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At least 73 records · Page 4

Maximum likelihood tuning of a vehicle motion filter

This paper describes the use of maximum likelihood parameter estimation unknown parameters appearing in a nonlinear vehicle motion filter. The filter uses the kinematic equations of motion of a rigid body in motion over a spherical earth. The nine states of the filter represent vehicle velocity, attitude, and position. The inputs to the filter are three components of translational acceleration and three components of angular rate. Measurements used to update states include air data, altitude, position, and attitude. Expressions are derived for the elements of filter matrices needed to use air data in a body-fixed frame with filter states expressed in a geographic frame. An expression for the likelihood functions of the data is given, along with accurate approximations for the function's gradient and Hessian with respect to unknown parameters. These are used by a numerical quasi-Newton algorithm for maximizing the likelihood function of the data in order to estimate the unknown parameters. The parameter estimation algorithm is useful for processing data from aircraft flight tests or for tuning inertial navigation systems.

Trankle, Thomas L.↗

Electrostatic Wave Generation and Transverse Ion Acceleration by Alfvenic Wave Components of BBELF Turbulence

We present results here from 2.5-D particle-in-cell simulations showing that the electrostatic (ES) components of broadband extremely low frequency (BBELF) waves could possibly be generated by cross-field plasma instabilities driven by the relative drifts between the heavy and light ion species in the electromagnetic (EM) Alfvenic component of the BBELF waves in a multi-ion plasma. The ES components consist of ion cyclotron as well as lower hybrid modes. We also demonstrate that the ES wave generation is directly involved in the transverse acceleration of ions (TAI) as commonly measured with the BBELF wave events. The heating is affected by ion cyclotron resonance in the cyclotron modes and Landau resonance in the lower hybrid waves. In the simulation we drive the plasma by the transverse electric field, E(sub y), of the EM waves; the frequency of E(sub y), omega(sub d), is varied from a frequency below the heavy ion cyclotron frequency, OMEGA(sub h), to below the light ion cyclotron frequency, OMEGA(sub i). We have also performed simulations for E(sub y) having a continuous spectrum given by a power law, namely, |Ey| approx. omega(sub d) (exp -alpha), where the exponent alpha = _, 1, and 2 in three different simulations. The driving electric field generates polarization and ExB drifts of the ions and electrons. When the interspecies relative drifts are sufficiently large, they drive electrostatic waves, which cause perpendicular heating of both light and heavy ions. The transverse ion heating found here is discussed in relation to observations from Cluster, FAST and Freja.

Singh, Nagendra↗

Passive Accelerometer

Motion of ball in liquid indicates acceleration. Passive accelerometer measures small accelerations along cylindrical axis. Principle of operation based on Stokes' law. Provides accurate measurements of small quasi-steady accelerations. Additional advantage, automatically integrates out unwanted higher-frequency components of acceleration.

Naumann, Robert J.↗

High-Frequency Electrostatic Wave Generation and Transverse Ion Acceleration by Low Alfvenic Wave Components of BBELF Turbulence

Satellite observations in the auroral plasma have revealed that extremely low frequency (ELF) waves play a dominant role in the acceleration of electrons and ions in the auroral plasma. The electromagnetic components of the ELF (EMELF) waves are the electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves below the cyclotron frequency of the lightest ion species in a multi-ion plasma. Shear Alfv6n waves (SAWS) constitute the lowest frequency components of the ELF waves below the ion cyclotron frequency of the heaviest ion. The -2 mechanism for the transfer of energy from such EMELF waves to ions affecting transverse ion heating still remains a matter of debate. A very ubiquitous fe8ture of ELF waves now observed in several rocket and satellite experiments is that they occur in conjunction with high-frequency electrostatic waves. The frequency spectrum of the composite wave turbulence extends from the low frequency of the Alfvenic waves to the high frequency of proton plasma frequency and/or the lower hybrid frequency. The spectrum does not show any feature organized by the ion cyclotron frequencies and their harmonics. Such broadband waves consisting of both the EM and ES waves are now popularly referred as BBELF waves. We present results here from 2.5-D particle-in-cell simulations showing that the ES components are directly generated by cross- field plasma instabilities driven by the drifts of the ions and electrons in the EM component of the BBELF waves.

Singh, Nagendra↗

Energetic particles in solar flares

The principal properties of energetic particles accelerated in solar flares are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the high-energy flare component whose acceleration is often referred to as second-phase acceleration. Stochastic Fermi acceleration is treated analytically, and the results of the computation are compared with particle and gamma-ray data to deduce information on the timing of the acceleration, the spectrum of the particles, and the energy content of the nucleonic component. A discussion of He-3 and heavy element abundances is also presented.

Ramaty, R.↗

High-Power Targetry R&D for Next-Generation Accelerator Target Facilities

Beam-intercepting devices such as beam windows and particle-production targets are critical components of accelerator target facilities for High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments. The high-power, pulsed structure of the particle beams used for these experiments leads to thermal shock and high-cycle fatigue in addition to radiation damage resulting from the accumulated particle fluence. This can lead to degradation of the target system s mechanical and thermal properties; considerably reducing their lifetimes and presenting substantial challenges to reliable operation of multi-MW class facilities. Recently several major accelerator facilities have been forced to operate at reduced power levels due to target survivability concerns. Furthermore, at Fermilab it is planned to increase the neutrino production beam power up to 2.4 MW in coming years. Therefore, timely R&D on the irradiated behavior of target system materials is critical to efficient operation of accelerator facilities and full utilization of recent accelerator power upgrades for HEP research. This talk will begin with an overview of high-power targetry, and the significant challenges presented by beam power increases expected for future HEP experiments. We will then cover several past materials irradiation studies that have been completed by the High-Power Targetry R&D group at Fermilab and its collaborators on common accelerator and target materials such as graphite, beryllium, titanium, and tungsten. Finally, we will conclude with a discussion of two novel materials investigations under way within the group; high-entropy alloys for beam window applications, and electrospun nanofibers to serve as particle production targets.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Power components for the space station 20-kHz power distribution system

Since 1984, NASA Lewis Research Center was developing high power, high frequency space power components as part of The Space Station Advanced Development program. The purpose of The Advanced Development program was to accelerate existing component programs to ensure their availability for use on the Space Station. These components include a rotary power transfer device, remote power controllers, remote bus isolators, high power semiconductor, a high power semiconductor package, high frequency-high power cable, high frequency-high power connectors, and high frequency-high power transformers. All the components were developed to the prototype level and will be installed in the Lewis Research Center Space Station power system test bed.

Renz, David D.↗

Power components for the Space Station 20-kHz power distribution system

Since 1984, NASA Lewis Research Center was developing high power, high frequency space power components as part of The Space Station Advanced Development program. The purpose of the Advanced Development program was to accelerate existing component programs to ensure their availability for use on the Space Station. These components include a rotary power transfer device, remote power controllers, remote bus isolators, high power semiconductor, a high power semiconductor package, high frequency-high power cable, high frequency-high power connectors, and high frequency-high power transformers. All the components were developed to the prototype level and will be installed in the Lewis Research Center Space Station power system test bed.

Renz, David D.↗

Cross-correlation analysis of on-orbit residual accelerations in Spacelab

To characterize the low-gravity environment within orbiting space laboratories, researchers are operating sensitive accelerometer systems. Transient accelerations recorded in spacecraft can have magnitudes up to 0.01 g over a wide range of frequencies. These accelerations have components in the 0.001-100-Hz range no greater in magnitude than 0.001 g. Some experiments can be sensitive to such accelerations, so investigators are interested in identifying causal relationships between accelerations and experimental results. Here, two forms of synthetic experiment data created using Spacelab 3 accelerometer data are evaluated using cross-correlation analysis. The results show that the use of cross-correlation techniques is appropriate, for specific experiment classes, for assessing relationships between both transient and oscillatory residual accelerations and experimental results recorded in a low-gravity environment.

Rogers, Melissa J. B.↗

Gravitational Acceleration as a Cue for Absolute Size and Distance

When an object's motion is influenced by gravity, such as the rise and fall of a thrown ball, the vertical component of acceleration is roughly constant at 9.8 m/sec2. In principle, an observer could use this information to estimate the absolute size and distance of the object (Saxberg, 1987a; Watson, Banks, von Hofsten, & Royden, 1992). In three experiments, we examined the ability to utilize the size and distance information provided by gravitational acceleration. Observers viewed computer simulations of an object rising and falling on a trajectory parallel to the gravitational vector. The simulated objects were three balls of different diameters presented across a wide range of simulated distances. Observers were asked to identify which ball was presented and the distance at which it was presented. The results of Experiment 1 showed that size and distance judgments were significantly better than chance, but not as accurate as expected if the information contained in the dynamics of free fall were used fully utilized. The results of Experiment 2 showed that acceleration information is used, but that observers can also make use of velocity information. Finally, the results of Experiment 3 showed that observers can use projected size information, but that their size and distance judgments are much more accurate when motion information is present as well. These results show that observers can use the information in the dynamics of free fall to estimate absolute size and distance, but their estimates are not as accurate as they could be if the information were used effectively.

Hecht, Heiko↗

Gravitational acceleration as a cue for absolute size and distance?

When an object's motion is influenced by gravity, as in the rise and fall of a thrown ball, the vertical component of acceleration is roughly constant at 9.8 m/sec2. In principle, an observer could use this information to estimate the absolute size and distance of the object (Saxberg, 1987a; Watson, Banks, von Hofsten, & Royden, 1992). In five experiments, we examined people's ability to utilize the size and distance information provided by gravitational acceleration. Observers viewed computer simulations of an object rising and falling on a trajectory aligned with the gravitational vector. The simulated objects were balls of different diameters presented across a wide range of simulated distances. Observers were asked to identify the ball that was presented and to estimate its distance. The results showed that observers were much more sensitive to average velocity than to the gravitational acceleration pattern. Likewise, verticality of the motion and visibility of the trajectory's apex had negligible effects on the accuracy of size and distance judgments.

NASA Discipline Space Human Factors↗

Atomic References for Measuring Small Accelerations

Accelerometer systems that would combine the best features of both conventional (e.g., mechanical) accelerometers and atom interferometer accelerometers (AIAs) have been proposed. These systems are intended mainly for use in scientific research aboard spacecraft but may also be useful on Earth in special military, geological, and civil-engineering applications. Conventional accelerometers can be sensitive, can have high dynamic range, and can have high frequency response, but they lack accuracy and long-term stability. AIAs have low frequency response, but they offer high sensitivity, and high accuracy for measuring small accelerations. In a system according to the proposal, a conventional accelerometer would be used to perform short-term measurements of higher-frequency components of acceleration, while an AIA would be used to provide consistent calibration of, and correction of errors in, the measurements of the conventional accelerometer in the lower-frequency range over the long term. A brief description of an AIA is prerequisite to a meaningful description of a system according to the proposal. An AIA includes a retroreflector next to one end of a cell that contains a cold cloud of atoms in an ultrahigh vacuum. The atoms in the cloud are in free fall. The retroreflector is mounted on the object, the acceleration of which is to be measured. Raman laser beams are directed through the cell from the end opposite the retroreflector, then pass back through the cell after striking the retroreflector. The Raman laser beams together with the cold atoms measure the relative acceleration, through the readout of the AIA, between the cold atoms and the retroreflector.

Maleki, Lute↗

Machine-Protection System for the PIP-II Linear Accelerator: Architecture and Data Processing Schemes

PIP-II at Fermilab features a brand-new, 800 MeV leading-edge Linear Accelerator (Linac) that will enable the Fermilab complex to deliver more than a megawatt of beam power to the Long Base-line Neutrino Facility (LBNF), requiring a robust Machine Protection System (MPS) to prevent beam-induced damage to delicate cryomodules and vacuum components. Signals in various accelerator components, in both analog and digital format, are collected and processed to assest the operating conditions of the accelerator. In the situation a potential damage is foreseen, the beam permit signal will be drop. A critical element of this system is the fast Analog Machine Protection System, a high-bandwidth platform designed for real-time beam loss monitoring. The system utilizes a modular, FPGA-based architecture to digitize signals from beam-sensing devices, such as AC Current Transformers (ACCTs), non-invasive Ring Pickups (RPUs) and beam scrapers. To eliminate both high frequency as well as 60 Hz noise that might be picked up in the industrial environment, data processing schemes beyond regular digital filtering are planned and implemented.

Wu, Jinyuan [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000344329521)↗

Improving Longitudinal Impedance of Inductive Inserts

In this article, we discuss methods for improving the longitudinal impedance of inductive inserts used for space charge compensation in the proton storage ring (PSR) at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Facility. The PSR relies on inductive inserts to counteract the capacitive impedance produced by the space charge of the proton beam, which can otherwise lead to beam debunching. Existing inductive inserts, which utilize Toshiba M4C21A ferrite, have been effective but require heating to reduce resistive components that can cause instabilities at higher frequencies. This article explores the potential of alternative ferrite materials, specifically National Magnetics C2050, to enhance the performance of these inserts by reducing the need for heating and minimizing resistive impedance. Through both analytical modeling and CST Particle Studio simulations, it is demonstrated that optimized ferrite materials and geometries can significantly improve space charge compensation while mitigating instability risks, ultimately enhancing the performance of the PSR.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Three-dimensional organization of otolith-ocular reflexes in rhesus monkeys. I. Linear acceleration responses during off-vertical axis rotation

1. The dynamic properties of otolith-ocular reflexes elicited by sinusoidal linear acceleration along the three cardinal head axes were studied during off-vertical axis rotations in rhesus monkeys. As the head rotates in space at constant velocity about an off-vertical axis, otolith-ocular reflexes are elicited in response to the sinusoidally varying linear acceleration (gravity) components along the interaural, nasooccipital, or vertical head axis. Because the frequency of these sinusoidal stimuli is proportional to the velocity of rotation, rotation at low and moderately fast speeds allows the study of the mid-and low-frequency dynamics of these otolith-ocular reflexes. 2. Animals were rotated in complete darkness in the yaw, pitch, and roll planes at velocities ranging between 7.4 and 184 degrees/s. Accordingly, otolith-ocular reflexes (manifested as sinusoidal modulations in eye position and/or slow-phase eye velocity) were quantitatively studied for stimulus frequencies ranging between 0.02 and 0.51 Hz. During yaw and roll rotation, torsional, vertical, and horizontal slow-phase eye velocity was sinusoidally modulated as a function of head position. The amplitudes of these responses were symmetric for rotations in opposite directions. In contrast, mainly vertical slow-phase eye velocity was modulated during pitch rotation. This modulation was asymmetric for rotations in opposite direction. 3. Each of these response components in a given rotation plane could be associated with an otolith-ocular response vector whose sensitivity, temporal phase, and spatial orientation were estimated on the basis of the amplitude and phase of sinusoidal modulations during both directions of rotation. Based on this analysis, which was performed either for slow-phase eye velocity alone or for total eye excursion (including both slow and fast eye movements), two distinct response patterns were observed: 1) response vectors with pronounced dynamics and spatial/temporal properties that could be characterized as the low-frequency range of "translational" otolith-ocular reflexes; and 2) response vectors associated with an eye position modulation in phase with head position ("tilt" otolith-ocular reflexes). 4. The responses associated with two otolith-ocular vectors with pronounced dynamics consisted of horizontal eye movements evoked as a function of gravity along the interaural axis and vertical eye movements elicited as a function of gravity along the vertical head axis. Both responses were characterized by a slow-phase eye velocity sensitivity that increased three- to five-fold and large phase changes of approximately 100-180 degrees between 0.02 and 0.51 Hz. These dynamic properties could suggest nontraditional temporal processing in utriculoocular and sacculoocular pathways, possibly involving spatiotemporal otolith-ocular interactions. 5. The two otolith-ocular vectors associated with eye position responses in phase with head position (tilt otolith-ocular reflexes) consisted of torsional eye movements in response to gravity along the interaural axis, and vertical eye movements in response to gravity along the nasooccipital head axis. These otolith-ocular responses did not result from an otolithic effect on slow eye movements alone. Particularly at high frequencies (i.e., high speed rotations), saccades were responsible for most of the modulation of torsional and vertical eye position, which was relatively large (on average +/- 8-10 degrees/g) and remained independent of frequency. Such reflex dynamics can be simulated by a direct coupling of primary otolith afferent inputs to the oculomotor plant. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED).

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

Convergence study of wakefield simulations with GdfidL and ECHO3D

The interaction of charged particle beams with vacuum chamber components gives rise to electromagnetic wakefields, whose frequency-domain representation is known as beam coupling impedance. Geometric impedance arising from discontinuities and transitions in the vacuum chamber is the focus of this study. Minimizing this impedance is essential to mitigate adverse collective effects in modern storage rings operating with high-intensity particle beams. Accurate and reliable impedance simulations is a key factor of the vacuum chamber design. This paper presents the results of a convergence study of two widely used electromagnetic solvers, GdfidL and ECHO3D, applied to key vacuum-chamber components of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) storage ring. Detailed comparisons are performed for several geometries, including flange absorbers, RF bellows, button-type beam position monitors, and an in-vacuum undulator (IVU). The results show notable differences in convergence and computational efficiency between the two codes. While GdfidL provides highly resolved results and serves as a common benchmark tool, ECHO3D yields consistent results with coarser meshes, significantly reducing simulation time and memory demands. Simulations with a full-geometry IVU model demonstrate that simplified taper-transition models can miss important impedance contributions. In conclusion, these findings provide practical guidelines for efficient and accurate impedance modeling to optimize design of vacuum chamber components for accelerators.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-intensity polarized electron gun featuring distributed Bragg reflector GaAs photocathode

The polarized electron source is a critical component in accelerator facilities such as the electron–ion collider, which requires a polarized electron gun with higher voltage and higher bunch charge than existing sources. One challenge we faced was the surface charge limit of the distributed Bragg reflector GaAs/GaAsP superlattice (DBR-SL-GaAs) photocathode. We suppressed this effect by optimizing the surface doping and heat cleaning procedures. We achieved up to 11.6 nC bunch charge of polarized electron beam. In this report, we discuss the performance of tests of a DBR-SL-GaAs photocathode in the high voltage direct current gun. Possible reasons for the observed peak quantum efficiency wavelength shift are analyzed, and we addressed it by using a wavelength tunable laser. In addition, the impact of the DBR layer and laser on the lifetime is investigated in this paper. The optimal DBR-SL-GaAs operating zone has been proposed, which gave us a long lifetime and high polarization at 30 μA operation. Finally, the success of this polarized gun will be key to the future of the nuclear sciences.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗