SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “separation force”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2015

The microscopic Z-pinch process of current-carrying rarefied deuterium plasma shell

For insight into the microscopic mechanism of Z-pinch dynamic processes, a code of two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation has been developed in cylindrical coordinates. In principle, the Z-pinch of current-carrying rarefied deuterium plasma shell has been simulated by means of this code. Many results related to the microscopic processes of the Z-pinch are obtained. They include the spatio-temporal distributions of electromagnetic field, current density, forces experienced by the ions and electrons, positions and energy distributions of particles, and trailing mass and current. In radial direction, the electric and magnetic forces exerted on the electrons are comparable in magnitude, while the forces exerted on the ions are mainly the electric forces. So in the Z-pinch process, the electrons are first accelerated in Z direction and get higher velocities; then, they are driven inwards to the axis at the same time by the radial magnetic forces (i.e., Lorentz forces) of them. That causes the separations between the electrons and ions because the ion mass is much larger than the electron's, and in turn a strong electrostatic field is produced. The produced electrostatic field attracts the ions to move towards the electrons. When the electrons are driven along the radial direction to arrive at the axis, they shortly move inversely due to the static repellency among them and their tiny mass, while the ions continue to move inertially inwards, and later get into stagnation, and finally scatter outwards. Near the stagnation, the energies of the deuterium ions mostly range from 0.3 to 6 keV, while the electron energies are mostly from 5 to 35 keV. The radial components, which can contribute to the pinched plasma temperature, of the most probable energies of electron and ion at the stagnation are comparable to the Bennett equilibrium temperature (about 1 keV), and also to the highest temperatures of electron and ion obtained in one dimensional radiation magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the plasma shell Z-pinch. The trailing mass is about 20% of the total mass of the shell, and the maximum trailing current is about 7% of the driven current under our trailing definition. Our PIC simulation also demonstrates that the plasma shell first experiences a snow-plow like implosion process, which is relatively stable.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2021

Evaluation of the Large-Scale and Regional Climatic Response Across North Africa to Natural Variability in Oceanic Modes and Terrestrial Vegetation Among the CMIP5 Models

Hydrologic variability is a serious threat to the poverty-stricken regions of North Africa. Meanwhile, the scientific community struggles to attribute these extreme climatic episodes to specific oceanic and land drivers. Prior modeling studies have not assessed simulated feedbacks over North Africa against an established observational benchmark, so their results are considered as untested, model-specific findings. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase Five (CMIP5) archive represents the state-of-the-art in climate projections, with most CMIP5 models now containing interactive vegetation phenology; however, there have been no studies to date of their simulated vegetation feedbacks. The capability of CMIP5 models at accurately simulating the forcing of both sea-surface temperature (SST) and regional leaf area index (LAI) anomalies on North African climate needs to be a key consideration in assessing the models’ overall credibility and determining appropriate model weighting for developing climate projections. The Generalized Equilibrium Feedback Assessment (GEFA) is a promising statistical method, which can be applied to either model output or observations, for isolating the local and remote impacts of individual oceanic or terrestrial forcings on regional climate. We performed a combined observational and modeling assessment of land-ocean-atmosphere interactions across the distinct ecological and moisture gradients of North Africa. We evaluated and demonstrated the reliability of the GEFA statistical method over North Africa using the Community Earth System Model (CESM), applied GEFA to observational data to quantify the observed forcing of ocean basin SST anomalies and regional LAI anomalies on North African climate, evaluated the CMIP5 models’ performance in terms of representing these key observed feedbacks, and formulated CMIP5 feedback performance metrics for weighting North African climate projections. Our study represented the first attempt to separate the observed roles of oceanic and vegetation feedbacks across North Africa, the first systematic assessment and intercomparison of land-ocean-atmosphere feedbacks in CMIP5, and the first exploration of vegetation feedbacks among CMIP5 models. The following work was accomplished. (1) The team generated 14 scientific publications and 30 presentations based on the DOE-funded research. (2) A stepwise version of the GEFA statistical method was developed in which unimportant forcings were dropped to increase the reliability of the results. (3) SGEFA was successfully validated through experiments with CESM in terms of its ability to isolate the atmospheric responses to individual oceanic or land forcings. (4) Observational evidence was revealed for the Sahel’s positive vegetation-rainfall feedback on the seasonal to interannual time scale, and it was attributed to a moisture recycling mechanism rather than an albedo mechanism. (5) An approach with SGEFA was developed in which the individual contributions of soil moisture versus vegetation forcings could be separated, revealing that the former forcing outweighed the latter for sub-Saharan Africa. (6) Tropical ocean temperatures were found to be key regulators of pan-tropical vegetation variability, especially for arid and semi-arid regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. (7) The CMIP5 models largely underestimated the importance of land feedbacks across the Sahel. (8) The general consensus among CMIP5 models indicates, for the late 21st century, a diminished seasonal predictability of sub-Saharan African regional climate and an elevated role of the land surface compared to oceanic drivers in regulating regional climate variability. (9) Land-ocean-atmosphere interactions were demonstrated to be key contributors to the seasonal predictability of African wildfire activity. (10) The El Djouf was determined to be of greater importance than the Bodélé depression in terms of providing trans-Atlantic dust transport to the Americas.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

Distinctive features of structural evolution and thermodynamic response in wide-bandgap semiconductors driven by intense electronic excitation

Radiation-tolerant material selection requires balancing lattice rigidity, defect dynamics, and electronic stability, as shown by covalent SiC outperforming ionic Ga 2 O 3 and GaN under extreme environments. Responding to intense electronic excitation, irradiation-driven phase segregation (β → δ/κ in Ga 2 O 3 ) and core–shell track (disordered structure in GaN), accompanied by elemental redistribution, contrastingly, exceptional radiation tolerance manifested by comparatively minimal lattice distortion (0.17 % strain variation) was demonstrated in SiC. These differential responses are primarily attributed to two fundamental mechanisms: (i) thermodynamic driving forces governing defect migration and phase separation, and (ii) the synergistic effects of robust covalent bonding composition coupled with efficient defect recombination processes. Here, the stronger electron–phonon (e-ph) coupling in Ga 2 O 3 (4.34 × 1018 W m −3 K −1 ) and GaN (3.55 × 10 18 W m −3 K −1 ) enhances lattice energy deposition, triggering thermal spikes (ΔT ≫ T m ) and structural transition behaviors, whereas weaker e-ph coupling in SiC (3.69 × 10 18 W m −3 K −1 ), relatively high thermodynamic parameters and efficient energy dissipation suppress thermal spikes to maintaining lattice integrity. The photoresponse degradation driven by enhanced radiative recombination is dominant in N-doped SiC, while V-doped systems achieve defect-mediated photoconduction optimization characterized by abrupt current transitions, matching fluorescence yield evolutions, and directly connecting defect engineering to optoelectronic performance.

Intense electronic excitation↗

DOE OSTI2025

Mesocrystal growth through oriented sliding and attachment of nanoplates

Oriented attachment is a critical, yet poorly understood, crystal growth pathway based on the self-assembly of nanocrystals. During oriented attachment, solvent-separated particles align and coalesce through forces that enable precise rotation and translation. While prior studies emphasized intragap forces driving crystallographic alignment, the forces enabling uniform stacking and superlattice formation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate how macroscopic gibbsite mesocrystals emerge from nanoplates guided into staggered positions by directional sliding. Electron microscopy and X-ray scattering reveal the monoclinic superlattice structure, based on nanoplate stacking with a uniform ≈50° stagger along the gibbsite [010] direction. In situ liquid-cell TEM captures preferential sliding along the gibbsite [010] direction, decelerating with increasing particle overlap. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that this staggered arrangement corresponds to a global free-energy minimum, rather than full alignment. The simulations also confirm that sliding along the [010] direction is energetically favored and provide insight into the role of interfacial water in achieving long-range ordered assemblies. These insights highlight the energy landscape’s role in oriented attachment, with implications for material synthesis and hierarchical structures in nature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Origin of lithium whisker formation and growth under stress

Lithium metal has the lowest standard electrochemical redox potential and very high theoretical specific capacity, making it the ultimate anode material for rechargeable batteries. However, its application in batteries has been impeded by the formation of Li whiskers, which consume the electrolyte, deplete active Li and may lead to short-circuit of the battery. Tackling these issues successfully is dependent on acquiring sufficient understanding of the formation mechanisms and growth of Li whiskers under the mechanical constraints of a separator. Here, by coupling an atomic force microscopy cantilever into a solid open-cell set-up in environmental transmission electron microscopy, we directly capture the nucleation and growth behaviour of Li whiskers under elastic constraint. First, we show that Li deposition is initiated by a sluggish nucleation of a single crystalline Li particle, with no preferential growth directions. Remarkably, we find that retarded surface transport of Li plays a decisive role in the subsequent deposition morphology. We then explore the validity of these findings in practical cells using a series of carbonate-poisoned ether-based electrolytes. Finally, we show that Li whiskers can yield, buckle, kink or stop growing under certain elastic constraints.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2010

Casimir-Polder interaction between an atom and a dielectric grating

We develop the scattering approach to calculate the exact dispersive Casimir-Polder potential between a ground-state atom and a rectangular grating. Our formalism allows, in principle, for arbitrary values of the grating amplitude and period, and of the atom-grating distance. We compute numerically the potential for a Rb atom on top of a Si grating and compare the results with the potential for a flat surface taken at the local atom-surface distance (proximity force approximation). Except for very short separation distances, the potential is nearly sinusoidal along the direction transverse to the grooves.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2011

Mixing rules and the Casimir force between composite systems

The Casimir-Lifshitz force is calculated between two inhomogeneous composite slabs, each made of a homogeneous matrix with spherical metallic inclusions. The effective dielectric function of the slabs is calculated using several effective medium approximations and we compare the resulting forces as a function of slab separation and filling fraction. We show that the choice of effective medium approximation is critical in making precise comparisons between theory and experiment. The role that the spectral representation of the effective medium plays in making a Wick rotation to the complex frequency axis is also discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2025

The Worst Prediction in Physics?

By and large, contemporary physics theories do a pretty good job of describing the world around us. Sure, there is the occasional infinity when someone uses Coulomb’s law to calculate the force between two objects with zero separation, but that is just a case of a model being pushed into a realm in which it no longer applies. However, there are instances in which a prediction of a valid physical quantity is staggeringly wrong. In a case of cosmic irony, there is a mundane example which could well be the worst prediction in physics. This incredible disagreement occurs when the simplest imaginable calculation is performed: the energy of empty space.

Lincoln, Don [Fermilab]↗

DOE OSTI2014

An Optimization-based Atomistic-to-Continuum Coupling Method

In this paper, we present a new optimization-based method for atomistic-to-continuum (AtC) coupling. The main idea is to cast the latter as a constrained optimization problem with virtual Dirichlet controls on the interfaces between the atomistic and continuum subdomains. The optimization objective is to minimize the error between the atomistic and continuum solutions on the overlap between the two subdomains, while the atomistic and continuum force balance equations provide the constraints. Separation, rather then blending of the atomistic and continuum problems, and their subsequent use as constraints in the optimization problem distinguishes our approach from the existing AtC formulations. Finally, we present and analyze the method in the context of a one-dimensional chain of atoms modeled using a linearized two-body potential with next-nearest neighbor interactions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2023

EIC'S HSR Rotator and Snake Configuration at IP6

The Electron-Ion Collider’s Hadron Storage Ring (HSR) will use a pair of spin rotators to achieve longitudinal polarization at IP6. Additionally there are to be six snakes located at azimuthal angles of 60 degrees from each other. Due to space constraints in the whole lattice, in order to achieve a 60 degree separation between the snakes, we are forced to place a snake near IP6 where the rotator normally would be. We explore if a powering scheme exists which would recover a longitudinal polarization at IP6 and the same spin rotation of a normal orthogonal snake at collision energies.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

DOE OSTI2023

As a Matter of Dynamical Range – Scale Dependent Energy Dynamics in MHD Turbulence

Abstract Magnetized turbulence is ubiquitous in many astrophysical and terrestrial plasmas but no universal theory exists. Even the detailed energy dynamics in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence are still not well understood. We present a suite of subsonic, super-Alfvénic, high plasma beta MHD turbulence simulations that only vary in their dynamical range, i.e., in their separation between the large-scale forcing and dissipation scales, and their dissipation mechanism (implicit large eddy simulation, ILES, and direct numerical simulation (DNS)). Using an energy transfer analysis framework we calculate the effective numerical viscosities and resistivities, and demonstrate that all ILES calculations of MHD turbulence are resolved and correspond to an equivalent visco-resistive MHD turbulence calculation. Increasing the number of grid points used in an ILES corresponds to lowering the dissipation coefficients, i.e., larger (kinetic and magnetic) Reynolds numbers for a constant forcing scale. Independently, we use this same framework to demonstrate that—contrary to hydrodynamic turbulence—the cross-scale energy fluxes are not constant in MHD turbulence. This applies both to different mediators (such as cascade processes or magnetic tension) for a given dynamical range as well as to a dependence on the dynamical range itself, which determines the physical properties of the flow. We do not observe any indication of convergence even at the highest resolution (largest Reynolds numbers) simulation at 2048 3 cells, calling into question whether an asymptotic regime in MHD turbulence exists, and, if so, what it looks like.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1973

Effect of nozzle lateral spacing, engine interfairing shape, and angle of attack on the performance of a twin-jet afterbody model with cone plug nozzles

Twin-jet afterbody models were investigated by using two balances to measure separately the thrust minus total axial force and the afterbody drag at Mach numbers from 0 to 1.3. Angle of attack was varied from minus 2 deg to 8.5 deg. Translating shroud cone plug nozzles were tested at dry-power and maximum-afterburning-power settings with a high-pressure air system used to provide jet total-pressure ratios up to 9.0. Two nozzle lateral spacings were studied by using afterbodies with several interfairing shapes. The close- and wide-spaced afterbodies had identical cross-sectional area distributions when similar interfairings were installed on each. The results show that the highest overall performance was obtained with the close-spaced afterbody and basic interfairings. Increasing angle of attack decreased performance for all configurations and conditions investigated.

Berrier, B. L.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Theoretical investigations of plasma processes

System analyses are presented for electrically sustained, collision dominated plasma centrifuges, in which the plasma rotates under the influence of the Lorentz forces resulting from the interaction of the current density fields with an external magnetic field. It is shown that gas discharge centrifuges are technically feasible in which the plasma rotates at speeds up to 1 million cm/sec. The associated centrifugal forces produce a significant spatial isotope separation, which is somewhat perturbed in the viscous boundary layers at the centrifuge walls. The isotope separation effect is the more pronounced. The induced magnetic fields have negligible influence on the plasma rotation if the Hall coefficient is small. In the technical realization of collision dominated plasma centrifuges, a trade-off has to be made between power density and speeds of rotation. The diffusion of sputtered atoms to system surfaces of ion propulsion systems and the deposition of the atoms are treated theoretically by means of a simple model which permits an analytical solution. The problem leads to an inhomogeneous integral equation.

Wilhelm, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Effect of rotor wake on aerodynamic characteristics of a 1/6 scale model of the rotor systems research aircraft

Tests were conducted in the Langley V/STOL tunnel to determine the effect of the main-rotor wake on the aerodynamic characteristics of the rotor systems research aircraft. A 1/6-scale model with a 4-blade articulated rotor was used to determine the effect of the rotor wake for the compound configuration. Data were obtained over a range of angles of attack, angles of sideslip, auxiliary engine thrusts, rotor collective pitch angles, and rotor tip-path plane angles for several main-rotor advance ratios. Separate results are presented for the forces and moments on the airframe, the wing, and the tail. An analysis of the test data indicates significant changes in the aerodynamic characteristics. The rotor wake increases the longitudinal static stability, the effective dihedral, and the lateral static stability of the airframe. The rotor induces a downwash on the wing. This downwash decreases the wing lift and increases the drag. The asymmetrical rotor wake induces a differential lift across the wing and a subsequent rolling moment. These rotor induced effects on the wing become smaller with increasing forward speed.

Mineck, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Computation of supersonic laminar viscous flow past a pointed cone at angle of attack in spinning and coning motion

Computational results obtained with a parabolic Navier-Stokes marching code are presented for supersonic viscous flow past a pointed cone at angle of attack undergoing a combined spinning and coning motion. The code takes into account the asymmetries in the flow field resulting from the motion and computes the asymmetric shock shape, crossflow and streamwise shear, heat transfer, crossflow separation and vortex structure. The side force and moment are also computed. Reasonably good agreement is obtained with the side force measurements of Schiff and Tobak. Comparison is also made with the only available numerical inviscid analysis. It is found that the asymmetric pressure loads due to coning motion are much larger than all other viscous forces due to spin and coning, making viscous forces negligible in the combined motion.

Agarwal, R.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A numerical treatment of melt/solid segregation - Size of the eucrite parent body and stability of the terrestrial low-velocity zone

Crystal sinking to form cumulates and melt percolation toward segregation in magma pools can be treated with modifications of Stokes' and Darcy's laws, respectively. The velocity of crystals and melt depends, among other things, on the force of gravity (g) driving the separations and the cooling time of the environment. The increase of g promotes more efficient differentiation, whereas the increase of cooling rate limits the extent to which crystals and liquid can separate. The rate at which separation occurs is strongly dependent on the proportion of liquid that is present. The observation of cumulates and segregated melts among the eucrite meteorites is used as a basis for calculating the g (and planet size) required to perform these differentiations. The eucrite parent body was probably at least 10-100 km in radius. The earth's low velocity zone (LVZ) is shown to be unstable with respect to draining itself of excess melt if the melt forms an interconnecting network. A geologically persistent LVZ with a homogeneous distribution of melt can be maintained with melt fractions only on the order of 0.1% or less.

Walker, D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

High-performance, multiroller traction drive

Fixed-speed-ratio traction drive (NASVYTRAC) has been developed that can transmit high power across large speed ratio using compact cluster of rollers. Traction drive transmits power without gear teeth, through shear forces on thin lubricant film that separates drive rollers. Automatic loading mechanism regulates normal load between rollers so sufficient normal load is present to transmit required torque without slip or overloading.

Lowenthal, S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Computation of supersonic turbulent flow past a spinning cone

Computational results are presented for supersonic laminar and turbulent flow past a pointed cone at angle of attack obtained with a parabolic Navier-Stokes marching code. The code takes into account the asymmetries in the flowfield resulting from spinning motion and computes the asymmetric shock shape, crossflow and streamwise shear, heat transfer, crossflow separation, and vortex structure. The Magnus force and moments are also computed. Comparisons are made with other analyses based on boundary-layer equations. For certain laminar flow conditions, an anomaly is discovered in the displacement thickness contribution to the Magnus force when compared with boundary-layer results. For turbulent flow, at small angles of attack, good agreement is obtained with the experimental data and other theoretical results.

Agarwal, R. K.↗