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Experimental realization of an additively manufactured monatomic lattice for studying wave propagation
Increasing interest in wave propagation in phononic systems and metamaterials motivates the development of experimental designs, measurement techniques, and fabrication methods for use in basic research and classroom demonstrations. The simplest phononic system, the monatomic chain, exhibits rich physics such as dispersion and frequency-domain filtering. However, a limited number of experimental studies showcase monatomic chains for macroscale observation of phonons. Herein, we discuss the design, fabrication, and testing of monatomic lattices as enabled by three-dimensional (3D) printing. Using this widely available technology, we provide design guidelines for realization of a monatomic chain composed of 3D printed serpentine springs and press-fitted cylindrical masses. We also present measurement techniques that record propagating waves and algorithms for the experimental determination of dispersion behavior.
Modeling Frequency–Independent Q Viscoacoustic Wave Propagation in Heterogeneous Media
Quantifying the attenuation of seismic waves propagating in the Earth interior is critical to study the subsurface structure. Previous studies have proposed fractional anelastic wave equations to model the frequency–independent Q seismic wave propagation. Such wave equations involve fractional derivatives that pose computational challenges for the numerical schemes in terms of accuracy and efficiency when dealing with heterogeneous Earth media. To tackle these challenges, here we derive a new viscoacoustic wave equation, where the power terms of the fractional Laplacian operators are spatially independent, thus accurate and efficient methods (e.g., the Fourier pseudospectral method) can be adopted. Our derivation enables the resultant equation to capture both amplitude and phase signatures of the anelastic wave propagation by matching the complex wave numbers for all the frequencies of interest. We verify the derivation by comparing the dispersion curves of both the attenuation factor and the phase velocity produced by the new wave equation with their theoretical values as well as the Pierre Shale in situ measurements. Following that, we use a synthetic attenuating gas chimney model to demonstrate the attenuation effects on seismic waveforms and then construct the Q–compensated reverse time migration to undo these effects for seismic image enhancement. Finally, we find that our forward modeling results can characterize the spatiotemporal attenuation effects revealed in the Frio–II CO2 injection time–lapse seismic monitoring data. Here, we expect this proposed equation to be useful to quantify the attenuation in seismic data to push the resolution limits of seismic imaging and inversion.
Effects of density turbulence on helicon wave propagation in the core plasmas
Radio frequency wave propagation can be significantly affected by density irregularities, such as filaments in the scrape-off layer or instabilities in the core plasma. In this study, we examine the impact of edge turbulence on helicon wave propagation using the Petra-M simulation tool. To analyze the effect of edge turbulence, we utilize a realistic background plasma derived from XGC simulations, which includes spatial density fluctuations at the edge. This focus is particularly relevant for the DIII-D configuration, characterized by edge density turbulence of the core plasmas in a wide pedestal QH-mode. We focus on helicon wave propagation in the core plasma since the slow mode cannot propagate into the core plasma when the density is higher than the lower hybrid resonance, where a wide pedestal QH-mode occurs. The simulation results indicate that edge density fluctuations have a substantial impact on helicon wave coupling due to scattering in the core. We specifically demonstrate that the toroidal mode number and the level of density fluctuations are significant factors influencing scattering. While we have minimized the excitation of slow modes from the antenna, we still observe mode-converted slow modes resulting from the incoming helicon waves. The insights derived from these simulations will inform upcoming tokamak experiments regarding helicon antenna coupling in long pulse scenarios.
The Roles of Westward-Propagating Waves and the QBO in Limiting MJO Propagation
Abstract A recent study categorized the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) during boreal winter season into four types called stand, jump, slow, and fast MJO. This study focuses on the stand and jump MJO. Based on whether their convection penetrates the Maritime Continent (MC), stand and jump MJOs are seen as non-penetrating (NP) MJOs, while the other two are seen as eastward-penetrating (EP) MJOs. Results reveal the relative roles of the westward-propagating wave (WPW), as well as the QBO and ENSO, in limiting MJO propagation. Lack of the premoistening over the southern sea surface of the MC stops NP MJO from penetrating the MC. The active convection of the WPWs hinders the descending branch of the NP MJO circulation and therefore leads to the insufficient meridional advective moistening over the southern sea surface of the MC. The independent convection over the Pacific for jump MJOs is influenced by a combined effect of the QBO and ENSO. The tropopause instability induced by the MJO is found to significantly decouple from its convection over the Pacific in westerly QBO (QBOW) winters more than in easterly QBO (QBOE) winters. For jump MJOs, the independent convection over the central Pacific comes from local WPWs whose amplification and further development into deep convection are correlated to jump the MJOs’ decoupled tropopause instability. For stand MJOs, however, the seasonal-mean La Niña–like cool SST anomalies weaken the WPW activity over the central Pacific and confine WPWs within the western Pacific. Therefore, the decoupled tropopause instability of stand MJOs is out phase of WPWs and fails to induce an independent convection over the central Pacific.
Effect of dielectric target properties on plasma surface ionization wave propagation
Surface ionization waves (SIWs) propagating along dielectric covered, grounded surfaces have been studied for various dielectric bulk and surface conditions; a dependence on the propagation velocity with respect to dielectric electrical thickness and near surface permittivity profiles are observed. SIWs generated by an atmospheric pressure plasma source are imaged interacting with planar dielectric surface. Surface wave velocity is obtained by tracking emission intensity as a function of time. Target dielectric thickness is varied from $d = 0.15-10$ mm and dielectric constant is varied from $\epsilon_r = 6.21 - 9.4$. The propagation of SIWs can be generally predicted by relating their velocity to the RC time constant of the circuit generated between the plasma and the dielectric surface, but it is found that this approximation breaks down for dielectric substrates of sufficient thickness and wave velocity becomes constant. The results show that wave velocity is stable and predictable for target thicknesses beyond a certain point determined by the permittivity of the target material. It is also shown that SIW propagation is strongly driven by the dielectric material near to the surface of the target in addition to the bulk material. The possible mechanisms driving these thickness dependent behaviors is discussed.
Exploring wave propagation in heterogeneous metastructures using the relaxed micromorphic model
Metamaterials are artificial structures that can manipulate and control sound waves in ways not possible with conventional materials. While much effort has been undertaken to widen the bandgaps produced by these materials through design of heterogeneities within unit cells, comparatively little work has considered the effect of engineering heterogeneities at the structural scale by combining different types of unit cells. In this paper, we use the relaxed micromorphic model to study wave propagation in heterogeneous metastructures composed of different unit cells. We first establish the efficacy of the relaxed micromorphic model for capturing the salient characteristics of dispersive wave propagation through comparisons with direct numerical simulations for two classes of metamaterial unit cells: namely phononic crystals and locally resonant metamaterials. We then use this model to demonstrate how spatially arranging multiple unit cells into metastructures can lead to tailored and unique properties such as spatially-dependent broadband wave attenuation, rainbow trapping, and pulse shaping. In the case of the broadband wave attenuation application, we show that by building layered metastructures from different metamaterial unit cells, we can slow down or stop wave packets in an enlarged frequency range, while letting other frequencies through. In the case of the rainbow-trapping application, we show that spatial arrangements of different unit cells can be designed to progressively slow down and eventually stop waves with different frequencies at different spatial locations. Finally, in the case of the pulse-shaping application, our results show that heterogeneous metastructures can be designed to tailor the spatial profile of a propagating wave packet. Collectively, these results show the versatility of the relaxed micromorphic model for effectively and accurately simulating wave propagation in heterogeneous metastructures, and how this model can be used to design heterogeneous metastructures with tailored wave propagation functionalities.
A modular methodology for time-domain stochastic seismic wave propagation
Presented here is a modular methodology for time-domain stochastic seismic wave propagation analysis. Presented methodology is designed to analyse uncertain seismic motions as an input, propagating through uncertain material. Traditional approach for uncertain wave propagation relies on models that include deep bedrock, local soil site, and their random process and random field information. Such models can become quite large and computationally intractable. The modular approach proposed herein features two step approach that allows separate consideration of the deep bedrock and local site along with corresponding random field information. In this work, the first step considers an auxiliary stochastic motions problem in the bedrock. Stochastic local site response can then be simulated in a reduced domain within certain depth from the surface. Application of uncertain seismic motions at depth, for local uncertain site response is done using stochastic effective forces developed through the Domain Reduction Method. By using Hermite polynomial chaos expansion to represent the non-Gaussian random field of material parameters and non-stationary random process of seismic motion, the proposed modular methodology is formulated using intrusive stochastic Galerkin approach, as seen in the Stochastic Elastic–Plastic Finite Element Method (SEPFEM). Developed modular methodology is illustrated using a 1-D stochastic seismic wave propagation analysis with three cases, and simulation results are also verified with results from conventional approach.
Measuring the growth of Alfvén wave parametric decay instability using counter-propagating waves: Theory and simulations
The parametric decay instability (PDI) of Alfvén waves—where a pump Alfvén wave decays into a backward-propagating child Alfvén wave and a forward ion acoustic wave—is a fundamental nonlinear wave-wave interaction and holds significant implications for space and laboratory plasmas. However, to date there has been no direct experimental measurement of PDI. Here, we propose a novel and experimentally viable scheme to quantify the growth of Alfvén wave PDI on a linear device using a large pump Alfvén wave and a small counter-propagating seed Alfvén wave, with the seed-wave frequency tuned to match the backward Alfvén wave generated by standard PDI. Using hybrid simulations, we show that energy transfer from the pump to the seed reduces the latter's spatial damping. By comparing seed-wave amplitudes with and without the pump wave, this damping reduction can be used as a direct and reliable proxy for PDI growth. The method is validated in our simulations across a range of plasma and wave parameters and agrees well with theoretical predictions. Notably, the scheme exhibits no threshold for PDI excitation and is, in principle, readily implementable under current laboratory conditions. Finally, this scheme is a critical step toward solving the challenge of experimentally accessing Alfvén wave PDI and provides an elegant method that may be used to validate fundamental theories of parametric instabilities in controlled laboratory settings.
Measurement of Energy Reduction of Inertial Alfvén Waves Propagating through Parallel Gradients in the Alfvén Speed
We have studied the propagation of inertial Alfvén waves through parallel gradients in the Alfvén speed using the Large Plasma Device at the University of California, Los Angeles. The reflection and transmission of Alfvén waves through inhomogeneities in the background plasma are important for understanding wave propagation, turbulence, and heating in space, laboratory, and astrophysical plasmas. Here we present inertial Alfvén waves under conditions relevant to solar flares and the solar corona. We find that the transmission of the inertial Alfvén waves is reduced as the sharpness of the gradient is increased. Any reflected waves were below the detection limit of our experiment, and reflection cannot account for all of the energy not transmitted through the gradient. Our findings indicate that, for both kinetic and inertial Alfvén waves, the controlling parameter for the transmission of the waves through an Alfvén speed gradient is the ratio of the Alfvén wavelength along the gradient divided by the scale length of the gradient. Furthermore, our results suggest that an as-yet-unidentified damping process occurs in the gradient.
A Novel Design of Guiding Stress Wave Propagation
Impact loads can induce a series of undesirable physical phenomena including vibration, acoustical shock, perforation, fracture and fragmentation, etc. The energy associated with the impact loads can lead to severe structure damage and human injuries. A design approach which effectively reduces these negative impacts through shock/stress wave diversion is highly needed. In this paper, a computational model which predicts stress wave propagation by considering different beam geometries and configurations is developed. Additionally, a novel concept of wave guide design which modifies the stress wave propagation path without disturbance is also presented. Furthermore, this design approach is not only useful for material property characterization particularly at intermediate or high strain rates, but also allows stress wave propagation in a desired direction as the shock/impact energy can be redistributed in controllable paths. The numerical results are experimentally verified through a Drop-Hopkinson bar apparatus at Sandia National Laboratories.
Quantification of the Crack Evolution Process by Extracting Relevant Signal Components from Wave Propagation and Diffusive Transport Front Measurements
Wave propagation and diffusive transport phenomena in a geological rock sample undergoing crack evolution process are expected to interact with the mechanical discontinuities in the medium. The measurements of the signals associated with these phenomena can be used to assess and monitor the crack-driven micromechanical alterations in the rock. Different wave/diffusion phenomena, such as sonic propagation, pressure diffusion, and acoustic emission (AE), are sensitive to different elements of the mechanical discontinuities generated during the evolution of the crack clusters from initiation to coalescence. Sonic propagation, AE, and pressure diffusion monitoring have the potential to map the crack evolution because the transmitter-receiver arrays can be designed, arranged and tuned to (1) achieve maximum recovery of the scattered waveforms and travel times, (2) capture the later arrivals and multiple reflections, and (3) illuminate large rock volume. However, the structural/topological complexities of the mechanical discontinuities, complex distribution of the stress fields, complex mechanical alterations in media, and fluid redistribution in the crack system pose serious challenges for the detection and modeling of the crack evolution process (from here on, we will use the term ‘crack evolution process’ to mean that the crack evolution occurred under shallow crustal conditions). For purposes of accurately accounting such complexities and heterogeneities in the absence of reliable physical laws, simulation methods, and signal processing techniques, my early-career research proposal will develop and apply novel data-driven machine learning methods to: (1) extract signal components relevant to the various phases of crack evolution and (2) generate a 2D visual map of the crack evolution process.
Electromagnetic wave propagation based upon spectral-element methodology in dispersive and attenuating media
SUMMARY We build on mathematical equivalences between Maxwell’s wave equations for an electromagnetic medium and elastic seismic wave equations. This allows us to readily model Maxwell’s wave propagation in the spectral-element codes SPECFEM2D and SPECFEM3D, written for acoustic, viscoelastic and poroelastic seismic wave propagation, providing the ability to handle complex geometries, inherent to finite-element methods and retaining the strength of exponential convergence and accuracy due to the use of high-degree polynomials to interpolate field functions on the elements, characteristic to spectral-element methods (SEMs). Attenuation and dispersion processes related to the frequency dependence of dielectric permittivity and conductivity are also included using a Zener model, similar to shear attenuation in viscoelastic media or viscous diffusion in poroelastic media, and a Kelvin–Voigt model, respectively. Ability to account for anisotropic media is also discussed. Here, we limit ourselves to certain dielectric permittivity tensor geometries, in order to conserve a diagonal mass matrix after discretization of the system of equations. Doing so, simulation of Maxwell’s wave equations in the radar frequency range based on SEM can be solved using explicit time integration schemes well suited for parallel computation. We validate our formulation with analytical solutions. In 2-D, our implementation allows for the modelling of both a transverse magnetic (TM) mode, suitable for surface based reflection ground penetration radar type of applications, and a transverse electric (TE) mode more suitable for crosshole and vertical radar profiling setups. Two 2-D examples are designed to demonstrated the use of the TM and TE modes. A 3-D example is also presented, which allows for the full TEM solution, different antenna orientations, and out-of-plane variations in material properties.
A trajectory mechanics approach for the study of wave propagation in an anisotropic elastic medium
In this work, we derive equations describing the path and traveltime of a coherent elastic wave propagating in an anisotropic medium, generalizing expressions from conventional high-frequency asymptotic ray theory. The methodology is valid across a broad range of frequencies and allows for subwavelength variations in the material properties of the medium. The primary difference from current ray methods is the retention of a term that is neglected in the derivation of the eikonal equation. The additional term contains spatial derivatives of the properties of the medium and of the amplitude field, and its presence couples the equations governing the evolution of the amplitude and phase along the trajectory. The magnitude of this term provides a measure of the validity of expressions based upon high-frequency asymptotic methods, such as the eikonal equation, when modelling wave propagation dominated by a band of frequencies. In calculations involving a layer with gradational boundaries, we find that asymptotic estimates do deviate from those of our frequency-dependent approach when the width of the layer boundaries become sufficiently narrow. For example, for a layer with boundaries that vary over tens of meters, the term neglected by a high-frequency asymptotic approximation is significant for frequencies around 10 Hz. The visible differences in the paths of the rays that traverse the layer substantiate this conclusion. For a velocity model derived from an observed well log, the majority of the trajectories calculated using the extended approach, accounting for the frequency-dependence of the rays, are noticeably different from those produced by the eikonal equation. A suite of paths from a source to a specified receiver, calculated for a range of frequencies between 10 and 100 Hz, define a region of sensitivity to velocity variations and may be used for an augmented form of tomographic imaging.
Mathematical Foundation for Quantum Computing of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Dielectric Media
Can quantum computers effectively simulate the propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves in a classical plasma? This chapter introduces some of the basic concepts in mathematics and physics essential to answering that question. The numerical simulations of Maxwell equations for wave propagation in dielectrics are constrained by technological limitations of the present-day computers. In contrast, there has been ample fanfare around quantum computers and their potential to far exceed the performance of traditional computers. Whether the enhanced capabilities of a quantum computer can be put to use for simulating topics in classical physics is a source of intrigue and curiosity.
Flash x-ray radiography analysis of detonation wave propagation in additive-manufactured high explosives
Recent research has demonstrated that additive manufacturing (AM) can be used to produce directionally sensitive high explosives (HEs), but detonation wave propagation in AM HEs with variable internal structure has not been studied. In this work, samples were printed using a 73 wt. % octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine-based HE ink. Flash x-ray radiography imaging was used to observe density changes in two imaging planes of each sample during detonation, and high-speed imaging was used to calculate the detonation velocity at the HE surface. The detonation front initially appears to fail in internal channel regions of the HE, but late reactions occurred in two samples, which increased the material bulk density by 2.8%, possibly due to shock convergence phenomena. The calculated detonation wave pressure similarly increased, but the accuracy of the results is uncertain because of the deviation of the low bulk density printed samples from the cast charge principal isentrope. Here, this work demonstrates that structure can be effectively utilized to guide detonation wave propagation through HE charges.
QCD-gravity double-copy in the Regge regime: Shock wave propagators
In a previous paper [H. Raj and R. Venugopalan, ], we demonstrated a double-copy relation between inclusive gluon radiation in shock wave collisions of ultrarelativistic nuclei and inclusive graviton radiation in trans-Planckian gravitational shock wave collisions. We compute here the corresponding gravitational shock wave propagators in general relativity and demonstrate that they too obey a double-copy relation to gluon shock wave propagators computed previously. These results provide key input in a renormalization group approach toward computing the high frequency radiation spectrum in close black hole encounters. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Ionization wave propagation in a He plasma jet in a controlled gas environment
Characterizing ionization wave propagation in low temperature plasma jets is critical to predicting production of reactive species and plasma–surface interactions for biomedical applications and surface functionalization. In this work, results from optical emission and laser induced fluorescence measurements of the ionization wave in a He plasma jet operating in a controlled gas environment are discussed and used for comparison with numerical modeling. Additionally, the ionization wave was observed using ICCD (Intensified Charge Coupled Device) imaging and characterized by time and spatially resolved electron density measurements using laser-collision-induced fluorescence. The plasma jet was initially characterized using pure He (nominally at 200 Torr), while varying pressure and voltage. When operating in pure He, the ionization wave broadly expands exiting the plasma tube. Increasing the operating pressure reduces the speed and isotropic expansion of the ionization wave. Furthermore, the jet operated with a humid He shroud was also studied. The humid He shroud results in the electron density increasing and having an annular profile due to the lower ionization potential of H2O compared to He and localized photoionization in the mixing region. Numerical modeling highlighted the importance of resonance radiation emitted by excited states of He, photoelectron emission from the quartz tube, and the kinetic behavior of the electrons produced by photoionization ahead of the ionization front.