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At least 91 records · Page 5

Lunar surface remanent magnetic fields detected by the electron reflection method

We present maps of the lunar surface remanent magnetic fields detected by the electron reflection method. These maps provide substantial coverage of the latitude band from 30 N southward to 30 S with a resolution of about 40 km and a sensitivity of about 0.2 gamma at the lunar surface. Regions of remanent magnetization are observed ranging in size from the resolution limit of 1.25 deg to above approximately 60 deg. The largest contiguous region fills the Big Backside Basin where it is intersected by the spacecraft orbital tracks. Preliminary analyses of the maps show that the source regions of lunar limb compressions correspond to regions of strong surface magnetism, and that there does not appear to be sharply discontinuous magnetization at the edges of maria. We also analyze the electron reflection observations to obtain information on the direction and distribution of magnetization in the Van de Graaff anomaly region.

Lin, R. P.↗

On a correlation between surface remanent magnetism and chemistry for the lunar frontside and limbs

Image-processing techniques applied to orbital data have revealed an inverse correlation between lunar surface remanent magnetism and surface concentrations of Fe and Th on a scale of 250 km and greater. The effect can be understood in terms of the implantation of magnetism early in the history of the moon, coupled with the chronological sequence of highland-mare crustal differentiation. The exception seen at the Fra Mauro region suggests the presence of a source of magnetization sometime within 0.3-0.6 b.y. after formation of the moon.

Metzger, A. E.↗

Studies of solar type stars

Satellite observations show a change of 0.1 percent in solar irradiance over the past decade. The question arises as to whether larger changes in irradiance may occur over century time scales. Researchers approached this question by looking at changes in surface magnetism, since the satellite observations also show that irradiance and surface magnetism are correlated. To obtain information on possible variations in surface magnetism over century-long intervals, researchers looked at records of surface magnetism spanning up to 20 years for a sample of 74 stars of solar type, i.e., of similar age and mass to the sun. The histories of these stars, observed in random phases of their long-term variability, give a snapshot at any one time of the behavior of a solar-type star over long periods of time. Evidence on Maunder Minimum phases and levels of magnetic activity in these solar-type stars are compared with information on solar magnetism. Implications for solar irradiance changes are discussed.

Baliunas, Sallie↗

Design of a 100 kW Surface Permanent Magnet Machine with Wide Constant Power Speed Ratio for Traction Applications

Surface permanent magnet (SPM) machines are considered to be strong candidates for traction applications due to their high power density and high efficiency. By adopting fractional-slot concentrated windings, SPM machines can achieve a wide constant power speed range. A carbon fiber sleeve is applied to ensure the retainment of the magnets at high speed operating conditions. The purpose of this paper is to present the design of a high speed SPM machine for traction applications with 25 kW/Liter active power density and a wide constant-power speed range that is consistent with guidelines and targets presented in the Electrical and Electronics Technical Team Roadmap published by the US Department of Energy. The predicted electromagnetic performance and structural characteristics are presented based on both analytical and FEA results.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Surface localized magnetism in transition metal doped alumina

Alumina is a structural ceramic that finds many uses in a broad range of applications. It is widely employed in the aerospace and biomedical sectors due to its stability at high temperatures and in harsh chemical environments. Here, we show that magnetism can be induced at alumina surfaces by doping with 3d transition metals. We analyze the electronic structure, spin magnetic moments, and spin density of α-Al 2 O 3 as a function of both dopant species (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and depth using first principles calculations. Our results show that all dopants, with the exception of Sc, produce magnetic moments that are concentrated to the surface of alumina with varying degrees of delocalization. It is seen that all of the dopants are at least meta-stable on the surface and must overcome an energy barrier of 0.19–1.14 eV in order to diffuse from the surface into the bulk. As a result of judiciously doping with select 3$\textit{d}$ transition metals the surface of alumina can be made magnetic. This could lead to novel applications in data storage, catalysis, and biomedical engineering through an added surface functionality.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Gradient-based surface nuclear magnetic resonance for groundwater investigation

In medical magnetic resonance imaging, spatial localization (imaging) is based upon the application of controlled magnetic field gradients on top of the main magnetic field to spatially modulate the frequency and/or phase of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal across the volume of investigation. In this work, we have applied similar physical principles to produce controlled magnetic field gradients during surface NMR-based groundwater investigations. In this approach, a gradient pulse of variable amplitude or duration is applied immediately after the excitation pulse to cause predictable phase encoding of the NMR signal as a function of depth. This approach is also applicable to emerging surface NMR detection methods that use a prepolarization field with fast nonadiabatic turn-off to generate detectable NMR signals from the shallow subsurface. In this case, the gradient pulse is applied after terminating the prepolarization field and provides a heretofore unavailable means of localizing the NMR response as a function of depth. The application of gradients can also be combined with tip-angle-based modulation to yield higher imaging resolution than can be achieved through either gradient- or tip-angle-based imaging alone. We implemented this new gradient-based capability into a surface NMR gradient generation accessory that is compatible with the GMR-Flex instrument and developed surface NMR-specific forward modeling and linear inverse models. We validated the accuracy of this novel gradient-based sNMR technology using computer simulations, experiments using a small pool filled with a discrete layer of bulk water, and field experiments at well-characterized groundwater test sites along Ebey Island, WA, and Larned, KS. The gradient-based sNMR imaging observations were compared with high-resolution direct push NMR results observed at these sites. The results of computer simulations and field experiments indicate improvements in both the detection (signal-to-noise ratio) and spatial resolution of shallow subsurface water content using gradient-based surface NMR, compared with traditional surface NMR imaging methods.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

SUPER STRONG MAGNETIC FIELDS OF NEUTRON STARS IN BE X-RAY BINARIES ESTIMATED WITH NEW TORQUE AND MAGNETOSPHERE MODELS

We re-estimate the surface magnetic fields of neutron stars (NSs) in Be X-ray binaries (BeXBs) with different models of torque, improved beyond Klus et al. In particular, a new torque model is applied to three models of magnetosphere radius. Unlike the previous models, the new torque model does not lead to divergent results for any fastness parameter. The inferred surface magnetic fields of these NSs for the two compressed magnetosphere models are much higher than that for the uncompressed magnetosphere model. The new torque model using the compressed magnetosphere radius leads to unique solutions near spin equilibrium in all cases, unlike other models that usually give two branches of solutions. Although our conclusions are still affected by the simplistic assumptions about the magnetosphere radius calculations, we show several groups of possible surface magnetic field values with our new models when the interaction between the magnetosphere and the infalling accretion plasma is considered. The estimated surface magnetic fields for NSs BeXBs in the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Small Magellanic Cloud and the Milk Way are between the quantum critical field and the maximum “virial” value by the spin equilibrium condition.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Mapping of the HIDRA stellarator magnetic flux surfaces

The Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications (HIDRA) is a classical stellarator designed for conducting plasma material interaction experiments and developing novel Plasma Facing Components (PFCs). Notably, the testing of two open-channel liquid lithium PFCs is imminent. Determining the shape of the plasma and its magnetic structure inside HIDRA is essential to carry out these tests. For this, electron traces were captured to build up the images of the HIDRA magnetic flux surfaces for several magnetic configurations, following the same procedure previously employed on the WEGA stellarator coupling an electron gun with a fluorescent detector. The FIELDLINES code has then been used to generate computational surfaces matching the experimental results. The obtained surfaces were found to be subject to a similar n = 1 error field as the one observed on WEGA, suggesting that the origin of this error field is inherent to the HIDRA vacuum vessel. Also, the effect of adding a vertical field was investigated, demonstrating the ability to radially shift the magnetic axis and move to a regime free of low-order rational resonances. Finally, this additional control over the HIDRA plasma and magnetic structure allows more freedom in setting up the PFC tests in the limiter and divertor regions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Mapping of lunar surface remanent magnetic fields by electron scattering

The electron scattering technique for measurement of lunar surface remanent magnetic fields is described and a map of the remanent field regions derived from the 14-keV electron measurements of the particle experiment aboard the Apollo 16 Subsatellite is presented. The mapping achieves a spatial resolution of about 40 km and a sensitivity of about 0.1 gamma at the lunar surface.

Lin, R. P.↗

The Effects of Surface Fossil Magnetic Fields on Massive Star Evolution: IV. Grids of Models at Solar, LMC, and SMC Metallicities

Magnetic fields can drastically change predictions of evolutionary models of massive stars via mass-loss quenching, magnetic braking, and efficient angular momentum transport, which we aim to quantify in this work. We use the MESA software instrument to compute an e xtensiv e main-sequence grid of stellar structure and evolution models, as well as isochrones, accounting for the effects attributed to a surface fossil magnetic field. The grid is densely populated in initial mass (3–60 M ), surface equatorial magnetic field strength (0–50 kG), and metallicity (representative of the Solar neighbourhood and the Magellanic Clouds). We use two magnetic braking and two chemical mixing schemes and compare the model predictions for slowly rotating, nitrogen- enriched (‘Group 2’) stars with observations in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We quantify a range of initial field strengths that allow for producing Group 2 stars and find that typical values (up to a few kG) lead to solutions. Between the subgrids, we find notable departures in surface abundances and evolutionary paths. In our magnetic models, chemical mixing is al w ays less efficient compared to non-magnetic models due to the rapid spin-down. We identify that quasi-chemically homogeneous main sequence evolution by efficient mixing could be prevented by fossil magnetic fields. We recommend comparing this grid of evolutionary models with spectropolarimetric and spectroscopic observations with the goals of (i) revisiting the derived stellar parameters of known magnetic stars, and (ii) observationally constraining the uncertain magnetic braking and chemical mixing schemes.

stars: abundances↗

Design of High Power Density 100 kW Surface Permanent Magnet Machine with No Heavy Rare Earth Material Using Current Source Inverter for Traction Application

Surface permanent magnet (SPM) machines are appealing candidates for traction applications because of high power density and high efficiency. Rare-earth magnets deliver high performance but raise concerns about material supply dependability, particularly if they use heavy rare-earth materials. This paper presents the design of a high-performance SPM machine without any heavy rare-earth material that is optimized specifically for a current-source inverter (CSI) traction drive. This machine is designed for a constant-power speed ratio (CPSR) of 3. A genetic algorithm has been performed to achieve a target of 50 kW/L active power density at speeds up to 20,000 rpm. Operation at a peak line-to-line voltage of 800 V can be achieved using 1200 V power devices with a safety margin. The predicted electromagnetic and rotor structural performance characteristics are presented using both analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) results.

(CPSR)↗

Nonlinear ohmic dissipation in axisymmetric DC and RF driven rotating plasmas

An axisymmetric fully ionized plasma rotates around its axis when a charge separation between magnetic surfaces is produced from DC fields or RF waves. On each magnetic surface, both electrons and ions obey the isorotation law and perform an azimuthal E cross B rotation at the same angular velocity. When Coulomb collisions are taken into account, such a flow displays no Ohmic current short circuiting of the charge separation and thus no linear dissipation. A nonlinear Ohmic response appears when inertial effects are considered, providing a dissipative relaxation of the charge separation between the magnetic surfaces. This nonlinear conductivity results from an interplay between Coriolis, centrifugal, and electron-ion collisional friction forces. This phenomenon is identified, described, and analyzed. Finally, both the quality factor of angular momentum storage and the efficiency of wave driven angular momentum generation are calculated and shown to be independent of the details of the charge separation processes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Experimental Results for an Inverter Integrated with A High-Speed Surface Permanent Magnet External Rotor Motor

This work presents the prototyping and testing of a high-speed outer rotor surface permanent magnet motor. The motor employs non-heavy rare-earth permanent magnets and operates at a rated speed of 6,666 rpm. In-slot ceramic heat exchangers are used to cool the windings. The external rotor configuration provides substantial space within the stator bore, which is used for power electronics integration. This integration introduces several design and thermal management challenges that are discussed in the paper. The machine has been prototyped and tested under various operating conditions, and both simulation and experimental results are presented.

Rallabandi, Vandana [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000236241901↗

Extension of the SIESTA MHD equilibrium code to free-plasma-boundary problems

Here, SIESTA is a recently developed MHD equilibrium code designed to perform fast and accurate calculations of ideal MHD equilibria for three-dimensional magnetic configurations. Since SIESTA does not assume closed magnetic surfaces, the solution can exhibit magnetic islands and stochastic regions. In its original implementation SIESTA addressed only fixed-boundary problems. That is, the shape of the plasma edge, assumed to be a magnetic surface, was kept fixed as the solution iteratively converges to equilibrium. This condition somewhat restricts the possible applications of SIESTA. In this paper we discuss an extension that will enable SIESTA to address free-plasma-boundary problems, opening up the possibility of investigating problems in which the plasma boundary is perturbed either externally or internally. As an illustration, SIESTA is applied to a configuration of the W7-X stellarator.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

APPARENT CROSS-FIELD SUPERSLOW PROPAGATION OF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC WAVES IN SOLAR PLASMAS

In this paper we show that the phase-mixing of continuum Alfvén waves and/or continuum slow waves in the magnetic structures of the solar atmosphere as, e.g., coronal arcades, can create the illusion of wave propagation across the magnetic field. This phenomenon could be erroneously interpreted as fast magnetosonic waves. The cross-field propagation due to the phase-mixing of continuum waves is apparent because there is no real propagation of energy across the magnetic surfaces. We investigate the continuous Alfvén and slow spectra in two-dimensional (2D) Cartesian equilibrium models with a purely poloidal magnetic field. We show that apparent superslow propagation across the magnetic surfaces in solar coronal structures is a consequence of the existence of continuum Alfvén waves and continuum slow waves that naturally live on those structures and phase-mix as time evolves. The apparent cross-field phase velocity is related to the spatial variation of the local Alfvén/slow frequency across the magnetic surfaces and is slower than the Alfvén/sound velocities for typical coronal conditions. Understanding the nature of the apparent cross-field propagation is important for the correct analysis of numerical simulations and the correct interpretation of observations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Performance Characterization and Energy Savings Assessment of a Radial Flux Surface Permanent Magnet Motor Technology

This project is part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) "Commercialization Assistance Program" to provide technical expertise to help emerging companies overcome technical barriers to commercialization. In this study, NREL has evaluated the efficiency and energy saving potential of a novel motor technology designed by ZEUS Motor Inc. located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The motor expands on permanent magnet AC motor (PMAC) design to create a new "radial flux, surface PMAC", or RF-sPMAC motor that is expected to outperform other novel motor technologies on the market. Here, the motor showed considerable energy benefits over typical induction motors. The motor benefits from a tightly-packed magnetic steel and copper stator that allows the motor size to be reduced to a thin disc with an internal cavity 1/30th the size of a traditional induction motor. The housing is also aluminum which is magnetically benign. This eliminates the need for external cooling (up to 25 HP), in addition to reducing power consumption.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

On the Origin of the Bi-drifting Subpulse Phenomenon in Pulsars

The unique and highly unusual drift feature reported for PSR J0815+0939, wherein one component’s subpulses drift in the direction opposite of the general trend, is a veritable challenge to pulsar theory. In this paper, we observationally quantify the drift direction throughout its profile, and find that the second component is the only one that exhibits “bi-drifting,” meaning that only the second component moves in the direction opposite of the others. We present a model that shows that the observed bi-drifting phenomenon follows from the insight that the discharging regions, i.e., sparks, do not rotate around the magnetic axis per se, but rather around the point of maximum potential at the polar cap. We show that a purely dipolar surface magnetic field cannot exhibit bi-drifting behavior. though certain non-dipolar configurations can. We can distinguish two types of solutions, with relatively low (∼10{sup 12} G) and high (∼10{sup 14} G) surface magnetic fields. Depending on the strength of the surface magnetic field, the radius of the curvature of magnetic field lines ranges from 10{sup 5} to 10{sup 7} cm. Pulsar J0815+0939 allows us to gain an understanding of the polar-cap conditions essential for plasma generation processes in the inner acceleration region, by linking the observed subpulse shift to the underlying spark motion.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗