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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 73 records · Page 4

Study of the electrothermal and MHD instabilities in exploding cylindrical foil liner

Abstract An experimental and numerical study of the plasma instabilities in an electrical exploding cylindrical Al liner is reported. The Al liner 3 mm in diameter and 10 μ m in thickness is exploded at the Qin-1 facility (450 ns, 400 kA). Various diagnostics, such as multi-frame laser shadowgraphy, an x-ray framing camera, and an x-ray backlighting system are developed. The different imaging systems are sensitive to plasma of different areal densities based on the comparison between the experiments and simulation, which reveal the dynamics of the exploding liner in more detail. The laser shadow images show the low-density plasma (∼1–2 × 10 −4 g cm −2 ) at the edge of the liner, and both the amplitude and wavelength of the plasma instabilities increase over time, which are considered to be magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities rather than electrothermal instabilities. During the ablation of the liner, quasi-periodic azimuthally correlated striations are directly observed in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) self-emission images. Meanwhile, the vertical filaments, which are electrothermal instabilities for plasma under the condition of ∂ η /∂ T < 0, are also observed in EUV self-emission images. The x-ray backlighting images of the exploding liner are obtained by placing an X -pinch load on the current-return path to serve as an x-ray point source (∼1 ns, ∼10 μ m). The x-ray backlighting results show the behavior of the high-density plasma (∼1.89 × 10 −3 g cm −2 ), which includes the transition from electrothermal to MHD instabilities. Finally, we realized a 2D MHD simulation of the exploding liner under experimental conditions, which shows good agreement with the results of the experimental perturbation.

Physics↗

First Experiments and Radiographs on the MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography (MJOLNIR) Dense Plasma Focus

We report a dense plasma focus (DPF) is a relatively compact coaxial plasma gun, which completes its discharge as a Z-pinch. These devices are designed to operate at a variety of scales to produce short (<100 ns) pulses of ions, X-rays, and/or neutrons. LLNL recently constructed and brought into operation a new device, the MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography (MJOLNIR) DPF, which is designed for radiography and high-yield operations. This device has been commissioned and has achieved neutron yields of up to 3.8E11 neutrons/pulse at 2.5-MA peak current while operating at up to 1 MJ of stored energy in its original pulsed power configuration. MJOLNIR is equipped with a wide range of diagnostics, including nuclear activation detectors, neutron time-of-flight (nToF) detectors, a fast-framing camera, optical light gates, and a time-gated neutron and X-ray imager. LLNL also runs unique particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of DPF discharges in the Chicago code and has gained significant insight into the various physical factors that influence neutron yield. MJOLNIR is one of the first DPFs whose design and continual upgrades are heavily influenced by model predictions. In this article, we describe insights from modeling, device operation, and recent results. Comparisons between modeling predictions and measurements, as well as X-ray and neutron images are presented.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

System Calibration Including Time Delay Estimation for GNSS/INS-Assisted Pushbroom Scanners Onboard UAV Platforms

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs ) equipped with imaging sensors and integrated global navigation satellite system/inertial navigation system (GNSS/INS ) units are used for numerous applications. Deriving reliable 3D coordinates from such UAVs is contingent on accurate geometric calibration, which encompasses the estimation of mounting parameters and synchronization errors. Through a rigorous impact analysis of such systematic errors, this article proposes a direct approach for spatial and temporal calibration (estimating system parameters through a bundle adjustment procedure) of a GNSS/INS -assisted pushbroom scanner onboard a UAV platform. The calibration results show that the horizontal and vertical accuracies are within the ground sampling distance of the sensor. Unlike for frame camera systems, this article also shows that the indirect approach is not a feasible solution for pushbroom scanners due to their limited ability for decoupling system parameters. This finding provides further support that the direct approach is recommended for spatial and temporal calibration of UAV pushbroom scanner systems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Detectors and diagnostics for multiprobe radiography using high-energy short-pulse lasers

Multiprobe radiography requires the following diagnostic capabilities at minimum: radiographic source diagnostics, spectroscopy, imaging, and tomography diagnostics. Depending on the repetition rate of the radiation sources, the diagnostics may be a single-shot diagnostic, such as photographic (radiochromic and X-ray films for high energy photons) films, or a multiple-shot diagnostic for repetitive source operations, such as a high-speed framing camera. Due to the drastically different detector physics of electrons, photons at different energies (keV to 10s of MeV in the radiography context), heavy ions such as protons, alphas, and neutrons, see, for example, Ref. [1, 2] for an overview, different types or configurations of detectors and constructions may be required for multiprobe radiography applications. Some of the common detector metricsinclude, independent of the particle/photon species, sensitivities or efficiency, energy resolution, spatial or temporal resolutions and others. Some unique detection scenarios arise in a multiprobe radiography setting, for example, crosstalk mitigation and particle identification (ID) when X-ray and higher energy photons, relativistic electrons, neutrons, other hadrons, and heavy particles coexist at the detector location.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Mapping of Benthic Habitats at Marine Renewable Energy Sites Using Multibeam Echosounder and Sediment Profile Imaging Technologies

Objectives/Scope: The goal of this work was to develop a consistent and semi-automated seafloor survey method for generating high-resolution, benthic habitat maps for environmental assessments and monitoring of marine renewable energy sites. Sediment profile and plan view imaging (SPI/PV) technology was combined with multibeam bathymetry and acoustic backscatter methods to demonstrate a rapid, cost-effective benthic mapping protocol. A key technical innovation of this project was the development of an image processing platform that automatically measures key features from the images. Methods: Multibeam echosounder (MBES) acoustic and SPI/PV surveys were conducted at three coastal areas off the U.S. west coast, including the PacWave South energy test site off of Newport, Oregon. Point data on physical and biological sediment conditions obtained from the SPI/PV imagery were used to efficiently ground-truth the high-resolution MBES bathymetry and backscatter mosaics. The SPI camera is an optical corer that obtains an undisturbed 21 by 15 cm, high-resolution, cross-sectional image of the sediment–water interface and upper sediment column. The plan view camera attached to the SPI camera frame captures a downward looking view of the seabed immediately before the SPI image is obtained. As part of this project, we developed a computer vision image processing platform (iSPI) that uses deep convolutional neural networks and other approaches to automatically identify and measure key features in the images, such as grain size and surface relief. Results: Detailed benthic habitat maps were generated using this mapping approach for three different marine settings. The sites mapped included a silt-dominated embayment; a sloping, nearshore, transitional very fine to coarse sand bottom; and a medium, sand-dominated continental shelf marine energy test site. In each case, acoustic and imaging surveys were completed in less than week, and detailed benthic habitat maps were generated within 60 days. The results were placed within the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) habitat mapping framework, and various combinations of the bathymetry, backscatter, and SPI and PV data were used to generate CMECS component maps. Novel Information: This project developed and demonstrated a repeatable and cost-effective approach for efficiently mapping benthic habitat conditions over broad areas of the seafloor by combining state-of-the-art acoustic and imaging techniques. The primary survey tools used in this project have been used previously in both the offshore renewable (wind) and oil and gas sectors to map and monitor benthic environments. This project’s innovations include 1) the focused use of high-resolution SPI/PV imagery to ground-truth acoustic mosaics, and 2) the development of a computer automated image analysis processing tool that both streamlines and standardizes the generation of data from the imagery and makes the data extraction process more cost-effective and repeatable.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Studies of the inner shelf and coastal sedimentation environment of the Beaufort Sea from ERTS-1

The author has identified the following significant results. Field studies of the initiation of river flow onto the frozen Arctic Ocean were made by a group of scientists from May 15 to June 10, 1972. A time lapse camera mounted on a 40-ft. tower near the mouth of the Kaparuk River, west of Prudhoe Bay, provided a detailed 10-day record (24 hours a day) of flow direction and water level. It is believed that wind build-up, discharge variance of the river, and through-ice drainage rates are the prime factors influencing overflow onto the sea ice. Current meter, transmissometer, temperature, salinity, and thermoprobe data were collected from holes drilled in the shorefast ice from seal holes and from the river water overflow. Depth and a real distribution of the overflow water were monitored from the ice using snowmobiles, and from the air using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Photographic records were made on 35mm KII, KX, Ektachrome IR, Plus X, and IR black and white film. A simple two camera frame permitted simultaneous exposures of two types of film. Preliminary comparisons of the IR and conventional films, both color and black and white, showed no advantage to using the infrared film. However, the low altitude photography taken during this study will be very helpful in the interpretation of ERTS-1 imagery.

Reimnitz, E.↗

Spallation and fracture resulting from reflected and intersecting stress waves.

Discussion of the effects of stress waves produced in solid by explosions or high-velocity impacts. These waves rebound from free surfaces in the form of tensile waves that are capable of causing internal fractures or spallation of the material. The high-speed framing camera is shown to be an important tool for observing the stress waves and fracture in transparent targets, and its photographs provide valuable information on the mechanics of fracture.

Kinslow, R.↗

Z-axis control loop for cathode-ray tubes

Inexpensive PIN diode detector samples screen brightness between camera frames generating error signal for feedback control of intensity. System was tested by taking flat-field exposures at several density levels over 4 hour period. Results showed processed film density levels varied by less than + or - 10 percent usually centering around + or - 8 percent.

Ray, A. J., Jr.↗

Laser-induced fluorescence technique for velocity field measurements in subsonic gas flows

A nonintrusive optical technique is reported for multiple-point velocity measurements in subsonic flows. The technique is based on the detection of fluorescence from a Doppler-shifted absorption line of seeded iodine molecules excited at a laser frequency fixed in the wing of the line. Counterpropagating laser sheets are used to illuminate the flow, in the present case a nitrogen round jet, thereby eliminating the need for an unshifted reference signal. The fluorescence is detected simultaneously at 10,000 points in a plane of the flow using a 100 x 100 element photodiode-array camera. The velocity at each point is computed from four successive camera frames, each recorded with a different beam direction. The measured mean velocities between 5 and 50 m/sec agree well with data from the literature.

Hiller, B.↗

Dynamic Thermophysical Measurements in Space

The objective is to develop techniques for the dynamic measurement of selected thermophysical properties (e.g., heat of fusion, heat capacity, electrical resistivity) of solids and liquids at temperatures above 2000 K in a near zero-gravity environment. The first phase involves establishing the stability (geometrical) limits of specimens when rapidly heated to temperatures beyond their melting point. A test equipment package was designed and constructed for this purpose, consisting of removable specimen cartridge cells, a battery-bank power supply, a high-speed framing camera, a single-wavelength pyrometer, and electronic switching and control equipment. The operation of the equipment package was tested in the laboratory in preparation for near zero-gravity experiments to be performed during a KC-135 flight in September, 1984.

Cezairliyan, A.↗

Venus mapping

Semicontrolled image mosaics of Venus, based on Magellan data, are being compiled at 1:50,000,000, 1:10,000,000, 1:5,000,000, and 1:1,000,000 scales to support the Magellan Radar Investigator (RADIG) team. The mosaics are semicontrolled in the sense that data gaps were not filled and significant cosmetic inconsistencies exist. Contours are based on preliminary radar altimetry data that is subjected to revision and improvement. Final maps to support geologic mapping and other scientific investigations, to be compiled as the dataset becomes complete, will be sponsored by the Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program and/or the Venus Data Analysis Program. All maps, both semicontrolled and final, will be published as I-maps by the United States Geological Survey. All of the mapping is based on existing knowledge of the spacecraft orbit; photogrammetric triangulation, a traditional basis for geodetic control on planets where framing cameras were used, is not feasible with the radar images of Venus, although an eventual shift of coordinate system to a revised spin-axis location is anticipated. This is expected to be small enough that it will affect only large-scale maps.

Batson, R. M.↗

Advanced one-dimensional optical strain measurement system, phase 4

An improved version of the speckle-shift strain measurement system was developed. The system uses a two-dimensional sensor array to maintain speckle correlation in the presence of large off-axis rigid body motions. A digital signal processor (DSP) is used to calculate strains at a rate near the RS-170 camera frame rate. Strain measurements were demonstrated on small diameter wires and fibers used in composite materials research. Accurate values of Young's modulus were measured on tungsten wires, and silicon carbide and sapphire fibers. This optical technique has measured surface strains at specimen temperatures above 750 C and has shown the potential for measurements at much higher temperatures.

Lant, Christian T.↗

Jet ejecta mass upon oblique impact

Theoretical models in the jetting regime for symmetric and asymmetric impact of thin plates predict the mass and velocity of jetted material upon oblique impact. However, experimental constraints on the amount of material which form jets upon oblique impact are not known. A series of preliminary experiments were conducted in which tungsten (W) flyer plates at speeds of 1.5 to 2.0 km/s were obliquely impacted into carbon targets at 30 deg in the regime of jetting, yielding radiation temperatures in the about 3200 K range. Both framing-camera and flash X-ray imaging were conducted. Broad cm-sized craters induced by jet ejecta on 2024 Al witness plates were used to infer jet mass. We infer, from measured witness plate crater volumes, that jet masses in the range of 0.01 to 0.06 g are produced by a 32 mm diameter, 6 mm thick W impactor. This is about one to two orders of magnitude less than those calculated from present theoretical models. In contrast, in refractory material experiments, the mass of gabbro ejecta trapped in styrofoam is 0.52 g, which is similar to that calculated.

Yang, W.↗

The cartography of Venus with Magellan data

Maps of Venus based on Magellan data are being compiled at 1:50,000,000, 1:5,000,000 and 1:1,500,000 scales. Topographic contour lines based on radar altimetry data are overprinted on the image maps, along with feature nomenclature. Map controls are based on existing knowledge of the spacecraft orbit; photogrammetric triangulation, a traditional basis for geodetic control for bodies where framing cameras were used, is not feasible with the radar images of Venus. Preliminary synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image maps have some data gaps and cosmetic inconsistencies, which will be corrected on final compilations. Eventual revision of geodetic controls and of the adopted Venusian spin-axis location will result in geometric adjustments, particularly on large-scale maps.

Kirk, R. L.↗

The advanced stellar compass onboard the Oersted satellite

The advanced stellar compass (ASC) star tracker installed onboard the Danish Oersted satellite designed to map the earth's magnetic vector field is presented. The ASC instrument will provide attitude data for the satellite and its payload. It consists of a CCD camera connected to a microcomputer, and operates by comparing star images from camera frames with its internal star catalogs. The instrument design is detailed, considering its key parameters, operating principles, and the different types of noise and error sources. A ground-based real sky evaluation and the calibration of the ASC are reported.

Jorgensen, John L.↗

Collaboration on SEP Missions to the Moon and Small Bodies

In response to the Discovery announcement of opportunity a team consisting of TRW Lewis Research Center, JPL and UCLA with scientific co-investigators from government and University laboratories have proposed to fly the first planetary solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission. Diana is designed to carry an X-ray and gamma ray spectrometer, and imaging spectrometer, a framing camera, a laser altimer an ion spectrometer and a magnetometer. In order to obtain lunar gravity data from the far side of the moon a relay satellite is placed into high polar orbit about the moon to relay the Doppler-shifted telemetry to Earth. Diana will spend two months in a 700 km polar orbit obtaining mineralogical data from a full spectral map of the lunar surface, and then spend a year in a 100 km (or below) polar orbit mapping the lunar elemental composition, its topography, gravity field, ions from its atmosphere and its permanent and induced magnetic fields. After the low altitude mapping phase the ion thrusters propel the spacecraft out of the lunar sphere of influence and onto a heloioscentric trajectory to rendezvous with dormant comet Wilson-Harrington. The ground truth provided by the returned lunar samples to validate the remote sensing instruments for lunar studies will also serve to validate the Wilson-Harrington observations since the same instruments will be used at both bodies.

Pieters, C. M.↗

Dawn Mission: A Journey in Space and Time

By successively orbiting both 4 Vesta and 1 Ceres the Dawn mission directly addresses the longstanding goals of NASA and the planetary community to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system by obtaining geophysical and geochemical data on diverse main belt asteroids. Ceres and Vesta are two complementary terrestrial protoplanets (one apparently "wet" and one "dry"), whose accretion was terminated by the formation of Jupiter. Ceres is little changed since it formed in the early solar system, while Vesta has experienced significant heating and differentiation. Both have remained intact over the age of the solar system, thereby retaining a record of events and processes from the time of planet formation. Detailed study of the geophysics and geochemistry of these two bodies provides critical benchmarks for the early solar system conditions and processes that shaped its subsequent evolution. Dawn provides the missing context for both primitive and evolved meteoritic data, thus playing a central role in understanding terrestrial planet formation and the evolution of the asteroid belt. Dawn is to be launched in May 2006 arriving at Vesta in 2010 and Ceres in 2014, stopping at each to make 11 months of orbital measurements. The spacecraft uses solar electric propulsion both in cruise and in orbit to make most efficient use of its xenon propellant. The spacecraft carries a framing camera, visible and infrared mapping spectrometer, gamma ray/neutron spectrometer, a laser altimeter, magnetometer, and radio science.

Russell, C. T.↗