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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Overview of lithium injection and flowing liquid lithium results from the US–China collaboration on EAST

A multi-institutional team consisting of national labs and universities has been conducting research to understand and control the plasma-material interface (PMI) to improve long pulse discharge control and performance in the EAST device in Hefei, China. One particular focus of the group has been to evaluate the performance of different plasma-facing component (PFC) technologies and materials, particularly lithium. Flowing liquid lithium PFC technologies are currently into their third generation of development and deployment in EAST, demonstrating recycling control and mitigation of edge-localized modes (ELMs). A lithium powder dropper has also been used to control ELMs while a lithium granule injector has demonstrated ELM triggering and pacing. To support this work, the facilities at the Center for Plasma Material Interactions such as HIDRA are being commissioned and utilized to develop/test the technologies before deployment on EAST. This paper will present a summary of the collaborative lithium PMI program on EAST.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Advances in prediction of tokamak experiments with theory-based models

The successful validation of theory-based models of transport, MHD stability, heating and current drive, with tokamak measurements over the last 20 years, has laid the foundation for a new era where these models can be routinely used in a "predict first" approach to design and predict the outcomes of experiments on tokamaks today. The capability to predict the plasma confinement and core profiles with a quantified uncertainty, based on a multi-machine, international, database of experience, will provide confidence that a proposed discharge will remain within the operational limits of the tokamak. Developing this predictive capability for the first generation of burning plasma devices, beginning with ITER, and progressing to tokamak demonstration reactors, is a critical mission of fusion energy research. Major advances have been made implementing this predict first methodology on today's tokamaks. In this work, an overview of several of these recent advances will be presented, providing the integrated modeling foundations of the experimental successes. The first steps to include boundary plasmas, and tokamak control systems, have been made. A commitment to predicting experiments as part of the planning process is needed in order to collect predictive accuracy data and evolve the models and software into a robust whole discharge pulse design simulator.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Control of the Plasma-Material Interface for Long Pulse Optimization in EAST and KSTAR

This is the Final Technical Report for the Grant DE-SC0016322. The major goals of the project are to use HIDRA to evaluate and optimize the FLiLi and LiMIT concepts, in preparation for the final designs of liquid Li PFCs for testing in EAST long pulse discharges. In the first year the goal is to fully commission HIDRA and begin liquid Li tests. In the second year it is to test the FLiLi and LiMIT designs in HIDRA and start the production of the first LiMIT test plate for EAST.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Control of the Plasma-Material Interface for Long Pulse Optimization in EAST and KSTAR

This project's major goal was to understand and control the plasma-material interface to improve long pulse discharge and performance in the EAST and KSTAR devices, emphasizing the unique strengths of each machine. In particular, MIT has developed implanted depth markers to diagnose the net erosion of high-Z materials. The goals included the characterization and utilization of these markers in various high-Z materials of interest, including TZM, tungsten, and refractory metal base high entropy alloys.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Plasma-Assisted Pre-Chamber Ignition System for Highly Dilute Stoichiometric Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Engines (Final Technical Report)

This project explored advanced ignition technologies to significantly enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs for heavy-duty natural gas engines operating at stoichiometric conditions, while meeting ultra-low NOx emission standards. The main goal was to develop and validate a plasma-assisted pre-chamber ignition system that could deliver at least a 2% increase in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and a 4% decrease in total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to a typical multi-cylinder engine with three-way catalyst aftertreatment, ensuring compatibility with the expected 2027 EPA/CARB regulations. In the first half of the project, the research team concentrated on developing and testing plasma-assisted pre-chamber ignition using nanosecond pulsed discharges. Extensive experiments were conducted in an optically accessible rapid-compression and expansion machine, a constant-volume chamber, and an optical single-cylinder engine. Experiments were coupled with CFD simulations. The work produced unique insights into pre-chamber flame formation, jet ignition, dilution effects, and flame quenching at pressures, temperatures, and dilution levels relevant to engines. Although plasma-assisted ignition showed promise in controlled lab settings, the research also identified fundamental and practical challenges when applying this technology to real engine conditions. Midway through the project, a crucial pivot was made, guided by three key findings. First, the power electronics required for nanosecond plasma discharges were found to be too costly for commercial use, undermining the project’s cost-of-ownership goals. Second, nanosecond plasma ignition was highly sensitive to turbulent flow in the pre-chamber, resulting in lower ignition reliability than traditional spark under engine-like conditions. Third, achieving a truly diffuse low-temperature plasma at high pressures near top dead center was not possible, reducing the anticipated chemical enhancement benefits. These results collectively suggested that continuing with plasma-assisted ignition was unlikely to meet both efficiency and cost objectives. In response, the project shifted focus to a more realistic approach: enhancing traditional spark-based pre-chamber ignition with significantly less spark energy. Using insights gained earlier in the project, the team redesigned the pre-chamber to maintain high dilution tolerance and quick combustion, even with lower ignition energy. Testing confirmed that with optimized pre-chamber design and combustion timing, a lower-energy spark could reliably ignite highly diluted stoichiometric mixtures, reduce burn time, and boost thermal efficiency. Final engine testing and techno-economic analysis verified that this revised approach successfully achieved the project goals. The optimized pre-chamber ignition system provided over a 2% increase in calculated brake thermal efficiency compared to the baseline engine. Notably, the lower ignition energy and simplified hardware reduced component stress, extended maintenance intervals, and lowered the total cost of ownership. When used with stoichiometric operation and traditional three-way aftertreatment, the system remained compatible with near-zero NOx emissions targets without increasing cost or complexity in the emissions control system. In summary, although the project deviated from its initial plasma-assisted ignition idea, the work produced a more practical and commercially viable solution. The results show that precisely optimized, low-energy pre-chamber spark ignition can significantly improve efficiency and reduce overall ownership costs for heavy-duty natural gas engines. This directly aligns with DOE goals for cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective transportation technologies.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Atmospheric H 2 observations from the NOAA Cooperative Global Air Sampling Network

Abstract. The NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) measures atmospheric hydrogen (H2) in grab samples collected weekly as flask pairs at over 50 sites in the Cooperative Global Air Sampling Network. Measurements representative of background air sampling show higher H2 in recent years at all latitudes. The marine boundary layer (MBL) global mean H2 was 552.8 ppb in 2021, 20.2 ± 0.2 ppb higher compared to 2010. A 10 ppb or more increase over the 2010–2021 average annual cycle was detected in 2016 for MBL zonal means in the tropics and in the Southern Hemisphere. Carbon monoxide measurements in the same-air samples suggest large biomass burning events in different regions likely contributed to the observed interannual variability at different latitudes. The NOAA H2 measurements from 2009 to 2021 are now based on the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmospheric Watch (WMO GAW) H2 mole fraction calibration scale, developed and maintained by the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), Jena, Germany. GML maintains eight H2 primary calibration standards to propagate the WMO scale. These are gravimetric hydrogen-in-air mixtures in electropolished stainless steel cylinders (Essex Industries, St. Louis, MO), which are stable for H2. These mixtures were calibrated at the MPI-BGC, the WMO Central Calibration Laboratory (CCL) for H2, in late 2020 and span the range 250–700 ppb. We have used the CCL assignments to propagate the WMO H2 calibration scale to NOAA air measurements performed using gas chromatography and helium pulse discharge detector instruments since 2009. To propagate the scale, NOAA uses a hierarchy of secondary and tertiary standards, which consist of high-pressure whole-air mixtures in aluminum cylinders, calibrated against the primary and secondary standards, respectively. Hydrogen at the parts per billion level has a tendency to increase in aluminum cylinders over time. We fit the calibration histories of these standards with zero-, first-, or second-order polynomial functions of time and use the time-dependent mole fraction assignments on the WMO scale to reprocess all tank air and flask air H2 measurement records. The robustness of the scale propagation over multiple years is evaluated with the regular analysis of target air cylinders and with long-term same-air measurement comparison efforts with WMO GAW partner laboratories. Long-term calibrated, globally distributed, and freely accessible measurements of H2 and other gases and isotopes continue to be essential to track and interpret regional and global changes in the atmosphere composition. The adoption of the WMO H2 calibration scale and subsequent reprocessing of NOAA atmospheric data constitute a significant improvement in the NOAA H2 measurement records.

Pétron, Gabrielle↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of lithium coating on long pulse high performance plasma discharges in EAST

Control of impurities, fuel recycling and hydrogen content by lithium evaporative coatings and real-time lithium powder injection (LPI) in EAST are studied for high performance H-mode discharges of up to ~100 s. The results show that the lithium evaporative coatings significantly reduced both the low-Z impurity carbon and high-Z impurity tungsten as well as molybdenum concentration in the plasmas, and the impurities concentration significantly reduced with the accumulated lithium coatings and maintained well afterwards. Specifically the high-Z tungsten core impurity concentration was maintained between 3 ppm–15 ppm during the 101 s H-mode discharge, which is acceptable for the long pulse operation. In addition, real-time wall conditioning via LPI successfully reduced the core high-Z metal impurities by 50% during ~35 s long pulse H-mode discharge, exhibiting strong compatibility between real-time LPI with long pulse discharges. In addition, evaporative lithium coatings demonstrated fuel recycling control, with fuel recycling obviously reducing with lithium coatings and maintaining well afterwards. Also, the lithium evaporative coatings reduced the hydrogen minority species content, represented by the density ratio H/(H + D), from ~50% down to ~5% with accumulated lithium coatings; low hydrogen fraction improved the ICRF minority heating efficiency. Finally the real-time LPI reduced the recycling coefficient R global from 0.95 to 0.82. With these wall conditionings help, the plasma density controlled well during the 101 s long pulse H-mode discharge. Furthermore, these results provide valuable references on impurities, fuel recycling and hydrogen content control for future longer pulse high performance H-mode operation (≥400 s) in EAST and future fusion devices.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evidence of plasma‐driven decomposition of common plastics exposed to an atmospheric nonthermal discharge

Abstract A nonthermal, pulsed spark discharge is applied to three polymer powders in Ar and Ar– gas mixtures. Hydrogen is introduced to assess plasma‐driven decomposition. Gaseous decomposition products, including methane, acetylene, and ethylene, are observed with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Surface modifications are observed on the residual polymer via attenuated total internal reflection‐FTIR. Time‐averaged rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures are characterized in the discharge. The plasma density is found to be around , with rotational and vibrational temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2200 K and an excitation temperature of 1–2 eV. While spark properties did not change with either gas composition or polymer composition, it was determined that the addition of hydrogen promoted higher concentrations of gaseous phase products (promoting hydrogenolysis).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurements of OH radical concentrations in uniform and non-uniform nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma

In this work we studied OH radical generation in nanosecond dielectric barrier discharge in humid He/air gas. The measurements were carried out by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method at the PPPL Low Temperature Plasma Research Facility, directed by Dr. Shurik Yatom. Application of LIF towards OH density measurements is a widely used approach in plasmas generated in humid gas, particularly when temporal evolution of OH density is of interest. Here we examined the OH densities generated in the discharge ignited by application of nanosecond high-voltage pulses with amplitudes varying between 10 to 20 kV and interelectrode gap length varying between 0.5-3 mm. The peak voltage and the gap length determine the mode in which discharge is generated: homogenous or filamentary. The measurements of OH in the gas phase were accompanied by the measurements of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in liquid water, downstream of the plasma and the relationship between these two were examined.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Pulsed contact glow discharge electrification for online material quantification

Real-time elemental analysis of liquids in extreme environments remains a significant challenge for sensor development, particularly in applications such as advanced nuclear reactors. Plasma-based optical emission spectroscopy offers a promising solution. In this study, we investigate pulsed contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) as an alternative plasma generation method for emission-based material quantification. Using aqueous NaCl solutions, we examine the role of discharge polarity on plasma behavior, emission characteristics, and spectral output. Our results demonstrate that cathodic discharges generate more energetic plasmas, enabling the detection of ionic species such as cerium, while anodic discharges favor atomic emission. These findings reveal a potential dual-mode sensing capability controlled by circuit configuration rather than hardware changes. Through synchronized measurements of emission, current, bubble, and spectral dynamics, we present a model in which electron emission and ohmic heating drive plasma formation. This model enhances our understanding of pulsed-CGDE and supports its potential as a versatile, adaptable platform for future deployment in high-temperature liquids such as molten salts.

98 - NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL↗
DOE OSTI2022

Plasma thermal-chemical instability of low-temperature dimethyl ether oxidation in a nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Plasma stability in reactive mixtures is critical for various applications from plasma-assisted combustion to gas conversion. To generate stable and uniform plasmas and control the transition towards filamentation, the underlying physics and chemistry need a further look. Here, this work investigates the plasma thermal-chemical instability triggered by dimethyl-ether (DME) low-temperature oxidation in a repetitive nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge. First, a plasma-combustion kinetic mechanism of DME/air is developed and validated using temperature and ignition delay time measurements in quasi-uniform plasmas. Then the multi-stage dynamics of thermal-chemical instability is experimentally explored: the DME/air discharge was initially uniform, then contracted to filaments, and finally became uniform again before ignition. By performing chemistry modeling and analyzing the local thermal balance, it is found that such nonlinear development of the thermal-chemical instability is controlled by the competition between plasma-enhanced low-temperature heat release and the increasing thermal diffusion at higher temperature. Further thermal-chemical mode analysis identifies the chemical origin of this instability as DME low-temperature chemistry. This work connects experiment measurements with theoretical analysis of plasma thermal-chemical instability and sheds light on future chemical control of the plasma uniformity.

repetitive nanosecond pulses↗
DOE OSTI2022

Impact of CH 4 addition on the electron properties and electric field dynamics in a Ar nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Non-equilibrium plasmas derive their low temperature reactivity from producing and driving energetic electrons and active species under large electric fields. Therefore, the impact of reactants on the plasma properties including electron number density, electric field, and electron temperature is critical for applications such as plasma CH 4 reforming. Due to experimental complexity, electron properties and the electric field are rarely measured together in the same discharge. Here, we combine time-resolved Thomson scattering and electric field induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) to probe electron temperature, electron density, and electric field strength in a 60 Torr CH 4 /Ar nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (ns-DBD) while varying the CH 4 mole fraction from 0 to 8%. These measurements are compared to a 1-D numerical model to benchmark its predictions and identify areas of uncertainty. Nonlinear coupling between CH 4 addition, electron temperature, electron density, and the electric field was directly observed. Contrary to previous measurements in He, the electron temperature increased with CH 4 mole fraction. This rise in electron temperature is identified as electron heating by residual electric fields that increased with larger CH 4 mole fraction. Moreover, the electron number density has been found to decrease rapidly with the increase of methane mole fraction. Comparison of these measurements with the model yielded better agreement at higher CH 4 mole fractions and with the usage of ab initio calculated Ar electron-impact cross-sections from the B-spline R-matrix (BSR) database. Furthermore, the calculated plasma properties are shown to be sensitive to the residual surface charge implanted on the quartz dielectric surfaces. Without considering surface charge in the simulations, the calculated electric field profiles agreed well with the measurements, but the electron properties were underpredicted by more than a factor of three. Therefore, measurements of either the electric field or electron properties measurements alone are insufficient to fully validate modelling predictions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Apparatus and methods of detecting transient discharge modes and/or closed loop control of pulsed systems and method employing same

A system and method for differentiating between different modes of pulsed electrical discharges via of an amplitude to time (ATC) conversion circuit is described. A bipolar ATC circuit is used to add together the positive and negative portions of an attenuated and filtered signal derived either from the voltage or current of a pulse. Alternatively, a unipolar ATC circuit may be employed. The resulting processed signal is compared against a reference voltage to generate an output signal that is active for the amount of time that the processed signal exceeds the reference voltage. Discharge mode is determined based on three factors: did a pulse occur, if a pulse occurred when did the pulse start relative to the original pulse event, and what is the duty cycle of the pulse. Subsequent pulse generated may be controlled accordingly.

Fitzpatrick, Joseph F.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nanosynthesis by atmospheric arc discharges excited with pulsed-DC power: a review

Plasma technology is actively used for nanoparticle synthesis and modification. All plasma techniques share the ambition of providing high quality, nanostructured materials with full control over their crystalline state and functional properties. Pulsed-DC physical/chemical vapour deposition, high power impulse magnetron sputtering, and pulsed cathodic arc are consolidated low-temperature plasma processes for the synthesis of high-quality nanocomposite films in vacuum environment. However, atmospheric arc discharge stands out thanks to the high throughput, wide variety, and excellent quality of obtained stand-alone nanomaterials, mainly core–shell nanoparticles, transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers, and carbon-based nanostructures, like graphene and carbon nanotubes. Unique capabilities of this arc technique are due to its flexibility and wide range of plasma parameters achievable by modulation of the frequency, duty cycle, and amplitude of pulse waveform. The many possibilities offered by pulsed arc discharges applied on synthesis of low-dimensional materials are reviewed here. Periodical variations in temperature and density of the pulsing arc plasma enable nanosynthesis with a more rational use of the supplied power. Parameters such as plasma composition, consumed power, process stability, material properties, and economical aspects, are discussed. Lastly a brief outlook towards future tendencies of nanomaterial preparation is proposed. Atmospheric pulsed arcs constitute promising, clean processes providing ecological and sustainable development in the production of nanomaterials both in industry and research laboratories.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

N 2 vibrational excitation in atmospheric pressure ns pulse and RF plasma jets

Time-resolved N 2 vibrational temperature and translational–rotational temperature in quasi-two-dimensional atmospheric pressure plasma jets sustained by ns pulse and RF discharges in nitrogen/noble gas mixtures are measured by the broadband vibrational Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) . The results indicate a much stronger vibrational excitation in the RF plasma jet, due to the lower reduced electric field and higher discharge power. In a ns pulse discharge in N 2 /He, N 2 vibrational temperature is significantly lower compared to that in N 2 /Ar, due to the more rapid vibration–translation (V–T) relaxation of nitrogen by helium atoms. In the RF plasma jets in N 2 /Ne and N 2 /Ar, the vibrational excitation increases considerably as the nitrogen fraction in the mixture is reduced. The experimental data in the RF plasma jet in N 2 /Ar jet are compared with the kinetic modeling predictions. The results indicate that nitrogen vibrational excitation in N 2 /Ar plasma jets with a small N 2 fraction in the mixture (several percent) is controlled primarily by electron impact, anharmonic vibration–vibration (V–V) pumping, and V–T relaxation by N atoms. In comparison, V–V energy transfer from the vibrationally excited molecules in the first excited electronic state, N 2 (A 3 Σ u + , v), which are generated primarily by the energy transfer from the metastable Ar atoms, has a minor effect on the vibrational populations of the ground electronic state, N 2 (X 1 Σ g + , v). Although the discharge energy fraction going to electronic excitation is significant, the predicted quasi-steady-state N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) number density, controlled by the energy pooling and quenching by N atoms, remains relatively low. Because of this, the net rate of N 2 (X 1 Σ g + ) vibrational excitation by the V–V energy transfer from N 2 (A 3 Σ u + ) is much lower compared to that by the direct electron impact. Furthermore, the results show that atmospheric pressure RF plasma jets can be used as sources of highly vibrationally excited N 2 molecules and N atoms.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Apparatus for atmospheric pressure pin-to-hole spark discharge and uses thereof

Disclosed herein are atmospheric pressure pin-to-hole pulsed spark discharge devices and methods for creating plasma. The devices include a conduit for fluidically communicating a gas, a plasma, or both, therethrough, portion of the conduit capable of being connected to a gas supply, and a second portion of the conduit capable of emitting a plasma; a positive electrode comprising a sharp tip; and a ground plate electrode. Disclosed are methods for treating a skin ulcer using non-thermal plasma include flowing a gas through a cold spark discharge zone simultaneously with the creation of a pulsed spark discharge to give rise to a non-thermal plasma emitted from a conduit, the non-thermal plasma comprising NO; and contacting a skin ulcer with said non-thermal plasma for sufficient time and intensity to give rise to treatment of the skin ulcer.

Dobrynin, Danil V.↗