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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 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

The hot plasma environment at Jupiter - Ulysses results

Initial results obtained from measurements made by the HI-SCALE (heliosphere instrument for spectra, composition, and anisotropy at low energies) experiment are reported. Data revealed that the Jovian magnetosphere is very extended, with the day-side magnetopause located at about 105 Jupiter radii. The relative abundances of sulfur, oxygen, and sodium to helium decreased with the decreasing radial distance from the planet on the day-side, which suggests that the abundances of Jupiter-derived species are dependent on latitude. Intense fluxes of counter-streaming ions and electrons were discovered in the dusk-side, high-latitude region from the edge of the plasma sheet to the dusk-side magnetopause. These beams of ions and electrons appeared to be very tightly aligned with the magnetic field and to be superimposed on a time- and space variable isotropic hot plasma background. The current carried by measured hot plasma particles are about 1.6 x 10 exp -4 microamps per sq m.

Lanzerotti, L. J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Three-dimensional modelling of a self-sustained atmospheric pressure glow discharge

The atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) is a relatively simple and versatile plasma source used in diverse applications. Stable APGD operation at high currents, generally a challenge due to instabilities leading to glow-to-arc transition, has been demonstrated using actively-controlled cathodic cooling. This article presents the computational modelling and simulation of a self-sustained direct-current APGD in helium within a 10 mm pin-to-plate inter-electrode gap for currents ranging from 4 to 40 mA. The APGD model is comprised of the conservation equations for total mass, chemical species, momentum, thermal energy of heavy-species and of free electrons, and electric charge. The model equations are discretized using a nonlinear variational multi-scale finite element method that has demonstrated superior accuracy in other plasma flow problems, on a temporal and three-dimensional computational domain suitable to unveil the potential occurrence of instabilities. Modelling results show good agreement with experimental measurements of voltage drop and the same trend but higher values of temperature. The higher temperatures obtained by the simulations appear to be due to the absence of a near-cathode heat dissipation model. Here, the results also reveal that the distribution of electron density and of the ratio of atomic helium ions to total ions transitions from monotonically increasing away from the cathode to presenting a minimum near the centre of the gap with increasing current.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1979

Estimations of electron densities and temperatures in He-3 dominated plasmas

It is very useful to have a method of estimation for electron temperature and electron densities in nuclear pumped plasmas because measurements of such quantities are very difficult. This paper describes a method, based on rate equation analysis of the ionized species in the plasma and the electron energy balance. In addition to the ionized species, certain neutral species must also be calculated. Examples are given for pure helium and a mixture of helium and argon. In the HeAr case, He(+), He2(+), He/2 3S/, Ar(+), Ar2(+), and excited Ar are evaluated.

Depaola, B. D.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Construction of a Compact Array of Microplasma Jet Devices and Its Application for Random Mutagenesis of Rhodosporidium toruloides

A small and efficient DNA mutation-inducing machine was constructed with an array of microplasma jet devices (7 × 1) that can be operated at atmospheric pressure for microbial mutagenesis. Using this machine, we report disruption of a plasmid DNA and generation of mutants of an oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides. Specifically, a compact-sized microplasma channel (25 × 20 × 2 mm 3 ) capable of generating an electron density of greater than 10 13 cm –3 was constructed to produce reactive species (N 2 *, N 2 +, O, OH, and H α ) under helium atmospheric conditions to induce DNA mutagenesis. The length of microplasma channels in the device played a critical role in augmenting both the volume of plasma and the concentration of reactive species. First, we confirmed that microplasma treatment can linearize a plasmid by creating nicks in vitro. Second, we treated R. toruloides cells with a jet device containing 7 microchannels for 5 min; 94.8% of the treated cells were killed, and 0.44% of surviving cells showed different colony colors as compared to their parental colony. Microplasma-based DNA mutation is energy-efficient and can be a safe alternative for inducing mutations compared to conventional methods using toxic mutagens. In conclusion, this compact and scalable device is amenable for industrial strain improvement involving large-scale mutagenesis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Data for Construction of a Compact Array of Microplasma Jet Devices and Its Application for Random Mutagenesis of Rhodosporidium toruloides

A small and efficient DNA mutation-inducing machine was constructed with an array of microplasma jet devices (7 × 1) that can be operated at atmospheric pressure for microbial mutagenesis. Using this machine, we report disruption of a plasmid DNA and generation of mutants of an oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides . Specifically, a compact-sized microplasma channel (25 × 20 × 2 mm3) capable of generating an electron density of greater than 1013 cm–3 was constructed to produce reactive species (N2*, N2+, O, OH, and Hα) under helium atmospheric conditions to induce DNA mutagenesis. The length of microplasma channels in the device played a critical role in augmenting both the volume of plasma and the concentration of reactive species. First, we confirmed that microplasma treatment can linearize a plasmid by creating nicks in vitro. Second, we treated R. toruloides cells with a jet device containing 7 microchannels for 5 min; 94.8% of the treated cells were killed, and 0.44% of surviving cells showed different colony colors as compared to their parental colony. Microplasma-based DNA mutation is energy-efficient and can be a safe alternative for inducing mutations compared to conventional methods using toxic mutagens. This compact and scalable device is amenable for industrial strain improvement involving large-scale mutagenesis.

Conversion↗
NASA NTRS1989

Development of a high power microwave thruster, with a magnetic nozzle, for space applications

This paper describes the current development of a high-power microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) concept at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Such a thruster would be employed in space for applications such as orbit raining, orbit maneuvering, station change, and possibly trans-lunar or trans-planetary propulsion of spacecraft. The MET concept employs low frequency continuous wave (CW) microwave power to create and continuously pump energy into a flowing propellant gas at relative high pressure via a plasma discharge. The propellant is heated to very high bulk temperatures while passing through the plasma discharge region and then is expanded through a throat-nozzle assembly to produce thrust, as in a conventional rocket engine. Apparatus, which is described, is being assembled at NASA Lewis to test the MET concept to CW power levels of 30 kW at a frequency of 915 MHz. The microwave energy is applied in a resonant cavity applicator and is absorbed by a plasma discharge in the flowing propellant. The ignited plasma acts as a lossy load, and with optimal tuning, energy absorption efficiencies over 95 percent (based on the applied microwave power) are expected. Nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen will be tested as propellants in the MET, at discharge chamber pressures to 10 atm.

Power, John L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Overview of the fusion nuclear science facility, a credible break-in step on the path to fusion energy

The Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FNSF) is examined here as part of a two step program from ITER to commercial power plants. This first step is considered mandatory to establish the materials and component database in the real fusion in-service environment before proceeding to larger electricity producing facilities. The FNSF can be shown to make tremendous advances beyond ITER, toward a power plant, particularly in plasma duration and fusion nuclear environment. A moderate FNSF is studied in detail, which does not generate net electricity, but does reach the power plant blanket operating temperatures. The full poloidal Dual Coolant Lead Lithium (DCLL) blanket is chosen, with alternates being the Helium Cooled Lead Lithium (HCLL) and Helium Cooled Ceramic Breeder/Pebble Bed (HCCB/PB). Several power plant relevant choices are made in order to follow the philosophy of targeted technologies. Any fusion core component must be qualified by fusion relevant neutron testing and highly integrated non-nuclear testing before it can be installed on the FNSF in order to avoid the high probability of constant failures in a plasma-vacuum system. A range of missions for the FNSF, or any fusion nuclear facility on the path toward fusion power plants, are established and characterized by several metrics. A conservative physics strategy is pursued to accommodate the transition to ultra-long plasma pulses, and parameters are chosen to represent the power plant regime to the extent possible. An operating space is identified, and from this, one point is chosen for further detailed analysis, with R = 4.8 m, a = 1.2 m, IP = 7.9 MA, BT = 7.5 T, βN Gr = 0.9, fBS = 0.52, q95 = 6.0, H98 ∼1.0, and Q = 4.0. The operating space is shown to be robust to parameter variations. A program is established for the FNSF to show how the missions for the facility are met, with a He/H, a DD and 5 DT phases. The facility requires ∼25 years to complete its DT operation, including 7.8 years of neutron production, and the remaining spent on inspections and maintenance. The DD phase is critical to establish the ultra-long plasma pulse lengths. The blanket testing strategy is examined, and shows that many sectors have penetrations for heating and current drive (H/CD), diagnostics, or Test Blanket Modules (TBMs). The hot cell is a critical facility element in order for the FNSF to perform its function of developing the in-service material and component database. The pre-FNSF R&D is laid out in terms of priority topics, with the FNSF phases driving the time-lines for R&D completion. A series of detailed technical assessments of the FNSF operating point are reported in this issue, showing the credibility of such a step, and more detailed emphasis on R&D items to pursue. These include nuclear analysis, thermo-mechanics and thermal-hydraulics, liquid metal thermal hydraulics, transient thermo-mechanics, tritium analysis, maintenance assessment, magnet specification and analysis, materials assessments, core and scrape-off layer (SOL)/divertor plasma examinations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

National Opacity Program: Analysis of Opacity-relevant X-ray Emission Spectra (Milestone Report ID 7121)

We have produced high energy density iron plasmas at temperatures above 1 keV and electron densities exceeding 1023 cm -3 (~ 1 g/cm 3 ) using the Orion laser at the Atomic Weapons Establishment. These plasmas were created by irradiating 50 µm diameter layered targets with frequency doubled (λ = 527 nm), 1 ps laser pulses focused to a 100 µm diameter producing an irradiance of ~ 2 x 10 18 W/cm 2 . The buried layer targets consist of 160 nm iron sulfide (FeS), 60 nm potassium chloride (KCl), and 15 nm carbon. The combined layers are tamped on both sides with 3 µm of parylene-N. The x-ray emission from the plasma was measured using two time-resolved, and four time-integrated Bragg crystal spectrometers, as well as one time-integrated imaging system. One time-resolved x-ray spectrometer measured emission from L-shell transitions in highly charged iron, the other from K-shell transitions in helium-like S 14+ and hydrogen-like S 15+ . The time-integrated spectrometers are intensity-calibrated and measured emission from K-shell transitions in sulfur, potassium, chlorine, and both K-shell and L-shell transitions in iron. The density and temperature of the plasma were determined by modeling the x-ray spectra using different spectral and hydrodynamic modeling packages. A brief overview of the uncertainties associated with the measurements and models are presented. We also give an overview of our 1-D HYDRA-DCA radiation-hydrodynamics model and improvements for future work. Our results aid in assessing experimental uncertainties associated with plasma uniformity and with x-ray emission employed as diagnostics in opacity experiments at temperatures and densities not achievable elsewhere and represent a significant step in creating and diagnosing plasmas near LTE. These results are summarized as part of the completion requirements for milestone 7121

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1972

Atmospheric helium and geomagnetic field reversals.

The problem of the earth's helium budget is examined in the light of recent work on the interaction of the solar wind with nonmagnetic planets. It is proposed that the dominant mode of helium (He4) loss is ion pumping by the solar wind during geomagnetic field reversals, when the earth's magnetic field is very small. The interaction of the solar wind with the earth's upper atmosphere during such a period is found to involve the formation of a bow shock. The penetration altitude of the shock-heated solar plasma is calculated to be about 700 km, and ionization rates above this level are estimated for a cascade ionization (electron avalanche) process to average 10 to the 9th power ions/sq cm/sec. The calculated ionization rates and the capacity of the solar wind to remove ionized helium (He4) from the upper atmosphere during geomagnetic dipole reversals are sufficient to yield a secular equilibrium over geologic time scales. The upward transport of helium from the lower atmosphere under these conditions is found to be adequate to sustain the proposed loss rate.

Sheldon, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Plasma polymerization of ethylene in an atmospheric pressure-pulsed discharge

The polymerization of ethylene in an atmospheric pressure-pulsed discharge has been studied. Partial pressures of ethylene up to 4 kN/sq m were used with helium as a diluent. Deposition rates (on glass slides) were the same throughout the discharge volume over a wide range of operating conditions. These rates were in the 1-2 A/sec range. The films were clear, soft, and showed good adhesion to the glass substrates. Oligomers large enough to visibly scatter 637.8-nm light were observed in the gas phase under all conditions in which film deposition occurred. The experimental results suggest that Brownian diffusion of these oligomers was the rate-limiting step in the film deposition process.

Donohoe, K.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Large-scale structure of solar wind as observed on the Prognoz 7 satellite

Properties of different solar wind streams depend on the large scale structure of coronal magnetic field and dynamical phenomena in the solar atmosphere. We present average values and distributions of MHD parameters (density, velocity, temperature, fluxes of mass, momentum and energy, ratio of thermal and magnetic pressures, as well as helium abundance) as observed on board the Prognoz 7 satellite in the different types of the solar wind streams connected with solar corona structure and phenomena: (1) heliospheric current sheet, (2) streams from coronal holes, (3) streams from coronal streamers, (4) plasma disturbed by interplanetary shocks, and (5) coronal mass ejections. As for quasistationary streams of solar wind, maximum mass flux is recorded in the streams emanating from the coronal streamers while maximum thermal and kinetic energy fluxes are observed in the streams from the coronal holes. The momentum fluxes are equal in both types of streams. Maximum ratio of thermal and magnetic pressures is observed in heliospheric current sheet. The maximum helium abundance is observed in coronal mass ejection, it is higher in streams from coronal holes than in streams from streamers, and its dependences on density and mass flux are different in different types of the streams. Dynamics of alpha-particle velocity and temperature relative to protons in different streams is discussed.

Yermolaev, Yu. I.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Perspectives on multiscale modelling and experiments to accelerate materials development for fusion

Prediction of material performance in fusion reactor environments relies on computational modelling, and will continue to do so until the first generation of fusion power plants come on line and allow long-term behaviour to be observed. In the meantime, the modelling is supported by experiments that attempt to replicate some aspects of the eventual operational conditions. In 2019, a group of leading experts met under the umbrella of the IEA to discuss the current position and ongoing challenges in modelling of fusion materials and how advanced experimental characterisation is aiding model improvement. This review draws from the discussions held during that workshop. Topics covering modelling of irradiation-induced defect production and fundamental properties, gas behaviour, clustering and segregation, defect evolution and interactions are discussed, as well as new and novel multiscale simulation approaches, and the latest efforts to link modelling to experiments through advanced observation and characterisation techniques.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Degradation of the lunar vacuum by a moon base

Several industrial processes requiring high and ultra-high vacuum similar to the lunar vacuum are outlined. The effects of a 20-person lunar base and a 250-person industrial facility on this vacuum are discussed. It is shown that exhaust from transport spacecraft and leakage from the habitat will be comparable to the daytime gas pressure for the 20-person base, and will degrade the vacuum to the range of 2 x 10 to the -9th torr for the use of 250-person facility. This will result in replacing the mostly nonreactive gases hydrogen, helium, and neon with more reactive gases containing carbon and oxygen. This vacuum is still good enough to perform many important vacuum processes such as plasma-deposition of amorphous silicon for solar cells, but processes such as molecular beam epitaxy or locating an intersecting beam accelerator on the moon will require additional vacuum pumping.

Landis, Geoffrey↗
NASA NTRS1992

Charge-exchange born He(+) ions in the solar wind

The effect of charge transfer between solar wind alpha-particles and hydrogen atoms of interstellar origin is revisited. Singly-charged helium ions born in the charge transfer carry important information on processes in the solar wind and the heliosphere. The velocity distribution of such He(+) ions is substantially different from that of He(+) pick-up ions due to ionization of the interstellar helium atoms. Estimates of the expected abundances of the charge-exchange born He(+) in the solar wind are presented, and the possibility of measuring this plasma component on deep space missions is discussed.

Gruntman, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The effect of plasma on solar cell array arc characteristics

The influence from the ambient plasma on the arc characteristics of a negatively biased solar cell array was investigated. The arc characteristics examined were the peak current during an arc, the decay time as the arc terminates, and the charge lost during the arc. These arc characteristics were examined in a nitrogen plasma with charge densities ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 cu cm. Background gas pressures ranged from 8x1,000,000 to 6x100,000 torr. Over these ranges of parameters no significant effect on the arc characteristics were seen. Arc characteristics were also examined for three gas species: helium, nitrogen and argon. The helium arcs have higher peak currents and shorter decay times than nitrogen and argon arcs. There are slight differences in the arc characteristics between nitrogen and argon. These differences may be caused by the differences in mass of the respective species. Also, evidence is presented for an electron emission mechanism appearing as a precursor to solar array arcs. Occassionally the plasma generator could be turned off, and currents could still be detected in the vacuum system. When these currents are presented, arcs may occur.

Snyder, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The effect of plasma on solar cell array arc characteristics

The influence from the ambient plasma on the arc characteristics of a negatively biased solar cell array was investigated. The arc characteristics examined were the peak current during an arc, the decay time as the arc terminates, and the charge lost during the arc. These arc characteristics were examined in a nitrogen plasma with charge densities ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 cu cm. Background gas pressures ranged from 8x1,000,000 to 6x100,000 torr. Over these ranges of parameters no significant effect on the arc characteristics were seen. Arc characteristics were also examined for three gas species: helium, nitrogen and argon. The helium arcs have higher peak currents and shorter decay times than nitrogen and argon arcs. There are slight differences in the arc characteristics between nitrogen and argon. These differences may be caused by the differences in mass of the respective species. Also, evidence is presented for an electron emission mechanism appearing as a precursor to solar array arcs. Occasionally the plasma generator could be turned off, and currents could still be detected in the vacuum system. When these currents are presented, arcs may occur.

Snyder, D. B.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Electric field determination in transient plasmas: in situ & non-invasive methods

Abstract One of the primary basic plasma parameters within transient nonequilibrium plasmas is the reduced electric field strength, roughly understood as the ratio of the electrical energy given to the charged species between two collisions. While physical probes have historically been used for electric field measurements, recent advances in high intensity lasers and sensitive detection methods have allowed for non-invasive optical electric field determination in nearly any discharge configuration with time-resolution up to the sub-nanosecond range and sub-millimeter spatial resolution. This topical review serves to highlight several non-invasive methods for in situ electric field strength determination in transient plasmas ranging from high vacuum environments to atmospheric pressure and above. We will discuss the advantages and proper implementation of (i) laser induced fluorescence dip spectroscopy for measurements in low pressure RF discharges, (ii) optical emission spectroscopy based methods for nitrogen, helium or hydrogen containing discharges, (iii) electric field induced coherent Raman scattering, and (iv) electric field induced second harmonic generation. The physical mechanism for each method will be described as well as basic implementation and highlighting recent results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗