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Results for “General Accelerator Theory”

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 19 records

Magnetotail acceleration using generalized drift theory - A kinetic merging scenario

It is possible to describe particle behavior in the magnetotail, including particle energization, by means of generalized drift theory. Generalized drift velocities are obtained by using the generalized first invariant which has been shown to be useful in such current sheet configurations. Particles whose generalized invariant is preserved gain energy entirely in the field-aligned direction. The form of the accelerated particle velocity distribution is obtained and self-consistency conditions are derived.

Whipple, E. C.↗

New SC Algorithm for MAD-X

MAD-X allows to simulate space-charge effects by approximating the macroparticle ensemble with a Gaussian distribution and using analytic formulas for calculation of the space-charge kick at locations which should be chosen in advance e.g. with V. Kapin’s external code. The new MAD-X version features two innovations: a symplectic three-dimensional space-charge kick and Gaussian fit of particle distribution which – in principle – does not require a linearly stable closed optics to exist thus permitting simulations studies of the parametric resonance stopband crossing. It also allows for non stationary distribution so that envelope resonances can be simulated.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Particle acceleration by a wave in a strong magnetic field - Regular and stochastic motion

A general theory for the acceleration of a charged particle by a coherent wave of arbitrary polarization, propagation angle, and phase velocity in the presence of a uniform and strong magnetic field is presented. It is shown that the Hamiltonian surfaces are topologically open for waves with parallel phase velocity, equal to or larger than the speed of light. The trapping width is found to be a strong function of the index of refraction (N), and for N = 1 the trapping width increases as a function of the harmonic number. A novel mechanism for coherently accelerating particles to unlimited energies is presented.

Karimabadi, H.↗

Constraining GREA, an alternative theory accounting for the present cosmic acceleration

The origin of the Universe's late-time accelerated expansion remains unknown. The General Relativistic Entropic Acceleration (GREA) theory offers a compelling alternative to $Λ$CDM, attributing cosmic acceleration to entropy growth associated with cosmic and black hole horizons, without invoking a cosmological constant. We test GREA against the latest DESI DR2 Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), multiple Type Ia supernova compilations (Union3, Pantheon$\texttt{+}$, DES-SN5YR), and cosmic microwave background (CMB) distance measurements. While GREA is not nested within $Λ$CDM, it achieves a comparable goodness-of-fit, highlighting its potential as a theoretically motivated framework that circumvents some of the fine-tuning issues of the standard $Λ$CDM cosmology. We find that the best-fit model features a transient phantom crossing at $z \lesssim 2$, with $w_a\equiv \mathrm{d} w(a=1)/\mathrm{d}a \simeq-0.3$, in good agreement with observations. However, its present-day value $w_0\equiv w(z=0)$ is tightly constrained to be $w_0\simeq-1$. Upcoming low-redshift (i.e. $z < 1$) cosmological probes, from both background and perturbations, will offer promising avenues for further exploring the viability of the GREA theory.

Calderon, R. [Prague, Inst. Phys.] (ORCID:00000002↗

Relativistic cosmic ray spectra in the full non-linear theory of shock acceleration

The non-linear theory of shock acceleration was generalized to include wave dynamics. In the limit of rapid wave damping, it is found that a finite ave velocity tempers the acceleration of high Mach number shocks and limits the maximum compression ratio even when energy loss is important. For a given spectrum, the efficiency of relativistic particle production is essentially independent of v sub Ph. For the three families shown, the percentage of kinetic energy flux going into relativistic particles is (1) 72%, 2) 44%, and (3) 26% (this includes the energy loss at the upper energy cuttoff). Even small v sub ph, typical of the HISM, produce quasi-universal spectra that depend only weakly on the acoustic Mach number. These spectra should be close enough to e(-2) to satisfy cosmic ray source requirements.

Eichler, D.↗

Relativistic cosmic-ray spectra in the fully nonlinear theory of shock acceleration

The non-linear theory of shock acceleration was generalized to include wave dynamics. In the limit of rapid wave damping, it is found that a finite wave velocity tempers the acceleration of high Mach number shocks and limits the maximum compression ratio even when energy loss is important. For a given spectrum, the efficiency of relativistic particle production is essentially independent of v sub Ph. For the three families shown, the percentage of kinetic energy flux going into relativistic particles is (1) 72 percent, (2) 44 percent, and (3) 26 percent (this includes the energy loss at the upper energy cutoff). Even small v sub ph, typical of the HISM, produce quasi-universal spectra that depend only weakly on the acoustic Mach number. These spectra should be close enough to e(-2) to satisfy cosmic ray source requirements.

Ellison, D. C.↗

Experiments and Modeling of G-Jitter Fluid Mechanics

While there is a general understanding of the acceleration environment onboard an orbiting spacecraft, past research efforts in the modeling and analysis area have still not produced a general theory that predicts the effects of multi-spectral periodic accelerations on a general class of experiments nor have they produced scaling laws that a prospective experimenter can use to assess how an experiment might be affected by this acceleration environment. Furthermore, there are no actual flight experimental data that correlates heat or mass transport with measurements of the periodic acceleration environment. The present investigation approaches this problem with carefully conducted terrestrial experiments and rigorous numerical modeling for better understanding the effect of residual gravity and gentler on experiments. The approach is to use magnetic fluids that respond to an imposed magnetic field gradient in much the same way as fluid density responds to a gravitational field. By utilizing a programmable power source in conjunction with an electromagnet, both static and dynamic body forces can be simulated in lab experiments. The paper provides an overview of the technique and includes recent results from the experiments.

Leslie, F. W.↗

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Acceleration Disturbances on Microgravity Experiments

Normal vibrational modes on large spacecraft are excited by crew activity, operating machinery, and other mechanical disturbances. Periodic engine burns for maintaining vehicle attitude and random impulse type disturbances also contribute to the acceleration environment of a Spacecraft. Accelerations from these vibrations (often referred to as g-jitter) are several orders of magnitude larger than the residual accelerations from atmospheric drag and gravity gradient effects. Naturally, the effects of such accelerations have been a concern to prospective experimenters wishing to take advantage of the microgravity environment offered by spacecraft operating in low Earth orbit and the topic has been studied extensively, both numerically and analytically. However, these studies have not produced a general theory that predicts the effects of multi-spectral periodic accelerations on a general class of experiments nor have they produced scaling laws that a prospective experimenter could use to assess how his/her experiment might be affected by this acceleration environment. Furthermore, there are no actual flight experimental data that correlates heat or mass transport with measurements of the periodic acceleration environment. The present investigation approaches this problem with carefully conducted terrestrial experiments and rigorous numerical modeling thereby providing comparative theoretical and experimental data. The modeling, it is hoped will provide a predictive tool that can be used for assessing experiment response to Spacecraft vibrations.

Ramachandran, Narayanan↗

Choice-reaction time to visual motion with varied levels of simultaneous rotary motion

Twelve airline pilots were studied to determine the effects of whole-body rotation on choice-reaction time to the horizontal motion of a line on a cathode-ray tube. On each trial, one of five levels of visual acceleration and five corresponding proportions of rotary acceleration were presented simultaneously. Reaction time to the visual motion decreased with increasing levels of visual motion and increased with increasing proportions of rotary acceleration. The results conflict with general theories of facilitation during double stimulation but are consistent with neural-clock model of sensory interaction in choice-reaction time.

Clark, B.↗

Dark Energy in Light of Multi-Messenger Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

Gravitational waves (GWs) provide a new tool to probe the nature of dark energy (DE) and the fundamental properties of gravity. We review the different ways in which GWs can be used to test gravity and models for late-time cosmic acceleration. Lagrangian-based gravitational theories beyond general relativity (GR) are classified into those breaking fundamental assumptions, containing additional fields and massive graviton(s). In addition to Lagrangian based theories we present the effective theory of DE and the $\mu$-$\Sigma$ parametrization as general descriptions of cosmological gravity. Multi-messenger GW detections can be used to measure the cosmological expansion (standard sirens), providing an independent test of the DE equation of state and measuring the Hubble parameter. Several key tests of gravity involve the cosmological propagation of GWs, including anomalous GW speed, massive graviton excitations, Lorentz violating dispersion relation, modified GW luminosity distance and additional polarizations, which may also induce GW oscillations. We summarize present constraints and their impact on DE models, including those arising from the binary neutron star merger GW170817. Upgrades of LIGO-Virgo detectors to design sensitivity and the next generation facilities such as LISA or Einstein Telescope will significantly improve these constraints in the next two decades.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Unsteady airloading panel method for prop-fans

An unsteady, linear, compressible, three dimensional lifting surface panel method is presented for use with propellers and prop-fans. Both gust and blade vibration problems can be treated. Derivation of the theory is based on the acceleration potential method and can be considered a generalization of the analogous wing theory to include rotation and multiple blades. As with the wing methods, the integral equation is discretized and solved by matrix inversion. Sample calculations are use to explore the difference between 2D and 3D results and the significance of unsteadiness in angular inflow calculations for propellers. It is shown at the once-per-revolution frequency of propellers, that quasi-steady methods should be adequate. At the high frequencies of interest in noise analysis, 2D strip methods give adequate results away from blade tips. For flutter, frequencies lie in an intermediate range where a full 3D unsteady technique seems to be required.

Hanson, D. B.↗

Cosmic rays in the heliosphere - Present status and future opportunities

The general theory of charged-particle transport and acceleration is reviewed and application to the heliosphere discussed in detail. The present status of understanding is briefly surveyed, with emphasis on large-scale processes. Opportunities for increasing understanding through the confrontation of theory, modeling and observations are outlined. It is concluded that the largest advances in this understanding in the next few years will come from coordinated theoretical and observations studies of large-scale phenomena requiring energetic-particle, magnetic-field, and plasma data from several spacecraft. Fundamental studies of the interactions between cosmic rays and turbulent plasma to study transport coefficients, details of interactions with shocks, etc, are also important in the longer term.

Jokipii, J. R.↗

Voltera's Solution of the Wave Equation as Applied to Three-Dimensional Supersonic Airfoil Problems

A surface integral is developed which yields solutions of the linearized partial differential equation for supersonic flow. These solutions satisfy boundary conditions arising in wing theory. Particular applications of this general method are made, using acceleration potentials, to flat surfaces and to uniformly loaded lifting surfaces. Rectangular and trapezoidal plan forms are considered along with triangular forms adaptable to swept-forward and swept-back wings. The case of the triangular plan form in sideslip is also included. Emphasis is placed on the systematic application of the method to the lifting surfaces considered and on the possibility of further application.

Heslet, Max A↗

Testing Einstein's Gravity on Large Scales

A little over a decade has passed since two teams studying high redshift Type Ia supernovae announced the discovery that the expansion of the universe was accelerating. After all this time, we?re still not sure how cosmic acceleration fits into the theory that tells us about the large-scale universe: General Relativity (GR). As part of our search for answers, we have been forced to question GR itself. But how will we test our ideas? We are fortunate enough to be entering the era of precision cosmology, where the standard model of gravity can be subjected to more rigorous testing. Various techniques will be employed over the next decade or two in the effort to better understand cosmic acceleration and the theory behind it. In this talk, I will describe cosmic acceleration, current proposals to explain it, and weak gravitational lensing, an observational effect that allows us to do the necessary precision cosmology.

Prescod-Weinstein, Chandra↗

ERL Timing and optimized CBETA models

This project develops a method of finding instrument settings that minimize the power load on accelerating radio-frequency (RF) cavities in an energy recovery linac (ERL). A general symmetry theory, which has been developed in detail and was previously tested in simple ERL models, will be used to optimize more detailed models of the Cor nell Brookhaven ERL Test Accelerator (CBETA). CBETA specifications are detailed in Fig. 1. Due to the high overlap with previous work, this report briefly summarizes the relevant outcomes of older ERL symmetry models; however, the reader is encouraged to consult for a more comprehensive coverage of these topics. This report will focus primarily on extensions of symmetry modeling toward more complex systems, including multi particle beams or CBETA-specific cavity tracking.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

When is quasi-linear theory exact

We use the cumulant expansion technique of Kubo (1962, 1963) to derive an integrodifferential equation for the average one-particle distribution function for particles being accelerated by electric and magnetic fluctuations of a general nature. For a very restricted class of fluctuations, the equation for this function degenerates exactly to a differential equation of Fokker-Planck type. Quasi-linear theory, including the adiabatic assumption, is an exact theory only for this limited class of fluctuations.

Jones, F. C.↗

Quasi-linear theory via the cumulant expansion approach

The cumulant expansion technique of Kubo was used to derive an intergro-differential equation for f , the average one particle distribution function for particles being accelerated by electric and magnetic fluctuations of a general nature. For a very restricted class of fluctuations, the f equation degenerates exactly to a differential equation of Fokker-Planck type. Quasi-linear theory, including the adiabatic assumption, is an exact theory for this limited class of fluctuations. For more physically realistic fluctuations, however, quasi-linear theory is at best approximate.

Jones, F. C.↗

Einstein–Cartan cosmologies

Cosmologies based on General Relativity encompassing an anti-symmetric connection (torsion) can display nice desirable features as the absence of the initial singularity and the possibility of inflation in the early stage of the universe. After briefly reviewing the standard approach to the cosmology with torsion, we generalize it to demonstrate that several theories of torsion gravity are possible using different choices of the diffeomorphic invariants in the Lagrangians. As a result, distinct cosmologies emerge. In all of them it is possible that the universe avoids the initial singularity and passes through an initial accelerated expansion. Differences between these theories are highlighted.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗