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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 541 records · Page 30
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DOE OSTI2016

Noether symmetries in f(G) gravity

We explore Noether symmetries of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe model in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity for both vacuum and nonvacuum (dust fluid) cases. We evaluate symmetry generators and the corresponding conserved quantities by using separation of variables and a power-law form. We construct exact f(G) models and study accelerating expansion of the universe in terms of a scale factor, deceleration, and the EoS parameters. We also check the validity of energy conditions through the weak energy conditions for our constructed model. The state finder parameters indicate the resemblance of our constructed models to the ΛCDM model. We conclude that our results are consistent with the recent astrophysical observations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of the nuclear charge of a fast structural ion on its internal effective stopping in collisions with atoms

The energy losses of fast structural ions in collisions with atoms have been considered in the eikonal approximation. The structural ions are ions consisting of a nucleus and a certain number of electrons bound to it. The effect of nuclear charge Z of the ion on its effective deceleration κ{sup (p)} (energy losses associated with excitation of only intrinsic ion shells) has been analyzed. It is shown that the allowance for the interaction of an atom with the ion nucleus for Z{sub a}Z/v > 1, where Z{sub a} is the charge of the atomic nucleus and v is the velocity of collisions in atomic units, considerably affects the value of κ{sup (p)}, which generally necessitates taking into account nonperturbatively the effect of both charges Z{sub a} and Z on κ{sup (p)}.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Physical particularities of nuclear reactors using heavy moderators of neutrons

In nuclear reactors, thermal neutron spectra are formed using moderators with small atomic weights. For fast reactors, inserting such moderators in the core may create problems since they efficiently decelerate the neutrons. In order to form an intermediate neutron spectrum, it is preferable to employ neutron moderators with sufficiently large atomic weights, using {sup 233}U as a fissile nuclide and {sup 232}Th and {sup 231}Pa as fertile ones. The aim of the work is to investigate the properties of heavy neutron moderators and to assess their advantages. The analysis employs the JENDL-4.0 nuclear data library and the SCALE program package for simulating the variation of fuel composition caused by irradiation in the reactor. The following main results are obtained. By using heavy moderators with small neutron moderation steps, one is able to (1) increase the rate of resonance capture, so that the amount of fertile material in the fuel may be reduced while maintaining the breeding factor of the core; (2) use the vacant space for improving the fuel-element properties by adding inert, strong, and thermally conductive materials and by implementing dispersive fuel elements in which the fissile material is self-replenished and neutron multiplication remains stable during the process of fuel burnup; and (3) employ mixtures of different fertile materials with resonance capture cross sections in order to increase the resonance-lattice density and the probability of resonance neutron capture leading to formation of fissile material. The general conclusion is that, by forming an intermediate neutron spectrum with heavy neutron moderators, one can use the fuel more efficiently and improve nuclear safety.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2017

The crystal acceleration effect for cold neutrons

A new mechanism of neutron acceleration is discussed and studied experimentally in detail for cold neutrons passing through the accelerated perfect crystal with the energies close to the Bragg one. The effect arises due to the following reason. The crystal refraction index (neutron-crystal interaction potential) for neutron in the vicinity of the Bragg resonance sharply depends on the parameter of deviation from the exact Bragg condition, i.e. on the crystal-neutron relative velocity. Therefore the neutrons enter into accelerated crystal with one neutron-crystal interaction potential and exit with the other. Neutron kinetic energy cannot vary inside the crystal due to its homogeneity. So after passage through such a crystal neutrons will be accelerated or decelerated because of the different energy change at the entrance and exit crystal boundaries.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Isotropic and anisotropic dark energy models

In this review we discuss the evolution of the universe filled with dark energy with or without perfect fluid. In doing so we consider a number of cosmological models, namely Bianchi type I, III, V, VI{sub 0}, VI and FRW ones. For the anisotropic cosmological models we have used proportionality condition as an additional constrain. The exact solutions to the field equations in quadrature are found in case of a BVI model. It was found that the proportionality condition used here imposed severe restriction on the energy-momentum tensor, namely it leads to isotropic distribution of matter. Anisotropic BVI{sub 0}, BV, BIII and BIDE models with variable EoS parameter ω have been investigated by using a law of variation for the Hubble parameter. In this case the matter distribution remains anisotropic, though depending on the concrete model there appear different restrictions on the components of energy-momentum tensor. That is why we need an extra assumption such as variational a law for the Hubble parameter. It is observed that, at the early stage, the EoS parameter v is positive i.e. the universe was matter dominated at the early stage but at later time, the universe is evolving with negative values, i.e., the present epoch. DE model presents the dynamics of EoS parameter ω whose range is in good agreement with the acceptable range by the recent observations. A spatially homogeneous and anisotropic locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi-I space time filled with perfect fluid and anisotropic DE possessing dynamical energy density is studied. In the derived model, the EoS parameter of DE (ω{sup (de)}) is obtained as time varying and it is evolving with negative sign which may be attributed to the current accelerated expansion of Universe. The distance modulus curve of derived model is in good agreement with SNLS type Ia supernovae for high redshift value which in turn implies that the derived model is physically realistic. A system of two fluids within the scope of a spatially flat and isotropic FRW model is studied. The role of the two fluids, either minimally or directly coupled in the evolution of the dark energy parameter, has been investigated. In doing so we have used three different ansatzs regarding the scale factor that gives rise to a variable decelerating parameter. It is observed that, in the non-interacting case, both the open and flat universes can cross the phantom region whereas in the interacting case only the open universe can cross the phantom region. The stability and acceptability of the obtained solution are also investigated.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Beam dynamics in an ultra-low energy storage rings (review of existing facilities and feasibility studies for future experiments)

Storage rings operating at ultra-low energies and in particular electrostatic storage rings have proven to be invaluable tools for atomic and molecular physics. Due to the mass independence of the electrostatic rigidity, these machines are able to store a wide range of different particles, from light ions to heavy singly charged bio-molecules. However, earlier measurements showed strong limitations on beam intensity, fast decay of ion current, reduced life time etc. The nature of these effects was not fully understood. Also a large variety of experiments in future generation ultra-low energy storage and decelerator facilities including in-ring collision studies with a reaction microscope require a comprehensive investigation of the physical processes involved into the operation of such rings. In this paper, we present review of non-linear and long term beam dynamics studies on example of the ELISA, AD Recycler, TSR and USR rings using the computer codes BETACOOL, OPERA-3D and MAD-X. The results from simulations were benchmarked against experimental data of beam losses in the ELISA storage ring. We showed that decay of beam intensity in ultra-low energy rings is mainly caused by ion losses on ring aperture due to multiple scattering on residual gas. Beam is lost on ring aperture due to small ring acceptance. Rate of beam losses increases at high intensities because of the intra-beam scattering effect adds to vacuum losses. Detailed investigations into the ion kinetics under consideration of the effects from electron cooling and multiple scattering of the beam on a supersonic gas jet target have been carried out as well. The life time, equilibrium momentum spread and equilibrium lateral spread during collisions with this internal gas jet target were estimated. In addition, the results from experiments at the TSR ring, where low intensity beam of CF{sup +} ions at 93 keV/u has been shrunk to extremely small dimensions have been reproduced. Based on these simulations, conditions for stable ring operation with extremely low emittance beam are presented. Finally, results from studies into the interaction of ions with a gas jet target at 3–30 keV energy range are summarized.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Spinor Field Nonlinearity and Space-Time Geometry

Within the scope of Bianchi type VI,VI0,V, III, I, LRSBI and FRW cosmological models we have studied the role of nonlinear spinor field on the evolution of the Universe and the spinor field itself. It was found that due to the presence of non-trivial non-diagonal components of the energy-momentum tensor of the spinor field in the anisotropic space-time, there occur some severe restrictions both on the metric functions and on the components of the spinor field. In this report we have considered a polynomial nonlinearity which is a function of invariants constructed from the bilinear spinor forms. It is found that in case of a Bianchi type-VI space-time, depending of the sign of self-coupling constants, the model allows either late time acceleration or oscillatory mode of evolution. In case of a Bianchi VI{sub 0} type space-time due to the specific behavior of the spinor field we have two different scenarios. In one case the invariants constructed from bilinear spinor forms become trivial, thus giving rise to a massless and linear spinor field Lagrangian. This case is equivalent to the vacuum solution of the Bianchi VI{sub 0} type space-time. The second case allows non-vanishing massive and nonlinear terms and depending on the sign of coupling constants gives rise to accelerating mode of expansion or the one that after obtaining some maximum value contracts and ends in big crunch, consequently generating space-time singularity. In case of a Bianchi type-V model there occur two possibilities. In one case we found that the metric functions are similar to each other. In this case the Universe expands with acceleration if the self-coupling constant is taken to be a positive one, whereas a negative coupling constant gives rise to a cyclic or periodic solution. In the second case the spinor mass and the spinor field nonlinearity vanish and the Universe expands linearly in time. In case of a Bianchi type-III model the space-time remains locally rotationally symmetric all the time, though the isotropy of space-time can be attained for a large proportionality constant. As far as evolution is concerned, depending on the sign of coupling constant the model allows both accelerated and oscillatory mode of expansion. A negative coupling constant leads to an oscillatory mode of expansion, whereas a positive coupling constant generates expanding Universe with late time acceleration. Both deceleration parameter and EoS parameter in this case vary with time and are in agreement with modern concept of space-time evolution. In case of a Bianchi type-I space-time the non-diagonal components lead to three different possibilities. In case of a full BI space-time we find that the spinor field nonlinearity and the massive term vanish, hence the spinor field Lagrangian becomes massless and linear. In two other cases the space-time evolves into either LRSBI or FRW Universe. If we consider a locally rotationally symmetric BI(LRSBI) model, neither the mass term nor the spinor field nonlinearity vanishes. In this case depending on the sign of coupling constant we have either late time accelerated mode of expansion or oscillatory mode of evolution. In this case for an expanding Universe we have asymptotical isotropization. Finally, in case of a FRW model neither the mass term nor the spinor field nonlinearity vanishes. Like in LRSBI case we have either late time acceleration or cyclic mode of evolution. These findings allow us to conclude that the spinor field is very sensitive to the gravitational one.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Formation of the compression zone in a plasma flow generated by a magnetoplasma compressor

Processes occurring in a plasma flow generated by a magnetoplasma compressor (MPC) during the formation of the compression zone are discussed. The paper presents results of measurements of the spatial distribution of the electric current in the plasma flow, the temporal and spatial (along the flow) distributions of the plasma density, and the profiles of the velocity of individual flow layers along the system axis. The spatial distribution of the electromagnetic force in the flow is analyzed. It is shown that the plasma flow is decelerated when approaching the compression zone and reaccelerated after passing it. In this case, the plasma flow velocity decreases from ν = (2–3) × 10{sup 7} cm/s at the MPC output to ν < 10{sup 6} cm/s in the region of maximum compression and then again increases to 10{sup 7} cm/s at a distance of 15–17 cm from the MPC output. In some MPC operating modes, a displacement of the magnetic field from the compression zone and the formation of toroidal electric current vortices in the plasma flow after passing the compression zone were detected.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Formation of shock waves in a discharge plasma in the presence of a magnetic field

The effect of an external magnetic field on the dynamics of shock waves generated in an argon plasma due to both explosive processes on the cathode and expansion of the spark channel has been studied experimentally. It is shown that the expanding plasma of the cathode spot forms a shock wave and that the application of a longitudinal magnetic field decelerates the radial expansion of the cathode plasma. It is found that the intensities of some argon spectral lines increase in the presence of a magnetic field.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Study of Plasma Flows Generated in Plasma Focus Discharge in Different Regimes of Working Gas Filling

Results are presented from experimental studies of the plasma flows generated in the KPF-4 Phoenix Mather-type plasma focus device (Sukhum Physical Technical Institute). In order to study how the formation and dynamics of the plasma flow depend on the initial distribution of the working gas, a system of pulsed gas puffing into the discharge volume was developed. The system allows one to create profiled gas distributions, including those with a reduced gas density in the region of plasma flow propagation. Results of measurements of the magnetic field, flow profile, and flow deceleration dynamics at different initial distributions of the gas pressure are presented.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental Study of a Vacuum Spark Discharge over a Dielectric Surface

A decrease in the amplitude of the current of a vacuum spark discharge over a dielectric surface with increasing discharge gap length is established. It is shown that, in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field, the leading edge of the discharge voltage pulse is extended, whereas the clearly pronounced current pulse transforms into a train of alternating current oscillations. The discharge is found to decelerate when the spark is preceded by a low-current discharge.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

Specific features of the ion-beam synthesis of Ge nanocrystals in SiO{sub 2} thin films

The systematic features of the formation of Ge nanocrystals in SiO{sub 2} thin films implanted with Ge{sup +} ions and then subjected to high-temperature annealing (1130°C) are studied in relation to hydrostatic pressure. It is established that annealing at atmospheric pressure is accompanied by the diffusion of Ge atoms from the implantation region to the Si substrate and does not induce the formation of Ge nanocrystals. An increase in pressure during annealing yields a deceleration in the diffusion of germanium into silicon and is accompanied by the formation of twinned lamellae at the Si/SiO{sub 2} interface (at pressures of ~10{sup 3} bar) or by the nucleation and growth of Ge nanocrystals (at pressures of ~10{sup 4} bar) in the SiO{sub 2} film. The results are discussed on the basis of the concept of a change in the activation volume of the formation and migration of point defects under conditions of compression.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Energy Expenditure Upon the Formation of the Elastically Stressed State in the Layers of a Step-Graded Metamorphic Buffer in a Heterostructure Grown on a (001) GaAs Substrate

On the basis of data on X-ray structural analysis performed by the method of reciprocal-space mapping and investigations using secondary-ion mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that vertical compressive stresses also arise in a multilayer epitaxial heterostructure comprised of a step-graded metamorphic buffer along with lateral compressive stresses. The cause of the appearance of vertical stresses is the effect of interlayer hardening, which arises due to the deceleration of fragments of glide dislocations by interphase boundaries. Analysis performed within the framework of the linear theory of elasticity shows that the elastically stressed state of the buffer steps is similar to the state that can be achieved as a result of a two-stage deformation process: bulk and biaxial compression. Bulk compression leads to large energy expenditures in the formation of the structure of the buffer steps, which is reflected, in particular, in violation of the coherence between the dislocation-free and the underlying layers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of External Longitudinal Electric Field on Tracking Force upon the Interaction of a Relativistic Electron Beam with the Ion Channel in the Ion Focusing Regime

It has been shown that, in the presence of a longitudinal external electric field, the magnitude of the tracking or detracking force that emerges during the acceleration or deceleration of a beam propagating along a preliminarily created ion channel in the ion-focusing regime can be commensurate with the force of the interaction of a relativistic electron beam with the ion plasma channel.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electromagnetic Launcher with Massive Light-Plasma Initiator

The results of experiments with an initiator of lithium and graphite, whose mass was 10% of the mass of the projectile, are presented. Similar initiators produce plasma with a high speed of sound and provide the initial speed of the projectile of ∼0.5 km/s. The droplet-shaped damage on the insulating wall of the accelerator channel are described. The link between the appearance of these damages and the sharp deceleration of the plasma piston (PP) is noted. A hypothesis relating the occurrence of damages to the resonant deformation of the channel under the action of a moving high-pressure front is discussed. It is shown that the hypothesis about the resonant deformation of the channel qualitatively explains the known features of the accelerator operation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Observation of Laser-Induced Spark in the Density Jump in a Gas-Jet Target

In the design of powerful laser-plasma sources of extreme ultraviolet radiation with a gas jet as the target, the problem of degradation of gas nozzles is topical. Degradation is observed due to insufficient distance from the generation zone of the laser-induced spark to the nozzle exit. The comprehensive solution to this problem is proposed by forming the laser-induced spark in the density jumps that are generated upon deceleration of the supersonic gas jet. In such a density jump, the laser-induced spark is obtained and measurements of emission radiation intensity are performed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

General approach to the Lagrangian ambiguity in f(R, T) gravity

Abstract The f ( R , T ) gravity is a theory whose gravitational action depends arbitrarily on the Ricci scalar, R , and the trace of the stress–energy tensor, T ; its field equations also depend on matter Lagrangian, $$\mathscr {L}_{m}$$ L m . In the modified theories of gravity where field equations depend on Lagrangian, there is no uniqueness on the Lagrangian definition and the dynamics of the gravitational and matter fields can be different depending on the choice performed. In this work , we have eliminated the $$\mathscr {L}_{m}$$ L m dependence from f ( R , T ) gravity field equations by generalizing the approach of Moraes in Ref. [1]. We also propose a general approach where we argue that the trace of the energy–momentum tensor must be considered an “unknown” variable of the field equations. The trace can only depend on fundamental constants and few inputs from the standard model. Our proposal resolves two limitations: first the energy–momentum tensor of the f ( R , T ) gravity is not the perfect fluid one; second, the Lagrangian is not well-defined. As a test of our approach we applied it to the study of the matter era in cosmology, and the theory can successfully describe a transition between a decelerated Universe to an accelerated one without the need for dark energy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

The elastic vacuum

The quantum gravity vacuum must contain virtual fluctuations of black hole microstates. These extended-sized fluctuations get “crushed” when a closed trapped surface forms, and turn into on-shell “fuzzball” states that resolve the information puzzle. We argue that these same fluctuations can get “stretched” by the anti-trapped surfaces in an expanding cosmology, and that this stretching generates vacuum energy. The stretching happens when the Hubble deceleration reduces quickly, which happens whenever the pressure drops quickly. We thus get an inflation-scale vacuum energy when the heavy GUTS particles become nonrelativistic, and again a small vacuum energy when the radiation phase turns to dust. The expansion law in the radiation phase does not allow stretching, in agreement with the observed irrelevance of vacuum energy in that phase.

Astronomy & Astrophysics↗