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At least 991 records · Page 55

Singularity and Bohm criterion in hot positive ion species in the electronegative ion sources

The structure of the discharge for a magnetized electronegative ion source with two species of positive ions is investigated. The thermal motion of hot positive ions and the singularities involved with it are taken into account. By analytical solution of the neutral region, the location of the singular point and also the values of the plasma parameter such as electric potential and ion density at the singular point are obtained. A generalized Bohm criterion is recovered and discussed. In addition, for the non-neutral solution, the numerical method is used. In contrast with cold ion plasma, qualitative changes are observed. The parameter space region within which oscillations in the density and potential can be observed has been scanned and discussed. The space charge behavior in the vicinity of edge of the ion sources has also been discussed in detail.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Study on small-strain behaviours of methane hydrate sandy sediments using discrete element method

Methane hydrate bearing soil has attracted increasing interest as a potential energy resource where methane gas can be extracted from dissociating hydrate-bearing sediments. Seismic testing techniques have been applied extensively and in various ways, to detect the presence of hydrates, due to the fact that hydrates increase the stiffness of hydrate-bearing sediments. With the recognition of the limitations of laboratory and field tests, wave propagation modelling using Discrete Element Method (DEM) was conducted in this study in order to provide some particle-scale insights on the hydrate-bearing sandy sediment models with pore-filling and cementation hydrate distributions. The relationship between shear wave velocity and hydrate saturation was established by both DEM simulations and analytical solutions. Obvious differences were observed in the dependence of wave velocity on hydrate saturation for these two cases. From the shear wave velocity measurement and particle-scale analysis, it was found that the small-strain mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing sandy sediments are governed by both the hydrate distribution patterns and hydrate saturation.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

An improved multipole approximation for self-gravity and its importance for core-collapse supernova simulations

Self-gravity computation by multipole expansion is a common approach in problems such as core-collapse and Type Ia supernovae, where single large condensations of mass must be treated. The standard formulation of multipole self-gravity in arbitrary coordinate systems suffers from two significant sources of error, which we correct in the formulation presented in this article. The first source of error is due to the numerical approximation that effectively places grid cell mass at the central point of the cell, then computes the gravitational potential at that point, resulting in a convergence failure of the multipole expansion. We describe a new scheme that avoids this problem by computing gravitational potential at cell faces. The second source of error is due to sub-optimal choice of location for the expansion center, which results in angular power at high multipole l values in the gravitational field, requiring a high—and expensive—value of multipole cutoff l {sub max}. By introducing a global measure of angular power in the gravitational field, we show that the optimal coordinate for the expansion is the square-density-weighted mean location. We subject our new multipole self-gravity algorithm, implemented in the FLASH simulation framework, to two rigorous test problems: MacLaurin spheroids for which exact analytic solutions are known, and core-collapse supernovae. We show that key observables of the core-collapse simulations, particularly shock expansion, proto-neutron star motion, and momentum conservation, are extremely sensitive to the accuracy of the multipole gravity, and the accuracy of their computation is greatly improved by our reformulated solver.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

SAUSAGE WAVES IN TRANSVERSELY NONUNIFORM MONOLITHIC CORONAL TUBES

We investigate fast sausage waves in a monolithic coronal magnetic tube, modeled as a local density inhomogeneity with a continuous radial profile. This work is a natural extension of our previous results, obtained for a slab loop model for the case of cylindrical geometry. Using Kneser’s oscillating theorem, we provided the criteria for the existence of trapped and leaky wave regimes as a function of the profile features. For a number of density profiles there are only trapped modes for the entire range of longitudinal wave numbers. The phase speed of these modes tends toward the external Alfvén speed in the long wavelength limit. The generalized results were supported by the analytic solution of the wave equation for the specific density profiles. The approximate Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin solutions allowed us to obtain the desired dispersion relations and to study their properties as a function of the profile parameters. The multicomponent quasi-periodic pulsations in flaring loops, observed on 2001 May 2 and 2002 July 3, are interpreted in terms of the transversely fundamental trapped fast sausage mode with several longitudinal harmonics in a smooth coronal waveguide.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Dephasing effects on stimulated Raman adiabatic passage in tripod configurations

We present an analytic description of the effects of dephasing processes on stimulated Raman adiabatic passage in a tripod quantum system. To this end, we develop an effective two-level model. Our analysis makes use of the adiabatic approximation in the weak dephasing regime. An effective master equation for a two-level system formed by two dark states is derived, where analytic solutions are obtained by utilizing the Demkov-Kunike model. From these, it is found that the fidelity for the final coherent superposition state decreases exponentially for increasing dephasing rates. Depending on the pulse ordering and for adiabatic evolution, the pulse delay can have an inverse effect.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

TH-E-BRE-01: A 3D Solver of Linear Boltzmann Transport Equation Based On a New Angular Discretization Method with Positivity for Photon Dose Calculation Benchmarked with Geant4

Purpose: The Linear Boltzmann Transport Equation (LBTE) solved through statistical Monte Carlo (MC) method provides the accurate dose calculation in radiotherapy. This work is to investigate the alternative way for accurately solving LBTE using deterministic numerical method due to its possible advantage in computational speed from MC. Methods: Instead of using traditional spherical harmonics to approximate angular scattering kernel, our deterministic numerical method directly computes angular scattering weights, based on a new angular discretization method that utilizes linear finite element method on the local triangulation of unit angular sphere. As a Result, our angular discretization method has the unique advantage in positivity, i.e., to maintain all scattering weights nonnegative all the time, which is physically correct. Moreover, our method is local in angular space, and therefore handles the anisotropic scattering well, such as the forward-peaking scattering. To be compatible with image-guided radiotherapy, the spatial variables are discretized on the structured grid with the standard diamond scheme. After discretization, the improved sourceiteration method is utilized for solving the linear system without saving the linear system to memory. The accuracy of our 3D solver is validated using analytic solutions and benchmarked with Geant4, a popular MC solver. Results: The differences between Geant4 solutions and our solutions were less than 1.5% for various testing cases that mimic the practical cases. More details are available in the supporting document. Conclusion: We have developed a 3D LBTE solver based on a new angular discretization method that guarantees the positivity of scattering weights for physical correctness, and it has been benchmarked with Geant4 for photon dose calculation.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Moderately converging ion and electron flows in two-dimensional diodes

Flow of particles in diodes is solved selfconsistently assuming an approximated system of flow lines, that can be easily represented by an analytic transformation in a complex plane, with assumed uniformity in the third spatial direction. Beam current compression is tunable by an angle parameter {alpha}{sub 0}; transformed coordinate lines are circular arcs, exactly matching to the curved cathode usually considered by rectilinear converging flows. The curvature of flow lines allows to partly balance the transverse effect of space charge. A self-contained discussion of the whole theory is reported, ranging from analytical solution for selfconsistent potential to electrode drawing to precise numerical simulation, which serves as a verification and as an illustration of typical electrode shapes. Motion and Poisson equation are written in a curved flow line system and their approximate consistency is shown to imply an ordinary differential equation for the beam edge potential. Transformations of this equation and their series solutions are given and discussed, showing that beam edge potential has a maximum, so supporting both diode (with {alpha}{sub 0}{approx_equal}{pi}/3) and triode design. Numerical simulations confirm the consistency of these solution. Geometrical details of diode design are discussed: the condition of a zero divergence beam, with the necessary anode lens effect included, is written and solved, as a function of beam compression; accurate relations for diode parameters and perveance are given. Weakly relativistic effects including self-magnetic field are finally discussed as a refinement.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Spin drift in highly doped n-type Si

A quantitative estimation of spin drift velocity in highly doped n-type silicon (Si) at 8 K is presented in this letter. A local two-terminal Hanle measurement enables the detection of a modulation of spin signals from the Si as a function of an external electric field, and this modulation is analyzed by using a spin drift-diffusion equation and an analytical solution of the Hanle-type spin precession. The analyses reveal that the spin drift velocity is linearly proportional to the electric field. The contribution of the spin drift effect to the spin signals is crosschecked by introducing a modified nonlocal four-terminal method.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Linear and nonlinear dust acoustic waves in an inhomogeneous magnetized dusty plasma with nonextensive electrons

The propagation of both linear and nonlinear dust acoustic waves (DAWs) in an inhomogeneous magnetized collisional and warm dusty plasma (DP) consisting of Boltzmann ions, nonextensive electrons, and inertial dust particles is investigated. The number density gradients of all DP components besides the inhomogeneities of electrostatic potential and the initial dust fluid velocity are taken into account. The linear dispersion relation and a nonlinear modified Zakharov-Kusnetsov (MZK) equation governing the propagation of the three-dimensional DAWs are derived. The analytical solution of the MZK reveals the creation of both compressive and rarefactive DAW solitons in the proposed model. It is found that the inhomogeneity dimension parameter and the electron nonextensive parameter affect significantly the nonlinear DAW's amplitude, width, and Mach number. The relations of our findings with some astrophysical situations have been given.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Shear deformable deformation of carbon nanotubes based on a new analytical nonlocal Timoshenko beam nodel

According to Hamilton’s principle, a new mathematical model and analytical solutions for nonlocal Timoshenko beam model (ANT) is established based on nonlocal elastic continuum theory when shear deformation and nonlocal effect are considered. The new ANT equilibrium equations and boundary conditions are derived for bending analysis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with simply supported, clamped and cantilever. The ANT deflection solutions demonstrate that the CNT stiffness is enhanced by the presence of nonlocal stress effects. Furthermore, the new ANT model concluded verifiable bending behaviors for a cantilever CNT with point load at the free end, which depends on the strength of nonlocal stress. Therefore, this new model will gives a better prediction for mechanical behaviors of nanostructures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Scaling cosmology with variable dark-energy equation of state

Interactions between dark matter and dark energy which result in a power-law behavior (with respect to the cosmic scale factor) of the ratio between the energy densities of the dark components (thus generalizing the ΛCDM model) have been considered as an attempt to alleviate the cosmic coincidence problem phenomenologically. We generalize this approach by allowing for a variable equation of state for the dark energy within the CPL-parametrization. Based on analytic solutions for the Hubble rate and using the Constitution and Union2 SNIa sets, we present a statistical analysis and classify different interacting and non-interacting models according to the Akaike (AIC) and the Bayesian (BIC) information criteria. We do not find noticeable evidence for an alleviation of the coincidence problem with the mentioned type of interaction.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Analytic treatment of complete and incomplete geodesics in Taub-NUT space-times

We present the complete set of analytical solutions of the geodesic equation in Taub-NUT space-times in terms of the Weierstrass elliptic functions. We systematically study the underlying polynomials and characterize the motion of test particles by its zeros. Since the presence of the 'Misner string' in the Taub-NUT metric has led to different interpretations, we consider these in terms of the geodesics of the space-time. In particular, we address the geodesic incompleteness at the horizons discussed by Misner and Taub [C. W. Misner and A. H. Taub, Sov. Phys. JETP 28, 122 (1969) [Zh. Eksp. Teor. Fiz. 55, 233 (1968)]], and the analytic extension of Miller, Kruskal and Godfrey [J. G. Miller, M. D. Kruskal, and B. Godfrey, Phys. Rev. D 4, 2945 (1971)], and compare with the Reissner-Nordstroem space-time.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Superfocusing of an ultrashort plasmon pulse by a conducting cone

We have shown theoretically the possibility of controlling nanoscale superfocusing of plasmons in a metal conical tip by modulating the carrier frequency of the pulse. The propagation of an ultrashort plasmon pulse in a metal nanoneedle is simulated numerically. The calculation is based on an asymptotic analytical solution of Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic wave propagation in a conical conductor in the vicinity of its apex, obtained by the approximate separation of variables in spherical coordinates. The dependence the field superfocusing on the conductor material, pulse chirp and propagation length is studied. (nanooptics)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

ISOTROPIC INELASTIC COLLISIONS IN A MULTITERM ATOM WITH HYPERFINE STRUCTURE

A correct modeling of the scattering polarization profiles observed in some spectral lines of diagnostic interest, the sodium doublet being one of the most important examples, requires taking hyperfine structure (HFS) and quantum interference between different J-levels into account. An atomic model suitable for taking these physical ingredients into account is the so-called multiterm atom with HFS. In this work, we introduce and study the transfer and relaxation rates due to isotropic inelastic collisions with electrons, which enter the statistical equilibrium equations (SEE) for the atomic density matrix of this atomic model. Under the hypothesis that the electron–atom interaction is described by a dipolar operator, we provide useful relations between the rates describing the transfer and relaxation of quantum interference between different levels (whose numerical values are in most cases unknown) and the usual rates for the atomic level populations, for which experimental data and/or approximate theoretical expressions are generally available. For the particular case of a two-term atom with HFS, we present an analytical solution of the SEE for the spherical statistical tensors of the upper term, including both radiative and collisional processes, and we derive the expression of the emission coefficient in the four Stokes parameters. Finally, an illustrative application to the Na i D{sub 1} and D{sub 2} lines is presented.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Linear Transformation of Electromagnetic Wave Beams of the Electron-Cyclotron Range in Toroidal Magnetic Configurations

The field structure of quasi-optical wave beams tunneled through the evanescence region in the vicinity of the plasma cutoff in a nonuniform magnetoactive plasma is analyzed. This problem is traditionally associated with the process of linear transformation of ordinary and extraordinary waves. An approximate analytical solution is constructed for a rather general magnetic configuration applicable to spherical tokamaks, optimized stellarators, and other magnetic confinement systems with a constant plasma density on magnetic surfaces. A general technique for calculating the transformation coefficient of a finite-aperture wave beam is proposed, and the physical conditions required for the most efficient transformation are analyzed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Study on the Tritium Behaviors in the VHTR System. Part 1: Development of Tritium Analysis Code for VHTR and Verification

A tritium permeation analyses code (TPAC) has been developed in Idaho National Laboratory (INL) by using MATLAB SIMULINK package for analysis of tritium behaviors in the VHTRs integrated with hydrogen production and process heat application systems. The modeling is based on the mass balance of tritium containing species and hydrogen (i.e., HT, H2, HTO, HTSO4, and TI) coupled with a variety of tritium source, sink, and permeation models. The code includes (1) tritium sources from ternary fission and neutron reactions with 6Li, 7Li 10B, 3He, (2) tritium purification system, (3) leakage of tritium with coolant, (4) permeation through pipes, vessels, and heat exchangers, (4) electrolyzer for high temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE), and (5) isotope exchange for SI process. Verification of the code has been performed by comparisons with the analytical solutions, the experimental data, and the benchmark code results based on the Peach Bottom reactor design. The results showed that all the governing equations are well implemented into the code and correctly solved. This paper summarizes all the background, the theory, the code structures, and some verification results related to the TPAC code development in Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

42 ENGINEERING↗

Fundamental properties of field emission-driven direct current microdischarges

For half a century, it has been known that the onset of field emission in direct current microdischarges with gap sizes less than 10 {mu}m can lead to breakdown at applied voltages far less than predicted by Paschen's law. It is still unclear how field emission affects other fundamental plasma properties at this scale. In this work, a one-dimensional fluid model is used to predict basic scaling laws for fundamental properties including ion density, electric field due to space charge, and current-voltage relations in the pre-breakdown regime. Computational results are compared with approximate analytic solutions. It is shown that field emission provides an abundance of cathode electrons, which in turn create large ion concentrations through ionizing collisions well before Paschen's criterion for breakdown is met. Breakdown due to ion-enhanced field emission occurs when the electric field due to space charge becomes comparable to the applied electric field. Simple scaling analysis of the 1D Poisson equation demonstrates that an ion density of n{sub +} Almost-Equal-To 0.1V{sub A}{epsilon}{sub 0}/qd{sup 2} is necessary to significantly distort the electric field. Defining breakdown in terms of this critical ion density leads analytically to a simple, effective secondary emission coefficient {gamma}{sup Prime} of the same mathematical form initially suggested by Boyle and Kisliuk [Phys. Rev. 97, 255 (1955)].

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗