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At least 145 records · Page 8

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2025

Experimental and theoretical evidence of universality in superfluid vortex reconnections

The minimum separation between reconnecting vortices in fluids and superfluids obeys a universal scaling law with respect to time. The prereconnection and the postreconnection prefactors of this scaling law are different, a property related to irreversibility and to energy transfer and dissipation mechanisms. In the present work, we determine the temperature dependence of these prefactors in superfluid helium from experiments and a numeric model which fully accounts for the coupled dynamics of the superfluid vortex lines and the thermal normal fluid component. At all temperatures, we observe a pre- and postreconnection asymmetry similar to that observed in other superfluids and in classical viscous fluids, indicating that vortex reconnections display a universal behavior independent of the small-scale regularizing dynamics. We also numerically show that each vortex reconnection event represents a sudden injection of energy in the normal fluid. Finally we argue that in a turbulent flow, these punctuated energy injections can sustain the normal fluid in a perturbed state, provided that the density of superfluid vortices is large enough.

Reconnections↗

NASA NTRS1985

Is the Ratio of Observed X-ray Luminosity to Bolometric Luminosity in Early-type Stars Really a Constant?

The observed X-ray emission from early-type stars can be explained by the recombination stellar wind model (or base coronal model). The model predicts that the true X-ray luminosity from the base coronal zone can be 10 to 1000 times greater than the observed X-ray luminosity. From the models, scaling laws were found for the true and observed X-ray luminosities. These scaling laws predict that the ratio of the observed X-ray luminosity to the bolometric luminosity is functionally dependent on several stellar parameters. When applied to several other O and B stars, it is found that the values of the predicted ratio agree very well with the observed values.

Waldron, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Observational signatures of nonlinear magnetotail particle dynamics

It has been predicted that the nonlinear particle dynamics in the magnetotail leads to a class of resonance structures in the quiet-time ion distribution functions in the central plasma sheet (CPS). These structures exhibit a scaling law of H to the 1/4 power. The first identification of such a scaling law in quiet-time CPS distribution functions obtained aboard ISEE 1 is reported. A method is proposed which uses the observed resonance structures to determine the quiet-time current sheet thickness based on a measurement of the distribution function and magnetic field obtained by one satellite.

Chen, James↗

NASA NTRS1972

Thermal dynamic modeling study

Some thermal dynamic requirements associated with the space shuttle vehicle are reviewed. Pertinent scaling laws are discussed and recommendations are offered regarding the need for conducting reduced-scale dynamic tests of major components at elevated temperatures. Items considered are the development and interpretation of thermal dynamic structural scaling laws, the identification of major related problem areas and a presentation of viable model fabrication, instrumentation, and test procedures.

Ojalvo, I. U.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Chromospheric extents predicted by time-dependent acoustic wave models

Theoretical models for chromospheric structures of late-type giant stars are computed, including the time-dependent propagation of acoustic waves. Models with short-period monochromatic shock waves as well as a spectrum of acoustic waves are discussed, and the method is applied to the stars Arcturus, Aldebaran, and Betelgeuse. Chromospheric extent, defined as the monotonic decrease with height of the time-averaged electron densities, are found to be 1.12, 1.13, and 1.22 stellar radii for the three stars, respectively; this corresponds to a time-averaged electron density of 10 to the 7th/cu cm. Predictions of the extended chromospheric obtained using a simple scaling law agree well with those obtained by the time-dependent wave models; thus, the chromospheres of all stars for which the scaling law is valid consist of the same number of pressure scale heights.

Cuntz, Manfred↗

NASA NTRS1992

The scaling of relativistic double-year widths - Poisson-Vlasov solutions and particle-in-cell simulations

The study of relativistic plasma double layers is described through the solution of the one-dimensional, unmagnetized, steady-state Poisson-Vlasov equations and by means of one-dimensional, unmagnetized, particle-in-cell simulations. The thickness vs potential-drop scaling law is extended to relativistic potential drops and relativistic plasma temperatures. The transition in the scaling law for 'strong' double layers suggested by analytical two-beam models by Carlqvist (1982) is confirmed, and causality problems of standard double-layer simulation techniques applied to relativistic plasma systems are discussed.

Sulkanen, Martin E.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electron-Only Magnetic Reconnection and Inverse Magnetic-Energy Transfer at Subion Scales

We derive, and validate numerically, an analytical model for electron-only magnetic reconnection applicable to strongly magnetized plasmas. Our model predicts subion-scale reconnection rates significantly higher than those pertaining to large-scale reconnection, aligning with recent observations and simulations. Here, we apply this reconnection model to the problem of inverse magnetic energy transfer at subion scales. We derive time-dependent scaling laws for the magnetic energy decay and the typical magnetic structure dimensions that differ from those previously found in the magnetohydrodynamics regime. These scaling laws are validated via two- and three-dimensional simulations, demonstrating that subion-scale magnetic fields can reach large, system-size scales via successive coalescence.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2025

Water under hydrophobic confinement: entropy and diffusion

The properties of liquid water are known to change drastically in confined geometries. A most interesting and intriguing phenomenon is that the diffusion of water is found to be strongly enhanced by the proximity of a hydrophobic confining wall relative to the bulk diffusion. We report a molecular dynamics simulation using a classical water model investigating the water diffusion near a non-interacting smooth confining wall, which is assumed to imitate a hydrophobic surface, revealing a pronounced diffusion enhancement within several water layers adjacent to the wall. We present evidence that the observed diffusion enhancement can be accounted for, with a quantitative accuracy, using the universal scaling law for liquid diffusion that relates the diffusion rate to the excess entropy. These results show that the scaling law, which has so far only been used for the description of the diffusion in simple liquids, can successfully describe the diffusion in water. It is shown that the law can be used for the analysis of water dynamics under nanoscale hydrophobic confinement, which is currently a subject of intense research activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2025

System size and energy dependence of the mean transverse momentum fluctuations at the LHC

Event-by-event fluctuations of the event-wise mean transverse momentum, $\langle$p T $\rangle$, of charged particles produced in proton–proton (pp) collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 5.02 TeV, Xe–Xe collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.44 TeV, and Pb–Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV are studied using the ALICE detector based on the integral correlator $\langle$$\langle$Δp T Δp T $\rangle$$\rangle$. The correlator strength is found to decrease monotonically with increasing produced charged-particle multiplicity measured at midrapidity in all three systems. In Xe–Xe and Pb–Pb collisions, the multiplicity dependence of the correlator deviates significantly from a simple power-law scaling as well as from the predictions of the HIJING and AMPT models. The observed deviation from power-law scaling is expected from transverse radial flow in semicentral to central Xe–Xe and Pb–Pb collisions. In pp collisions, the correlation strength is also studied by classifying the events based on the transverse spherocity, S 0 , of the particle production at midrapidity, used as a proxy for the presence of a pronounced back-to-back jet topology. Low-spherocity (jetty) events feature a larger correlation strength than those with high spherocity (isotropic). The strength and multiplicity dependence of jetty and isotropic events are well reproduced by calculations with the PYTHIA 8 and EPOS LHC models.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1989

Theory of droplet. Part 1: Renormalized laws of droplet vaporization in non-dilute sprays

The vaporization of a droplet, interacting with its neighbors in a non-dilute spray environment is examined as well as a vaporization scaling law established on the basis of a recently developed theory of renormalized droplet. The interacting droplet consists of a centrally located droplet and its vapor bubble which is surrounded by a cloud of droplets. The distribution of the droplets and the size of the cloud are characterized by a pair-distribution function. The vaporization of a droplet is retarded by the collective thermal quenching, the vapor concentration accumulated in the outer sphere, and by the limited percolative passages for mass, momentum and energy fluxes. The retardation is scaled by the local collective interaction parameters (group combustion number of renormalized droplet, droplet spacing, renormalization number and local ambient conditions). The numerical results of a selected case study reveal that the vaporization correction factor falls from unity monotonically as the group combustion number increases, and saturation is likely to occur when the group combustion number reaches 35 to 40 with interdroplet spacing of 7.5 diameters and an environment temperature of 500 K. The scaling law suggests that dense sprays can be classified into: (1) a diffusively dense cloud characterized by uniform thermal quenching in the cloud; (2) a stratified dense cloud characterized by a radial stratification in temperature by the differential thermal quenching of the cloud; or (3) a sharply dense cloud marked by fine structure in the quasi-droplet cloud and the corresponding variation in the correction factor due to the variation in the topological structure of the cloud characterized by a pair-distribution function of quasi-droplets.

Chiu, H. H.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Theories of Simplification and Scaling of Spatially Distributed Processes

The problem of scaling is at the heart of ecological theory, the essence of understanding and of the development of a predictive capability. The description of any system depends on the spatial, temporal, and organizational perspective chosen; hence it is essential to understand not only how patterns and dynamics vary with scale, but also how patterns at one scale are manifestations of processes operating at other scales. Evolution has shaped the characteristics of species in ways that result in scale displacement: Each species experiences the environment at its own unique set of spatial and temporal scales and interfaces the biota through unique assemblages of phenotypes. In this way, coexistence becomes possible, and biodiversity is enhanced. By averaging over space, time, and biological interactions, a genotype filters variation at fine scales and selects the arena in which it will face the vicissitudes of nature. Variation at finer scales is then noise, of minor importance to the survival and dynamics of the species, and consequently of minor importance in any attempt at description. In attempting to model ecological interactions in space, contributors throughout this book have struggled with a trade-off between simplification and "realistic" complexity and detail. Although the challenge of simplification is widely recognized in ecology, less appreciated is the intertwining of scaling questions and scaling laws with the process of simplification. In the context of this chapter simplification will in general mean the use of spatial or ensemble means and low-order moments to capture more detailed interactions by integrating over given areas. In this way, one can derive descriptions of the system at different spatial scales, which provides the essentials for the extraction of scaling laws by examination of how system properties vary with scale.

Levin, Simon A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Test of Sigmund scaling for low collision energies

A scaling law that describes the most probable vibrorotational excitation in ion-molecule collisions has recently been extended by Sigmund (1981) to cover polyatomic targets. The predictions of this scaling law are examined for collisions of Cl(-) and K(+) with the targets O2, N2, CO, CO2, and CH4 in the energy range 50-200 eV. The experimental results do not all scale according to the theory. The study does demonstrate the usefulness of the scaling variables when examining the most probable vibrorotational excitation in ion-molecule collisions. A collection of isoelectronic scattering results is presented.

Vedder, M.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Modeling of Stress and Temperature Effects on Creep of Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic Steel Alloy F82H (Tertiary Creep Modeling of RAFM Steel)

A Bayesian optimization procedure is presented for calibrating a multi-mechanism micromechanical model for creep to experimental data of F82H steel. Reduced activation ferritic martensitic (RAFM) steels based on are the most promising candidates for some fusion reactor structures. Although there are indications that RAFM steel could be viable for fusion applications at temperatures up to 600 °C, the maximum operating temperature will be determined by the creep properties of the structural material and the breeder material compatibility with the structural material. Due to the relative paucity of available creep data on F82H steel compared to other alloys such as Grade 91 steel, micromechanical models are sought for simulating creep based on relevant deformation mechanisms. As a point of departure, this work recalibrates a model form that was previously proposed for Grade 91 steel to match creep curves for F82H steel. Due to the large number of parameters (9) and cost of the nonlinear simulations, an automated approach for tuning the parameters is pursued using a recently developed Bayesian optimization for functional output (BOFO) framework [1]. Incorporating extensions such as batch sequencing and weighted experimental load cases into BOFO, a reasonably small error between experimental and simulated creep curves at two load levels is achieved in a reasonable number of iterations. Validation with an additional creep curve provides confidence in the fitted parameters obtained from the automated calibration procedure to describe the creep behavior of F82H steel at 600 °C. The model is further extended using a temperature dependent scaling law approach to simulate creep response between 550 °C and 650 °C. The efficacy of this extension is compared with the previously used scaling law approach for Grade 91 steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1992

Microburst modelling and scaling

A microburst can be modeled by releasing a volume of fluid that is slightly heavier than the ambient fluid, allowing it to fall onto a horizontal surface. Vorticity develops on the sides of this parcel as it descends and causes it to roll up into a turbulent vortex ring which impinges on the ground. Such a model exhibits many of the features of naturally occurring microbursts which are a hazard to aviation. In this paper this model is achieved experimentally by releasing a volume of salt water into fresh water from a cylindrical dispenser. When care is taken with the release the spreading rate of the surface outflow is measurable and quite repeatable despite the fact that the flow is turbulent. An elementary numerical approximation to this model, based on inviscid vortex dynamics, has also been developed. A scaling law is proposed which allows experiments with different fluid densities to be compared with each other and with the numerical results. More importantly the scaling law makes it possible to compare the model results with real microbursts.

Lundgren, T. S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Comparison of projected critical currents in PbMo6S8 and Nb3Ge

Critical current densities, Jc, of sputtered Chevrel phase PbMo6S8 films have been measured as a function of field to 19 T at several temperatures. The pinning forces were found to obey a scaling law. Assuming an effective upper critical field Bc2 = 45 T, an effective critical temperature Tc = 13 K, together with empirical estimates of numerical factors in the scaling law, the upper limits for critical current density Jc in PbMo6S8 are estimated. Comparisons are made with estimates of Jc for Nb3Ge at 4.2 K. A crossover of Jc vs. B is found for B of the order of 25 to 30 T. Below this point, Nb3Ge is projected to have a higher critical current density. Thus practical use of Chevrel materials in high field magnets only appears to be competitive with Nb3Ge for fields above 25 to 30 T.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Model rotor low frequency broadband noise at moderate tip speeds

The results of an experimental investigation of low frequency broadband noise (LFBN) radiated from model helicopter rotors are presented. The results are for a range of tip Mach numbers (Mt) up to 0.50. The effect of rotor blade loading, advance ratio, tip speed, number of blades and free stream turbulence on the sound pressure level (SPL) and the spectrum of LFBN have been investigated. The peak SPL of LFBN appears to follow an M(4) law if the effect of rms turbulence velocity is removed. The peak SPL of LFBN seems to saturate with increases in advance ratio and with blade loading, and is proportional to the square of the turbulence integral scale when the effect of rms turbulence velocity and Mt are removed. Also, a simple peak SPL scaling law for noise from a helicopter rotor in forward flight due to convected sinusoidal gust is developed. The trend predicted by this scaling law is found to be satisfactory for the variation of the peak SPL of LFBN with tip speed.

Humbad, N. G.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The thermal statics of coronal loops

The thermal statics of constant pressure coronal loops is discussed, with particular emphasis on non-equilibrium and scaling relations. An analytical solution showing explicitly the occurrence of non-equilibrium in radiation dominated loops is presented. In addition, the general scaling law for hot loops is given. However, in view of the uncertainties in the coronal heating function and the observational determined loop parameters, it is suggested that scaling laws are currently of limited value.

Roberts, B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Search for 511 keV electron-positron annihilation radiation from mildly active galaxies using the HEAO 3 gamma-ray spectrometer

The HEAO 3 spacecraft's gamma-ray spectrometer has been used to obtain upper limits to the 511-keV electron-positron annihilation line flux from seven galaxies: M 81/M 82, NGC 4278, M 104, NGC 6500, NGC 2911, and NGC 262. These appear to contain scaled-up versions of the radio source in the galactic center, and their nonthermal activity appears to be confined to the central regions, implying that energetic particles produced in these nuclei do not escape into the low density regions of interstellar or intergalactic space. On the basis of the scaling law adopted, six of these seven galaxies should have been detected above the upper limits obtained for narrow 511 keV emission. Explanations are adduced which account for the scaling law's failure to predict the correct level of radiation annihilation.

Marscher, A. P.↗