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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 613 records · Page 34
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

High-speed volumetric imaging of formaldehyde in a lifted turbulent jet flame using an acousto-optic deflector

The development of high-speed volumetric laser-induced fluorescence measurements of formaldehyde (CH 2 O-LIF) using a pulse-burst laser operated at a repetition rate of 100 kHz is presented here. A novel laser scanning system employing an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) enables quasi-4D CH 2 O-LIF imaging at a scan frequency of 10 kHz. The diagnostic capability of time-resolved volumetric imaging is demonstrated in a partially premixed DME/air lifted turbulent jet flame near the flame base. Simultaneous imaging of laser beam profiles is performed to account for the laser pulse energy fluctuation and laser sheet inhomogeneity. With the accurate registration of laser sheet positions, the volumetric reconstruction of CH 2 O-LIF signals is performed within a detection volume of 17.3 × 11.9 × 2.3 mm 3 with an average out-of-plane spatial resolution of 250μm. A surface detection algorithm with adaptive thresholding is used to determine the global maximum intensity gradient by calculating gradient percentiles. The flame topology characteristics are investigated by evaluating the 3D curvatures of CH 2 O surfaces. Curvatures calculated using 2D data systematically underestimate the full 3D curvature due to the lack of out-of-plane information. The inner surfaces near the turbulent fuel jet exhibit higher probabilities of large mean curvature than the outer surfaces. The saddle and cylindrical structures are dominant on both the inner and outer surfaces and the elliptic structures occur with lower probability. The results suggest that the damping of turbulent fluctuations by the temperature increase through the CH 2 O region reduces the curvature, but the local structure topology remains self-similar.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2004

Processing of High Resolution, Multiparametric Radar Data for the Airborne Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar APR-2

Following the successful Precipitation Radar (PR) of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, a new airborne, 14/35 GHz rain profiling radar, known as Airborne Precipitation Radar - 2 (APR-2), has been developed as a prototype for an advanced, dual-frequency spaceborne radar for a future spaceborne precipitation measurement mission. . This airborne instrument is capable of making simultaneous measurements of rainfall parameters, including co-pol and cross-pol rain reflectivities and vertical Doppler velocities, at 14 and 35 GHz. furthermore, it also features several advanced technologies for performance improvement, including real-time data processing, low-sidelobe dual-frequency pulse compression, and dual-frequency scanning antenna. Since August 2001, APR-2 has been deployed on the NASA P3 and DC8 aircrafts in four experiments including CAMEX-4 and the Wakasa Bay Experiment. Raw radar data are first processed to obtain reflectivity, LDR (linear depolarization ratio), and Doppler velocity measurements. The dataset is then processed iteratively to accurately estimate the true aircraft navigation parameters and to classify the surface return. These intermediate products are then used to refine reflectivity and LDR calibrations (by analyzing clear air ocean surface returns), and to correct Doppler measurements for the aircraft motion. Finally, the the melting layer of precipitation is detected and its boundaries and characteristics are identifIed at the APR-2 range resolution of 30m. The resulting 3D dataset will be used for validation of other airborne and spaceborne instruments, development of multiparametric rain/snow retrieval algorithms and melting layer characterization and statistics.

airborne radar↗
DOE OSTI2026

Probing boron vacancy defects in hBN via single spin relaxometry

Spin defects in solids offer promising platforms for quantum sensing and memory due to their long coherence times and optical addressability. Here, we integrate a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond with scanning probe microscopy to detect, read out, and spatially map spin-based quantum sensors at the nanoscale. Using the boron vacancy ($V$$^{–}_{B}$) center in hexagonal boron nitride—an emerging two-dimensional spin system—as a model, we detect its electron spin resonance indirectly via changes in the spin relaxation time (T 1 ) of a nearby NV center, eliminating the need for optical excitation or fluorescence detection of the $V$$^{–}_{B}$. Cross-relaxation between NV and $V$$^{–}_{B}$ ensembles significantly reduces NV T1, enabling quantitative nanoscale mapping of defect densities beyond the optical diffraction limit and clear resolution of hyperfine splitting in isotopically enriched h 10 B 15 N. Our method demonstrates interactions between spin sensors in 3D and 2D materials, establishing NV centers as versatile probes for characterizing otherwise inaccessible spin defects.

Quantum metrology↗
NASA NTRS2015

Additive Manufacturing of SiC Based Ceramics and Ceramic Matrix Composites

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics and SiC fiber reinforcedSiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCSiC CMCs) offer high payoff as replacements for metals in turbine engine applications due to their lighter weight, higher temperature capability, and lower cooling requirements. Additive manufacturing approaches can offer game changing technologies for the quick and low cost fabrication of parts with much greater design freedom and geometric complexity. Four approaches for developing these materials are presented. The first two utilize low cost 3D printers. The first uses pre-ceramic pastes developed as feed materials which are converted to SiC after firing. The second uses wood containing filament to print a carbonaceous preform which is infiltrated with a pre-ceramic polymer and converted to SiC. The other two approaches pursue the AM of CMCs. The first is binder jet SiC powder processing in collaboration with rp+m (Rapid Prototyping+Manufacturing). Processing optimization was pursued through SiC powder blending, infiltration with and without SiC nano powder loading, and integration of nanofibers into the powder bed. The second approach was laminated object manufacturing (LOM) in which fiber prepregs and laminates are cut to shape by a laser and stacked to form the desired part. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted on materials from all approaches with select approaches also characterized with XRD, TGA, and bend testing.

3-D printing↗
DOE OSTI2019

Structural and biochemical analysis of the metallo-β-lactamase L1 from emerging pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia revealed the subtle but distinct di-metal scaffold for catalytic activity

Emergence of Enterobacteriaceae harboring metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL) has raised global threats due to their broad antibiotic resistance profiles and the lack of effective inhibitors against them. We have been studied one of the emerging environmental MBL, the L1 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a . We determined several crystal structures of L1 complexes with three different classes of beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillin G, moxalactam, meropenem, and imipenem), with the inhibitor captopril and different metal ions (Zn +2 , Cd +2 , and Cu +2 ). All hydrolyzed antibiotics and the inhibitor were found binding to two Zn +2 ions mainly through the opened lactam ring and some hydrophobic interactions with the binding pocket atoms. Without a metal ion, the active site is very similarly maintained as that of the native form with two Zn +2 ions, however, the protein does not bind the substrate moxalactam. When two Zn +2 ions were replaced with other metal ions, the same di-metal scaffold was maintained and the added moxalactam was found hydrolyzed in the active site. Differential scanning fluorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to study thermodynamic properties of L1 MBL compared with New Deli Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). Both enzymes are significantly stabilized by Zn +2 and other divalent metals but showed different dependency. These studies also suggest that moxalactam and its hydrolyzed form may bind and dissociate with different kinetic modes with or without Zn +2 for each of L1 and NDM-1. Our analysis implicates metal ions, in forming a distinct di-metal scaffold, which is central to the enzyme stability, promiscuous substrate binding and versatile catalytic activity. Statement: The L1 metallo-beta-lactamase from an environmental multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a has been studied by determining 3D structures of L1 enzyme in the complexes with several beta-lactam antibiotics and different divalent metals and characterizing its biochemical and ligand binding properties. We found that the two-metal center in the active site is critical in the enzymatic process including antibiotics recognition and binding, which explains the enzyme's activity toward diverse antibiotic substrates. This study provides the critical information for understanding the ligand recognition and for advanced drug development.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2011

Carbon Nanofibers Synthesized on Selective Substrates for Nonvolatile Memory and 3D Electronics

A plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) growth technique has been developed where the choice of starting substrate was found to influence the electrical characteristics of the resulting carbon nanofiber (CNF) tubes. It has been determined that, if the tubes are grown on refractory metallic nitride substrates, then the resulting tubes formed with dc PECVD are also electrically conducting. Individual CNFs were formed by first patterning Ni catalyst islands using ebeam evaporation and liftoff. The CNFs were then synthesized using dc PECVD with C2H2:NH3 = [1:4] at 5 Torr and 700 C, and approximately equal to 200-W plasma power. Tubes were grown directly on degenerately doped silicon <100> substrates with resistivity rho approximately equal to 1-5 meterohm-centimeter, as well as NbTiN. The approximately equal to 200-nanometer thick refractory NbTiN deposited using magnetron sputtering had rho approximately equal to 113 microohm-centimeter and was also chemically compatible with CNF synthesis. The sample was then mounted on a 45 beveled Al holder, and placed inside a SEM (scanning electron microscope). A nanomanipulator probe stage was placed inside the SEM equipped with an electrical feed-through, where tungsten probes were used to make two-terminal electrical measurements with an HP 4156C parameter analyzer. The positive terminal nanoprobe was mechanically manipulated to physically contact an individual CNF grown directly on NbTiN as shown by the SEM image in the inset of figure (a), while the negative terminal was grounded to the substrate. This revealed the tube was electrically conductive, although measureable currents could not be detected until approximately equal to 6 V, after which point current increased sharply until compliance (approximately equal to 50 nA) was reached at approximately equal to 9.5 V. A native oxide on the tungsten probe tips may contribute to a tunnel barrier, which could be the reason for the suppressed transport at low biases. Currents up to approximately 100 nA could be cycled, which are likely to propagate via the tube surface, or sidewalls, rather than the body, which is shown by the I-V in figure (a). Electrical conduction via the sidewalls is a necessity for dc NEMS (nanoelectromechanical system) applications, more so than for the field emission applications of such tubes. During the tests, high conductivity was expected, because both probes were shorted to the substrate, as shown by curve 1 in the I-V characteristic in figure (b). When a tube grown on NbTiN was probed, the response was similar to the approximately equal to 100 nA and is represented by curve 2 in figure (b), which could be cycled and propagated via the tube surface or the sidewalls. However, no measureable currents for the tube grown directly on Si were observed as shown by curve 3 in figure (b), even after testing over a range of samples. This could arise from a dielectric coating on the sidewalls for tubes on Si. As a result of the directional nature of ion bombardment during dc PECVD, Si from the substrate is likely re-sputtered and possibly coats the sidewalls.

Kaul, Anupama B.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Localized Defect Detection from Spatially Mapped, In-Situ Process Data With Machine Learning

In powder bed fusion additive manufacturing, machines are often equipped with in-situ sensors to monitor the build environment as well as machine actuators and subsystems. The data from these sensors offer rich information about the consistency of the fabrication process within a build and across builds. This information may be used for process monitoring and defect detection; however, little has been done to leverage this data from the machines for more than just coarse-grained process monitoring. In this work we demonstrate how these inherently temporal data may be mapped spatially by leveraging scan path information. We then train a XGBoost machine learning model to predict localized defects—specifically soot–using only the mapped process data of builds from a laser powder bed fusion process as input features. The XGBoost model offers a feature importance metric that will help to elucidate possible relationships between the process data and observed defects. Finally, we analyze the model performance spatially and rationalize areas of greater and lesser performance.

3D printing↗
NASA NTRS2024

Correlations of Additive Manufacturing Model-Based Process Metrics With Spatter-Induced Porosity in the Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam/Metallic Process

Components fabricated using the powder bed fusion laser beam metallic (PBF-LB/M) additive manufacturing (AM) process comprise a multitude of sequential weld passes. Qualifying materials for components in critical applications requires a thorough understanding of pertinent processing-microstructure-property relationships. Porosity defects have a strong adverse effect on the mechanical properties of a material. The morphology of porosity defects created by lack of fusion in PBF-LB/M often exhibit high aspect ratios that can act as stress concentrators and become crack initiation sites. The occurrence of spatter induced porosity is studied using synchronized AM model-based process metrics and porosity measured by high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. A novel AM process metric is introduced to quantify the relative exposure to spatter ejecta impacts and incorporation throughout the sequence of the PBF-LB/M process. Further characterization using optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy indicated that both keyhole and lack of fusion porosity correlated statistically with the spatter ejecta impact field of the PBF-LB/M process. Both keyhole and lack of fusion porosity can be predicted by the spatter exposure process metric, which can be exploited to control the fusion sequence.

Additive Manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2020

Equilibrium shapes of facetted 3D metal nanoclusters intercalated near the surface of layered materials

Experimental studies indicate that 3D crystalline metal nanoclusters (NCs) intercalated under the surface of graphite have flat-topped equilibrated shapes. In this work, we characterize the shapes of these facetted NCs sandwiched between a blanketing graphene layer and the underlying graphite substrate. Specifically, we focus on the cases of fcc Cu and hcp Fe NCs. Furthermore, the analysis involves numerical minimization of the system energy for a specified NC volume and NC height, the latter corresponding to the separation between parallel top and bottom facets. Our numerical analysis quantifies how the distance of the side facet planes from center of the nanocluster varies linearly with a natural characteristic linear dimension of the nanocluster. Calculated shapes of fcc Cu and hcp Fe NCs are consistent with the hexagonal footprints observed in scanning tunneling microscopy studies.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Beam-energy dependence of the production of light nuclei in Au + Au collisions

We study in the coalescence model the collision energy dependence of (anti-)deuteron and (anti- )triton production in the most central Au+Au collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} $ = 7.7, 11.5, 19.6, 27, 39, 62.4 and 200 GeV. The needed phase-space distribution of nucleons at the kinetic freeze-out is generated from a new 3D hybrid dynamical model (iEBE-MUSIC) by using a smooth crossover equation of state (EoS) without a QCD critical point. Our model calculations predict that the coalescence parameters of (anti-)deuteron (B 2 (d) and B 2 ($\bar{d}$)) decrease monotonically as the collision energy increases, and the light nuclei yield ratio N t N p /$Nd^{2}_{d}$ remains approximately a constant with respect to the collision energy. These calculated observables fail to reproduce the non-monotonic behavior of the corresponding data from the STAR Collaboration. Without including any effects of the critical point in our model, our results serve as the baseline predictions for the yields of light nuclei in the search for the possible QCD critical points from the experimental beam energy scan of heavy ion collisions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2023

Additive Manufacturing of Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Multi Principle Element Alloys for Future Aerospace Applications

Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) materials have long been of interest for their high temperature applications, and additive manufacturing enables their manufacturing viability. The ODS multi-principle element alloy NiCoCr was prepared using powder metallurgy techniques, additively manufactured, and evaluated for its processingmicrostructure-property relationships. The high temperature foundations of nickel-base superalloys and ODS materials were combined with the manufacturing advantages of 3D printing and the chemical simplicity of NiCoCr to inspire this work, which was divided into powder and printed material assessments. The project was achieved through multiple iterative project loops to assess the processing parameters’ impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the feedstock powder and printed material. The powder investigations (Chapter 3) focused on understanding the oxide coating that formed on the metal powder following acoustic mixing. Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry was used to semi-quantitatively assess the amount of yttrium on the surface of the mixed powders, and indicated that a combination of higher mixing condition energy and moderate mixing time resulted in the most oxide coating on the NiCoCr powder. The results were supported by a qualitative assessment of scanning electron images of coated powder particles. Following mixing, the ODS NiCoCr was consolidated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. The evaluations of the printed material (Chapter 4) frst considered screening experiments including Archimedes’ density, porosity, and grain size and number metrics from electron backscatter diffraction data. After the ideal additive manufacturing parameters were identifed, both the oxide homogeneity and yield strength were discussed for the idealized printed material. Overall, the project suggests that the combined use of qualitative or semi-quantitative powder surface analysis with Archimedes’ density analyses can be a valid high-throughput technique which can lead to process optimization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion additively manufactured ODS material.

Laura G Wilson↗
NASA NTRS2013

Fiber Scanning Array for 3 Dimensional Topographic Imaging

We report on the design and development of a fiber optic scanning 3-D LIDAR employing a switched fiber array. This design distributes ns length laser pulses over a sample field, collects the return pulses, and assembles them into a 3-D image. This instrument is a reduced size version consisting of 35 beams, and will serve as a proof-of-principle demonstration for a planned 1000 beam instrument for Earth and planetary topographical missions.

3D↗
DOE OSTI2025

Simulations of saturated MHD activity in the HBT-EP tokamak

The NIMROD code is used to perform simulations of MHD activity in the HBT-EP tokamak, including the effect of a resistive wall. Linear simulations are conducted to scan current and pressure profiles to establish self-consistent baseline equilibria that result in MHD instabilities with low error between experimental diagnostics and synthetic equivalents. A family of such equilibria is found with relatively peaked current and pressure profiles. Nonlinear simulations are performed using the optimal equilibrium, which is linearly unstable to a Resistive Wall Mode—stable in the ideal wall limit and with an Alfvénic growth rate in the no-wall limit. Using resistive wall boundary conditions, nonlinear Hall MHD simulations yield a rotating, saturated n=1 mode similar to the type observed experimentally in HBT-EP discharges. An n=1 mode around the q=2 surface mediates a localized axisymmetric perturbation that flattens the plasma current from a linearly unstable state to a 3D, rotating, stable state. During the saturated period, periodic changes in inter-diagnostic phase lag allow for qualitative estimations of effective, macroscopic transport coefficients used in MHD closure models and could be extended to model post-disruption MHD structure rotation after thermal quenches seen in HBT-EP.

Arnold, David A. (ORCID:0009000059535761)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pore-scale observations of natural hydrate-bearing sediments via pressure core sub-coring and micro-CT scanning

Abstract Both intra-pore hydrate morphology and inter-pore hydrate distribution influence the physical properties of hydrate-bearing sediments, yet there has been no pore-scale observations of hydrate habit under pressure in preserved pressure core samples so far. We present for the first time a pore-scale micro-CT study of natural hydrate-bearing cores that were acquired from Green Canyon Block 955 in UT-GOM2-1 Expedition and preserved within hydrate pressure–temperature stability conditions throughout sub-sampling and imaging processes. Measured hydrate saturation in the sub-samples, taken from units expected to have in-situ saturation of 80% or more, ranges from 3 ± 1% to 56 ± 11% as interpreted from micro-CT images. Pore-scale observations of gas hydrate in the sub-samples suggest that hydrate in silty sediments at the Gulf of Mexico is pore-invasive rather than particle displacive, and hydrate particles in these natural water-saturated samples are pore-filling with no evidence of grain-coating. Hydrate can form a connected 3D network and provide mechanical support for the sediments even without cementation. The technical breakthrough to directly visualize particle-level hydrate pore habits in natural sediments reported here sheds light on future investigations of pressure- and temperature-sensitive processes including hydrate-bearing sediments, dissolved gases, and other biochemical processes in the deep-sea environment.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2017

Predictive Modeling of Fast-Curing Thermosets in Nozzle-Based Extrusion

This work presents an approach to modeling the dynamic spreading and curing behavior of thermosets in nozzle-based extrusions. Thermosets cover a wide range of materials, some of which permit low-temperature processing with subsequent high-temperature and high-strength working properties. Extruding thermosets may overcome the limited working temperatures and strengths of conventional thermoplastic materials used in additive manufacturing. This project aims to produce technology for the fabrication of thermoset-based structures leveraging advances made in nozzle-based extrusion, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), material jetting, and direct writing. Understanding the synergistic interactions between spreading and fast curing of extruded thermosetting materials will provide essential insights for applications that require accurate dimensional controls, such as additive manufacturing [1], [2] and centrifugal coating/forming [3]. Two types of thermally curing thermosets -- one being a soft silicone (Ecoflex 0050) and the other being a toughened epoxy (G/Flex) -- served as the test materials in this work to obtain models for cure kinetics and viscosity. The developed models align with extensive measurements made with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheology. DSC monitors the change in the heat of reaction, which reflects the rate and degree of cure at different crosslinking stages. Rheology measures the change in complex viscosity, shear moduli, yield stress, and other properties dictated by chemical composition. By combining DSC and rheological measurements, it is possible to establish a set of models profiling the cure kinetics and chemorheology without prior knowledge of chemical composition, which is usually necessary for sophisticated mechanistic modeling. In this work, we conducted both isothermal and dynamic measurements with both DSC and rheology. With the developed models, numerical simulations yielded predictions of diameter and height of droplets, along with width and height of extruded lines cured at varied temperatures. Experimental results carried out on a goniometric platform and a nozzle-based 3D printer showed agreement with the numerical simulations. Finally, this presentation will show how the models are adaptable to the planning of tool paths and designs in additive manufacturing.

Xie, Jingjin↗
DOE OSTI2024

A method for crystallographic mapping of an alpha-beta titanium alloy with nanometre resolution using scanning precession electron diffraction and open-source software libraries

An approach for the crystallographic mapping of two-phase alloys on the nanoscale using a combination of scanned precession electron diffraction and open-source python libraries is introduced in this paper. This method is demonstrated using the example of a two-phase α/β titanium alloy. The data were recorded using a direct electron detector to collect the patterns, and recently developed algorithms to perform automated indexing and analyse the crystallography from the results. Very high-quality mapping is achieved at a 3 nm step size. The results show the expected Burgers orientation relationships between the α laths and β matrix, as well as the expected misorientations between α laths. A minor issue was found that one area was affected by 180° ambiguities in indexing occur due to this area being aligned too close to a zone axis of the α with twofold projection symmetry (not present in 3D) in the zero-order Laue Zone, and this should be avoided in data acquisition in the future. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates a good workflow for the analysis of nanocrystalline two- or multi-phase materials, which will be of widespread use in analysing two-phase titanium and other systems and how they evolve as a function of thermomechanical treatments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

The Structure-Properties Relationship of Alternative Bismaleimide Variants for Candidacy for Additive Manufacturing

Modernizing the manufacturing of high-performance polymer foams such as amino-poly(oxadiazole) bismaleimide (APO-BMI), a bismaleimide resin with superior thermal and compressive strength that incorporates additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, is crucial for its applications, but the parameters for AM can be challenging based on the physical properties of the associated monomer. For our applications, selective laser sintering (SLS) is typically used. SLS is a 3D printing technique that allows for complex shapes and geometries without structural supports while also providing high resolution material. However, printing thermosets like APO-BMI with SLS is challenging due to the complex melting and curing considerations required when selecting parameters. Additionally, the temperature difference between melting and curing of APO-BMI is over a hundred º C, which makes selecting a sintering window especially difficult. This work explores structural modifications of APO-BMI that may be more amenable for selective laser sintering. The effects of how different structural changes such as substitution pattern, heteroatom identity in the bridge, and bridge length affect the thermal properties of the material were also compared. All APO variants were found to have a smaller temperature window between the melting and curing peaks based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) which is advantageous for SLS. Small structural changes significantly altered the melting and curing properties of APO. Additionally, DSC revealed significant polymorphisms in APO-BMI and other APO variants which could be attributed to differences in thermal history and would need to be considered when adapting for SLS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Numerical analysis of gas exhaust in Wendelstein 7-X using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method

The present work is focused on a 3D numerical assessment of the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) particle exhaust. For all the numerical simulations the direct simulation Monte Carlo solver of the DIVGAS workflow, has been employed. The complex 3D geometry of the sub-divertor region includes the pumping gap panel, supporting structures, cooling pipes as well as the cryo-vacuum pump. All the considered flow simulations correspond to the Standard magnetic configuration of W7-X. The main conclusions, which can be extracted from the present numerical analysis could be summarized as follows; The coupling between EMC3-EIRENE and DIVGAS, which considers the fact that the incoming neutral particle flux at the sub-divertor is based on realistic plasma background, has been demonstrated. Three plasma scenarios have been considered, for which is clearly seen that by increasing the heating power, the neutral pressure as well as the resulting pumping efficiency is increased. The obtained numerical results of the neutral pressure in the sub-divertor lie within a more general scan matrix, which assumes a wider range of incoming particle flux, namely 10 19 –10 24 (s −1 ). It has been observed that, the sub-divertor neutral pressure is proportional to the incoming neutral particle flux, with the effective pumping speed to be a constant of proportionality. The influence of switching off the cryo-vacuum pump on the sub-divertor pressure is rather modest and a weak increase of the neutral pressure in the sub-divertor is expected. Correlations of the sub-divertor pressure with the total incoming particle flux as well as the individual pumped flux at each of the AEH and AEP sections have been deduced. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the influence of the incoming neutral particle flux on the albedo coefficient at the AEH and AEP pumping gaps is rather weak. All the above numerical findings will actively support the optimization of the W7-X particle exhaust, in view of future experimental campaigns.

DSMC method↗