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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

Astrobiology Exploration Strategies for the Mars Polar Regions Using Balloon Platforms

Montgolfiere balloons can provide a unique near-surface platform for an extended traverse over the polar regions of Mars. During the polar summer, such solar powered balloons would remain in the constant sun of the polar summer and could remain airborne for many weeks or even months as the atmospheric circulation would drive the balloons around the polar region many times before the balloon would cross the terminator. Such a platform for scientific measurements could provide in situ sampling of the atmosphere for trace disequilibrium species that might be indicators of present geological or biological activity in this regon. It could furthermore provide high resolution imaging, deep electromagnetic (EM) sounding for subsurface stratigraphy and liquid water, and high spatial resolution neutron measurements of subsurface ice. Technologies for robust balloon deployment on entry and controlled encounters with the surface and near subsurface for sample acquisition in otherwise inaccessible regions are presently being studied and developed with support from NASA.

Mahaffy, P. R.↗

Development of a high current density, high temperature superconducting cable for pulsed magnets

Abstract A low AC loss Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide (REBCO) cable, based on the VIPER cable technology has been developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems for use in high field, REBCO based tokamaks. The new cable is composed of partitioned and transposed copper ‘petals’ shaped to fit together in a circular pattern with each petal containing a REBCO tape stack and insulated from each other to reduce AC losses. A stainless steel jacket adds mechanical robustness—also serving as a vessel for solder impregnation—while a tube runs through the middle for cooling purposes. Additionally, fiber optic sensors are placed under the tape stacks for quench detection. To qualify this design, a series of experiments were conducted as part of the SPARC tokamak Central Solenoid Model Coil program—to retire the risks associated with full scale, fast ramping, high flux HTS Central Solenoid (CS) and Poloidal Field (PF) coils for tokamak fusion power plants and net energy demonstrators. These risk study and risk reduction experiments include (1) AC loss measurement and model validation in the range of ~5 T/s, (2) an IxB electromagnetic loading of over 850 kN/m at the cable level and up to 300 kN/m at the stack level, (3) a transverse compression resilience of over 350 MPa, (4) manufacturability at tokamak relevant speeds and scales, (5) cable to cable joint performance, (6) fiber optic based quench detection speed, accuracy, and feasibility, and (7) overall winding pack integration and magnet assembly. The result is a cable technology, now referred to as PIT VIPER, with AC losses that measure fifteen times lower (at ~5 T/s) than its predecessor technology; a 2% or lower degradation of critical current (Ic) at high IxB electromagnetic loads; no detectable Ic degradation up to 570 MPa of transverse compression on the cable unit cell; end to end magnet manufacturing, consistently producing Ic values within 7% of the model prediction; cable to cable joint resistances at 20 K on the order of ~15 nΩ; and fast, functional quench detection capabilities that do not involve voltage taps. This cable technology will be tested comprehensively in a Central Solenoid Model Coil to prove its readiness for compact, high field tokamak operation.

Sanabria, Charlie (ORCID:0000000150175309)↗

Recent Stirling Conversion Technology Developments and Operational Measurements at NASA Glenn Research Center

In support of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) project and other potential applications, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has initiated convertor technology development efforts in the areas of acoustic emission, electromagnetic field mitigation, thermoacoustic Stirling conversion, and multiple-cylinder alpha arrangements of Stirling machines. The acoustic emission measurement effort was developed as a health monitoring metric for several Stirling convertors undergoing life testing. While accelerometers have been used in the past to monitor dynamic signature, the acoustic sensors were chosen to monitor cycle events, such gas bearing operation. Several electromagnetic interference (EMI) experiments were performed on a pair of Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASC). These tests demonstrated that a simple bucking coil was capable of reducing the alternating current (ac) magnetic field below the ASRG system specification. The thermoacoustic Stirling concept eliminates the displacer typically found in Stirling machines by making use of the pressure oscillations of a traveling acoustic wave. A 100 W-class thermoacoustic Stirling prototype manufactured by Northrop Grumman Space and Technology was received and tested. Another thermoacoustic prototype designed and fabricated by Sunpower, Inc., will be tested in the near future. A four cylinder free piston alpha prototype convertor was received from Sunpower, Inc. and has been tested at GRC. This hardware was used as a proof of concept to validate thermodynamic models and demonstrate stable operation of multiple-cylinder free-piston Stirling conversion. This paper will discuss each of these activities and the results they produced.

Oriti, Salvatore M.↗

Doppler Backscattering Data Analysis and Integrated Modeling with OMFIT

One Modeling Framework for Integrated Tasks (OMFIT) is a widely used software tool in the magnetic fusion research community. OMFIT provides magnetic fusion energy researchers with a framework for the development of special-purpose physics modules. This paper describes an OMFIT physics module pertaining to the Doppler Backscattering (DBS) fusion plasma diagnostic. DBS measures density fluctuations and flow velocity through plasma scattering of electromagnetic waves. The OMFIT DBS module was developed to analyze experimental DBS data and facilitate modeling of DBS systems installed on multiple tokamak devices. The OMFIT DBS module is designed to support several analysis workflows: detailed analysis of experimental data, experimental planning, and theory-based synthetic diagnostic modeling. The DBS module uses integrated modeling by leveraging other OMFIT physics modules to perform tasks related to DBS, e.g. ray/beam–tracing simulations, edge-localized mode–synchronized data analysis, magnetic equilibrium reconstruction, and fitting kinetic profile data. Furthermore, this paper describes several supported workflows and serves a reference for the OMFIT DBS module.

Doppler backscattering↗

Unraveling the structural dependency of Weyl nodes in Co 2 MnGa

Conventionally, the modulation of the intrinsic Weyl nodes in Weyl semimetals is challenging, due to topological protection. Here we report the structural dependence of the Weyl nodes in a Co2⁢MnGa Heusler thin film via a temperature-dependent tetragonal distortion. The ability to manipulate these Weyl nodes allows for the control of the intrinsic electromagnetic properties. Temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements identify a compressive tetragonal distortion with decreasing temperature from 300 to 20 K. The calculated Weyl properties can be directly compared with experimental parameters through the temperature-dependent XRD measurements which show the intrinsic correlation between Weyl properties and important magnetic parameters. Further, the microscopic momentum space properties of Weyl nodes such as the distance (d W ), solid angle (Ω W ), tilt (φ W ), and nodal point energy (E W ) directly affect the macroscopic observable properties such as exchange stiffness (A), magnetization (M), and effective anisotropy field $H^{eff}_{K}$, as shown via structure-dependent density functional theory calculations. These predictions are experimentally observed as large variations in the bulk magnetization and effective anisotropy field as a function of temperature. These results highlight a unique degree of freedom in the control of macroscopic magnetic properties via the modulation of the intrinsic properties of Weyl nodes through structural distortions.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermodielectric radiometer

Radiometer measures microsecond pulses of radiant flux in the presence of electromagnetic noise. It consists of a charged capacitor that delivers a voltage pulse proportional to the thermally induced depolarization of its polymeric dielectric.

Beam, B. H.↗

Upper limits to the interstellar radiation field between 775 and 1050 A

A 40-A resolution extreme-ultraviolet spectrometer, sensitive to radiation in the 775-1050 A band, was flown on a Black Brant VC rocket to measure the night sky brightness in this region of the electromagnetic spectrum. A weak signal above background was recorded in most channels as the spectrometer's field of view scanned the sky in the vicinity of the galactic plane from Monoceros to Andromeda. Because the earth's upper atmosphere may produce some radiation in this wavelength region, the possibility cannot be excluded that some or all of the observed signal is terrestrial in origin. However, observational upper limits can be established at the 95-per cent confidence level for the intensity of an extraterrestrial extreme ultraviolet background which ranges from 6 millionths erg/sq cm/s/sr/A at 1050 A to 4 ten-millionths erg/sq cm/s/sr/A at 775 A. These results are consistent with existing theoretical predictions.

Paresce, F.↗

Electromagnetic sounding of the moon using Apollo 16 and Lunokhod 2 surface magnetometer observations /preliminary results/

A technique of deep electromagnetic sounding of the moon using simultaneous magnetic-field measurements at two lunar surface sites is described. The method, used with the assumption that deep electrical conductivity is a function only of lunar radius, has the advantage of allowing calculation of the external driving field from two surface-site measurements only and therefore does not require data from a lunar orbiting satellite. A transient-response calculation is presented for the example of a magnetic-field discontinuity, measured simultaneously by Apollo 16 and Lunokhod 2 surface magnetometers.

Vanian, L. L.↗

New Techniques for Exciting Linearly Tapered Slot Antennas with Coplanar Waveguide

Two new techniques for exciting a linearly tapered slot antenna (LTSA) with coplanar waveguide (CPW) are introduced. In the first approach, an air bridge is used to couple power from a CPW to an LTSA. In the second approach, power is electromagnetically coupled from a finite CPW (FCPW) to an LTSA. Measured results at 18 GHz show excellent return loss and radiation patterns.

Simons, R. N.↗

Comparison of Commercial Electromagnetic Interface Test Techniques to NASA Electromagnetic Interference Test Techniques

This report documents the development of analytical techniques required for interpreting and comparing space systems electromagnetic interference test data with commercial electromagnetic interference test data using NASA Specification SSP 30237A "Space Systems Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility Requirements for Electromagnetic Compatibility." The PSpice computer simulation results and the laboratory measurements for the test setups under study compare well. The study results, however, indicate that the transfer function required to translate test results of one setup to another is highly dependent on cables and their actual layout in the test setup. Since cables are equipment specific and are not specified in the test standards, developing a transfer function that would cover all cable types (random, twisted, or coaxial), sizes (gauge number and length), and layouts (distance from the ground plane) is not practical.

Smith, V.↗

Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics (LEP) performs experimental and theoretical research on the heliosphere, the interstellar medium, and the magnetospheres and upper atmospheres of the planets, including Earth. LEP space scientists investigate the structure and dynamics of the magnetospheres of the planets including Earth. Their research programs encompass the magnetic fields intrinsic to many planetary bodies as well as their charged-particle environments and plasma-wave emissions. The LEP also conducts research into the nature of planetary ionospheres and their coupling to both the upper atmospheres and their magnetospheres. Finally, the LEP carries out a broad-based research program in heliospheric physics covering the origins of the solar wind, its propagation outward through the solar system all the way to its termination where it encounters the local interstellar medium. Special emphasis is placed on the study of solar coronal mass ejections (CME's), shock waves, and the structure and properties of the fast and slow solar wind. LEP planetary scientists study the chemistry and physics of planetary stratospheres and tropospheres and of solar system bodies including meteorites, asteroids, comets, and planets. The LEP conducts a focused program in astronomy, particularly in the infrared and in short as well as very long radio wavelengths. We also perform an extensive program of laboratory research, including spectroscopy and physical chemistry related to astronomical objects. The Laboratory proposes, develops, fabricates, and integrates experiments on Earth-orbiting, planetary, and heliospheric spacecraft to measure the characteristics of planetary atmospheres and magnetic fields, and electromagnetic fields and plasmas in space. We design and develop spectrometric instrumentation for continuum and spectral line observations in the x-ray, gamma-ray, infrared, and radio regimes; these are flown on spacecraft to study the interplanetary medium, asteroids, comets, and planets. Suborbital sounding rockets and groundbased observing platforms form an integral part of these research activities. This report covers the period from approximately October 1999 through September 2000.

Vondrak, Richard R.↗

Advanced Biotelemetry Systems for Space Life Sciences

The Sensors 2000! Program at NASA-Ames Research Center is developing an Advanced Biotelemetry System (ABTS) for Space Life Sciences applications. This modular suite of instrumentation is planned to be used in operational spaceflight missions, ground-based research and development experiments, and collaborative, technology transfer and commercialization activities. The measured signals will be transmitted via radio-frequency (RF), electromagnetic or optical carriers and direct-connected leads to a remote ABTS receiver and data acquisition system for data display, storage, and transmission to Earth. Intermediate monitoring and display systems may be hand held or portable, and will allow for personalized acquisition and control of medical and physiological data.

Hines, John W.↗

Fragmentation cross sections of 28Si at 14.5 GeV/nucleon

We used CR39 plastic nuclear track detectors (C12H18O7) in combination with automatic track measurement techniques to determine total charge changing and partial cross sections for the production of fragments of charge ZF = 6 to ZF = 13 in collisions of 28Si beam nuclei at 14.5 GeV/nucleon in targets H, C, CR39, (C18H38O), Al, Cu, Ag, and Pb. By application of factorization rules, measured partial cross sections are separated into pure nuclear and electromagnetic components. The cross sections for electromagnetic dissociation agree with theoretical models. The results are consistent with a Z2 dependence of virtual photon spectra.

NASA Discipline Number 04-10↗

New Measure of the Dissipation Region in Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection

A new measure to identify a small-scale dissipation region in collisionless magnetic reconnection is proposed. The energy transfer from the electromagnetic field to plasmas in the electron s rest frame is formulated as a Lorentz-invariant scalar quantity. The measure is tested by two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations in typical configurations: symmetric and asymmetric reconnection, with and without the guide field. The innermost region surrounding the reconnection site is accurately located in all cases. We further discuss implications for nonideal MHD dissipation.

Zenitani, Seiji↗

Uncertainty in Heart Rate Complexity Metrics Caused by R-Peak Perturbations

Heart rate complexity (HRC) is a proven metric for gaining insight into human stress and physiological deterioration. To calculate HRC, the detection of the exact instance of when the heart beats, the R-peak, is necessary. Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can often be corrupted by environmental noise (e.g., from electromagnetic interference, movement artifacts), which can potentially alter the HRC measurement, producing erroneous inputs which feed into decision support models. Current literature has only investigated how HRC is affected by noise when R-peak detection errors occur (false positives and false negatives). However, the numerical methods used to calculate HRC are also sensitive to the specific location of the fiducial point of the R-peak. This raises many questions regarding how this fiducial point is altered by noise, the resulting impact on the measured HRC, and how we can account for noisy HRC measures as inputs into our decision models. This work uses Monte Carlo simulations to systematically add white and pink noise at different permutations of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), time segments, sampling rates, and HRC measurements to characterize the influence of noise on the HRC measure by altering the fiducial point of the R-peak. Using the generated information from these simulations provides improved decision processes for system design which address key concerns such as permutation entropy being a more precise, reliable, less biased, and more sensitive measurement for HRC than sample and approximate entropy.

Napoli, Nicholas J.↗