLARO) spectropolarimetric coronagraph demonstrates a path forward for space-based observations of the coronal magnetic field that should be incorporated into future missions away from the Sun-Earth line (e.g., COMPLETE).

magnetic energy↗

Solar magnetic fields - Extended.

Spacecraft observations of the interplanetary magnetic field have revealed that almost always each solar rotation can be divided into sectors, within each of which the field has a predominant polarity toward the sun or away from the sun. Comparisons of this interplanetary magnetic sector pattern with observations of the photospheric magnetic field have revealed a similar solar magnetic pattern. The boundaries between solar magnetic sectors are approximately in the north-south direction over a wide range of latitudes on both sides of the equator. This solar magnetic sector structure can be described as a rotating dipole whose magnetic axis makes an angle of approximately 90 deg with the axis of rotation. Possible similarities between this solar-sector magnetism and the models derived from observations of stellar magnetism are discussed.

Wilcox, J. M.↗

Large-scale properties of the interplanetary magnetic field

Early theoretical work of Parker is presented along with the observational evidence supporting his Archimedes spiral model. Variations present in the interplanetary magnetic field from the spiral angle are related to structures in the solar wind. The causes of these structures are found to be either nonuniform radial solar wind flow or the time evolution of the photospheric field. Coronal magnetic models are related to the connection between the solar magnetic field and the interplanetary magnetic field. Direct extension of the solar field-magnetic nozzle controversy is discussed along with the coronal magnetic models. Effects of active regions on the interplanetary magnetic field is discussed with particular reference to the evolution of interplanetary sectors. Interplanetary magnetic field magnitude variations are shown throughout the solar cycle. The percentage of time the field magnitude is greater than 10 gamma is shown to closely parallel sunspot number. The sun's polar field influence on the interplanetary field and alternative views of the magnetic field structure out of the ecliptic plane are presented. In addition, a variety of significantly different interplanetary field structures are discussed.

Schatten, K. H.↗

Magnetic properties of Dy2Ti2O7

Measurements were made of the magnetization, differential magnetic susceptibility, and magnetic entropy of powered samples of Dy2Ti2O7. The saturation magnetic moment is 4.7 + or - 0.2 Bohr magnetons per Dy ion, instead of 10 as predicted by Hund's rules. A temperature-independent magnetization is observed in the saturation region. Absolute values of magnetic entropy have been obtained for temperatures from 1.25 to 20 K, in applied fields up to 10.4 tesla. The magnetic entropy approaches a maximum value consistent with a ground-state multiplicity of 2. Low field magnetization and differential susceptibility data show a transition to antiferromagnetism near 1.35 K. A construction of the magnetic specific heat from the zero field entropy shows an anomaly near the same temperature.

Flood, D. J.↗

Magnetic holes in the solar wind

An analysis is presented of high resolution interplanetary magnetic field measurements from the magnetometer on Explorer 43 which showed that low magnetic field intensities in the solar wind at 1 AU occur as distinct depressions or 'holes'. These magnetic holes are new kinetic-scale phenomena, having a characteristic dimension on the order of 20,000 km. They occurred at a rate of 1.5/day in the 18-day time span (March 18 to April 6, 1971) that was analyzed. Most of the magnetic holes are characterized by both a depression in the absolute value of the magnetic field, and a change in the magnetic field direction; some of these are possibly the result of magnetic merging. However, in other cases the magnetic field direction does not change; such holes are not due to magnetic merging, but might be a diamagnetic effect due to localized plasma inhomogeneities.

Turner, J. M.↗

Hard permanent magnet development trends and their application to A.C. machines

The physical and magnetic properties of Mn-Al-C, Fe-Cr-Co, and RE-TM (rare earth-transition metal intermetallics) in polymer and soft metal bonded or sintered form are considered for ac circuit machine usage. The manufacturing processes for the magnetic materials are reviewed, and the mechanical and electrical properties of the magnetic materials are compared, with consideration given to the reference Alnico magnet. The Mn-Al-C magnets have the same magnetic properties and costs as Alnico units, operate well at low temperatures, but have poor high temperature performance. Fe-Cr-Co magnets also have comparable cost to Alnico magnets, and operate at high or low temperature, but are brittle, expensive, and contain Co. RE-Co magnets possess a high energy density, operate well in a wide temperature range, and are expensive. Recommendation for exploring the rare-earth alternatives are offered.

Mildrum, H. F.↗

Effect of superconducting solenoid model cores on spanwise iron magnet roll control

Compared with conventional ferromagnetic fuselage cores, superconducting solenoid cores appear to offer significant reductions in the projected cost of a large wind tunnel magnetic suspension and balance system. The provision of sufficient magnetic roll torque capability has been a long-standing problem with all magnetic suspension and balance systems; and the spanwise iron magnet scheme appears to be the most powerful system available. This scheme utilizes iron cores which are installed in the wings of the model. It was anticipated that the magnetization of these cores, and hence the roll torque generated, would be affected by the powerful external magnetic field of the superconducting solenoid. A preliminary study has been made of the effect of the superconducting solenoid fuselage model core concept on the spanwise iron magnet roll torque generation schemes. Computed data for one representative configuration indicate that reductions in available roll torque occur over a range of applied magnetic field levels. These results indicate that a 30-percent increase in roll electromagnet capacity over that previously determined will be required for a representative 8-foot wind tunnel magnetic suspension and balance system design.

Britcher, C. P.↗

Magnetization of the oceanic crust: TRM or CRM?

A model was proposed in which chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) acquired within the first 20 Ma of crustal evolution may account for 80% of the bulk natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of older basalts. The CRM of the crust is acquired as the original thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) is lost through low temperature alteration. The CRM intensity and direction are controlled by the post-emplacement polarity history. This model explains several independent observations concerning the magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model accounts for amplitude and skewness discrepancies observed in both the intermediate wavelength satellite field and the short wavelength sea surface magnetic anomaly pattern. It also explains the decay of magnetization away from the spreading axis, and the enhanced magnetization of the Cretaceous Quiet Zones while predicting other systematic variations with age in the bulk magnetization of the oceanic crust. The model also explains discrepancies in the anomaly skewness parameter observed for anomalies of Cretaceous age. Further studies indicate varying rates of TRM decay in very young crust which depicts the advance of low temperature alteration through the magnetized layer.

Raymond, C. A.↗

Magnetic clouds and the pinch effect

Pinch models that reproduce the observed properties of magnetic clouds are presented. It is shown that magnetic tension can be significant in magnetic clouds and that, despite claims to the contrary, magnetic clouds are not expanding due to magnetic overpressure, because the magnetic-pressure imbalance can be counteracted by magnetic tension (pinch effect). Nevertheless, the source of the observed cloud expansion is considered to be the relatively strong magnetic field in clouds. It is shown that magnetic clouds, as they are advected away from the sun, retain their equilibrium shape because of their strong fields. Retaining pressure equilibrium with their surroundings means that the front and back edges of clouds must move apart, giving the appearance in the data that clouds are expanding globally.

Suess, S. T.↗

Magnetic clouds and force-free fields with constant alpha

Magnetic clouds observed at 1 AU are modeled as cylindrically symmetric, constant alpha force-free magnetic fields. The model satisfactorily explains the types of variations of the magnetic field direction that are observed as a magnetic cloud moves past a spacecraft in terms of the possible orientations of the axis of a magnetic cloud. The model also explains why the magnetic field strength is observed to be higher inside a magnetic cloud than near its boundaries. However, the model predicts that the magnetic field strength profile should be symmetric with respect to the axis of the magnetic cloud, whereas observations show that this is not generally the case.

Burlaga, L. F.↗

Evolution of a superbubble blastwave in a magnetized medium

Researchers investigate the effects of interstellar magnetic fields on the evolution and structure of interstellar superbubbles, using both analytic and numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations. These cavities of hot gas, surrounded by shells of cold dense material preceded by a shock wave result from the combined action of stellar winds and supernova explosions in OB associations. If the medium in which a superbubble goes off is homogeneous and unmagnetized, the blast wave expands isotropically. As the interstellar gas flows through the shock, it cools significantly and gets strongly compressed such that thermal pressure remains approximately equal to ram pressure. Hence, the swept up material is confined to a very thin shell. However, if the ambient medium is permeated by a uniform magnetic field B sub o approx. 3 mu G (typical value for the interstellar matter (ISM)), the configuration loses its spherical symmetry, and, due to magnetic pressure, the shell of swept up material does not remain thin. Researchers found the following qualitative differences: (1) Except in the immediate vicinity of the magnetic poles, the shell is supported by magnetic pressure. (2) The refraction of field lines at the shock and the thermal pressure gradient along the shell both contribute to accelerating the gas toward the equator. The resulting mass flux considerably decreases the column density at the magnetic poles. (3) Away from the poles, magnetic tension in the shell causes the field lines (particularly the inner boundary) to elongate in the direction of B sub o. In contrast, the shock wave radius increases with increasing theta. (4) The reduced inertia of a parcel in the polar neighborhood makes it easier to decelerate, and accounts for the dimple which appears at the poles in numerical simulations. This dimple also results from the necessity to call on intermediate shocks in order to insure a smooth transition between a purely thermal shock at the poles and a magnetic shock in the rest of the shell. (5) The shock wave propagates faster than in the absence of magnetic field, except near the poles where the reduced mass of the shell allows it to be more efficiently decelerated.

Ferriere, Katia M.↗

Crustal structure interpreted from magnetic anomalies

This review, discusses publications during the last quadrennium (1987-1990) that used aeromagnetic data, marine magnetic data, satellite magnetic data, and rock magnetic and petrologic data to provide information on the sources of magnetic anomalies. The publications reviewed reflect increased integration of rock magnetic property and petrologic studies with magnetic anomaly interpretation studies, particularly in deep crustal magnetization, exploration for hydrocarbons, and inversion of marine magnetic anomalies. Interpretations of aeromagnetic data featuring image display techniques and using the horizontal gradient method for locating magnetization boundaries became standard.

Phillips, Jeffrey D.↗

Magnetic flipping - Reconnection in three dimensions without null points

In three dimensions, magnetic reconnection may take place in a sheared magnetic field at any singular field line, where the nearby field has X-type topology in planes perpendicular to the field line and where an electric field is present parallel to the field line. In the ideal region around the singular line there will, in general, be singularities in the plasma flow and electric field, both at the singular line and at 'magnetic flipping layers', which are remnants of local magnetic separatrices. In the absence of a three-dimensional magnetic neutral point or null point, reconnection of field lines can still occur by a process of magnetic flipping, in which the plasma crosses the flipping layers but the field lines rapidly flip along them by magnetic diffusion. Depending on the boundary conditions, there may be two or four flipping layers which converge on the singular line. A boundary layer analysis of a flipping layer is given, in which the magnetic field parallel to the layer decreases as one crosses it while the plasma pressure (or magnetic pressure associated with the field along the singular line) increases. The width of the flipping layer decreases with distance from the singular line.

Priest, E. R.↗

A feasibility assessment of magnetic bearings for free-piston Stirling space power converters

This report describes a design and analysis study performed by Mechanical Technology Incorporated (MTI) under NASA Contract NAS3-26061. The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of applying magnetic bearings to free-piston Stirling-cycle power conversion machinery of the type currently being evaluated for possible use in long-term space missions. The study was performed for a 50-kWe Reference Stirling Space Power Converter (RSSPC) system consisting of two 25-kWe free-piston Stirling engine modules. Two different versions of the RSSPC engine modules have been defined under NASA Contract NAS3-25463. These modules currently use hydrostatic gas bearings to support the reciprocating displacer and power piston assemblies. Results of this study show that active magnetic bearings of the attractive electromagnetic type are technically feasible for RSSPC application provided that wire insulation with 60,000-hr life capability at 300 C can be developed for the bearing coils. From a design integration standpoint, both versions of the RSSPC were found to be conceptually amenable to magnetic support of the power piston assembly. However, only one version of the RSSPC was found to be amendable to magnetic support of the displacer assembly. Unacceptable changes to the basic engine design would be required to incorporate magnetic displacer bearings into the second version. Complete magnetic suspension of the RSSPC can potentially increase overall efficiency of the Stirling cycle power converter by 0.53 to 1.4 percent (0.15 to 0.4 efficiency points). Magnetic bearings will also overcome several operational concerns associated with hydrostatic gas bearing systems. However, these advantages are accompanied by a 5 to 8 percent increase in specific mass of the RSSPC, depending on the RSSPC version employed. Additionally, magnetic bearings are much more complex, both mechanically and particularly electronically, than hydrostatic bearings. Accordingly, long-term stability and reliability represent areas of uncertainty for magnetic bearings. Considerable development effort will be required to establish the long-term suitability of these bearings for Stirling space power applications.

Curwen, Peter W.↗

Magnetic diffusion and flare energy buildup

Photospheric motion shears or twists solar magnetic fields to increase magnetic energy in the corona, because this process may change a current-free state of a coronal field to force-free states which carry electric current. This paper analyzes both linear and nonlinear 2D force-free magnetic field models and derives relations of magnetic energy buildup with photospheric velocity field. When realistic data of solar magnetic field and photospheric velocity field are used, it is found that 3-4 hours are needed to create an amount of free magnetic energy which is of the order of the current-free field energy. Furthermore, the paper studies situations in which finite magnetic diffusivities in photospheric plasma are introduced. The shearing motion increases coronal magnetic energy, while the photospheric diffusion reduces the energy. The variation of magnetic energy in the coronal region, then, depends on which process dominates.

Wu, S. T.↗