Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “general physics”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2019

Tests of General Relativity and Fundamental Physics with Space-based Gravitational Wave Detectors

Low-frequency gravitational-wave astronomy can perform precision tests of general relativity and probe fundamental physics in a regime previously inaccessible. A space-based detector will be a formidable tool to explore gravity's role in the cosmos, potentially telling us if and where Einstein's theory fails and providing clues about some of the greatest mysteries in physics and astronomy, such as dark matter and the origin of the Universe.

Berti, Emanuele↗
NASA NTRS1985

Spacelab 1 - Scientific objectives, life sciences, space plasma physics, astronomy and solar physics

A general overview of the accomplishments of the Spacelab 1 complement to the Shuttle mission of Nov. 28, 1983, is presented. Consideration is given to scientific results in the fields of life sciences, materials sciences, atmospheric physics, and earth observations. A table is given which lists the scientific objectives and the percentage of objectives accomplished in each field.

Chappell, C. R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Determining Exact RANS Operators with the Macroscopic Forcing Method (Final Report)

This report contains a compilation of key results and findings from the ACT project “Determining Exact RANS Operators with the Macroscopic Forcing Method.” The Macroscopic Forcing Method (MFM), a numerical tool for determining closure operators, is used to measure eddy diffusivity moments in Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability. It is first applied to low-Atwood 2D RT instability; that work is then extended to 3D RT at different finite Atwood numbers. It is found that nonlocality is important for modeling the mean scalar transport closure operator in RT mixing. Additionally, work is done to improve the statistical convergence of MFM for chaotic problems like RT mixing.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tensile-stress effect on ferroelectric Barkhausen noise

Here, this study examines the effect of tensile stress on the ferroelectric properties of Pb(Zr 0.4 Ti 0.6 )O 3 thin film, with a focus on Barkhausen noise, observed for the first time under such conditions. Tensile stress significantly alters domain wall motions, affecting Barkhausen noise more than average polarization. Frequency analysis identifies grain boundaries as primary pinning sites, consistent across stress levels. A nonlinear relationship between stress, domain wall mobility, and polarization is found, where increased stress initially enhances pinning and polarization changes, but this effect diminishes at higher stress levels, indicating a shift in behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Dissociation slowdown by collective optical response under strong coupling conditions

We consider an ensemble of diatomic molecules resonantly coupled to an optical cavity under strong coupling conditions at normal incidence. Photodissociation dynamics is examined via direct numerical integration of the coupled Maxwell–Schrödinger equations with molecular rovibrational degrees of freedom explicitly taken into account. It is shown that the dissociation is significantly affected (slowed down) when the system is driven at its polaritonic frequencies. The observed effect is demonstrated to be of transient nature and has no classical analog. An intuitive explanation of the dissociation slowdown at polaritonic frequencies is proposed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Improved Kelbg Potentials for Z > 1 and Application to Carbon Plasmas

In this work, we present a general form for the electron‐ion diffractive potential derived from the quantum pair density matrix and fit to the improved Kelbg potential for atomic numbers up to $Z = 54$. We apply classical molecular dynamics using the improved Kelbg potential for carbon with various forms of the Pauli potential to compute internal energies and pressures for hot, dense plasma conditions. Our results are compared to an equation of state model based on path integral Monte Carlo and density functional theory simulations to examine the extent to which the improved Kelbg potential reproduces the internal energy and pressure of carbon plasmas. The regions of validity for carbon agree generally with those derived previously for hydrogen once pressure ionization effects are incorporated. Based on our carbon results and previously published hydrogen studies, we discuss the general applicability and limitations of these potentials for equation of state studies in warm dense matter and high energy density plasmas.

general physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hyperbolic vacua in Minkowski space

Families of Lorentz, but not Poincare, invariant vacua are constructed for a massless scalar field in 4D Minkowski space. These are generalizations of the Rindler vacuum with a larger symmetry group. Explicit expressions are given as squeezed excitations of the Poincare vacuum. The effective reduced vacua on the 3D hyperbolic de Sitter slices are the well-known de Sitter α-vacua with antipodal singularities in the Wightman function. Several special interesting cases are discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Comment on “The Mössbauer rotor experiment and the general theory of relativity” [Ann. Physics 368 (2016) 258–266]

Highlights: •Our approach is considered from the viewpoint of arbitrary moving continuum. •Continuum characteristics are determined by a deformation tensor, a stress tensor, a strain velocity tensor, a spin tensor (Sing (1963)) and the first curvature vectors of the world lines of medium particles. •All these physical values are located on the hypersurfaces orthogonal to the world lines of medium particles and specify the “physical” space. •The time counting from the “physical” space permits to obtain the red shift of the frequency at the end of the tube that coincides with Corda result (Corda (2016)).

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development and assessment of models for turbulent Rayleigh-Taylor mixing using the macroscopic forcing method

Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations are a popular method for designing ICF experiments, and accurate mixing models are crucial for these simulations to give good predictions. To this end, the present work seeks to demonstrate the Macroscopic Forcing Method (MFM) as a tool for both improving existing RANS models as well as assessing RANS model forms. First, MFM analysis from Lavacot et al. (Phys. Rev. Fluids, 2025) is used to develop the k–L–F model, an extension of the k–L model of Dimonte and Tipton (Phys. Fluids, 2006) that incorporates nonlocality through addition of a turbulent species flux transport equation. MFM is then applied to the k–L–F model along with the k–L and BHR–4 models to assess their forms and compare the model-implied eddy diffusivity moments to those measured from high-fidelity simulations. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that models incorporating nonlocality (k–L–F and BHR–4) match the high-fidelity simulation data better than purely local models (k–L), both in terms of mean fields and eddy diffusivity moments. However, all of the considered RANS models struggle to match temporal moments at high Atwood numbers, highlighting the importance of temporal nonlocality in these regimes and the need for additional improvement even among models incorporating nonlocality.

general physics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Nonequilibrium dynamics of two-level systems directly after cryogenic alternating bias

Two-level systems (TLSs) are a dominant decoherence mechanism in superconducting qubits, microwave kinetic inductance detectors, and quantum dots. TLSs are tunneling states commonly found in amorphous materials and interfaces, which interact electromechanically, leading to energy loss. Fluctuations in the frequency of the TLSs are a significant problem for qubit operation and force recalibration every few hours. In this study, we probe the effect of alternating bias at cryogenic temperatures on TLSs in a purpose-built LC oscillator. When an in situ alternating bias is applied, the steady-state spectra of the TLSs disappear. Spectroscopy reveals transient behavior, in which the TLS frequency fluctuates on the order of minutes. Thermal cycling above 10 K reverses these effects, restoring the TLS spectrum to its original state. Importantly, the intrinsic loss tangent of the LC oscillator remains unchanged before and after the application of the alternating bias. We propose that the disappearance of the steady-state spectrum is caused by nonequilibrium energy buildup from strain in the oxide film introduced by the pulsed voltage-bias sequence. Understanding this nonequilibrium energy could shed light on TLS fluctuations and reduce the calibration requirements for qubits.

general physics↗
DOE OSTI2025

SULI Intern Final Report: Computationally Investigating Hydrogen Thermo-Diffusion in Yttrium Hydride Using Multiscale Methods

The renaissance of nuclear energy has arrived, heralding an age of abundant inexpensive clean energy, and renewed space exploration. In nuclear-powered spacecraft and microreactors, safety and size are of utmost importance. Yttrium Hydride (YHx) is being researched for its utility as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors; the hydrogen in YHx slows down neutrons, enabling a continuous nuclear reaction in the reactor. This has the benefit of allowing reactors to be more safe, compact, and efficient. The goal of this effort is to computationally predict the coefficient of temperature-dependent hydrogen diffusion within YHx, the Soret coefficient. This parameter is essential for determining the safe operating modes of YHx moderators. Zirconium Hydride (ZrHx) is used in the Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) reactor, is the reference material for these calculations. In this work, nanoscale atomic modeling in the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) is combined with the mesoscale finite element phase-field module in the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE); this culminates in a new multiscale computational method to simulate Soret diffusion of hydrogen in YHx. This data is useful for predicting experimental outcomes. This workflow involves convergence testing followed by static, Nudged Elastic Band (NEB), Quasi-Harmonic Approximation (QHA), and Molecular Dynamics (MD) calculations - linked with phase field simulation. NEB simulates hydrogen migration, while QHA and MD predict temperature-dependent properties. The static calculations align with literature, and preliminary NEB and QHA calculations yield accurate results. Once the atomic calculations are complete, we will incorporate Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) images and VASP-generated parameters into the phase field module to simulate intra- and intergranular transport of hydrogen in ZrHx and YHx. Future research will extend our approach to fuel-moderator materials systems such as Uranium-Yttrium Hydride (U-YHx). This work contributes to the development of advanced nuclear energy solutions for space travel.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modulating spin-valley relaxation in WSe 2 with variable thickness VOPc layers

Combining the synthetic tunability of molecular compounds with the optical selection rules of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) that derive from spin-valley coupling could provide interesting opportunities for the readout of quantum information. However, little is known about the electronic and spin interactions at such interfaces and the influence on spin-valley relaxation. Here, in this work, vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPc) molecular layers are thermally evaporated on WSe 2 to explore the effect of molecular layer thickness on excited-state spin-valley polarization. The thinnest molecular layer supports an interfacial state which destroys the spin-valley polarization almost instantaneously, whereas a thicker molecular layer results in longer-lived spin-valley polarization than the WSe 2 monolayer alone. The mechanism appears to involve a tightly bound species at the molecule/TMDC interface that strengthens exchange interactions and is largely avoided in thicker VOPc layers that isolate electrons from WSe 2 holes.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2021

Turbulence theories and statistical closure approaches

When discussing research in physics and in science more generally, it is common to ascribe equal importance to the three components of the scientific trinity: theoretical, experimental, and computational studies. This review will explore the future of modern turbulence theory by tracing its history, which began in earnest with Kolmogorov’s 1941 analysis of turbulence cascade and inertial range [A.N. Kolmogorov, Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR, 30, 299, (1941); 32, 19, (1941)]. The 80th Anniversary of Kolmogorov’s landmark study is a welcome opportunity to survey the achievements and evaluate the future of the theoretical approach of turbulence research. Over the years, turbulence theories have been critically important in laying the foundation of our understanding of the nature of turbulent flows. In particular, the Direct Interaction Approximation (DIA) [R.H. Kraichnan, J. Fluid Mech., 5, 497 (1959)] and its subsequent development, known as the statistical closure approach, can be identified as perhaps the most profound single advancement. The remarkable success of the statistical closure has furnished a platform to study such essential concepts as the energy transfer process and interacting scales, and the roles of the straining and sweeping motions. More recently, the quasi-Lagrangian formulation of V. L’vov & I. Procaccia and Kraichnan’s solvable passive scalar model provided powerful ways to explore another fundamental aspect of turbulent flows, the phenomena of intermittency, and the associated anomalous scaling exponents. In the meantime, the theory of fluid equilibria has been developed to describe the large-scale structures that can emerge from turbulent cascades of two-dimensional and geophysical flows at a later time. And yet, despite all these successes, analytical treatments suffer from mathematical complexities. As a result, the utility of theoretical approaches has been limited to relatively idealized flows. On the other hand, in recent decades, computational abilities and experimental facilities have reached an unprecedented scale. Looking beyond the horizon, the imminent deployment of exascale supercomputers will generate complete datasets of the entire flow field of key benchmark flows, allowing researchers to extract additional measurements concerning fully developed, complex turbulent flow fields far beyond those available from the statistical closure theories. Some other developments that could potentially influence the future course of turbulence theories include the advancement of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science; likely disruptions arising from the advent of quantum computation; and the increasingly prominent role of turbulence research in providing more accurate climate scientific data. Finally, turbulence theorists can leverage these developments by asking the right questions and developing advanced, sophisticated frameworks that will be able to predict and correlate vast amounts of data from the other two components of the trinity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantum minimal surfaces from quantum error correction

We show that complementary state-specific reconstruction of logical (bulk) operators is equivalent to the existence of a quantum minimal surface prescription for physical (boundary) entropies. This significantly generalizes both sides of an equivalence previously shown by Harlow[1]; in particular, we do not require the entanglement wedge to be the same for all states in the code space. In developing this theorem, we construct an emergent bulk geometry for general quantum codes, defining ``areas'' associated to arbitrary logical subsystems, and argue that this definition is ``functionally unique.'' We also formalize a definition of bulk reconstruction that we call ``state-specific product unitary’’ reconstruction. This definition captures the quantum error correction (QEC) properties present in holographic codes and has potential independent interest as a very broad generalization of QEC; it includes most traditional versions of QEC as special cases. Our results extend to approximate codes, and even to the ``non-isometric codes'' that seem to describe the interior of a black hole at late times.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Perspective on Quantum Computing Applications in Quantum Chemistry Using 25-100 Logical Qubits

The intersection of quantum computing and quantum chemistry represents a promising frontier for achieving quantum utility in domains of both scientific and societal relevance. Owing to the exponential growth of classical resource requirements for simulating quantum systems, quantum chemistry has long been recognized as a natural candidate for quantum computation. This perspective focuses on identifying scientifically meaningful use cases where early fault-tolerant quantum computers, which are considered to be equipped with approximately 25-100 logical qubits, could deliver tangible impact. While recent advances in classical computing have pushed the boundaries of tractable simulations to unprecedented scales, this logical-qubit regime represents the first window where quantum devices can pursue qualitatively distinct strategies, such as polynomial-scaling phase estimation, direct simulation of quantum dynamics, and active-space embedding, that remain challenging for classical solvers, such as multireference charge-transfer and conical-intersection states central to photochemistry and materials design. We highlight near-term opportunities in algorithm and software design, discuss representative chemical problems suited for quantum acceleration, and propose strategic roadmaps and collaborative pathways for advancing practical quantum utility in quantum chemistry.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗