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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 829 records · Page 46
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Linear dispersion relation of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes in presence of anisotropic energetic ions

Using the theoretical framework of the generalized fishbone-like dispersion relation, the linear properties of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmodes (BAEs) and energetic particle continuum modes (EPMs) excited by anisotropic slowing-down energetic ions are investigated analytically and numerically. The resonant contribution of energetic ions to the potential energy perturbation as well as fluid-like term describing the background plasma and adiabatic contribution of energetic ions are derived. For high-mode numbers, numerical results show smooth transition between the EP continuous spectrum and BAEs in the gap. EPMs and/or BAEs are destabilized by energetic ions, with real frequencies and growth rates strongly dependent on the energetic particle density and resonant frequency.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Limitation of parallel flow in double diffusive convection: Two- and three-dimensional transitions in a horizontal porous domain

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical simulations of double diffusion natural convection in an elongated enclosure filled with a binary fluid saturating a porous medium are carried out in the present work. The Boussinesq approximation is made in the formulation of the problem, and Neumann boundary conditions for temperature and concentration are adopted, respectively, on vertical and horizontal walls of the cavity. The used numerical method is based on the control volume approach, with the third order quadratic upstream interpolation scheme in approximating the advection terms. A semi implicit method algorithm is used to handle the velocity-pressure coupling. To avoid the excessively high computer time inherent to the solution of 3D natural convection problems, full approximation storage with full multigrid method is used to solve the problem. A wide range of the controlling parameters (Rayleigh-Darcy number Ra, lateral aspect ratio Ay, Lewis number Le, and the buoyancy ration N) is investigated. We clearly show that increasing the depth of the cavity (i.e., the lateral aspect ratio) has an important effect on the flow patterns. The 2D perfect parallel flows obtained for small lateral aspect ratio are drastically destabilized by increasing the cavity lateral dimension. This yields a 3D fluid motion with a much more complex flow pattern and the usually considered 2D parallel flow model cannot be applied.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Determination of hydrogen/deuterium ratio with neutron measurements on MAST

On MAST, compressional Alfvén eigenmodes can be destabilized by the presence of a sufficiently large population of energetic particles in the plasma. This dependence was studied in a series of very similar discharges in which increasing amounts of hydrogen were puffed into a deuterium plasma. A simple method to estimate the isotopic ratio n{sub H}/n{sub D} using neutron emission measurements is here described. The inferred isotopic ratio ranged from 0.0 to 0.6 and no experimental indication of changes in radial profile of n{sub H}/n{sub D} were observed. These findings are confirmed by TRANSP/NUBEAM simulations of the neutron emission.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Branches of electrostatic turbulence inside solitary plasma structures in the auroral ionosphere

The excitation of electrostatic turbulence inside space-observed solitary structures is a central topic of this exposition. Three representative solitary structures observed in the topside auroral ionosphere as large-amplitude nonlinear signatures in the electric field and magnetic-field-aligned current on the transverse scales of ∼10{sup 2}–10{sup 3} m are evaluated by the theories of electrostatic wave generation in inhomogeneous background configurations. A quantitative analysis shows that the structures are, in general, effective in destabilizing the inhomogeneous energy-density-driven (IEDD) waves, as well as of the ion acoustic waves modified by a shear in the parallel drift of ions. It is demonstrated that the dominating branch of the electrostatic turbulence is determined by the interplay of various driving sources inside a particular solitary structure. The sources do not generally act in unison, so that their common effect may be inhibiting for excitation of electrostatic waves of a certain type. In the presence of large magnetic-field-aligned current, which is not correlated to the inhomogeneous electric field inside the structure, the ion-acoustic branch becomes dominating. In other cases, the IEDD instability is more central.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Generalized Solovev equilibrium with sheared flow of arbitrary direction and stability consideration

A Solovev-like solution describing equilibria with field aligned incompressible flows [G. N. Throumoulopoulos and H. Tasso, Phys. Plasmas 19, 014504 (2012)] is extended to non parallel flows. The solution expressed as a superposition of Bessel functions contains an arbitrary number of free parameters which are exploited to construct a variety of configurations including ITER shaped ones. For parallel flows, application of a sufficient condition for linear stability shows that this condition is satisfied in an appreciable part of the plasma region on the high-field side mostly due to the variation of the magnetic field perpendicular to the magnetic surfaces. Also, the results indicate that depending on the shape of the Mach-function profile and the values of the free parameters the flow and flow shear may have either stabilizing or destabilizing effects.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Global gyrokinetic stability of collisionless microtearing modes in large aspect ratio tokamaks

Linear full radius gyrokinetic calculations show the existence of unstable microtearing modes (MTMs) in purely collisionless, high temperature, large aspect ratio tokamak plasmas. The present study takes into account fully gyrokinetic highly passing ions and electrons. The global 2-D structures of the collisionless mode with full radius coupling of the poloidal modes is obtained and compared with another electromagnetic mode, namely, the Alfvén Ion Temperature Gradient (AITG) mode (or Kinetic Ballooning Mode, KBM) for the same equilibrium profile. Several important characteristics of the modes are brought out and compared, such as a clear signature in the symmetry properties of the two modes, the plasma–β dependence, and radial and poloidal length scales of the electrostatic and magnetic vector potential fluctuations. Extensive parameter scans for this collisionless microtearing mode reveal the scaling of the growth rate with β and the electron temperature gradient η{sub e}. Scans at different β values show an inverse relationship between the η{sub e} threshold and β, leading to a stability diagram, and implying that the mode might exist at moderate to strong temperature gradients for finite β plasmas in large aspect ratio tokamaks. In contrast to small aspect ratio tokamaks where the trapped electron magnetic drift resonance is found to be important, in large aspect ratio tokamaks, a strong destabilization due to the magnetic drift resonance of passing electrons is observed and is identified as a possible collisionless drive mechanism for the collisionless MTM.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Physical interpretation of Jeans instability in quantum plasmas

In this paper, we use the quantum hydrodynamics and its hydrostatic limit to investigate the newly posed problem of Jeans instability in quantum plasmas from a different point of view in connection with the well-known Chandrasekhar mass-limit on highly collapsed degenerate stellar configurations. It is shown that the hydrodynamic stability of a spherically symmetric uniform quantum plasma with a given fixed mass is achieved by increase in its mass-density or decrease in the radius under the action of gravity. It is also remarked that for masses beyond the limiting Jeans-mass, the plasma becomes completely unstable and the gravitational collapse would proceed forever. This limiting mass is found to depend strongly on the composition of the quantum plasma and the atomic-number of the constituent ions, where it is observed that heavier elements rather destabilize the quantum plasma hydrodynamically. It is also shown that the Chandrasekhar mass-limit for white dwarf stars can be directly obtained from the hydrostatic limit of our model.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Effect of cosolvent on protein stability: A theoretical investigation

We developed a statistical thermodynamic algorithm for analyzing solvent-induced folding/unfolding transitions of proteins. The energetics of protein transitions is governed by the interplay between the cavity formation contribution and the term reflecting direct solute-cosolvent interactions. The latter is viewed as an exchange reaction in which the binding of a cosolvent to a solute is accompanied by release of waters of hydration to the bulk. Our model clearly differentiates between the stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric interactions of solvent or co-solvent molecules with a solute. We analyzed the urea- and glycine betaine (GB)-induced conformational transitions of model proteins of varying size which are geometrically approximated by a sphere in their native state and a spherocylinder in their unfolded state. The free energy of cavity formation and its changes accompanying protein transitions were computed based on the concepts of scaled particle theory. The free energy of direct solute-cosolvent interactions were analyzed using empirical parameters previously determined for urea and GB interactions with low molecular weight model compounds. Our computations correctly capture the mode of action of urea and GB and yield realistic numbers for (∂ΔG°/∂a{sub 3}){sub T,P} which are related to the m-values of protein denaturation. Urea is characterized by negative values of (∂ΔG°/∂a{sub 3}){sub T,P} within the entire range of urea concentrations analyzed. At concentrations below ∼1 M, GB exhibits positive values of (∂ΔG°/∂a{sub 3}){sub T,P} which turn positive at higher GB concentrations. The balance between the thermodynamic contributions of cavity formation and direct solute-cosolvent interactions that, ultimately, defines the mode of cosolvent action is extremely subtle. A 20% increase or decrease in the equilibrium constant for solute-cosolvent binding may change the sign of (∂ΔG°/∂a{sub 3}){sub T,P} thereby altering the mode of cosolvent action (stabilizing to destabilizing or vice versa)

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Unstable domains of tearing and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities in a rotating cylindrical plasma

Effects of poloidal rotation profile on tearing and Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instabilities in a cylindrical plasma are investigated by using a reduced magnetohydrodynamic model. Since the poloidal rotation has different effects on the tearing and KH modes in different rotation regimes, four unstable domains are numerically identified, i.e., the destabilized tearing mode domain, stabilized tearing mode domain, stable-window domain, and unstable KH mode domain. It is also found that when the rotation layer is in the outer region of the rational surface, the stabilizing role of the rotation can be enhanced so significantly that the stable window domain is enlarged. Moreover, Alfvén resonances can be induced by the tearing and KH modes in such rotating plasmas. Radially wide profiles of current and vorticity perturbations can be formed when multiple current sheets on different resonance positions are coupled together.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Numerical study on the influence of electron cyclotron current drive on tearing mode

Controlling tearing modes by localized current drive is explored by using numerical simulation with a set of compressible magnetohydrodynamics equations. By examining the effects of different characteristics of driven current, such as density distribution, duration time, and deposition location, it is found that a driven current with larger magnitude and more focused deposition region shows a better suppression effect on the tearing modes. Meanwhile destabilizing effects are also observed when a driven current over a certain magnitude is applied continuously. In comparison with those on the X-point of the magnetic island, the results are better when the current deposition is targeted on the O-point. In addition, the timing control of the current deposition will be also addressed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Pressure and temperature phase diagram of Gd{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} under irradiation

The pressure and temperature phase diagram of Gd{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} under irradiation are calculated by means of molecular dynamics calculations. The critical temperature for amorphization obeys a linear law with pressure. Gd{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} under irradiation transits towards the fluorite above this temperature and amorphizes below. The configuration of the Ti interstitial reveals to be the key of the amorphizability of Gd{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Its stability depends upon disorder and pressure. Low pressure promotes the stabilization of Ti linked-polyhedra that drive the system to the amorphous state under irradiation. Conversely, high pressure activates its destabilization to interstitials that recombine with vacancies, driving the system to the fluorite structure under irradiation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electro-optical and dielectric properties of CdSe quantum dots and 6CHBT liquid crystals composites

We have prepared the composites of a room temperature nematic liquid crystal namely 4-(trans-4-n-hexylcyclohexyl) isothiocyanatobenzoate (6CHBT) and Cadmium Selenide Quantum Dots (CdSe-QDs) and investigated their electro-optical and dielectric properties. Effect of dispersion of CdSe-QDs on various electro-optical and display parameters of host liquid crystalline material have been studied. Physical parameters, such as switching threshold voltage and splay elastic constant have been altered drastically for composites. Dispersion of QDs in a liquid crystals medium destabilizes nematic ordering of the host and decreases the nematic-to-isotropic transition temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

The roles of the binodal curve and the spinodal curve in expansions from the supercritical state with flashing

Data extracted from time-of-flight (TOF) measurements made on steady-state He free jets at Göttingen already in 1986 and for pulsed Ne free jets investigated recently at Tel Aviv have been added to an earlier plot of terminal condensed-phase mass fraction x{sub 2∞} as a function of the dimensionless scaling parameter Γ. Γ characterizes the source (fluid species, temperature, pressure and throat diameter); values of x{sub 2∞} are extracted from TOF measurements using conservation of energy in the free-jet expansion. For nozzles consisting of an orifice in a thin plate; the extracted data yield 22 data points which are correlated satisfactorily by a single curve. The Ne free jets were expanded from a conical nozzle with a 20° half angle; the three extracted data points stand together but apart from the aforementioned curve, indicating that the presence of the conical wall influences significantly the expansion and hence the condensation. The 22 data points for the expansions via an orifice consist of 15 measurements with expansions from the gas-phase side of the binodal curve which crossed the binodal curve downstream from the sonic point and 7 measurements with expansions of the gas-phase product of the flashing which occurred after an expansion from the liquid-phase side of the binodal curve crossed the binodal curve upstream from the sonic point. The association of these 22 points with a single curve supports the alternating-phase model for flows with flashing upstream from the sonic point proposed earlier. In order to assess the role of the spinodal curve in such expansions, the spinodal curves for He and Ne were computed using general multi-parameter Helmholtz-free-energy equation-of-state formulations. Then, for the several sets of source-chamber conditions used in the free-jet measurements, thermodynamic states at key locations in the free-jet expansions (binodal curve, sonic point and spinodal curve) were evaluated, with the expansion presumed to be metastable from the binodal curve to the spinodal curve. TOF distributions with more than two peaks (interpreted earlier as superimposed alternating-state TOF distributions) indicated flashing of the metastable flow downstream from the binodal curve but upstream from the sonic point. This relatively early flashing is due apparently to destabilizing interactions with the walls of the source. If the expansion crosses the binodal curve downstream from the nozzle, the metastable fluid does not interact with surfaces and flashing might be delayed until the expansion reaches the spinodal curve. It is concluded that, if the expansion crosses the binodal curve before reaching the sonic point, the resulting metastable fluid downstream from the binodal curve interacts with the adjacent surfaces and flashes into liquid and vapor phases which expand alternately through the nozzle; the two associated alternating TOF distributions are superposed by the chopping process so that the result has the appearance of a single distribution with three peaks.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Simulation of stationary glow patterns in dielectric barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure

Self-organized stationary patterns in dielectric barrier discharges operating in glow regime at atmospheric pressure are investigated by a self-consistent two-dimensional fluid model. The simulation results show that two different modes, namely, the diffuse mode and the static patterned mode, can be formed in different ranges of the driving frequency. The discharge operates in Townsend regime in the diffuse mode, while it operates in a glow regime inside the filaments and in a Townsend regime outside the filaments in the stable pattered mode. The forming process of the stationary filaments can be divided into three stages, namely, destabilizing stage, self-assembling stage, and stable stage. The space charge associated with residual electron density and surface charge is responsible for the formation of these stationary glow patterns.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Elasticity dominates strength and failure in metallic glasses

Two distinct deformation mechanisms of shearing and volume dilatation are quantitatively analyzed in metallic glasses (MGs) from the fundamental thermodynamics. Their competition is deduced to intrinsically dominate the strength and failure behaviors of MGs. Both the intrinsic shear and normal strengths give rise to the critical mechanical energies to activate destabilization of amorphous structures, under pure shearing and volume dilatation, respectively, and can be determined in terms of elastic constants. By adopting an ellipse failure criterion, the strength and failure behaviors of MGs can be precisely described just according to their shear modulus and Poisson's ratio without mechanical testing. Quantitative relations are established systematically and verified by experimental results. Accordingly, the real-sense non-destructive failure prediction can be achieved in various MGs. By highlighting the broad key significance of elasticity, a “composition-elasticity-property” scheme is further outlined for better understanding and controlling the mechanical properties of MGs and other glassy materials from the elastic perspectives.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Excitation of Kelvin Helmholtz instability by an ion beam in a plasma with negatively charged dust grains

An ion beam propagating through a magnetized dusty plasma drives Kelvin Helmholtz Instability (KHI) via Cerenkov interaction. The frequency of the unstable wave increases with the relative density of negatively charged dust grains. It is observed that the beam has stabilizing effect on the growth rate of KHI for low shear parameter, but for high shear parameter, the instability is destabilized with relative density of negatively charged dust grains.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Magnetic dipolar and quadrupolar transitions in two-electron atoms under exponential-cosine-screened Coulomb potential

A detailed investigation of the magnetic dipolar and quadrupolar excitation energies and transition probabilities of helium isoelectronic He, Be{sup 2+}, C{sup 4+}, and O{sup 6+} have been performed under exponential cosine screened Coulomb potential generated in a plasma environment. The low-lying excited states 1s{sup 2}:{sup 1}S{sup e} → 1sns:{sup 3}S{sup e}{sub 0}, and 1snp:{sup 3}P{sup o}{sub 2} (n = 2, 3, 4, and 5) are considered. The variational time-dependent coupled Hartree-Fock scheme has been used. The effect of the confinement produced by the potential on the structural properties is investigated for increasing coupling strength of the plasma. It is noted that there is a gradual destabilization of the energy of the system with the reduction of the ionization potential and the number of excited states. The effect of the screening enhancement on the excitation energies and transition probabilities has also been investigated and the results compared with those available for the free systems and under the simple screened Coulomb potential.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗