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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

Fresnel zone plate development for x-ray radiography of hydrodynamic instabilities at the National Ignition Facility

The study of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instabilities in a planar geometry at high energy densities at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) requires high spatial resolution imaging. We demonstrate the potential of Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) to achieve resolution that would unlock such studies. FZPs are circular aperiodic gratings that use diffraction to focus x rays and produce an image with high spatial resolution. Taking into account the NIF’s challenging environment, we have designed a specific array of five FZPs for a zinc backlighter to take a radiograph of a target with 9 keV x rays. We measured a mean resolution for the FZP of 1.9µm±0.5µm and a ±1mm depth of focus at an x-ray calibration facility as well as a 2.3µm±0.4µm resolution on a resolution wire mesh shot on the NIF. We also performed an in-depth analysis of the image quality to assess the capability to resolve the small features present in RT and RM instabilities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Fresnel cup reflector directs maximum energy from light source

To minimize shielding and overheating, a composite Fresnel cup reflector design directs the maximum energy from a light source. It consists of a uniformly ellipsoidal end surface and an extension comprising a series of confocal ellipsoidal and concentric spherical surfaces.

Laue, E. G.↗

Fresnel diffraction plates are simple and inexpensive

Fresnel plate demonstrates diffraction phenomena simply and inexpensively. A large number of identical diffracting apertures are made in random orientation on photographic film. When a small source of light is viewed through the plate, the diffraction pattern typical of the diffracting aperture is readily seen.

Hoover, R. B.↗

An analytical and experimental evaluation of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator

An analytical and experimental evaluation of line focusing Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range was studied. Analytical techniques were formulated to assess the solar transmission and imaging properties of a grooves down lens. Experimentation was based on a 56 cm wide, f/1.0 lens. A Sun tracking heliostat provided a nonmoving solar source. Measured data indicated more spreading at the profile base than analytically predicted, resulting in a peak concentration 18 percent lower than the computed peak of 57. The measured and computed transmittances were 85 and 87 percent, respectively. Preliminary testing with a subsequent lens indicated that modified manufacturing techniques corrected the profile spreading problem and should enable improved analytical experimental correlation.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Fresnel-lens solar-energy concentrator

Theoretical and experimental evaluations have produced lens and concentrator data that improve collector performance. Methodology is useful to designers of Fresnel-lens solar concentrators.

Allums, S. L.↗

Assembly and testing of a 1.8 by 3.7 meter Fresnel lens solar concentrator

A project was initiated to establish a technical data base on line focusing acrylic Fresnel lenses for use in a solar collector system that could generate temperatures in the range of 200 C to 370 C. The effort was originally directed toward electric power generation in the 100 to 10,000 kWe range using a distributed collector approach. However, as the program progressed, it centered on the development of a concentrator/collector subsystem concept that could meet the general requirement of thermal delivery within the 200 C to 370 C range. The expanded list of possible applications includes commercial heating/cooling and industrial process heat as well as electric power generation.

Robertson, J. E.↗

The linear Fresnel lens solar concentrator: Transverse tracking error effects

The solar concentration performance of a line focusing, flat base Fresnel lens in the presence of small transverse tracking errors was analyzed. Solar transmittance of the lens and focal plane imaging characteristics were evaluated. Transmission losses by reflectance and material absorption were also studied.

Cosby, R. M.↗

Solar concentration by curved-base Fresnel lenses

The solar concentration performance of idealized curved base line focusing Fresnel lenses is analyzed. A simple optical model was introduced to study the effects of base curvature and lens f-number. Thin lens ray tracing and the laws of reflection and refraction are used to develop expression for lens transmittance and image plane intensity profiles. The intensity distribution over the solar spectrum, lens dispersion effects, and absorption by the lens material are included in the analysis. Model capabilities include assessment of lens performance in the presence of small transverse tracking errors and the sensitivity of solar image characteristics to focusing.

Cosby, R. M.↗

An analytical and experimental investigation of a 1.8 by 3.7 meter Fresnel lens solar concentrator

Line-focusing acrylic Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range are being analytically and experimentally evaluated. Investigations previously conducted with a 56 cm wide lens have been extended by the present study to experimentation/analyses with a 1.8 by 3.7 m lens. A measured peak concentration ratio of 64 with 90 percent of the transmitted energy focused into a 5.0 cm width was achieved. A peak concentration of 61 and a 90 percent target width of 4.5 cm were analytically computed. The experimental and analytical lens transmittance was 81 percent and 86 percent, respectively. The lens also was interfaced with a receiver assembly and operated in the collection mode. The collection efficiency ranged from 42 percent at 100 C to 26 percent at 300 C.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Performance characteristics of a 1.8 by 3.7 meter Fresnel lens solar concentrator

Line-focusing acrylic Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range were analytically and experimentally investigated. The measured solar concentration characteristics of a 1.8 by 3.7 m lens and its utilization in a solar collection mode are presented. A measured peak concentration ratio of 62 with 90 percent of the transmitted energy focused into a 5.0cm width was achieved. A peak concentration of 59 and a 90 percent target width of 4.3 cm were analytically computed. The experimental and analytical lens transmittance was 78 percent and 86 percent, respectively. The lens was also interfaced with a nonevacuated receiver assembly and operated in the collection mode. With a natural oxide absorber tube coating (alpha/epsilon = 0.79/0.10), the measured collection efficiency ranged from 43 percent to 200 C to 34 percent at 260 C. Efficiency improvements to the 40 to 50 percent range can be achieved with second generation lenses and higher performance absorptive coatings.

Hastings, L. J.↗

On the efficient computation of Fraunhofer and Fresnel region fields radiated by reflector and planar-aperture antennas

Computation of fields radiated by parabolic reflectors and planar apertures is a problem of prime importance, and conventional approaches to performing these computations are often very time-consuming. The paper demonstrates the usefulness of a series expansion technique for efficient computation of radiated fields in both the Fraunhofer and Fresnel regions. The series approach is based on the use of the Jacobi polynomials. The application of the series method to determining the far-field pattern of the antenna from the near-field measurements for an arbitrary aperture antenna is also discussed.

Mittra, R.↗

Fresnel lens tracking solar collector

Commercial tracking collector that uses acrylic Fresnel lenses to focus Sunlight on copper absorber tubes was evaluated. Tests are documented in 16 page report.

Source record↗

Fresnel lenses for ultrasonic inspection

Ultrasonic Fresnel lenses are effective focusing elements with potential applications in ultrasonic "contact" testing for defects in materials. Ultrasonic beams focused on concave lenses are used successfully with immersion transducers, for which test object is immersed in water bath. However, for large objects, objects that are already installed, objects on production lines, and objects that can be damaged by water, contact testing is more practical than immersion.

Kammerer, C. C.↗

A Fresnel collector process heat experiment at Capitol Concrete Products

An experiment is planned, conducted and evaluated to determine the feasibility of using a Power Kinetics' Fresnel concentrator to provide process heat in an industrial environment. The plant provides process steam at 50 to 60 psig to two autoclaves for curing masonry blocks. When steam is not required, the plant preheats hot water for later use. A second system is installed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory parabolic dish test site for hardware validation and experiment control. Experiment design allows for the extrapolation of results to varying demands for steam and hot water, and includes a consideration of some socio-technical factors such as the impact on production scheduling of diurnal variations in energy availability.

Hauger, J. S.↗