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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

A theory for low-frequency waves observed at comet Giacobini-Zinner

As the ICE spacecraft approached comet Giacobini-Zinner, low-frequency waves in two frequency ranges were observed in the magnetic field data. Under certain conditions, a gyrating beam of water group ions is capable of generating electromagnetic waves with periods near 100 s (in the spacecraft frame of reference) and shorter-period whistler branch waves with periods near 3 s. The 100-s wave can arise from either a nonresonant firehose instability or a resonant beam driven instability so long as the angle between the directions of the local magnetic field and solar wind velocity is less than 90 percent. Whenever that angle exceeds about 30 percent, the gyrating ring distribution formed by newly ionized water is also unstable to the generation of whistler waves with 3-s periods.

Goldstein, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Consequences of Alfven Waves and Parallel Potential Drops in the Auroral Zone

The goal of this research is to examine the causes of field-aligned plasma acceleration in the auroral zone using satellite data and numerical simulations. A primary question to be addressed is what causes the field-aligned acceleration of electrons (leading to precipitation) and ions (leading to upwelling ions) in the auroral zone. Data from the Fast Auroral SnapshoT (FAST) and Polar satellites is used when the two satellites are in approximate magnetic conjunction and are in the auroral region. FAST is at relatively low altitudes and samples plasma in the midst of the auroral acceleration region while Polar is at much higher altitudes and can measure plasmas and waves propagating towards the Earth. Polar can determine the sources of energy streaming earthward from the magnetotail, either in the form of field-aligned currents, electromagnetic waves or kinetic particle energy, that ultimately leads to the acceleration of plasma in the auroral zone. After identifying and examining several events, numerical simulations are run that bridges the spatial region between the two satellites. The code is a one-dimensional, long system length particle in cell simulation that has been developed to model the auroral region. A main goal of this research project is to include Alfven waves in the simulation to examine how these waves can accelerate plasma in the auroral zone.

Schriver, David↗
NASA NTRS2004

Flat Lens Focusing Demonstrated With Left-Handed Metamaterial

Left-handed metamaterials (LHM's) are a new media engineered to possess an effective negative index of refraction over a selected frequency range. This characteristic enables LHM's to exhibit physical properties never before observed. In particular, a negative index of refraction should cause electromagnetic radiation to refract or bend at a negative angle when entering an LHM, as shown in the figure above on the left. The figure on the right shows that this property could be used to bring radiation to a focus with a flat LHM lens. The advantage of a flat lens in comparison to a conventional curved lens is that the focal length could be varied simply by adjusting the distance between the lens and the electromagnetic wave source. In this in-house work, researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center developed a computational model for LHM's with the three-dimensional electromagnetic commercial code Microwave Studio, constructed an LHM flat lens, and used it to experimentally demonstrate the reversed refraction and flat lens focusing of microwave radiation.

Wilson, Jeffrey D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The acceleration of ions and electrons by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

Test particle calculations of the interaction of electrons and ions with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves are examined. It is observed that field-aligned electrons can be accelerated parallel to the magnetic fields by the cyclotron waves and that the ions can be accelerated perpendicular to the magnetic field. The data reveal that the ions can be accelerated more effectively when the wave frequency is half (.5) the ion gyrofrequency.

Temerin, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Coupled multi-disciplinary composites behavior simulation

The capabilities of the computer code CSTEM (Coupled Structural/Thermal/Electro-Magnetic Analysis) are discussed and demonstrated. CSTEM computationally simulates the coupled response of layered multi-material composite structures subjected to simultaneous thermal, structural, vibration, acoustic, and electromagnetic loads and includes the effect of aggressive environments. The composite material behavior and structural response is determined at its various inherent scales: constituents (fiber/matrix), ply, laminate, and structural component. The thermal and mechanical properties of the constituents are considered to be nonlinearly dependent on various parameters such as temperature and moisture. The acoustic and electromagnetic properties also include dependence on vibration and electromagnetic wave frequencies, respectively. The simulation is based on a three dimensional finite element analysis in conjunction with composite mechanics and with structural tailoring codes, and with acoustic and electromagnetic analysis methods. An aircraft engine composite fan blade is selected as a typical structural component to demonstrate the CSTEM capabilities. Results of various coupled multi-disciplinary heat transfer, structural, vibration, acoustic, and electromagnetic analyses for temperature distribution, stress and displacement response, deformed shape, vibration frequencies, mode shapes, acoustic noise, and electromagnetic reflection from the fan blade are discussed for their coupled effects in hot and humid environments. Collectively, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the CSTEM code in capturing the coupled effects on the various responses of composite structures subjected to simultaneous multiple real-life loads.

Singhal, Surendra N.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Convective instabilities of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the outer magnetosphere

The path-integrated linear growth of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the outer (L is greater than or equal to 7) magnetosphere is investigated using a realistic thermal plasma distribution with an additional anisotropic energetic ring current H(+) to provide free energy for instability. The results provide a realistic simulation of the recent Active Magneto- spheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) observations. For conditions typical of the dayside magnetosphere, high plasma beta effects reduce the group velocity and significantly increase the spatial growth rates for left-handed polarized instabilities just below the helium gyrofrequency Omega(sub He(+)), and on the guided mode above Omega(sub He(+)) but below the cross over frequency omega(sub cr). Relatively high densities, typical of the afternoon local time sector, favor these low group velocity effects for predominantly field-aligned waves. Lower densities, typical of those found in the early morning local time sector, increase the group velocity but allow strong convective instabilities at high normalized frequencies well above Omega(sub He(+)). These waves are reflected in the magnetosphere and can exist for several equatorial transits without significant damping. They are left-handed polarized only on the first equatorial crossing and become linearly polarized for the remainder of the ray path. Consequently, these waves should be observed with basically linear polarization at all frequencies and all latitudes in the early morning local time sector. Wave growth below Omega(sub He(+)) is severely limited owing to the narrow bandwidth for instability and the small resonant path lengths. In the afternoon sector, where plasma densities can exceed 10(exp 7)/cu m, intense convective amplification is possible both above and below Omega(sub He(+)). Waves below Omega(sub He(+)) are not subject to reflection when the O(+) concentration is small and therefore should be observed with left-handed polarization near the equator and essentially linear polarization at higher latitudes. Since the He(+) concentration is usually large in the afternoon sector, guided mode waves above Omega(sub He(+)) reflect to form a background distribution with basically linear polarization. We suggest that the strong left-handed polarized emissions observed by AMPTE in the afternoon sector near the equator are probably due to strongly growing low group velocity waves at frequencies just below Omega(sub He(+)), and on the guided mode above Omega(sub He(+)).

Horne, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Nongyrotropy as a source of instability and mode coupling

Nongyrotropic particle populations can bring about linear mode coupling in homogeneous media among the three eigen-modes of parallel propagation in gyrotropic magnetoplasmas. These interactions stimulate, in general, wave activity that does not occur in corresponding (random gyrophase) gyrotropic ambients. Solutions of the dispersion equation illustrate that simple introduction of gyrophase organization can (1) excite electrostatic (and electromagnetic) perturbations in media whose free energy sources are solely electromagnetic, and (3) drive hybrid (both electrostatic and electromagnetic) wave growth in thoroughly stable Maxwellian plasmas.

Brinca, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Multimode Directional Coupler for Utilization of Harmonic Frequencies from TWTAs

A novel waveguide multimode directional coupler (MDC) intended for the measurement and potential utilization of the second and higher order harmonic frequencies from high-power traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) has been successfully designed, fabricated, and tested. The design is based on the characteristic multiple propagation modes of the electrical and magnetic field components of electromagnetic waves in a rectangular waveguide. The purpose was to create a rugged, easily constructed, more efficient waveguide- based MDC for extraction and exploitation of the second harmonic signal from the RF output of high-power TWTs used for space communications. The application would be a satellitebased beacon source needed for Qband and V/W-band atmospheric propagation studies. The MDC could function as a CW narrow-band source or as a wideband source for study of atmospheric group delay effects on highdata- rate links. The MDC is fabricated from two sections of waveguide - a primary one for the fundamental frequency and a secondary waveguide for the second harmonic - that are joined together such that the second harmonic higher order modes are selectively coupled via precision- machined slots for propagation in the secondary waveguide. In the TWTA output waveguide port, both the fundamental and the second harmonic signals are present. These signals propagate in the output waveguide as the dominant and higher order modes, respectively. By including an appropriate mode selective waveguide directional coupler, such as the MDC presented here at the output of the TWTA, the power at the second harmonic can be sampled and amplified to the power level needed for atmospheric propagation studies. The important conclusions from the preliminary test results for the multimode directional coupler are: (1) the second harmonic (Ka-band) can be measured and effectively separated from the fundamental (Ku-band) with no coupling of the latter, (2) power losses in the fundamental frequency are negligible, and (3) the power level of the extracted second harmonic is sufficient for further amplification to power levels needed for practical applications. It was also demonstrated that third order and potentially higher order harmonics are measurable with this device. The design is frequency agnostic, and with the appropriate choice of waveguides, is easily scaled to higher frequency TWTs. The MDC has the same function but with a number of important advantages over the conventional diplexer.

Simmons, Rainee N.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Observation of nonlinear wave decay processes in the solar wind by the AMPTE IRM plasma wave experiment

Nonlinear wave decay processes have been detected in the solar wind by the plasma wave experiment aboard the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) IRM spacecraft. The main process is the generation of ultralow-frequency ion acoustic waves from the decay of Langmuir waves near the electron plasma frequency. Frequently, this is accompanied by an enhancement of emissions near twice the plasma frequency. This enhancement is most likely due to the generation of electromagnetic waves from the coalescence of two Langmuir waves. These processes occur within the electron foreshock in front of the earth's bow shock.

Koons, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Self-contained sub-millimeter wave rectifying antenna integrated circuit

The invention is embodied in a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit in which is formed an antenna, such as a slot dipole antenna, connected across a rectifying diode. In the preferred embodiment, the antenna is tuned to received an electromagnetic wave of about 2500 GHz so that the device is on the order of a wavelength in size, or about 200 microns across and 30 microns thick. This size is ideal for mounting on a microdevice such as a microrobot for example. The antenna is endowed with high gain in the direction of the incident radiation by providing a quarter-wavelength (30 microns) thick resonant cavity below the antenna, the cavity being formed as part of the monolithic integrated circuit. Preferably, the integrated circuit consists of a thin gallium arsenide membrane overlying the resonant cavity and supporting an epitaxial Gallium Arsenide semiconductor layer. The rectifying diode is a Schottky diode formed in the GaAs semiconductor layer and having an area that is a very small fraction of the wavelength of the 2500 GHz incident radiation. The cavity provides high forward gain in the antenna and isolation from surrounding structure.

Siegel, Peter H.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Optical Phased Array Using Guided Resonance with Backside Reflectors

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Horie, Yu↗
NASA NTRS2018

Optical Phased Array Using Guided Resonance with Backside Reflectors

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Horie, Yu↗
DOE OSTI2025

Generation of Neutron Airy Beams

The Airy wave packet is a solution to the potential-free Schrödinger equation that exhibits remarkable properties such as self-acceleration, nondiffraction, and self-healing. Although Airy beams are now routinely realized with electromagnetic waves and electrons, the implementation with neutrons has remained elusive due to small transverse coherence lengths, low fluence rates, and the absence of neutron lenses. In this Letter, we overcome these challenges through a holographic approach and present the first experimental demonstration of neutron Airy beams. The presented techniques pave the way for fundamental physics studies with Airy beams of nonelementary particles, the development of novel neutron optics components, and the realization of neutron Airy-vortex beams. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Sarenac, Dusan (ORCID:0000000185753367)↗
NASA NTRS1977

Gravitational scattering of zero-rest-mass plane waves

The Feyman-diagram technique is used to calculate the differential cross sections for the scattering of zero-rest-mass plane waves of spin 0, 1, and 2 by linearized Schwarzschild and Kerr geometries in the long-wavelength weak-field limit. It is found that the polarization of right (or left) circularly polarized electromagnetic waves is unaffected by the scattering process (i.e., helicity is conserved) and that the two helicity (polarization) states of the photon are scattered differently by the Kerr geometry. This coupling between the photon helicity and the angular momentum of the scatterer also leads to a partial polarization of unpolarized incident light. For gravitational waves, on the other hand, there is neither helicity conservation nor helicity-dependent scattering; the angular momentum of the scatterer has no polarizing effect on incident unpolarized gravitational waves.

De Logi, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Traveling-Wave Tubes

The traveling-wave tube (TWT) is a vacuum device invented in the early 1940's used for amplification at microwave frequencies. Amplification is attained by surrendering kinetic energy from an electron beam to a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic wave. The demand for vacuum devices has been decreased largely by the advent of solid-state devices. However, although solid state devices have replaced vacuum devices in many areas, there are still many applications such as radar, electronic countermeasures and satellite communications, that require operating characteristics such as high power (Watts to Megawatts), high frequency (below 1 GHz to over 100 GHz) and large bandwidth that only vacuum devices can provide. Vacuum devices are also deemed irreplaceable in the music industry where musicians treasure their tube-based amplifiers claiming that the solid-state and digital counterparts could never provide the same "warmth" (3). The term traveling-wave tube includes both fast-wave and slow-wave devices. This article will concentrate on slow-wave devices as the vast majority of TWTs in operation fall into this category.

Kory, Carol L.↗