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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

Laser Plasma Interaction in the MG Magnetic Field (Final Report)

Strong magnetic fields change properties of plasma. Employment of the magnetic fields can improve conditions for inertial confinement fusion. Compression and heating of the magnetized plasma is a base of the MagLIF pulsed power approach to the controlled fusion. Study of expansion and heating of plasma in the external magnetic fields, development of plasma instabilities, parametric and other effects are important for basic physics and applications. The main goal of the research for the grant was experimental investigation of laser produced plasma in the well characterized and controlled MG magnetic fields. We developed a platform for investigation of high intensity laser-plasma interaction (LPI) in the MG fields using a university-scale pulsed power machine. A Zebra machine at UNR generated transverse magnetic fields of 3 MG on the surface of the rod load and longitudinal fields of 1.4 MG in the coil loads. The magnetic fields were characterized with two-color Faraday rotation diagnostics. The pulsed power machine provided almost static magnetic fields for LPI compared to the much faster laser driven magnetic fields. We found that eddy currents in the rising magnetic field generate plasma on the metal targets. Eddy currents did not impact Si and CH dielectric targets. A Leopard laser with intensity in the focus up to 10 19 W/cm 2 produced plasma in the MG magnetic fields. The modified reflected Faraday diagnostics was used to study laser driven B-field at the MTW laser at Laboratory for Laser Energetics, UR. We demonstrated a slow dependence of the magnetic field in the coil on the applied laser intensity. The magnetic field increased by a factor of 2 if laser intensity increased by a factor of 30. This scaling is important for comparison of experiments at different laser facilities. Expansion of the plasma in the 2-3 MG external B-field was studied. Laser-produced plasma in the azimuthal magnetic field took the unique form of a thin disc expanding radially with a velocity of 250 km/s and confined in the vertical direction. A HYDRA MHD program at the University of Rochester was applied for simulations of LPI in the magnetic field B >3 MG. Simulations for the plasma disc parameters and the expansion dynamics were in a good agreement with experiments. Generation of narrow dense plasma jets in the longitudinal magnetic field of 0.6-0.8 MG was studied. Narrow plasma jets reached a length of 3-4 mm with the electron plasma density of (0.2-1.2)x10 20 cm -3 . A jet tip propagated with the velocity of 160-200 km/s. MHD simulations showed a good agreement of the dynamics of the formation of plasma jets with experiments. These jets are relevant to astrophysical jets. Simulations of K-shell spectra of Si plasma was performed for LPI in the B-field. The laser prepulse generated plasma near the laser target. A PrismSPECT model with a MeV electron beam produced by the laser was used. The spectral modelling showed the increased plasma density by a factor by 2-3 in the magnetic field. This was in agreement with the observed dynamics of the plasma plume confined by the axial magnetic field. The two-plasmon decay was studied in the 2.5-3 MG transversal magnetic fields. Strong 2-3.5 nm spectral widening and a 2-4 nm shifts of “red” and “blue” 3/2ω 0 spectral components were observed. The large shift and widening exceed the expected temperature and magnetic shift. PIC simulations are performing to clarify physics of this effect. The experimental research program for the grant is completed. New plasma effects in the MG fields were studied at the university-scale pulsed power generator. Two graduate and two undergraduate UNR and UR students carried experiments at the Zebra generator, supported and developed plasma diagnostics, provided data processing, and performed MHD simulations of LPI in the strong magnetic field. Research results are published in 9 referred papers and presented in 12 conferences. Program manager: Kramer U. Akli; Collaborators: R. C. Mancini and H. Sawada, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR); R. Betti and A. V. Maximov, University of Rochester (UR).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Advanced High Torque Density Magnetically Geared Generator

The objective of this research project was to investigate the fundamental torque density limitations of multistage flux focusing magnetic gears and magnetically geared direct-drive generators for wind turbines. Magnetic gears create non-contact speed amplification by modulating the air-gap magnetic field harmonics created by magnetic rotors. By integrating a stator into the magnetic gear structure a very high torque density direct-drive generator can be created. Magnetic geared systems offer unique capabilities that are currently not available using existing mechanically geared systems, such as overload protection. Magnetic gears also offer the potential for higher reliability, higher efficiency and quieter operation than is currently achievable using a mechanically geared generator. By increasing reliability and design life magnetic gears could decrease the overall life-cycle costs when compared with equivalent mechanical or direct-drive drivetrains. This research project investigated and experimentally testing two sub-scale magnetic gearboxes (0.12 m diameter) and two large diameter magnetic gearboxes (0.56m and 0.63m diameter). The goal of the project was to demonstrate a torque density >300Nm/L for a multistage magnetic gearbox with integrated stator. A nested multistage magnetic gear structure was first proposed and studied. However, it was shown that the nested design greatly increased mechanical complexity and therefore a two-stage series typology was utilized. A multi-stage magnetic gear with a 59:1 gear ratio was successfully experimentally tested. A peak torque of 4.25 kN·m was measured and this resulted in an overall active region torque density of 141 N·m/L (when including support rings). The torque density was significantly reduced from what was computed using 2-D electromagnetic analysis. This reduction was due to the 3-D edge effects, increased power losses and the inclusion of additional mechanical support rings as well as other mechanical assembly design changes. At large diameters contiguous lamination parts could not be fabricated and so a segmented laminated rotor design had to be used. This reduced the mechanical strength of the design when compared to small diameter magnetic gears and resulted in the need for the addition of mechanical support rings to prevent deflection. The final experimentally tested design also had a high torque ripple and the power loss within the magnetic gear did not change significantly with load. This therefore resulted in the efficiency being high only at peak loads. Despite not experimentally achieving the 2-D calculated high torque density the analysis has shown that the problems encountered with the scaling can be overcome with careful design changes. For example, understanding the unique mechanical deflection requirements during the electromagnetic design of the large diameter magnetic gears is key to achieving both a high torque density based on the electromagnetic analysis and a high torque density based on the mechanical support needs. Furthermore, ensuring that end plates are made of non-conductive material and minimizing other conductive support elements within the magnetic structure is a key requirement for reducing eddy current losses. In summary, if the mechanical design can be made more robust and eddy current loss mitigation strategies are used in the mechanical design phase then the magnetic gear is capable of being scaled up whilst operating at a very high torque density. This will then enable it to be potentially performance and cost competitive with alternative direct-drive and mechanically geared wind turbine drivetrains.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Final Report: Nanoscale Dynamical Heterogeneity in Complex Magnetic Materials

A magnetic object can be demagnetized by dropping it on a hard surface, but what does ‘demagnetized’ actually mean? In 1919 Heinrich Barkhausen proved the existence of magnetic domains, which are regions of uniform magnetization that are much larger than atoms but much smaller than a macroscopic object. A material is fully magnetized when domain magnetizations are aligned, while it is demagnetized when the domain magnetizations are randomly oriented and the net magnetization is zero. The heterogeneity of a demagnetized object leads to interesting questions. Magnets are unstable when their poles align, and stable when their poles anti-align, so why is the magnetized state ever stable? What do domains look like? What is the structure of a domain wall? How does the magnetized state transform to the demagnetized state? How do domains appear and disappear? What are the statistical properties of domains and how do these vary as the domain pattern evolves? Some of these questions remain the focus of intense study nearly a century after Barkhausen’s discovery. For example, just a few years ago a new kind of magnetic texture called a skyrmion was discovered. A skyrmion is a magnetic domain that is a nanometer-scale, topologically protected vortex. ‘Topologically protected’ means that skyrmions are hard to destroy and so are stable for extended periods. Skyrmions are characterized by integral quantum numbers and are observed to move with little dissipation and so could store and process information with very low power input. Our research project uses soft x-rays, which offer very high magnetic contrast, to probe magnetic heterogeneity and to measure how it evolves in time under external influences. We will condition a soft x-ray beam so that the wave fronts will be coherent, that is, they will be smooth and well-defined. When coherent soft x-ray beam interacts with a magnetic material, the magnetic heterogeneity is imprinted onto the wave fronts and projected into a diffraction pattern. These patterns will be analyzed to understand the structure, motion, and statistical properties of magnetic textures and their boundaries. Over the period covered by this grant we will study a) the structure, phase behaviors, and motion of skyrmions in various thin film materials, and 2) the statistical properties of Barkhausen cascades, which are a key factor in how magnetization varies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Design and Manufacture of Tunable Permanent Magnet Based Quadrupole for Next Generation Electron-Ion Colliders [Slides]

The goal of this project is to design and construct of a prototype of quadrupole permanent magnet for the magnet transport lattice for an electron-ion collider. The technical objectives are not only to achieve the field gradient of 34.42T/m in the region of interest, at a radius 16.0mm, relative to the quadrupole axis (z-axis), but also lower the unwanted field harmonics below one unit out of 10,000, especially for Sextupole, Octupole, and Decapole components. The innovation is 1) modular design for cost saving, and 2) adjusting mechanism of each modular magnet for field tuning. The 300-mm long, quadrupole magnet assembly consists of 12 modules of 100-mm long magnet. The magnetic field tuning was implemented by two ways: first, adjusting mechanically the pole tip position for a majority of field tuning, and second, applying the passive shims for a fine field tuning. The magnetic design and optimization of the quadrupole magnet was performed using finite element analysis. The permanent magnet choice was EEC-N44SH grade with the minimum coercivity of 987kA/m (12.4kOe), which has enhanced resistance to demagnetization due to the radiation. The 3D computer-aided design of quadrupole magnet assembly was created based on the magnetic design results. The overall dimensions are 514x500x300mm and its weight is ~470kg (1,050lbs). The weight and volume were minimized through the optimization. Electron Energy Corporation’s vertically integrated manufacturing capability and over 48-years magnet production experience enabled us to implement a “fast prototyping” process and build two quadrupole magnets. Using wire EDM machines, the pole tip profile was precisely fabricated within ±25µm tolerance. The field gradient 34.22T/m was measured using the real time data acquisition system and a 3D Hall probe mounted on the precision XYZ station with the resolution of 1µm (0.00004”). The magnetic field harmonics were measured using a harmonic coil at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY. Faro® laser tracker was used to track the position of each quadrupole while adjusting the pole location mechanically. The normal harmonics were measured up to 20-poles. Overall the 2 nd magnet test data is better than the 1st magnet because of a better symmetry. The adjusting pole technique was proved effective to lower the Sextupole harmonics from -3.14 to -0.71 unit. The Octupole harmonics was improved from -5.67 to -3.45 unit, still not satisfactory. It is found that the proposed approach is not practical and efficient in terms of the mass production although the modular concept can save the manufacturing cost. Another finding is in reality it is hard to adjust mechanically due to the limit of laser tracker resolution .001” and tweak magnetically the field due to the limited harmonics data. Importantly the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s harmonics data doesn’t indicate where the strong/weak field position, which requires another field map test at each measurement. To resolve these, two alternative solutions are introduced; 1) electromagnet correcting coils and 2) 8-pieces quadrupole magnet.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Programmable Ultralight Magnets via Orientational Arrangement of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles within Aerogel Hosts

The actuation and levitation of air-suspended objects by a magnetic field, due to its noncontact and holonomic manipulation modes, are important technological capabilities for device applications. However, owing to a higher density of conventional ferromagnets or nanoparticle-containing polymers and strong magnetic fields required for actuation, fabricating lightweight materials with a sensitive magnetic response for weight critical applications is challenging. Here, we report ultralight aerogel-based magnets (aero-magnets) comprising assembled ferromagnetic nanomaterials with highly magnetic anisotropy where the magnetic domains can be programmed by external predesigned fields. To demonstrate the breadth of manufacturing methods for this breed of aero-magnet composites, both silica/nanocellulose aerogel hosts and ferromagnetic nanorod/nanoplatelet guests have been explored. Single and double domains with out-of-plane magnetization are programmed into the aero-magnets and characterized by magnetic force microscopy. The levitation and actuation of the aero-magnets are realized while exposed to a small external magnetic field of 11 mT and introduced to a switching circuit. Furthermore, the elastic moduli of the aero-magnets are estimated by dynamic magnetic responses of the ferromagnetic nanoparticles tightly tethered in the aerogel hosts under rapid cyclic fields. These programmable aero-magnets could serve as monolithic magnetic actuator units in the fields of tiny robots and aerospace components.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Consequences of magnetic ordering in chiral M n 1 / 3 Nb S 2

We have investigated here the structural, magnetic, thermodynamic, and charge-transport properties of M n 1 / 3 Nb S 2 single crystals through x-ray and neutron diffraction, magnetization, specific heat, magnetoresistance, and Hall-effect measurements. M n 1 / 3 Nb S 2 displays a magnetic transition at T C ~ 45 K with highly anisotropic behavior expected for a hexagonal-structured material. Below T C , neutron diffraction reveals increased scattering near the structural Bragg peaks having a wider Q dependence along the c axis than the nuclear Bragg peaks. This indicates either a short-range ferromagnetic (FM) order with a domain size of ~250 nm along the c axis or a possible magnetic modulation with a large pitch length. The expectation of a significant Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in this chiral-structured magnet, along with the helical state discovered in isostructural C r 1 / 3 Nb S 2 , suggest either a long period helical state with q ~ 0.0025 Å - 1 , or FM regions separated by magnetic solitons, may be responsible for the apparent small size of the FM domains. Here, the domain length along the c axis is substantially larger than the pitch length of 48 nm found for the helimagnetic state in C r 1 / 3 Nb S 2 . Specific-heat-capacity measurements confirm a second-order magnetic phase transition with a substantial magnetic contribution that persists to low temperature. The low-temperature specific-heat capacity is consistent with a large density of low-lying magnetic excitations that are likely associated with topologically interesting magnetic modes. Changes to the magnetoresistance, the magnetization, and the magnetic neutron diffraction, which become more apparent below 20 K, imply a modification in the character of the magnetic ordering corresponding to the magnetic contribution to the specific-heat capacity. These determinations signify a more complex magnetic structure both at zero and finite fields for M n 1 / 3 Nb S 2 than for the well-investigated C r 1 / 3 Nb S 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Systematic parameter study of a nonlinear electromagnetic energy harvester with matched magnetic orientation: Numerical simulation and experimental investigation

Here, this paper reports the systematic parameter study of a tristable nonlinear electromagnetic energy harvester for ambient low-frequency vibration. Numerical simulations and experimental investigations are performed on the harvester which consists of a cantilever beam, a tip coil, two tip magnets and two external side magnets. The external side magnets are deployed symmetrically along a concave surface parallel to the trajectory of the cantilever tip with a controllable distance so that the magnetic orientation of the tip magnets are matched with that of the side magnets. Therefore, instead of the ternary position parameters (d, h, α), a binary parameters pair (d 0 , d) is used to characterize the position of the side magnets and the performance of the energy harvester. The magnetic force and magnetic field on the cantilever tip therefore depend on the relative distance in the tip displacement direction between the tip magnets and side magnets, but is independent of the position of the side magnets on the concave surface. The magnetic force (field)-distance relationship is measured experimentally and curve fitted to obtain explicit expressions, in order to characterize the magnetic force (field) when the side magnets are placed at varied positions along the concave surface. Numerical simulation is, then, performed to predict the electromagnetic voltage output and the bandwidth of the energy harvester. The simulation results coincided with the measured data. Significant broadband response is obtained experimentally and the maximum RMS power output is 40.2 mW at 0.45 g of excitation. Furthermore, the proposed structure showcasing the matched magnetic orientation is characterized by the binary parameters pair (d 0 , d) and the systematic parametric approach could contribute to the design and study of nonlinear broadband energy harvesters.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

SU-F-J-146: Experimental Validation of 6 MV Photon PDD in Parallel Magnetic Field Calculated by EGSnrc

Purpose: Integrated linac-MR systems are uniquely suited for real time tumor tracking during radiation treatment. Understanding the magnetic field dose effects and incorporating them in treatment planning is paramount for linac-MR clinical implementation. We experimentally validated the EGSnrc dose calculations in the presence of a magnetic field parallel to the radiation beam travel. Methods: Two cylindrical bore electromagnets produced a 0.21 T magnetic field parallel to the central axis of a 6 MV photon beam. A parallel plate ion chamber was used to measure the PDD in a polystyrene phantom, placed inside the bore in two setups: phantom top surface coinciding with the magnet bore center (183 cm SSD), and with the magnet bore’s top surface (170 cm SSD). We measured the field of the magnet at several points and included the exact dimensions of the coils to generate a 3D magnetic field map in a finite element model. BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc simulated the PDD experiments in parallel magnetic field (i.e. 3D magnetic field included) and with no magnetic field. Results: With the phantom surface at the top of the electromagnet, the surface dose increased by 10% (compared to no-magnetic field), due to electrons being focused by the smaller fringe fields of the electromagnet. With the phantom surface at the bore center, the surface dose increased by 30% since extra 13 cm of air column was in relatively higher magnetic field (>0.13T) in the magnet bore. EGSnrc Monte Carlo code correctly calculated the radiation dose with and without the magnetic field, and all points passed the 2%, 2 mm Gamma criterion when the ion chamber’s entrance window and air cavity were included in the simulated phantom. Conclusion: A parallel magnetic field increases the surface and buildup dose during irradiation. The EGSnrc package can model these magnetic field dose effects accurately. Dr. Fallone is a co-founder and CEO of MagnetTx Oncology Solutions (under discussions to license Alberta bi-planar linac MR for commercialization).

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Magnetic fly-ash geopolymer for heavy metal removal in aqueous solutions

Novel magnetic geopolymers were manufactured by synthesizing magnetic Fe 3 O 4 particles on the surface of prepared geopolymer (Method 1) or by incorporating pre-synthesized magnetic Fe 3 O 4 particles into the geopolymer during the manufacture of the geopolymer (Method 2). This study evaluated the effect of the incorporated magnetic Fe 3 O 4 on the geopolymer magnetic, physical, and adsorption properties and its separation in aqueous solutions. Based on several preliminary measurements on the synthesized magnetic geopolymers, Method 2 was found to be a better method for producing magnetic geopolymer. Magnetic geopolymer synthesized by Method 2 exhibited ferromagnetic properties comparable to that of magnetic Fe 3 O 4 , with a saturation magnetization of 8 emu·g −1 and an intrinsic coercivity of 265 Oe. The magnetic geopolymer was efficiently separated from an aqueous solution within 2 min using a 0.48-T magnetic field. In addition, the magnetic geopolymer has a maximum copper adsorption capacity of 111.1 mg·g −1 , which was similar to the non-magnetic reference geopolymer indicating that the addition of magnetic Fe 3 O 4 did not compromise the geopolymer adsorption capacity. The magnetic geopolymer is a promising material with good adsorption and separation properties that can be used for heavy metals removal and recovery in wastewater and metals separation in industrial processes.

fly ash↗