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At least 415 records · Page 23

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DOE OSTI2025

Thermal Hydraulics Analysis of a Divertor Monoblock Using SALAMANDER

Divertors are critical components in magnetic confinement fusion devices. One of the Divertor's crictial roles is absorbing the highest heat flux from the plasma. The Divertor accomplishes this through the use of divertor monoblocks and cooling channels. This work presents a thermal hydraulic analysis of a divertor monoblock using the Software for Advanced Large-scale Analysis of MAgnetic confinement for Numerical Design, Engineering and Research (SALAMANDER). SALAMANDER is an open source tool developed at Idaho National Laboratory for conducting multiphysics and multscale analysis of Plasma Facing Components (PFCs). For the monoblock, solid heat conduction is modeled in the block with a constant heat flux of 1E7 W/m^2 applied to the top of the block to represent peak heat flux from the plasma. The cooling channel (which is pressurized water at a Reynolds number of ~1,000,000) is modeled using a k-epsilon turbulence model with standard wall functions. The heat transfer between the solid and fluid domain is modeled using the Dittus-Boelter correlation for the convective heat transfer coefficient. This work aims to show the importance of a multiphysics modeling approach when performing simulations on PFCs.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Verification of a Fluid-Based Plasma-Edge Model Within the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) Framework

As the goal of achieving fusion power on the grid comes closer to fruition, fully coupled multiphysics models of fusion devices will be crucial. These models must incorporate the interconnected phenomena of these devices, including plasma physics, neutronics, first wall interactions, and tritium transport. Currently, there are two main approaches to developing these platforms: (1) loosely coupled, where one couples existing codes and solvers together through input and output parameters and data, and (2) tightly coupled, where one develops the necessary models within a singular, integrated framework. This work focuses on the latter approach for magnetically confined fusion devices by developing a fluid-based plasma-edge model within the Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) Framework. This effort is coordinated with other efforts to develop, test, demonstrate, and deploy fusion relevant multiphysics capabilities including electromagnetics, particle-in-cell plasma, tritium transport, and fusion blanket design. This new model is an expansion of the MOOSE-based plasma application, Zapdos, which was originally formulated to model low-temperature, non-magnetized plasma processes. Verification studies have been conducted using newly developed magnetic plasma capabilities. These involved convergence analyses utilizing the method of manufactured solutions to verify new operators and case studies. A modular approach was taken here to demonstrate increasingly complicated simulation scenarios, which included a singular fluid with uniform magnetic field case, a singular fluid with spatially varying magnetic field case, and a coupled multifluid case.

70 - PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Tunable, room-temperature multiferroic Fe-BaTiO 3 vertically aligned nanocomposites with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Room-temperature ferromagnetic materials with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are widely sought after for spintronics, magnetic data storage devices, and stochastic computing. To address this need, a new Fe-BaTiO 3 vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) has been fabricated—combining both the strong room-temperature ferromagnetic properties of Fe nanopillars and the strong room-temperature ferroelectric properties of the BaTiO 3 matrix. Furthermore, the Fe-BaTiO 3 VAN allows for highly anisotropic magnetic properties with tunable magnetization and coercivity. Additionally, to demonstrate the multiferroic properties of the Fe-BaTiO 3 system, the new metal-oxide hybrid material system has been incorporated in a multilayer stack. Overall, this new multiferroic VAN system possesses great potential in magnetic anisotropy and property tuning and demonstrates a new material family of oxide-metal hybrid systems for room-temperature multiferroic material designs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Simulations of edge and SOL turbulence in diverted negative and positive triangularity plasmas

Optimizing the performance of magnetic confinement fusion devices is critical to achieving an attractive fusion reactor design. Negative triangularity (NT) scenarios have been shown to achieve excellent levels of energy confinement, while avoiding edge localized modes. Modeling turbulent transport in the edge and SOL is key in understanding the impact of NT on turbulence and extrapolating the results to future devices and regimes. Previous gyrokinetic turbulence studies have reported beneficial effects of NT across a broad range of parameters. However, most simulations have focused on the inner plasma region, neglecting the impact of NT on the outermost edge. In this work, we investigate the effect of NT in edge and scrape-off layer simulations, including the magnetic X-point and separatrix. For the first time, we employ a multi-fidelity approach, combining global, non-linear gyrokinetic simulations with drift-reduced fluid simulations, to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying physics at play. First-principles simulations using the GENE-X code demonstrate that in comparable NT and PT geometries, similar profiles are achieved, while the turbulent heat flux is reduced by more than 50% in NT. Comparisons with results from the drift-reduced fluid turbulence code GRILLIX suggest that the turbulence is driven by trapped electron modes. The parallel heat flux width on the divertor targets is reduced in NT, primarily due to a lower spreading factor S.

GENE-X↗

DOE OSTI2021

Localized strain profile in surface electrode array for programmable composite multiferroic devices

In this work, we investigate localized in-plane strains on the microscale, induced by arrays of biased surface electrodes patterned on piezoelectrics. Particular focus is given to the influence that adjacent electrode pairs have on one another to study the impact of densely packed electrode arrays. We present a series of X-ray microdiffraction studies to reveal the spatially resolved micrometer-scale strain distribution. The strain maps with micrometer-scale resolution highlight how the local strain profile in square regions up to 250 x 250 lm 2 in size is affected by the surface electrodes that are patterned on ferroelectric single-crystal [Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 ] x -[PbTiO 3 ] 1-x . The experimental measurements and simulation results show the influence of electrode pair distance, positioning of the electrode pair, including the angle of placement, and neighboring electrode pair arrangements on the strength and direction of the regional strain. Our findings are relevant to the development of microarchitected strain-mediated multiferroic devices. The electrode arrays could provide array-addressable localized strain control for applications including straintronic memory, probabilistic computing platforms, microwave devices, and magnetic-activated cell sorting platforms.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2023

Exchange Bias Between van der Waals Materials: Tilted Magnetic States and Field-Free Spin–Orbit-Torque Switching

Magnetic van der Waals heterostructures provide a unique platform to study magnetism and spintronics device concepts in the 2D limit. Here, studies of exchange bias from the van der Waals antiferromagnet CrSBr acting on the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) are reported. Additionally, the orientation of the exchange bias is along the in-plane easy axis of CrSBr, perpendicular to the out-of-plane anisotropy of the FGT, inducing a strongly tilted magnetic configuration in the FGT. Furthermore, the in-plane exchange bias provides sufficient symmetry breaking to allow deterministic spin–orbit torque switching of the FGT in CrSBr/FGT/Pt samples at zero applied magnetic field. A minimum thickness of the CrSBr of >10 nm is needed to provide a non-zero exchange bias at 30 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Self-consistent modeling of tokamak edge plasma transport with lithium sources

Magnetic confinement fusion devices require effective heat and particle exhaust solutions on the divertor plates to operate sustainably, especially under reactor-relevant conditions. Liquid lithium divertors have been proposed to address two major challenges: control of excessive heat flux to plasma-facing components through vapor shielding and minimization of core plasma contamination from impurities. The National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) will explore lithium as a divertor material due to its potential to meet both objectives. We present a self-consistent coupling framework between the plasma boundary transport code UEDGE and the lithium wall transport code Wall–Li to evaluate the feasibility and operational limits of lithium-based divertors. The model aims to optimize lithium sourcing levels to prevent core plasma contamination via fuel dilution while ensuring divertor protection through vapor shielding. This integrated framework, applicable to any tokamak with lithium sources, dynamically adjusts lithium sourcing based on local plasma conditions and surface temperature. The coupled model is tested using NSTX-like geometry and plasma conditions to assess its performance and reliability. Wall–Li calculates lithium fluxes from plasma-facing components, incorporating physical sputtering, thermally enhanced sputtering, and evaporation driven by surface temperature and ion flux. These fluxes are reintroduced into UEDGE as neutral lithium atoms, enabling simulation of their transport and distribution within the plasma. UEDGE computes plasma and neutral transport, surface heat flux, and iteratively feeds this information back to Wall–Li. A small time step is employed to ensure numerical stability and convergence, enabling accurate simulations over typical tokamak discharge durations. This integrated modeling approach provides a robust tool for identifying operational regimes that balance effective lithium sourcing with minimal core plasma contamination, offering critical insights for optimizing lithium-based divertor systems in current and future fusion devices.

Magnetic confinement fusion↗

NASA NTRS1981

Analysis and simulation of a magnetic bearing suspension system for a laboratory model annular momentum control device

A linear analysis and the results of a nonlinear simulation of a magnetic bearing suspension system which uses permanent magnet flux biasing are presented. The magnetic bearing suspension is part of a 4068 N-m-s (3000 lb-ft-sec) laboratory model annular momentum control device (AMCD). The simulation includes rigid body rim dynamics, linear and nonlinear axial actuators, linear radial actuators, axial and radial rim warp, and power supply and power driver current limits.

Groom, N. J.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

A gasdynamic mirror (GDM) fusion propulsion experiment is currently being constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to test the feasibility of this particular type of fusion device. Because of the open magnetic field line configuration of mirror fusion devices, they are particularly well suited for propulsion system applications since they allow for the easy ejection of thrust producing plasma. Currently, the MSFC GDM is constructed in three segments. The vacuum chamber mirror segment, the plasma injector mirror segment, and the main plasma chamber segment. Enough magnets are currently available to construct up to three main plasma chamber segments. The mirror segments are also segmented such that they can be expanded to accommodate new end plugging strategies with out requiring the disassembly of the entire mirror segment. The plasma for the experiment is generated in a microwave cavity located between the main magnets and the mirror magnets. Ion heating is accomplished through ambipolar diffusion. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the stability characteristics of the gasdynamic mirror and to map a region of parameter space within which the plasma can be confined in a stable steady state configuration. The mirror ratio, plasma density, and plasma "b" will be varied over a range of values and measurements subsequently taken to determine the degree of plasma stability.

Emrich, Bill↗

DOE OSTI2021

HIBP Applications to Advance Understanding of Plasma Transport Physics (2011-2017) (and subsequently titled) Development of Beam Measurements to Advance Understanding of Transients and Improve Validation (2017-2020) (Final Technical Report)

This is the Final Technical Report for the DoE Measurement Innovation (previously Diagnostic Development) grant DE-SC0006077 titled HIBP Applications to Advance Understanding of Plasma Transport Physics (2011-2017), and subsequently titled Development of Beam Measurements to Advance Understanding of Transients and Improve Validation (2017-2020). The grant was funded by the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) for the period 1 May 2011–17 July 2020. Work performed through the grant has resulted in diagnostic innovations and new measurement capabilities that will improve understanding of transport, magnetic equilibrium, and electric fields in magnetically confined plasmas. We have developed novel hardware and advanced techniques to expand beam-based diagnostic capabilities, and extend measurements to new operating regimes. Some have been realized using a Heavy Ion Beam Probe (HIBP) having traditional features, while other applications have joined our innovations with subsets of advantageous HIBP features. This work has established smaller, more economical detection systems and, in doing so, may enable substantial extension of scenarios in which beam-based diagnostics are deployed. Key Measurement Innovations include: Computer Models and Simulations of HIBP Applications-Computer modeling and simulating of HIBP applications is central to predicting interaction of beam particles with plasmas, designing diagnostic systems, and anticipating measurement characteristics. We have extended the capability and improved measurement fidelity of the HIBP diagnostic on the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) reversed field pinch (RFP); simulated feasibility of HIBP operation in the Helically Symmetric eXperiment (HSX) optimized stellarator; and investigated the plausibility of HIBP measurements in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. We have also developed a new technique that uses ion optics to model a finite phase-space beam. It yields more realistic (than traditional method) estimates of sample volume characteristics, which influence measurement resolution and sensitivity. Extension of Diagnostic Capabilities and Measurements on the MST RFP-Capabilities have been extended using the first and only HIBP installation on an RFP. Challenges associated with operation of the diagnostic on MST include the three-dimensional nature of particle trajectories, temporal topology and amplitude changes in the plasma equilibrium, and strong particle and radiative emission from the plasma. We have addressed these challenges through development of detailed and higher precision diagnostic simulations, calibrated subtraction of noise to resolve secondary ion signals, and implementation of hardware that enables higher fidelity measurement of plasma fluctuations. Development of New Hardware and Measurement Techniques - We have advanced beam-based measurement capabilities via development of new detectors and techniques to determine the poloidal magnetic flux ψ in the plasma, and enable placement of detectors close to the plasma and thus allow a smaller and less expensive diagnostic. We have demonstrated measurement of ψ, an ability that was made possible by development of highly effective noise reduction techniques. We also modeled the effect of non-ideal and instrumentation effects by developing a virtual (simulated) diagnostic. Application of beam-based diagnostics on various devices and multiple magnetic configurations (e.g. stellarator, tokamak, and reversed field pinch) enables investigation of critical physics issues and measurements resulting in the broad parameter space data needed to test and validate theory & modeling.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Advancing the Physics of Magnetized Dusty Plasmas (Collaborative Research Final Report)

Dusty (or complex) plasmas are four-component systems consisting of the usual plasma constituents of electrons, ions, and neutral atoms with the addition of a third charged component - nanometer to micrometer sized solid particulates; i.e., "dust". The study of magnetized dusty plasmas is grounded in important questions that are relevant to space, astrophysical, and also technological plasmas and therefore have the potential to make a societal impact. The formation and control of nanometer-sized particles in industrial plasma processes is currently being exploited as a technique to induce the formation of nanocrystals on material surfaces. For example, when combined with magnetron sources, these are important processes that could lead to improved techniques for customizing material synthesis. The interaction between the edge plasma and walls of magnetic confinement fusion devices is a source of particulate material that can be transported throughout the plasma with potentially detrimental effects on plasma performance. Understanding the formation, transport, and destruction of these "dust" particles is of critical importance.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Fusion Energy Research at Idaho National Laboratory: Experimentation and Simulation to Support Safety and Rapid Technology Development

Research into fusion energy is growing rapidly, responding to a call for sustainable sources of energy to replace fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Within the United States, at least, researchers are also responding to the “Bold Decadal Vision” proposed by the White House, seeking to have a commercially relevant fusion pilot plant deployed within a decade. Before this can become a reality, many Fusion Science & Technology (FS&T) gaps remain. For over 45 years, Idaho National Laboratory has been at the forefront of addressing these FS&T gaps in the context of fusion safety and technology via the operation of world-leading experimental facilities within the Safety and Tritium Applied Research (STAR) Facility. Here, INL focuses on the tritium fuel cycle, conceptual system design studies, risk assessment, waste management, and materials safety. Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has also been a component of this portfolio of research, but, early on, focused on individual systems. Since 2019, active development and research on integrated whole device modeling tools based on the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework has been undertaken. This has culminated in a MOOSE-based version of the Tritium Migration and Analysis Program (TMAP), an INL code historically focused on tritium permeation and trapping within fusion systems. More recently, INL Laboratory Directed Research and Development funds have been used to create the Fusion ENergy Integrated multiphys-X (FENIX) code focused on scrape-off layer plasma physics and the first wall of a magnetically confined fusion device. This talk will focus on an overview of INL activities in the FS&T research area, with a particular focus on recent M&S activities and results.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2020

Experimental determination of the thermal, turbulent, and rotational ion motion and magnetic field profiles in imploding plasmas

A tutorial is presented on advances in spectroscopic diagnostic methods developed for measuring key plasma properties in pulsed-power systems such as Z-pinches, magnetized-plasma compression devices, ion and electron diodes, and plasma switches. The parameters measured include the true ion temperature in Z-pinch implosions, which led to a discovery that much of the ion kinetic energy at stagnation is stored in hydrodynamic rather than in thermal motion. This observation contributed a new important insight into the understanding of the ion thermalization at stagnation and stimulated further investigations of turbulence at stagnation, discussed here too. The second part of this tutorial is devoted to the development of measurements for magnetic-field distributions in Z-pinches and in other pulsed-power systems, as well as their use in studying the plasma dynamics, resistivity, and pressure and energy balance. The latter study raises intriguing questions on the implosion process. In particular, in Z-pinches, the current during stagnation was found to largely flow at relatively large radii, outside the stagnation region. The magnetic-field measurements also enable investigations into the compression of a pre-magnetized cylindrical plasma that uncover striking phenomena related to the current flow, where the current was found to redistribute toward the outer regions during the implosion. Observation of the rotation of the magnetized plasma is also discussed. Lastly, experimental and theoretical investigations of a non-diffusive fast penetration of magnetic field into a low-density plasma, including its effect on the plasma dynamics, are described

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Preparation of ternary hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvents and an investigation into their physicochemical properties

Hydrophobic magnetic deep eutectic solvents (HMDESs) are considered a subclass of DESs comprised of a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), hydrogen bond donor (HBD), and a metal halide salt. These DESs can be easily manipulated by an external magnet and employed in numerous applications including liquid–liquid extractions and catalysis. In this work, a total of forty-six (46) HMDESs were prepared and their physicochemical properties studied. Six structurally unique ionic and non-ionic HBAs were combined with lanthanide and transition metal halide salts and twelve different HBDs to prepare room temperature eutectic solvents. The viscosities of HMDESs ranged from 46 centipoise (cP) to 124,600 cP at 23 °C. Their magnetic susceptibilities, studied by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry and a magnetic susceptibility balance, varied from 3.03 Bohr magnetons (μB) to 9.32 μB when the type of metal halide salt and its molar ratio were varied. Thermal stabilities ranged from 151.1 °C to 308.5 °C at 5% mass loss. Further, all HMDESs comprised of ionic HBA were observed to be insoluble in hexane. This study demonstrates that the physicochemical properties of HMDESs can easily be tailored by varying the DES constituents as well as their molar ratio. The structural tunability of these solvents make them highly attractive candidates for a plethora of applications ranging from extractions to electrochromic applications, where HMDESs can be easily manipulated by an external magnetic field.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

Sensitivity of magnetic islands in permanent magnet stellarators using the gradient and Hessian methods

Stellarator plasmas are known to be very sensitive to perturbations in the magnetic field. The permanent magnet stellarator was in part developed as a solution to high machining tolerances placed on the shape properties of electromagnetic coils in traditional stellarators. However, as a consequence of this high sensitivity to the field structure, sensitivities of permanent magnet stellarator plasmas to perturbations of permanent magnet properties must necessarily be well-understood. The gradient and Hessian matrix methods have been previously demonstrated to be useful sensitivity analysis methods for modular coils. We apply these two methods to the study of island width sensitivities in both the MUSE and PM4STELL permanent magnet stellarator projects. These sensitivity methods were used to determine the relative impacts of permanent magnet parameter perturbations on island widths in the vacuum field approximation of both stellarator equilibria. The square of resonant magnetic field perturbation is used here as a proxy for island width. In particular, gradients of magnetizations of individual magnets were examined in MUSE, as well as gradients of magnet group displacements informed by device design. Three different forms of permanent magnet magnetization perturbations are investigated for MUSE, and the flux surface response to perturbations is demonstrated. The Hessian matrix method is applied to PM4STELL, illustrating the sensitivity of dominant island widths to displacements of toroidal wedge structures. These methods allow for selective direction of experimental resources toward regions of heightened sensitivity, while constraints on less impactful permanent magnet parameters can be relaxed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS1977

A practical magnetic bearing

A small compact magnetic bearing design developed and tested features a bearing capable of supporting over ten times its own weight, dimensioned 8 cm diam by 3.75 cm, with rare-earth cobalt magnets. Only 1% of the device payload figures as part of the magnetic suspension. The design is servoed in two axes and exhibits inherent stability in three more degrees of freedom, with full rotational freedom in the desired axis. Capacitive radial gap sensing allows stiff servoing of the rotation axis. Differential sensing and EM control linearize control functions. Low power drain, simple fabrication and assembly, and larger clearances than in air bearings or ball bearings are reported

Studer, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Robotic apparatuses, systems and methods

A mobile device for traversing a ferromagnetic surface. The device includes a frame and at least one surface contacting device attached to the frame. The device also includes a Halbach magnet array attached to the frame, wherein the Halbach magnet array provides a magnetic force to maintain the surface contacting device substantially into contact with the ferromagnetic surface.

Ross, William P.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Robotic apparatuses, systems and methods

Ross, William P.↗