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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 55 records · Page 3

Constraints on Variability of Brightness and Surface Magnetism on Time Scales of Decades to Centuries in the Sun and Sun-Like Stars: A Source of Potential Terrestrial Climate Variability

The following summarizes the most important, results of our research: (1) Conciliation of solar and stellar photometric variability; (2) Demonstration of an inverse correlation between the global temperature of the terrestrial lower troposphere, inferred from the NASA Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU)) radiometers, and the total area of the Sun covered by coronal holes from January 1979 to present (up to May 2000); (3) Identification of a possible climate mechanism amplifying the impact of solar ultraviolet irradiance variations; (4) Exploration of natural variability in an ocean-atmosphere climate model; (5) Presentation of a review of the sun's coronal influence on the terrestrial space environment; (6) Quantification of stellar variability as an influence on the analysis of periodic radial velocities that imply the presence of a planetary companion.

Baliunas, Sallie L.↗

Design and Comparison of Surface Inset Permanent Magnet Machine and Surface Permanent Magnet Machine without Heavy Rare Earth Magnets for Traction Applications

This paper presents two machine designs: a surface inset permanent magnet (SIPM) machine and a surface permanent magnet (SPM) machine, both without heavy rare-earth magnets, that achieve 50 kW/L active power density and a constant-power speed ratio of 3 for EV traction applications. Compared to surface PM machines, SIPM machines do not require a special containment sleeve to hold the magnets in place at high speeds, provided that the rotor laminations are carefully designed together with the magnet mounting configuration to ensure the rotor’s structural integrity. Comparisons between the SPM and SIPM machines sharing the same stator, same current level, and same power speed envelope are presented. Both deliver very similar performance characteristics, but the SIPM machine’s simpler magnet containment configuration may give it an advantage in terms of reduced material and manufacturing costs.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Magnetically confined surface and bulk excitons in a layered antiferromagnet

The discovery of two-dimensional van der Waals magnets has greatly expanded our ability to create and control nanoscale quantum phases. A unique capability emerges when a two-dimensional magnet is also a semiconductor that features tightly bound excitons with large oscillator strengths that fundamentally determine the optical response and are tunable with magnetic fields. Here, in this study, we report a previously unidentified type of optical excitation-a magnetic surface exciton-enabled by the antiferromagnetic spin correlations that confine excitons to the surface of CrSBr. Magnetic surface excitons exhibit stronger Coulomb attraction, leading to a higher binding energy than excitons confined in bulk layers, and profoundly alter the optical response of few-layer crystals. Distinct magnetic confinement of surface and bulk excitons is established by layer- and temperature-dependent exciton reflection spectroscopy and corroborated by ab initio many-body perturbation theory calculations. By quenching interlayer excitonic interactions, the antiferromagnetic order of CrSBr strictly confines the bound electron-hole pairs within the same layer, regardless of the total number of layers. Our work unveils unique confined excitons in a layered antiferromagnet, highlighting magnetic interactions as a vital approach for nanoscale quantum confinement, from few layers to the bulk limit.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Early-type magnetic stars.

Surface magnetic field variations in early stars, suggesting mechanism for magnetic energy transfer from convective core to surface

Finzi, A.↗

An Integrated Traction Drive with a High Speed Surface Permanent Magnet External Rotor Motor for Electric Vehicles

This work presents the detailed design of an outer rotor motor and integrated drive for passenger electric vehicles. The motor uses non-heavy rare earth permanent magnets and operates at a top speed of 20,000rpm. In-slot ceramic heat exchangers are utilized for the cooling of the windings. The external rotor configuration of the motor leaves a significant amount of space in the stator bore, which is leveraged for the integration of the power electronics. A high speed external rotor motor creates a number of mechanical, thermal and assembly challenges and this work presents detailed thermal, mechanical and rotordynamics analysis.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Exchange bias and quantum anomalous nomalous Hall effect in the MnBi 2 Te 4 /CrI 3 heterostructure

The layered antiferromagnetic MnBi 2 Te 4 films have been proposed to be an intrinsic quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulator with a large gap. It is crucial to open a magnetic gap of surface states. However, recent experiments have observed gapless surface states, indicating the absence of out-of-plane surface magnetism, and thus, the quantized Hall resistance can only be achieved at the magnetic field above 6 T. We propose to induce out-of-plane surface magnetism of MnBi 2 Te 4 films via the magnetic proximity with magnetic insulator CrI 3 . A strong exchange bias of ~40 meV originates from the long Cr- e g orbital tails that hybridize strongly with Te p orbitals. By stabilizing surface magnetism, the QAH effect can be realized in the MnBi 2 Te 4 /CrI 3 heterostructure. Moreover, the high–Chern number QAH state can be achieved by controlling external electric gates. Thus, the MnBi 2 Te 4 /CrI 3 heterostructure provides a promising platform to realize the electrically tunable zero-field QAH effect.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On the spatial distribution of magnetic fields on the solar surface

Recent measurements of solar surface magnetic fields suggest that the spatial distribution of these fields is fractal. In order to understand the physical basis for such geometric complexity, we study here the advection of magnetic flux tubes relatively simple random motions on the surface of a fluid and investigate the spatial statistics of the resulting surface field. While this study does not directly address the question of why solar surface fields have the observed spatial structure, it is designed to build our intuition about how surface flows lead to complex spatial structuring of magnetic fields. As part of our study, we discuss the various methods by which one can describe the spatial distribution of the surface magnetic flux and relate them mathematically; this turns out to be a crucial point of our work since, as we show, a number of previous analyses have misinterpreted the analysis procedures for determining fractal dimensions. Our principal result is the explicit demonstration that simple random flows lead to magnetic flux spatial distributions with a multifractal dimension spectrum. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this magnetic spatial structure is generic, i.e., is characteristic of a very large class of random flows.

Tao, L.↗

The Effects of Surface Fossil Magnetic Fields on Massive Star Evolution – III. the Case of τ Sco

τ Sco, a well-studied magnetic B-type star in the Upper Sco association, has a number of surprising characteristics. It rotates very slowly and shows nitrogen excess. Its surface magnetic field is much more complex than a purely dipolar configuration which is unusual for a magnetic massive star. We employ the CMFGEN radiative transfer code to determine the fundamental parameters and surface CNO and helium abundances. Then, we employ MESA and GENEC stellar evolution models accounting for the effects of surface magnetic fields. To reconcile τ Sco’s properties with single-star models, an increase is necessary in the efficiency of rotational mixing by a factor of 3–10 and in the efficiency of magnetic braking by a factor of 10. The spin-down could be explained by assuming a magnetic field decay scenario. However, the simultaneous chemical enrichment challenges the single-star scenario. Previous works indeed suggested a stellar merger origin for τ Sco. However, the merger scenario also faces similar challenges as our magnetic single-star models to explain τ Sco’s simultaneous slow rotation and nitrogen excess. In conclusion, the single-star channel seems less likely and versatile to explain these discrepancies, while the merger scenario and other potential binary-evolution channels still require further assessment as to whether they may self-consistently explain the observables of τ Sco.

stars: evolution↗

The Effects of Surface Fossil Magnetic Fields on Massive Star Evolution - III. The Case of τSco

τSco, a well-studied magnetic B-type star in the Upper Sco association, has a number of surprising characteristics. It rotates very slowly and shows nitrogen excess. Its surface magnetic field is much more complex than a purely dipolar configuration which is unusual for a magnetic massive star. We employ the CMFGEN radiative transfer code to determine the fundamental parameters and surface CNO and helium abundances. Then, we employ MESA and GENEC stellar evolution models accounting for the effects of surface magnetic fields. To reconcileτSco’s properties with single-star models, an increase is necessary in the efficiency of rotational mixing by a factor of 3–10 and in the efficiency of magnetic braking by a factor of 10. The spin-down could be explained by assuming a magnetic field decay scenario. However, the simultaneous chemical enrichment challenges the single-star scenario. Previous works indeed suggested a stellar merger origin forτSco. However, the merger scenario also faces similar challenges as our magnetic single-star models to explainτSco’s simultaneous slow rotation and nitrogen excess. In conclusion, the single-star channel seems less likely and versatile to explain these discrepancies, while the merger scenario and other potential binary-evolution channels still require further assessment as to whether they may self-consistently explain the observables of τSco.

Z Keszthelyi↗

Electromagnetic turbulence simulation of tokamak edge plasma dynamics and divertor heat load during thermal quench

Abstract The edge plasma turbulence and transport dynamics, as well as the divertor power loads during the thermal-quench phase of tokamak disruptions, are numerically investigated with BOUT++’s flux-driven six-field electromagnetic turbulence model. Here, transient yet intense particle and energy sources are applied at the pedestal top to mimic the plasma power drive at the edge induced by a core thermal collapse, which flattens the core temperature profile. Interesting features, such as surging of divertor heat load (up to 50 times) and broadening of heat-flux width (up to four times) on the outer-divertor target plate, are observed in the simulation, in qualitative agreement with experimental observations. The dramatic changes in divertor heat load and width are due to the enhanced plasma turbulence activities inside the separatrix. Two cross-field transport mechanisms, namely, the E × B turbulent convection and the stochastic parallel advection/conduction, are identified to play important roles in this process. First, an elevated edge pressure gradient drives instabilities and subsequent turbulence in the entire pedestal region. The enhanced turbulence not only transports particles and energy radially across the separatrix via the E × B convection, which causes the initial divertor heat-load burst, but it also induces amplified magnetic fluctuation B ˜ . Once themagnetic fluctuation is large enough to break the magnetic flux surface, magnetic flutter effect provides an additional radial transport channel. In the late stage of our simulation, | B ˜ r / B 0 | reaches to 10 −4 level that completely breaks magnetic flux surfaces such that stochastic field lines are directly connecting pedestal top plasma to the divertor target plates or first wall, further contributing to the divertor heat-flux width broadening.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Flattening of the tokamak current profile by a fast magnetic reconnection with implications for the solar corona

During tokamak disruptions, the profile of the net parallel current is observed to flatten on a time scale that is so fast that it must be due to a fast magnetic reconnection. After a fast magnetic reconnection has broken magnetic surfaces, a single magnetic field line covers an entire volume and not just a magnetic surface. The current profile, given by K ≡ μ 0 j | | / B , relaxes to a constant within that volume by Alfven waves propagating along the chaotic magnetic field lines. The time scale for this relaxation determines the commonly observed disruption phenomena of a current spike and a sudden drop in the plasma internal inductance. An efficient method for studying this relaxation is derived, which allows a better understanding of the information encoded in the current spike and the associated sudden drop in the plasma internal inductance. Implications for coronal heating are also discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Magnetic Interface for Segmented Mirror Assembly

Newly developed magnetic devices are used to create an interface between adjacent mirror segments so that once assembled, aligned, and phased, the multiple segments will behave functionally equivalent to a monolithic aperture mirror. One embodiment might be a kinematic interface that is reversible so that any number of segments can be pre-assembled, aligned, and phased to facilitate fabrication operations, and then disassembled and reassembled, aligned, and phased in space for operation. The interface mechanism has sufficient stiffness, force, and stability to maintain phasing. The key to producing an interface is the correlated magnetic surface. While conventional magnets are only constrained in one direction -- the direction defined by their point of contact (they are in contact and cannot get any closer) -- correlated magnets can be designed to have constraints in multiple degrees of freedom. Additionally, correlated magnetic surfaces can be designed to have a limited range of action.

Stahl, H.↗

Lunar surface remanent magnetic fields detected by the electron reflection method

We present maps of the lunar surface remanent magnetic fields detected by the electron reflection method. These maps provide substantial coverage of the latitude band from 30 N southward to 30 S with a resolution of about 40 km and a sensitivity of about 0.2 gamma at the lunar surface. Regions of remanent magnetization are observed ranging in size from the resolution limit of 1.25 deg to above approximately 60 deg. The largest contiguous region fills the Big Backside Basin where it is intersected by the spacecraft orbital tracks. Preliminary analyses of the maps show that the source regions of lunar limb compressions correspond to regions of strong surface magnetism, and that there does not appear to be sharply discontinuous magnetization at the edges of maria. We also analyze the electron reflection observations to obtain information on the direction and distribution of magnetization in the Van de Graaff anomaly region.

Lin, R. P.↗

On a correlation between surface remanent magnetism and chemistry for the lunar frontside and limbs

Image-processing techniques applied to orbital data have revealed an inverse correlation between lunar surface remanent magnetism and surface concentrations of Fe and Th on a scale of 250 km and greater. The effect can be understood in terms of the implantation of magnetism early in the history of the moon, coupled with the chronological sequence of highland-mare crustal differentiation. The exception seen at the Fra Mauro region suggests the presence of a source of magnetization sometime within 0.3-0.6 b.y. after formation of the moon.

Metzger, A. E.↗

Studies of solar type stars

Satellite observations show a change of 0.1 percent in solar irradiance over the past decade. The question arises as to whether larger changes in irradiance may occur over century time scales. Researchers approached this question by looking at changes in surface magnetism, since the satellite observations also show that irradiance and surface magnetism are correlated. To obtain information on possible variations in surface magnetism over century-long intervals, researchers looked at records of surface magnetism spanning up to 20 years for a sample of 74 stars of solar type, i.e., of similar age and mass to the sun. The histories of these stars, observed in random phases of their long-term variability, give a snapshot at any one time of the behavior of a solar-type star over long periods of time. Evidence on Maunder Minimum phases and levels of magnetic activity in these solar-type stars are compared with information on solar magnetism. Implications for solar irradiance changes are discussed.

Baliunas, Sallie↗

Design of a 100 kW Surface Permanent Magnet Machine with Wide Constant Power Speed Ratio for Traction Applications

Surface permanent magnet (SPM) machines are considered to be strong candidates for traction applications due to their high power density and high efficiency. By adopting fractional-slot concentrated windings, SPM machines can achieve a wide constant power speed range. A carbon fiber sleeve is applied to ensure the retainment of the magnets at high speed operating conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a high speed SPM machine for traction applications with 25 kW/Liter active power density and a wide constant-power speed range that is consistent with guidelines and targets presented in the Electrical and Electronics Technical Team Roadmap published by the US Department of Energy. The predicted electromagnetic performance and structural characteristics are presented based on both analytical and FEA results.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Surface localized magnetism in transition metal doped alumina

Alumina is a structural ceramic that finds many uses in a broad range of applications. It is widely employed in the aerospace and biomedical sectors due to its stability at high temperatures and in harsh chemical environments. Here, we show that magnetism can be induced at alumina surfaces by doping with 3d transition metals. We analyze the electronic structure, spin magnetic moments, and spin density of α-Al 2 O 3 as a function of both dopant species (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and depth using first principles calculations. Our results show that all dopants, with the exception of Sc, produce magnetic moments that are concentrated to the surface of alumina with varying degrees of delocalization. It is seen that all of the dopants are at least meta-stable on the surface and must overcome an energy barrier of 0.19–1.14 eV in order to diffuse from the surface into the bulk. As a result of judiciously doping with select 3$\textit{d}$ transition metals the surface of alumina can be made magnetic. This could lead to novel applications in data storage, catalysis, and biomedical engineering through an added surface functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗