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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

DSS-14 subreflector actuator dynamics during the Landers earthquake

The 28 Jun. 1992 Landers earthquake ground motion records at the Echo site (DSS-12 antenna) were adjusted to provide a better match with spectra from the measured Mars site (DSS-14 antenna) instrument tower response. A finite-element model of the antenna structural system was analyzed for response to this ground motion. Dynamic forces and displacements were computed in the locality of components that had failed during the earthquake. Calculated forces in the range of 30,000 to 35,000 lb on failed Y-axis actuator U-joints were consistent with laboratory load tests. The load capacity of these joints was found to be below the range of 34,000 to 42,000 lb. Dynamic amplification factors of from 6 to 16 were computed for the quadripod apex accelerations with respect to the ground accelerations. The largest factor--25--was found at the outboard end of the X-actuator.

Levy, R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

RF Sources for Electron Accelerators With a focus on high-duty-factor, low-to-moderate energy architectures

A charged particle, such as an electron or a proton, is accelerated through its interaction with either a static (DC) or time-varying (RF) electric field. The magnitude of the accelerating field, or gradient, is typically given in units of volts per meter; in charged-particle accelerators, fields are usually expressed as kV/m or MV/m. The energy of the accelerated particle is usually expressed in terms of electron volts, or eV. An electron starting at rest at ground potential, and accelerated to an electrode with a potential of 1 kV, will have an energy of 1 keV.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Controlling Oxidation of Nb in Oxygen Abundant Environments

Modern particle accelerators depend on Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities made from high-purity niobium (Nb) to achieve optimal performance, including high quality factors and strong accelerating gradients. However, when exposed to air, niobium naturally forms a complex oxide layer that can introduce surface imperfections and carbon contamination. This work examines an alternative oxidation strategy under oxygen-rich conditions to better regulate the oxide formation process. The ultimate objective is to improve surface uniformity and cleanliness, thereby reducing defect density and enhancing performance. We used Confocal Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze surface changes. We used standard metrics, like Arithmetic Average Roughness (Ra) and Root Mean Square (Rq). Three oxidation methods were applied: short, extended, and a repeated HF and H₂O₂ oxidation process. Preliminary results show promising reductions in carbon contamination and surface defects.

Romero, Juan [Fermilab]↗
NASA NTRS1983

The association of energetic particles and shocks in the heliosphere

The observational and theoretical work on heliospheric shocks and cosmic rays in the recent past is surveyed. The data have come mainly from spacecraft in the regions from 0.3-25 AU, and include detection of particles and plasma waves upstream of the earth's bow shock. The theory of shock acceleration is reviewed, together with analytical models of energetic particle enhancement in association with shocks or shocks within the heliosphere. It has been determined that shocks in the heliosphere are associated with energetic suprathermal particles, which are conversely all associated with shocks. Solar cosmic rays and other anomalous components are therefore accelerated by shocks, a factor that is significant for studies of the acceleration mechanisms for galactic cosmic rays. The Solar Polar Mission will provide data on all solar latitudes, and the ISEE-3 spacecraft will continue to gather information on shock accelerated ions in travelling interplanetary shock waves.

Lee, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Microgravity Environment Description Handbook

The Microgravity Measurement and Analysis Project (MMAP) at the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) manages the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) and the Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE) instruments to measure the microgravity environment on orbiting space laboratories. These laboratories include the Spacelab payloads on the shuttle, the SPACEHAB module on the shuttle, the middeck area of the shuttle, and Russia's Mir space station. Experiments are performed in these laboratories to investigate scientific principles in the near-absence of gravity. The microgravity environment desired for most experiments would have zero acceleration across all frequency bands or a true weightless condition. This is not possible due to the nature of spaceflight where there are numerous factors which introduce accelerations to the environment. This handbook presents an overview of the major microgravity environment disturbances of these laboratories. These disturbances are characterized by their source (where known), their magnitude, frequency and duration, and their effect on the microgravity environment. Each disturbance is characterized on a single page for ease in understanding the effect of a particular disturbance. The handbook also contains a brief description of each laboratory.

DeLombard, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1981

Susceptibility of materials processing experiments to low-level accelerations

The types of material processing experiments being considered for shuttle can be grouped into four categories: (1) contained solidification experiment; (2) quasicontainerless experiments; (3) containerless experiments; and (4) fluids experiments. Low level steady acceleration, compensated and uncompensated transient accelerations, and rotation induced flow factors that must be considered in the acceleration environment of a space vehicle whose importance depends on the type of experiment being performed. Some control of these factors may be exercised by the location and orientation of the experiment relative to shuttle and by the orbit vehicle attitude chosen for mission. The effects of the various residual accelerations can have serious consequence to the control of the experiment and must be factored into the design and operation of the apparatus.

Naumann, R. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advances in secondary ion mass spectrometry for N-doped niobium

Accurate secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurement of nitrogen in niobium relies on the use of closely equivalent standards, made by ion implantation, to convert nitrogen signal intensity to nitrogen content by determination of relative sensitivity factors (RSFs). Accurate RSF values for ppm-range nitrogen contents are increasingly critical, as more precision is sought in processes for next-generation superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) accelerator cavities. Furthermore, factors influencing RSF value measurements were investigated with the aim of reliably attaining better than 10% accuracy in nitrogen concentrations at various depths into the bulk. This has been accomplished for materials typical of SRF cavities at the cost of increased attention to all aspects.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Accelerated impurity solver for DMFT and its diagrammatic extensions

Here, we present ComCTQMC, a GPU accelerated quantum impurity solver. It uses the continuous-time quantum Monte Carlo (CTQMC) algorithm wherein the partition function is expanded in terms of the hybridisation function (CT-HYB). ComCTQMC supports both partition and worm-space measurements, and it uses improved estimators and the reduced density matrix to improve observable measurements whenever possible. ComCTQMC efficiently measures all one and two-particle Green's functions, all static observables which commute with the local Hamiltonian, and the occupation of each impurity orbital. ComCTQMC can solve complex-valued impurities with crystal fields that are hybridized to both fermionic and bosonic baths. Most importantly, ComCTQMC utilizes graphical processing units (GPUs), if available, to dramatically accelerate the CTQMC algorithm when the Hilbert space is sufficiently large. We demonstrate acceleration by a factor of over 600 (100) in a simulation of δ-Pu at 600 K with (without) crystal fields. In easier problems, the GPU offers less impressive acceleration or even decelerates the CTQMC. Here we describe the theory, algorithms, and structure used by ComCTQMC in order to achieve this set of features and level of acceleration.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1988

Eulerian measurements of horizontal accelerations in shoaling gravity waves

Laboratory and field measurements of suspended sediment in the nearshore suggest that fluid accelerations are an important factor in sediment transport by oscillatory waves. Here, Eulerian accelerations of the cross-shore velocity are calculated from measurements of velocity obtained by an array of bottom-mounted electromagnetic flow meters spanning a natural surf zone. Large shoreward accelerations of brief duration are associated with the steep front faces of both near-breaking and breaking waves. Weaker offshore accelerations of longer duration occur during passage of the more gently sloped rear faces. The acceleration field is thus strongly skewed in the shoreward direction. Power spectra and bispectra indicate, as expected, that statistics of the acceleration field are significantly influenced by high-frequency motions but are rather insensitive to surf beat.

Elgar, Steve↗
NASA NTRS1994

Personal cooling systems: Possibilities and limitations

Personal thermal control by means of gas- or liquid-conditioned garments was developed during the 1960s and has been applied in a variety of aerospace and industrial settings. Both USAF fighter pilots and astronauts are required to wear heavy protective clothing which insulates them from the environment and thus creates stress through storage of metabolic heat. The problem is particularly severe in astronauts who perform heavy physical work during extra-vehicular activity (EVA); without artificial cooling they could reach incapacitating hyperthermia in a matter of minutes. This paper reviews the factors which influence the design of personal cooling systems. An important early step is determination of acceptable heat stress level, taking into account possible interactions of heat stress with other physiological problems such as motion sickness, diminished plasma volume, decompression sickness and acceleration tolerance. Other factors which require consideration include the work schedule, the area to be covered by the cooling garment, and the practicalities of a fixed or body-mounted heat sink and its power source. Nearly every imaginable heat sink has been proposed or tried over the past 30 years, including direct gas systems, phase-change systems with open or closed loops and thermoelectric heat sinks. The latter are now the system of choice for aircraft.

Nunneley, Sarah A.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Accelerated Weak Signal Search Using Mode Entanglement and State Swapping

Quantum fluctuations constitute the primary noise barrier limiting cavity-based axion-dark-matter searches. In an experiment designed to mimic a real axion search, we employ a quantum enhanced sensing technique to detect a synthetic axionlike microwave tone at an unknown frequency weakly coupled to a resonator, demonstrating a factor-of-5.6 acceleration relative to a quantum limited search for the same tone. This speed-up is achieved by dynamically coupling the resonator mode to a second (readout) mode with balanced swapping and two-mode squeezing interactions, which results in both visibility-bandwidth and peak-visibility increase. A small fractional imbalance between the two interaction rates yields further scan-rate enhancement and we demonstrate that an eightfold acceleration can be achieved.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1982

Asymmetric emission-line regions with out-flowing mass in QSOs and the z/ab/ at least equal to z/em/ systems

A heuristic asymmetrical model for a quasar emission-line region, with material streaming out, is described. The physical parameters are essentially the same as those of static models; the geometry turns out to be the dominant factor in determining the emission line profiles. Calculations are carried out for a variety of parameterized flow models and for the Blumenthal and Mathews (1975) theoretical model of a radiatively driven flow. The emission-line profiles are insensitive to the details of the acceleration, the filling factor, and the ionization profile. Absorption is assumed to take place in stationary matter in the QSO's galaxy or associated group or cluster, so that z(ab) is identified with the cosmological redshift. Due to the flow, the emission-lines are shifted with respect to the absorption-lines; in cases of a flow directed towards the observer systems with z(ab) at least equal to z(em) result. The distribution of absorption redshifts is symmetric about z(em).

Goldman, I.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Equidistant optimization of elliptical superconducting rf standing wave cavities

A record accelerating rate was achieved earlier in standing wave (SW) SRF cavities when their shape was optimized for a lower peak surface magnetic field sacrificing the peak surface electric field. In view of new materials with higher limiting magnetic fields, expected for SRF cavities, in the first line of the Nb 3 Sn, the approach to optimization of cavity shape should be revised. A method of equidistant optimization, offered earlier for traveling wave (TW) cavities is applied to SW cavities. It is shown here that without limitation by magnetic field, the maximal accelerating rate is defined not only by limitations of the electric field but to a significant degree by the cavity shape. For example, for a cavity with the aperture radius of $R$ $a$ = 35 mm, the minimal ratio of the peak surface electric field to the accelerating rate is about $E$ pk / $E$ acc = 1.54. So, with the maximal surface field experimentally achieved $E$ pk ~ 125 MV / m, the maximal achievable accelerating rate is about 80 MeV / m even if there are no restrictions by the magnetic field. Optimized cavity shapes with and without limitations by a magnetic field are presented. Another opportunity—optimization for a low magnetic field, is opening for the same material, Nb 3 Sn, with the purpose of having a high-quality factor and increased accelerating rate that can be used for industrial linacs with cryocooler-based cooling scheme.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2021

Constraining particle acceleration in Sgr A? with simultaneous GRAVITY, Spitzer, NuSTAR, and Chandra observations

We report the time-resolved spectral analysis of a bright near-infrared and moderate X-ray flare of Sgr A⋆. We obtained light curves in the M, K, and H bands in the mid- and near-infrared and in the 2 − 8 keV and 2 − 70 keV bands in the X-ray. The observed spectral slope in the near-infrared band is νLν ∝ ν0.5 ± 0.2; the spectral slope observed in the X-ray band is νLν ∝ ν−0.7 ± 0.5. Using a fast numerical implementation of a synchrotron sphere with a constant radius, magnetic field, and electron density (i.e., a one-zone model), we tested various synchrotron and synchrotron self-Compton scenarios. The observed near-infrared brightness and X-ray faintness, together with the observed spectral slopes, pose challenges for all models explored. We rule out a scenario in which the near-infrared emission is synchrotron emission and the X-ray emission is synchrotron self-Compton. Two realizations of the one-zone model can explain the observed flare and its temporal correlation: one-zone model in which the near-infrared and X-ray luminosity are produced by synchrotron self-Compton and a model in which the luminosity stems from a cooled synchrotron spectrum. Both models can describe the mean spectral energy distribution (SED) and temporal evolution similarly well. In order to describe the mean SED, both models require specific values of the maximum Lorentz factor γmax, which differ by roughly two orders of magnitude. The synchrotron self-Compton model suggests that electrons are accelerated to γmax ∼ 500, while cooled synchrotron model requires acceleration up to γmax ∼ 5 × 104. The synchrotron self-Compton scenario requires electron densities of 1010 cm−3 that are much larger than typical ambient densities in the accretion flow. Furthermore, it requires a variation of the particle density that is inconsistent with the average mass-flow rate inferred from polarization measurements and can therefore only be realized in an extraordinary accretion event. In contrast, assuming a source size of 1 RS, the cooled synchrotron scenario can be realized with densities and magnetic fields comparable with the ambient accretion flow. For both models, the temporal evolution is regulated through the maximum acceleration factor γmax, implying that sustained particle acceleration is required to explain at least a part of the temporal evolution of the flare.

R. Abuter↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fundamentals of Spark-Plasma Sintering (Final Report)

This project was focused on the development of the general theory of spark-plasma sintering (SPS) taking into account the role of both thermal and non-thermal factors in the acceleration of SPS mass transport. SPS is a particular kind of field-assisted sintering, which provides potentially revolutionary capabilities to the processing of materials into configurations previously unattainable. This approach significantly improves the processing time- and quality-wise. It carries the potential of maintaining the nano and sub-micron structure in nano-powder-based materials after consolidation. SPS gains particular prominence in connection with its exceptional potential of rapid and ultra-rapid processing of very hard-to-deform materials, which would typically require lengthy consolidation times at significantly elevated temperatures under conditions of conventional powder pressing or sintering. The achievement of the ultimate goal of the formulation of the general theory of spark plasma sintering required the identification of the contributions of all the thermal and non-thermal factors in the enhancement of mass transport under SPS processing conditions. As our research indicated, this enhancement is mostly reduced to the creation of the conditions of controlled non-equilibrium, which is especially important in ultra-rapid field-assisted sintering techniques. Thus, the main project objective was the analysis of the SPS physical basis at multiple scales specifically exploring the role of electric current in the acceleration of mass transport and with an emphasis on the conditions of controlled non-equilibrium.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Converting 2D Nanofiber Membranes to 3D Hierarchical Assemblies with Structural and Compositional Gradients Regulates Cell Behavior

Abstract New methods are described for converting 2D electrospun nanofiber membranes to 3D hierarchical assemblies with structural and compositional gradients. Pore‐size gradients are generated by tuning the expansion of 2D membranes in different layers with incorporation of various amounts of a surfactant during the gas‐foaming process. The gradient in fiber organizations is formed by expanding 2D nanofiber membranes composed of multiple regions collected by varying rotating speeds of mandrel. A compositional gradient on 3D assemblies consisting of radially aligned nanofibers is prepared by dripping, diffusion, and crosslinking. Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the 3D nanofiber assemblies with smaller pore size show significantly higher expression of hypoxia‐related markers and enhanced chondrogenic differentiation compared to BMSCs cultured on the assemblies with larger pore size. The basic fibroblast growth factor gradient can accelerate fibroblast migration from the surrounding area to the center in an in vitro wound healing model. Taken together, 3D nanofiber assemblies with gradients in pore sizes, fiber organizations, and contents of signaling molecules can be used to engineer tissue constructs for tissue repair and build biomimetic disease models for studying disease biology and screening drugs, in particular, for interface tissue engineering and modeling.

Chen, Shixuan↗
DOE OSTI2020

Grain-boundary structure and segregation in Nb 3 Sn coatings on Nb for high-performance superconducting radiofrequency cavity applications

Here, we report on atomic-scale analyses of grain boundary (GB) structures and segregation in Nb 3 Sn coatings on Nb, prepared by the vapor-diffusion process, for superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavity applications, utilizing atom-probe tomography, high-resolution scanning transmission electron-microscopy and first-principles calculations. We demonstrate that the chemical composition of Nb 3 Sn GBs is correlated strongly with the diffusion of Sn and Nb at GBs during the coating process. In a sample coated with a relatively large Sn flux, we observe an interfacial width of Sn segregation at a GB of ~3 nm, with a maximum concentration of ~35 at.%. After post-annealing at 1100 °C for 3 h, the Sn segregated at GBs disappears and Nb segregation is observed subsequently at GBs, indicating that Nb diffused into the Nb3Sn GBs from the Nb substrate. It is also demonstrated that the amount of Sn segregation in a Nb 3 Sn coating can be controlled by: (i) Sn flux; and (ii) the temperatures of the Nb substrates and Sn source, which may affect the overall kinetics including GB diffusion of Sn and Nb. An investigation of the correlation between the chemical compositions of GBs and Nb 3 Sn SRF cavity performance reveals that the Nb 3 Sn SRF cavities with the best performance (high-quality factors at high accelerating electric-field gradients) do not exhibit Sn segregation at GBs. Our results suggest that the chemical compositions of GBs in Nb 3 Sn coatings for SRF cavities can be controlled by GB engineering and can be utilized to optimize fabrication of high-quality Nb 3 Sn coatings for SRF cavities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗