electrostatic power generator: Topics by Science.gov

Sample records for electrostatic power generator

Power matching between plasma generation and electrostatic acceleration in helicon electrostatic thruster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichihara, D.; Nakagawa, Y.; Uchigashima, A.; Iwakawa, A.; Sasoh, A.; Yamazaki, T.

2017-10-01

The effects of a radio-frequency (RF) power on the ion generation and electrostatic acceleration in a helicon electrostatic thruster were investigated with a constant discharge voltage of 300 V using argon as the working gas at a flow rate either of 0.5 Aeq (Ampere equivalent) or 1.0 Aeq. A RF power that was even smaller than a direct-current (DC) discharge power enhanced the ionization of the working gas, thereby both the ion beam current and energy were increased. However, an excessively high RF power input resulted in their saturation, leading to an unfavorable increase in an ionization cost with doubly charged ion production being accompanied. From the tradeoff between the ion production by the RF power and the electrostatic acceleration made by the direct current discharge power, the thrust efficiency has a maximum value at an optimal RF to DC discharge power ratio of 0.6 - 1.0.
Out-of-Plane Continuous Electrostatic Micro-Power Generators

PubMed Central

Mahmoud, M. A. E.; Abdel-Rahman, E. M.; Mansour, R. R.; El-Saadany, E. F.

2017-01-01

This paper presents an out-of-plane electrostatic micro-power generator (MPG). Electret-based continuous MPGs with different gaps and masses are fabricated to demonstrate the merits of this topology. Experimental results of the MPG demonstrate output power of 1 mW for a base acceleration amplitude and frequency of 0.08 g and 86 Hz. The MPGs also demonstrate a wideband harvesting bandwidth reaching up to 9 Hz. A free-flight and an impact mode model of electrostatic MPGs are also derived and validated by comparison to experimental results. PMID:28420151
Electrostatic Power Generation from Negatively Charged, Simulated Lunar Regolith

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sang H.; King, Glen C.; Kim, Hyun-Jung; Park, Yeonjoon

2010-01-01

Research was conducted to develop an electrostatic power generator for future lunar missions that facilitate the utilization of lunar resources. The lunar surface is known to be negatively charged from the constant bombardment of electrons and protons from the solar wind. The resulting negative electrostatic charge on the dust particles, in the lunar vacuum, causes them to repel each other minimizing the potential. The result is a layer of suspended dust about one meter above the lunar surface. This phenomenon was observed by both Clementine and Surveyor spacecrafts. During the Apollo 17 lunar landing, the charged dust was a major hindrance, as it was attracted to the astronauts' spacesuits, equipment, and the lunar buggies. The dust accumulated on the spacesuits caused reduced visibility for the astronauts, and was unavoidably transported inside the spacecraft where it caused breathing irritation [1]. In the lunar vacuum, the maximum charge on the particles can be extremely high. An article in the journal "Nature", titled "Moon too static for astronauts?" (Feb 2, 2007) estimates that the lunar surface is charged with up to several thousand volts [2]. The electrostatic power generator was devised to alleviate the hazardous effects of negatively charged lunar soil by neutralizing the charged particles through capacitive coupling and thereby simultaneously harnessing power through electric charging [3]. The amount of power generated or collected is dependent on the areal coverage of the device and hovering speed over the lunar soil surface. A thin-film array of capacitors can be continuously charged and sequentially discharged using a time-differentiated trigger discharge process to produce a pulse train of discharge for DC mode output. By controlling the pulse interval, the DC mode power can be modulated for powering devices and equipment. In conjunction with a power storage system, the electrostatic power generator can be a power source for a lunar rover or other systems. The negatively charged lunar soil would also be neutralized mitigating some of the adverse effects resulting from lunar dust.
Low power interface IC's for electrostatic energy harvesting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kempitiya, Asantha

The application of wireless distributed micro-sensor systems ranges from equipment diagnostic and control to real time structural and biomedical monitoring. A major obstacle in developing autonomous micro-sensor networks is the need for local electric power supply, since using a battery is often not a viable solution. This void has sparked significant interest in micro-scale power generators based on electrostatic, piezoelectric and electromagnetic energy conversion that can scavenge ambient energy from the environment. In comparison to existing energy harvesting techniques, electrostatic-based power generation is attractive as it can be integrated using mainstream silicon technologies while providing higher power densities through miniaturization. However the power output of reported electrostatic micro-generators to date does not meet the communication and computation requirements of wireless sensor nodes. The objective of this thesis is to investigate novel CMOS-based energy harvesting circuit (EHC) architectures to increase the level of harvested mechanical energy in electrostatic converters. The electronic circuits that facilitate mechanical to electrical energy conversion employing variable capacitors can either have synchronous or asynchronous architectures. The later does not require synchronization of electrical events with mechanical motion, which eliminates difficulties in gate clocking and the power consumption associated with complex control circuitry. However, the implementation of the EHC with the converter can be detrimental to system performance when done without concurrent optimization of both elements, an aspect mainly overlooked in the literature. System level analysis is performed to show that there is an optimum value for either the storage capacitor or cycle number for maximum scavenging of ambient energy. The analysis also shows that maximum power is extracted when the system approaches synchronous operation. However, there is a region of interest where the storage capacitor can be optimized to produce almost 70% of the ideal power taken as the power harvested with synchronous converters when neglecting the power consumption associated with synchronizing control circuitry. Theoretical predictions are confirmed by measurements on an asynchronous EHC implemented with a macro-scale electrostatic converter prototype. Based on the preceding analysis, the design of a novel ultra low power electrostatic integrated energy harvesting circuit is proposed for efficient harvesting of mechanical energy. The fundamental challenges of designing reliable low power sensing circuits for charge constrained electrostatic energy harvesters with capacity to self power its controller and driver stages are addressed. Experimental results are presented for a controller design implemented in AMI 0.7muM high voltage CMOS process using a macro-scale electrostatic converter prototype. The EHC produces 1.126muW for a power investment of 417nW with combined conduction and controller losses of 450nW which is a 20-30% improvement compared to prior art on electrostatic EHCs operating under charge constrain. Inherently dual plate variable capacitors harvest energy only during half of the mechanical cycle with the other half unutilized for energy conversion. To harvest mechanical energy over the complete mechanical vibration cycle, a low power energy harvesting circuit (EHC) that performs charge constrained synchronous energy conversion on a tri-plate variable capacitor for maximizing energy conversion is proposed. The tri-plate macro electrostatic generator with capacitor variation of 405pF to 1.15nF and 405pF to 1.07nF on two complementary adjacent capacitors is fabricated and used in the characterization of the designed EHC. The integrated circuit fabricated in AMI 0.7muM high voltage CMOS process, produces a total output power of 497nW to a 10muF reservoir capacitor from a 98Hz vibration signal. In summary, the thesis lays out the theoretical and experimental foundation for overcoming the main challenges associated with the design of charge constrained synchronous EHC's, making electrostatic converters a possible candidate for powering emerging communication transceivers and portable electronics.
Environmentally friendly power generator based on moving liquid dielectric and double layer effect.

PubMed

Huynh, D H; Nguyen, T C; Nguyen, P D; Abeyrathne, C D; Hossain, Md S; Evans, R; Skafidas, E

2016-06-03

An electrostatic power generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy by utilising the principle of variable capacitance. This change in capacitance is usually achieved by varying the gap or overlap between two parallel metallic plates. This paper proposes a novel electrostatic micro power generator where the change in capacitance is achieved by the movement of an aqueous solution of NaCl. A significant change in capacitance is achieved due to the higher than air dielectric constant of water and the Helmholtz double layer capacitor formed by ion separation at the electrode interfaces. The proposed device has significant advantages over traditional electrostatic devices which include low bias voltage and low mechanical frequency of operation. This is critical if the proposed device is to have utility in harvesting power from the environment. A figure of merit exceeding 10000(10(8)μW)/(mm(2)HzV(2)) which is two orders of magnitude greater than previous devices, is demonstrated for a prototype operating at a bias voltage of 1.2 V and a droplet frequency of 6 Hz. Concepts are presented for large scale power harvesting.
Technique for enhancing the power output of an electrostatic generator employing parametric resonance

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F.

2016-02-23

A circuit-based technique enhances the power output of electrostatic generators employing an array of axially oriented rods or tubes or azimuthal corrugated metal surfaces for their electrodes. During generator operation, the peak voltage across the electrodes occurs at an azimuthal position that is intermediate between the position of minimum gap and maximum gap. If this position is also close to the azimuthal angle where the rate of change of capacity is a maximum, then the highest rf power output possible for a given maximum allowable voltage at the minimum gap can be attained. This rf power output is then coupled to the generator load through a coupling condenser that prevents suppression of the dc charging potential by conduction through the load. Optimized circuit values produce phase shifts in the rf output voltage that allow higher power output to occur at the same voltage limit at the minimum gap position.
Environmentally friendly power generator based on moving liquid dielectric and double layer effect

PubMed Central

Huynh, D. H.; Nguyen, T. C.; Nguyen, P. D.; Abeyrathne, C. D.; Hossain, Md. S.; Evans, R.; Skafidas, E.

2016-01-01

An electrostatic power generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy by utilising the principle of variable capacitance. This change in capacitance is usually achieved by varying the gap or overlap between two parallel metallic plates. This paper proposes a novel electrostatic micro power generator where the change in capacitance is achieved by the movement of an aqueous solution of NaCl. A significant change in capacitance is achieved due to the higher than air dielectric constant of water and the Helmholtz double layer capacitor formed by ion separation at the electrode interfaces. The proposed device has significant advantages over traditional electrostatic devices which include low bias voltage and low mechanical frequency of operation. This is critical if the proposed device is to have utility in harvesting power from the environment. A figure of merit exceeding 10000(108μW)/(mm2HzV2) which is two orders of magnitude greater than previous devices, is demonstrated for a prototype operating at a bias voltage of 1.2 V and a droplet frequency of 6 Hz. Concepts are presented for large scale power harvesting. PMID:27255577
Energy harvesting with stacked dielectric elastomer transducers: Nonlinear theory, optimization, and linearized scaling law

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tutcuoglu, A.; Majidi, C.

2014-12-01

Using principles of damped harmonic oscillation with continuous media, we examine electrostatic energy harvesting with a "soft-matter" array of dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers. The array is composed of infinitely thin and deformable electrodes separated by layers of insulating elastomer. During vibration, it deforms longitudinally, resulting in a change in the capacitance and electrical enthalpy of the charged electrodes. Depending on the phase of electrostatic loading, the DE array can function as either an actuator that amplifies small vibrations or a generator that converts these external excitations into electrical power. Both cases are addressed with a comprehensive theory that accounts for the influence of viscoelasticity, dielectric breakdown, and electromechanical coupling induced by Maxwell stress. In the case of a linearized Kelvin-Voigt model of the dielectric, we obtain a closed-form estimate for the electrical power output and a scaling law for DE generator design. For the complete nonlinear model, we obtain the optimal electrostatic voltage input for maximum electrical power output.
Power Generation by Harvesting Ambient Energy with a Micro-Electromagnetic Generator

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

more applicable at the micro scale are also being investigated including piezoelectric and electrostatics. Solar energy harvesting is a proven method. It...with IC circuitry. 6.2.7 Piezoelectric Research. In Chapter 2, energy harvesting through the use of piezoelectric materials was briefly discussed. A... piezoelectric harvesters require minimal movement for power generation, whereas an electromagnet generator generally requires significant mechanical motion in
Active Targets For Capacitive Proximity Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenstrom, Del T.; Mcconnell, Robert L.

1994-01-01

Lightweight, low-power active targets devised for use with improved capacitive proximity sensors described in "Capacitive Proximity Sensor Has Longer Range" (GSC-13377), and "Capacitive Proximity Sensors With Additional Driven Shields" (GSC-13475). Active targets are short-distance electrostatic beacons; they generate known alternating electro-static fields used for alignment and/or to measure distances.
Harvesting electrostatic energy using super-hydrophobic surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pociecha, Dominik; Zylka, Pawel

2016-11-01

Almost all environments are now being extensively populated by miniaturized, nano-powered electronic sensor devices communicated together through wireless sensor networks building Internet of Things (IoT). Various energy harvesting techniques are being more and more frequently proposed for battery-less powering of such remote, unattended, implantable or wearable sensors or other low-power electronic gadgets. Energy harvesting relays on extracting energy from the ambient sources readily accessible at the sensor location and converting it into electrical power. The paper exploits possibility of generating electric energy safely accessible for nano-power electronics using tribo-electric and electrostatic induction phenomena displayed at super-hydrophobic surfaces impinged by water droplets. Mechanism of such interaction is discussed and illustrated by experimental results.
Hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators with muscle-like performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acome, E.; Mitchell, S. K.; Morrissey, T. G.; Emmett, M. B.; Benjamin, C.; King, M.; Radakovitz, M.; Keplinger, C.

2018-01-01

Existing soft actuators have persistent challenges that restrain the potential of soft robotics, highlighting a need for soft transducers that are powerful, high-speed, efficient, and robust. We describe a class of soft actuators, termed hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators, which harness a mechanism that couples electrostatic and hydraulic forces to achieve a variety of actuation modes. We introduce prototypical designs of HASEL actuators and demonstrate their robust, muscle-like performance as well as their ability to repeatedly self-heal after dielectric breakdown—all using widely available materials and common fabrication techniques. A soft gripper handling delicate objects and a self-sensing artificial muscle powering a robotic arm illustrate the wide potential of HASEL actuators for next-generation soft robotic devices.
Dynamical Generation of Quasi-Stationary Alfvenic Double Layers and Charge Holes and Unified Theory of Quasi-Static and Alfvenic Auroral Arc Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Y.; Lysak, R. L.

2015-12-01

Parallel E-fields play a crucial role for the acceleration of charged particles, creating discrete aurorae. However, once the parallel electric fields are produced, they will disappear right away, unless the electric fields can be continuously generated and sustained for a fairly long time. Thus, the crucial question in auroral physics is how to generate such a powerful and self-sustained parallel electric fields which can effectively accelerate charge particles to high energy during a fairly long time. We propose that nonlinear interaction of incident and reflected Alfven wave packets in inhomogeneous auroral acceleration region can produce quasi-stationary non-propagating electromagnetic plasma structures, such as Alfvenic double layers (DLs) and Charge Holes. Such Alfvenic quasi-static structures often constitute powerful high energy particle accelerators. The Alfvenic DL consists of localized self-sustained powerful electrostatic electric fields nested in a low density cavity and surrounded by enhanced magnetic and mechanical stresses. The enhanced magnetic and velocity fields carrying the free energy serve as a local dynamo, which continuously create the electrostatic parallel electric field for a fairly long time. The generated parallel electric fields will deepen the seed low density cavity, which then further quickly boosts the stronger parallel electric fields creating both Alfvenic and quasi-static discrete aurorae. The parallel electrostatic electric field can also cause ion outflow, perpendicular ion acceleration and heating, and may excite Auroral Kilometric Radiation.
An Exploratory Study of Thermoelectrostatic Power Generation for Space Flight Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beam, Benjamin H.

1960-01-01

A study has been made of a process in which a solar heating cycle is combined with an electrostatic cycle for generating electrical power for space vehicle applications. The power unit, referred to as a thermoelectrostatic generator, is a thin film, solid dielectric capacitor alternately heated by solar radiation and cooled by radiant emission. The theory of operation to extract electrical power is presented. Results of an experiment to illustrate the principle are described. Estimates of the performance of this type of device in space in the vicinity of earth are included. Values of specific power of several kilowatts per kilogram of generator weight are calculated for such a device employing polyethylene terephthalate dielectric.
Two-stage electrostatic precipitator using induction charging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takashima, Kazunori; Kohno, Hiromu; Katatani, Atsushi; Kurita, Hirofumi; Mizuno, Akira

2018-05-01

An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) without using corona discharge was investigated herein. The ESP employed a two-stage configuration, consisting of an induction charging-based particle charger and a parallel plate type particle collector. By applying a high voltage of several kV, under which no corona discharge was generated in the charger, particles were charged by induction due to contact with charger electrodes. The amount of charge on the charged particles increased with the applied voltage and turbulent air flow in the charger. Performance of the ESP equipped with the induction charger was investigated using ambient air. The removal efficiency for particles ranging 0.3 µm to 5 µm in diameter increased with applied voltage and turbulence intensity of gas flow in the charger when the applied voltage was sufficiently low not to generate corona discharge. This suggests that induction charging can be used for electrostatic precipitation, which can reduce ozone generation and power consumption significantly.
“Capacitive Sensor” to Measure Flow Electrification and Prevent Electrostatic Hazards

PubMed Central

Paillat, Thierry; Touchard, Gerard; Bertrand, Yves

2012-01-01

At a solid/liquid interface, physico-chemical phenomena occur that lead to the separation of electrical charges, establishing a zone called electrical double layer. The convection of one part of these charges by the liquid flow is the cause of the flow electrification phenomenon which is suspected of being responsible of incidents in the industry. The P' Institute of Poitiers University and CNRS has developed an original sensor called “capacitive sensor” that allows the characterization of the mechanisms involved in the generation, accumulation and transfer of charges. As an example, this sensor included in the design of high power transformers, could easily show the evolution of electrostatic charge generation developed during the operating time of the transformer and, therefore, point out the operations leading to electrostatic hazards and, then, monitor the transformer to prevent such risks. PMID:23202162
Mechanics of torque generation in the bacterial flagellar motor

PubMed Central

Mandadapu, Kranthi K.; Nirody, Jasmine A.; Berry, Richard M.; Oster, George

2015-01-01

The bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is responsible for driving bacterial locomotion and chemotaxis, fundamental processes in pathogenesis and biofilm formation. In the BFM, torque is generated at the interface between transmembrane proteins (stators) and a rotor. It is well established that the passage of ions down a transmembrane gradient through the stator complex provides the energy for torque generation. However, the physics involved in this energy conversion remain poorly understood. Here we propose a mechanically specific model for torque generation in the BFM. In particular, we identify roles for two fundamental forces involved in torque generation: electrostatic and steric. We propose that electrostatic forces serve to position the stator, whereas steric forces comprise the actual “power stroke.” Specifically, we propose that ion-induced conformational changes about a proline “hinge” residue in a stator α-helix are directly responsible for generating the power stroke. Our model predictions fit well with recent experiments on a single-stator motor. The proposed model provides a mechanical explanation for several fundamental properties of the flagellar motor, including torque–speed and speed–ion motive force relationships, backstepping, variation in step sizes, and the effects of key mutations in the stator. PMID:26216959
Mechanics of torque generation in the bacterial flagellar motor.

PubMed

Mandadapu, Kranthi K; Nirody, Jasmine A; Berry, Richard M; Oster, George

2015-08-11

The bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) is responsible for driving bacterial locomotion and chemotaxis, fundamental processes in pathogenesis and biofilm formation. In the BFM, torque is generated at the interface between transmembrane proteins (stators) and a rotor. It is well established that the passage of ions down a transmembrane gradient through the stator complex provides the energy for torque generation. However, the physics involved in this energy conversion remain poorly understood. Here we propose a mechanically specific model for torque generation in the BFM. In particular, we identify roles for two fundamental forces involved in torque generation: electrostatic and steric. We propose that electrostatic forces serve to position the stator, whereas steric forces comprise the actual "power stroke." Specifically, we propose that ion-induced conformational changes about a proline "hinge" residue in a stator α-helix are directly responsible for generating the power stroke. Our model predictions fit well with recent experiments on a single-stator motor. The proposed model provides a mechanical explanation for several fundamental properties of the flagellar motor, including torque-speed and speed-ion motive force relationships, backstepping, variation in step sizes, and the effects of key mutations in the stator.
Charge sniffer for electrostatics demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinca, Mihai P.

2011-02-01

An electronic electroscope with a special design for demonstrations and experiments on static electricity is described. It operates as an electric charge sniffer by detecting slightly charged objects when they are brought to the front of its sensing electrode. The sniffer has the advantage of combining high directional sensitivity with a logarithmic bar display. It allows for the identification of electric charge polarity during charge separation by friction, peeling, electrostatic induction, batteries, or secondary coils of power transformers. Other experiments in electrostatics, such as observing the electric field of an oscillating dipole and the distance dependence of the electric field generated by simple charge configurations, are also described.
Piezoelectric devices for generating low power

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chilibon, Irinela

2016-12-01

This paper reviews concepts and applications in low-power electronics and energy harvesting technologies. Various piezoelectric materials and devices for small power generators useful in renewable electricity are presented. The vibrating piezoelectric device differs from the typical electrical power source in that it has capacitive rather than inductive source impedance, and may be driven by mechanical vibrations of varying amplitude. In general, vibration energy could be converted into electrical energy using one of three techniques: electrostatic charge, magnetic fields and piezoelectric. A low power piezoelectric generator, having a PZT element was realised in order to supply small electronic elements, such as optoelectronic small devices, LEDs, electronic watches, small sensors, interferometry with lasers or Micro-electro-mechanical System (MEMS) array with multi-cantilevers.

Nonlinear generation of sum and difference frequency waves by two helicon waves in a semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimullah, M.; Ferdous, T.

1984-05-01

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the nonlinear generation of electrostatic waves at the sum and the difference frequency when two high amplitude elliptically polarized helicon waves propagate along the direction of the externally applied static magnetic field in an n-type semiconductor. The nonlinearity arises through the ponderomotive force on electrons. It is noticed that the power conversion efficiency of the difference frequency generation is much larger than that of the sum frequency generation. The power conversion efficiency may be easily increased by increasing the density of electrons in the semiconductor.
Multilayer out-of-plane overlap electrostatic energy harvesting structure actuated by blood pressure for powering intra-cardiac implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deterre, M.; Risquez, S.; Bouthaud, B.; Dal Molin, R.; Woytasik, M.; Lefeuvre, E.

2013-12-01

We present an innovative multilayer out-of-plane electrostatic energy harvesting device conceived in view of scavenging energy from regular blood pressure in the heart. This concept involves the use of a deformable packaging for the implant in order to transmit the blood pressure to the electrostatic transducer. As shown in previous work, this is possible by using thin metal micro-bellows structure, providing long term hermeticity and high flexibility. The design of the electrostatic device has overcome several challenges such as the very low frequency of the mechanical excitation (1 to 2 Hz) and the small available room in the medical implant. Analytical and numerical models have been used to maximize the capacitance variation, and hence to optimize the energy conversion. We have theoretically shown that a 25-layer transducer with 6-mm diameter and 1-mm thickness could harvest at least 20 mJ per heart beat in the left ventricle under a maximum voltage of 75 V. These results show that the proposed concept is promising and could power the next generation of leadless pacemakers.
Electrostatically frequency tunable micro-beam-based piezoelectric fluid flow energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaee, Mousa; Sharafkhani, Naser

2017-07-01

This research investigates the dynamic behavior of a sandwich micro-beam based piezoelectric energy harvester with electrostatically adjustable resonance frequency. The system consists of a cantilever micro-beam immersed in a fluid domain and is subjected to the simultaneous action of cross fluid flow and nonlinear electrostatic force. Two parallel piezoelectric laminates are extended along the length of the micro-beam and connected to an external electric circuit which generates an output power as a result of the micro-beam oscillations. The fluid-coupled structure is modeled using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and the equivalent force terms for the fluid flow. Fluid induced forces comprise the added inertia force which is evaluated using equivalent added mass and the drag and lift forces which are evaluated using relative velocity and Van der Pol equation. In addition to flow velocity and fluid density, the influence of several design parameters such as external electrical resistance, piezo layer position, and dc voltage on the generated power are investigated by using Galerkin and step by step linearization method. It is shown that for given flowing fluid parameters, i.e., density and velocity, one can adjust the applied dc voltage to tune resonance frequency so that the lock-in phenomenon with steady large amplitude oscillations happens, also by adjusting the harvester parameters including the mechanical and electrical ones, the maximal output power of the harvester becomes possible.
IEC fusion: The future power and propulsion system for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Walter E.; Coventry, Matt; Hanson, John; Hrbud, Ivana; Miley, George H.; Nadler, Jon

2000-01-01

Rapid access to any point in the solar system requires advanced propulsion concepts that will provide extremely high specific impulse, low specific power, and a high thrust-to-power ratio. Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion is one of many exciting concepts emerging through propulsion and power research in laboratories across the nation which will determine the future direction of space exploration. This is part of a series of papers that discuss different applications of the Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion concept for both in-space and terrestrial use. IEC will enable tremendous advances in faster travel times within the solar system. The technology is currently under investigation for proof of concept and transitioning into the first prototype units for commercial applications. In addition to use in propulsion for space applications, terrestrial applications include desalinization plants, high energy neutron sources for radioisotope generation, high flux sources for medical applications, proton sources for specialized medical applications, and tritium production. .
An ionic-chemical-mechanical model for muscle contraction.

PubMed

Manning, Gerald S

2016-12-01

The dynamic process underlying muscle contraction is the parallel sliding of thin actin filaments along an immobile thick myosin fiber powered by oar-like movements of protruding myosin cross bridges (myosin heads). The free energy for functioning of the myosin nanomotor comes from the hydrolysis of ATP bound to the myosin heads. The unit step of translational movement is based on a mechanical-chemical cycle involving ATP binding to myosin, hydrolysis of the bound ATP with ultimate release of the hydrolysis products, stress-generating conformational changes in the myosin cross bridge, and relief of built-up stress in the myosin power stroke. The cycle is regulated by a transition between weak and strong actin-myosin binding affinities. The dissociation of the weakly bound complex by addition of salt indicates the electrostatic basis for the weak affinity, while structural studies demonstrate that electrostatic interactions among negatively charged amino acid residues of actin and positively charged residues of myosin are involved in the strong binding interface. We therefore conjecture that intermediate states of increasing actin-myosin engagement during the weak-to-strong binding transition also involve electrostatic interactions. Methods of polymer solution physics have shown that the thin actin filament can be regarded in some of its aspects as a net negatively charged polyelectrolyte. Here we employ polyelectrolyte theory to suggest how actin-myosin electrostatic interactions might be of significance in the intermediate stages of binding, ensuring an engaged power stroke of the myosin motor that transmits force to the actin filament, and preventing the motor from getting stuck in a metastable pre-power stroke state. We provide electrostatic force estimates that are in the pN range known to operate in the cycle. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nurten Vardar; Zehra Yumurtaci

The major gaseous emissions (e.g. sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide), some various organic emissions (e.g. benzene, toluene and xylenes) and some trace metals (e.g. arsenic, cobalt, chromium, manganese and nickel) generated from lignite-fired power plants in Turkey are estimated. The estimations are made separately for each one of the thirteen plants that produced electricity in 2007, because the lignite-fired thermal plants in Turkey are installed near the regions where the lignite is mined, and characteristics and composition of lignite used in each power plant are quite different from a region to another. Emission factors methodology ismore » used for the estimations. The emission factors obtained from well-known literature are then modified depending on local moisture content of lignite. Emission rates and specific emissions (per MWh) of the pollutants from the plants without electrostatic precipitators and flue-gas desulfurization systems are found to be higher than emissions from the plants having electrostatic precipitators and flue -gas desulfurization systems. Finally a projection for the future emissions due to lignite-based power plants is given. Predicted demand for the increasing generation capacity based on the lignite-fired thermal power plant, from 2008 to 2017 is around 30%. 39 refs., 13 figs., 10 tabs.« less
High frequency plasma generator for ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goede, H.; Divergilio, W. F.; Fosnight, V. V.; Komatsu, G.

1984-01-01

The results of a program to experimentally develop two new types of plasma generators for 30 cm electrostatic argon ion thrusters are presented. The two plasma generating methods selected for this study were by radio frequency induction (RFI), operating at an input power frequency of 1 MHz, and by electron cyclotron heating (ECH) at an operating frequency of 5.0 GHz. Both of these generators utilize multiline cusp permanent magnet configurations for plasma confinement and beam profile optimization. The program goals were to develop a plasma generator possessing the characteristics of high electrical efficiency (low eV/ion) and simplicity of operation while maintaining the reliability and durability of the conventional hollow cathode plasma sources. The RFI plasma generator has achieved minimum discharge losses of 120 eV/ion while the ECH generator has obtained 145 eV/ion, assuming a 90% ion optical transparency of the electrostatic acceleration system. Details of experimental tests with a variety of magnet configurations are presented.
High-performance gap-closing vibrational energy harvesting using electret-polarized dielectric oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Yue; Yu, Zejie; Han, Yanhui

2018-01-01

In conventional gap-closing electret-biased electrostatic energy harvesting (EEEH) schemes, electrets with a very low ratio of electret thickness to permittivity are in great demand to allow the attainment of high power output. However, in practice, pursuing such a low ratio introduces unwanted burdens on the electret stability and therefore the reliability of the EEEH devices. In this paper, we propose a dielectric-oscillator-based electrostatic EH (DEEH) scheme as an alternative approach to harvesting electret-biased electrostatic energy. This approach permits the fabrication of an electret-free closed EH circuit. The DEEH architecture directly collects the electrical energy exclusively through the oscillating dielectric body and thus completely circumvents the restrictions imposed by the electret parameters (thickness and permittivity) on power generation. Significantly, without considering the electret thickness and permittivity, both theoretical analysis and experiments have verified the effectiveness of this DEEH strategy, and a high figure of merit (on the order of 10-8 mW cm-2 V-2 Hz-1) was achieved for low-frequency movements.
Thermal energy harvesters with piezoelectric or electrostatic transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokaryn, Piotr; Domański, Krzysztof; Marchewka, Michał; Tomaszewski, Daniel; Grabiec, Piotr; Puscasu, Onoriu; Monfray, Stéphane; Skotnicki, Thomas

2014-08-01

This paper describes the idea of the energy harvester which converts thermal gradient present in environment into electricity. Two kinds of such devices are proposed and their prototypes are shown and discussed. The main parts of harvesters are bimetallic spring, piezoelectric transducer or electrostatic transducer with electret. The applied piezomembrane was commercial available product but electrets was made by authors. In the paper a fabrication procedure of electrets formed by the corona discharge process is described. Devices were compared in terms of generated power, charging current, and the voltage across a storage capacitor.
38. VIEW OF COTTRELL MAGNETIC IMPULSE GENERATOR ADJACENT TO SIX ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

38. VIEW OF COTTRELL MAGNETIC IMPULSE GENERATOR ADJACENT TO SIX GAP ROTARY RECTIFIER. THIS UNIT GENERATED A MAGNETIC PULSE WHICH WAS TRANSMITTED TO THE COLLECTION PLATES IN THE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR CHAMBER. THESE PERIODIC PULSES VIBRATE THE PLATES AND CAUSE PRECIPITATED ARTICLES OF SMOKE AND FLY ASH TO FALL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PRECIPITATOR CHAMBER. - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Cos Cob Power Plant, Sound Shore Drive, Greenwich, Fairfield County, CT
Electrode geometry for electrostatic generators and motors

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F.

2016-02-23

An electrostatic (ES) device is described with electrodes that improve its performance metrics. Devices include ES generators and ES motors, which are comprised of one or more stators (stationary members) and one or more rotors (rotatable members). The stator and rotors are configured as a pair of concentric cylindrical structures and aligned about a common axis. The stator and rotor are comprised of an ensemble of discrete, longitudinal electrodes, which are axially oriented in an annular arrangement. The shape of the electrodes described herein enables the ES device to function at voltages significantly greater than that of the existing art, resulting in devices with greater power-handling capability and overall efficiency. Electrode shapes include, but are not limited to, rods, corrugated sheets and emulations thereof.
Optimization principles and the figure of merit for triboelectric generators.

PubMed

Peng, Jun; Kang, Stephen Dongmin; Snyder, G Jeffrey

2017-12-01

Energy harvesting with triboelectric nanogenerators is a burgeoning field, with a growing portfolio of creative application schemes attracting much interest. Although power generation capabilities and its optimization are one of the most important subjects, a satisfactory elemental model that illustrates the basic principles and sets the optimization guideline remains elusive. We use a simple model to clarify how the energy generation mechanism is electrostatic induction but with a time-varying character that makes the optimal matching for power generation more restrictive. By combining multiple parameters into dimensionless variables, we pinpoint the optimum condition with only two independent parameters, leading to predictions of the maximum limit of power density, which allows us to derive the triboelectric material and device figure of merit. We reveal the importance of optimizing device capacitance, not only load resistance, and minimizing the impact of parasitic capacitance. Optimized capacitances can lead to an overall increase in power density of more than 10 times.
Benzocyclobutene-based electric micromachines supported on microball bearings: Design, fabrication, and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modafe, Alireza

This dissertation summarizes the research activities that led to the development of the first microball-bearing-supported linear electrostatic micromotor with benzocyclobutene (BCB) low-k polymer insulating layers. The primary application of this device is long-range, high-speed linear micropositioning. The future generations of this device include rotary electrostatic micromotors and microgenerators. The development of the first generation of microball-bearing-supported micromachines, including device theory, design, and modeling, material characterization, process development, device fabrication, and device test and characterization is presented. The first generation of these devices is based on a 6-phase, bottom-drive, linear, variable-capacitance micromotor (B-LVCM). The design of the electrical and mechanical components of the micromotor, lumped-circuit modeling of the device and electromechanical characteristics, including variable capacitance, force, power, and speed are presented. Electrical characterization of BCB polymers, characterization of BCB chemical mechanical planarization (CMP), development of embedded BCB in silicon (EBiS) process, and integration of device components using microfabrication techniques are also presented. The micromotor consists of a silicon stator, a silicon slider, and four stainless-steel microballs. The aligning force profile of the micromotor was extracted from simulated and measured capacitances of all phases. An average total aligning force of 0.27 mN with a maximum of 0.41 mN, assuming a 100 V peak-to-peak square-wave voltage, was measured. The operation of the micromotor was verified by applying square-wave voltages and characterizing the slider motion. An average slider speed of 7.32 mm/s when excited by a 40 Hz, 120 V square-wave voltage was reached without losing the synchronization. This research has a pivotal impact in the field of power microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). It establishes the foundation for the development of more reliable, efficient electrostatic micromachines with variety of applications such as micropropulsion, high-speed micropumping, microfluid delivery, and microsystem power generation.
Generation of Alfvenic Double Layers, Formation of Auroral Arcs, and Their Impact on Energy and Momentum Transfer in M-I Coupling System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Y.; Lysak, R. L.

2017-12-01

Parallel electrostatic electric fields provide a powerful mechanism to accelerate auroral particles to high energy in the auroral acceleration region (AAR), creating both quasi-static and Alfvenic discrete aurorae. The total field-aligned current can be written as J||total=J||+J||D, where the displacement current is denoted as J||D=(1/4π)(∂E||/∂t), which describes the E||-generation (Song and Lysak, 2006). The generation of the total field-aligned current is related to spatial gradients of the parallel vorticity caused by the axial torque acting on field-aligned flux tubes in M-I coupling system. It should be noticed that parallel electric fields are not produced by the field-aligned current. In fact, the E||-generation is caused by Alfvenic interaction in the M-I coupling system, and is favored by a low plasma density and the enhanced localized azimuthal magnetic flux. We suggest that the nonlinear interaction of incident and reflected Alfven wave packets in the AAR can create reactive stress concentration, and therefore can generate the parallel electrostatic electric fields together with a seed low density cavity. The generated electric fields will quickly deepen the seed low density cavity, which can effectively create even stronger electrostatic electric fields. The electrostatic electric fields nested in a low density cavity and surrounded by enhanced azimuthal magnetic flux constitute Alfvenic electromagnetic plasma structures, such as Alfvenic Double Layers (DLs). The Poynting flux carried by Alfven waves can continuously supply energy from the generator region to the auroral acceleration region, supporting and sustaining Alfvenic DLs with long-lasting electrostatic electric fields which accelerate auroral particles to high energy. The generation of parallel electric fields and the formation of auroral arcs can redistribute perpendicular mechanical and magnetic stresses in auroral flux tubes, decoupling the magnetosphere from ionosphere drag locally. This may enhance the magnetotail earthward shear flows and rapidly buildup stronger parallel electric fields in the auroral acceleration region, leading to a sudden and violent tail energy release, if there is accumulated free magnetic energy in the tail.
Elemental mercury oxidation in an electrostatic precipitator enhanced with in situ soft X-ray irradiation.

PubMed

Jing, He; Wang, Xiaofei; Wang, Wei-Ning; Biswas, Pratim

2015-04-01

Corona discharge based techniques are promising approaches for oxidizing elemental mercury (Hg0) in flue gas from coal combustion. In this study, in-situ soft X-rays were coupled to a DC (direct current) corona-based electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The soft X-rays significantly enhanced Hg0 oxidation, due to generation of electrons from photoionization of gas molecules and the ESP electrodes. This coupling technique worked better in the positive corona discharge mode because more electrons were in the high energy region near the electrode. Detailed mechanisms of Hg0 oxidation are proposed and discussed based on ozone generation measurements and Hg0 oxidation behavior observations in single gas environments (O2, N2, and CO2). The effect of O2 concentration in flue gas, as well as the effects of particles (SiO2, TiO2, and KI) was also evaluated. In addition, the performance of a soft X-rays coupled ESP in Hg0 oxidations was investigated in a lab-scale coal combustion system. With the ESP voltage at +10 kV, soft X-ray enhancement, and KI addition, mercury oxidation was maximized. Mercury is a significant-impact atmospheric pollutant due to its toxicity. Coal-fired power plants are the primary emission sources of anthropogenic releases of mercury; hence, mercury emission control from coal-fired power plant is important. This study provides an alternative mercury control technology for coal-fired power plants. The proposed electrostatic precipitator with in situ soft X-rays has high efficiency on elemental mercury conversion. Effects of flue gas conditions (gas compositions, particles, etc.) on performance of this technology were also evaluated, which provided guidance on the application of the technology for coal-fired power plant mercury control.
Experimental study on detection of electrostatic discharges generated by polymer granules inside a metal silo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Kwangseok; Mogami, Tomofumi; Suzuki, Teruo

2014-04-01

To detect electrostatic discharges generated by polymer granules within a metal silo, we developed a novel and simple electrostatic discharge detector that utilizes a photosensor. The novel detector consists of a photosensor module in a metal cylinder, an optical band-pass filter, a quartz glass, a power supply, an amplifier for the photosensor module, and a digital oscilloscope. In this study, we conducted experiments at a real pneumatic powder transport facility that includes a metal silo to evaluate the novel detector using polypropylene granules. To determine the performance of the novel detector, we observed the electrostatic discharge within the metal silo using a conventional image intensifier system. The results obtained from the experiments show that the novel detector worked well in this study. The signals obtained with the novel detector were identical to the electrostatic discharges obtained with the conventional image intensifier system. The greatest advantage of this novel detector is that it is effective even when placed under external lights. In addition, the influence of various optical band-pass filters on the performance of the novel detector was discussed. Our study confirmed that an optical band-pass filter with a center wavelength of λ 330 nm (λ1/2: 315-345 nm) was the best performer among the optical band-pass filters used in this study.
Experimental study on detection of electrostatic discharges generated by polymer granules inside a metal silo.

PubMed

Choi, Kwangseok; Mogami, Tomofumi; Suzuki, Teruo

2014-04-01

To detect electrostatic discharges generated by polymer granules within a metal silo, we developed a novel and simple electrostatic discharge detector that utilizes a photosensor. The novel detector consists of a photosensor module in a metal cylinder, an optical band-pass filter, a quartz glass, a power supply, an amplifier for the photosensor module, and a digital oscilloscope. In this study, we conducted experiments at a real pneumatic powder transport facility that includes a metal silo to evaluate the novel detector using polypropylene granules. To determine the performance of the novel detector, we observed the electrostatic discharge within the metal silo using a conventional image intensifier system. The results obtained from the experiments show that the novel detector worked well in this study. The signals obtained with the novel detector were identical to the electrostatic discharges obtained with the conventional image intensifier system. The greatest advantage of this novel detector is that it is effective even when placed under external lights. In addition, the influence of various optical band-pass filters on the performance of the novel detector was discussed. Our study confirmed that an optical band-pass filter with a center wavelength of λ 330 nm (λ1/2: 315-345 nm) was the best performer among the optical band-pass filters used in this study.
Electrostatically Biased Binding of Kinesin to Microtubules

PubMed Central

Zheng, Wenjun; Alonso, Maria; Huber, Gary; Dlugosz, Maciej; McCammon, J. Andrew; Cross, Robert A.

2011-01-01

The minimum motor domain of kinesin-1 is a single head. Recent evidence suggests that such minimal motor domains generate force by a biased binding mechanism, in which they preferentially select binding sites on the microtubule that lie ahead in the progress direction of the motor. A specific molecular mechanism for biased binding has, however, so far been lacking. Here we use atomistic Brownian dynamics simulations combined with experimental mutagenesis to show that incoming kinesin heads undergo electrostatically guided diffusion-to-capture by microtubules, and that this produces directionally biased binding. Kinesin-1 heads are initially rotated by the electrostatic field so that their tubulin-binding sites face inwards, and then steered towards a plus-endwards binding site. In tethered kinesin dimers, this bias is amplified. A 3-residue sequence (RAK) in kinesin helix alpha-6 is predicted to be important for electrostatic guidance. Real-world mutagenesis of this sequence powerfully influences kinesin-driven microtubule sliding, with one mutant producing a 5-fold acceleration over wild type. We conclude that electrostatic interactions play an important role in the kinesin stepping mechanism, by biasing the diffusional association of kinesin with microtubules. PMID:22140358
Plasma issues associated with the use of electrodynamic tethers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hastings, D. E.

1986-01-01

The use of an electrodynamic tether to generate power or thrust on the space station raises important plasma issues associted with the current flow. In addition to the issue of current closure through the space station, high power tethers (equal to or greater than tens of kilowatts) require the use of plasma contactors to enhance the current flow. They will generate large amounts of electrostatic turbulence in the vicinity of the space station. This is because the contactors work best when a large amount of current driven turbulence is excited. Current work is reviewed and future directions suggested.
Additional application of the NASCAP code. Volume 2: SEPS, ion thruster neutralization and electrostatic antenna model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, I.; Cassidy, J. J.; Mandell, M. J.; Parks, D. E.; Schnuelle, G. W.; Stannard, P. R.; Steen, P. G.

1981-01-01

The interactions of spacecraft systems with the surrounding plasma environment were studied analytically for three cases of current interest: calculating the impact of spacecraft generated plasmas on the main power system of a baseline solar electric propulsion stage (SEPS), modeling the physics of the neutralization of an ion thruster beam by a plasma bridge, and examining the physical and electrical effects of orbital ambient plasmas on the operation of an electrostatically controlled membrane mirror. In order to perform these studies, the NASA charging analyzer program (NASCAP) was used as well as several other computer models and analytical estimates. The main result of the SEPS study was to show how charge exchange ion expansion can create a conducting channel between the thrusters and the solar arrays. A fluid-like model was able to predict plasma potentials and temperatures measured near the main beam of an ion thruster and in the vicinity of a hollow cathode neutralizer. Power losses due to plasma currents were shown to be substantial for several proposed electrostatic antenna designs.

High Power HF Excitation of Low Frequency Stimulated Electrostatic Waves in the Ionospheric Plasma over HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernhardt, Paul; Selcher, Craig A.

High Power electromagnetic (EM) waves transmitted from the HAARP facility in Alaska can excite low frequency electrostatic waves by several processes including (1) direct magnetized stimulated Brillouin scatter (MSBS) and (2) parametric decay of high frequency electrostatic waves into electron and ion Bernstein waves. Either an ion acoustic (IA) wave with a frequency less than the ion cyclotron frequency (fCI) or an electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) wave just above fCI can be produced by MSBS. The coupled equations describing the MSBS instabil-ity show that the production of both IA and EIC waves is strongly influenced by the wave propagation direction relative to the background magnetic field. Experimental observations of stimulated electromagnetic emissions (SEE) using the HAARP transmitter in Alaska have confirmed the theoretical predictions that only IA waves are excited for propagation along the magnetic zenith and that EIC waves can only be detected with oblique propagation angles. The electron temperature in the heated plasma is obtained from the IA spectrum offsets from the pump frequency. The ion composition can be determined from the measured EIC frequency. Near the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency, the EM pump wave is converted into an electron Bernstein (EB) wave that decays into another EB wave and an ion Bernstein (IB) wave. Strong cyclotron resonance with the EB wave leads to acceleration of the electrons. Ground based SEE observations are related to the theory of low-frequency electrostatic wave generation.
A novel multi-actuation CMOS RF MEMS switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chiung-I.; Ko, Chih-Hsiang; Huang, Tsun-Che

2008-12-01

This paper demonstrates a capacitive shunt type RF MEMS switch, which is actuated by electro-thermal actuator and electrostatic actuator at the same time, and than latching the switching status by electrostatic force only. Since thermal actuators need relative low voltage compare to electrostatic actuators, and electrostatic force needs almost no power to maintain the switching status, the benefits of the mechanism are very low actuation voltage and low power consumption. Moreover, the RF MEMS switch has considered issues for integrated circuit compatible in design phase. So the switch is fabricated by a standard 0.35um 2P4M CMOS process and uses wet etching and dry etching technologies for postprocess. This compatible ability is important because the RF characteristics are not only related to the device itself. If a packaged RF switch and a packaged IC wired together, the parasitic capacitance will cause the problem for optimization. The structure of the switch consists of a set of CPW transmission lines and a suspended membrane. The CPW lines and the membrane are in metal layers of CMOS process. Besides, the electro-thermal actuators are designed by polysilicon layer of the CMOS process. So the RF switch is only CMOS process layers needed for both electro-thermal and electrostatic actuations in switch. The thermal actuator is composed of a three-dimensional membrane and two heaters. The membrane is a stacked step structure including two metal layers in CMOS process, and heat is generated by poly silicon resistors near the anchors of membrane. Measured results show that the actuation voltage of the switch is under 7V for electro-thermal added electrostatic actuation.
The Tethered Balloon Current Generator - A space shuttle-tethered subsatellite for plasma studies and power generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williamson, P. R.; Banks, P. M.

1976-01-01

The objectives of the Tethered Balloon Current Generator experiment are to: (1) generate relatively large regions of thermalized, field-aligned currents, (2) produce controlled-amplitude Alfven waves, (3) study current-driven electrostatic plasma instabilities, and (4) generate substantial amounts of power or propulsion through the MHD interaction. A large balloon (a diameter of about 30 m) will be deployed with a conducting surface above the space shuttle at a distance of about 10 km. For a generally eastward directed orbit at an altitude near 400 km, the balloon, connected to the shuttle by a conducting wire, will be positive with respect to the shuttle, enabling it to collect electrons. At the same time, the shuttle will collect positive ions and, upon command, emit an electron beam to vary current flow in the system.
Electrostatic acceleration of helicon plasma using a cusped magnetic field

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harada, S.; Mitsubishi Heavy Industry ltd., 16-5 Konan 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8215; Baba, T.

2014-11-10

The electrostatic acceleration of helicon plasma is investigated using an electrostatic potential exerted between the ring anode at the helicon source exit and an off-axis hollow cathode in the downstream region. In the downstream region, the magnetic field for the helicon source, which is generated by a solenoid coil, is modified using permanent magnets and a yoke, forming an almost magnetic field-free region surrounded by an annular cusp field. Using a retarding potential analyzer, two primary ion energy peaks, where the lower peak corresponds to the space potential and the higher one to the ion beam, are detected in themore » field-free region. Using argon as the working gas with a helicon power of 1.5 kW and a mass flow rate of 0.21 mg/s, the ion beam energy is on the order of the applied acceleration voltage. In particular, with an acceleration voltage lower than 150 V, the ion beam energy even exceeds the applied acceleration voltage by an amount on the order of the electron thermal energy at the exit of the helicon plasma source. The ion beam energy profile strongly depends on the helicon power and the applied acceleration voltage. Since by this method the whole working gas from the helicon plasma source can, in principle, be accelerated, this device can be applied as a noble electrostatic thruster for space propulsion.« less
Electrostatic acceleration of helicon plasma using a cusped magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harada, S.; Baba, T.; Uchigashima, A.; Yokota, S.; Iwakawa, A.; Sasoh, A.; Yamazaki, T.; Shimizu, H.

2014-11-01

The electrostatic acceleration of helicon plasma is investigated using an electrostatic potential exerted between the ring anode at the helicon source exit and an off-axis hollow cathode in the downstream region. In the downstream region, the magnetic field for the helicon source, which is generated by a solenoid coil, is modified using permanent magnets and a yoke, forming an almost magnetic field-free region surrounded by an annular cusp field. Using a retarding potential analyzer, two primary ion energy peaks, where the lower peak corresponds to the space potential and the higher one to the ion beam, are detected in the field-free region. Using argon as the working gas with a helicon power of 1.5 kW and a mass flow rate of 0.21 mg/s, the ion beam energy is on the order of the applied acceleration voltage. In particular, with an acceleration voltage lower than 150 V, the ion beam energy even exceeds the applied acceleration voltage by an amount on the order of the electron thermal energy at the exit of the helicon plasma source. The ion beam energy profile strongly depends on the helicon power and the applied acceleration voltage. Since by this method the whole working gas from the helicon plasma source can, in principle, be accelerated, this device can be applied as a noble electrostatic thruster for space propulsion.
Design and analysis of a high power moderate band radiator using a switched oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armanious, Miena Magdi Hakeem

Quarter-wave switched oscillators (SWOs) are an important technology for the generation of high-power, moderate bandwidth (mesoband) wave forms. The use of SWOs in high power microwave sources has been discussed for the past 10 years [1--6], but a detailed discussion of the design of this type of oscillators for particular waveforms has been lacking. In this dissertation I develop a design methodology for a realization of SWOs, also known as MATRIX oscillators in the scientific community. A key element in the design of SWOs is the self-breakdown switch, which is created by a large electric field. In order for the switch to close as expected from the design, it is essential to manage the electrostatic field distribution inside the oscillator during the charging time. This enforces geometric constraints on the shape of the conductors inside MATRIX. At the same time, the electrodynamic operation of MATRIX is dependent on the geometry of the structure. In order to generate a geometry that satisfies both the electrostatic and electrodynamic constraints, a new approach is developed to generate this geometry using the 2-D static solution of the Laplace equation, subject to a particular set of boundary conditions. These boundary conditions are manipulated to generate equipotential lines with specific dimensions that satisfy the electrodynamic constraints. Meanwhile, these equipotential lines naturally support an electrostatic field distribution that meets the requirements for the switch operation. To study the electrodynamic aspects of MATRIX, three different (but interrelated) numerical models are built. Depending on the assumptions made in each model, different information about the electrodynamic properties of the designed SWO are obtained. In addition, the agreement and consistency between the different models, validate and give confidence in the calculated results. Another important aspect of the design process is understanding the relationship between the geometric parameters of MATRIX and the output waveforms. Using the numerical models, the relationship between the dimensions of MATRIX and its calculated resonant parameters are studied. For a given set of geometric constraints, this provides more flexibility to the output specifications. Finally, I present a comprehensive design methodology that generates the geometry of a MATRIX system from the desired specification then calculates the radiated waveform.
Electrostatic particle trap for ion beam sputter deposition

DOEpatents

Vernon, Stephen P.; Burkhart, Scott C.

2002-01-01

A method and apparatus for the interception and trapping of or reflection of charged particulate matter generated in ion beam sputter deposition. The apparatus involves an electrostatic particle trap which generates electrostatic fields in the vicinity of the substrate on which target material is being deposited. The electrostatic particle trap consists of an array of electrode surfaces, each maintained at an electrostatic potential, and with their surfaces parallel or perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The method involves interception and trapping of or reflection of charged particles achieved by generating electrostatic fields in the vicinity of the substrate, and configuring the fields to force the charged particulate material away from the substrate. The electrostatic charged particle trap enables prevention of charged particles from being deposited on the substrate thereby enabling the deposition of extremely low defect density films, such as required for reflective masks of an extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) system.
Complementary power output characteristics of electromagnetic generators and triboelectric generators.

PubMed

Fan, Feng-Ru; Tang, Wei; Yao, Yan; Luo, Jianjun; Zhang, Chi; Wang, Zhong Lin

2014-04-04

Recently, a triboelectric generator (TEG) has been invented to convert mechanical energy into electricity by a conjunction of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. Compared to the traditional electromagnetic generator (EMG) that produces a high output current but low voltage, the TEG has different output characteristics of low output current but high output voltage. In this paper, we present a comparative study regarding the fundamentals of TEGs and EMGs. The power output performances of the EMG and the TEG have a special complementary relationship, with the EMG being a voltage source and the TEG a current source. Utilizing a power transformed and managed (PTM) system, the current output of a TEG can reach as high as ∼3 mA, which can be coupled with the output signal of an EMG to enhance the output power. We also demonstrate a design to integrate a TEG and an EMG into a single device for simultaneously harvesting mechanical energy. In addition, the integrated NGs can independently output a high voltage and a high current to meet special needs.
MEMS-based power generation techniques for implantable biosensing applications.

PubMed

Lueke, Jonathan; Moussa, Walied A

2011-01-01

Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient.
Maltodextrin-powered enzymatic fuel cell through a non-natural enzymatic pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhiguang; Wang, Yiran; Minteer, Shelley D.; Percival Zhang, Y.-H.

Enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) use a variety of fuels to generate electricity through oxidoreductase enzymes, such as oxidases or dehydrogenases, as catalysts on electrodes. We have developed a novel synthetic enzymatic pathway containing two free enzymes (maltodextrin phosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase) and one immobilized glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase that can utilize an oligomeric substrate maltodextrin for producing electrons mediated via a diaphorase and vitamin K 3 electron shuttle system. Three different enzyme immobilization approaches were compared based on electrostatic force entrapment, chemical cross-linking, and cross-linking with the aid of carbon nanotubes. At 10 mM glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as a substrate concentration, the maximum power density of 0.06 mW cm -2 and retaining 42% of power output after 11 days were obtained through the method of chemical cross-linking with carbon nanotubes, approximately 6-fold and 3.5-fold better than those of the electrostatic force-based method, respectively. When changed to maltodextrin (degree of polymerization = 19) as the substrate, the EFC achieved a maximum power density of 0.085 mW cm -2. With the advantages of stable, low cost, high energy density, non-inhibitor to enzymes, and environmental friendly, maltodextrin is suggested to be an ideal fuel to power enzymatic fuel cells.
37. VIEW OF SIX GAP ROTARY RECTIFIER FOR MAINTAINING CORONA ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

37. VIEW OF SIX GAP ROTARY RECTIFIER FOR MAINTAINING CORONA DISCHARGE IN THE COTTRELL ELECTROSTATIC GENERATORS. THE SYSTEM WAS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING 88,000 VOLTS TO THE ELECTRODES WITHIN THE PRECIPITATOR CHAMBER THE UNIT WAS LOCATED TO THE REAR OF BOILER 904 IN AN ENCLOSED ROOM. - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Cos Cob Power Plant, Sound Shore Drive, Greenwich, Fairfield County, CT
Electrostatic camera system functional design study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Botticelli, R. A.; Cook, F. J.; Moore, R. F.

1972-01-01

A functional design study for an electrostatic camera system for application to planetary missions is presented. The electrostatic camera can produce and store a large number of pictures and provide for transmission of the stored information at arbitrary times after exposure. Preliminary configuration drawings and circuit diagrams for the system are illustrated. The camera system's size, weight, power consumption, and performance are characterized. Tradeoffs between system weight, power, and storage capacity are identified.
Space-charge limited photocurrent.

PubMed

Mihailetchi, V D; Wildeman, J; Blom, P W M

2005-04-01

In 1971 Goodman and Rose predicted the occurrence of a fundamental electrostatic limit for the photocurrent in semiconductors at high light intensities. Blends of conjugated polymers and fullerenes are an ideal model system to observe this space-charge limit experimentally, since they combine an unbalanced charge transport, long lifetimes, high charge carrier generation efficiencies, and low mobility of the slowest charge carrier. The experimental photocurrents reveal all the characteristics of a space-charge limited photocurrent: a one-half power dependence on voltage, a three-quarter power dependence on light intensity, and a one-half power scaling of the voltage at which the photocurrent switches into full saturation with light intensity.
A new, simple electrostatic-acoustic hybrid levitator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lierke, E. G.; Loeb, H.; Gross, D.

1990-01-01

Battelle has developed a hybrid levitator by combining the known single-axis acoustic standing wave levitator with a coaxial DC electric field. The resulting Coulomb forces on the charged liquid or solid sample support its weight and, together with the acoustic force, center the sample. Liquid samples with volumes approximately less than 100 micro-liters are deployed from a syringe reservoir into the acoustic pressure node. The sample is charged using a miniature high voltage power supply (approximately less than 20 kV) connected to the syringe needle. As the electric field, generated by a second miniature power supply, is increased, the acoustic intensity is reduced. The combination of both fields allows stable levitation of samples larger than either single technique could position on the ground. Decreasing the acoustic intensity reduces acoustic convection and sample deformation. Neither the electrostatic nor the acoustic field requires sample position sensing or active control. The levitator, now used for static and dynamic fluid physics investigations on the ground, can be easily modified for space operations.
Frequency domain analysis of droplet-based electrostatic transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allegretto, Graham; Dobashi, Yuta; Dixon, Katelyn; Wyss, Justin; Yao, Dickson; Madden, John D. W.

2018-07-01

Squeezing a water droplet between two electrodes can generate a potential difference by converting some of the mechanical energy in vibrations into electrical energy. By utilizing the high capacitance inherent to electric double layers, and the surface charging at a polymer/water interface, we demonstrate a sensor that generates up to 892 mV peak-to-peak between 1 and 100 Hz, in response to a 250 μm deformation. This frequency response is described and explained using a linearized model in which the interfacial charge acts as the priming voltage, removing the need for external charging normally required in capacitive generators. The model suggests how to design the cell for maximum power output and provides an intuitive understanding of the high pass nature of the sensor. It successfully predicts the point of maximum power transfer.
Miniature reciprocating heat pumps and engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thiesen, Jack H. (Inventor); Mohling, Robert A. (Inventor); Willen, Gary S. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

The present invention discloses a miniature thermodynamic device that can be constructed using standard micro-fabrication techniques. The device can be used to provide cooling, generate power, compress gases, pump fluids and reduce pressure below ambient (operate as a vacuum pump). Embodiments of the invention relating to the production of a cooling effect and the generation of electrical power, change the thermodynamic state of the system by extracting energy from a pressurized fluid. Energy extraction is attained using an expansion process, which is as nearly isentropic as possible for the appropriately chosen fluid. An isentropic expansion occurs when a compressed gas does work to expand, and in the disclosed embodiments, the gas does work by overcoming either an electrostatic or a magnetic force.
MEMS-Based Power Generation Techniques for Implantable Biosensing Applications

PubMed Central

Lueke, Jonathan; Moussa, Walied A.

2011-01-01

Implantable biosensing is attractive for both medical monitoring and diagnostic applications. It is possible to monitor phenomena such as physical loads on joints or implants, vital signs, or osseointegration in vivo and in real time. Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based generation techniques can allow for the autonomous operation of implantable biosensors by generating electrical power to replace or supplement existing battery-based power systems. By supplementing existing battery-based power systems for implantable biosensors, the operational lifetime of the sensor is increased. In addition, the potential for a greater amount of available power allows additional components to be added to the biosensing module, such as computational and wireless and components, improving functionality and performance of the biosensor. Photovoltaic, thermovoltaic, micro fuel cell, electrostatic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric based generation schemes are evaluated in this paper for applicability for implantable biosensing. MEMS-based generation techniques that harvest ambient energy, such as vibration, are much better suited for implantable biosensing applications than fuel-based approaches, producing up to milliwatts of electrical power. High power density MEMS-based approaches, such as piezoelectric and electromagnetic schemes, allow for supplemental and replacement power schemes for biosensing applications to improve device capabilities and performance. In addition, this may allow for the biosensor to be further miniaturized, reducing the need for relatively large batteries with respect to device size. This would cause the implanted biosensor to be less invasive, increasing the quality of care received by the patient. PMID:22319362
Electrostatic Wave Generation and Transverse Ion Acceleration by Alfvenic Wave Components of BBELF Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Nagendra; Khazanov, George; Mukhter, Ali

2007-01-01

We present results here from 2.5-D particle-in-cell simulations showing that the electrostatic (ES) components of broadband extremely low frequency (BBELF) waves could possibly be generated by cross-field plasma instabilities driven by the relative drifts between the heavy and light ion species in the electromagnetic (EM) Alfvenic component of the BBELF waves in a multi-ion plasma. The ES components consist of ion cyclotron as well as lower hybrid modes. We also demonstrate that the ES wave generation is directly involved in the transverse acceleration of ions (TAI) as commonly measured with the BBELF wave events. The heating is affected by ion cyclotron resonance in the cyclotron modes and Landau resonance in the lower hybrid waves. In the simulation we drive the plasma by the transverse electric field, E(sub y), of the EM waves; the frequency of E(sub y), omega(sub d), is varied from a frequency below the heavy ion cyclotron frequency, OMEGA(sub h), to below the light ion cyclotron frequency, OMEGA(sub i). We have also performed simulations for E(sub y) having a continuous spectrum given by a power law, namely, |Ey| approx. omega(sub d) (exp -alpha), where the exponent alpha = _, 1, and 2 in three different simulations. The driving electric field generates polarization and ExB drifts of the ions and electrons. When the interspecies relative drifts are sufficiently large, they drive electrostatic waves, which cause perpendicular heating of both light and heavy ions. The transverse ion heating found here is discussed in relation to observations from Cluster, FAST and Freja.
Assessment and control of electrostatic charges. [hazards to space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrett, M.

1974-01-01

The experience is described of NASA and DOD with electrostatic problems, generation mechanisms, and type of electrostatic hazards. Guidelines for judging possible effects of electrostatic charges on space missions are presented along with mathematical formulas and definitions.
A Feasability Study of the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johansen, Michael Ryan; Phillips, James Ralph; Kelley, Joshua David; Mackey, Paul J.; Holbert, Eirik; Clements, Gregory R.; Calle, Carlos I.

2014-01-01

Mars rover missions rely on time-consuming, power-exhausting processes to analyze the Martian regolith. A low power electrostatic sensor in the wheels of a future Mars rover could be used to quickly determine when the rover is driving over a different type of regolith. The Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center developed the Wheel Electrostatic Spectrometer as a feasibility study to investigate this option. In this paper, we discuss recent advances in this technology to increase the repeatability of the tribocharging experiments, along with supporting data. In addition, we discuss the development of a static elimination tool optimized for Martian conditions.

Dielectric-Particle Injector For Processing Of Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leung, Philip L.; Gabriel, Stephen B.

1992-01-01

Device generates electrically charged particles of solid, or droplets of liquid, fabricated from dielectric material and projects them electrostatically, possibly injecting them into electrostatic-levitation chamber for containerless processing. Dielectric-particle or -droplet injector charges dielectric particles or droplets on zinc plate with photo-electrons generated by ultraviolet illumination, then ejects charged particles or droplets electrostatically from plate.
Observations of velocity shear driven plasma turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kintner, P. M., Jr.

1976-01-01

Electrostatic and magnetic turbulence observations from HAWKEYE-1 during the low altitude portion of its elliptical orbit over the Southern Hemisphere are presented. The magnetic turbulence is confined near the auroral zone and is similar to that seen at higher altitudes by HEOS-2 in the polar cusp. The electrostatic turbulence is composed of a background component with a power spectral index of 1.89 + or - .26 and an intense component with a power spectral index of 2.80 + or - .34. The intense electrostatic turbulence and the magnetic turbulence correlate with velocity shears in the convective plasma flow. Since velocity shear instabilities are most unstable to wave vectors perpendicular to the magnetic field, the shear correlated turbulence is anticipated to be two dimensional in character and to have a power spectral index of 3 which agrees with that observed in the intense electrostatic turbulence.
Fiber-based generator for wearable electronics and mobile medication.

PubMed

Zhong, Junwen; Zhang, Yan; Zhong, Qize; Hu, Qiyi; Hu, Bin; Wang, Zhong Lin; Zhou, Jun

2014-06-24

Smart garments for monitoring physiological and biomechanical signals of the human body are key sensors for personalized healthcare. However, they typically require bulky battery packs or have to be plugged into an electric plug in order to operate. Thus, a smart shirt that can extract energy from human body motions to run body-worn healthcare sensors is particularly desirable. Here, we demonstrated a metal-free fiber-based generator (FBG) via a simple, cost-effective method by using commodity cotton threads, a polytetrafluoroethylene aqueous suspension, and carbon nanotubes as source materials. The FBGs can convert biomechanical motions/vibration energy into electricity utilizing the electrostatic effect with an average output power density of ∼0.1 μW/cm(2) and have been identified as an effective building element for a power shirt to trigger a wireless body temperature sensor system. Furthermore, the FBG was demonstrated as a self-powered active sensor to quantitatively detect human motion.
Studies of Low-Current Back-Discharge in Point-Plane Geometry with Dielectric Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaworek, Anatol; Rajch, Eryk; Krupa, Andrzej; Czech, Tadeusz; Lackowski, Marcin

2006-01-01

The paper presents results of spectroscopic investigations of back-discharges generated in the point-plane electrode geometry in ambient air at atmospheric pressure, with the plane electrode covered with a dielectric layer. Fly ash from an electrostatic precipitator of a coal-fired power plant was used as the dielectric layer in these investigations. The discharges for positive and negative polarities of the needle electrode were studied by measuring optical emission spectra at two regions of the discharge: near the needle electrode and dielectric layer surface. The visual forms of the discharge were recorded and correlated with the current-voltage characteristics and optical emission spectra. The back-arc discharge was of particular interest in these studies due to its detrimental effects it causes in electrostatic precipitators.
Transparent and Flexible Self-Charging Power Film and Its Application in a Sliding Unlock System in Touchpad Technology.

PubMed

Luo, Jianjun; Tang, Wei; Fan, Feng Ru; Liu, Chaofeng; Pang, Yaokun; Cao, Guozhong; Wang, Zhong Lin

2016-08-23

Portable and wearable personal electronics and smart security systems are accelerating the development of transparent, flexible, and thin-film electronic devices. Here, we report a transparent and flexible self-charging power film (SCPF) that functions either as a power generator integrated with an energy storage unit or as a self-powered information input matrix. The SCPF possesses the capability of harvesting mechanical energy from finger motions, based on the coupling between the contact electrification and electrostatic induction effects, and meanwhile storing the generated energy. Under the fast finger sliding, the film can be charged from 0 to 2.5 V within 2094 s and discharge at 1 μA for approximately 1630 s. Furthermore, the film is able to identify personal characteristics during a sliding motion by recording the electric signals related to the person's individual bioelectricity, applied pressing force, sliding speed, and so on, which shows its potential applications in security systems in touchpad technology.
Triboelectric-generator-driven pulse electrodeposition for micropatterning.

PubMed

Zhu, Guang; Pan, Caofeng; Guo, Wenxi; Chen, Chih-Yen; Zhou, Yusheng; Yu, Ruomeng; Wang, Zhong Lin

2012-09-12

By converting ambient energy into electricity, energy harvesting is capable of at least offsetting, or even replacing, the reliance of small portable electronics on traditional power supplies, such as batteries. Here we demonstrate a novel and simple generator with extremely low cost for efficiently harvesting mechanical energy that is typically present in the form of vibrations and random displacements/deformation. Owing to the coupling of contact charging and electrostatic induction, electric generation was achieved with a cycled process of contact and separation between two polymer films. A detailed theory is developed for understanding the proposed mechanism. The instantaneous electric power density reached as high as 31.2 mW/cm(3) at a maximum open circuit voltage of 110 V. Furthermore, the generator was successfully used without electric storage as a direct power source for pulse electrodeposition (PED) of micro/nanocrystalline silver structure. The cathodic current efficiency reached up to 86.6%. Not only does this work present a new type of generator that is featured by simple fabrication, large electric output, excellent robustness, and extremely low cost, but also extends the application of energy-harvesting technology to the field of electrochemistry with further utilizations including, but not limited to, pollutant degradation, corrosion protection, and water splitting.
Including diverging electrostatic potential in 3D-RISM theory: The charged wall case.

PubMed

Vyalov, Ivan; Rocchia, Walter

2018-03-21

Although three-dimensional site-site molecular integral equations of liquids are a powerful tool of the modern theoretical chemistry, their applications to the problem of characterizing the electrical double layer originating at the solid-liquid interface with a macroscopic substrate are severely limited by the fact that an infinitely extended charged plane generates a divergent electrostatic potential. Such potentials cannot be treated within the standard 3D-Reference Interaction Site Model equation solution framework since it leads to functions that are not Fourier transformable. In this paper, we apply a renormalization procedure to overcome this obstacle. We then check the validity and numerical accuracy of the proposed computational scheme on the prototypical gold (111) surface in contact with water/alkali chloride solution. We observe that despite the proposed method requires, to achieve converged charge densities, a higher spatial resolution than that suited to the estimation of biomolecular solvation with either 3D-RISM or continuum electrostatics approaches, it still is computationally efficient. Introducing the electrostatic potential of an infinite wall, which is periodic in 2 dimensions, we avoid edge effects, permit a robust integration of Poisson's equation, and obtain the 3D electrostatic potential profile for the first time in such calculations. We show that the potential within the electrical double layer presents oscillations which are not grasped by the Debye-Hückel and Gouy-Chapman theories. This electrostatic potential deviates from its average of up to 1-2 V at small distances from the substrate along the lateral directions. Applications of this theoretical development are relevant, for example, for liquid scanning tunneling microscopy imaging.
Including diverging electrostatic potential in 3D-RISM theory: The charged wall case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyalov, Ivan; Rocchia, Walter

2018-03-01

Although three-dimensional site-site molecular integral equations of liquids are a powerful tool of the modern theoretical chemistry, their applications to the problem of characterizing the electrical double layer originating at the solid-liquid interface with a macroscopic substrate are severely limited by the fact that an infinitely extended charged plane generates a divergent electrostatic potential. Such potentials cannot be treated within the standard 3D-Reference Interaction Site Model equation solution framework since it leads to functions that are not Fourier transformable. In this paper, we apply a renormalization procedure to overcome this obstacle. We then check the validity and numerical accuracy of the proposed computational scheme on the prototypical gold (111) surface in contact with water/alkali chloride solution. We observe that despite the proposed method requires, to achieve converged charge densities, a higher spatial resolution than that suited to the estimation of biomolecular solvation with either 3D-RISM or continuum electrostatics approaches, it still is computationally efficient. Introducing the electrostatic potential of an infinite wall, which is periodic in 2 dimensions, we avoid edge effects, permit a robust integration of Poisson's equation, and obtain the 3D electrostatic potential profile for the first time in such calculations. We show that the potential within the electrical double layer presents oscillations which are not grasped by the Debye-Hückel and Gouy-Chapman theories. This electrostatic potential deviates from its average of up to 1-2 V at small distances from the substrate along the lateral directions. Applications of this theoretical development are relevant, for example, for liquid scanning tunneling microscopy imaging.
A search for space energy alternatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilbreath, W. P.; Billman, K. W.

1978-01-01

This paper takes a look at a number of schemes for converting radiant energy in space to useful energy for man. These schemes are possible alternatives to the currently most studied solar power satellite concept. Possible primary collection and conversion devices discussed include the space particle flux devices, solar windmills, photovoltaic devices, photochemical cells, photoemissive converters, heat engines, dielectric energy conversion, electrostatic generators, plasma solar collectors, and thermionic schemes. Transmission devices reviewed include lasers and masers.
COMPARATIVE U.S./USSR TESTS OF A HOT-SIDE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR

EPA Science Inventory

The report describes a U.S./USSR cooperative test program to quantify and characterize particulate emissions from a U.S. coal-burning power plant boiler, equipped with a hot-side electrostatic precipitator, at Duke Power Co.'s Allen Steam Station in March 1976. U.S. and Soviet eq...
Electrostatic Assembly of Nanomaterials for Hybrid Electrodes and Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Paula

2015-03-01

Electrostatic assembly methods have been used to generate a range of new materials systems of interest for electrochemical energy and storage applications. Over the past several years, it has been demonstrated that carbon nanotubes, metals, metal oxides, polymeric nanomaterials, and biotemplated materials systems can be incorporated into ultrathin films to generate supercapacitors and battery electrodes that illustrate significant energy density and power. The unique ability to control the incorporation of such a broad range of materials at the nanometer length scale allows tailoring of the final properties of these unique composite systems, as well as the capability of creating complex micron-scale to nanoporous morphologies based on the scale of the nanomaterial that is absorbed within the structure, or the conditions of self-assembly. Recently we have expanded these capabilities to achieve new electrodes that are templated atop electrospun polmer fiber scaffolds, in which the polymer can be selectively removed to achieve highly porous materials. Spray-layer-by-layer and filtration methods of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes and polyaniline nanofibers enable the generation of electrode systems with unusually high surface. Incorporation of psuedocapacitive nanoparticles can enhance capacitive properties, and other catalytic or metallic nanoparticles can be implemented to enhance electrochemical or catalytic function.
Local Imaging of Optoelectronic Properties and Film Degradation in Polymer/Fullerene Solar Cells with Electrostatic Force Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, Phillip Alexander

With power conversion efficiencies on the rise, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) hold promise as a next-generation thin-film solar technology. However, both device performance and stability are inextricably linked to local film structure. Methods capable of probing nanoscale electronic properties as a function of film structure are thus a crucial component of the rational design of efficient and robust devices. This dissertation describes the use of three scanning probe methods for studying local charge generation and photodegradation in polymer/fullerene solar cells. First, we show that time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy (trEFM) is capable of resolving local photocurrent from sub-bandgap excitation down to attoampere level currents, a result unattainable by traditional contact-mode methods. We find that the local charging rates measured with trEFM are proportional to external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements made on completed devices, making trEFM images equivalent to local EQE maps across the entire solar spectrum. For both phase-segregated and well-mixed MDMO-PPV:PCBM film morphologies, we show that the local distribution of photocurrent is invariant to excitation wavelength, providing local evidence for the controversial result that the probability of generating separated charge carriers does not depend on whether excitons are formed at the singlet state or charge transfer state. Next, we describe how local dissipation imaging can be performed with commercially-available frequency-modulated electrostatic force microscopy (FM-EFM) and show that dissipation maps are highly sensitive to photo-oxidative effects in organic semiconductors. We show that photo-oxidation induced changes in cantilever energy dissipation are proportional to device performance losses. We further develop dissipation imaging by implementing ringdown imaging, which directly measures the quality factor of the cantilever, enabling quantitative dissipation mapping. Using organic photovoltaic materials as a testbed, we study macroscopic device degradation as a function of photooxidation for three different film morphologies. According to EQE measurements, we find that the stability of the macroscopic devices is very sensitive to processing conditions, with films processed with the solvent additive 1,8-diiodooctane being the most stable. At the microscopic level, we compare the evolution of cantilever power dissipation as a function of photochemical degradation for three different polymer/fullerene blend morphologies, and show that the evolution of local power dissipation correlates with device stability. Lastly, we show that cantilever power dissipation increases more rapidly over large fullerene aggregates than in well-mixed polymer/fullerene regions, suggesting that local photochemistry on the fullerene contributes strongly to the dissipation signal.
A model for chorus associated electrostatic bursts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grabbe, C. L.

1984-01-01

The linear theory of the generation of electrostatic bursts of noise by electrons trapped in chorus wave packets is developed for a finite temperature electron beam and a Maxwellian elecron and ion background. The growth rates determined qualitatively in good agreement with those obtained by previous authors from a more idealized model. Two connected instability mechanisms seem to be occurring: a beam plasma (electron-ion two-stream) instability commonly associated with intensification of the chorus power levels, and a transitional or borderline resistive medium instability commonly associated with chorus hooks. The physical reasons for the two mechanisms is discussed. In the second case electron beams are difficult to identify in the particle data. An expression is obtained for the maximum growth rate in terms of the ratios of the beam and electron thermal velocities to the beam velocity, and of the beam density to plasma density. It is anticipated that this may allow the observed peak in the electrostatic noise spectrum to be used as a diagnostic for the beam characteristics. Previously announced in STAR as N84-12832
Spacecraft Electrostatic Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

This project analyzed the feasibility of placing an electrostatic field around a spacecraft to provide a shield against radiation. The concept was originally proposed in the 1960s and tested on a spacecraft by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Such tests and analyses showed that this concept is not only feasible but operational. The problem though is that most of this work was aimed at protection from 10- to 100-MeV radiation. We now appreciate that the real problem is 1- to 2-GeV radiation. So, the question is one of scaling, in both energy and size. Can electrostatic shielding be made to work at these high energy levels and can it protect an entire vehicle? After significant analysis and consideration, an electrostatic shield configuration was proposed. The selected architecture was a torus, charged to a high negative voltage, surrounding the vehicle, and a set of positively charged spheres. Van de Graaff generators were proposed as the mechanism to move charge from the vehicle to the torus to generate the fields necessary to protect the spacecraft. This design minimized complexity, residual charge, and structural forces and resolved several concerns raised during the internal critical review. But, it still is not clear if such a system is costeffective or feasible, even though several studies have indicated usefulness for radiation protection at energies lower than that of the galactic cosmic rays. Constructing such a system will require power supplies that can generate voltages 10 times that of the state of the art. Of more concern is the difficulty of maintaining the proper net charge on the entire structure and ensuring that its interaction with solar wind will not cause rapid discharge. Yet, if these concerns can be resolved, such a scheme may provide significant radiation shielding to future vehicles, without the excessive weight or complexity of other active shielding techniques.
Experimental observations of nonlinearly enhanced 2omega-UH electromagnetic radiation excited by steady-state colliding electron beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Intrator, T.; Hershkowitz, N.; Chan, C.

1984-01-01

Counterstreaming large-diameter electron beams in a steady-state laboratory experiment are observed to generate transverse radiation at twice the upper-hybrid frequency (2omega-UH) with a quadrupole radiation pattern. The electromagnetic wave power density is nonlinearly enhanced over the power density obtained from a single beam-plasma system. Electromagnetic power density scales exponentially with beam energy and increases with ion mass. Weak turbulence theory can predict similar (but weaker) beam energy scaling but not the high power density, or the predominance of the 2omega-UH radiation peak over the omega-UH peak. Significant noise near the upper-hybrid and ion plasma frequencies is also measured, with normalized electrostatic wave energy density W(ES)/n(e)T(e) approximately 0.01.
Electrostatic artificial eyelid actuator as an analog micromirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwin, Scott H.; Dausch, David E.; Solomon, Steven L.; Lamvik, Michael K.

2005-05-01

An electrostatic MEMS actuator is described for use as an analog micromirror device (AMD) for high performance, broadband, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) scene generation. Current state-of-the-art technology is based on resistively heated pixel arrays. As these arrays drive to the higher scene temperatures required by missile defense scenarios, the power required to drive the large format resistive arrays will ultimately become prohibitive. Existing digital micromirrors (DMD) are, in principle, capable of generating the required scene irradiances, but suffer from limited dynamic range, resolution and flicker effects. An AMD would be free of these limitations, and so represents a viable alternative for high performance UV/VIS/IR scene generation. An electrostatic flexible film actuator technology, developed for use as "artificial eyelid" shutters for focal plane sensors to protect against damaging radiation, is suitable as an AMD for analog control of projection irradiance. In shutter applications, the artificial eyelid actuator contained radius of curvature as low as 25um and operated at high voltage (>200V). Recent testing suggests that these devices are capable of analog operation as reflective microcantilever mirrors appropriate for scene projector systems. In this case, the device would possess larger radius and operate at lower voltages (20-50V). Additionally, frame rates have been measured at greater than 5kHz for continuous operation. The paper will describe the artificial eyelid technology, preliminary measurements of analog test pixels, and design aspects related to application for scene projection systems. We believe this technology will enable AMD projectors with at least 5122 spatial resolution, non-temporally-modulated output, and pixel response times of <1.25ms.
Variable dual-frequency electrostatic wave launcher for plasma applications.

PubMed

Jorns, Benjamin; Sorenson, Robert; Choueiri, Edgar

2011-12-01

A variable tuning system is presented for launching two electrostatic waves concurrently in a magnetized plasma. The purpose of this system is to satisfy the wave launching requirements for plasma applications where maximal power must be coupled into two carefully tuned electrostatic waves while minimizing erosion to the launching antenna. Two parallel LC traps with fixed inductors and variable capacitors are used to provide an impedance match between a two-wave source and a loop antenna placed outside the plasma. Equivalent circuit analysis is then employed to derive an analytical expression for the normalized, average magnetic flux density produced by the antenna in this system as a function of capacitance and frequency. It is found with this metric that the wave launcher can couple to electrostatic modes at two variable frequencies concurrently while attenuating noise from the source signal at undesired frequencies. An example based on an experiment for plasma heating with two electrostatic waves is used to demonstrate a procedure for tailoring the wave launcher to accommodate the frequency range and flux densities of a specific two-wave application. This example is also used to illustrate a method based on averaging over wave frequencies for evaluating the overall efficacy of the system. The wave launcher is shown to be particularly effective for the illustrative example--generating magnetic flux densities in excess of 50% of the ideal case at two variable frequencies concurrently--with a high adaptability to a number of plasma dynamics and heating applications.
High to ultra-high power electrical energy storage.

PubMed

Sherrill, Stefanie A; Banerjee, Parag; Rubloff, Gary W; Lee, Sang Bok

2011-12-14

High power electrical energy storage systems are becoming critical devices for advanced energy storage technology. This is true in part due to their high rate capabilities and moderate energy densities which allow them to capture power efficiently from evanescent, renewable energy sources. High power systems include both electrochemical capacitors and electrostatic capacitors. These devices have fast charging and discharging rates, supplying energy within seconds or less. Recent research has focused on increasing power and energy density of the devices using advanced materials and novel architectural design. An increase in understanding of structure-property relationships in nanomaterials and interfaces and the ability to control nanostructures precisely has led to an immense improvement in the performance characteristics of these devices. In this review, we discuss the recent advances for both electrochemical and electrostatic capacitors as high power electrical energy storage systems, and propose directions and challenges for the future. We asses the opportunities in nanostructure-based high power electrical energy storage devices and include electrochemical and electrostatic capacitors for their potential to open the door to a new regime of power energy.
Microball-bearing-supported electrostatic micromachines with polymer dielectric films for electromechanical power conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modafe, A.; Ghalichechian, N.; Frey, A.; Lang, J. H.; Ghodssi, R.

2006-09-01

This paper presents our latest research activities toward the development of electrostatic micromotors/microgenerators with a microball-bearing support mechanism and benzocyclobutene (BCB) low-k polymer insulating layers. The primary applications of these devices are long-range, high-speed micropositioning, high-speed micro pumping and micro power generation. In this paper, we present the development of the first generation of microball-bearing-supported micromachines. This device is a 6-phase, bottom-drive, linear, variable-capacitance micromotor. The design and fabrication of the linear micromotor, and characterization of the motor capacitance, force and motion in 3-phase and 6-phase excitation modes are presented. The micromotor consists of a silicon stator, a silicon slider and four stainless-steel microballs. The aligning force profile of the micromotor was extracted from simulated and measured capacitances of all phases. An average total aligning force of 0.27 mN with a maximum of 0.41 mN at 100 V dc was measured. The ac operation of the micromotor was verified by applying square-wave voltages and characterizing the slider motion. An average slider speed of 7.32 mm s-1 at 40 Hz and 120 V P-P was reached without losing the synchronization. The design, fabrication and characterization methods presented in this paper can be used as a technology platform for developing rotary micromachines.
PCE: web tools to compute protein continuum electrostatics

PubMed Central

Miteva, Maria A.; Tufféry, Pierre; Villoutreix, Bruno O.

2005-01-01

PCE (protein continuum electrostatics) is an online service for protein electrostatic computations presently based on the MEAD (macroscopic electrostatics with atomic detail) package initially developed by D. Bashford [(2004) Front Biosci., 9, 1082–1099]. This computer method uses a macroscopic electrostatic model for the calculation of protein electrostatic properties, such as pKa values of titratable groups and electrostatic potentials. The MEAD package generates electrostatic energies via finite difference solution to the Poisson–Boltzmann equation. Users submit a PDB file and PCE returns potentials and pKa values as well as color (static or animated) figures displaying electrostatic potentials mapped on the molecular surface. This service is intended to facilitate electrostatics analyses of proteins and thereby broaden the accessibility to continuum electrostatics to the biological community. PCE can be accessed at . PMID:15980492

Evaluation of a combined electrostatic and magnetostatic configuration for active space-radiation shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Ravindra P.; Qiu, Hao; Tripathi, Ram K.

2013-05-01

Developing successful and optimal solutions to mitigating the hazards of severe space radiation in deep space long duration missions is critical for the success of deep-space explorations. A recent report (Tripathi et al., 2008) had explored the feasibility of using electrostatic shielding. Here, we continue to extend the electrostatic shielding strategy and examine a hybrid configuration that utilizes both electrostatic and magnetostatic fields. The main advantages of this system are shown to be: (i) a much better shielding and repulsion of incident ions from both solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR), (ii) reductions in the power requirement for re-charging the electrostatic sub-system, and (iii) low requirements of the magnetic fields that are well below the thresholds set for health and safety for long-term exposures. Furthermore, our results show transmission levels reduced to levels as low as 30% for energies around 1000 MeV, and near total elimination of SPE radiation by these hybrid configurations. It is also shown that the power needed to replenish the electrostatic charges due to particle hits from the GCR and SPE radiation is minimal.
On the Measurement of the Electrical Power Produced by Melt Spun Piezoelectric Textile Fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsouka, Dimitroula; Vassiliadis, Savvas; Prekas, Kleanthis; Bayramol, Derman Vatansever; Soin, Navneet; Siores, Elias

2016-10-01

Piezoelectric, melt spun, textile fibres as multifunctional materials appeared recently, and they are under thorough investigation and testing in order to define their performance and behaviour. Although piezoelectricity was first reported in 1880 and the piezoelectric behaviour of organic polymers materials has been known since 1969, the fibrous form of the piezoelectric materials under consideration opens new technological horizons; however, it introduces novel restrictions and further complex parameters are involved in their study. The major issue of the current research work is the study of the actual capacity of the piezoelectric fibres, i.e. the electric power produced following mechanical stimulation of the individual fibre. The measurements were made possible after the development of the necessary specific equipment. The test results enabled the ranking of the various types of the piezoelectric fibres according to the respective power generation. The main difference in this research approach is the measurement of the power generated by the fibres. Measurement of the power generated by an electrical power source (in the case of energy harvesting applications which is the prime interest of this research project) is an important characteristic as the requirements of various applications are expressed in units of power. Stating the voltage produced during mechanical deformation of the fibres is not enough (cf. voltage produced due to electrostatic phenomena on textiles where the voltage is in the range is the several kV, but the power is not enough to power a light-emitting diode).
Dielectric elastomer generators that stack up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKay, T. G.; Rosset, S.; Anderson, I. A.; Shea, H.

2015-01-01

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of a soft dielectric elastomer power generator with a volume of less than 1 cm3. The generator is well suited to harvest energy from ambient and from human body motion as it can harvest from low frequency (sub-Hz) motions, and is compact and lightweight. Dielectric elastomers are highly stretchable variable capacitors. Electrical energy is produced when the deformation of a stretched, charged dielectric elastomer is relaxed; like-charges are compressed together and opposite-charges are pushed apart, resulting in an increased voltage. This technology provides an opportunity to produce soft, high energy density generators with unparalleled robustness. Two major issues block this goal: current configurations require rigid frames that maintain the dielectric elastomer in a prestretched state, and high energy densities have come at the expense of short lifetime. This paper presents a self-supporting stacked generator configuration which does not require rigid frames. The generator consists of 48 generator films stacked on top of each other, resulting in a structure that fits within an 11 mm diameter footprint while containing enough active material to produce useful power. To ensure sustainable power production, we also present a mathematical model for designing the electronic control of the generator which optimizes energy production while limiting the electrical stress on the generator below failure limits. When cyclically compressed at 1.6 Hz, our generator produced 1.8 mW of power, which is sufficient for many low-power wireless sensor nodes. This performance compares favorably with similarly scaled electromagnetic, piezoelectric, and electrostatic generators. The generator’s small form factor and ability to harvest useful energy from low frequency motions such as tree swaying or shoe impact provides an opportunity to deliver power to remote wireless sensor nodes or to distributed points in the human body without the need for costly periodic battery replacement.
Method for electrostatic deposition of graphene on a substrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sumanasekera, Gamini (Inventor); Sidorov, Anton N. (Inventor); Ouseph, P. John (Inventor); Yazdanpanah, Mehdi M. (Inventor); Cohn, Robert W. (Inventor); Jalilian, Romaneh (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A method for electrostatic deposition of graphene on a substrate comprises the steps of securing a graphite sample to a first electrode; electrically connecting the first electrode to a positive terminal of a power source; electrically connecting a second electrode to a ground terminal of the power source; placing the substrate over the second electrode; and using the power source to apply a voltage, such that graphene is removed from the graphite sample and deposited on the substrate.
Acoustic performance of dual-electrode electrostatic sound generators based on CVD graphene on polyimide film.

PubMed

Lee, Kyoung-Ryul; Jang, Sung Hwan; Jung, Inhwa

2018-08-10

We investigated the acoustic performance of electrostatic sound-generating devices consisting of bi-layer graphene on polyimide film. The total sound pressure level (SPL) of the sound generated from the devices was measured as a function of source frequency by sweeping, and frequency spectra were measured at 1/3 octave band frequencies. The relationship between various operation conditions and total SPL was determined. In addition, the effects of changing voltage level, adding a DC offset, and using two pairs of electrodes were evaluated. It should be noted that two pairs of electrode operations improved sound generation by about 10 dB over all frequency ranges compared with conventional operation. As for the sound-generating capability, total SPL was 70 dBA at 4 kHz when an AC voltage of 100 V pp was applied with a DC offset of 100 V. Acoustic characteristics differed from other types of graphene-based sound generators, such as graphene thermoacoustic devices and graphene polyvinylidene fluoride devices. The effects of diameter and distance between electrodes were also studied, and we found that diameter greatly influenced the frequency response. We anticipate that the design information provided in this paper, in addition to describing key parameters of electrostatic sound-generating devices, will facilitate the commercial development of electrostatic sound-generating systems.
Nonlinear Electrostatic Steepening of Whistler Waves: The Guiding Factors and Dynamics in Inhomogeneous Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agapitov, O.; Drake, J. F.; Vasko, I.; Mozer, F. S.; Artemyev, A.; Krasnoselskikh, V.; Angelopoulos, V.; Wygant, J.; Reeves, G. D.

2018-03-01

Whistler mode chorus waves are particularly important in outer radiation belt dynamics due to their key role in controlling the acceleration and scattering of electrons over a very wide energy range. The efficiency of wave-particle resonant interactions is defined by whistler wave properties which have been described by the approximation of plane linear waves propagating through the cold plasma of the inner magnetosphere. However, recent observations of extremely high-amplitude whistlers suggest the importance of nonlinear wave-particle interactions for the dynamics of the outer radiation belt. Oblique chorus waves observed in the inner magnetosphere often exhibit drastically nonsinusoidal (with significant power in the higher harmonics) waveforms of the parallel electric field, presumably due to the feedback from hot resonant electrons. We have considered the nature and properties of such nonlinear whistler waves observed by the Van Allen Probes and Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions define during Substorms in the inner magnetosphere, and we show that the significant enhancement of the wave electrostatic component can result from whistler wave coupling with the beam-driven electrostatic mode through the resonant interaction with hot electron beams. Being modulated by a whistler wave, the electron beam generates a driven electrostatic mode significantly enhancing the parallel electric field of the initial whistler wave. We confirm this mechanism using a self-consistent particle-in-cell simulation. The nonlinear electrostatic component manifests properties of the beam-driven electron acoustic mode and can be responsible for effective electron acceleration in the inhomogeneous magnetic field.
Nonlinear Generation of Electromagnetic Waves through Induced Scattering by Thermal Plasma.

PubMed

Tejero, E M; Crabtree, C; Blackwell, D D; Amatucci, W E; Mithaiwala, M; Ganguli, G; Rudakov, L

2015-12-09

We demonstrate the conversion of electrostatic pump waves into electromagnetic waves through nonlinear induced scattering by thermal particles in a laboratory plasma. Electrostatic waves in the whistler branch are launched that propagate near the resonance cone. When the amplitude exceeds a threshold ~5 × 10(-6) times the background magnetic field, wave power is scattered below the pump frequency with wave normal angles (~59°), where the scattered wavelength reaches the limits of the plasma column. The scattered wave has a perpendicular wavelength that is an order of magnitude larger than the pump wave and longer than the electron skin depth. The amplitude threshold, scattered frequency spectrum, and scattered wave normal angles are in good agreement with theory. The results may affect the analysis and interpretation of space observations and lead to a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the Earth's plasma environment.
AESOP: A Python Library for Investigating Electrostatics in Protein Interactions.

PubMed

Harrison, Reed E S; Mohan, Rohith R; Gorham, Ronald D; Kieslich, Chris A; Morikis, Dimitrios

2017-05-09

Electric fields often play a role in guiding the association of protein complexes. Such interactions can be further engineered to accelerate complex association, resulting in protein systems with increased productivity. This is especially true for enzymes where reaction rates are typically diffusion limited. To facilitate quantitative comparisons of electrostatics in protein families and to describe electrostatic contributions of individual amino acids, we previously developed a computational framework called AESOP. We now implement this computational tool in Python with increased usability and the capability of performing calculations in parallel. AESOP utilizes PDB2PQR and Adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann Solver to generate grid-based electrostatic potential files for protein structures provided by the end user. There are methods within AESOP for quantitatively comparing sets of grid-based electrostatic potentials in terms of similarity or generating ensembles of electrostatic potential files for a library of mutants to quantify the effects of perturbations in protein structure and protein-protein association. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Electric potential and electric field imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Generazio, E. R.

2017-02-01

The technology and methods for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field made be used for "illuminating" volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology (e-Sensor) and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasi-static generator), and current e-Sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-Sensor) are discussed. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. This new EFI capability is demonstrated to reveal characterization of electric charge distribution creating a new field of study embracing areas of interest including electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, dielectric morphology of structures, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.
Analysis and design of ion thrusters for large space systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, E. L.

1980-01-01

This study undertakes the analysis and conceptual design of a 0.5 Newton electrostatic ion thruster suitable for use on large space system missions in the next decade. Either argon or xenon gas shall be used as propellant. A 50 cm diameter discharge chamber was selected to meet stipulated performance goals. The discharge plasma is contained at the boundary by a periodic structure of alternating permanent magnets generating a series of line cusps. Anode strips between the magnets collect Maxwellian electrons generated by a central cathode. Ion extraction utilizes either two or three grid optics at the user's choice. An extensive analysis was undertaken to investigate optics behavior in the high power environment of this large thruster. A plasma bridge neutralizer operating on inert gas provides charge neutralizing electrons to complete the design. The resulting conceptual thruster and the necessary power management and control requirements are described.
Preliminary tests of the electrostatic plasma accelerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aston, G.; Acker, T.

1990-01-01

This report describes the results of a program to verify an electrostatic plasma acceleration concept and to identify those parameters most important in optimizing an Electrostatic Plasma Accelerator (EPA) thruster based upon this thrust mechanism. Preliminary performance measurements of thrust, specific impulse and efficiency were obtained using a unique plasma exhaust momentum probe. Reliable EPA thruster operation was achieved using one power supply.
Fusion power for space propulsion.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, R.; Rayle, W.; Reinmann, J.

1972-01-01

Principles of operation, interplanetary orbit-to-orbit mission capabilities, technical problems, and environmental safeguards are examined for thermonuclear fusion propulsion systems. Two systems examined include (1) a fusion-electric concept in which kinetic energy of charged particles from the plasma is converted into electric power (for accelerating the propellant in an electrostatic thrustor) by the van de Graaf generator principle and (2) the direct fusion rocket in which energetic plasma lost from the reactor has a suitable amount of added propellant to obtain the optimum exhaust velocity. The deuterium-tritium and the deuterium/helium-3 reactions are considered as suitable candidates, and attention is given to problems of cryogenic refrigeration systems, magnet shielding, and high-energy particle extraction and guidance.
Solid-state pulse modulator using Marx generator for a medical linac electron-gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Heuijin; Hyeok Jeong, Dong; Lee, Manwoo; Lee, Mujin; Yi, Jungyu; Yang, Kwangmo; Ro, Sung Chae

2016-04-01

A medical linac is used for the cancer treatment and consists of an accelerating column, waveguide components, a magnetron, an electron-gun, a pulse modulator, and an irradiation system. The pulse modulator based on hydrogen thyratron-switched pulse-forming network is commonly used in linac. As the improvement of the high power semiconductors in switching speed, voltage rating, and current rating, an insulated gate bipolar transistor has become the more popular device used for pulsed power systems. We propose a solid-state pulse modulator to generator high voltage by multi-stacked storage-switch stages based on the Marx generator. The advantage of our modulator comes from the use of two semiconductors to control charging and discharging of the storage capacitor at each stage and it allows to generate the pulse with various amplitudes, widths, and shapes. In addition, a gate driver for two semiconductors is designed to reduce the control channels and to protect the circuits. It is developed for providing the pulsed power to a medical linac electron-gun that requires 25 kV and 1 A as the first application. In order to improve the power efficiency and achieve the compactness modulator, a capacitor charging power supply, a Marx pulse generator, and an electron-gun heater isolated transformer are constructed and integrated. This technology is also being developed to extend the high power pulsed system with > 1 MW and also other applications such as a plasma immersed ion implantation and a micro pulse electrostatic precipitator which especially require variable pulse shape and high repetition rate > 1 kHz. The paper describes the design features and the construction of this solid-state pulse modulator. Also shown are the performance results into the linac electron-gun.
Improved Electronic Control for Electrostatic Precipitators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, D. F.

1986-01-01

Electrostatic precipitators remove particulate matter from smoke created by burning refuse. Smoke exposed to electrostatic field, and particles become electrically charged and migrate to electrically charged collecting surfaces. New microprocessor-based electronic control maintains precipitator power at maximum particulate-collection level. Control automatically senses changes in smoke composition due to variations in fuel or combustion and adjusts precipitator voltage and current accordingly. Also, sensitive yet stable fault detection provided.
Boeing's High Voltage Solar Tile Test Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Brian J.; Harden, David E.; Ferguson, Dale C.; Snyder, David B.

2002-10-01

Real concerns of spacecraft charging and experience with solar array augmented electrostatic discharge arcs on spacecraft have minimized the use of high voltages on large solar arrays despite numerous vehicle system mass and efficiency advantages. Boeing's solar tile (patent pending) allows high voltage to be generated at the array without the mass and efficiency losses of electronic conversion. Direct drive electric propulsion and higher power payloads (lower spacecraft weight) will benefit from this design. As future power demand grows, spacecraft designers must use higher voltage to minimize transmission loss and power cable mass for very large area arrays. This paper will describe the design and discuss the successful test of Boeing's 500-Volt Solar Tile in NASA Glenn's Tenney chamber in the Space Plasma Interaction Facility. The work was sponsored by NASA's Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and Technology (SERT) Program and will result in updated high voltage solar array design guidelines being published.
Perturbations of ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling by powerful VLF emissions from ground-based transmitters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belov, A. S., E-mail: alexis-belov@yandex.ru; Markov, G. A.; Ryabov, A. O.

The characteristics of the plasma-wave disturbances stimulated in the near-Earth plasma by powerful VLF radiation from ground-based transmitters are investigated. Radio communication VLF transmitters of about 1 MW in power are shown to produce artificial plasma-wave channels (density ducts) in the near-Earth space that originate in the lower ionosphere above the disturbing emission source and extend through the entire ionosphere and magnetosphere of the Earth along the magnetic field lines. Measurements with the onboard equipment of the DEMETER satellite have revealed that under the action of emission from the NWC transmitter, which is one of the most powerful VLF radiomore » transmitters, the generation of quasi-electrostatic (plasma) waves is observed on most of the satellite trajectory along the disturbed magnetic flux tube. This may probably be indicative of stimulated emission of a magnetospheric maser.« less
Boeing's High Voltage Solar Tile Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, Brian J.; Harden, David E.; Ferguson, Dale C.; Snyder, David B.

2002-01-01

Real concerns of spacecraft charging and experience with solar array augmented electrostatic discharge arcs on spacecraft have minimized the use of high voltages on large solar arrays despite numerous vehicle system mass and efficiency advantages. Boeing's solar tile (patent pending) allows high voltage to be generated at the array without the mass and efficiency losses of electronic conversion. Direct drive electric propulsion and higher power payloads (lower spacecraft weight) will benefit from this design. As future power demand grows, spacecraft designers must use higher voltage to minimize transmission loss and power cable mass for very large area arrays. This paper will describe the design and discuss the successful test of Boeing's 500-Volt Solar Tile in NASA Glenn's Tenney chamber in the Space Plasma Interaction Facility. The work was sponsored by NASA's Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and Technology (SERT) Program and will result in updated high voltage solar array design guidelines being published.
Planetary exploration with electrically propelled vehicles.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stuhlinger, E.

1972-01-01

The characteristics of propulsion systems required for carrying out flight missions within the solar system, as desired by planetary physicists and astronomers, are reviewed. It is shown that an encouraging answer to these requirements is available in the form of electrostatic or ion propulsion systems. The design and performance characteristics of an electrostatic thrustor employing an ion source, accelerating electrode, beam neutralizer, and power source are discussed, together with those of the Kaufmann engine (electrostatic thrustor employing bombardment type ionization). More demanding missions which will become feasible with the advent of nuclear-electric power sources (such as the incore thermionic reactor) may include close orbiters around all the planets, and asteroid and cometary missions.
PARTICULATE CONTROL HIGHLIGHTS: RESEARCH ON ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR TECHNOLOGY

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives highlights of a major EPA research program on electrostatic precipitator (ESP) technology, directed toward improving the performance of ESPs in controlling industrial particulate emissions, notably fly ash from coal combustion in electric power plants. Relationsh...
Compact RF ion source for industrial electrostatic ion accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Hyeok-Jung; Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Dae-Il; Cho, Yong-Sub

2016-02-01

Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex is developing a single-ended electrostatic ion accelerator to irradiate gaseous ions, such as hydrogen and nitrogen, on materials for industrial applications. ELV type high voltage power supply has been selected. Because of the limited space, electrical power, and robust operation, a 200 MHz RF ion source has been developed. In this paper, the accelerator system, test stand of the ion source, and its test results are described.

Compact RF ion source for industrial electrostatic ion accelerator.

PubMed

Kwon, Hyeok-Jung; Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Dae-Il; Cho, Yong-Sub

2016-02-01

Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex is developing a single-ended electrostatic ion accelerator to irradiate gaseous ions, such as hydrogen and nitrogen, on materials for industrial applications. ELV type high voltage power supply has been selected. Because of the limited space, electrical power, and robust operation, a 200 MHz RF ion source has been developed. In this paper, the accelerator system, test stand of the ion source, and its test results are described.
A Two-Stream Plasma Electron Microwave Source for High-Power Millimeter Wave Generation. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-29

MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1963). these findings that strong amplification is possible for repre- ’See, for example, G. E. Guest and D. J. Sigmar , Nucl...stringency of the stability criteria for electrostatic and whistler modes, as fl(z=O, 6, t=O) = -i/2u,(e/m) discussed by Guest and Sigmar [22], and...therein. Function. Academic Press, New York (1961). 1221 GUEST, G.E., SIGMAR , D.J., Nuci. Fusion It1(1971) [271 ABRAMOWITZ, M., STEGUN. I.A. (Eds
Electrostatic Technology for Control of Dust and Hydrocarbon Vapors in High Power Laser Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

interest in that there is an intense corona discharge from the high volt- age (-17 kV) needles to the grounded screen as shown in Figure 1. This generates a...optimum arrangement, in terms of needle -to- needle spacing, needle -to-screen distance and screen opening dimensions? b. How shall the repulsion system be...the optical path? 5 To settle question a, it was necessary to build and test a number of needle -screen systems since there was no theory that could be
Radio Emissions from Electrical Activity in Martian Dust Storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majid, W.; Arabshahi, S.; Kocz, J.; Schulter, T.; White, L.

2017-12-01

Dust storms on Mars are predicted to be capable of producing electrostatic fields and discharges, even larger than those in dust storms on Earth. There are three key elements in the characterization of Martian electrostatic discharges: dependence on Martian environmental conditions, event rate, and the strength of the generated electric fields. The detection and characterization of electric activity in Martian dust storms has important implications for habitability, and preparations for human exploration of the red planet. Furthermore, electrostatic discharges may be linked to local chemistry and plays an important role in the predicted global electrical circuit. Because of the continuous Mars telecommunication needs of NASA's Mars-based assets, the Deep Space Network (DSN) is the only facility in the world that combines long term, high cadence, observing opportunities with large sensitive telescopes, making it a unique asset worldwide in searching for and characterizing electrostatic activity from large scale convective dust storms at Mars. We will describe a newly inaugurated program at NASA's Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex to carry out a long-term monitoring campaign to search for and characterize the entire Mars hemisphere for powerful discharges during routine tracking of spacecraft at Mars on an entirely non-interfering basis. The ground-based detections will also have important implications for the design of a future instrument that could make similar in-situ measurements from orbit or from the surface of Mars, with far greater sensitivity and duty cycle, opening up a new window in our understanding of the Martian environment.
Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Ed

2016-01-01

The technology and techniques for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field may be used for (illuminating) volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology, electric field sensor (e-sensor), and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasistatic generator), and current e-sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-sensor) are discussed. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. This new EFI capability is demonstrated to reveal characterization of electric charge distribution, creating a new field of study that embraces areas of interest including electrostatic discharge mitigation, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, dielectric morphology of structures, inspection of containers, inspection for hidden objects, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.
Electrostatic turbulence in the earth's central plasma sheet produced by multiple-ring ion distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huba, J. D.; Chen, J.; Anderson, R. R.

1992-01-01

Attention is given to a mechanism to generate a broad spectrum of electrostatic turbulence in the quiet time central plasma sheet (CPS) plasma. It is shown theoretically that multiple-ring ion distributions can generate short-wavelength (less than about 1), electrostatic turbulence with frequencies less than about kVj, where Vj is the velocity of the jth ring. On the basis of a set of parameters from measurements made in the CPS, it is found that electrostatic turbulence can be generated with wavenumbers in the range of 0.02 and 1.0, with real frequencies in the range of 0 and 10, and with linear growth rates greater than 0.01 over a broad range of angles relative to the magnetic field (5-90 deg). These theoretical results are compared with wave data from ISEE 1 using an ion distribution function exhibiting multiple-ring structures observed at the same time. The theoretical results in the linear regime are found to be consistent with the wave data.
ELECTROSTATIC ACCELERATORS (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gerbier, R.

1962-04-01

The various methods presently in use for producing the continuous high voltage necessary for the operation of electrostatic accelerators are reviewed. The methods considered are voltage multiplier units (Greinacher and Morganstern types) and electrostatic instruments (Van de Graaff and Trump machines and Felici rotnting cylinder instruments). The electrostatic accelerators used at Grenoble which give currents of several milliamperes at voltages up to 1.2 Mv are described. In this energy region electron accelerators and neutron generators offer very interesting possibilities. (auth)
Electrostatic Levitation Technique for Investigations of Physical Properties of Liquid States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okada, Junpei; Ishikawa, Takehiko; Paradis, Paul-Francois; Yoda, Shinichi

Electrostatic levitator (ESL) levitates a charged sample in a high vacuum using computer con-trolled electrostatic fields [1]. It can levitate materials such as metals, semiconductors, and some insulators. Sample temperature can be varied over a wide range, and samples can be deeply undercooled. We have been engaged in the research and development of the electro-static levitation technique with the aim of performing levitation dissolution experiments in the International Space Station (ISS). Our device for the electrostatic levitation dissolution test has been developed for experiments on the ISS. To this end, the system is designed to be compact and portable so that it can be launched by rocket and used for experiments in the limited space on the ISS. Accordingly, the device can be installed not just on the ISS or our research laboratory, but also in various external sites. We devised a plan to install the electrostatic levitation system in a site other than the ISS to study atomic structure and electron structure of ultra-high-temperature liquids. We mounted our system on third generation synchrotron radiation facility "SPring-8" in Japan, to investigate the atomic and electron structures of high-temperature liquids. The SPring-8 is an experimental facility that allows use of the most powerful X-rays in the world. We conducted a variety of experiments on ultra-high-temperature liquids using SPring-8. The X-ray is ideal for exploring atomic structure and electron structure. Since the X-ray is an electromagnetic wave, it interacts with electrons. In addition, most electrons gather around the atomic nucleus. By close analysis of the scattered x-rays, we can determine its atomic structure and electron structure in detail. In this talk, we introduce an x-ray Compton scattering and x-ray Raman scattering measurements on liquid aluminum and silicon. [1] W. -K. Rhim, et al, Rev. Sci. Instrum. (1985) 56 307.
Observation of microwave absorption and emission from incoherent electron tunneling through a normal-metal-insulator-superconductor junction.

PubMed

Masuda, Shumpei; Tan, Kuan Y; Partanen, Matti; Lake, Russell E; Govenius, Joonas; Silveri, Matti; Grabert, Hermann; Möttönen, Mikko

2018-03-02

We experimentally study nanoscale normal-metal-insulator-superconductor junctions coupled to a superconducting microwave resonator. We observe that bias-voltage-controllable single-electron tunneling through the junctions gives rise to a direct conversion between the electrostatic energy and that of microwave photons. The measured power spectral density of the microwave radiation emitted by the resonator exceeds at high bias voltages that of an equivalent single-mode radiation source at 2.5 K although the phonon and electron reservoirs are at subkelvin temperatures. Measurements of the generated power quantitatively agree with a theoretical model in a wide range of bias voltages. Thus, we have developed a microwave source which is compatible with low-temperature electronics and offers convenient in-situ electrical control of the incoherent photon emission rate with a predetermined frequency, without relying on intrinsic voltage fluctuations of heated normal-metal components or suffering from unwanted losses in room temperature cables. Importantly, our observation of negative generated power at relatively low bias voltages provides a novel type of verification of the working principles of the recently discovered quantum-circuit refrigerator.
Chemical mass balance source apportionment of TSP in a lignite-burning area of Western Macedonia, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samara, Constantini

Total suspended particle mass concentrations (TSP) were determined in the Kozani-Ptolemais-Florina basin (western Macedonia, Greece), an area with intensive lignite burning for power generation. The study was conducted over a 1-year period (November 2000-November 2001) at 10 receptor sites located at variable distances from the power plants. Ambient TSP samples were analyzed for 27 major, minor and trace elements. Particulate emissions were also collected from a variety of sources including fly ash, lignite dust, automobile traffic, domestic heating, and open-air burning of agricultural biomass and refuse, and analyzed for the same chemical components. Ambient and source chemical profiles were used for source identification and apportionment of TSP by employing a chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model. Diesel burning in vehicular traffic and in the power plants for generator start up was found to be the major contributor to ambient TSP levels at all 10 sites. Other sources with significant contributions were domestic coal burning, vegetative burning (wood combustion and agricultural burns) and refuse open-air burning. Fly ash escaping the electrostatic precipitators of the power plants was a minor contributor to ambient TSP.
SOIMUMPs micromirror scanner and its application in laser line generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Hui; Nia, Farzad Hossein; He, Siyuan

2017-01-01

A SOIMUMPs 1-D rotation micromirror is presented. The micromirror is driven by electrostatic vertical comb-drive actuators to work at resonant mode to scan a laser beam. The residual stress in the metal film coated on the SOI device layer is used to generate vertical offset in the comb-drive actuators with the combs located far from the rotation axis to increase the torque. A concave lens is designed to put after the micromirror to amplify the laser beam scanning angle, as well as to compensate for the curvature of the micromirror. A micromirror-based scanning system is used to build a laser line generator with a continuously adjustable fan angle, which solves the limitation of a fixed fan angle in conventional laser line generators. Prototypes of the micromirror and the laser line generator are fabricated and measured. A driving circuit that can generate a high-voltage square wave driving signal with adjustable amplitude and frequency is designed. All the parts are integrated in a 44 mm×88 mm×44 mm box and powered with a single 5-V power supply. The optical scanning angle under 100 V with or without the concave lens is 27 deg and 12 deg, respectively, at a resonant frequency of 900 Hz.
Boosting current generation in microbial fuel cells by an order of magnitude by coating an ionic liquid polymer on carbon anodes.

PubMed

Yang, Lu; Deng, Wenfang; Zhang, Youming; Tan, Yueming; Ma, Ming; Xie, Qingji

2017-05-15

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted great attentions due to their great application potentials, but the relatively low power densities of MFCs still hinder their widespread practical applications. Herein, we report that the current generation in MFCs can be boosted by an order of magnitude, simply by coating a hydrophilic and positively charged ionic liquid polymer (ILP) on carbon cloth (CC) or carbon felt (CF). The ILP coating not only can increase the bacterial loading capacity due to the electrostatic interactions between ILP and bacterial cells, but also can improve the mediated extracellular electron transfer between the electrode and the cytochrome proteins on the outer membrane of Shewanella putrefaciens cells. As a result, the maximum power density of a MFC equipped with the CF-ILP bioanode is as high as 4400±170mWm -2 , which is amongst the highest values reported to date. This work demonstrates a new strategy for greatly boosting the current generation in MFCs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Harvesting water wave energy by asymmetric screening of electrostatic charges on a nanostructured hydrophobic thin-film surface.

PubMed

Zhu, Guang; Su, Yuanjie; Bai, Peng; Chen, Jun; Jing, Qingshen; Yang, Weiqing; Wang, Zhong Lin

2014-06-24

Energy harvesting from ambient water motions is a desirable but underexplored solution to on-site energy demand for self-powered electronics. Here we report a liquid-solid electrification-enabled generator based on a fluorinated ethylene propylene thin film, below which an array of electrodes are fabricated. The surface of the thin film is charged first due to the water-solid contact electrification. Aligned nanowires created on the thin film make it hydrophobic and also increase the surface area. Then the asymmetric screening to the surface charges by the waving water during emerging and submerging processes causes the free electrons on the electrodes to flow through an external load, resulting in power generation. The generator produces sufficient output power for driving an array of small electronics during direct interaction with water bodies, including surface waves and falling drops. Polymer-nanowire-based surface modification increases the contact area at the liquid-solid interface, leading to enhanced surface charging density and thus electric output at an efficiency of 7.7%. Our planar-structured generator features an all-in-one design without separate and movable components for capturing and transmitting mechanical energy. It has extremely lightweight and small volume, making it a portable, flexible, and convenient power solution that can be applied on the ocean/river surface, at coastal/offshore areas, and even in rainy places. Considering the demonstrated scalability, it can also be possibly used in large-scale energy generation if layers of planar sheets are connected into a network.
Design and Simulation of Bistable Microsystem with Frequency-up conversion effect for Electrostatic Energy Harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vysotskyi, Bogdan; Parrain, Fabien; Lefeuvre, Elie; Leroux, Xavier; Aubry, Denis; Gaucher, Philippe

2016-10-01

This work is dedicated for the study of energy harvesters implemented in form of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) used to harvest ambient vibrations for powering standalone electronic devices. The previewed application is to power a leadless pacemaker with mechanical energy of the heartbeat, which requires the amount of power typically more than 1μW. The target of the presented article is to combine the effect of bistability and nonlinear coupling by electrostatic effect in order to achieve the high value of bandwidth at the low frequency under the low accelerations. Such system is expected to bring high power density performance. This study is performed mostly by numerical simulation.
Inertial electrostatic confinement as a power source for electric propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, G. H.; Burton, R.; Javedani, J.; Yamamoto, Y.; Satsangi, A; Gu, Y.; Heck, P.; Nebel, R.; Schulze, N.; Christensen, J.

1993-01-01

The potential use of an INERTIAL ELECTROSTATIC CONFINEMENT (IEC) power source for space propulsion has previously been suggested by the authors and others. In the past, these discussions have generally followed the charged-particle electric-discharge engine (QED) concept proposed by Bussard, in which the IEC is used to generate an electron beam which vaporizes liquid hydrogen for use as a propellant. However, an alternate approach is considered, using the IEC to drive a 'conventional' electric thruster unit. This has the advantage of building on the rapidly developing technology for such thrusters, which operate at higher specific impulse. Key issues related to this approach include the continued successful development of the physics and engineering of the IEC unit, as well as the development of efficient step-down dc voltage transformers. The IEC operates by radial injection of energetic ions into a spherical vessel. A very high ion density is created in a small core region at the center of the vessel, resulting in extremely high fusion power density in the core. Experiments at the U. of Illinois in small IEC devices (is less than 60 cm. dia.) demonstrated much of the basic physics underlying this concept, e.g. producing 10(exp 6) D-D neutrons/sec steady-state with deuterium gas flow injection. The ultimate goal is to increase the power densities by several orders of magnitude and to convert to D-He-3 injection. If successful, such an experiment would represent a milestone proof-of-principle device for eventual space power use. Further discussion of IEC physics and status are presented with a description of the overall propulsion system and estimated performance.
Inertial electrostatic confinement as a power source for electric propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miley, George H.; Burton, R.; Javedani, J.; Yamamoto, Y.; Satsangi, A.; Gu, Y.; Heck, P.; Nebel, R.; Schulze, N.; Christensen, J.

1993-01-01

The potential use of an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) power source for space propulsion has previously been suggested by the authors and others. In the past, these discussions have generally followed the charged-particle electric-discharge engine (QED) concept proposed by Bussard, in which the IEC is used to generate an electron beam which vaporizes liquid hydrogen for use as a propellant. However, in the present study, we consider an alternate approach, using the IEC to drive a conventional electric thruster unit. This has the advantage of building on the rapidly developing technology for such thrusters, which operate at higher specific impulse. Key issues related to this approach include the continued successful development of the physics and engineering of the IEC unit, as well as the development of efficient step-down dc voltage transformers. The IEC operates by radial injection of energetic ions into a spherical vessel. A very high ion density is created in a small core region at the center of the vessel, resulting in extremely high fusion power density in the core. Present experiments at the U. of Illinois in small IEC devices (less than 60-cm. dia.) have demonstrated much of the basic physics underlying this concept, e.g. producing approximately 10(exp 6) D-D neutrons/sec steady-state with deuterium gas flow injection. The ultimate goal is to increase the power densities by several orders of magnitude and to convert to D-He-3 injection. If successful, such an experiment would represent a milestone proof-of-principle device for eventual space power use. Further discussion of IEC physics and status will be presented with a description of the overall propulsion system and estimated performance.
Innovative Electrostatic Adhesion Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryan, Tom; Macleod, Todd; Gagliano, Larry; Williams, Scott; McCoy, Brian

2015-01-01

Developing specialized Electro-Static grippers (commercially used in Semiconductor Manufacturing and in package handling) will allow gentle and secure Capture, Soft Docking, and Handling of a wide variety of materials and shapes (such as upper-stages, satellites, arrays, and possibly asteroids) without requiring physical features or cavities for a pincher or probe or using harpoons or nets. Combined with new rigid boom mechanisms or small agile chaser vehicles, flexible, high speed Electro-Static Grippers can enable compliant capture of spinning objects starting from a safe stand-off distance. Electroadhesion (EA) can enable lightweight, ultra-low-power, compliant attachment in space by using an electrostatic force to adhere similar and dissimilar surfaces. A typical EA enabled device is composed of compliant space-rated materials, such as copper-clad polyimide encapsulated by polymers. Attachment is induced by strong electrostatic forces between any substrate material, such as an exterior satellite panel and a compliant EA gripper pad surface. When alternate positive and negative charges are induced in adjacent planar electrodes in an EA surface, the electric fields set up opposite charges on the substrate and cause an electrostatic adhesion between the electrodes and the induced charges on the substrate. Since the electrodes and the polymer are compliant and can conform to uneven or rough surfaces, the electrodes can remain intimately close to the entire surface, enabling high clamping pressures. Clamping pressures of more than 3 N/cm2 in shear can be achieved on a variety of substrates with ultra-low holding power consumption (measured values are less than 20 microW/Newton weight held). A single EA surface geometry can be used to clamp both dielectric and conductive substrates, with slightly different physical mechanisms. Furthermore EA clamping requires no normal force be placed on the substrate, as conventional docking requires. Internally funded research and development has demonstrated that EA can function effectively in space, even in the presence of strong ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, and free electrons. We created a test setup in an existing vacuum chamber to simulate low-Earth-orbit conditions. An EA mechanism was fabricated and installed in the chamber, instrumented, operated in a vacuum, and subjected to ultraviolet photons and free electrons generated by an in-chamber multipactor electron emitter. Extensions to EA that can add value include proximity and contact sensing and transverse motion or rotation, both of which could enhance docking or assembly applications. Possible next steps include development of targeted applications for ground investigation or on-orbit subsystem performance demonstrations using low cost access to space such as CubeSats.
Innovative Electrostatic Adhesion Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagliano, L.; Bryan, T.; Williams, S.; McCoy, B.; MacLeod, T.

Developing specialized Electro-Static grippers (commercially used in Semiconductor Manufacturing and in package handling) will allow gentle and secure Capture, Soft Docking, and Handling of a wide variety of materials and shapes (such as upper-stages, satellites, arrays, and possibly asteroids) without requiring physical features or cavities for a pincher or probe or using harpoons or nets. Combined with new rigid boom mechanisms or small agile chaser vehicles, flexible, high speed Electro-Static Grippers can enable compliant capture of spinning objects starting from a safe stand-off distance. Electroadhesion (EA) can enable lightweight, ultra-low-power, compliant attachment in space by using an electrostatic force to adhere similar and dissimilar surfaces. A typical EA enabled device is composed of compliant space-rated materials, such as copper-clad polyimide encapsulated by polymers. Attachment is induced by strong electrostatic forces between any substrate material, such as an exterior satellite panel and a compliant EA surface. When alternate positive and negative charges are induced in adjacent planar electrodes in an EA surface, the electric fields set up opposite charges on the substrate and cause an electrostatic adhesion between the electrodes and the induced charges on the substrate. Since the electrodes and the polymer are compliant and can conform to uneven or rough surfaces, the electrodes can remain intimately close to the entire surface, enabling high clamping pressures. Clamping pressures of more than 3 N/cm2 in shear can be achieved on a variety of substrates with ultra-low holding power consumption (measured values are less than 20 microW/Newton weight held). A single EA surface geometry can be used to clamp both dielectric and conductive substrates, with slightly different physical mechanisms. Furthermore EA clamping requires no normal force be placed on the substrate, as conventional docking requires. Internally funded research and development has demonstrated that EA can function effectively in space, even in the presence of strong ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, and free electrons. We created a test setup in an existing vacuum chamber to simulate low-Earth-orbit conditions. An EA mechanism was fabricated and installed in the chamber, instrumented, operated in a vacuum, and subjected to ultraviolet photons and free electrons generated by an in-chamber multipactor electron emitter. Extensions to EA that can add value include proximity and contact sensing and transverse motion or rotation, both of which could enhance docking or assembly applications. Possible next steps include development of targeted applications for ground investigation or on-orbit subsystem performance demonstrations using low cost access to space such as CubeSats.
Development of Charge to Mass Ratio Microdetector for Future Mars Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yuan-Lian Albert

2003-01-01

The Mars environment comprises a dry, cold and low air pressure atmosphere with low gravity (0.38g) and high resistivity soil. The global dust storms that cover a large portion of Mars are observed often from Earth. This environment provides an ideal condition for turboelectric charging. The extremely dry conditions on the Martian surface have raised concerns that electrostatic charge buildup will not be dissipated easily. If turboelectrically generated charge cannot be dissipated or avoided, then dust will accumulate on charged surfaces and electrostatic discharge may cause hazards for future exploration missions. The low surface on Mars helps to prolong the charge decay on the dust particles and soil. To better understanding the physics of Martian charged dust particles is essential to future Mars missions. We research and design two sensors, velocity/charge sensor and PZT momentum sensors, to measure the velocity distribution, charge distribution and mass distribution of Martian wed dust particles. These sensors are fabricated at NASA Kenney Space Center, Electrostatic and Surface Physics Laboratory. The sensors are calibrated. The momentum sensor is capable to measure 45 pan size particles. The designed detector is very simple, robust, without moving parts, and does not require a high voltage power supply. Two sensors are combined to form the Dust Microdetector - CHAL.
Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) TRAINING MANUAL

EPA Science Inventory

The manual assists engineers in using a computer program, the ESPVI 4.0W, that models all elements of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The program is a product of the Electric Power Research Institute and runs in the Windows environment. Once an ESP is accurately modeled, the...

Charged particle dynamics in the presence of non-Gaussian Lévy electrostatic fluctuations

DOE PAGES

Del-Castillo-Negrete, Diego B.; Moradi, Sara; Anderson, Johan

2016-09-01

Full orbit dynamics of charged particles in a 3-dimensional helical magnetic field in the presence of -stable Levy electrostatic fluctuations and linear friction modeling collisional Coulomb drag is studied via Monte Carlo numerical simulations. The Levy fluctuations are introduced to model the effect of non-local transport due to fractional diffusion in velocity space resulting from intermittent electrostatic turbulence. The probability distribution functions of energy, particle displacements, and Larmor radii are computed and showed to exhibit a transition from exponential decay, in the case of Gaussian fluctuations, to power law decay in the case of Levy fluctuations. The absolute value ofmore » the power law decay exponents are linearly proportional to the Levy index. Furthermore, the observed anomalous non-Gaussian statistics of the particles' Larmor radii (resulting from outlier transport events) indicate that, when electrostatic turbulent fluctuations exhibit non-Gaussian Levy statistics, gyro-averaging and guiding centre approximations might face limitations and full particle orbit effects should be taken into account.« less
Charged particle dynamics in the presence of non-Gaussian Lévy electrostatic fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Sara; del-Castillo-Negrete, Diego; Anderson, Johan

2016-09-01

Full orbit dynamics of charged particles in a 3-dimensional helical magnetic field in the presence of α-stable Lévy electrostatic fluctuations and linear friction modeling collisional Coulomb drag is studied via Monte Carlo numerical simulations. The Lévy fluctuations are introduced to model the effect of non-local transport due to fractional diffusion in velocity space resulting from intermittent electrostatic turbulence. The probability distribution functions of energy, particle displacements, and Larmor radii are computed and showed to exhibit a transition from exponential decay, in the case of Gaussian fluctuations, to power law decay in the case of Lévy fluctuations. The absolute value of the power law decay exponents is linearly proportional to the Lévy index α. The observed anomalous non-Gaussian statistics of the particles' Larmor radii (resulting from outlier transport events) indicate that, when electrostatic turbulent fluctuations exhibit non-Gaussian Lévy statistics, gyro-averaging and guiding centre approximations might face limitations and full particle orbit effects should be taken into account.
Aeroelastic flutter energy harvesters self-polarized by triboelectric effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez, M.; Boisseau, S.; Geisler, M.; Gasnier, P.; Willemin, J.; Despesse, G.; Reboud, J. L.

2018-01-01

This paper presents the performances of several electrostatic flutter energy harvesters tested in a wind tunnel between 0 and 20 m s-1. The main idea is to use the flutter capability of thin flexible films confined between lateral walls to induce simultaneously the capacitance variations and the electrostatic polarization required by the triboelectric/electrostatic conversion. This technology provides thin and flexible devices and solve the electret’s stability issue (Perez et al 2015 Smart Mater. Struct., Perez et al 2015 New Circuits and Systems). Our prototypes (<16 cm2) have a quick startup (from 3 m s-1) and an electrical power-flux density from 0.35 μW cm-2@3 m s-1 (light breeze) to 35 μW cm-2@20 m s-1 (fresh gale). A Maximum Power Point circuit has been developed to efficiently use the power provided by the energy harvesters. The energy harvester combined with its power management circuit has finally been used to supply an 868 MHz wireless sensor node with temperature and acceleration measurements, validating the complete energy harvesting chain.
Demonstration of entanglement of electrostatically coupled singlet-triplet qubits.

PubMed

Shulman, M D; Dial, O E; Harvey, S P; Bluhm, H; Umansky, V; Yacoby, A

2012-04-13

Quantum computers have the potential to solve certain problems faster than classical computers. To exploit their power, it is necessary to perform interqubit operations and generate entangled states. Spin qubits are a promising candidate for implementing a quantum processor because of their potential for scalability and miniaturization. However, their weak interactions with the environment, which lead to their long coherence times, make interqubit operations challenging. We performed a controlled two-qubit operation between singlet-triplet qubits using a dynamically decoupled sequence that maintains the two-qubit coupling while decoupling each qubit from its fluctuating environment. Using state tomography, we measured the full density matrix of the system and determined the concurrence and the fidelity of the generated state, providing proof of entanglement.
Narrow infrasound pulses from lightning; are they of electrostatic or thermal origin?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

CHUM, Jaroslav; Diendorfer, Gerhard; Šindelářová, Tereza; Baše, Jiří; Hruška, František

2014-05-01

Narrow (~1-2 s) infrasound pulses that followed, with ~11 to ~50 s delays, rapid changes of electrostatic field were observed by a microbarometer array in the Czech Republic during thunderstorm activity. The angles of arrival (azimuth and elevation) were analyzed for selected distinct events. Comparisons of distances and azimuths of infrasound sources from the center of microbarometer array with lightning locations determined by EUCLID lightning detection network show that most of the selected events are most likely associated with intra-cloud (IC) discharges. Preceding rapid changes of electrostatic field, potential association of infrasound pulses with IC discharges, and high elevation angles of arrival for near infrasound sources indicate that an electrostatic mechanism is probably responsible for their generation. It is discussed that distinguishing of the relative role of thermal and electrostatic mechanism is difficult, and that none of published models of electrostatic production of infrasound thunder can explain the presented observations precisely. A modification of the current models, based on consideration of at least two charged layers is suggested. Further theoretical and experimental investigations are however needed to get a better description of the generation mechanism of those infrasound pulses.
Early-stage aggregation in three-dimensional charged granular gas.

PubMed

Singh, Chamkor; Mazza, Marco G

2018-02-01

Neutral grains made of the same dielectric material can attain considerable charges due to collisions and generate long-range interactions. We perform molecular dynamic simulations in three dimensions for a dilute, freely cooling granular gas of viscoelastic particles that exchange charges during collisions. As compared to the case of clustering of viscoelastic particles solely due to dissipation, we find that the electrostatic interactions due to collisional charging alter the characteristic size, morphology, and growth rate of the clusters. The average cluster size grows with time as a power law, whose exponent is relatively larger in the charged gas than the neutral case. The growth of the average cluster size is found to be independent of the ratio of characteristic Coulomb to kinetic energy, or equivalently, of the typical Bjerrum length. However, this ratio alters the crossover time of the growth. Both simulations and mean-field calculations based on Smoluchowski's equation suggest that a suppression of particle diffusion due to the electrostatic interactions helps in the aggregation process.
Early-stage aggregation in three-dimensional charged granular gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Chamkor; Mazza, Marco G.

2018-02-01

Neutral grains made of the same dielectric material can attain considerable charges due to collisions and generate long-range interactions. We perform molecular dynamic simulations in three dimensions for a dilute, freely cooling granular gas of viscoelastic particles that exchange charges during collisions. As compared to the case of clustering of viscoelastic particles solely due to dissipation, we find that the electrostatic interactions due to collisional charging alter the characteristic size, morphology, and growth rate of the clusters. The average cluster size grows with time as a power law, whose exponent is relatively larger in the charged gas than the neutral case. The growth of the average cluster size is found to be independent of the ratio of characteristic Coulomb to kinetic energy, or equivalently, of the typical Bjerrum length. However, this ratio alters the crossover time of the growth. Both simulations and mean-field calculations based on Smoluchowski's equation suggest that a suppression of particle diffusion due to the electrostatic interactions helps in the aggregation process.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ELECTROSTATIC SCRUBBER TESTS AT A COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of tests of a 1700 cu m/hr University of Washington Electrostatic Spray Scrubber pilot plant on a coal-fired boiler to demonstrate its effectiveness for controlling fine particle emissions. The multiple-pass, portable pilot plant combines oppositely charg...
Electrostatic antenna space environment interaction study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, I.

1981-01-01

The interactions of the electrostatic antenna with the space environment in both low Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit are investigated. It is concluded that the electrostatically controlled membrane mirror is a viable concept for space applications. However, great care must be taken to enclose the high voltage electrodes in a Faraday cage structure to separate the high voltage region from the ambient plasma. For this reason, metallized cloth is not acceptable as a membrane material. Conventional spacecraft charging at geosynchronous orbit should not be a problem provided ancillary structures (such as booms) are given nonnegligible conductivity and adequate grounding. Power loss due to plasma electrons entering the high field region is a potentially serious problem. In low earth orbit any opening whatever in the Faraday cage is likely to produce an unacceptable power drain.
On the orientation of the backbone dipoles in native folds

PubMed Central

Ripoll, Daniel R.; Vila, Jorge A.; Scheraga, Harold A.

2005-01-01

The role of electrostatic interactions in determining the native fold of proteins has been investigated by analyzing the alignment of peptide bond dipole moments with the local electrostatic field generated by the rest of the molecule with and without solvent effects. This alignment was calculated for a set of 112 native proteins by using charges from a gas phase potential. Most of the peptide dipoles in this set of proteins are on average aligned with the electrostatic field. The dipole moments associated with α-helical conformations show the best alignment with the electrostatic field, followed by residues in β-strand conformations. The dipole moments associated with other secondary structure elements are on average better aligned than in randomly generated conformations. The alignment of a dipole with the local electrostatic field depends on both the topology of the native fold and the charge distribution assumed for all of the residues. The influences of (i) solvent effects, (ii) different sets of charges, and (iii) the charge distribution assumed for the whole molecule were examined with a subset of 22 proteins each of which contains <30 ionizable groups. The results show that alternative charge distribution models lead to significant differences among the associated electrostatic fields, whereas the electrostatic field is less sensitive to the particular set of the adopted charges themselves (empirical conformational energy program for peptides or parameters for solvation energy). PMID:15894608
Investigation of the phenomenon of electrostatic compromise of a plastic fiber heat exchanger.

PubMed

Elgas, R J

1999-03-01

The use of a new generation of blood oxygenator design using plastic fibers for the heat exchange material is growing. The benefits of a plastic heat exchange material are improved biocompatibility and performance over some of the traditional metals used. During the initial period of clinical use of one of these new oxygenators, there were reports of four blood-to-water leaks. No patient complications were associated with these leaks, but the product was withdrawn from the market. After a thorough evaluation, the cause of the leaks was found to be an electrostatic discharge that occurred within the heat exchanger during priming of the extracorporeal circuit. It was found that an electrostatic potential between the blood path and the water path of the heat exchanger is generated as the prime solution is recirculated by a roller pump with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pumphead tubing. The magnitude of the potential generated was found to vary with the make and model of the roller pump. If this voltage exceeds the dielectric strength of the fiber, a discharge through the wall of a single heat exchange fiber will occur and produce a hole. Several solutions to this problem of roller pumps generating an electrostatic charge when used with PVC pumphead tubing were identified. Centrifugal blood pumps and roller pumps using silicone rubber pumphead tubing were found to generate no significant electrostatic potential between the blood path and the water path. Another solution, a charge equalization line (CEL), was designed to provide a conductive path for the charge to equilibrate across the fiber wall. The CEL can be either external or internal to the oxygenator. Each of these solutions was validated and the product has been reintroduced for clinical use.
Damping control of micromachined lowpass mechanical vibration isolation filters using electrostatic actuation with electronic signal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dean, Robert; Flowers, George; Sanders, Nicole; MacAllister, Ken; Horvath, Roland; Hodel, A. S.; Johnson, Wayne; Kranz, Michael; Whitley, Michael

2005-05-01

Some harsh environments, such as those encountered by aerospace vehicles and various types of industrial machinery, contain high frequency/amplitude mechanical vibrations. Unfortunately, some very useful components are sensitive to these high frequency mechanical vibrations. Examples include MEMS gyroscopes and resonators, oscillators and some micro optics. Exposure of these components to high frequency mechanical vibrations present in the operating environment can result in problems ranging from an increased noise floor to component failure. Passive micromachined silicon lowpass filter structures (spring-mass-damper) have been demonstrated in recent years. However, the performance of these filter structures is typically limited by low damping (especially if operated in near-vacuum environments) and a lack of tunability after fabrication. Active filter topologies, such as piezoelectric, electrostrictive-polymer-film and SMA have also been investigated in recent years. Electrostatic actuators, however, are utilized in many micromachined silicon devices to generate mechanical motion. They offer a number of advantages, including low power, fast response time, compatibility with silicon micromachining, capacitive position measurement and relative simplicity of fabrication. This paper presents an approach for realizing active micromachined mechanical lowpass vibration isolation filters by integrating an electrostatic actuator with the micromachined passive filter structure to realize an active mechanical lowpass filter. Although the electrostatic actuator can be used to adjust the filter resonant frequency, the primary application is for increasing the damping to an acceptable level. The physical size of these active filters is suitable for use in or as packaging for sensitive electronic and MEMS devices, such as MEMS vibratory gyroscope chips.
VLF Transmitter Signal Power Loss to Quasi-Electrostatic Whistler Mode Waves in Regions Containing Plasma Density Irregularities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, T. F.; Foust, F.; Inan, U. S.; Lehtinen, N. G.

2010-12-01

The energetic particles comprising the Earth’s radiation belts are an important component of Space Weather. The commonly accepted model of the quasi-steady radiation belts developed by Abel and Thorne [1998] proposes that VLF signals from powerful ground based transmitters determine the lifetimes of energetic radiation belt electrons (100 keV-1.5 MeV) on L shells in the range 1.3-2.8. The primary mechanism of interaction is pitch angle scattering during gyro-resonance. Recent observations [Starks et al., 2008] from multiple spacecraft suggest that the actual night time intensity of VLF transmitter signals in the radiation belts is approximately 20 dB below the level assumed in the Abel and Thorne model and approximately 10 dB below model values during the day. In this work we discuss one mechanism which might be responsible for a large portion of this intensity discrepancy. The mechanism is linear mode coupling between electromagnetic whistler mode waves and quasi-electrostatic whistler mode waves. As VLF electromagnetic whistler mode waves propagate through regions containing small scale (2-100 m) magnetic-field-aligned plasma density irregularities, they excite quasi-electrostatic whistler mode waves, and this excitation represents a power loss for the input waves. We construct plausible models of the irregularities in order to use numerical simulations to determine the characteristics of the mode coupling mechanism and the conditions under which the input VLF waves can lose significant power to the excited quasi-electrostatic whistler mode waves.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minami, R., E-mail: minami@prc.tsukuba.ac.jp; Imai, T.; Kariya, T.

Temporally and spatially resolved soft x-ray and end-loss-electron analyses of the electron cyclotron heated plasmas are carried out by using a semiconductor detector array and an electrostatic energy analyzer in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror. The flux and the energy spectrum of the end loss electrons are measured by a multi-grid energy analyzer. Recently, the electron cyclotron heating power modulation experiments have been started in order to generate and control the high heat flux and to make the edge localized mode-like intermittent heat load pattern for the divertor simulation studies by the use of these detectors for electron properties.
Explosion safety in industrial electrostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szabó, S. V.; Kiss, I.; Berta, I.

2011-01-01

Complicated industrial systems are often endangered by electrostatic hazards, both from atmospheric (lightning phenomenon, primary and secondary lightning protection) and industrial (technological problems caused by static charging and fire and explosion hazards.) According to the classical approach protective methods have to be used in order to remove electrostatic charging and to avoid damages, however no attempt to compute the risk before and after applying the protective method is made, relying instead on well-educated and practiced expertise. The Budapest School of Electrostatics - in close cooperation with industrial partners - develops new suitable solutions for probability based decision support (Static Control Up-to-date Technology, SCOUT) using soft computing methods. This new approach can be used to assess and audit existing systems and - using the predictive power of the models - to design and plan activities in industrial electrostatics.
Microelectromechanical timer

DOEpatents

Polosky, Marc A.; Garcia, Ernest J.; Plummer, David W.

2001-01-01

A microminiature timer having an optical readout is disclosed. The timer can be formed by surface micromachining or LIGA processes on a silicon substrate. The timer includes an integral motor (e.g. an electrostatic motor) that can intermittently wind a mainspring to store mechanical energy for driving a train of meshed timing gears at a rate that is regulated by a verge escapement. Each timing gear contains an optical encoder that can be read out with one or more light beams (e.g. from a laser or light-emitting diode) to recover timing information. In the event that electrical power to the timer is temporarily interrupted, the mechanical clock formed by the meshed timing gears and verge escapement can continue to operate, generating accurate timing information that can be read out when the power is restored.
Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Electrostatic vulnerability of the E8 and XM15/XM165 clusters, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1970-01-01

A survey of the electrostatic vulnerability of explosive manufacturing plants and recommendations for reducing the vulnerability are discussed. During the course of the investigations, the XM15/XM165 and the E8 launcher were shown to be susceptible to electrostatic ignition. The pyrotechnic hazard of prime concern associated with electrostatics is that of the spark which can be generated. The heat, shock, and ionization produced by the spark can cause ignition of pyrotechnics. However, as a result of the initial ignition tests (XM15 fuse train), changes have been incorporated to make the fusing system relatively safe from premature electrostatic activation.
NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CONTROL OF AEROSOLS FROM STATIONARY SOURCES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an EPA program to develop new technologies for controlling particulate matter from stationary sources, including both electrostatically augmented fabric filtration (ESFF) and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). The first generation ESFF system, using an electr...
Infrasound pulses from lightning and electrostatic field changes: Observation and discussion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chum, J.; Diendorfer, G.; Å indelářová, T.; Baše, J.; Hruška, F.

2013-10-01

Narrow (~1-2 s) infrasound pulses that followed, with ~11 to ~50 s delays, rapid changes of electrostatic field were observed by a microbarometer array in the Czech Republic during thunderstorm activity. A positive pressure fluctuation (compression phase) always preceded decompression; the compression was usually higher than the decompression. The angles of arrival (azimuth and elevation) were analyzed for selected distinct events. Comparisons of distances and azimuths of infrasound sources from the center of microbarometer array with lightning locations determined by the European Cooperation for Lighting Detection lightning detection network show that most of the selected events can be very likely associated with intracloud (IC) discharges. The preceding rapid changes of electrostatic field, their potential association with IC discharges, and high-elevation angles of arrival for near infrasound sources indicate that an electrostatic mechanism is probably responsible for their generation. It is discussed that distinguishing the relative role of thermal and electrostatic mechanism is difficult and that none of the published models of electrostatic production of infrasound thunder can explain the presented observations precisely. A modification of the current models, based on consideration of at least two charged layers, is suggested. Further theoretical and experimental investigations are however needed to get a better description of the generation mechanism.
A nonlinear MEMS electrostatic kinetic energy harvester for human-powered biomedical devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Y.; Cottone, F.; Marty, F.

This article proposes a silicon-based electrostatic kinetic energy harvester with an ultra-wide operating frequency bandwidth from 1 Hz to 160 Hz. This large bandwidth is obtained, thanks to a miniature tungsten ball impacting with a movable proof mass of silicon. The motion of the silicon proof mass is confined by nonlinear elastic stoppers on the fixed part standing against two protrusions of the proof mass. The electrostatic transducer is made of interdigited-combs with a gap-closing variable capacitance that includes vertical electrets obtained by corona discharge. Below 10 Hz, the e-KEH offers 30.6 nJ per mechanical oscillation at 2 g{sub rms}, which makes it suitable formore » powering biomedical devices from human motion. Above 10 Hz and up to 162 Hz, the harvested power is more than 0.5 μW with a maximum of 4.5 μW at 160 Hz. The highest power of 6.6 μW is obtained without the ball at 432 Hz, in accordance with a power density of 142 μW/cm{sup 3}. We also demonstrate the charging of a 47-μF capacitor to 3.5 V used to power a battery-less wireless temperature sensor node.« less

Studies for determining thermal ion extraction potential for aluminium plasma generated by electron beam evaporator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dileep Kumar, V.; Barnwal, Tripti A.; Mukherjee, Jaya; Gantayet, L. M.

2010-02-01

For effective evaporation of refractory metal, electron beam is found to be most suitable vapour generator source. Using electron beam, high throughput laser based purification processes are carried out. But due to highly concentrated electron beam, the vapour gets ionised and these ions lead to dilution of the pure product of laser based separation process. To estimate the concentration of these ions and extraction potential requirement to remove these ions from vapour stream, experiments have been conducted using aluminium as evaporant. The aluminium ingots were placed in water cooled copper crucible. Inserts were used to hold the evaporant, in order to attain higher number density in the vapour processing zone and also for confining the liquid metal. Parametric studies with beam power, number density and extraction potential were conducted. In this paper we discuss the trend of the generation of thermal ions and electrostatic field requirement for extraction.
Electrostatic micromotor based on ferroelectric ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baginsky, I. L.; Kostsov, E. G.

2004-11-01

A new electrostatic micromotor is described that utilizes the electromechanical energy conversion principle earlier described by the authors. The electromechanical energy conversion is based on reversible electrostatic rolling of thin metallic films (petals) on a ferroelectric surface. The motor's active media are layers of ferroelectric ceramics (about 100 µm in thickness). The characteristics of the electrostatic rolling of the petals on different ceramic surfaces are studied, as well as the dynamic characteristics of the micromotors. It is shown that the use of antiferroelectric material allows one to reach a specific energy capacitance comparable to that of the micromotors based on ferroelectric films and to achieve a specific power of 30-300 µW mm-2.
Portable Wind Energy Harvesters for Low-Power Applications: A Survey

PubMed Central

Nabavi, Seyedfakhreddin; Zhang, Lihong

2016-01-01

Energy harvesting has become an increasingly important topic thanks to the advantages in renewability and environmental friendliness. In this paper, a comprehensive study on contemporary portable wind energy harvesters has been conducted. The electrical power generation methods of portable wind energy harvesters are surveyed in three major groups, piezoelectric-, electromagnetic-, and electrostatic-based generators. The paper also takes another view of this area by gauging the required mechanisms for trapping wind flow from ambient environment. In this regard, rotational and aeroelastic mechanisms are analyzed for the portable wind energy harvesting devices. The comparison between both mechanisms shows that the aeroelastic mechanism has promising potential in producing an energy harvester in smaller scale although how to maintain the resonator perpendicular to wind flow for collecting the maximum vibration is still a major challenge to overcome for this mechanism. Furthermore, this paper categorizes the previously published portable wind energy harvesters to macro and micro scales in terms of their physical dimensions. The power management systems are also surveyed to explore the possibility of improving energy conversion efficiency. Finally some insights and research trends are pointed out based on an overall analysis of the previously published works along the historical timeline. PMID:27438834
Nanoslit cavity plasmonic modes and built-in fields enhance the CW THz radiation in an unbiased antennaless photomixers array.

PubMed

Mohammad-Zamani, Mohammad Javad; Neshat, Mohammad; Moravvej-Farshi, Mohammad Kazem

2016-01-15

A new generation unbiased antennaless CW terahertz (THz) photomixer emitters array made of asymmetric metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) gratings with a subwavelength pitch, operating in the optical near-field regime, is proposed. We take advantage of size effects in near-field optics and electrostatics to demonstrate the possibility of enhancing the THz power by 4 orders of magnitude, compared to a similar unbiased antennaless array of the same size that operates in the far-field regime. We show that, with the appropriate choice of grating parameters in such THz sources, the first plasmonic resonant cavity mode in the nanoslit between two adjacent MSMs can enhance the optical near-field absorption and, hence, the generation of photocarriers under the slit in the active medium. These photocarriers, on the other hand, are accelerated by the large built-in electric field sustained under the nanoslits by two dissimilar Schottky barriers to create the desired large THz power that is mainly radiated downward. The proposed structure can be tuned in a broadband frequency range of 0.1-3 THz, with output power increasing with frequency.
Portable Wind Energy Harvesters for Low-Power Applications: A Survey.

PubMed

Nabavi, Seyedfakhreddin; Zhang, Lihong

2016-07-16

Energy harvesting has become an increasingly important topic thanks to the advantages in renewability and environmental friendliness. In this paper, a comprehensive study on contemporary portable wind energy harvesters has been conducted. The electrical power generation methods of portable wind energy harvesters are surveyed in three major groups, piezoelectric-, electromagnetic-, and electrostatic-based generators. The paper also takes another view of this area by gauging the required mechanisms for trapping wind flow from ambient environment. In this regard, rotational and aeroelastic mechanisms are analyzed for the portable wind energy harvesting devices. The comparison between both mechanisms shows that the aeroelastic mechanism has promising potential in producing an energy harvester in smaller scale although how to maintain the resonator perpendicular to wind flow for collecting the maximum vibration is still a major challenge to overcome for this mechanism. Furthermore, this paper categorizes the previously published portable wind energy harvesters to macro and micro scales in terms of their physical dimensions. The power management systems are also surveyed to explore the possibility of improving energy conversion efficiency. Finally some insights and research trends are pointed out based on an overall analysis of the previously published works along the historical timeline.
IEC Thrusters for Space Probe Applications and Propulsion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miley, George H.; Momota, Hiromu; Wu Linchun

Earlier conceptual design studies (Bussard, 1990; Miley et al., 1998; Burton et al., 2003) have described Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) fusion propulsion to provide a high-power density fusion propulsion system capable of aggressive deep space missions. However, this requires large multi-GW thrusters and a long term development program. As a first step towards this goal, a progression of near-term IEC thrusters, stating with a 1-10 kWe electrically-driven IEC jet thruster for satellites are considered here. The initial electrically-powered unit uses a novel multi-jet plasma thruster based on spherical IEC technology with electrical input power from a solar panel. In thismore » spherical configuration, Xe ions are generated and accelerated towards the center of double concentric spherical grids. An electrostatic potential well structure is created in the central region, providing ion trapping. Several enlarged grid opening extract intense quasi-neutral plasma jets. A variable specific impulse in the range of 1000-4000 seconds is achieved by adjusting the grid potential. This design provides high maneuverability for satellite and small space probe operations. The multiple jets, combined with gimbaled auxiliary equipment, provide precision changes in thrust direction. The IEC electrical efficiency can match or exceed efficiencies of conventional Hall Current Thrusters (HCTs) while offering advantages such as reduced grid erosion (long life time), reduced propellant leakage losses (reduced fuel storage), and a very high power-to-weight ratio. The unit is ideally suited for probing missions. The primary propulsive jet enables delicate maneuvering close to an object. Then simply opening a second jet offset 180 degrees from the propulsion one provides a 'plasma analytic probe' for interrogation of the object.« less
Theoretical Prediction of the Heats of Formation, Densities, and Relative Sensitivities for 5,7-dinitro-5,7-diaza-1,3-dioxabicyclo (3:3:0)octan-2-one

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

dioxabicyclo(3:3:0)octan-2-one molecule .............................................1 Fig. 2 Electrostatic potential map of 5,7-dinitro-5,7-diaza-1,3...the impact sensitivities, the electrostatic maps on the 0.001 isosurfaces were generated with the scalar range of the electrostatic surface potential... Electrostatic potential map of 5,7-dinitro-5,7-diaza-1,3-dioxabicyclo(3:3:0)octan-2- one, a) with and b-c) without molecule overlay. Image c) shows the opposite
High Power MPD Thruster Performance Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaPointe, Michael R.; Strzempkowski, Eugene; Pencil, Eric

2004-01-01

High power magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters are being developed as cost effective propulsion systems for cargo transport to lunar and Mars bases, crewed missions to Mars and the outer planets, and robotic deep space exploration missions. Electromagnetic MPD thrusters have demonstrated, at the laboratory level, the ability to process megawatts of electrical power while providing significantly higher thrust densities than electrostatic electric propulsion systems. The ability to generate higher thrust densities permits a reduction in the number of thrusters required to perform a given mission, and alleviates the system complexity associated with multiple thruster arrays. The specific impulse of an MPD thruster can be optimized to meet given mission requirements, from a few thousand seconds with heavier gas propellants up to 10,000 seconds with hydrogen propellant. In support of programs envisioned by the NASA Office of Exploration Systems, Glenn Research Center is developing and testing quasi-steady MW-class MPD thrusters as a prelude to steady state high power thruster tests. This paper provides an overview of the GRC high power pulsed thruster test facility, and presents preliminary performance data for a quasi-steady baseline MPD thruster geometry.
Electrostatic solitary waves generated by beam injection in LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, L.; Gekelman, W. N.; Lefebvre, B.; Kintner, P. M.; Pickett, J. S.; Pribyl, P.; Vincena, S. T.

2011-12-01

Spacecraft data have revealed that electrostatic solitary waves are ubiquitous in non-equilibrium collisionless space plasmas. These solitary waves are often the main constituents of the observed electrostatic turbulence. The ubiquitous presence of these solitary waves in space motivated laboratory studies on their generation and evolution in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA. In order to observe these structures, microprobes with scale sizes of order of the Debye length (30 microns) had to be built using Mems technology. A suprathermal electron beam was injected into the afterglow plasma, and solitary waves as well as nonlinear wave packets were measured. The solitary waves are interpreted as BGK electron holes based on their width, amplitude, and velocity characteristics. The ensuing turbulence, including the solitary waves and wave packets, exhibits a band dispersion relation with its central line consistent with the electrostatic whistler mode. One surprise brought by the laboratory experiments is that the electron holes were not generated through resonant two-stream instabilities, but likely through an instability due to parallel currents. The characteristics of the LAPD electron holes and those observed in space will be compared to motivate further theoretical, simulation, and experimental work.
Structural phylogeny by profile extraction and multiple superimposition using electrostatic congruence as a discriminator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakraborty, Sandeep; Rao, Basuthkar J.; Baker, Nathan A.

2013-04-01

Phylogenetic analysis of proteins using multiple sequence alignment (MSA) assumes an underlying evolutionary relationship in these proteins which occasionally remains undetected due to considerable sequence divergence. Structural alignment programs have been developed to unravel such fuzzy relationships. However, none of these structure based methods have used electrostatic properties to discriminate between spatially equivalent residues. We present a methodology for MSA of a set of related proteins with known structures using electrostatic properties as an additional discriminator (STEEP). STEEP first extracts a profile, then generates a multiple structural superimposition providing a consolidated spatial framework for comparing residues and finally emits themore » MSA. Residues that are aligned differently by including or excluding electrostatic properties can be targeted by directed evolution experiments to transform the enzymatic properties of one protein into another. We have compared STEEP results to those obtained from a MSA program (ClustalW) and a structural alignment method (MUSTANG) for chymotrypsin serine proteases. Subsequently, we used PhyML to generate phylogenetic trees for the serine and metallo-β-lactamase superfamilies from the STEEP generated MSA, and corroborated the accepted relationships in these superfamilies. We have observed that STEEP acts as a functional classifier when electrostatic congruence is used as a discriminator, and thus identifies potential targets for directed evolution experiments. In summary, STEEP is unique among phylogenetic methods for its ability to use electrostatic congruence to specify mutations that might be the source of the functional divergence in a protein family. Based on our results, we also hypothesize that the active site and its close vicinity contains enough information to infer the correct phylogeny for related proteins.« less
Optimal charges in lead progression: a structure-based neuraminidase case study.

PubMed

Armstrong, Kathryn A; Tidor, Bruce; Cheng, Alan C

2006-04-20

Collective experience in structure-based lead progression has found electrostatic interactions to be more difficult to optimize than shape-based ones. A major reason for this is that the net electrostatic contribution observed includes a significant nonintuitive desolvation component in addition to the more intuitive intermolecular interaction component. To investigate whether knowledge of the ligand optimal charge distribution can facilitate more intuitive design of electrostatic interactions, we took a series of small-molecule influenza neuraminidase inhibitors with known protein cocrystal structures and calculated the difference between the optimal and actual charge distributions. This difference from the electrostatic optimum correlates with the calculated electrostatic contribution to binding (r(2) = 0.94) despite small changes in binding modes caused by chemical substitutions, suggesting that the optimal charge distribution is a useful design goal. Furthermore, detailed suggestions for chemical modification generated by this approach are in many cases consistent with observed improvements in binding affinity, and the method appears to be useful despite discrete chemical constraints. Taken together, these results suggest that charge optimization is useful in facilitating generation of compound ideas in lead optimization. Our results also provide insight into design of neuraminidase inhibitors.
SPARCLE: Electrostatic Dust Control Tool Proof of Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, P. E.; Curtis, S. A.; Minetto, F.; Marshall, J.; Nuth, J.; Calle, C.

2010-01-01

Successful exploration of most planetary surfaces, with their impact-generated dusty regoliths, will depend on the capabilities to keep surfaces free of the performance-compromising dust. Once in contact with surfaces, whether set in motion by natural or mechanical means, regolith fines, or dust, behave like abrasive Velcro, coating surfaces, clogging mechanisms, making movement progressively more difticult, and being almost impossible to remove by mechanical mcans (brushing). The successful dust removal strategy will deal with dust dynamics resulting from interaction between Van der Waals and Coulombic forces. Here, proof of concept for an electrostatically-based concept for dust control tool is described and demonstrated. A low power focused electron beam is used in the presence of a small electrical field to increase the negative charge to mass ratio of a dusty surface until dust repulsion and attraction to a lower potential surface, acting as a dust collector, occurred. Our goal is a compact device of less than 5 kg mass and using less than 5 watts of power to be operational in less than 5 years with heritage from ionic sweepers for active spacecraft potential control (e.g ., on POLAR). Rovers could be fitted with devices that could hamess the removal of dust for sampling as part of the extended exploration process on Mercury, Mars, asteroids or outer solar system satellites, as well as the Moon.
Mercury capture within coal-fired power plant electrostatic precipitators: model evaluation.

PubMed

Clack, Herek L

2009-03-01

Efforts to reduce anthropogenic mercury emissions worldwide have recently focused on a variety of sources, including mercury emitted during coal combustion. Toward that end, much research has been ongoing seeking to develop new processes for reducing coal combustion mercury emissions. Among air pollution control processes that can be applied to coal-fired boilers, electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are by far the most common, both on a global scale and among the principal countries of India, China, and the U.S. that burn coal for electric power generation. A previously reported theoretical model of in-flight mercury capture within ESPs is herein evaluated against data from a number of full-scale tests of activated carbon injection for mercury emissions control. By using the established particle size distribution of the activated carbon and actual or estimated values of its equilibrium mercury adsorption capacity, the incremental reduction in mercury concentration across each ESP can be predicted and compared to experimental results. Because the model does not incorporate kinetics associated with gas-phase mercury transformation or surface adsorption, the model predictions representthe mass-transfer-limited performance. Comparing field data to model results reveals many facilities performing at or near the predicted mass-transfer-limited maximum, particularly at low rates of sorbent injection. Where agreement is poor between field data and model predictions, additional chemical or physical phenomena may be responsible for reducing mercury removal efficiencies.
ELECTROMAGNETIC AND ELECTROSTATIC GENERATORS: ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY.

DTIC Science & Technology

generator with split poles, ultrasonic-frequency generator, unipolar generator, single-phase micromotors , synchronous motor, asynchronous motor...asymmetrical rotor, magnetic circuit, dc micromotors , circuit for the automatic control of synchronized induction motors, induction torque micromotors , electric
Evaluation of Noncontact Power Collection Techniques

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-07-01

An evaluation is made of four basic noncontacting techniques of power collection which have possible applicability in future high speed ground transportation systems. The techniques considered include the electric arc, magnetic induction, electrostat...
SPARCLE: Electrostatic Tool for Lunar Dust Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clark, P. E.; Curtis, S. A.; Minetto, F.

2009-03-16

Successful exploration of most planetary surfaces, with their impact-generated dusty regoliths, will depend on the capabilities to keep surfaces free of the dust which could compromise performance and to collect dust for characterization. Solving the dust problem is essential before we return to the Moon. During the Apollo missions, the discovery was made that regolith fines, or dust, behaved like abrasive velcro, coating surfaces, clogging mechanisms, and making movement progressively more difficult as it was mechanically stirred up during surface operations, and abrading surfaces, including spacesuits, when attempts were made to remove it manually. In addition, some of the astronautsmore » experienced breathing difficulties when exposed to dust that got into the crew compartment. The successful strategy will deal with dust dynamics resulting from interaction between mechanical and electrostatic forces. Here we will describe the surface properties of dust particles, the basis for their behavior, and an electrostatically-based approach and methodology for addressing this issue confirmed by our preliminary results. Our device concept utilizes a focused electron beam to control the electrostatic potential of the surface. A plate of the opposite potential is then used to induce dust migration in the presence of an electrical field. Our goal is a compact device of <5 kg mass and using <5 watts of power to be operational in <5 years with heritage from ionic sweepers for active spacecraft potential control (e.g., on POLAR). Rovers could be fitted with devices that could harness the removal of dust for sampling as part of the extended exploration process on Mercury, Mars, asteroids or outer solar system satellites, as well as the Moon.« less
Ballistic Jumping Drops on Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Electrostatic Manipulation.

PubMed

Li, Ning; Wu, Lei; Yu, Cunlong; Dai, Haoyu; Wang, Ting; Dong, Zhichao; Jiang, Lei

2018-02-01

The ballistic ejection of liquid drops by electrostatic manipulating has both fundamental and practical implications, from raindrops in thunderclouds to self-cleaning, anti-icing, condensation, and heat transfer enhancements. In this paper, the ballistic jumping behavior of liquid drops from a superhydrophobic surface is investigated. Powered by the repulsion of the same kind of charges, water drops can jump from the surface. The electrostatic acting time for the jumping of a microliter supercooled drop only takes several milliseconds, even shorter than the time for icing. In addition, one can control the ballistic jumping direction precisely by the relative position above the electrostatic field. The approach offers a facile method that can be used to manipulate the ballistic drop jumping via an electrostatic field, opening the possibility of energy efficient drop detaching techniques in various applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Anionic lipids and the maintenance of membrane electrostatics in eukaryotes.

PubMed

Platre, Matthieu Pierre; Jaillais, Yvon

2017-02-01

A wide range of signaling processes occurs at the cell surface through the reversible association of proteins from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Some low abundant lipids are enriched at the membrane of specific compartments and thereby contribute to the identity of cell organelles by acting as biochemical landmarks. Lipids also influence membrane biophysical properties, which emerge as an important feature in specifying cellular territories. Such parameters are crucial for signal transduction and include lipid packing, membrane curvature and electrostatics. In particular, membrane electrostatics specifies the identity of the plasma membrane inner leaflet. Membrane surface charges are carried by anionic phospholipids, however the exact nature of the lipid(s) that powers the plasma membrane electrostatic field varies among eukaryotes and has been hotly debated during the last decade. Herein, we discuss the role of anionic lipids in setting up plasma membrane electrostatics and we compare similarities and differences that were found in different eukaryotic cells.
Micromachined electrostatic vertical actuator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Abraham P.; Sommargren, Gary E.; McConaghy, Charles F.

A micromachined vertical actuator utilizing a levitational force, such as in electrostatic comb drives, provides vertical actuation that is relatively linear in actuation for control, and can be readily combined with parallel plate capacitive position sensing for position control. The micromachined electrostatic vertical actuator provides accurate movement in the sub-micron to micron ranges which is desirable in the phase modulation instrument, such as optical phase shifting. For example, compact, inexpensive, and position controllable micromirrors utilizing an electrostatic vertical actuator can replace the large, expensive, and difficult-to-maintain piezoelectric actuators. A thirty pound piezoelectric actuator with corner cube reflectors, as utilized inmore » a phase shifting diffraction interferometer can be replaced with a micromirror and a lens. For any very precise and small amplitudes of motion` micromachined electrostatic actuation may be used because it is the most compact in size, with low power consumption and has more straightforward sensing and control options.« less
Micromachined electrostatic vertical actuator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, A.P.; Sommargren, G.E.; McConaghy, C.F.

A micromachined vertical actuator utilizing a levitational force, such as in electrostatic comb drives, provides vertical actuation that is relatively linear in actuation for control, and can be readily combined with parallel plate capacitive position sensing for position control. The micromachined electrostatic vertical actuator provides accurate movement in the sub-micron to micron ranges which is desirable in the phase modulation instrument, such as optical phase shifting. For example, compact, inexpensive, and position controllable micromirrors utilizing an electrostatic vertical actuator can replace the large, expensive, and difficult-to-maintain piezoelectric actuators. A thirty pound piezoelectric actuator with corner cube reflectors, as utilized inmore » a phase shifting diffraction interferometer can be replaced with a micromirror and a lens. For any very precise and small amplitudes of motion, micromachined electrostatic actuation may be used because it is the most compact in size, with low power consumption and has more straightforward sensing and control options.« less

Evaluation of electrostatic precipitator during SRC combustion tests. Final task report Apr--Aug 1977

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nichols, G.B.; Barrett, W.J.

1978-07-01

The report deals with the evaluation of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and associated environmental factors during the burning of solvent refined coal (SRC) in a boiler at Plant Mitchell of the Georgia Power Company. The effort was part of an overall study of the use of SRC in a full-scale electric power plant. Results of a performance evaluation of the ESP are reported and interpreted. Samples of stack emissions were collected with a Source Assessment Sampling System (SASS) train for chemical analysis: results of the analysis are to be reported later.
Electrostatic Steepening of Whistler Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasko, I. Y.; Agapitov, O. V.; Mozer, F. S.; Bonnell, J. W.; Artemyev, A. V.; Krasnoselskikh, V. V.; Tong, Y.

2018-05-01

We present surprising observations by the NASA Van Allen Probes spacecraft of whistler waves with substantial electric field power at harmonics of the whistler wave fundamental frequency. The wave power at harmonics is due to a nonlinearly steepened whistler electrostatic field that becomes possible in the two-temperature electron plasma due to the whistler wave coupling to the electron-acoustic mode. The simulation and analytical estimates show that the steepening takes a few tens of milliseconds. The hydrodynamic energy cascade to higher frequencies facilitates efficient energy transfer from cyclotron resonant electrons, driving the whistler waves, to lower energy electrons.
Investigation of coal properties and airborne respirable dust generation. Report of investigations/1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Organiscak, J.A.; Page, S.J.

1998-10-01

Laboratory crushing experiments were conducted on a range of low- to high-volatile bituminous coals to investigate the various factors influencing airborne respirable dust (ARD) generation. This research was conducted to identify the principles of ARD liberation from the coal product. Five U.S. bituminous coals were uniformly prepared and processed through a double roll crusher located in a low-velocity wind tunnel. Experimental factors studied included inherent coal seam constituents, coal grindability, specific energy of crushing, product size characteristics, dust cloud electrostatic field, and specific ARD generated. The results of this investigation indicate that a combination of several factors are associated withmore » ARD generation. One factor is the effect of coal rank, described by the inherent moist fuel ratio, on the product size characteristics, defined by Schuhmann size function parameters. Another key factor is the effect of air dry loss (ADL) moisture in the coal seam on the breakage-induced electrostatic field of airborne dust. The effect of these factors is that different percentages of <10-micrometers coal particles are dispersed as ARD. A discussion of electrostatic field principles, coal ADL, and its effect on ARD generation is presented.« less
System integration of RF based negative ion experimental facility at IPR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, G.; Bandyopadhyay, M.; Singh, M. J.; Gahlaut, A.; Soni, J.; Pandya, K.; Parmar, K. G.; Sonara, J.; Chakraborty, A.

2010-02-01

The setting up of RF based negative ion experimental facility shall witness the beginning of experiments on the negative ion source fusion applications in India. A 1 MHz RF generator shall launch 100 kW RF power into a single driver on the plasma source to produce a plasma of density ~5 × 1012 cm-3. The source can deliver a negative ion beam of ~10 A with a current density of ~30 mA/cm2 and accelerated to 35 kV through an electrostatic ion accelerator. The experimental system is similar to a RF based negative ion source, BATMAN, presently operating at IPP. The subsystems for source operation are designed and procured principally from indigenous resources, keeping the IPP configuration as a base line. The operation of negative ion source is supported by many subsystems e.g. vacuum pumping system with gate valves, cooling water system, gas feed system, cesium delivery system, RF generator, high voltage power supplies, data acquisition and control system, and different diagnostics. The first experiments of negative ion source are expected to start at IPR from the middle of 2009.
Study of magnetic field expansion using a plasma generator for space radiation active protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Xiang-Hong; Jia, Shao-Xia; Xu, Feng; Bai, Yan-Qiang; Wan, Jun; Liu, Hong-Tao; Jiang, Rui; Ma, Hong-Bo; Wang, Shou-Guo

2013-09-01

There are many active protecting methods including Electrostatic Fields, Confined Magnetic Field, Unconfined Magnetic Field and Plasma Shielding etc. for defending the high-energy solar particle events (SPE) and Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) in deep space exploration. The concept of using cold plasma to expand a magnetic field is the best one of all possible methods so far. The magnetic field expansion caused by plasma can improve its protective efficiency of space particles. One kind of plasma generator has been developed and installed into the cylindrical permanent magnet in the eccentric. A plasma stream is produced using a helical-shaped antenna driven by a radio-frequency (RF) power supply of 13.56 MHz, which exits from both sides of the magnet and makes the magnetic field expand on one side. The discharging belts phenomenon is similar to the Earth's radiation belt, but the mechanism has yet to be understood. A magnetic probe is used to measure the magnetic field expansion distributions, and the results indicate that the magnetic field intensity increases under higher increments of the discharge power.
Rippled disc electrostatic generator/motor configurations utilizing magnetic insulation

DOEpatents

Post, Richard F

2017-04-04

Electrostatic generators/motors designs are provided that generally may include a first rippled stator centered about a longitudinal axis; a second rippled stator centered about the axis, a first rippled rotor centered about the axis and located between the first rippled stator and the second rippled stator. A magnetic field having field lines about parallel with the average plane of at least one of the first rippled stator or the second rippled stator is provided with either a Halbach array configuration or a conductor array configuration.
Cavallo's multiplier for in situ generation of high voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, S. M.; Ito, T. M.; Ramsey, J. C.; Wei, W.; Blatnik, M. A.; Filippone, B. W.; Seidel, G. M.

2018-05-01

A classic electrostatic induction machine, Cavallo's multiplier, is suggested for in situ production of very high voltage in cryogenic environments. The device is suitable for generating a large electrostatic field under conditions of very small load current. Operation of the Cavallo multiplier is analyzed, with quantitative description in terms of mutual capacitances between electrodes in the system. A demonstration apparatus was constructed, and measured voltages are compared to predictions based on measured capacitances in the system. The simplicity of the Cavallo multiplier makes it amenable to electrostatic analysis using finite element software, and electrode shapes can be optimized to take advantage of a high dielectric strength medium such as liquid helium. A design study is presented for a Cavallo multiplier in a large-scale, cryogenic experiment to measure the neutron electric dipole moment.
Potential Polymeric Sphere Construction Materials for a Spacecraft Electrostatic Shield

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Joseph G., Jr.; Smith, Trent; Williams, Martha; Youngquist, Robert; Mendell, Wendell

2006-01-01

An electrostatic shielding concept for spacecraft radiation protection under NASA s Exploration Systems Research and Technology Program was evaluated for its effectiveness and feasibility. The proposed shield design is reminiscent of a classic quadrupole with positively and negatively charged spheres surrounding the spacecraft. The project addressed materials, shield configuration, power supply, and compared its effectiveness to that of a passive shield. The report herein concerns the identification of commercially available materials that could be used in sphere fabrication. It was found that several materials were needed to potentially construct the spheres for an electrostatic shield operating at 300 MV.
Freestanding Flag-Type Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Harvesting High-Altitude Wind Energy from Arbitrary Directions.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhenfu; Pu, Xiong; Du, Chunhua; Li, Linxuan; Jiang, Chunyan; Hu, Weiguo; Wang, Zhong Lin

2016-02-23

Wind energy at a high altitude is far more stable and stronger than that near the ground, but it is out of reach of the wind turbine. Herein, we develop an innovative freestanding woven triboelectric nanogenerator flag (WTENG-flag) that can harvest high-altitude wind energy from arbitrary directions. The wind-driven fluttering of the woven unit leads to the current generation by a coupled effect of contact electrification and electrostatic induction. Systematic study is conducted to optimize the structure/material parameters of the WTENG-flag to improve the power output. This 2D WTENG-flag can also be stacked in parallel connections in many layers for a linearly increased output. Finally, a self-powered high-altitude platform with temperature/humidity sensing/telecommunicating capability is demonstrated with the WTENG-flag as a power source. Due to the light weight, low cost, and easy scale-up, this WTENG-flag has great potential for applications in weather/environmental sensing/monitoring systems.
Positive direct current corona discharges in single wire-duct electrostatic precipitators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yehia, Ashraf, E-mail: yehia30161@yahoo.com; Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Arab Republic of Egypt; Abdel-Fattah, E.

This paper is aimed to study the characteristics of the positive dc corona discharges in single wire-duct electrostatic precipitators. Therefore, the corona discharges were formed inside dry air fed single wire-duct reactor under positive dc voltage at the normal atmospheric conditions. The corona current-voltage characteristics curves have been measured in parallel with the ozone concentration generated inside the reactor under different discharge conditions. The corona current-voltage characteristics curves have agreed with a semi empirical equation derived from the previous studies. The experimental results of the ozone concentration generated inside the reactor were formulated in the form of an empirical equationmore » included the different parameters that were studied experimentally. The obtained equations are valid to expect both the current-voltage characteristics curves and the corresponding ozone concentration that generates with the positive dc corona discharges inside single wire-duct electrostatic precipitators under any operating conditions in the same range of the present study.« less
A new constituent of electrostatic energy in semiconductors. An attempt to reformulate electrostatic energy in matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallese, Jean-Michel

2016-06-01

The concept of electric energy is revisited in detail for semiconductors. We come to the conclusion that the main relationship used to calculate the energy related to the penetration of the electric field in semiconductors is missing a fundamental term. For instance, spatial derivate of the electrostatic energy using the traditional formula fails at giving the correct electrostatic force between semiconductor based capacitor plates, and reveals unambiguously the existence of an extra contribution to the standard electrostatic free energy. The additional term is found to be related to the generation of space charge regions which are predicted when combining electrostatics with semiconductor physics laws, such as for accumulation and inversion layers. On the contrary, no such energy is needed when relying on electrostatics only, as for instance when adopting the so-called full depletion approximation. The same holds for neutral and charged insulators that are still consistent with the customary definition, but these two examples are in fact singular cases. In semiconductors for instance, this additional energy can largely exceed the energy gained by the dipoles, thus becoming the dominant term. This unexpected result clearly asks for a generalization of electrostatic energy in matter in order to reconcile basic concepts of electrostatic energy in the framework of classical physics.
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sackett, S.J.

JASON solves general electrostatics problems having either slab or cylindrical symmetry. More specifically, it solves the self-adjoint elliptic equation, div . (KgradV) - ..gamma..V + rho = 0 in an aritrary two-dimensional domain. For electrostatics, V is the electrostatic potential, K is the dielectric tensor, and rho is the free-charge density. The parameter ..gamma.. is identically zero for electrostatics but may have a positive nonzero value in other cases (e.g., capillary surface problems with gravity loading). The system of algebraic equations used in JASON is generated by the finite element method. Four-node quadrilateral elements are used for most of themore » mesh. Triangular elements, however, are occasionally used on boundaries to avoid severe mesh distortions. 15 figures. (RWR)« less
The effect of power-law body forces on a thermally driven flow between concentric rotating spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1986-01-01

A numerical study is conducted to determine the effect of power-law body forces on a thermally-driven axisymmetric flow field confined between concentric co-rotating spheres. This study is motivated by Spacelab geophysical fluid-flow experiments, which use an electrostatic force on a dielectric fluid to simulate gravity; this force exhibits a (1/r)sup 5 distribution. Meridional velocity is found to increase when the electrostatic body force is imposed, relative to when the body force is uniform. Correlation among flow fields with uniform, inverse-square, and inverse-quintic force fields is obtained using a modified Grashof number.
The effect of power law body forces on a thermally-driven flow between concentric rotating spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macaraeg, M. G.

1985-01-01

A numerical study is conducted to determine the effect of power-law body forces on a thermally-driven axisymmetric flow field confined between concentric co-rotating spheres. This study is motivated by Spacelab geophysical fluid-flow experiments, which use an electrostatic force on a dielectric fluid to simulate gravity; this force exhibits a (1/r)sup 5 distribution. Meridional velocity is found to increase when the electrostatic body force is imposed, relative to when the body force is uniform. Correlation among flow fields with uniform, inverse-square, and inverse-quintic force fields is obtained using a modified Grashof number.
Note: Characteristic beam parameter for the line electron gun

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iqbal, M.; Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Islam, G. U.

We have optimized the beam parameters of line source electron gun using Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre electron beam trajectory program (EGUN), utilizing electrostatic focusing only. We measured minimum beam diameter as 0.5 mm that corresponds to power density of 68.9 kW/cm{sup 2} at 13.5 mm in the post-anode region which is more than two-fold (33 kW/cm{sup 2}), of the previously reported results. The gun was operated for the validation of the theoretical results and found in good agreement. The gun is now without any magnetic and electrostatic focusing thus much simpler and more powerful.
Note: Characteristic beam parameter for the line electron gun.

PubMed

Iqbal, M; Islam, G U; Zhou, Z; Chi, Y

2013-11-01

We have optimized the beam parameters of line source electron gun using Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre electron beam trajectory program (EGUN), utilizing electrostatic focusing only. We measured minimum beam diameter as 0.5 mm that corresponds to power density of 68.9 kW/cm(2) at 13.5 mm in the post-anode region which is more than two-fold (33 kW/cm(2)), of the previously reported results. The gun was operated for the validation of the theoretical results and found in good agreement. The gun is now without any magnetic and electrostatic focusing thus much simpler and more powerful.
Note: Characteristic beam parameter for the line electron gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, M.; Islam, G. U.; Zhou, Z.; Chi, Y.

2013-11-01

We have optimized the beam parameters of line source electron gun using Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre electron beam trajectory program (EGUN), utilizing electrostatic focusing only. We measured minimum beam diameter as 0.5 mm that corresponds to power density of 68.9 kW/cm2 at 13.5 mm in the post-anode region which is more than two-fold (33 kW/cm2), of the previously reported results. The gun was operated for the validation of the theoretical results and found in good agreement. The gun is now without any magnetic and electrostatic focusing thus much simpler and more powerful.
Electrostatic Plasma Accelerator (EPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brophy, John R.; Aston, Graeme

1995-01-01

The application of electric propulsion to communications satellites, however, has been limited to the use of hydrazine thrusters with electric heaters for thrust and specific impulse augmentation. These electrothermal thrusters operate at specific impulse levels of approximately 300 s with heater powers of about 500 W. Low power arcjets (1-3 kW) are currently being investigated as a way to increase specific impulse levels to approximately 500 s. Ion propulsion systems can easily produce specific impulses of 3000 s or greater, but have yet to be applied to communications satellites. The reasons most often given for not using ion propulsion systems are their high level of overall complexity, low thrust with long burn times, and the difficulty of integrating the propulsion system into existing commercial spacecraft busses. The Electrostatic Plasma Accelerator (EPA) is a thruster concept which promises specific impulse levels between low power arcjets and those of the ion engine while retaining the relative simplicity of the arcjet. The EPA thruster produces thrust through the electrostatic acceleration of a moderately dense plasma. No accelerating electrodes are used and the specific impulse is a direct function of the applied discharge voltage and the propellant atomic mass.
Compressive sensing-based electrostatic sensor array signal processing and exhausted abnormal debris detecting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xin; Chen, Zhongsheng; Li, Yue; Yang, Yongmin

2018-05-01

When faults happen at gas path components of gas turbines, some sparsely-distributed and charged debris will be generated and released into the exhaust gas. The debris is called abnormal debris. Electrostatic sensors can detect the debris online and further indicate the faults. It is generally considered that, under a specific working condition, a more serious fault generates more and larger debris, and a piece of larger debris carries more charge. Therefore, the amount and charge of the abnormal debris are important indicators of the fault severity. However, because an electrostatic sensor can only detect the superposed effect on the electrostatic field of all the debris, it can hardly identify the amount and position of the debris. Moreover, because signals of electrostatic sensors depend on not only charge but also position of debris, and the position information is difficult to acquire, measuring debris charge accurately using the electrostatic detecting method is still a technical difficulty. To solve these problems, a hemisphere-shaped electrostatic sensors' circular array (HSESCA) is used, and an array signal processing method based on compressive sensing (CS) is proposed in this paper. To research in a theoretical framework of CS, the measurement model of the HSESCA is discretized into a sparse representation form by meshing. In this way, the amount and charge of the abnormal debris are described as a sparse vector. It is further reconstructed by constraining l1-norm when solving an underdetermined equation. In addition, a pre-processing method based on singular value decomposition and a result calibration method based on weighted-centroid algorithm are applied to ensure the accuracy of the reconstruction. The proposed method is validated by both numerical simulations and experiments. Reconstruction errors, characteristics of the results and some related factors are discussed.
Quasi-Static Electric Field Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A generator for producing an electric field for with an inspection technology system is provided. The generator provides the required variable magnitude quasi-static electric fields for the "illumination" of objects, areas and volumes to be inspected by the system, and produces human-safe electric fields that are only visible to the system. The generator includes a casing, a driven, non-conducting and triboelectrically neutral rotation shaft mounted therein, an ungrounded electrostatic dipole element which works in the quasi-static range, and a non-conducting support for mounting the dipole element to the shaft. The dipole element has a wireless motor system and a charging system which are wholly contained within the dipole element and the support that uses an electrostatic approach to charge the dipole element.

Generation of wavy structure on lipid membrane by peripheral proteins: a linear elastic analysis.

PubMed

Mahata, Paritosh; Das, Sovan Lal

2017-05-01

We carry out a linear elastic analysis to study wavy structure generation on lipid membrane by peripheral membrane proteins. We model the lipid membrane as linearly elastic and anisotropic material. The hydrophobic insertion by proteins into the lipid membrane has been idealized as penetration of rigid rod-like inclusions into the membrane and the electrostatic interaction between protein and membrane has been modeled by a distributed surface traction acting on the membrane surface. With the proposed model we study curvature generation by several binding domains of peripheral membrane proteins containing BAR domains and amphipathic alpha-helices. It is observed that electrostatic interaction is essential for curvature generation by the BAR domains. © 2017 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.
A Nonlinear Elasticity Model of Macromolecular Conformational Change Induced by Electrostatic Forces

PubMed Central

Zhou, Y. C.; Holst, Michael; McCammon, J. Andrew

2008-01-01

In this paper we propose a nonlinear elasticity model of macromolecular conformational change (deformation) induced by electrostatic forces generated by an implicit solvation model. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electrostatic potential is analyzed in a domain varying with the elastic deformation of molecules, and a new continuous model of the electrostatic forces is developed to ensure solvability of the nonlinear elasticity equations. We derive the estimates of electrostatic forces corresponding to four types of perturbations to an electrostatic potential field, and establish the existance of an equilibrium configuration using a fixed-point argument, under the assumption that the change in the ionic strength and charges due to the additional molecules causing the deformation are sufficiently small. The results are valid for elastic models with arbitrarily complex dielectric interfaces and cavities, and can be generalized to large elastic deformation caused by high ionic strength, large charges, and strong external fields by using continuation methods. PMID:19461946
Electrical Activity in Martian Dust Storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majid, W.; Arabshahi, S.; Kocz, J.

2016-12-01

Dust storms on Mars are predicted to be capable of producing electrostatic fields and discharges, even larger than those in dust storms on Earth. Such electrical activity poses serious risks to any Human exploration of the planet and the lack of sufficient data to characterize any such activity has been identified by NASA's MEPAG as a key human safety knowledge gap. There are three key elements in the characterization of Martian electrostatic discharges: dependence on Martian environmental conditions, frequency of occurrence, and the strength of the generated electric fields. We will describe a recently deployed detection engine using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) to carry out a long term monitoring campaign to search for and characterize the entire Mars hemisphere for powerful discharges during routine tracking of spacecraft at Mars on an entirely non-interfering basis. The resulting knowledge of Mars electrical activity would allow NASA to plan risk mitigation measures to ensure human safety during Mars exploration. In addition, these measurements will also allow us to place limits on presence of oxidants such as H2O2 that may be produced by such discharges, providing another measurement point for models describing Martian atmospheric chemistry and habitability. Because of the continuous Mars telecommunication needs of NASA's Mars-based assets, the DSN is the only instrument in the world that combines long term, high cadence, observing opportunities with large sensitive telescopes, making it a unique asset worldwide in searching for and characterizing electrostatic activity at Mars from the ground.
Electrospray Collection of Lunar Dust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dziekan, Michael

2012-01-01

A report describes ElectroSpray Ionization based Electrostatic Precipitation (ESIEP) for collecting lunar dust particles. While some HEPA filtration processes may remove a higher fraction (>99.9 percent) of the particles, the high efficiency may not be appropriate from an overall system standpoint, especially in light of the relatively large power requirement that such systems demand. The new electrospray particle capture technology is described as a variant of electrostatic precipitation that eliminates the current drawbacks of electrostatic precipitation. The new approach replaces corona prone field with a mist of highly charged micro-droplets generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) as the mechanism by which incoming particles are attracted and captured. In electrospray, a miniscule flow rate (microliters/minute) of liquid (typically water and a small amount of salt to enhance conductivity) is fed from the tip of a needle held at a high voltage potential relative to an opposite counter electrode. At sufficient field strength, a sharp liquid meniscus forms , which emits a jet of highly charged droplets that drift through the surrounding gas and are collected on the walls of a conductive tube. Particles in the gas have a high probability of contact with the droplets either by adhering to the droplets or otherwise acquiring a high level of charge, causing them to be captured on the collecting electrode as well. The spray acts as a filtration material that is continuously introduced and removed from the gas flow, and thus can never become clogged.
Nonlinear FDTD Analysis of Lightning-Generated Sferics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erdman, A.; Moore, R. C.

2017-12-01

Lightning strikes are extremely powerful natural events producing wideband electromagnetic waves. The EMP radiation and quasi-electrostatic field changes from powerful lightning discharges are capable of directly heating and ionizing the lower ionosphere. These changes to the electrical parameters of the lower ionosphere in turn modify the way different components of the wideband sferic propagate through and reflect from the lower ionosphere. Here we present the results of a new FDTD model that utilizes a 2D cylindrically symmetric grid with second-order accurate centered-difference differentials to evaluate a large number of chemical reactions pertinent to the D-region in order to update the electron density and conductivity every iteration. Using this model, we are able to evaluate the impact of lightning strikes of varying magnitude and analyze the role of ionospheric self-action in changing in the sferic waveform observed on the ground.
Roles of Long-range Electrostatic Domain Interactions and K+ in Phosphoenzyme Transition of Ca2+-ATPase*

PubMed Central

Yamasaki, Kazuo; Daiho, Takashi; Danko, Stefania; Suzuki, Hiroshi

2013-01-01

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase couples the motions and rearrangements of three cytoplasmic domains (A, P, and N) with Ca2+ transport. We explored the role of electrostatic force in the domain dynamics in a rate-limiting phosphoenzyme (EP) transition by a systematic approach combining electrostatic screening with salts, computer analysis of electric fields in crystal structures, and mutations. Low KCl concentration activated and increasing salt above 0.1 m inhibited the EP transition. A plot of the logarithm of the transition rate versus the square of the mean activity coefficient of the protein gave a linear relationship allowing division of the activation energy into an electrostatic component and a non-electrostatic component in which the screenable electrostatic forces are shielded by salt. Results show that the structural change in the transition is sterically restricted, but that strong electrostatic forces, when K+ is specifically bound at the P domain, come into play to accelerate the reaction. Electric field analysis revealed long-range electrostatic interactions between the N and P domains around their hinge. Mutations of the residues directly involved and other charged residues at the hinge disrupted in parallel the electric field and the structural transition. Favorable electrostatics evidently provides a low energy path for the critical N domain motion toward the P domain, overcoming steric restriction. The systematic approach employed here is, in general, a powerful tool for understanding the structural mechanisms of enzymes. PMID:23737524
Zinc isotopic composition of particulate matter generated during the combustion of coal and coal + tire-derived fuels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Borrok, D.M.; Gieré, R.; Ren, M.; Landa, E.R.

2010-01-01

Atmospheric Zn emissions from the burning of coal and tire-derived fuel (TDF) for power generation can be considerable. In an effort to lay the foundation for tracking these contributions, we evaluated the Zn isotopes of coal, a mixture of 95 wt % coal + 5 wt % TDF, and the particulate matter (PM) derived from their combustion in a power-generating plant. The average Zn concentrations and δ(66)Zn were 36 mg/kg and 183 mg/kg and +0.24‰ and +0.13‰ for the coal and coal + TDF, respectively. The δ(66)Zn of the PM sequestered in the cyclone-type mechanical separator was the lightest measured, -0.48‰ for coal and -0.81‰ for coal+TDF. The δ(66)Zn of the PM from the electrostatic precipitator showed a slight enrichment in the heavier Zn isotopes relative to the starting material. PM collected from the stack had the heaviest δ(66)Zn in the system, +0.63‰ and +0.50‰ for the coal and coal + TDF, respectively. Initial fractionation during the generation of a Zn-rich vapor is followed by temperature-dependent fractionation as Zn condenses onto the PM. The isotopic changes of the two fuel types are similar, suggesting that their inherent chemical differences have only a secondary impact on the isotopic fractionation process.
Zinc isotopic composition of particulate matter generated during the combustion of coal and coal + tire-derived fuels.

PubMed

Borrok, David M; Gieré, Reto; Ren, Minghua; Landa, Edward R

2010-12-01

Atmospheric Zn emissions from the burning of coal and tire-derived fuel (TDF) for power generation can be considerable. In an effort to lay the foundation for tracking these contributions, we evaluated the Zn isotopes of coal, a mixture of 95 wt % coal + 5 wt % TDF, and the particulate matter (PM) derived from their combustion in a power-generating plant. The average Zn concentrations and δ(66)Zn were 36 mg/kg and 183 mg/kg and +0.24‰ and +0.13‰ for the coal and coal + TDF, respectively. The δ(66)Zn of the PM sequestered in the cyclone-type mechanical separator was the lightest measured, -0.48‰ for coal and -0.81‰ for coal+TDF. The δ(66)Zn of the PM from the electrostatic precipitator showed a slight enrichment in the heavier Zn isotopes relative to the starting material. PM collected from the stack had the heaviest δ(66)Zn in the system, +0.63‰ and +0.50‰ for the coal and coal + TDF, respectively. Initial fractionation during the generation of a Zn-rich vapor is followed by temperature-dependent fractionation as Zn condenses onto the PM. The isotopic changes of the two fuel types are similar, suggesting that their inherent chemical differences have only a secondary impact on the isotopic fractionation process.
Prospects for the development of coal-steam plants in Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumanovskii, A. G.

2017-06-01

Evaluation of the technical state of the modern coal-fired power plants and quality of coal consumed by Russian thermal power plants (TPP) is provided. Measures aimed at improving the economic and environmental performance of operating 150-800 MW coal power units are considered. Ways of efficient use of technical methods of NO x control and electrostatic precipitators' upgrade for improving the efficiency of ash trapping are summarized. Examples of turbine and boiler equipment efficiency upgrading through its deep modernization are presented. The necessity of the development and introduction of new technologies in the coal-fired power industry is shown. Basic technical requirements for a 660-800 MW power unit with the steam conditions of 28 MPa, 600/600°C are listed. Design solutions taking into account features of Russian coal combustion are considered. A field of application of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers and their effectiveness are indicated. The results of development of a new generation coal-fired TPP, including a steam turbine with an increased efficiency of the compartments and disengaging clutch, an elevated steam conditions boiler, and a highly efficient NO x /SO2 and ash particles emission control system are provided. In this case, the resulting ash and slag are not to be sent to the ash dumps and are to be used to a maximum advantage. Technical solutions to improve the efficiency of coal gasification combined cycle plants (CCP) are considered. A trial plant based on a 16 MW gas turbine plant (GTP) and an air-blown gasifier is designed as a prototype of a high-power CCP. The necessity of a state-supported technical reequipment and development program of operating coal-fired power units, as well as putting into production of new generation coal-fired power plants, is noted.
Anionic lipids and the maintenance of membrane electrostatics in eukaryotes

PubMed Central

Platre, Matthieu Pierre

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT A wide range of signaling processes occurs at the cell surface through the reversible association of proteins from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Some low abundant lipids are enriched at the membrane of specific compartments and thereby contribute to the identity of cell organelles by acting as biochemical landmarks. Lipids also influence membrane biophysical properties, which emerge as an important feature in specifying cellular territories. Such parameters are crucial for signal transduction and include lipid packing, membrane curvature and electrostatics. In particular, membrane electrostatics specifies the identity of the plasma membrane inner leaflet. Membrane surface charges are carried by anionic phospholipids, however the exact nature of the lipid(s) that powers the plasma membrane electrostatic field varies among eukaryotes and has been hotly debated during the last decade. Herein, we discuss the role of anionic lipids in setting up plasma membrane electrostatics and we compare similarities and differences that were found in different eukaryotic cells. PMID:28102755
Electromagnetic and electrostatic emissions at the cusp-magnetosphere interface during substorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curtis, S. A.; Fairfield, D. H.; Wu, C. S.

1979-01-01

Strongly peaked electrostatic emissions near 10.0 kHz and electromagnetic emissions near 0.56 kHz have been observed by the VLF wave detector on board Imp 6 on crossings from the earth's magnetosphere into the polar cusp during the occurrence of large magnetospheric substorms. The electrostatic emissions were observed to be closely confined to the cusp-magnetosphere interface. The electromagnetic emissions were of somewhat broader spatial extent and were seen on higher-latitude field lines within the cusp. Using these plasma wave observations and additional information provided by plasma, magnetometer and particle measurements made simultaneously on Imp 6, theories are constructed to explain each of the two classes of emission. The electromagnetic waves are modeled as whistlers, and the electrostatic waves as electron-cyclotron harmonics. The resulting growth rates predict power spectra similar to those observed for both emission classes. The electrostatic waves may play a significant role via enhanced diffusion in the relaxation of the sharp substorm time cusp-magnetosphere boundary to a more diffuse quiet time boundary.
Galactic heavy-ion shielding using electrostatic fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, L. W.

1984-01-01

The shielding of spacecraft against galactic heavy ions, particularly high-energy Fe(56) nuclei, by electrostatic fields is analyzed for an arrangement of spherical concentric shells. Vacuum breakdown considerations are found to limit the minimum radii of the spheres to over 100 m. This limitation makes it impractical to use the fields for shielding small spacecraft. The voltages necessary to repel these Fe(56) nuclei exceed present electrostatic generating capabilities by over 2 orders of magnitude and render the concept useless as an alternative to traditional bulk-material shielding methods.
Electrostatic Precipitation in Nearly Pure Gaseous Nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhler, Charles; Calle, Carlos; Clements, Sid; Cox, Bobby; Ritz, Mindy

2008-01-01

Electrostatic precipitation was performed in a nearly pure gaseous nitrogen system as a possible remedy for black dust contaminant from high pressure 6000 psi lines at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. The results of a prototype electrostatic precipitator that was built and tested using nitrogen gas at standard atmospheric pressures is presented. High voltage pulsed waveforms are generated using a rotating spark gap system at 30 Hz. A unique dust delivery system utilizing the Venturi effect was devised that supplies a given amount of dust per unit time for testing purposes.
Theoretical Prediction of the Heats of Formation, Densities, and Relative Sensitivities for 3,7-diamino-2,4,6,8-tetranitro-1,5-diazanaphthalene (DATNP) and 3,7-diamino-2,4,6,8-tetranitro-1,5-diazanaphthalene 1,5-N-oxide (DATNPO)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Figures Fig. 1 Optimized structure of a) 1 and b) 2 ......................................................2 Fig. 2 Electrostatic potential map of 1...3 Electrostatic potential map of 2, without a) and with b) molecule overlay...previous report.7 For the estimation of the impact sensitivities, the electrostatic maps on the 0.001 isosurfaces were generated with the scalar range
Analysis of the instability underlying electrostatic suppression of the Leidenfrost state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahriari, Arjang; Das, Soumik; Bahadur, Vaibhav; Bonnecaze, Roger T.

2017-03-01

A liquid droplet on a hot solid can generate enough vapor to prevent its contact on the surface and reduce the rate of heat transfer, the so-called Leidenfrost effect. We show theoretically and experimentally that for a sufficiently high electrostatic potential on the droplet, the formation of the vapor layer is suppressed. The interplay of the destabilizing electrostatic force and stabilizing capillary force and evaporation determines the minimum or threshold voltage to suppress the Leidenfrost effect. Linear stability theory accurately predicts threshold voltages for different size droplets and varying temperatures.
A second-order theory for transverse ion heating and momentum coupling due to electrostatic ion cyclotron waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Ronald H.; Winske, Dan; Gary, S. P.

1992-01-01

A second-order theory for electrostatic instabilities driven by counterstreaming ion beams is developed which describes momentum coupling and heating of the plasma via wave-particle interactions. Exchange rates between the waves and particles are derived, which are suitable for the fluid equations simulating microscopic effects on macroscopic scales. Using a fully kinetic simulation, the electrostatic ion cyclotron instability due to counterstreaming H(+) beams has been simulated. A power spectrum from the kinetic simulation is used to evaluate second-order exchange rates. The calculated heating and momentum loss from second-order theory is compared to the numerical simulation.
Electrostatic Potential Generated During Extracorporeal Pump Prime Circulation Before Cardiopulmonary Bypass Initiation

PubMed Central

Newton, Haley S.; Niles, Scott D.; Ploessl, James; Richenbacher, Wayne

2007-01-01

Abstract: The development of electrostatic potentials generated during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures using polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing in conjunction with roller pumps has been previously documented. The resulting damage from the electrostatic discharge (ESD) has been reported to affect gas transfer devices, but details of potential damage to electronic components commonly used during extracorporeal circulation have not been similarly described. The purpose of this study was to measure the ability of a triboelectric potential to be generated from a primed, circulating, adult CPB pump before the initiation of CPB. Two identical adult CPB circuits were assembled: one incorporating a roller pump and the second incorporating a centrifugal pump mechanism. Primed pumps were circulated (1–6 LPM), and evidence of generated triboelectric potentials was evaluated using a digital multimeter (Fluke 8062 A). The ESD generated from an adult CPB circuit using a roller head configuration elicited a charge in excess of 600 DC V. An identical circuit constructed with a centrifugal pump mechanism did not produce any measurable charge. Sensitive electrical components in the CPB hardware platform may be damaged by ESD potential spikes of this magnitude. Preventative measures, such as circuit charge dissipation, may reduce the potential for such damage when using PVC tubing. PMID:17486872
Solid hydrogen target for laser driven proton acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perin, J. P.; Garcia, S.; Chatain, D.; Margarone, D.

2015-05-01

The development of very high power lasers opens up new horizons in various fields, such as laser plasma acceleration in Physics and innovative approaches for proton therapy in Medicine. Laser driven proton acceleration is commonly based on the so-called Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) mechanisms: a high power laser is focused onto a solid target (thin metallic or plastic foil) and interact with matter at very high intensity, thus generating a plasma; as a consequence "hot" electrons are produced and move into the forward direction through the target. Protons are generated at the target rear side, electrons try to escape from the target and an ultra-strong quasi-electrostatic field (~1TV/m) is generated. Such a field can accelerate protons with a wide energy spectrum (1-200 MeV) in a few tens of micrometers. The proton beam characteristics depend on the laser parameters and on the target geometry and nature. This technique has been validated experimentally in several high power laser facilities by accelerating protons coming from hydrogenated contaminant (mainly water) at the rear of metallic target, however, several research groups are investigating the possibility to perform experiments by using "pure" hydrogen targets. In this context, the low temperature laboratory at CEA-Grenoble has developed a cryostat able to continuously produce a thin hydrogen ribbon (from 40 to 100 microns thick). A new extrusion concept, without any moving part has been carried out, using only the thermodynamic properties of the fluid. First results and perspectives are presented in this paper.
Diminish electrostatic in piezoresponse force microscopy through longer or ultra-stiff tips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, A.; Puig, T.; Obradors, X.

2018-05-01

Piezoresponse Force Microscopy is a powerful but delicate nanoscale technique that measures the electromechanical response resulting from the application of a highly localized electric field. Though mechanical response is normally due to piezoelectricity, other physical phenomena, especially electrostatic interaction, can contribute to the signal read. We address this problematic through the use of longer ultra-stiff probes providing state of the art sensitivity, with the lowest electrostatic interaction and avoiding working in high frequency regime. In order to find this solution we develop a theoretical description addressing the effects of electrostatic contributions in the total cantilever vibration and its quantification for different setups. The theory is subsequently tested in a Periodically Poled Lithium Niobate (PPLN) crystal, a sample with well-defined 0° and 180° domains, using different commercial available conductive tips. We employ the theoretical description to compare the electrostatic contribution effects into the total phase recorded. Through experimental data our description is corroborated for each of the tested commercially available probes. We propose that a larger probe length can be a solution to avoid electrostatic forces, so the cantilever-sample electrostatic interaction is reduced. Our proposed solution has great implications into avoiding artifacts while studying soft biological samples, multiferroic oxides, and thin film ferroelectric materials.
Quantum Chemical Topology: Knowledgeable atoms in peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popelier, Paul L. A.

2012-06-01

The need to improve atomistic biomolecular force fields remains acute. Fortunately, the abundance of contemporary computing power enables an overhaul of the architecture of current force fields, which typically base their electrostatics on fixed atomic partial charges. We discuss the principles behind the electrostatics of a more realistic force field under construction, called QCTFF. At the heart of QCTFF lies the so-called topological atom, which is a malleable box, whose shape and electrostatics changes in response to a changing environment. This response is captured by a machine learning method called Kriging. Kriging directly predicts each multipole moment of a given atom (i.e. the output) from the coordinates of the nuclei surrounding this atom (i.e. the input). This procedure yields accurate interatomic electrostatic energies, which form the basis for future-proof progress in force field design.

Role of electric fields in the MHD evolution of the kink instability

DOE PAGES

Lapenta, Giovanni; Skender, Marina

2017-02-17

Here, the discovery of electrostatic fields playing a crucial role in establishing plasma motion in the flux conversion and dynamo processes in reversed field pinches is revisited. In order to further elucidate the role of the electrostatic fields, a flux rope configuration susceptible to the kink instability is numerically studied with anMHDcode. Simulated nonlinear evolution of the kink instability is found to confirm the crucial role of the electrostatic fields. Anew insight is gained on the special function of the electrostatic fields: they lead the plasma towards the reconnection site at the mode resonant surface. Without this step the plasmamore » column could not relax to its nonlinear state, since no other agent is present to perform this role. While the inductive field generated directly by the kink instability is the dominant flow driver, the electrostatic field is found to allow the motion in the vicinity of the reconnection region.« less
Role of electric fields in the MHD evolution of the kink instability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lapenta, Giovanni; Skender, Marina

Here, the discovery of electrostatic fields playing a crucial role in establishing plasma motion in the flux conversion and dynamo processes in reversed field pinches is revisited. In order to further elucidate the role of the electrostatic fields, a flux rope configuration susceptible to the kink instability is numerically studied with anMHDcode. Simulated nonlinear evolution of the kink instability is found to confirm the crucial role of the electrostatic fields. Anew insight is gained on the special function of the electrostatic fields: they lead the plasma towards the reconnection site at the mode resonant surface. Without this step the plasmamore » column could not relax to its nonlinear state, since no other agent is present to perform this role. While the inductive field generated directly by the kink instability is the dominant flow driver, the electrostatic field is found to allow the motion in the vicinity of the reconnection region.« less
DelPhiForce web server: electrostatic forces and energy calculations and visualization.

PubMed

Li, Lin; Jia, Zhe; Peng, Yunhui; Chakravorty, Arghya; Sun, Lexuan; Alexov, Emil

2017-11-15

Electrostatic force is an essential component of the total force acting between atoms and macromolecules. Therefore, accurate calculations of electrostatic forces are crucial for revealing the mechanisms of many biological processes. We developed a DelPhiForce web server to calculate and visualize the electrostatic forces at molecular level. DelPhiForce web server enables modeling of electrostatic forces on individual atoms, residues, domains and molecules, and generates an output that can be visualized by VMD software. Here we demonstrate the usage of the server for various biological problems including protein-cofactor, domain-domain, protein-protein, protein-DNA and protein-RNA interactions. The DelPhiForce web server is available at: http://compbio.clemson.edu/delphi-force. delphi@clemson.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com
Ni foam supported quasi-core-shell structure of ultrathin Ti3C2 nanosheets through electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly as high rate-performance electrodes of supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yapeng; Yang, Chenhui; Que, Wenxiu; He, Yucheng; Liu, Xiaobin; Luo, Yangyang; Yin, Xingtian; Kong, Ling Bing

2017-11-01

Supercapacitor, as an important energy storage device, is a critical component for next generation electric power system, due to its high power density and long cycle life. In this study, a novel electrode material with quasi-core-shell structure, consisting of negatively charged few layer Ti3C2 nanosheets (FL-Ti3C2) and positively charged polyethyleneimine as building blocks, has been prepared by using an electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly method, with highly conductive Ni foam to be used as the skeleton. The unique quasi-core-shell structured ultrathin Ti3C2 nanosheets provide an excellent electron channel, ion transport channel and large effective contact area, thus leading to a great improvement in electrochemical performance of the material. The specific capacitance of the binder-free FL-Ti3C2@Ni foam electrodes reaches 370 F g-1 at the scan rate of 2 mV s-1 and a specific capacitance of 117 F g-1 is obtained even at the scan rate of 1000 mV s-1 in the electrolyte of Li2SO4, indicating a high rate performance. In addition, this electrode shows a long-term cyclic stability with a loss of only 13.7% after 10,000 circles. Furthermore, quantitative analysis has been conducted to ensure the relationship between the capacitive contribution and the rate performance of the as-fabricated electrode.
Cumulative atomic multipole moments complement any atomic charge model to obtain more accurate electrostatic properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sokalski, W. A.; Shibata, M.; Ornstein, R. L.; Rein, R.

1992-01-01

The quality of several atomic charge models based on different definitions has been analyzed using cumulative atomic multipole moments (CAMM). This formalism can generate higher atomic moments starting from any atomic charges, while preserving the corresponding molecular moments. The atomic charge contribution to the higher molecular moments, as well as to the electrostatic potentials, has been examined for CO and HCN molecules at several different levels of theory. The results clearly show that the electrostatic potential obtained from CAMM expansion is convergent up to R-5 term for all atomic charge models used. This illustrates that higher atomic moments can be used to supplement any atomic charge model to obtain more accurate description of electrostatic properties.
Laser generation of Au ions with charge states above 50+

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laska, L.; Jungwirth, K.; Krasa, J.

2008-02-15

Results of recent studies on highly charged Au ion generation, using the intense long pulses of the PALS high power iodine laser ({lambda}=1.315 {mu}m, E{sub L}=800 J/400 ps), operating under variable experimental conditions (1{omega}, 3{omega}, varying target thickness and changing focus positions), are presented. Both the ion collectors and the ion electrostatic analyzers were applied for the identification of ions in a large distance from the target. The time-of-flight collector signals were treated by a means of peak deconvolution assuming a shifted Maxwell-Boltzmann form of the constituent ion current peaks. Attention was paid to the influence of pulse precursor, whichmore » becomes evident, especially, if using thinner targets and 1{omega}. The results for 3{omega} point to the presence of several groups of ions with the highest recorded charge state Au{sup 53+}.« less
Generation and confinement of microwave gas-plasma in photonic dielectric microstructure.

PubMed

Debord, B; Jamier, R; Gérôme, F; Leroy, O; Boisse-Laporte, C; Leprince, P; Alves, L L; Benabid, F

2013-10-21

We report on a self-guided microwave surface-wave induced generation of ~60 μm diameter and 6 cm-long column of argon-plasma confined in the core of a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. At gas pressure of 1 mbar, the micro-confined plasma exhibits a stable transverse profile with a maximum gas-temperature as high as 1300 ± 200 K, and a wall-temperature as low as 500 K, and an electron density level of 10¹⁴ cm⁻³. The fiber guided fluorescence emission presents strong Ar⁺ spectral lines in the visible and near UV. Theory shows that the observed combination of relatively low wall-temperature and high ionisation rate in this strongly confined configuration is due to an unprecedentedly wide electrostatic space-charge field and the subsequent ion acceleration dominance in the plasma-to-gas power transfer.
Electrostatic micromembrane actuator arrays as motion generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, X. T.; Hui, J.; Young, M.; Kayatta, P.; Wong, J.; Kennith, D.; Zhe, J.; Warde, C.

2004-05-01

A rigid-body motion generator based on an array of micromembrane actuators is described. Unlike previous microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques, the architecture employs a large number (typically greater than 1000) of micron-sized (10-200 μm) membrane actuators to simultaneously generate the displacement of a large rigid body, such as a conventional optical mirror. For optical applications, the approach provides optical design freedom of MEMS mirrors by enabling large-aperture mirrors to be driven electrostatically by MEMS actuators. The micromembrane actuator arrays have been built using a stacked architecture similar to that employed in the Multiuser MEMS Process (MUMPS), and the motion transfer from the arrayed micron-sized actuators to macro-sized components was demonstrated.
Electrostatic Deformation of Liquid Surfaces by a Charged Rod and a Van De Graaff Generator

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slisko, Josip; García-Molina, Rafael; Abril, Isabel

2014-01-01

Authors of physics textbooks frequently use the deflection of a thin, vertically falling water jet by a charged balloon, comb, or rod as a visually appealing and conceptually relevant example of electrostatic attraction. Nevertheless, no attempts are made to explore whether these charged bodies could cause visible deformation of a horizontal water…
Mission Advantages of Constant Power, Variable Isp Electrostatic Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steven R.

2000-01-01

Electric propulsion has moved from station-keeping capability for spacecraft to primary propulsion with the advent of both the Deep Space One asteroid flyby and geosynchronous spacecraft orbit insertion. In both cases notably more payload was delivered than would have been possible with chemical propulsion. To provide even greater improvements electrostatic thruster performance could be varied in specific impulse, but kept at constant power to provide better payload or trip time performance for different mission phases. Such variable specific impulse mission applications include geosynchronous and low earth orbit spacecraft stationkeeping and orbit insertion, geosynchronous reusable tug missions, and interplanetary probes. The application of variable specific impulse devices is shown to add from 5 to 15% payload for these missions. The challenges to building such devices include variable voltage power supplies and extending fuel throughput capabilities across the specific impulse range.
Protonmotive force: development of electrostatic drivers for synthetic molecular motors.

PubMed

Crowley, James D; Steele, Ian M; Bosnich, Brice

2006-12-04

Ferrocene has been investigated as a platform for developing protonmotive electrostatic drivers for molecular motors. When two 3-pyridine groups are substituted to the (rapidly rotating) cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings of ferrocene, one on each Cp, it is shown that the (Cp) eclipsed, pi-stacked rotameric conformation is preferred both in solution and in the solid state. Upon quaternization of both of the pyridines substituents, either by protonation or by alkylation, it is shown that the preferred rotameric conformation is one where the pyridinium groups are rotated away from the fully pi-stacked conformation. Electrostatic calculations indicate that the rotation is caused by the electrostatic repulsion between the charges. Consistently, when the pi-stacking energy is increased pi-stacked population increases, and conversely when the electrostatic repulsion is increased pi-stacked population is decreased. This work serves to provide an approximate estimate of the amount of torque that the electrostatically driven ferrocene platform can generate when incorporated into a molecular motor. The overall conclusion is that the electrostatic interaction energy between dicationic ferrocene dipyridyl systems is similar to the pi-stacking interaction energy and, consequently, at least tricationic systems are required to fully uncouple the pi-stacked pyridine substituents.
An Electrostatic-Barrier-Forming Window that Captures Airborne Pollen Grains to Prevent Pollinosis

PubMed Central

Takikawa, Yoshihiro; Matsuda, Yoshinori; Nonomura, Teruo; Kakutani, Koji; Kusakari, Shin-Ichi; Toyoda, Hideyoshi

2017-01-01

An electrostatic-barrier-forming window (EBW) was devised to capture airborne pollen, which can cause allergic pollinosis. The EBW consisted of three layers of insulated conductor wires (ICWs) and two voltage generators that supplied negative charges to the two outer ICW layers and a positive charge to the middle ICW layer. The ICWs generated an attractive force that captured pollen of the Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica, from air blown through the EBW. The attractive force was directly proportional to the applied voltage. At ≥3.5 kV, the EBW exerted sufficient force to capture all pollen carried at an air flow of 3 m/s, and pollen-free air passed through the EBW. The findings demonstrated that the electrostatic barrier that formed inside the EBW was very effective at capturing airborne pollen; thus, it could allow a home to remain pollen-free and healthy despite continuous pollen exposure. PMID:28098835
An Electrostatic-Barrier-Forming Window that Captures Airborne Pollen Grains to Prevent Pollinosis.

PubMed

Takikawa, Yoshihiro; Matsuda, Yoshinori; Nonomura, Teruo; Kakutani, Koji; Kusakari, Shin-Ichi; Toyoda, Hideyoshi

2017-01-15

An electrostatic-barrier-forming window (EBW) was devised to capture airborne pollen, which can cause allergic pollinosis. The EBW consisted of three layers of insulated conductor wires (ICWs) and two voltage generators that supplied negative charges to the two outer ICW layers and a positive charge to the middle ICW layer. The ICWs generated an attractive force that captured pollen of the Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica , from air blown through the EBW. The attractive force was directly proportional to the applied voltage. At ≥3.5 kV, the EBW exerted sufficient force to capture all pollen carried at an air flow of 3 m/s, and pollen-free air passed through the EBW. The findings demonstrated that the electrostatic barrier that formed inside the EBW was very effective at capturing airborne pollen; thus, it could allow a home to remain pollen-free and healthy despite continuous pollen exposure.
An Electrostatically Self-Assembled Thin Film Made of Zn-Substituted Tungstoborate and Rhodamine B with Photoelectrochemical Properties.

PubMed

Mao, Xu; Zhang, Jia-Ning; Gao, Li-Hua; Su, Yu; Chen, Peng-Xia; Wang, Ke-Zhi

2016-04-01

An electrostatically self-assembled multilayer thin film consisting of alternating layers of Keggin polyoxometalate of Zn-substituted tungstoborate (BW11Zn) and Rhodamine B (RhB) has successfully been prepared on a quartz and indium-tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra demonstrated that the electrostatically self-assembled film of (BW11Zn/RhB)n was uniformly deposited layer by layer, and the RhB molecules in the film formed the J-aggregation. The photoelectrochemical investigations showed that the films generated stable cathodic photocurrents that originated from RhB, and the maximal cathodic photocurrent density generated by an eight-layer film was 4.9 µA/cm2 while the film was irradiated with 100 mW/cm2 polychromatic light of 730 nm > λ > 325 nm at an applied potential of 0 V versus a saturated calomel electrode.
A novel MEMS inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist to prolong the contact time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Wang, Yan; Yang, Zhuoqing; Ding, Guifu; Zhao, Xiaolin; Wang, Hong

2018-03-01

The MEMS inertial switch is widely used in various industries owing to its advantage of small size, high integration, low power consumption and low costs, especially in the timing of Internet of things, such as toys, handheld devices, accessories and vibration testing. This paper provided a novel inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist. The designed inertial switch can reduce the complexity of the post-processing circuit and broaden its application prospect. The continuous electrostatic force can extend the contact time of the designed inertia switch before the leakage of electricity ends. The moving electrode with a reinforcing rib structure can effectively restrain the bending of the lower surface of moving electrode caused by residual stress. The array-type fixed electrode can ensure stable contact between the electrodes when the device is sensitive to external shocks. The dynamic displacement-time curve can be simulated by the COMSOL finite element simulation software. The laminated plating process is used to produce the designed inertial switch and the drop hammer acceleration monitoring system is used to test the fabricated device. The results indicate that, compared with the traditional design, the bouncing phenomenon can be prevented and extend the contact time to 336μs.
Frontier applications of electrostatic accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ke-Xin; Wang, Yu-Gang; Fan, Tie-Shuan; Zhang, Guo-Hui; Chen, Jia-Er

2013-10-01

Electrostatic accelerator is a powerful tool in many research fields, such as nuclear physics, radiation biology, material science, archaeology and earth sciences. Two electrostatic accelerators, one is the single stage Van de Graaff with terminal voltage of 4.5 MV and another one is the EN tandem with terminal voltage of 6 MV, were installed in 1980s and had been put into operation since the early 1990s at the Institute of Heavy Ion Physics. Many applications have been carried out since then. These two accelerators are described and summaries of the most important applications on neutron physics and technology, radiation biology and material science, as well as accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) are presented.
Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) Fusion for Space Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nadler, Jon

1999-01-01

An Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) device was assembled at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Propulsion Research Center (PRC) to study the possibility of using EEC technology for deep space propulsion and power. Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement is capable of containing a nuclear fusion plasma in a series of virtual potential wells. These wells would substantially increase plasma confinement, possibly leading towards a high-gain, breakthrough fusion device. A one-foot in diameter IEC vessel was borrowed from the Fusion Studies Laboratory at the University of Illinois@Urbana-Champaign for the summer. This device was used in initial parameterization studies in order to design a larger, actively cooled device for permanent use at the PRC.
Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) Fusion For Space Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nadler, Jon

1999-01-01

An Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) device was assembled at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Propulsion Research Center (PRC) to study the possibility of using IEC technology for deep space propulsion and power. Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement is capable of containing a nuclear fusion plasma in a series of virtual potential wells. These wells would substantially increase plasma confinement, possibly leading towards a high-gain, breakthrough fusion device. A one-foot in diameter IEC vessel was borrowed from the Fusion Studies Laboratory at the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign for the summer. This device was used in initial parameterization studies in order to design a larger, actively cooled device for permanent use at the PRC.
Electrostatic Solitary Waves in the Solar Wind: Evidence for Instability at Solar Wind Current Sheets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malaspina, David M.; Newman, David L.; Wilson, Lynn Bruce; Goetz, Keith; Kellogg, Paul J.; Kerstin, Kris

2013-01-01

A strong spatial association between bipolar electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) and magnetic current sheets (CSs) in the solar wind is reported here for the first time. This association requires that the plasma instabilities (e.g., Buneman, electron two stream) which generate ESWs are preferentially localized to solar wind CSs. Distributions of CS properties (including shear angle, thickness, solar wind speed, and vector magnetic field change) are examined for differences between CSs associated with ESWs and randomly chosen CSs. Possible mechanisms for producing ESW-generating instabilities at solar wind CSs are considered, including magnetic reconnection.
DelPhi webserver: Comprehensive suite for electrostatic calculations of biological macromolecules and their complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witham, Shawn; Boylen, Brett; Owesen, Barr; Rocchia, Walter; Alexov, Emil

2011-03-01

Electrostatic forces and energies are two of the major components that contribute to the stability, function and interaction of biological macromolecules. The calculations of the electrostatic potential distribution in such systems, which are comprised of irregularly shaped objects immersed in a water phase, is not a trivial task. In addition, an accurate model requires any missing hydrogen atoms of the corresponding structural files (Protein Data Bank, or, PDB files) to be generated in silico and, if necessary, missing atoms or residues to be predicted as well. Here we report a comprehensive suite, an academic DelPhi webserver, which allows the users to upload their structural file, calculate the components of the electrostatic energy, generate the corresponding potential (and/or concentration/dielectric constant) distribution map, and choose the appropriate force field. The webserver utilizes modern technology to take user input and construct an algorithm that suits the users specific needs. The webserver uses Clemson University's Palmetto Supercomputer Cluster to handle the DelPhi calculations, which can range anywhere from small and short computation times, to extensive and computationally demanding runtimes. The work was supported by a grant from NIGMS, NIH, grant number 1R01GM093937-01.

High-voltage terminal test of a test stand for a 1-MV electrostatic accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sae-Hoon; Kim, Yu-Seok

2015-10-01

The Korea Multipurpose Accelerator Complex has been developing a 300-kV test stand for a 1-MV electrostatic accelerator ion source. The ion source and accelerating tube will be installed in a high-pressure vessel. The ion source in the high-pressure vessel is required to have a high reliability. The test stand has been proposed and developed to confirm the stable operating conditions of the ion source. The ion source will be tested at the test stand to verify the long-time operating conditions. The test stand comprises a 300-kV high-voltage terminal, a battery for the ion-source power, a 60-Hz inverter, 200-MHz radio-frequency power supply, a 5-kV extraction power supply, a 300-kV accelerating tube, and a vacuum system. The results of the 300-kV high-voltage terminal tests are presented in this paper.
New dynamic silicon photonic components enabled by MEMS technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Errando-Herranz, Carlos; Edinger, Pierre; Colangelo, Marco; Björk, Joel; Ahmed, Samy; Stemme, Göran; Niklaus, Frank; Gylfason, Kristinn B.

2018-02-01

Silicon photonics is the study and application of integrated optical systems which use silicon as an optical medium, usually by confining light in optical waveguides etched into the surface of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers. The term microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) refers to the technology of mechanics on the microscale actuated by electrostatic actuators. Due to the low power requirements of electrostatic actuation, MEMS components are very power efficient, making them well suited for dense integration and mobile operation. MEMS components are conventionally also implemented in silicon, and MEMS sensors such as accelerometers, gyros, and microphones are now standard in every smartphone. By combining these two successful technologies, new active photonic components with extremely low power consumption can be made. We discuss our recent experimental work on tunable filters, tunable fiber-to-chip couplers, and dynamic waveguide dispersion tuning, enabled by the marriage of silicon MEMS and silicon photonics.
Electrostatic Ratchet in the Protective Antigen Channel Promotes Anthrax Toxin Translocation*

PubMed Central

Wynia-Smith, Sarah L.; Brown, Michael J.; Chirichella, Gina; Kemalyan, Gigi; Krantz, Bryan A.

2012-01-01

Central to the power-stroke and Brownian-ratchet mechanisms of protein translocation is the process through which nonequilibrium fluctuations are rectified or ratcheted by the molecular motor to transport substrate proteins along a specific axis. We investigated the ratchet mechanism using anthrax toxin as a model. Anthrax toxin is a tripartite toxin comprised of the protective antigen (PA) component, a homooligomeric transmembrane translocase, which translocates two other enzyme components, lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), into the cytosol of the host cell under the proton motive force (PMF). The PA-binding domains of LF and EF (LFN and EFN) possess identical folds and similar solution stabilities; however, EFN translocates ∼10–200-fold slower than LFN, depending on the electrical potential (Δψ) and chemical potential (ΔpH) compositions of the PMF. From an analysis of LFN/EFN chimera proteins, we identified two 10-residue cassettes comprised of charged sequence that were responsible for the impaired translocation kinetics of EFN. These cassettes have nonspecific electrostatic requirements: one surprisingly prefers acidic residues when driven by either a Δψ or a ΔpH; the second requires basic residues only when driven by a Δψ. Through modeling and experiment, we identified a charged surface in the PA channel responsible for charge selectivity. The charged surface latches the substrate and promotes PMF-driven transport. We propose an electrostatic ratchet in the channel, comprised of opposing rings of charged residues, enforces directionality by interacting with charged cassettes in the substrate, thereby generating forces sufficient to drive unfolding. PMID:23115233
Global electrostatic potential structures of merging flux tubes in TS-U torus plasma merging experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawada, Asuka; Hatano, Hironori; Akimitsu, Moe; Cao, Qinghong; Yamasaki, Kotaro; Tanabe, Hiroshi; Ono, Yasushi; TS-Group Team

2017-10-01

We have been investigating 2D potential profile of global merging tokamaks to solve high-power heating of magnetic reconnection in TS-3 and TS-3U (ST, FRC:R =0.2m, 1985-, 2017-) and TS-4 (ST, FRC:R =0.5m, 2000-), UTST (ST:R =0.45m, 2008-) and MAST (ST:R = 0.9m, 2000-) devices. These experiments made clear that the electrostatic potential well is formed not only in the downstream area of magnetic reconnection but also in the whole common (reconnected) flux area of two merging flux tubes: tokamak plasmas. This fact suggests that the ion acceleration/heating occurs in much wider region than the reconnection downstream. We studied how the potential structure depends on key reconnection parameters:guide toroidal field and plasma collisionality. We found the polarity of the guide toroidal field determines those of potential hills and wells, indicating their formation is affected by the Hall effect. The peak value of the electrostatic potential well decreased with gas pressure increasing, suggesting plasma collisionality suppresses the Hall effect. The relationship between the electrostatic potential structure and anomalous ion heating is being studied as a possible cause for the high-power heating of fast magnetic reconnection. This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 15H05750, 15K14279 and 17H04863.
Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Electrostatic vulnerability of the E8 and XM15/XM165 clusters, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

An investigation into the electrostatic phenomena associated with the manufacturing and handling of explosives is discussed. The testing includes measurement of the severity of the primary charge generation mechanism, triboelectric effects between dissimilar surfaces; refinement of equivalent circuits of the XM15/XM165 and E8 fuse trains; evaluation of the electrostatic spark discharge characteristics predicted by an equivalent circuit analysis; and determination of the spark ignition sensitivity of materials, components, junctions, and subassemblies which compose the XM15/XM165 and E8 units. Special studies were also performed. These special tests included ignition sensitivity of the complete XM15 fuse train when subjected to discharges through its entire length, measurement of electrostatic potentials which occur during the E8 foaming operation during fabrication, and investigation of the inadvertent functioning of an XM15 cluster during manufacturing. The test results are discussed and related to the effectiveness of suggested modification to reduce the electrostatic ignition sensitivity.
Actively Perceiving and Responsive Soft Robots Enabled by Self-Powered, Highly Extensible, and Highly Sensitive Triboelectric Proximity- and Pressure-Sensing Skins.

PubMed

Lai, Ying-Chih; Deng, Jianan; Liu, Ruiyuan; Hsiao, Yung-Chi; Zhang, Steven L; Peng, Wenbo; Wu, Hsing-Mei; Wang, Xingfu; Wang, Zhong Lin

2018-06-04

Robots that can move, feel, and respond like organisms will bring revolutionary impact to today's technologies. Soft robots with organism-like adaptive bodies have shown great potential in vast robot-human and robot-environment applications. Developing skin-like sensory devices allows them to naturally sense and interact with environment. Also, it would be better if the capabilities to feel can be active, like real skin. However, challenges in the complicated structures, incompatible moduli, poor stretchability and sensitivity, large driving voltage, and power dissipation hinder applicability of conventional technologies. Here, various actively perceivable and responsive soft robots are enabled by self-powered active triboelectric robotic skins (tribo-skins) that simultaneously possess excellent stretchability and excellent sensitivity in the low-pressure regime. The tribo-skins can actively sense proximity, contact, and pressure to external stimuli via self-generating electricity. The driving energy comes from a natural triboelectrification effect involving the cooperation of contact electrification and electrostatic induction. The perfect integration of the tribo-skins and soft actuators enables soft robots to perform various actively sensing and interactive tasks including actively perceiving their muscle motions, working states, textile's dampness, and even subtle human physiological signals. Moreover, the self-generating signals can drive optoelectronic devices for visual communication and be processed for diverse sophisticated uses. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Coordinated Research Program in Pulsed Power Physics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-20

heated array of Inductive energy storage is attractive in pulsed power 375-/am-diameter thoriated tungsten filaments. At a flia- applications because of...control system electrostatical- ly. It is positioned 0.6 cm above the control grid. The grids and cathode are connected to external power supplies through...energy storage density becomes even larger (by a factor of - 10). One should note that these comparisons do not account for power supplies , cooling
Study of a condition for the mode conversion from purely perpendicular electrostatic waves to electromagnetic waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kalaee, Mohammad Javad, E-mail: mjkalaee@ut.ac.ir; Katoh, Yuto, E-mail: yuto@stpp.gp.tohoku.ac.jp

One of the mechanisms for generating electromagnetic plasma waves (Z-mode and LO-mode) is mode conversion from electrostatic waves into electromagnetic waves in inhomogeneous plasma. Herein, we study a condition required for mode conversion of electrostatic waves propagating purely perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field, by numerically solving the full dispersion relation. An approximate model is derived describing the coupling between electrostatic waves (hot plasma Bernstein mode) and Z-mode waves at the upper hybrid frequency. The model is used to study conditions required for mode conversion from electrostatic waves (electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves, including Bernstein mode) into electromagnetic plasma wavesmore » (LO-mode). It is shown that for mode conversion to occur in inhomogeneous plasma, the angle between the boundary surface and the magnetic field vector should be within a specific range. The range of the angle depends on the norm of the k vector of waves at the site of mode conversion in the inhomogeneous region. The present study reveals that inhomogeneity alone is not a sufficient condition for mode conversion from electrostatic waves to electromagnetic plasma waves and that the angle between the magnetic field and the density gradient plays an important role in the conversion process.« less
A new infusion pathway monitoring system utilizing electrostatic induced potential.

PubMed

Maki, Hiromichi; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Ogawa, Hidekuni; Ninomiya, Ishio; Sada, Kouji; Hamada, Shingo; Hahn, Alien W; Caldwell, W Morton

2006-01-01

We have developed a new infusion pathway monitoring system employing linear integrated circuits and a low-power 8-bit single chip microcomputer. The system is available for hospital and home use and it constantly monitors the intactness of the pathway. The sensor is an electro-conductive polymer electrode wrapped around the infusion polyvinyl chloride infusion tube. This records an AC (alternating current) voltage induced on the patient's body by electrostatic coupling from the normal 100 volt, 60 Hz AC power line wiring field in the patient's room. If the injection needle or infusion tube becomes detached, then the system detects changes in the induced AC voltage and alerts the nursing station, via the nurse call system or PHS (personal handy phone System).
Controlling Charged Particles with Inhomogeneous Electrostatic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrero, Federico A. (Inventor)

2016-01-01

An energy analyzer for a charged-particle spectrometer may include a top deflection plate and a bottom deflection plate. The top and bottom deflection plates may be non-symmetric and configured to generate an inhomogeneous electrostatic field when a voltage is applied to one of the top or bottom deflection plates. In some instances, the top and bottom deflection plates may be L-shaped deflection plates.
Optimization and experimental validation of electrostatic adhesive geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruffatto, D.; Shah, J.; Spenko, M.

This paper introduces a method to optimize the electrode geometry of electrostatic adhesives for robotic gripping, attachment, and manipulation applications. Electrostatic adhesion is achieved by applying a high voltage potential, on the order of kV, to a set of electrodes, which generates an electric field. The electric field polarizes the substrate material and creates an adhesion force. Previous attempts at creating electro-static adhesives have shown them to be effective, but researchers have made no effort to optimize the electrode configuration and geometry. We have shown that by optimizing the geometry of the electrode configuration, the electric field strength, and therefore the adhesion force, is enhanced. To accomplish this, Comsol Multiphysics was utilized to evaluate the average electric field generated by a given electrode geometry. Several electrode patterns were evaluated, including parallel conductors, concentric circles, Hilbert curves (a fractal geometry) and spirals. The arrangement of the electrodes in concentric circles with varying electrode widths proved to be the most effective. The most effective sizing was to use the smallest gap spacing allowable coupled with a variable electrode width. These results were experimentally validated on several different surfaces including drywall, wood, tile, glass, and steel. A new manufacturing process allowing for the fabrication of thin, conformal electro-static adhesive pads was utilized. By combining the optimized electrode geometry with the new fabrication process we are able to demonstrate a marked improvement of up to 500% in shear pressure when compared to previously published values.
EDITORIAL: The 6th International Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnologies for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS 2006)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fréchette, Luc G.

2007-09-01

Energy is a sector of paramount importance over the coming decades if we are to ensure sustainable development that respects our environment. The research and development of novel approaches to convert available energy into usable forms using micro and nanotechnologies can contribute towards this goal and meet the growing need for power in small scale portable applications. The dominant power sources for handheld and other portable electronics are currently primary and rechargeable batteries. Their limited energy density and adverse effects on the environment upon disposal suggest that alternative approaches need to be explored. This special issue will showcase some of the leading work in this area, initially presented at PowerMEMS 2006, the 6th International Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnologies for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications. Power MEMS are defined as microsystems for electrical power generation and other energy conversion applications, including propulsion and cooling. The range of power MEMS technologies includes micro thermodynamic machines, such as microturbines, miniature internal combustion engines and micro-coolers; solid-state direct energy conversion, such as thermoelectric and photovoltaic microstructures; micro electrochemical devices, such as micro fuel cells and nanostructure batteries; vibration energy harvesting devices, such as piezoelectric, magnetic or electrostatic micro generators, as well as micro thrusters and rocket engines for propulsion. These can either be driven by scavenging thermal, mechanical or solar energy from the environment, or from a stored energy source, such as chemical fuel or radioactive material. The unique scope leads to unique challenges in the development of power MEMS, ranging from the integration of novel materials to the efficient small scale implementation of energy conversion principles. In this special issue, Mitcheson et al provide a comparative assessment of three inertial vibration energy harvesting approaches. Technologies and approaches for micro heat engines are shared, ranging from a complete microsystem for thermal energy harvesting (Cho et al) to core bearing and microturbomachinery technologies for rotating micro heat engines (Waits et al, Nakajima et al). Electrochemical microsystems are also presented, based on methanol as fuel (Morse et al), as well as novel micro and nanofabrication approaches (Chu et al). Fuel cell microsystems with integrated hydrogen generation approaches are also investigated by Peterson et al and Varady et al, illustrating the benefits and challenges of miniaturizing complete power sources. Finally, biological micro fuel cells that leverage the principles found in nature are presented, in contrast to chemical fuel cells (Chen et al, Morishima et al). We hope that this work will inspire others to pursue innovative research and development activities in the area of power MEMS, and consequently contribute to addressing our energy challenges for the 21st century.
Measurement System of Surface Electrostatic Potential on Insulation Board in Vacuum and its Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morita, Hiroshi; Hatanaka, Ayumu; Yokosuka, Toshiyuki; Seki, Yoshitaka; Tsumuraya, Yoshiaki; Doi, Motomichi

The measurement system of the surface electrostatic potential on a solid insulation board in vacuum has been developed. We used this system to measure the electrostatic potential distribution of the surface of a borosilicate glass plate applied a high voltage. A local increase in the electric field was observed. It is considered that this phenomenon is caused by a positive electrostatic charge generated by a secondary emission of field emission electrons from an electrode. On the other hand, a local increase in the electric field was not observed on a glass plate coated with silica particles and a glass plate roughened by sandblast. We reasoned that this could be because the electrons were trapped by the roughness of the surface. It is considered that these phenomena make many types of equipment using the vacuum insulation more reliable.
Electrostatic complementarity at protein/protein interfaces.

PubMed

McCoy, A J; Chandana Epa, V; Colman, P M

1997-05-02

Calculation of the electrostatic potential of protein-protein complexes has led to the general assertion that protein-protein interfaces display "charge complementarity" and "electrostatic complementarity". In this study, quantitative measures for these two terms are developed and used to investigate protein-protein interfaces in a rigorous manner. Charge complementarity (CC) was defined using the correlation of charges on nearest neighbour atoms at the interface. All 12 protein-protein interfaces studied had insignificantly small CC values. Therefore, the term charge complementarity is not appropriate for the description of protein-protein interfaces when used in the sense measured by CC. Electrostatic complementarity (EC) was defined using the correlation of surface electrostatic potential at protein-protein interfaces. All twelve protein-protein interfaces studied had significant EC values, and thus the assertion that protein-protein association involves surfaces with complementary electrostatic potential was substantially confirmed. The term electrostatic complementarity can therefore be used to describe protein-protein interfaces when used in the sense measured by EC. Taken together, the results for CC and EC demonstrate the relevance of the long-range effects of charges, as described by the electrostatic potential at the binding interface. The EC value did not partition the complexes by type such as antigen-antibody and proteinase-inhibitor, as measures of the geometrical complementarity at protein-protein interfaces have done. The EC value was also not directly related to the number of salt bridges in the interface, and neutralisation of these salt bridges showed that other charges also contributed significantly to electrostatic complementarity and electrostatic interactions between the proteins. Electrostatic complementarity as defined by EC was extended to investigate the electrostatic similarity at the surface of influenza virus neuraminidase where the epitopes of two monoclonal antibodies, NC10 and NC41, overlap. Although NC10 and NC41 both have quite high values of EC for their interaction with neuraminidase, the similarity in electrostatic potential generated by the two on the overlapping region of the epitopes is insignificant. Thus, it is possible for two antibodies to recognise the electrostatic surface of a protein in dissimilar ways.
A review on energy harvesting approaches for renewable energies from ambient vibrations and acoustic waves using piezoelectricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Riaz; Mir, Fariha; Banerjee, Sourav

2017-08-01

The principal objective of this article is to categorically review and compare the state of the art vibration based energy harvesting approaches. To evaluate the contemporary methodologies with respect to their physics, average power output and operational frequencies, systematically divided and easy readable tables are presented followed by the description of the energy harvesting methods. Energy harvesting is the process of obtaining electrical energy from the surrounding vibratory mechanical systems through an energy conversion method using smart structures, like, piezoelectric, electrostatic materials. Recent advancements in low power electronic gadgets, micro electro mechanical systems, and wireless sensors have significantly increased local power demand. In order to circumvent the energy demand; to allow limitless power supply, and to avoid chemical waste from conventional batteries, low power local energy harvesters are proposed for harvesting energy from different ambient energy sources. Piezoelectric materials have received tremendous interest in energy harvesting technology due to its unique ability to capitalize the ambient vibrations to generate electric potential. Their crystalline configuration allows the material to convert mechanical strain energy into electrical potential, and vice versa. This article discusses the various approaches in vibration based energy scavenging where piezoelectric materials are employed as the energy conversion medium.
Design Considerations for Clean QED Fusion Propulsion Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bussard, Robert W.; Jameson, Lorin W.

1994-07-01

The direct production of electric power appears possible from fusion reactions between fuels whose products consist solely of charged particles and thus do not present radiation hazards from energetic neutron production, as do reactions involving deuteron-bearing fuels. Among these are the fuels p, 11B, 3He, and 6Li. All of these can be ``burned'' in inertial-electrostatic-fusion (IEF) devices to power QED fusion-electric rocket engines. These IEF sources provide direct-converted electrical power at high voltage (MeV) to drive e-beams for efficient propellant heating to extreme temperatures, with resulting high specific impulse performance capabilities. IEF/QED engine systems using p11B can outperform all other advanced concepts for controlled fusion propulsion by 2-3 orders of magnitude, while 6Li6Li fusion yields one order of magnitude less advance. Either of these fusion rocket propulsion systems can provide very rapid transit for solar system missions, with high payload fractions in single-stage vehicles. The 3He3He reaction can not be used practically for direct electric conversion because of the wide spread in energy of its fusion products. However, it may eventually prove useful for thermal/electrical power generation in central station power plants, or for direct-fusion-product (DFP) propellant heatingin advanced deep-space rocket engines.
Electrostatic Evaluation of the Propellant Handlers Ensemble

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hogue, Michael D.; Calle, Carlos I.; Buhler, Charles

2006-01-01

The Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble (SCAPE) used in propellant handling at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has recently completed a series of tests to determine its electrostatic properties of the coverall fabric used in the Propellant Handlers Ensemble (PHE). Understanding these electrostatic properties are fundamental to ensuring safe operations when working with flammable rocket propellants such as hydrazine, methyl hydrazine, and unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine. These tests include surface resistivity, charge decay, triboelectric charging, and flame incendivity. In this presentation, we will discuss the results of these tests on the current PHE as well as new fabrics and materials being evaluated for the next generation of PHE.
Continuum Electrostatics Approaches to Calculating pKas and Ems in Proteins

PubMed Central

Gunner, MR; Baker, Nathan A.

2017-01-01

Proteins change their charge state through protonation and redox reactions as well as through binding charged ligands. The free energy of these reactions are dominated by solvation and electrostatic energies and modulated by protein conformational relaxation in response to the ionization state changes. Although computational methods for calculating these interactions can provide very powerful tools for predicting protein charge states, they include several critical approximations of which users should be aware. This chapter discusses the strengths, weaknesses, and approximations of popular computational methods for predicting charge states and understanding their underlying electrostatic interactions. The goal of this chapter is to inform users about applications and potential caveats of these methods as well as outline directions for future theoretical and computational research. PMID:27497160
Study and Experiment on Non-Contact Voltage Sensor Suitable for Three-Phase Transmission Line

PubMed Central

Zhou, Qiang; He, Wei; Xiao, Dongping; Li, Songnong; Zhou, Kongjun

2015-01-01

A voltage transformer, as voltage signal detection equipment, plays an important role in a power system. Presently, more and more electric power systems are adopting potential transformer and capacitance voltage transformers. Transformers are often large in volume and heavyweight, their insulation design is difficult, and an iron core or multi-grade capacitance voltage division structure is generally adopted. As a result, the detection accuracy of transformer is reduced, a huge phase difference exists between detection signal and voltage signal to be measured, and the detection signal cannot accurately and timely reflect the change of conductor voltage signal to be measured. By aiming at the current problems of electric transformation, based on electrostatic induction principle, this paper designed a non-contact voltage sensor and gained detection signal of the sensor through electrostatic coupling for the electric field generated by electric charges of the conductor to be measured. The insulation structure design of the sensor is simple and its volume is small; phase difference of sensor measurement is effectively reduced through optimization design of the electrode; and voltage division ratio and measurement accuracy are increased. The voltage sensor was tested on the experimental platform of simulating three-phase transmission line. According to the result, the designed non-contact voltage sensor can realize accurate and real-time measurement for the conductor voltage. It can be applied to online monitoring for the voltage of three-phase transmission line or three-phase distribution network line, which is in accordance with the development direction of the smart grid. PMID:26729119
Study and Experiment on Non-Contact Voltage Sensor Suitable for Three-Phase Transmission Line.

PubMed

Zhou, Qiang; He, Wei; Xiao, Dongping; Li, Songnong; Zhou, Kongjun

2015-12-30

A voltage transformer, as voltage signal detection equipment, plays an important role in a power system. Presently, more and more electric power systems are adopting potential transformer and capacitance voltage transformers. Transformers are often large in volume and heavyweight, their insulation design is difficult, and an iron core or multi-grade capacitance voltage division structure is generally adopted. As a result, the detection accuracy of transformer is reduced, a huge phase difference exists between detection signal and voltage signal to be measured, and the detection signal cannot accurately and timely reflect the change of conductor voltage signal to be measured. By aiming at the current problems of electric transformation, based on electrostatic induction principle, this paper designed a non-contact voltage sensor and gained detection signal of the sensor through electrostatic coupling for the electric field generated by electric charges of the conductor to be measured. The insulation structure design of the sensor is simple and its volume is small; phase difference of sensor measurement is effectively reduced through optimization design of the electrode; and voltage division ratio and measurement accuracy are increased. The voltage sensor was tested on the experimental platform of simulating three-phase transmission line. According to the result, the designed non-contact voltage sensor can realize accurate and real-time measurement for the conductor voltage. It can be applied to online monitoring for the voltage of three-phase transmission line or three-phase distribution network line, which is in accordance with the development direction of the smart grid.

Hybrid Power Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis

2005-01-01

An engineering discipline denoted as hybrid power management (HPM) has emerged from continuing efforts to increase energy efficiency and reliability of hybrid power systems. HPM is oriented toward integration of diverse electric energy-generating, energy-storing, and energy-consuming devices in optimal configurations for both terrestrial and outer-space applications. The basic concepts of HPM are potentially applicable at power levels ranging from nanowatts to megawatts. Potential applications include terrestrial power-generation, terrestrial transportation, biotechnology, and outer-space power systems. Instances of this discipline at prior stages of development were reported (though not explicitly labeled as HPM) in three prior NASA Tech Briefs articles: "Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle"(LEW-16876), Vol. 24, No. 4 (April 2000), page 63; "Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage" (LEW-17177), Vol. 27, No. 8 (August 2003), page 38; and "Flasher Powered by Photovoltaic Cells and Ultracapacitors" (LEW-17246), Vol. 24, No. 10 (October 2003), page 37. As the titles of the cited articles indicate, the use of ultracapacitors as energy-storage devices lies at the heart of HPM. An ultracapacitor is an electrochemical energy-storage device, but unlike in a conventional rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery, chemical reactions do not take place during operation. Instead, energy is stored electrostatically at an electrode/electrolyte interface. The capacitance per unit volume of an ultracapacitor is much greater than that of a conventional capacitor because its electrodes have much greater surface area per unit volume and the separation between the electrodes is much smaller. Power-control circuits for ultracapacitors can be simpler than those for batteries, for two reasons: (1) Because of the absence of chemical reactions, charge and discharge currents can be greater than those in batteries, limited only by the electrical resistances of conductors; and (2) whereas the charge level of a battery depends on voltage, temperature, age, and load condition, the charge level of an ultracapacitor, like that of a conventional capacitor, depends only on voltage.
Particle simulation of electromagnetic emissions from electrostatic instability driven by an electron ring beam on the density gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horký, Miroslav; Omura, Yoshiharu; Santolík, Ondřej

2018-04-01

This paper presents the wave mode conversion between electrostatic and electromagnetic waves on the plasma density gradient. We use 2-D electromagnetic code KEMPO2 implemented with the generation of density gradient to simulate such a conversion process. In the dense region, we use ring beam instability to generate electron Bernstein waves and we study the temporal evolution of wave spectra, velocity distributions, Poynting flux, and electric and magnetic energies to observe the wave mode conversion. Such a conversion process can be a source of electromagnetic emissions which are routinely measured by spacecraft on the plasmapause density gradient.
Neutralization by a Corona Discharge Ionizer in Nitrogen Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ikeuchi, Toru; Takahashi, Kazunori; Ohkubo, Takahiro; Fujiwara, Tamiya

An electrostatic neutralization of multilayer-loading silicon wafers is demonstrated using a corona discharge ionizer in nitrogen atmosphere, where ac and dc voltages are applied to two needle electrodes for generation of the negative- and positive-charged particles, respectively. We observe a surface potential of the silicon wafer decreases from ±1kV to ±20V within three seconds. Moreover, the density profiles of the charged particles generated by the electrodes are experimentally and theoretically investigated in nitrogen and air atmospheres. Our results show the possibility that the negative-charged particles contributing to the electrostatic neutralization are electrons and negative ions in nitrogen and air atmospheres, respectively.
Generation and Micro-scale Effects of Electrostatic Waves in an Oblique Shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodrich, K.; Ergun, R.; Schwartz, S. J.; Newman, D.; Johlander, A.; Argall, M. R.; Wilder, F. D.; Torbert, R. B.; Khotyaintsev, Y. V.; Lindqvist, P. A.; Strangeway, R. J.; Russell, C. T.; Giles, B. L.; Gershman, D. J.; Burch, J. L.

2017-12-01

We present an analysis of large amplitude (>100 mV/m), high frequency (≤1 kHz), electrostatic waves observed by MMS during an oblique bow shock crossing event. The observed waves primarily consist of electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) and oblique ion plasma waves (IPWs). ESWs typically include nonlinear structures such as double layers, ion phase-space holes, and electron phase-space holes. Oblique IPWs are observed to be similar to ion acoustic waves, but can propagate up to 70° from the ambient magnetic field direction. Both wave-modes, particularly IPWs, are observed to have very short wavelengths ( 100 m) and are highly localized. While such wave-modes have been previously observed in the terrestrial bow shock, instrumental constraints have limited detailed insight into their generation and their effect on their plasma shock environment. Analysis of this oblique shock event shows evidence that ESWs and oblique IPWs can be generated through field-aligned currents associated with magnetic turbulence and through a counterstreaming ion instability respectively. We also present evidence that this wave activity can facilitate momentum exchange between ion populations, resulting in deceleration of incoming solar wind, and localized electron heating.
Dielectrophoretic behaviours of microdroplet sandwiched between LN substrates

PubMed Central

Chen, Lipin; Li, Shaobei; Fan, Bolin; Yan, Wenbo; Wang, Donghui; Shi, Lihong; Chen, Hongjian; Ban, Dechao; Sun, Shihao

2016-01-01

We demonstrate a sandwich configuration for microfluidic manipulation in LiNbO3 platform based on photovoltaic effect, and the behaviours of dielectric microdroplet under this sandwich configuration are investigated. It is found that the microdroplet can generate in the form of liquid bridge inside the LiNbO3-based sandwich structure under the governing dielectrophoretic force, and the dynamic process of microdroplet generation highly depends on the substrate combinations. Dynamic features found for different combinations are explained by the different electrostatic field distribution basing on the finite-element simulation results. Moreover, the electrostatic field required by the microdroplet generation is estimated through meniscus evolution and it is found in good agreement with the simulated electrostatic field inside the sandwich gap. Several kinds of microdroplet manipulations are attempted in this work. We suggest that the local dielectrophoretic force acting on the microdroplet depends on the distribution of the accumulated irradiation dosage. Without using any additional pumping or jetting actuator, the microdroplet can be step-moved, deformed or patterned by the inconsecutive dot-irradiation scheme, as well as elastically stretched out and back or smoothly guided in a designed pass by the consecutive line-irradiation scheme. PMID:27383027
Investigation of electrostatic behavior of a lactose carrier for dry powder inhalers.

PubMed

Chow, Keat Theng; Zhu, Kewu; Tan, Reginald B H; Heng, Paul W S

2008-12-01

This study aims to elucidate the electrostatic behavior of a model lactose carrier used in dry powder inhaler formulations by examining the effects of ambient relative humidity (RH), aerosolization air flow rate, repeated inhaler use, gelatin capsule and tapping on the specific charge (nC/g) of bulk and aerosolized lactose. Static and dynamic electrostatic charge measurements were performed using a Faraday cage connected to an electrometer. Experiments were conducted inside a walk-in environmental chamber at 25 degrees C and RHs of 20% to 80%. Aerosolization was achieved using air flow rates of 30, 45, 60 and 75 L/min. The initial charges of the bulk and capsulated lactose were a magnitude lower than the charges of tapped or aerosolized lactose. Dynamic charge increased linearly with aerosolization air flow rate and RH. Greater frictional forces at higher air flow rate induced higher electrostatic charges. Increased RH enhanced charge generation. Repeated inhaler use significantly influenced electrostatic charge due to repeated usage. This study demonstrated the significance of interacting influences by variables commonly encountered in the use DPI such as variation in patient's inspiratory flow rate, ambient RH and repeated inhaler use on the electrostatic behavior of a lactose DPI carrier.
Control of solid-state lasers using an intra-cavity MEMS micromirror.

PubMed

Lubeigt, Walter; Gomes, Joao; Brown, Gordon; Kelly, Andrew; Savitski, Vasili; Uttamchandani, Deepak; Burns, David

2011-01-31

High reflectivity, electrothermal and electrostatic MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micromirrors were used as a control element within a Nd-doped laser cavity. Stable continuous-wave oscillation of a 3-mirror Nd:YLF laser at a maximum output power of 200 mW was limited by thermally-induced surface deformation of the micromirror. An electrostatic micromirror was used to induce Q-switching, resulting in pulse durations of 220 ns - 2 μs over a repetition frequency range of 6 kHz - 40 kHz.
Electrostatic wave heating and possible formation of self-generated high electric fields in a magnetized plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascali, D.; Celona, L.; Gammino, S.; Miracoli, R.; Castro, G.; Gambino, N.; Ciavola, G.

2011-10-01

A plasma reactor operates at the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud of INFN, Catania, and it has been used as a test-bench for the investigation of innovative mechanisms of plasma ignition based on electrostatic waves (ES-W), obtained via the inner plasma EM-to-ES wave conversion. Evidences of Bernstein wave (BW) generation will be shown. The Langmuir probe measurements have revealed a strong increase of the ion saturation current, where the BW are generated or absorbed, this being a signature of possible high energy ion flows. The results are interpreted through the Bernstein wave heating theory, which predicts the formation of high speed rotating layers of the plasma (a dense plasma ring is in fact observed). High intensity inner plasma self-generated electric fields (on the order of several tens of kV/cm) come out by our calculations.
Efficiency of Tungsten Dust Collection of Different Types of Dust Particles by Electrostatic Probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begrambekov, L. B.; Voityuk, A. N.; Zakharov, A. M.; Bidlevich, O. A.; Vechshev, E. A.; Shigin, P. A.; Vayakis, J.; Walsh, M.

2017-12-01

Formation of dust particles and clusters is observed in almost every modern thermonuclear facility. Accumulation of dust in the next generation thermonuclear installations can dramatically affect the plasma parameters and lead to the accumulation of unacceptably large amounts of tritium. Experiments on collection of dust particles by a model of electrostatic probe developed for collection of metallic dust at ITER are described in the article. Experiments on the generation of tungsten dust consisting of flakes formed during the destruction of tungsten layers formed on the walls of the plasma chamber sputtered from the surface of the tungsten target by plasma ions were conducted. The nature of dust degassing at elevated temperatures and the behavior of dust in an electric field were studied. The results obtained are compared with the results of the experiments with dust consisting of crystal particles of simple geometric shapes. The effectiveness of collection of both types of dust using the model of an electrostatic probe is determined.
Laser Accelerator

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

hollow metal sphere. Voltages of over 10 MV can be reached if used with an insulating gas. Corona discharge limits all electrostatic accelerators to...laser field. Lasers can have strong electric fields with frequencies high enough to avoid corona formation and break- down. The key is to couple the...leading to a spark discharge in the accelerator and thus a breakdown of the electrostatic field [6], [7]. Figure 1.1: Cockroft-Walton cascade generator
Laboratory observation of multiple double layer resembling space plasma double layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alex, Prince; Arumugam, Saravanan; Sinha, Suraj

2017-10-01

Perceptible double layer consisting of more than one layers were produced in laboratory using a double discharge plasma setup. The confinement of oppositely charged particles in each layer with sharply defined luminous boarder is attributed to the self-organization scenario. This structure is generated in front of a positively biased electrode when the electron drift velocity (νd) exceeds 1.3 times the electron thermal velocity (νte) . Stable multiple double layer structures were observed only between 1.3 νte <=νd <= 3 νte. At νd = 1.3 νte, oscillations were excited in the form of large amplitude burst followed by a high frequency stable oscillation. Beyond νd = 3 νte, multiple double layer begins to collapse which is characterized by an emergence in turbulence. Long range dependence in the corresponding electrostatic potential fluctuations indicates the role of self-organized criticality in the emergence of turbulence. The algebraic decaying tale of the autocorrelation function and power law behavior in the power spectrum are consistent with the observation.
Electrostatic Plasma Accelerator (EPA)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brophy, John R.; Aston, Graeme

1989-01-01

The Electrostatic Plasma Accelerator (EPA) is a thruster concept which promises specific impulse levels between low power arcjets and those of the ion engine while retaining the relative simplicity of the arcjet. The EPA thruster produces thrust through the electrostatic acceleration of a moderately dense plasma. No accelerating electrodes are used and the specific impulse is a direct function of the applied discharge voltage and the propellant atomic mass. The goal of the present program is to demonstrate feasibility of the EPA thruster concept through experimental and theoretical investigations of the EPA acceleration mechanism and discharge chamber performance. Experimental investigations will include operating the test bed ion (TBI) engine as an EPA thruster and parametrically varying the thruster geometry and operating conditions to quantify the electrostatic plasma acceleration effect. The theoretical investigations will include the development of a discharge chamber model which describes the relationships between the engine size, plasma properties, and overall performance. For the EPA thruster to be a viable propulsion concept, overall thruster efficiencies approaching 30% with specific impulses approaching 1000 s must be achieved.
The two sides of complement C3d: evolution of electrostatics in a link between innate and adaptive immunity.

PubMed

Kieslich, Chris A; Morikis, Dimitrios

2012-01-01

The interaction between complement fragment C3d and complement receptor 2 (CR2) is a key aspect of complement immune system activation, and is a component in a link between innate and adaptive immunities. The complement immune system is an ancient mechanism for defense, and can be found in species that have been on Earth for the last 600 million years. However, the link between the complement system and adaptive immunity, which is formed through the association of the B-cell co-receptor complex, including the C3d-CR2 interaction, is a much more recent adaptation. Human C3d and CR2 have net charges of -1 and +7 respectively, and are believed to have evolved favoring the role of electrostatics in their functions. To investigate the role of electrostatics in the function and evolution of human C3d and CR2, we have applied electrostatic similarity methods to identify regions of evolutionarily conserved electrostatic potential based on 24 homologues of complement C3d and 4 homologues of CR2. We also examine the effects of structural perturbation, as introduced through molecular dynamics and mutations, on spatial distributions of electrostatic potential to identify perturbation resistant regions, generated by so-called electrostatic "hot-spots". Distributions of electrostatic similarity based on families of perturbed structures illustrate the presence of electrostatic "hot-spots" at the two functional sites of C3d, while the surface of CR2 lacks electrostatic "hot-spots" despite its excessively positive nature. We propose that the electrostatic "hot-spots" of C3d have evolved to optimize its dual-functionality (covalently attaching to pathogen surfaces and interaction with CR2), which are both necessary for the formation B-cell co-receptor complexes. Comparison of the perturbation resistance of the electrostatic character of the homologues of C3d suggests that there was an emergence of a new role of electrostatics, and a transition in the function of C3d, after the divergence of jawless fish.
The Two Sides of Complement C3d: Evolution of Electrostatics in a Link between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

PubMed Central

Kieslich, Chris A.; Morikis, Dimitrios

2012-01-01

The interaction between complement fragment C3d and complement receptor 2 (CR2) is a key aspect of complement immune system activation, and is a component in a link between innate and adaptive immunities. The complement immune system is an ancient mechanism for defense, and can be found in species that have been on Earth for the last 600 million years. However, the link between the complement system and adaptive immunity, which is formed through the association of the B-cell co-receptor complex, including the C3d-CR2 interaction, is a much more recent adaptation. Human C3d and CR2 have net charges of −1 and +7 respectively, and are believed to have evolved favoring the role of electrostatics in their functions. To investigate the role of electrostatics in the function and evolution of human C3d and CR2, we have applied electrostatic similarity methods to identify regions of evolutionarily conserved electrostatic potential based on 24 homologues of complement C3d and 4 homologues of CR2. We also examine the effects of structural perturbation, as introduced through molecular dynamics and mutations, on spatial distributions of electrostatic potential to identify perturbation resistant regions, generated by so-called electrostatic “hot-spots”. Distributions of electrostatic similarity based on families of perturbed structures illustrate the presence of electrostatic “hot-spots” at the two functional sites of C3d, while the surface of CR2 lacks electrostatic “hot-spots” despite its excessively positive nature. We propose that the electrostatic “hot-spots” of C3d have evolved to optimize its dual-functionality (covalently attaching to pathogen surfaces and interaction with CR2), which are both necessary for the formation B-cell co-receptor complexes. Comparison of the perturbation resistance of the electrostatic character of the homologues of C3d suggests that there was an emergence of a new role of electrostatics, and a transition in the function of C3d, after the divergence of jawless fish. PMID:23300422
Multipolar electrostatics.

PubMed

Cardamone, Salvatore; Hughes, Timothy J; Popelier, Paul L A

2014-06-14

Atomistic simulation of chemical systems is currently limited by the elementary description of electrostatics that atomic point-charges offer. Unfortunately, a model of one point-charge for each atom fails to capture the anisotropic nature of electronic features such as lone pairs or π-systems. Higher order electrostatic terms, such as those offered by a multipole moment expansion, naturally recover these important electronic features. The question remains as to why such a description has not yet been widely adopted by popular molecular mechanics force fields. There are two widely-held misconceptions about the more rigorous formalism of multipolar electrostatics: (1) Accuracy: the implementation of multipole moments, compared to point-charges, offers little to no advantage in terms of an accurate representation of a system's energetics, structure and dynamics. (2) Efficiency: atomistic simulation using multipole moments is computationally prohibitive compared to simulation using point-charges. Whilst the second of these may have found some basis when computational power was a limiting factor, the first has no theoretical grounding. In the current work, we disprove the two statements above and systematically demonstrate that multipole moments are not discredited by either. We hope that this perspective will help in catalysing the transition to more realistic electrostatic modelling, to be adopted by popular molecular simulation software.
Generation of zonal flows by electrostatic drift waves in electron-positron-ion plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaladze, T. D.; I. Vekua Institute of Applied Mathematics, Tbilisi State University, 2 University Str., 0186 Tbilisi; Shad, M.

2010-02-15

Generation of large-scale zonal flows by comparatively small-scale electrostatic drift waves in electron-positron-ion plasmas is considered. The generation mechanism is based on the parametric excitation of convective cells by finite amplitude drift waves having arbitrary wavelengths (as compared with the ion Larmor radius of plasma ions at the plasma electron temperature). Temperature inhomogeneity of electrons and positrons is taken into account assuming ions to be cold. To describe the generation of zonal flow generalized Hasegawa-Mima equation containing both vector and two scalar (of different nature) nonlinearities is used. A set of coupled equations describing the nonlinear interaction of drift wavesmore » and zonal flows is deduced. Explicit expressions for the maximum growth rate as well as for the optimal spatial dimensions of the zonal flows are obtained. Enriched possibilities of zonal flow generation with different growth rates are revealed. The present theory can be used for interpretations of drift wave observations in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.« less
Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Dynamic Applications: 2017 Research Award Innovation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Ed

2017-01-01

The technology and methods for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field may be used for illuminating volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology (e-Sensor) and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasi-static generator), and current e- Sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-Sensor) are discussed. Critical design elements of current linear and real-time two-dimensional (2D) measurement systems are highlighted, and the development of a three dimensional (3D) EFI system is presented. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. Recent work demonstrates that phonons may be used to create and annihilate electric dipoles within structures. Phonon induced dipoles are ephemeral and their polarization, strength, and location may be quantitatively characterized by EFI providing a new subsurface Phonon-EFI imaging technology. Initial results from real-time imaging of combustion and ion flow, and their measurement complications, will be discussed. These new EFI capabilities are demonstrated to characterize electric charge distribution creating a new field of study embracing areas of interest including electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, combustion science, on-orbit space potential, container inspection, remote characterization of electronic circuits and level of activation, dielectric morphology of structures, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, atmospheric science, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.
Electrostatic vibration energy harvester with 2.4-GHz Cockcroft-Walton rectenna start-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takhedmit, Hakim; Saddi, Zied; Karami, Armine; Basset, Philippe; Cirio, Laurent

2017-02-01

In this paper, we propose the design, fabrication and experiments of a macro-scale electrostatic vibration energy harvester (e-VEH), pre-charged wirelessly for the first time with a 2.4-GHz Cockcroft-Walton rectenna. The rectenna is designed and optimized to operate at low power densities and provide high voltage levels: 0.5 V at 0.76 μW/cm2 and 1 V at 1.53 μW/cm2. The e-VEH uses a Bennet doubler as a conditioning circuit. Experiments show a 23-V voltage across the transducer terminal, when the harvester is excited at 25 Hz by 1.5 g of external acceleration. An accumulated energy of 275 μJ and a maximum available power of 0.4 μW are achieved. xml:lang="fr"
Electrostatic Vibration Energy Harvester Pre-charged Wirelessly at 2.45 GHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saddi, Z.; Takhedmit, H.; Karami, A.; Basset, P.; Cirio, L.

2016-11-01

This paper reports the design, fabrication and experiments of an electrostatic vibration harvester (e-VEH), pre-charged wirelessly for the first time by using an electromagnetic waves harvester at 2.4 GHz. The rectenna uses the Cockcroft-Walton voltage doubler rectifier. It is designed and optimized to operate at low power densities and provides high voltage levels: 0.5 V at 0.5 μW/cm2 and 0.8 V at 1 μW/cm2 The e-VEH uses the Bennet doubler as conditioning circuit. Experiments show 23 V voltage across the transducer terminal when the harvester is excited at 25 Hz by 1.5 g of external acceleration. An accumulated energy of 275 μJ and a maximum power of 0.4 μW are available for the load.
Triboelectret-based aeroelastic flutter energy harvesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez, Matthias; Boisseau, Sebastien; Geisler, Matthias; Despesse, Ghislain; Reboud, Jean Luc

2016-11-01

This paper highlights some experimental results on several electrostatic membranes tested in a wind tunnel between 0 and 20m.s-1 for airflow energy harvesting. The main idea is to use the aeroelastic behavior of thin flexible films to induce simultaneously the capacitance variations and the polarization required by the triboelectric/electrostatic conversion. This technology provides thin and flexible devices and avoids the issue of electrets discharge. Our prototypes (<16cm2) allowed a quick startup (from 3ms-1), an electrical power-flux density from 0.1μW.cm-2 to 60μW.cm-2. In order to complete the energy harvesting chain, we have used a wireless sensor with temperature and acceleration measures coupled to a low power transmission (Bluetooth Low Energy) with reception on a smartphone.

A Modified Electrostatic Adsorption Apparatus for Latent Fingerprint Development on Unfired Cartridge Cases.

PubMed

Xu, Jingyang; Zhang, Ziyuan; Zheng, Xiaochun; Bond, John W

2017-05-01

Visualization of latent fingerprints on metallic surfaces by the method of applying electrostatic charging and adsorption is considered as a promising chemical-free method, which has the merit of nondestruction, and is considered to be effective for some difficult situations such as aged fingerprint deposits or those exposed to environmental extremes. In fact, a portable electrostatic generator can be easily accessible in a local forensic technology laboratory, which is already widely used in the visualization of footwear impressions. In this study, a modified version of this electrostatic apparatus is proposed for latent fingerprint development and has shown great potential in visualizing fingerprints on metallic surfaces such as cartridge cases. Results indicate that this experimental arrangement can successfully develop aged latent fingerprints on metal surfaces, and we demonstrate its effectiveness compared with existing conventional fingerprint recovery methods. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
A Smart Load Interface and Voltage Regulator for Electrostatic Vibration Energy Harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedier, Mohammed; Basset, Philippe; Galayko, Dimitri

2016-11-01

This paper presents a new implementation in ams 0.35μm HV technology of a complete energy management system for an electrostatic vibrational energy harvester (e-VEH). It is based on the Bennet's doubler architecture and includes a load voltage regulator (LVR) and a smart Load Interface (LI) that are self-controlled with internal voltages for maximum power point tracking (MMPT). The CMOS implementation makes use of an energy harvester that is capable of producing up to 1.8μW at harmonic excitation, given its internal voltage is kept within its optimum. An intermediate LI stage and its controller makes use of a high side switch with zero static power level shifter, and a low power hysteresis comparator. A full circuit level simulation with a VHDL-AMS model of the e-VEH presented was successfully achieved, indicating that the proposed load interface controller consumes less than 100nW average power. Moreover, a LVR regulates the buffer and discharge the harvested energy into a generic resistive load maintaining the voltage within a nominal value of 2 Volts.
Fast radio bursts as pulsar lightning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, J. I.

2017-07-01

There are striking phenomenological similarities between fast radio bursts (FRBs) and lightning in the Earth's and planetary atmospheres. Both have very low duty factors, ≲10-8-10-5 for FRBs and (very roughly) ˜10-4 for the main return strokes in an active thundercloud. Lightning occurs in an electrified insulating atmosphere when a conducting path is created by and permits current flow. FRBs may occur in neutron star magnetospheres whose plasma is believed to be divided by vacuum gaps. Vacuum is a perfect insulator unless electric fields are sufficient for electron-positron pair production by curvature radiation, a high-energy analogue of electrostatic breakdown in an insulating gas. FRB may be 'electrars' powered by the release of stored electrostatic energy, counterparts to soft gamma repeaters powered by the release of stored magnetostatic energy (magnetars). This frees pulsar FRB models from the constraint that their power not exceeds the instantaneous spin-down power. Energetic constraints imply that the sources of more energetic FRBs have shorter spin-down lifetimes, perhaps even less than the 3 yr over which FRB 121102 has been observed to repeat.
Electrostatic potential jump across fast-mode collisionless shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mandt, M. E.; Kan, J. R.

1991-01-01

The electrostatic potential jump across fast-mode collisionless shocks is examined by comparing published observations, hybrid simulations, and a simple model, in order to better characterize its dependence on the various shock parameters. In all three, it is assumed that the electrons can be described by an isotropic power-law equation of state. The observations show that the cross-shock potential jump correlates well with the shock strength but shows very little correlation with other shock parameters. Assuming that the electrons obey an isotropic power law equation of state, the correlation of the potential jump with the shock strength follows naturally from the increased shock compression and an apparent dependence of the power law exponent on the Mach number which the observations indicate. It is found that including a Mach number dependence for the power law exponent in the electron equation of state in the simple model produces a potential jump which better fits the observations. On the basis of the simulation results and theoretical estimates of the cross-shock potential, it is discussed how the cross-shock potential might be expected to depend on the other shock parameters.
Optimal power, power limit, and damping of vibration piezoelectric power harvesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Yabin; Sodano, Henry

2018-03-01

Power harvesting describes the process of acquiring the ambient energy surrounding a system and converting it into usable electrical energy. Much of the work over the past two decades has focused on the conversion of ambient vibration energy sources using piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electrostatic transduction. Attempts were made to obtain a general model that could be applied to any transduction mechanism. Of the most interest is an electromagnetic generator model that was used by many researchers to model piezoelectric power harvesters. Two major results from the model are the power limit expression and the equal relationship between the electrically induced damping and the mechanical damping to reach the power limit. However, piezoelectric power harvesters cannot be accurately modeled by this electromagnetic model due to the essential difference in physics. There have also been attempts to obtain the power limit expression based on piezoelectric relationships, but they either neglect the piezoelectric backward coupling to the structure, or assume the power limit occurs at the resonance of the system. This paper obtains the power limit expression based on the piezoelectric coupled equations without those assumptions. In addition, the relationship between the electrically induced damping and mechanical damping at the power limit is studied. Furthermore, a closed-form criterion is derived and proposed to define strongly and weakly coupling power harvesters, whose differences in power characteristics are explained through analytical and numerical analysis. While most of the discussion is focused on linear power harvesters connected to a resistive circuit, the aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and deep understanding of this simple configuration, answers to important questions, and a starting point to develop a more general theory on power harvesters because similar system characteristics are observed in power harvesters with more complexities.
Power-law spatial dispersion from fractional Liouville equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tarasov, Vasily E.

2013-10-15

A microscopic model in the framework of fractional kinetics to describe spatial dispersion of power-law type is suggested. The Liouville equation with the Caputo fractional derivatives is used to obtain the power-law dependence of the absolute permittivity on the wave vector. The fractional differential equations for electrostatic potential in the media with power-law spatial dispersion are derived. The particular solutions of these equations for the electric potential of point charge in this media are considered.
Coherent generation of the auroral kilometric radiation by nonlinear beatings between electrostatic waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pellat, R.; Roux, A.

1979-09-01

The propagation of electrostatic plasma waves in an inhomogeneous and magnetized plasma is studied analytically. These waves, which are driven unstable by auroral beams of electrons, are shown to suffer a further geometrical amplification while they propagate toward cut-off. Simultaneously their group velocities tend to be aligned with the geomagnetic field. Then it is shown that the electrostatic energy tends to accumulate at or near ..omega../sub L/H and ..omega../sub U/H, the local lower and upper hybrid frequencies. Due to this process, large amplitude electrostatic waves with very narrow spectra should be observed near these frequencies at any place along themore » auroral field lines where intense beam driven instability takes place. These intense quasi-monochromatic electrostatic waves are then shown to give rise by a coherent nonlinear three wave process to an intense electromagnetic radiation. Provided that the ratio ..omega../sub p/e/..omega../sub c/e tends to be smaller than unity, it is shown that the most intense radiation should be observed at 2..omega../sub U/H in the extraordinary mode.« less
Rational redesign of inhibitors of furin/kexin processing proteases by electrostatic mutations.

PubMed

Cai, Xiao-hui; Zhang, Qing; Ding, Da-fu

2004-12-01

To model the three-dimensional structure and investigate the interaction mechanism of the proprotein convertase furin/kexin and their inhibitors (eglin c mutants). The three-dimensional complex structures of furin/kexin with its inhibitors, eglin c mutants, were generated by modeller program using the newly published X-ray crystallographical structures of mouse furin and yeast kexin as templates. The electrostatic interaction energy of each complex was calculated and the results were compared with the experimentally determined inhibition constants to find the correlation between them. High quality models of furin/kexin-eglin c mutants were obtained and used for calculation of the electrostatic interaction energies between the proteases and their inhibitors. The calculated electrostatic energies of interaction showed a linear correlation to the experimental inhibition constants. The modeled structures give good explanations of the specificity of eglin c mutants to furin/kexin. The electrostatic interactions play important roles in inhibitory activity of eglin c mutants to furin/kexin. The results presented here provided quantitative structural and functional information concerning the role of the charge-charge interactions in the binding of furin/kexin and their inhibitors.
Energy gain calculations in spherical IEC fusion systems using the BAFP code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chacón, L.; Miley, G. H.; Barnes, D. C.; Knoll, D. A.

1999-11-01

The spherical IEC fusion concept takes advantage of the potential well generated by an inner spherical cathode (physical or virtual), biased negatively to several kV with respect to a concentric outer grounded boundary, to focus ions inwards and form a dense central core where fusion may occur. However, defocusing of the ion beams due to ion-ion collisions may prevent a satisfactory energy balance in the system. This research concentrates of spherically symmetric virtual cathode IEC devices, in which a spherical cloud of electrons, confined á la Penning trap, creates the ion-confining electrostatic well. A bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck model has been constructed to analyze the ion physics in ideal conditions (i.e., spherically uniform electrostatic well, no collisional interaction between ions and electrons, single ion species).(L. Chacon, D. C. Barnes, D. A. Knoll, 40^th) Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics, New Orleans, LA, Nov. 1998 Results will reproduce the phenomenology of previously published( W. Nevins, Phys. Plasmas), 2(10), 3804-3819 (1995) theoretical limits, and will show that, under some conditions, steady-state solutions with relatively high gains and small ion recirculation powers exist for the bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck transport equation. Variations in gain with parameter space will be presented.
Continuum Electrostatics Approaches to Calculating pKas and Ems in Proteins.

PubMed

Gunner, M R; Baker, N A

2016-01-01

Proteins change their charge state through protonation and redox reactions as well as through binding charged ligands. The free energy of these reactions is dominated by solvation and electrostatic energies and modulated by protein conformational relaxation in response to the ionization state changes. Although computational methods for calculating these interactions can provide very powerful tools for predicting protein charge states, they include several critical approximations of which users should be aware. This chapter discusses the strengths, weaknesses, and approximations of popular computational methods for predicting charge states and understanding the underlying electrostatic interactions. The goal of this chapter is to inform users about applications and potential caveats of these methods as well as outline directions for future theoretical and computational research. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Three-dimensional structural modelling and calculation of electrostatic potentials of HLA Bw4 and Bw6 epitopes to explain the molecular basis for alloantibody binding: toward predicting HLA antigenicity and immunogenicity.

PubMed

Mallon, Dermot H; Bradley, J Andrew; Winn, Peter J; Taylor, Craig J; Kosmoliaptsis, Vasilis

2015-02-01

We have previously shown that qualitative assessment of surface electrostatic potential of HLA class I molecules helps explain serological patterns of alloantibody binding. We have now used a novel computational approach to quantitate differences in surface electrostatic potential of HLA B-cell epitopes and applied this to explain HLA Bw4 and Bw6 antigenicity. Protein structure models of HLA class I alleles expressing either the Bw4 or Bw6 epitope (defined by sequence motifs at positions 77 to 83) were generated using comparative structure prediction. The electrostatic potential in 3-dimensional space encompassing the Bw4/Bw6 epitope was computed by solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation and quantitatively compared in a pairwise, all-versus-all fashion to produce distance matrices that cluster epitopes with similar electrostatics properties. Quantitative comparison of surface electrostatic potential at the carboxyl terminal of the α1-helix of HLA class I alleles, corresponding to amino acid sequence motif 77 to 83, produced clustering of HLA molecules in 3 principal groups according to Bw4 or Bw6 epitope expression. Remarkably, quantitative differences in electrostatic potential reflected known patterns of serological reactivity better than Bw4/Bw6 amino acid sequence motifs. Quantitative assessment of epitope electrostatic potential allowed the impact of known amino acid substitutions (HLA-B*07:02 R79G, R82L, G83R) that are critical for antibody binding to be predicted. We describe a novel approach for quantitating differences in HLA B-cell epitope electrostatic potential. Proof of principle is provided that this approach enables better assessment of HLA epitope antigenicity than amino acid sequence data alone, and it may allow prediction of HLA immunogenicity.
Slot-Antenna/Permanent-Magnet Device for Generating Plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, John E.

2007-01-01

A device that includes a rectangular-waveguide/slot-antenna structure and permanent magnets has been devised as a means of generating a substantially uniform plasma over a relatively large area, using relatively low input power and a low gas flow rate. The device utilizes electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) excited by microwave power to efficiently generate plasma in a manner that is completely electrodeless in the sense that, in principle, there is no electrical contact between the plasma and the antenna. Plasmas generated by devices like this one are suitable for use as sources of ions and/or electrons for diverse material-processing applications (e.g., etching or deposition) and for ion thrusters. The absence of plasma/electrode contact essentially prevents plasma-induced erosion of the antenna, thereby also helping to minimize contamination of the plasma and of objects exposed to the plasma. Consequently, the operational lifetime of the rectangular-waveguide/ slot-antenna structure is long and the lifetime of the plasma source is limited by the lifetime of the associated charged-particle-extraction grid (if used) or the lifetime of the microwave power source. The device includes a series of matched radiating slot pairs that are distributed along the length of a plasma-source discharge chamber (see figure). This arrangement enables the production of plasma in a distributed fashion, thereby giving rise to a uniform plasma profile. A uniform plasma profile is necessary for uniformity in any electron- or ion-extraction electrostatic optics. The slotted configuration of the waveguide/ antenna structure makes the device scalable to larger areas and higher powers. All that is needed for scaling up is the attachment of additional matched radiating slots along the length of the discharge chamber. If it is desired to make the power per slot remain constant in scaling up, then the input microwave power must be increased accordingly. Unlike in prior ECR microwave plasma-generating devices, there is no need for an insulating window on the antenna. Such windows are sources of contamination and gradually become ineffective as they become coated with erosion products over time. These characteristics relegate prior ECR microwave plasma-generating devices to non-ion beam, non-deposition plasma applications. In contrast, the lack of need for an insulating window in the present device makes it possible to use the device in both ion-beam (including deposition) and electron-beam applications. The device is designed so that ECR takes place above each slot and the gradient of the magnetic field at each slot is enough to prevent backflow of plasma.
Stochastic three-wave interaction in flaring solar loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vlahos, L.; Sharma, R. R.; Papadopoulos, K.

1983-01-01

A model is proposed for the dynamic structure of high-frequency microwave bursts. The dynamic component is attributed to beams of precipitating electrons which generate electrostatic waves in the upper hybrid branch. Coherent upconversion of the electrostatic waves to electromagnetic waves produces an intrinsically stochastic emission component which is superposed on the gyrosynchrotron continuum generated by stably trapped electron fluxes. The role of the density and temperature of the ambient plasma in the wave growth and the transition of the three wave upconversion to stochastic, despite the stationarity of the energy source, are discussed in detail. The model appears to reproduce the observational features for reasonable parameters of the solar flare plasma.
Energy gain calculations in Penning fusion systems using a bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chacón, L.; Miley, G. H.; Barnes, D. C.; Knoll, D. A.

2000-11-01

In spherical Penning fusion devices, a spherical cloud of electrons, confined in a Penning-like trap, creates the ion-confining electrostatic well. Fusion energy gains for these systems have been calculated in optimistic conditions (i.e., spherically uniform electrostatic well, no collisional ion-electron interactions, single ion species) using a bounce-averaged Fokker-Planck (BAFP) model. Results show that steady-state distributions in which the Maxwellian ion population is dominant correspond to lowest ion recirculation powers (and hence highest fusion energy gains). It is also shown that realistic parabolic-like wells result in better energy gains than square wells, particularly at large well depths (>100 kV). Operating regimes with fusion power to ion input power ratios (Q-value) >100 have been identified. The effect of electron losses on the Q-value has been addressed heuristically using a semianalytic model, indicating that large Q-values are still possible provided that electron particle losses are kept small and well depths are large.
Understanding and Manipulating Electrostatic Fields at the Protein-Protein Interface Using Vibrational Spectroscopy and Continuum Electrostatics Calculations.

PubMed

Ritchie, Andrew W; Webb, Lauren J

2015-11-05

Biological function emerges in large part from the interactions of biomacromolecules in the complex and dynamic environment of the living cell. For this reason, macromolecular interactions in biological systems are now a major focus of interest throughout the biochemical and biophysical communities. The affinity and specificity of macromolecular interactions are the result of both structural and electrostatic factors. Significant advances have been made in characterizing structural features of stable protein-protein interfaces through the techniques of modern structural biology, but much less is understood about how electrostatic factors promote and stabilize specific functional macromolecular interactions over all possible choices presented to a given molecule in a crowded environment. In this Feature Article, we describe how vibrational Stark effect (VSE) spectroscopy is being applied to measure electrostatic fields at protein-protein interfaces, focusing on measurements of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins of the Ras superfamily binding with structurally related but functionally distinct downstream effector proteins. In VSE spectroscopy, spectral shifts of a probe oscillator's energy are related directly to that probe's local electrostatic environment. By performing this experiment repeatedly throughout a protein-protein interface, an experimental map of measured electrostatic fields generated at that interface is determined. These data can be used to rationalize selective binding of similarly structured proteins in both in vitro and in vivo environments. Furthermore, these data can be used to compare to computational predictions of electrostatic fields to explore the level of simulation detail that is necessary to accurately predict our experimental findings.
Electro-osmosis over inhomogeneously charged surfaces in presence of non-electrostatic ion-ion interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Uddipta; Chakraborty, Suman

2016-06-01

In this study, we attempt to bring out a generalized formulation for electro-osmotic flows over inhomogeneously charged surfaces in presence of non-electrostatic ion-ion interactions. To this end, we start with modified electro-chemical potential of the individual species and subsequently use it to derive modified Nernst-Planck equation accounting for the ionic fluxes generated because of the presence of non-electrostatic potential. We establish what we refer to as the Poisson-Helmholtz-Nernst-Planck equations, coupled with the Navier-Stokes equations, to describe the complete transport process. Our analysis shows that the presence of non-electrostatic interactions between the ions results in an excess body force on the fluid, and modifies the osmotic pressure as well, which has hitherto remained unexplored. We further apply our analysis to a simple geometry, in an effort to work out the Smoluchowski slip velocity for thin electrical double layer limits. To this end, we employ singular perturbation and develop a general framework for the asymptotic analysis. Our calculations reveal that the final expression for slip velocity remains the same as that without accounting for non-electrostatic interactions. However, the presence of non-electrostatic interactions along with ion specificity can significantly change the quantitative behavior of Smoluchowski slip velocity. We subsequently demonstrate that the presence of non-electrostatic interactions may significantly alter the effective interfacial potential, also termed as the "Zeta potential." Our analysis can potentially act as a guide towards the prediction and possibly quantitative determination of the implications associated with the existence of non-electrostatic potential, in an electrokinetic transport process.
Fusion powered human transport to Mars (UWFR94)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cappellari, John; Grota, Susan; Hagedorn, David; Hirai, Yoshi; Remmel, Mark; Schmidt, Deanna; Sveum, Matt; Wandow, Helena

1994-01-01

In the future, two important technological dreams will have become reality: fusion will be a viable power source, and human settlement on Mars will be feasible, desirable, and even necessary. Merging these two concepts is especially attractive for the aerospace engineer because of the high specific power that will be possible with fusion (on the order 10 kW/kg). The UWFR94, a large, fusion-powered, human-transport ship, is designed to transport 100 passengers between earth and Mars in approximately thirty days. This relatively short transit time, which mitigates the need for artificial gravity, is made possible by a Polywell inertial electrostatic fusion reactor capable of 20 kW/kg. The mass of each reactor is 37 metric tons and the fuel used is (3)He-(3)He. The electricity generated drives the propulsion system, composed of nine ion thrusters and 780 tons of xenon propellant. The payload consists of three independent, identical cylinders housing the crew, and has a mass of approximately 400 tons. The aluminum cylinders' radius and length are 3 and 12 meters, respectively, with a thickness of 6 cm (15 cm in the solar flare safe rooms). Atmospheric reentry is avoided by constructing and repairing the UWFR94 in space, and by transferring crew and cargo to shuttle-like vehicles for transportation to the planet upon arrival.
Power loss of an oscillating electric dipole in a quantum plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghaderipoor, L.; Mehramiz, A.

2012-12-15

A system of linearized quantum plasma equations (quantum hydrodynamic model) has been used for investigating the dispersion equation for electrostatic waves in the plasma. Furthermore, dispersion relations and their modifications due to quantum effects are used for calculating the power loss of an oscillating electric dipole. Finally, the results are compared in quantum and classical regimes.
Free energy landscapes of encounter complexes in protein-protein association.

PubMed

Camacho, C J; Weng, Z; Vajda, S; DeLisi, C

1999-03-01

We report the computer generation of a high-density map of the thermodynamic properties of the diffusion-accessible encounter conformations of four receptor-ligand protein pairs, and use it to study the electrostatic and desolvation components of the free energy of association. Encounter complex conformations are generated by sampling the translational/rotational space of the ligand around the receptor, both at 5-A and zero surface-to-surface separations. We find that partial desolvation is always an important effect, and it becomes dominant for complexes in which one of the reactants is neutral or weakly charged. The interaction provides a slowly varying attractive force over a small but significant region of the molecular surface. In complexes with no strong charge complementarity this region surrounds the binding site, and the orientation of the ligand in the encounter conformation with the lowest desolvation free energy is similar to the one observed in the fully formed complex. Complexes with strong opposite charges exhibit two types of behavior. In the first group, represented by barnase/barstar, electrostatics exerts strong orientational steering toward the binding site, and desolvation provides some added adhesion within the local region of low electrostatic energy. In the second group, represented by the complex of kallikrein and pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, the overall stability results from the rather nonspecific electrostatic attraction, whereas the affinity toward the binding region is determined by desolvation interactions.
Low-Frequency MEMS Electrostatic Vibration Energy Harvester With Corona-Charged Vertical Electrets and Nonlinear Stoppers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Y.; Cottone, F.; Boisseau, S.; Galayko, D.; Marty, F.; Basset, P.

2015-12-01

This paper reports for the first time a MEMS electrostatic vibration energy harvester (e-VEH) with corona-charged vertical electrets on its electrodes. The bandwidth of the 1-cm2 device is extended in low and high frequencies by nonlinear elastic stoppers. With a bias voltage of 46 V (electret@21 V + DC external source@25 V) between the electrodes, the RMS power of the device reaches 0.89 μW at 33 Hz and 6.6 μW at 428 Hz. The -3dB frequency band including the hysteresis is 223∼432 Hz, the one excluding the hysteresis 88∼166 Hz. We also demonstrate the charging of a 47 μF capacitor used for powering a wireless and autonomous temperature sensor node with a data transmission beyond 10 m at 868 MHz.

Redox equilibria in hydroxylamine oxidoreductase. Electrostatic control of electron redistribution in multielectron oxidative processes.

PubMed

Kurnikov, Igor V; Ratner, Mark A; Pacheco, A Andrew

2005-02-15

We report results of continuum electrostatics calculations of the cofactor redox potentials, and of the titratable group pK(a) values, in hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO). A picture of a sophisticated multicomponent control of electron flow in the protein emerged from the studies. First, we found that neighboring heme cofactors strongly interact electrostatically, with energies of 50-100 mV. Thus, cofactor redox potentials depend on the oxidation state of other cofactors, and cofactor redox potentials in the active (partially oxidized) enzyme differ substantially from the values obtained in electrochemical redox titration experiments. We found that, together, solvent-exposed heme 1 (having a large negative redox potential) and heme 2 (having a large positive redox potential) form a lock for electrons generated during the oxidation reaction The attachment of HAO's physiological electron transfer partner cytochrome c(554) results in a positive shift in the redox potential of heme 1, and "opens the electron gate". Electrons generated as a result of hydroxylamine oxidation travel to heme 3 and heme 8, which have redox potentials close to 0 mV versus NHE (this result is in partial disagreement with an existing experimental redox potential assignment). The closeness of hemes 3 and 8 from different enzyme subunits allows redistribution of the four electrons generated as a result of hydroxylamine oxidation, among the three enzyme subunits. For the multielectron oxidation process to be maximally efficient, the redox potentials of the electron-accepting cofactors should be roughly equal, and electrostatic interactions between extra electrons on these cofactors should be minimal. The redox potential assignments presented in the paper satisfy this general rule.
Electron Surfing Acceleration in High Mach Number Shocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoshino, M.; Amano, T.; Matsumoto, Y.

2016-12-01

Many energetic events associated with shock waves have been argued in this context of the diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), and the origin of high-energy particles observed in astrophysical shocks are believed to be attributed to DSA. However, electron nonthermal acceleration still remains an unresolved issue of considerable interest. While cosmic rays of supernova remnant shocks with power-law spectra are believed to be produced by DSA, energetic electrons with a power-law energy spectrum are rarely ever observed at interplanetary shocks and at planetary bow shocks (e.g., Lario et al. 2003), and the diffusive-type acceleration seems to be necessarily malfunctioning in the heliosphere. The malfunctioning reason is thought to be a lack of pre-acceleration mechanism of supra-thermal electrons.In this presentation, we propose that the supra-thermal electrons can be generated by the mechanism of shock surfing acceleration (SSA) in a high Mach number magnetosonic shock. In the surfing mechanism, a series of large-amplitude electrostatic waves are excited by Buneman instability in the foot region under the interaction between the reflected ions and the incoming electrons, and it is argued that the electrons trapped in the electrostatic waves can be accelerated up to a relativistic energy (Hoshino and Shimada, 2002). Since the electron SSA has been studied based on one- or two-dimensional PIC simulations so far, SSA in three-dimensional system is questionable and remains an open question. We discuss based on our theoretical model and three-dimensional PIC simulation with a high-performance computing that the efficiency of SSA in three-dimensional system remains amazingly strong and plays an important role on the electron pre-acceleration/injection problem.
Probing lipid membrane electrostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yi

The electrostatic properties of lipid bilayer membranes play a significant role in many biological processes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is highly sensitive to membrane surface potential in electrolyte solutions. With fully characterized probe tips, AFM can perform quantitative electrostatic analysis of lipid membranes. Electrostatic interactions between Silicon nitride probes and supported zwitterionic dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) bilayer with a variable fraction of anionic dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS) were measured by AFM. Classical Gouy-Chapman theory was used to model the membrane electrostatics. The nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation was numerically solved with finite element method to provide the potential distribution around the AFM tips. Theoretical tip-sample electrostatic interactions were calculated with the surface integral of both Maxwell and osmotic stress tensors on tip surface. The measured forces were interpreted with theoretical forces and the resulting surface charge densities of the membrane surfaces were in quantitative agreement with the Gouy-Chapman-Stern model of membrane charge regulation. It was demonstrated that the AFM can quantitatively detect membrane surface potential at a separation of several screening lengths, and that the AFM probe only perturbs the membrane surface potential by <2%. One important application of this technique is to estimate the dipole density of lipid membrane. Electrostatic analysis of DOPC lipid bilayers with the AFM reveals a repulsive force between the negatively charged probe tips and the zwitterionic lipid bilayers. This unexpected interaction has been analyzed quantitatively to reveal that the repulsion is due to a weak external field created by the internai membrane dipole moment. The analysis yields a dipole moment of 1.5 Debye per lipid with a dipole potential of +275 mV for supported DOPC membranes. This new ability to quantitatively measure the membrane dipole density in a noninvasive manner will be useful in identifying the biological effects of the dipole potential. Finally, heterogeneous model membranes were studied with fluid electric force microscopy (FEFM). Electrostatic mapping was demonstrated with 50 nm resolution. The capabilities of quantitative electrostatic measurement and lateral charge density mapping make AFM a unique and powerful probe of membrane electrostatics.
Inductive and electrostatic acceleration in relativistic jet-plasma interactions.

PubMed

Ng, Johnny S T; Noble, Robert J

2006-03-24

We report on the observation of rapid particle acceleration in numerical simulations of relativistic jet-plasma interactions and discuss the underlying mechanisms. The dynamics of a charge-neutral, narrow, electron-positron jet propagating through an unmagnetized electron-ion plasma was investigated using a three-dimensional, electromagnetic, particle-in-cell computer code. The interaction excited magnetic filamentation as well as electrostatic plasma instabilities. In some cases, the longitudinal electric fields generated inductively and electrostatically reached the cold plasma-wave-breaking limit, and the longitudinal momentum of about half the positrons increased by 50% with a maximum gain exceeding a factor of 2 during the simulation period. Particle acceleration via these mechanisms occurred when the criteria for Weibel instability were satisfied.
OZONE GENERATION IN DC-ENERGIZED ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPATORS

EPA Science Inventory

Ozone emissions from a short wire-plate precipitator and three commercial electronic air cleaners were measured. Ozone generation was most strongly affected by the corona current and polarity of the discharge electrode. To a lesser extent, the type of corona (i.e. whether tuft or...
An electrostatic autoresonant ion trap mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Ermakov, A V; Hinch, B J

2010-01-01

A new method for ion extraction from an anharmonic electrostatic trap is introduced. Anharmonicity is a common feature of electrostatic traps which can be used for small scale spatial confinement of ions, and this feature is also necessary for autoresonant ion extraction. With the aid of ion trajectory simulations, novel autoresonant trap mass spectrometers (ART-MSs) have been designed based on these very simple principles. A mass resolution approximately 60 is demonstrated for the prototypes discussed here. We report also on the pressure dependencies, and the (mV) rf field strength dependencies of the ART-MS sensitivity. Importantly the new MS designs do not require heavy magnets, tight manufacturing tolerances, introduction of buffer gases, high power rf sources, nor complicated electronics. The designs described here are very inexpensive to implement relative to other instruments, and can be easily miniaturized. Possible applications are discussed.
Electrostatic Hazard Considerations for ODC Solvent Replacement Selection Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fairbourn, Brad

1999-01-01

ODC solvents are used to clean many critical substrates during solid rocket motor production operations. Electrostatic charge generation incidental to these cleaning operations can pose a major safety issue. Therefore, while determining the acceptability of various ODC replacement cleaners, one aspect of the selection criteria included determining the extent of electric charge generation during a typical solvent cleaning operation. A total of six candidate replacement cleaners, sixteen critical substrates, and two types of cleaning swatch materials were studied in simulated cleaning operations. Charge generation and accumulation effects were investigated by measuring the peak voltage and brush discharging effects associated with each cleaning process combination. In some cases, charge generation was found to be very severe. Using the conductivity information for each cleaner, the peak voltage data could in some cases, be qualitatively predicted. Test results indicated that severe charging effects could result in brush discharges that could potentially result in flash fire hazards when occurring in close proximity to flammable vapor/air mixtures. Process controls to effectively mitigate these hazards are discussed.
The electrostatic characteristics of G·U wobble base pairs

PubMed Central

Xu, Darui; Landon, Theresa; Greenbaum, Nancy L.; Fenley, Marcia O.

2007-01-01

G·U wobble base pairs are the most common and highly conserved non-Watson–Crick base pairs in RNA. Previous surface maps imply uniformly negative electrostatic potential at the major groove of G·U wobble base pairs embedded in RNA helices, suitable for entrapment of cationic ligands. In this work, we have used a Poisson–Boltzmann approach to gain a more detailed and accurate characterization of the electrostatic profile. We found that the major groove edge of an isolated G·U wobble displays distinctly enhanced negativity compared with standard GC or AU base pairs; however, in the context of different helical motifs, the electrostatic pattern varies. G·U wobbles with distinct widening have similar major groove electrostatic potentials to their canonical counterparts, whereas those with minimal widening exhibit significantly enhanced electronegativity, ranging from 0.8 to 2.5 kT/e, depending upon structural features. We propose that the negativity at the major groove of G·U wobble base pairs is determined by the combined effect of the base atoms and the sugar-phosphate backbone, which is impacted by stacking pattern and groove width as a result of base sequence. These findings are significant in that they provide predictive power with respect to which G·U sites in RNA are most likely to bind cationic ligands. PMID:17526525
Fine Spectral Properties of Langmuir Waves Observed Upstream of the Saturn's Bowshock by the Cassini Wideband Receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hospodarsky, G. B.; Pisa, D.; Santolik, O.; Kurth, W. S.; Soucek, J.; Basovnik, M.; Gurnett, D. A.; Arridge, C. S.

2015-12-01

Langmuir waves are commonly observed in the upstream regions of planetary and interplanetary shock. Solar wind electrons accelerated at the shock front are reflected back into the solar wind and can form electron beams. In regions with beams, the electron distribution becomes unstable and electrostatic waves can be generated. The process of generation and the evolution of electrostatic waves strongly depends on the solar wind electron distribution and generally exhibits complex behavior. Langmuir waves can be identified as intense narrowband emission at a frequency very close to the local plasma frequency and weaker broadband waves below and above the plasma frequency deeper in the downstream region. We present a detailed study of Langmuir waves detected upstream of the Saturnian bowshock by the Cassini spacecraft. Using data from the Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS), Magnetometer (MAG) and Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) instruments we have analyzed several periods containing the extended waveform captures by the Wideband Receiver. Langmuir waves are a bursty emission highly controlled by variations in solar wind conditions. Unfortunately due to a combination of instrumental field of view and sampling period, it is often difficult to identify the electron distribution function that is unstable and able to generate Langmuir waves. We used an electrostatic version of particle-in-cell simulation of the Langmuir wave generation process to reproduce some of the more subtle observed spectral features and help understand the late stages of the instability and interactions in the solar wind plasma.
Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, Peter; MacArthur, Duncan W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure.
Electrostatic screening in classical Coulomb fluids: exponential or power-law decay or both? An investigation into the effect of dispersion interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjellander, Roland

2006-04-01

It is shown that the nature of the non-electrostatic part of the pair interaction potential in classical Coulomb fluids can have a profound influence on the screening behaviour. Two cases are compared: (i) when the non-electrostatic part equals an arbitrary finite-ranged interaction and (ii) when a dispersion r-6 interaction potential is included. A formal analysis is done in exact statistical mechanics, including an investigation of the bridge function. It is found that the Coulombic r-1 and the dispersion r-6 potentials are coupled in a very intricate manner as regards the screening behaviour. The classical one-component plasma (OCP) is a particularly clear example due to its simplicity and is investigated in detail. When the dispersion r-6 potential is turned on, the screened electrostatic potential from a particle goes from a monotonic exponential decay, exp(-κr)/r, to a power-law decay, r-8, for large r. The pair distribution function acquire, at the same time, an r-10 decay for large r instead of the exponential one. There still remains exponentially decaying contributions to both functions, but these contributions turn oscillatory when the r-6 interaction is switched on. When the Coulomb interaction is turned off but the dispersion r-6 pair potential is kept, the decay of the pair distribution function for large r goes over from the r-10 to an r-6 behaviour, which is the normal one for fluids of electroneutral particles with dispersion interactions. Differences and similarities compared to binary electrolytes are pointed out.
A numerical study on liquid charging inside electrostatic atomizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashir, Babak; Perri, Anthony; Sankaran, Abhilash; Staszel, Christopher; Yarin, Alexander; Mashayek, Farzad

2016-11-01

The charging of the dielectric liquid inside an electrostatic atomizer is studied numerically by developing codes based on the OpenFOAM platform. Electrostatic atomization is an appealing technology in painting, fuel injection and oil coating systems due to improved particle-size distribution, enhanced controlability of droplets' trajectories and lower power consumption. The numerical study is conducted concurrently to an experimental investigation to facilitate the validation and deliver feedback for further development. The atomizer includes a pin electrode that is placed at the center of a converging chamber. The chamber orifice is located at a known distance from the electrode tip. The pin electrode is connected to a high voltage that leads to the charging of the liquid. In the present work, the theoretical foundations of separated treatment of the polarized layer and the electronuetral bulk flow are set by describing the governing equations, relevant boundary conditions and the matching condition between these two domains. The resulting split domains are solved numerically to find the distribution of velocity and electrostatic fields over the specified regions. National Science Foundation Award Number: 1505276.
Electrostatic Surface Modifications to Improve Gene Delivery

PubMed Central

Shmueli, Ron B.; Anderson, Daniel G.

2010-01-01

Importance of the field Gene therapy has the potential to treat a wide variety of diseases including genetic diseases and cancer. Areas covered in this review This review introduces biomaterials used for gene delivery and then focuses on the use of electrostatic surface modifications to improve gene delivery materials. These modifications have been used to stabilize therapeutics in vivo, add cell-specific targeting ligands, and promote controlled release. Coatings of nanoparticles and microparticles as well as non-particulate surface coatings are covered in this review. Electrostatic principles are crucial for the development of multilayer delivery structures fabricated by the layer-by-layer method. What the reader will gain The reader will gain knowledge about the composition of biomaterials used for surface modifications and how these coatings and multilayers can be utilized to improve spatial control and efficiency of delivery. Examples are shown for the delivery of nucleic acids, including DNA and siRNA, to in vitro and in vivo systems. Take home message The versatile and powerful approach of electrostatic coatings and multilayers will lead to the development of enhanced gene therapies. PMID:20201712
Quantifying protein microstructure and electrostatic effects on the change in Gibbs free energy of binding in immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

PubMed

Pathange, Lakshmi P; Bevan, David R; Zhang, Chenming

2008-03-01

Electrostatic forces play a major role in maintaining both structural and functional properties of proteins. A major component of protein electrostatics is the interactions between the charged or titratable amino acid residues (e.g., Glu, Lys, and His), whose pK(a) (or the change of the pK(a)) value could be used to study protein electrostatics. Here, we report the study of electrostatic forces through experiments using a well-controlled model protein (T4 lysozyme) and its variants. We generated 10 T4 lysozyme variants, in which the electrostatic environment of the histidine residue was perturbed by altering charged and neutral amino acid residues at various distances from the histidine (probe) residue. The electrostatic perturbations were theoretically quantified by calculating the change in free energy (DeltaDeltaG(E)) using Coulomb's law. On the other hand, immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) was used to quantify these perturbations in terms of protein binding strength or change in free energy of binding (DeltaDeltaG(B)), which varies from -0.53 to 0.99 kcal/mol. For most of the variants, there is a good correlation (R(2) = 0.97) between the theoretical DeltaDeltaG(E) and experimental DeltaDeltaG(B) values. However, there are three deviant variants, whose histidine residue was found to be involved in site-specific interactions (e.g., ion pair and steric hindrance), which were further investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. This report demonstrates that the electrostatic (DeltaDeltaG(Elec)) and microstructural effects (DeltaDeltaG(Micro)) in a protein can be quantified by IMAC through surface histidine mediated protein-metal ion interaction and that the unique microstructure around a histidine residue can be identified by identifying the abnormal binding behaviors during IMAC.
Branches of electrostatic turbulence inside solitary plasma structures in the auroral ionosphere

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Golovchanskaya, Irina V.; Kozelov, Boris V.; Chernyshov, Alexander A.

2014-08-15

The excitation of electrostatic turbulence inside space-observed solitary structures is a central topic of this exposition. Three representative solitary structures observed in the topside auroral ionosphere as large-amplitude nonlinear signatures in the electric field and magnetic-field-aligned current on the transverse scales of ∼10{sup 2}–10{sup 3} m are evaluated by the theories of electrostatic wave generation in inhomogeneous background configurations. A quantitative analysis shows that the structures are, in general, effective in destabilizing the inhomogeneous energy-density-driven (IEDD) waves, as well as of the ion acoustic waves modified by a shear in the parallel drift of ions. It is demonstrated that the dominatingmore » branch of the electrostatic turbulence is determined by the interplay of various driving sources inside a particular solitary structure. The sources do not generally act in unison, so that their common effect may be inhibiting for excitation of electrostatic waves of a certain type. In the presence of large magnetic-field-aligned current, which is not correlated to the inhomogeneous electric field inside the structure, the ion-acoustic branch becomes dominating. In other cases, the IEDD instability is more central.« less
Coherent generation of the terrestrial kilometric radiation by nonlinear beatings between electrostatic waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roux, A.; Pellat, R.

1978-01-01

The propagation of electrostatic plasma waves in an inhomogeneous and magnetized plasma was studied. These waves, which are driven unstable by auroral beams of electrons, are shown to suffer a further geometrical amplification while they propagate towards resonances. Simultaneously, their group velocities tend to be aligned with the geomagnetic field. It is shown that the electrostatic energy tends to accumulate at, or near omega sub LH and omega sub UH, the local lower and upper hybrid frequencies. Due to this process, large amplitude electrostatic waves with very narrow spectra are observed near these frequencies at any place along the auroral field lines where intense beam driven instability takes place. These intense quasi-monochromatic electrostatic waves are shown to give rise to an intense electromagnetic radiation. Depending upon the ratio omega sub pe/omega sub ce between the electron plasma frequency and the electron gyro-frequency the electromagnetic wave can be radiated in the ordinary mode (at omega sub UH), or in the extraordinary (at 2 omega sub UH). As the ratio omega sub pe/omega sub ce tends to be rather small, it is shown that the most intense radiation should be boserved at 2 omega sub UH in the extraordinary mode.
Structural phase transition in monolayer MoTe2 driven by electrostatic doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ying; Xiao, Jun; Zhu, Hanyu; Li, Yao; Alsaid, Yousif; Fong, King Yan; Zhou, Yao; Wang, Siqi; Shi, Wu; Wang, Yuan; Zettl, Alex; Reed, Evan J.; Zhang, Xiang

2017-10-01

Monolayers of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit numerous crystal phases with distinct structures, symmetries and physical properties. Exploring the physics of transitions between these different structural phases in two dimensions may provide a means of switching material properties, with implications for potential applications. Structural phase transitions in TMDs have so far been induced by thermal or chemical means; purely electrostatic control over crystal phases through electrostatic doping was recently proposed as a theoretical possibility, but has not yet been realized. Here we report the experimental demonstration of an electrostatic-doping-driven phase transition between the hexagonal and monoclinic phases of monolayer molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2). We find that the phase transition shows a hysteretic loop in Raman spectra, and can be reversed by increasing or decreasing the gate voltage. We also combine second-harmonic generation spectroscopy with polarization-resolved Raman spectroscopy to show that the induced monoclinic phase preserves the crystal orientation of the original hexagonal phase. Moreover, this structural phase transition occurs simultaneously across the whole sample. This electrostatic-doping control of structural phase transition opens up new possibilities for developing phase-change devices based on atomically thin membranes.
Electrostatic channeling in P. falciparum DHFR-TS: Brownian dynamics and Smoluchowski modeling.

PubMed

Metzger, Vincent T; Eun, Changsun; Kekenes-Huskey, Peter M; Huber, Gary; McCammon, J Andrew

2014-11-18

We perform Brownian dynamics simulations and Smoluchowski continuum modeling of the bifunctional Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (P. falciparum DHFR-TS) with the objective of understanding the electrostatic channeling of dihydrofolate generated at the TS active site to the DHFR active site. The results of Brownian dynamics simulations and Smoluchowski continuum modeling suggest that compared to Leishmania major DHFR-TS, P. falciparum DHFR-TS has a lower but significant electrostatic-mediated channeling efficiency (?15-25%) at physiological pH (7.0) and ionic strength (150 mM). We also find that removing the electric charges from key basic residues located between the DHFR and TS active sites significantly reduces the channeling efficiency of P. falciparum DHFR-TS. Although several protozoan DHFR-TS enzymes are known to have similar tertiary and quaternary structure, subtle differences in structure, active-site geometry, and charge distribution appear to influence both electrostatic-mediated and proximity-based substrate channeling.
Graphene quantum blisters: A tunable system to confine charge carriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullah, H. M.; Van der Donck, M.; Bahlouli, H.; Peeters, F. M.; Van Duppen, B.

2018-05-01

Due to Klein tunneling, electrostatic confinement of electrons in graphene is not possible. This hinders the use of graphene for quantum dot applications. Only through quasi-bound states with finite lifetime has one achieved to confine charge carriers. Here, we propose that bilayer graphene with a local region of decoupled graphene layers is able to generate bound states under the application of an electrostatic gate. The discrete energy levels in such a quantum blister correspond to localized electron and hole states in the top and bottom layers. We find that this layer localization and the energy spectrum itself are tunable by a global electrostatic gate and that the latter also coincides with the electronic modes in a graphene disk. Curiously, states with energy close to the continuum exist primarily in the classically forbidden region outside the domain defining the blister. The results are robust against variations in size and shape of the blister which shows that it is a versatile system to achieve tunable electrostatic confinement in graphene.
Atmospheric emission of mercury due to combustion of steam coal and domestic coal in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaobin; Luo, Kunli

2017-08-01

To study the mercury emission due to the combustion of steam coal and domestic coal in China, we analyzed the mercury contents of coal, fly ash, bottom ash and sluicing water in thermal power plants, steam boilers as well as domestic coal-stoves, in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong and Yunnan Provinces. This study conduct an estimate of the Hg emission rates from steam coal and domestic coal combustion based on the method of mass distribution ratio of fly ash and bottom ash. The results show that the Hg emission rate of coal combustion in thermal power plants is about 50.21% (electrostatic precipitators + wet flue gas desulfurization), and that in heating boilers is about 67.23%, and 92.28% in industrial boilers without flue gas desulphurisation equipment. Furthermore, Hg emission rate is 83.61% due to domestic coal combustion in coal-stoves. The Hg emission amount into the atmosphere from power and heat generation, industrial boilers, domestic coal-stoves and spontaneous combustion of coal gangue is roughly estimated to be 133 ± 4, 100 ± 17, 11 ± 0.1 and 47 ± 26 tons in China in 2014, respectively, and the total Hg emission amount from this paper is estimated at 292 tons. The trends of Hg emission in China from 1991 to 2014 show an accelerating growth after 2002. The proportion of mercury emission due to thermal power, heating generation and industrial energy utilization continuously increased. The atmospheric emission of mercury due to combustion of steam coal, domestic coal and coal gangue accounts nearly 50% in total anthropogenic Hg emissions in China, indicating one of the largest sources of Hg emission in China which should draw more public and scientific attention in the future.

Thermally induced ultrasonic emission from porous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinoda, H.; Nakajima, T.; Ueno, K.; Koshida, N.

1999-08-01

The most common mechanism for generating ultrasound in air is via a piezoelectric transducer, whereby an electrical signal is converted directly into a mechanical vibration. But the acoustic pressure so generated is usually limited to less than 10Pa, the frequency bandwidth of most piezoelectric ceramics is narrow, and it is difficult to assemble such transducers into a fine-scale phase array with no crosstalk,. An alternative strategy using micromachined electrostatic diaphragms is showing some promise,, but the high voltages required and the mechanical weakness of the diaphragms may prove problematic for applications. Here we show that simple heat conduction from porous silicon to air results in high-intensity ultrasound without the need for any mechanical vibrational system. Our non-optimized device generates an acoustic pressure of 0.1Pa at a power consumption of 1Wcm-2, and exhibits a flat frequency response up to at least 100kHz. We expect that substantial improvements in efficiency should be possible. Moreover, as this material lends itself to integration with conventional electronic circuitry, it should be relatively straightforward to develop finely structured phase arrays of these devices, which would give control over the wavefront of the acoustic emissions.
Transgene Delivery using Poly(amino ether)-Gold Nanorod Assemblies

PubMed Central

Ramos, James; Rege, Kaushal

2012-01-01

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for biosensing, imaging, photothermal treatment and therapeutic delivery for several diseases, including cancer. We have generated poly(amino ether)-functionalized gold nanorods (PAE-GNRs) using a layer-by-layer deposition approach; polymers from a poly(amino ether) library recently synthesized in our laboratory were employed to generate the PAE-GNR assemblies. PAE-GNR assemblies demonstrate long-term colloidal stability as well as the capacity to bind plasmid DNA by means of electrostatic interactions. Sub-toxic concentrations of PAE-GNRs were employed to deliver plasmid DNA to prostate cancer cells in vitro. PAE-GNRs generated using 1,4C-1,4Bis, a cationic polymer from our laboratory demonstrated significantly higher transgene expression and exhibited lower cytotoxicities when compared to similar assemblies generated using 25 kDa poly(ethylene imine) (PEI25k-GNRs), a current standard for polymer-mediated gene delivery. The roles of polyelectrolyte chemistry and zeta-potential in determining transgene expression efficacies of PAE-GNR assemblies were investigated. Our results indicate that stable and effective PAE-GNR assemblies are a promising engineered platform for transgene delivery. PAE-GNRs also have the potential to be used simultaneously for photothermal ablation, photothermally enhanced drug and gene delivery, and biological imaging, thus making them a powerful theranostic platform. PMID:22170455
A new class of variable capacitance generators based on the dielectric fluid transducer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duranti, Mattia; Righi, Michele; Vertechy, Rocco; Fontana, Marco

2017-11-01

This paper introduces the novel concept of dielectric fluid transducer (DFT), which is an electrostatic variable capacitance transducer made by compliant electrodes, solid dielectrics and a dielectric fluid with variable volume and/or shape. The DFT can be employed in actuator mode and generator mode. In this work, DFTs are studied as electromechanical generators able to convert oscillating mechanical energy into direct current electricity. Beside illustrating the working principle of dielectric fluid generators (DFGs), we introduce different architectural implementations and provide considerations on limitations and best practices for their design. Additionally, the proposed concept is demonstrated in a preliminary experimental test campaign conducted on a first DFG prototype. During experimental tests a maximum energy per cycle of 4.6 {mJ} and maximum power of 0.575 {mW} has been converted, with a conversion efficiency up to 30%. These figures correspond to converted energy densities of 63.8 {mJ} {{{g}}}-1 with respect to the displaced dielectric fluid and 179.0 {mJ} {{{g}}}-1 with respect to the mass of the solid dielectric. This promising performance can be largely improved through the optimization of device topology and dimensions, as well as by the adoption of more performing conductive and dielectric materials.
Measurements of plasma loading in the presence of electrostatic waves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Riccardi, C.; Agostini, E.; Fontanesi, M.

1995-10-01

An experimental analysis of the plasma impedance with respect to the coupling of ES (electrostatic) waves is described in this paper. The waves are excited through a slow-wave antenna and the experiment performed in a toroidal device [C. Riccardi {ital et} {ital al}., Plasma Phys. {bold 36}, 1791 (1994)]. The measured impedance is compared with a simple theoretical model for magnetized homogeneous plasma, in order to establish the presence of bulk or surface waves and of some nonlinear effects when power is raised. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.
Calculation and observation of thermal electrostatic noise in solar wind plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, P. J.

1981-01-01

Calculations, both approximate algebraic and numerical, have been carried out for the noise due to electrostatic waves incident on a dipole antenna. The noise is calculated both for a thermal equilibrium plasma, and one having several components at different temperatures. The results are compared with measurements from the IMP-6 satellite. In various frequency ranges, the noise power is dominated by Langmuir oscillations, by electron acoustic waves and by ion acoustic waves. The measurements are consistent with all of these, although the ion waves are not definitely observed, due to interference from shot noise.
Doublers of electricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Queiroz, Antônio Carlos M.

2007-03-01

This article presents a review of the forgotten history of the doubler of electricity, which by the end of the 18th century was the first apparatus used for the generation of electricity without using friction. Several examples are described, including a new one for a rotating doubler developed as an electrostatic generator.
Electrostatic effects in unfolded staphylococcal nuclease

PubMed Central

Fitzkee, Nicholas C.; García-Moreno E, Bertrand

2008-01-01

Structure-based calculations of pK a values and electrostatic free energies of proteins assume that electrostatic effects in the unfolded state are negligible. In light of experimental evidence showing that this assumption is invalid for many proteins, and with increasing awareness that the unfolded state is more structured and compact than previously thought, a detailed examination of electrostatic effects in unfolded proteins is warranted. Here we address this issue with structure-based calculations of electrostatic interactions in unfolded staphylococcal nuclease. The approach involves the generation of ensembles of structures representing the unfolded state, and calculation of Coulomb energies to Boltzmann weight the unfolded state ensembles. Four different structural models of the unfolded state were tested. Experimental proton binding data measured with a variant of nuclease that is unfolded under native conditions were used to establish the validity of the calculations. These calculations suggest that weak Coulomb interactions are an unavoidable property of unfolded proteins. At neutral pH, the interactions are too weak to organize the unfolded state; however, at extreme pH values, where the protein has a significant net charge, the combined action of a large number of weak repulsive interactions can lead to the expansion of the unfolded state. The calculated pK a values of ionizable groups in the unfolded state are similar but not identical to the values in small peptides in water. These studies suggest that the accuracy of structure-based calculations of electrostatic contributions to stability cannot be improved unless electrostatic effects in the unfolded state are calculated explicitly. PMID:18227429
Improvement of energy conversion effectiveness and maximum output power of electrostatic induction-type MEMS energy harvesters by using symmetric comb-electrode structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honma, H.; Mitsuya, H.; Hashiguchi, G.; Fujita, H.; Toshiyoshi, H.

2018-06-01

We introduce symmetric comb-electrode structures for the electrostatic vibrational MEMS energy harvester to lower the electrostatic constraint force attributed to the built-in electret potential, thereby allowing the harvester device to operate in a small acceleration range of 0.05 g or lower (1 g = 9.8 m s‑2). Given the same device structure, two different potentials for the electret are tested to experimentally confirm that the output induction current is enhanced 4.2 times by increasing the electret potential from ‑60 V to ‑250 V. At the same time, the harvester effectiveness has been improved to as high as 93%. The device is used to swiftly charge a 470 µF storage capacitor to 3.3 V in 120 s from small sinusoidal vibrations of 0.6 g at 124 Hz.
Geophysical Remote Sensing Using the HF Pumped Stimulated Brillouin Scatter (SBS) Emission Lines Produced by HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernhardt, P. A.; Selcher, C. A.

2009-12-01

An ordinary or extraordinary mode electromagnetic wave can decay into a low frequency electrostatic wave and a scattered electromagnetic wave by a process called stimulated Brillouin scatter (SBS). The low frequency wave can be either an ion acoustic wave (IA) or an electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) wave. The first detection ion acoustic waves by this process during ionospheric modification with high power radio waves was reported by Norin et al. (2009) using the HAARP transmitter in Alaska. The first detection of the electrostatic ion cyclotron waves is reported here using HAARP during the March 2009 campaign. Subsequent experiments have provided additional verification of the SBS process and quantitative interpretation of the scattered wave frequency offsets to yield measurements of the electron temperatures in the heated ionosphere by Bernhardt et al. (2009). Using the SBS technique to generate ion acoustic waves, electron temperatures between 3000 and 4000 K were measured over the HAARP facility. The matching conditions for decay of the high frequency pump wave show that in addition to the production of an ion-acoustic wave, an electrostatic ion cyclotron wave can produced by the generalized SBS processes only if the pump waves makes a large angle with the magnetic field. When the EIC mode is produced, it is seen as a narrow of stimulated electromagnetic emissions at the ion cyclotron frequency. Occasionally, multiple lines are seen and analyzed to yield the relative abundance of oxygen, and molecular ions in the lower ionosphere. This ion mass spectrometer interpretation of the SBS data is new to the field of ionosphere remote sensing. In addition, based on the matching condition theory, the first profiles of the scattered wave amplitude are produced using the stimulated Brillouin scatter (SBS) matching conditions. These profiles are consistent with maximum ionospheric interactions at the upper-hybrid resonance height and at a region just below the plasma resonance altitude where the pump wave electric fields reach their maximum values. All of these measurements of the HF modified ionosphere are made possible at HAARP because of (1) the recently increased transmitter power to 3.6 MW into the large antenna array and (2) the new digital receiver diagnostics that allow up to 100 dB dynamic range in the stimulated electromagnetic emission measurements. Paul A. Bernhardt, Craig A. Selcher, Robert H. Lehmberg, Serafin Rodriguez, Joe Thomason, Mike McCarrick, Gordon Frazer, Determination of the Electron Temperature in the Modified Ionosphere over HAARP Using the HF Pumped Stimulated Brillouin Scatter (SBS) Emission Lines, Annales Geophysicae, in press, 2009. Norin, L., Leyser, T. B., Nordblad, E., Thidé, B., and McCarrick, M., Unprecedentedly strong and narrow electromagnetic emissions stimulated by high-frequency radio waves in the ionosphere, Phys. Rev. Lett., 102, 065003, 2009.
Investigation on emission characteristics of metal-ceramic cathode applied to industrial X-ray diode.

PubMed

Xun, Ma; Jianqiang, Yuan; Hongwei, Liu; Hongtao, Li; Lingyun, Wang; Ping, Jiang

2016-06-01

The industrial x-ray diode with high impedance configuration is usually adopted to generate repetitive x-ray, but its performance would be worsened due to lower electric field on the cathode of diode when a voltage of several hundreds of kV is applied. To improve its performance, a novel metal-ceramic cathode is proposed in this paper. Key factors (width, relative permittivity of ceramic, and so on) affecting electric field distribution on triple points are analyzed by electrostatic field calculation program, so as to optimize the design of this novel cathode. Experiments are done to study the characteristics including emission current of cathode, diode voltage duration, diode mean dynamic impedance, and diode impedance drop velocity within diode power duration. The results show that metal-ceramic cathode could improve diode performance by enhancing emission current and stabling impedance; the impedance drop velocity of diode with spoke-shaped metal-ceramic cathode was reduced to -5 Ω ns(-1) within diode power duration, comparing to -15 Ω ns(-1) with metal foil cathode.
Direct numerical simulations of an arc-powered heater for used in a hypersonic wind tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Pilbum; Panesi, Marco; Freund, Jonathan

2017-11-01

We study a model arc-heater using direct numerical simulations, in a configuration motivated by its used to generated inflow of a high-speed wind tunnel for hypersonics research. The flow is assumed to be in local thermal equilibrium (LTE) and is modeled with with 11 species (N2, O2, NO, N, O, N2+,O2+,NO+, N+, O+, e-). The flow equations are solved in conjunction with an electrostatic field solver and the gas electric conductivity in LTE. The flow rate and the mean arc power are set to be 50.42 g/s and 84.7 kW with 214.0 V of the mean arc voltage , respectively. We study the flow details, the heading and thrust mechanisms, and make general comparisons with a corresponding, though geometrically more complex, experimental configuration. We particularly interested in the radical species it produces and will potentially be present in the wind-tunnel test section. This material is based in part upon work supported by the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, under Award Number DE-NA0002374.
Overview of the future upgrade of the INFN-LNS superconducting cyclotron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calabretta, Luciano; Calanna, Alessandra; Cuttone, Giacomo; D'Agostino, Grazia; Rifuggiato, Danilo; Domenico Russo, Antonio

2017-06-01

The LNS Superconducting Cyclotron, named “Ciclotrone Superconduttore” (CS), has been in operation for more than 20 years. A wide range of ion species from hydrogen to lead, with energy in the range 10 to 80 AMeV, have been delivered to users. The maximum beam power is limited to 100 W due to the beam dissipation on the electrostatic deflectors. To fulfil the demand of users aiming at studying rare processes in nuclear physics, an upgrade of the cyclotron is necessarily intended to increase the intensity of ion beams with mass lower than 40 a.m.u. up to a power 10 kW. This will be achieved by means of extraction by stripping. This solution needs to replace the cryostat including the superconducting coils. The present capability of the cyclotron will be maintained, i.e. all the ion species allowed by the operating diagram will be available, being extracted by electrostatic extraction. In addition to the high power beams for nuclear physics, it will be possible to produce medical radioisotopes like 211At using an internal target.
Harvesting Vibrational Energy Using Material Work Functions

PubMed Central

Varpula, Aapo; Laakso, Sampo J.; Havia, Tahvo; Kyynäräinen, Jukka; Prunnila, Mika

2014-01-01

Vibration energy harvesters scavenge energy from mechanical vibrations to energise low power electronic devices. In this work, we report on vibration energy harvesting scheme based on the charging phenomenon occurring naturally between two bodies with different work functions. Such work function energy harvester (WFEH) is similar to electrostatic energy harvester with the fundamental distinction that neither external power supplies nor electrets are needed. A theoretical model and description of different operation modes of WFEHs are presented. The WFEH concept is tested with macroscopic experiments, which agree well with the model. The feasibility of miniaturizing WFEHs is shown by simulating a realistic MEMS device. The WFEH can be operated as a charge pump that pushes charge and energy into an energy storage element. We show that such an operation mode is highly desirable for applications and that it can be realised with either a charge shuttle or with switches. The WFEH is shown to give equal or better output power in comparison to traditional electrostatic harvesters. Our findings indicate that WFEH has great potential in energy harvesting applications. PMID:25348004
A 3D QSAR CoMFA study of non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belvisi, Laura; Bravi, Gianpaolo; Catalano, Giovanna; Mabilia, Massimo; Salimbeni, Aldo; Scolastico, Carlo

1996-12-01

A series of non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists was investigated with the aim of developing a 3D QSAR model using comparative molecular field analysis descriptors and approaches. The main goals of the study were dictated by an interest in methodologies and an understanding of the binding requirements to the AT1 receptor. Consistency with the previously derived activity models was always checked to contemporarily test the validity of the various hypotheses. The specific conformations chosen for the study, the procedures invoked to superimpose all structures, the conditions employed to generate steric and electrostatic field values and the various PCA/PLS runs are discussed in detail. The effect of experimental design techniques to select objects (molecules) and variables (descriptors) with respect to the predictive power of the QSAR models derived was especially analysed.
A New Electron Source for Laboratory Simulation of the Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krause, Linda Habash; Everding, Daniel; Bonner, Mathew; Swan, Brian

2012-01-01

We have developed a new collimated electron source called the Photoelectron Beam Generator (PEBG) for laboratory and spaceflight applications. This technology is needed to replace traditional cathodes because of serious fundamental weaknesses with the present state of the art. Filament cathodes suffer from numerous practical problems, even if expertly designed, including the dependence of electron emission on filament temperature, short lifetimes (approx 100 hours), and relatively high power (approx 10s of W). Other types of cathodes have solved some of these problems, but they are plagued with other difficult problems, such as the Spindt cathode's extreme sensitivity to molecular oxygen. None to date have been able to meet the demand of long lifetime, robust packaging, and precision energy and flux control. This new cathode design avoids many common pitfalls of traditional cathodes. Specifically, there are no fragile parts, no sensitivity to oxygen, no intrinsic emission dependencies on device temperature, and no vacuum requirements for protecting the source from contamination or damage. Recent advances in high-brightness Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have provided the key enabling technology for this new electron source. The LEDs are used to photoeject electrons off a target material of a low work-function, and these photoelectrons are subsequently focused into a laminar beam using electrostatic lenses. The PEBG works by illuminating a target material and steering photoelectrons into a laminar beam using electrostatic lenses
The Lamont--Doherty Geological Observatory Isolab 54 isotope ratio mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

England, J. G.; Zindler, A.; Reisberg, L. C.; Rubenstone, J. L.; Salters, V.; Marcantonio, F.; Bourdon, B.; Brueckner, H.; Turner, P. J.; Weaver, S.; Read, P.

1992-12-01

The Lamont--Doherty Geological Observatory (LDGO) Isolab 54 is a double focussing isotope ratio mass spectrometer that allows the measurement of thermal ions produced on a hot filament, (thermal-ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS)), secondary ions produced by sputtering a sample using a primary ion beam, (secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)), and sputtered neutrals resonantly ionized using laser radiation, (sputter-induced resonance ionization mass spectrometry (SIRIMS)). Sputtering is carried out using an Ar primary beam generated in a duoplasmatron and focussed onto the sample using a two-lens column. Resonance ionization is accomplished using a frequency-doubled dye laser pumped by an excimer laser. The Isolab's forward geometry analyzer, consisting of an electrostatic followed by a magnetic sector, allows the simultaneous collection of different isotopes of the same element. This instrument is the first to have a multicollector that contains an ion-counting system based on a microchannel plate as well as traditional Faraday cups. A second electrostatic sector after the multicollector is equipped with an ion-counting Daly detector to allow high abundance sensitivity for measurements of large dynamics range. Selectable source, collector, [alpha] and energy slits on the instrument allow analyses to be made over a range of mass resolving powers and analyzer acceptances. Recent applications of the instrument have included the analyses of U by TIMS, Hf, Th and Re by SIMS and Re and Os by SIRIMS.
Estimates of increased black carbon emissions from electrostatic precipitators during powdered activated carbon injection for mercury emissions control.

PubMed

Clack, Herek L

2012-07-03

The behavior of mercury sorbents within electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) is not well-understood, despite a decade or more of full-scale testing. Recent laboratory results suggest that powdered activated carbon exhibits somewhat different collection behavior than fly ash in an ESP and particulate filters located at the outlet of ESPs have shown evidence of powdered activated carbon penetration during full-scale tests of sorbent injection for mercury emissions control. The present analysis considers a range of assumed differential ESP collection efficiencies for powdered activated carbon as compared to fly ash. Estimated emission rates of submicrometer powdered activated carbon are compared to estimated emission rates of particulate carbon on submicrometer fly ash, each corresponding to its respective collection efficiency. To the extent that any emitted powdered activated carbon exhibits size and optical characteristics similar to black carbon, such emissions could effectively constitute an increase in black carbon emissions from coal-based stationary power generation. The results reveal that even for the low injection rates associated with chemically impregnated carbons, submicrometer particulate carbon emissions can easily double if the submicrometer fraction of the native fly ash has a low carbon content. Increasing sorbent injection rates, larger collection efficiency differentials as compared to fly ash, and decreasing sorbent particle size all lead to increases in the estimated submicrometer particulate carbon emissions.
Tailoring nanoscale morphology of polymer: Fullerene blends using electrostatic field

DOE PAGES

Elshobaki, Moneim; Gebhardt, Ryan; Carr, John; ...

2016-12-05

In this paper, to tailor the nanoscale phase separation in polymer/fullerene blends, we study the effect of electrostatic field (E-field) on the solidification of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 60BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ). In addition to untreated sample (control); wet P3HT:PC 60BM thin films were exposed to E-field of Van de Graaff (VDG) generator at three different directions – horizontal (H), tilted (T) and vertical (V) – relative to the plane of the substrate. Surface and bulk characterizations of field-treated BHJs affirm that fullerene molecules can easily penetrate the spaghetti-like P3HT and move up and down following themore » E-field. E-field treatment yields thin films with large P3HT- and PCBM-rich domains acting as continuous pathways for efficient charge separation, transport, and collection. We improve; (1) the hole mobility values up to 19.4 × 10 -4 ± 1.6 × 10 -4 cm 2 V -1 s -1 (117% higher than the control), and (2) power conversion efficient (PCE) of conventional and inverted OPVs recording 2.58 ± 0.02% and 4.1 ± 0.4%. This E-field approach can serve as a new morphology-tuning technique, which is generally applicable to other polymer-fullerene systems.« less
On-Orbit 3-Dimensional Electrostatic Detumble for Generic Spacecraft Geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bennett, Trevor J.

In recent years, there is a growing interest in active debris removal and on-orbit servicing of Earth orbiting assets. The growing need for such approaches is often exemplified by the Iridium-Kosmos collision in 2009 that generated thousands of debris fragments. There exists a variety of active debris removal and on-orbit servicing technologies in development. Conventional docking mechanisms and mechanical capture by actuated manipulators, exemplified by NASA's Restore-L mission, require slow target tumble rates or more aggressive circumnavigation rate matching. The tumble rate limitations can be overcome with flexible capture systems such nets, harpoons, or tethers yet these systems require complex deployment, towing, and/or interfacing strategies to avoid servicer and target damage. Alternatively, touchless methods overcome the tumble rate limitations by provide detumble control prior to a mechanical interface. This thesis explores electrostatic detumble technology to touchlessly reduce large target rotation rates of Geostationary satellites and debris. The technical challenges preceding flight implementation largely reside in the long-duration formation flying guidance, navigation, and control of a servicer spacecraft equipped with electrostatic charge transfer capability. Leveraging prior research into the electrostatic charging of spacecraft, electrostatic detumble control formulations are developed for both axisymmetric and generic target geometries. A novel relative position vector and associated relative orbit control approach is created to manage the long-duration proximity operations. Through detailed numerical simulations, the proposed detumble and relative motion control formulations demonstrate detumble of several thousand kilogram spacecraft tumbling at several degrees per second in only several days. The availability, either through modeling or sensing, of the relative attitude, relative position, and electrostatic potential are among key concerns with implementation of electrostatic detumble control on-orbit. Leveraging an extended Kalman filter scheme, the relative position information is readily obtained. In order to touchlessly acquire the target electrostatic potential, a nested two-time scale Kalman filter is employed to provide real-time estimates of both relative position and electrostatic potential while on-orbit. The culmination of the presented control formulations for generic spacecraft geometries, the proximity and formation flying control capability, and the availability of necessary state information provide significant contributions towards the viability of electrostatic detumble mission concepts.
Heat Pipes Cool Power Magnetics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, I.; Chester, M.; Luedke, E.

1983-01-01

Configurations originally developed for space use are effective in any orientation. Heat pipes integrated into high-power, high-frequency, highvoltage spaceflight magnetics reduce weight and improve reliability by lowering internal tempertures. Two heat pipes integrated in design of power transformer cool unit in any orientation. Electrostatic shield conducts heat from windings to heat pipe evaporator. Technology allows dramatic reductions in size and weight, while significantly improving reliability. In addition, all attitude design of heat pipes allows operation of heat pipes independent of local gravity forces.

A CONTINUED INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRICALLY STIMULATED FABRIC FILTRATION

EPA Science Inventory

The report summarizes three experiments performed by Southern Research Institute under a cooperative agreement with EPA. First was a demonstration of electrostatically stimulated fabric filtration (ESFF) used to collect particulate matter (PM) from fossil fuel electrical power pl...
Solar Wind Strahl Broadening by Self-Generated Plasma Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pavan, J.; Vinas, A. F.; Yoon, P. H.; Ziebell, L. F.; Gaelzer, R.

2013-01-01

This Letter reports on the results of numerical simulations which may provide a possible explanation for the strahl broadening during quiet solar conditions. The relevant processes involved in the broadening are due to kinetic quasi-linear wave-particle interaction. Making use of static analytical electron distribution in an inhomogeneous field, it is found that self-generated electrostatic waves at the plasma frequency, i.e., Langmuir waves, are capable of scattering the strahl component, resulting in energy and pitch-angle diffusion that broadens its velocity distribution significantly. The present theoretical results provide an alternative or complementary explanation to the usual whistler diffusion scenario, suggesting that self-induced electrostatic waves at the plasma frequency might play a key role in broadening the solar wind strahl during quiet solar conditions.
Footwear and flooring: charge generation in combination with a person as influenced by environmental moisture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swenson, D. E.

2015-10-01

It is well known that a person walking on a floor will liberate electrostatic charge. The amount of charge that can be accumulated on a person by walking is dependent on many factors that are also well understood. Among these factors is the electrical resistance between a person and ground. The electrical resistance of footwear, other clothing, a person's skin resistance and the contact resistance between footwear and the floor impact the total resistance of the system. As important as measuring resistance may be as an evaluation method, it does not take into account triboelectric generation of charge. The recent revisions of ANSI/ESD S20.20[1] from the ESD Association and IEC61340-5-1[2] from IEC TC101 - Electrostatics, both include a dynamic walking test since experience in recent years has shown that resistance alone does not predict how a footwear and flooring system will actually perform. The USA group ASHRAE1, commissioned a study to evaluate electrostatic charge generation inside data centres as influenced by environmental moisture (relative and absolute humidity)[3][4]. The reason for this study is that past data centre operating guidelines have called for a very narrow range of temperature and humidity control, largely because of the anecdotal evidence that moderate to high RH impacts static electricity generation and accumulation. This results in a massive consumption of electricity to maintain a narrow window of temperature and environmental moisture. Broadening or eliminating humidity controls could result in a major saving of electricity and money.
A cost-benefit analysis of a pellet boiler with electrostatic precipitator versus conventional biomass technology: A case study of an institutional boiler in Syracuse, New York.

PubMed

Levy, Jonathan I; Biton, Leiran; Hopke, Philip K; Zhang, K Max; Rector, Lisa

2017-07-01

Biomass facilities have received increasing attention as a strategy to increase the use of renewable fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions from the electric generation and heating sectors, but these facilities can potentially increase local air pollution and associated health effects. Comparing the economic costs and public health benefits of alternative biomass fuel, heating technology, and pollution control technology options provides decision-makers with the necessary information to make optimal choices in a given location. For a case study of a combined heat and power biomass facility in Syracuse, New York, we used stack testing to estimate emissions of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) for both the deployed technology (staged combustion pellet boiler with an electrostatic precipitator) and a conventional alternative (wood chip stoker boiler with a multicyclone). We used the atmospheric dispersion model AERMOD to calculate the contribution of either fuel-technology configuration to ambient primary PM 2.5 in a 10km×10km region surrounding the facility, and we quantified the incremental contribution to population mortality and morbidity. We assigned economic values to health outcomes and compared the health benefits of the lower-emitting technology with the incremental costs. In total, the incremental annualized cost of the lower-emitting pellet boiler was $190,000 greater, driven by a greater cost of the pellet fuel and pollution control technology, offset in part by reduced fuel storage costs. PM 2.5 emissions were a factor of 23 lower with the pellet boiler with electrostatic precipitator, with corresponding differences in contributions to ambient primary PM 2.5 concentrations. The monetary value of the public health benefits of selecting the pellet-fired boiler technology with electrostatic precipitator was $1.7 million annually, greatly exceeding the differential costs even when accounting for uncertainties. Our analyses also showed complex spatial patterns of health benefits given non-uniform age distributions and air pollution levels. The incremental investment in a lower-emitting staged combustion pellet boiler with an electrostatic precipitator was well justified by the population health improvements over the conventional wood chip technology with a multicyclone, even given the focus on only primary PM 2.5 within a small spatial domain. Our analytical framework could be generalized to other settings to inform optimal strategies for proposed new facilities or populations. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Highly reliable wind-rolling triboelectric nanogenerator operating in a wide wind speed range

PubMed Central

Yong, Hyungseok; Chung, Jihoon; Choi, Dukhyun; Jung, Daewoong; Cho, Minhaeng; Lee, Sangmin

2016-01-01

Triboelectric nanogenerators are aspiring energy harvesting methods that generate electricity from the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. This study demonstrates the harvesting of wind energy by a wind-rolling triboelectric nanogenerator (WR-TENG). The WR-TENG generates electricity from wind as a lightweight dielectric sphere rotates along the vortex whistle substrate. Increasing the kinetic energy of a dielectric converted from the wind energy is a key factor in fabricating an efficient WR-TENG. Computation fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is introduced to estimate the precise movements of wind flow and to create a vortex flow by adjusting the parameters of the vortex whistle shape to optimize the design parameters to increase the kinetic energy conversion rate. WR-TENG can be utilized as both a self-powered wind velocity sensor and a wind energy harvester. A single unit of WR-TENG produces open-circuit voltage of 11.2 V and closed-circuit current of 1.86 μA. Additionally, findings reveal that the electrical power is enhanced through multiple electrode patterns in a single device and by increasing the number of dielectric spheres inside WR-TENG. The wind-rolling TENG is a novel approach for a sustainable wind-driven TENG that is sensitive and reliable to wind flows to harvest wasted wind energy in the near future. PMID:27653976
Design and Preliminary Performance Testing of Electronegative Gas Plasma Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Thomas M.; Schloeder, Natalie R.; Walker, Mitchell L. R.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Dankanich, John W.; Aanesland, Ane

2014-01-01

In classical gridded electrostatic ion thrusters, positively charged ions are generated from a plasma discharge of noble gas propellant and accelerated to provide thrust. To maintain overall charge balance on the propulsion system, a separate electron source is required to neutralize the ion beam as it exits the thruster. However, if high-electronegativity propellant gases (e.g., sulfur hexafluoride) are instead used, a plasma discharge can result consisting of both positively and negatively charged ions. Extracting such electronegative plasma species for thrust generation (e.g., with time-varying, bipolar ion optics) would eliminate the need for a separate neutralizer cathode subsystem. In addition for thrusters utilizing a RF plasma discharge, further simplification of the ion thruster power system may be possible by also using the RF power supply to bias the ion optics. Recently, the PEGASES (Plasma propulsion with Electronegative gases) thruster prototype successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept operations in alternatively accelerating positively and negatively charged ions from a RF discharge of a mixture of argon and sulfur hexafluoride.i In collaboration with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the Georgia Institute of Technology High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory (HPEPL) is applying the lessons learned from PEGASES design and testing to develop a new thruster prototype. This prototype will incorporate design improvements and undergo gridless operational testing and diagnostics checkout at HPEPL in April 2014. Performance mapping with ion optics will be conducted at NASA MSFC starting in May 2014. The proposed paper discusses the design and preliminary performance testing of this electronegative gas plasma thruster prototype.
Understanding selected trace elements behavior in a coal-fired power plant in Malaysia for assessment of abatement technologies.

PubMed

Mokhtar, Mutahharah M; Taib, Rozainee M; Hassim, Mimi H

2014-08-01

The Proposed New Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 201X (Draft), which replaces the Malaysia Environmental Quality (Clean Air) 1978, specifies limits to additional pollutants from power generation using fossil fuel. The new pollutants include Hg, HCl, and HF with limits of 0.03, 100, and 15 mg/N-m3 at 6% O2, respectively. These pollutants are normally present in very small concentrations (known as trace elements [TEs]), and hence are often neglected in environmental air quality monitoring in Malaysia. Following the enactment of the new regulation, it is now imperative to understand the TEs behavior and to assess the capability of the existing abatement technologies to comply with the new emission limits. This paper presents the comparison of TEs behavior of the most volatile (Hg, Cl, F) and less volatile (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Ni, Se, Pb) elements in subbituminous and bituminous coal and coal combustion products (CCP) (i.e., fly ash and bottom ash) from separate firing of subbituminous and bituminous coal in a coal-fired power plant in Malaysia. The effect of air pollution control devices configuration in removal of TEs was also investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of abatement technologies used in the plant. This study showed that subbituminous and bituminous coals and their CCPs have different TEs behavior. It is speculated that ash content could be a factor for such diverse behavior In addition, the type of coal and the concentrations of TEs in feed coal were to some extent influenced by the emission of TEs in flue gas. The electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and seawater flue gas desulfurization (FGD) used in the studied coal-fired power plant were found effective in removing TEs in particulate and vapor form, respectively, as well as complying with the new specified emission limits. Implications: Coals used by power plants in Peninsular Malaysia come from the same supplier (Tenaga Nasional Berhad Fuel Services), which is a subsidiary of the Malaysia electricity provider (Tenaga Nasional Berhad). Therefore, this study on trace elements behavior in a coal-fired power plant in Malaysia could represent emission from other plants in Peninsular Malaysia. By adhering to the current coal specifications and installation of electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and flue gas desulfurization, the plants could comply with the limits specified in the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE) Scheduled Waste Guideline for bottom ash and fly ash and the Proposed New Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 201X (Draft).
Particulate matter emissions from combustion of wood in district heating applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghafghazi, S.; Sowlati, T.; Sokhansanj, Shahabaddine

2011-01-01

The utilization of wood biomass to generate district heat and power in communities that have access to this energy source is increasing. In this paper the effect of wood fuel properties, combustion condition, and flue gas cleaning system on variation in the amount and formation of particles in the flue gas of typical district heating wood boilers are discussed based on the literature survey. Direct measurements of particulate matter (PM) emissions from wood boilers with district heating applications are reviewed and presented. Finally, recommendations are given regarding the selection of wood fuel, combustion system condition, and flue gas cleaning systemmore » in district heating systems in order to meet stringent air quality standards. It is concluded that utilization of high quality wood fuel, such as wood pellets produced from natural, uncontaminated stem wood, would generate the least PM emissions compared to other wood fuel types. Particulate matter emissions from grate burners equipped with electrostatic precipitators when using wood pellets can be well below stringent regulatory emission limit such as particulate emission limit of Metro Vancouver, Canada.« less
3D Localized Trions in Monolayer WSe2 in a Charge Tunable van der Waals Heterostructure.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Chitraleema; Qiu, Liangyu; Konthasinghe, Kumarasiri; Mukherjee, Arunabh; Dhara, Sajal; Vamivakas, Nick

2018-05-09

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have recently emerged as a host material for localized optically active quantum emitters that generate single photons. (1-5) Here, we investigate fully localized excitons and trions from such TMDC quantum emitters embedded in a van der Waals heterostructure. We use direct electrostatic doping through the vertical heterostructure device assembly to generate quantum confined trions. Distinct spectral jumps as a function of applied voltage bias, and excitation power-dependent charging, demonstrate the observation of the two different excitonic complexes. We also observe a reduction of the intervalley electron-hole exchange interaction in the confined trion due to the addition of an extra electron, which is manifested by a decrease in its fine structure splitting. We further confirm this decrease of exchange interaction for the case of the charged states by a comparative study of the circular polarization resolved photoluminescence from individual excitonic states. The valley polarization selection rules inherited by the localized trions will provide a pathway toward realizing a localized spin-valley-photon interface.
Generation of ordinary mode electromagnetic radiation near the upper hybrid frequency in the magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ashour-Abdalla, M.; Okuda, H.

1984-01-01

It is shown by means of plasma numerical simulations that long-wavelength ordinary mode electromagnetic radiation can be generated from short-wavelength electrostatic waves near the upper hybrid resonance frequency in an inhomogeneous plasma. A possible relation of this process to nonthermal continuum radiation in the magnetosphere is discussed.
Generation of nonthermal continuum radiation in the magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okuda, H.; Chance, M. S.; Ashour-Abdalla, M.; Kurth, W. S.

1982-01-01

Generation of electromagnetic continuum radiation from electrostatic fluctuations near the upper hybrid resonance frequency has been calculated by using cold plasma theory in an inhomogeneous plasma near the plasmapause. It is shown that both the polarization and the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation are in good quantitative agreement with spacecraft observations for nonthermal continuum radiation.
Electrostatically focused addressable field emission array chips (AFEA's) for high-speed massively parallel maskless digital E-beam direct write lithography and scanning electron microscopy

DOEpatents

Thomas, Clarence E.; Baylor, Larry R.; Voelkl, Edgar; Simpson, Michael L.; Paulus, Michael J.; Lowndes, Douglas H.; Whealton, John H.; Whitson, John C.; Wilgen, John B.

2002-12-24

Systems and methods are described for addressable field emission array (AFEA) chips. A method of operating an addressable field-emission array, includes: generating a plurality of electron beams from a pluralitly of emitters that compose the addressable field-emission array; and focusing at least one of the plurality of electron beams with an on-chip electrostatic focusing stack. The systems and methods provide advantages including the avoidance of space-charge blow-up.
Electrostatic monitoring

DOEpatents

Orr, Christopher Henry; Luff, Craig Janson; Dockray, Thomas; Macarthur, Duncan Whittemore

2001-01-01

The apparatus and method provide a technique for more simply measuring alpha and/or beta emissions arising from items or locations. The technique uses indirect monitoring of the emissions by detecting ions generated by the emissions, the ions being attracted electrostatically to electrodes for discharge of collection. The apparatus and method employ a chamber which is sealed around the item or location during monitoring with no air being drawn into or expelled from the chamber during the monitoring process. A simplified structure and operations arises as a result, but without impairing the efficiency and accuracy of the detection technique.
The effect of actuator nozzle designs on the electrostatic charge generated in pressurised metered dose inhaler aerosols.

PubMed

Chen, Yang; Young, Paul M; Fletcher, David F; Chan, Hak Kim; Long, Edward; Lewis, David; Church, Tanya; Traini, Daniela

2015-04-01

To investigate the influence of different actuator nozzle designs on aerosol electrostatic charges and aerosol performances for pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). Four actuator nozzle designs (flat, curved flat, cone and curved cone) were manufactured using insulating thermoplastics (PET and PTFE) and conducting metal (aluminium) materials. Aerosol electrostatic profiles of solution pMDI formulations containing propellant HFA 134a with different ethanol concentration and/or model drug beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) were studied using a modified electrical low-pressure impactor (ELPI) for all actuator designs and materials. The mass of the deposited drug was analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both curved nozzle designs for insulating PET and PTFE actuators significantly influenced aerosol electrostatics and aerosol performance compared with conducting aluminium actuator, where reversed charge polarity and higher throat deposition were observed with pMDI formulation containing BDP. Results are likely due to the changes in plume geometry caused by the curved edge nozzle designs and the bipolar charging nature of insulating materials. This study demonstrated that actuator nozzle designs could significantly influence the electrostatic charges profiles and aerosol drug deposition pattern of pMDI aerosols, especially when using insulating thermoplastic materials where bipolar charging is more dominant.
A universal approach to fabricate ordered colloidal crystals arrays based on electrostatic self-assembly.

PubMed

Zhang, Xun; Zhang, Junhu; Zhu, Difu; Li, Xiao; Zhang, Xuemin; Wang, Tieqiang; Yang, Bai

2010-12-07

We present a novel and simple method to fabricate two-dimensional (2D) poly(styrene sulfate) (PSS, negatively charged) colloidal crystals on a positively charged substrate. Our strategy contains two separate steps: one is the three-dimensional (3D) assembly of PSS particles in ethanol, and the other is electrostatic adsorption in water. First, 3D assembly in ethanol phase eliminates electrostatic attractions between colloids and the substrate. As a result, high-quality colloidal crystals are easily generated, for electrostatic attractions are unfavorable for the movement of colloidal particles during convective self-assembly. Subsequently, top layers of colloidal spheres are washed away in the water phase, whereas well-packed PSS colloids that are in contact with the substrate are tightly linked due to electrostatic interactions, resulting in the formation of ordered arrays of 2D colloidal spheres. Cycling these processes leads to the layer-by-layer assembly of 3D colloidal crystals with controllable layers. In addition, this strategy can be extended to the fabrication of patterned 2D colloidal crystals on patterned polyelectrolyte surfaces, not only on planar substrates but also on nonplanar substrates. This straightforward method may open up new possibilities for practical use of colloidal crystals of excellent quality, various patterns, and controllable fashions.
Control system adds to precipitator efficiency

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gurrole, G.

1978-02-01

An electrostatic precipitator in use at Lion Oil Co., Martinez, Calif., in a fluid catalytic cracking and CO boiler application, was upgraded by mechanical sectionalization of the gas passage and a new electronic control system. The electrostatic precipitator is installed upstream of the CO boiler to handle gas flow up to 4.77 ft/sec, and pressure to 4.5 psi. The independent gas chambers in the electrostatic precipitator were divided by installing gas-tight partition walls to form a total of four electrostatic fields. The precipitator was also equipped with adjustable inlet gas flow-control baffles for even gas distribution. Rows of grounded collectingmore » electrodes are parallel with the flow of gas. The emitting electrode system, powered by separate high-energy transformers for each collecting field, uses silicon-controlled rectifiers and analog electronic networks for rapid response to changing gas and dust conditions. Regulatory requirements call for efficient collection of catalyst fines with no more than 40 lb/hr escaping through the boiler stack. Currently, stack losses average about 38 lb/hr. The installation of two additional control systems with transformers and rectifiers should reduce stack losses to 34 lb/hr.« less
Multipolar electrostatics based on the Kriging machine learning method: an application to serine.

PubMed

Yuan, Yongna; Mills, Matthew J L; Popelier, Paul L A

2014-04-01

A multipolar, polarizable electrostatic method for future use in a novel force field is described. Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) is used to partition the electron density of a chemical system into atoms, then the machine learning method Kriging is used to build models that relate the multipole moments of the atoms to the positions of their surrounding nuclei. The pilot system serine is used to study both the influence of the level of theory and the set of data generator methods used. The latter consists of: (i) sampling of protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), or (ii) normal mode distortion along either (a) Cartesian coordinates, or (b) redundant internal coordinates. Wavefunctions for the sampled geometries were obtained at the HF/6-31G(d,p), B3LYP/apc-1, and MP2/cc-pVDZ levels of theory, prior to calculation of the atomic multipole moments by volume integration. The average absolute error (over an independent test set of conformations) in the total atom-atom electrostatic interaction energy of serine, using Kriging models built with the three data generator methods is 11.3 kJ mol⁻¹ (PDB), 8.2 kJ mol⁻¹ (Cartesian distortion), and 10.1 kJ mol⁻¹ (redundant internal distortion) at the HF/6-31G(d,p) level. At the B3LYP/apc-1 level, the respective errors are 7.7 kJ mol⁻¹, 6.7 kJ mol⁻¹, and 4.9 kJ mol⁻¹, while at the MP2/cc-pVDZ level they are 6.5 kJ mol⁻¹, 5.3 kJ mol⁻¹, and 4.0 kJ mol⁻¹. The ranges of geometries generated by the redundant internal coordinate distortion and by extraction from the PDB are much wider than the range generated by Cartesian distortion. The atomic multipole moment and electrostatic interaction energy predictions for the B3LYP/apc-1 and MP2/cc-pVDZ levels are similar, and both are better than the corresponding predictions at the HF/6-31G(d,p) level.
Experimental study of electrostatic discharges of spacecraft solar array protective coatings under radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khasanshin, Rashid; Novikov, Lev

Action of charged particles on low-conductive dielectrics causes formation of areas with a high charge density inside; their fields may give rise to development of electrostatic discharge between the charged area and the surface of the dielectric. Discharge channels are growing due to breakdown of dielectric and formation of a conducting phase. Generation of the channels is a complex stochastic process accompanied by such physical and chemical processes as ionization, gas formation, heating, and so on, which cause formation of conducting phase in a glass. That is why no quantitative theory describing formation of conductive channels has been formulated yet. The study of electrostatic discharges in dielectrics under radiation is essential both from a scientific point of view and for the solution of applied problems. In particular, interaction of a spacecraft with ambient plasma causes accumulation of electric charges on its surface producing, as a consequence, electric potential between the spacecraft surface and the plasma. For example, potentials on the surface of satellites operating on a geostationary orbit reach up to 20 kV. Elec-trostatic discharges caused by such potentials can produce not only the considerable electromag-netic interference, but also lead to the destruction of hardware components and structural ele-ments. Electrostatic charging due to electrons from the Earth’s radiation belts causes degradation of solar arrays as a result of surface and internal electrostatic discharges. In the work, surface of K-208 spacecraft solar array protective coatings irradiated by 20 and 40 keV electrons and protons has studied using by AFM methods. Traces of electrostatic dis-charges at different radiation flux densities were analyzed.
Generation of low-emittance electron beams in electrostatic accelerators for FEL applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Teng; Elias, Luis R.

1995-02-01

This paper reports results of transverse emittance studies and beam propagation in electrostatic accelerators for free electron laser applications. In particular, we discuss emittance growth analysis of a low current electron beam system consisting of a miniature thermoionic electron gun and a National Electrostatics Accelerator (NEC) tube. The emittance growth phenomenon is discussed in terms of thermal effects in the electron gun cathode and aberrations produced by field gradient changes occurring inside the electron gun and throughout the accelerator tube. A method of reducing aberrations using a magnetic solenoidal field is described. Analysis of electron beam emittance was done with the EGUN code. Beam propagation along the accelerator tube was studied using a cylindrically symmetric beam envelope equation that included beam self-fields and the external accelerator fields which were derived from POISSON simulations.
Low Mach-number collisionless electrostatic shocks and associated ion acceleration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pusztai, Istvan; TenBarge, Jason; Csapó, Aletta N.

The existence and properties of low Mach-number (M >~ 1) electrostatic collisionless shocks are investigated with a semi-analytical solution for the shock structure. We show that the properties of the shock obtained in the semi-analytical model can be well reproduced in fully kinetic Eulerian Vlasov-Poisson simulations, where the shock is generated by the decay of an initial density discontinuity. By using this semi-analytical model, we also study the effect of electron-to-ion temperature ratio and presence of impurities on both the maximum shock potential and Mach number. We find that even a small amount of impurities can influence the shock propertiesmore » significantly, including the reflected light ion fraction, which can change several orders of magnitude. Electrostatic shocks in heavy ion plasmas reflect most of the hydrogen impurity ions.« less

Characterization of gigahertz (GHz) bandwidth photomultipliers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abshire, J. B.; Rowe, H. E.

1977-01-01

The average impulse response, root-mean-square times jitter as a function of signal level, single photoelectron distribution, and multiphotoelectron dark-count distribution have been measured for two static crossed-field and five electrostatic photomultipliers. The optical signal source for the first three of these tests was a 30 picosecond mode-locked laser pulse at 0.53 micron. The static crossed-field detectors had 2-photoelectron resolution, less than 200 ps rise times, and rms time jitters of 30 ps at the single photoelectron level. The electrostatic photomultipliers had rise times from 1 to 2.5 nanoseconds, and rms time jitters from 160 to 650 ps at the same signal level. The two static crossed-field photomultipliers had ion-feedback-generated dark pulses to the 50-photoelectron level, whereas one electrostatic photomultiplier had dark pulses to the 30-photoelectron level.
Low Mach-number collisionless electrostatic shocks and associated ion acceleration

DOE PAGES

Pusztai, Istvan; TenBarge, Jason; Csapó, Aletta N.; ...

2017-12-19

The existence and properties of low Mach-number (M >~ 1) electrostatic collisionless shocks are investigated with a semi-analytical solution for the shock structure. We show that the properties of the shock obtained in the semi-analytical model can be well reproduced in fully kinetic Eulerian Vlasov-Poisson simulations, where the shock is generated by the decay of an initial density discontinuity. By using this semi-analytical model, we also study the effect of electron-to-ion temperature ratio and presence of impurities on both the maximum shock potential and Mach number. We find that even a small amount of impurities can influence the shock propertiesmore » significantly, including the reflected light ion fraction, which can change several orders of magnitude. Electrostatic shocks in heavy ion plasmas reflect most of the hydrogen impurity ions.« less
A rapid boundary integral equation technique for protein electrostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grandison, Scott; Penfold, Robert; Vanden-Broeck, Jean-Marc

2007-06-01

A new boundary integral formulation is proposed for the solution of electrostatic field problems involving piecewise uniform dielectric continua. Direct Coulomb contributions to the total potential are treated exactly and Green's theorem is applied only to the residual reaction field generated by surface polarisation charge induced at dielectric boundaries. The implementation shows significantly improved numerical stability over alternative schemes involving the total field or its surface normal derivatives. Although strictly respecting the electrostatic boundary conditions, the partitioned scheme does introduce a jump artefact at the interface. Comparison against analytic results in canonical geometries, however, demonstrates that simple interpolation near the boundary is a cheap and effective way to circumvent this characteristic in typical applications. The new scheme is tested in a naive model to successfully predict the ground state orientation of biomolecular aggregates comprising the soybean storage protein, glycinin.
Effects of chemical releases by the STS-3 Orbiter on the ionosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickett, J. S.; Murphy, G. B.; Kurth, W. S.; Goertz, C. K.; Shawhan, S. D.

1983-01-01

The Plasma Diagnostics Package, flown aboard STS-3 as part of the first Shuttle payload (OSS-1), recorded the effects of various chemical releases from the Orbiter. Changes in the plasma environment was observed during flash evaporator system releases, water dumps and maneuvering thruster operations. During flash evaporator operations, broadband Orbiter-generated electrostatic noise was enhanced and plasma density irregularities were observed to increase by 3 to 30 times with a spectrum which rose steeply and peaked below 6 Hz. In the case of water dumps, background electrostatic noise was enhanced at frequencies below about 3 kHz and suppressed at frequencies above 2 kHz. Thruster activity also stimulated electrostatic noise with a spectrum which peaked at approximately 0.5 kHz. In addition, ions with energies up to 1 keV were seen during some thruster events.
PLASMA EFFECTS ON EXTRAGALACTIC ULTRAHIGH-ENERGY COSMIC-RAY HADRON BEAMS IN COSMIC VOIDS. II. KINETIC INSTABILITY OF PARALLEL ELECTROSTATIC WAVES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krakau, S.; Schlickeiser, R., E-mail: steffen.krakau@rub.de, E-mail: rsch@tp4.rub.de

2016-02-20

The linear instability of an ultrarelativistic hadron beam in the unmagnetized intergalactic medium (IGM) is investigated with respect to the excitation of parallel electrostatic and electromagnetic fluctuations. This analysis is important for the propagation of extragalactic ultrarelativistic cosmic rays from their distant sources to Earth. As opposed to the previous paper, we calculate the minimum instability growth time for Lorentz-distributed cosmic rays which traverse the hot IGM. The growth times are orders of magnitude higher than the cosmic-ray propagation time in the IGM. Since the backreaction of the generated plasma fluctuations (plateauing) lasts longer than the propagation time, the cosmic-raymore » hadron beam can propagate to the Earth without losing a significant amount of energy to electrostatic turbulence.« less
The underlying micro-mechanism of performance enhancement of non-polar n-ZnO/p-AlGaN ultraviolet light emitting diode with i-ZnO inserted layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Fan; Chen, Jingwen; Bi, Han; Li, Luying; Jing, Wenkui; Zhang, Jun; Dai, Jiangnan; Che, Renchao; Chen, Changqing; Gao, Yihua

2018-01-01

Non-polar a-plane n-ZnO/p-AlGaN and n-ZnO/i-ZnO/p-AlGaN heterojunction film light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are fabricated with good crystalline quality. The optical measurements show obvious performance enhancement with i-ZnO layer insertion. Off-axis electron holography reveals a potential drop of ˜1.5 V across the heterojunctions with typical p-n junction characteristics. It is found that the electrostatic potentials are inclined and the corresponding electrostatic fields are opposite to each other in n-ZnO and p-AlGaN regions. The electrostatic fields are mainly attributed to strain induced piezoelectric polarizations. After an insertion of an i-ZnO layer into the p-n heterojunction, comparatively flat electrostatic potential generates in the intrinsic ZnO region and contributes to faster movements of the injected electrons and holes, making the i-ZnO layer more conductive to the radiative recombination with enhanced exciton recombination possibilities and at last the LED performance enhancement.
Role of out-of-plane dielectric thickness in the electrostatic simulation of atomically thin lateral junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nipane, Ankur; Zhang, Yefei; Teherani, James T.

2018-06-01

Two-dimensional materials enable novel electronic and optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties. Device modeling plays a fundamental role in developing these novel devices by providing insights into the underlying physics. In this work, we present the dramatic impact of the simulated out-of-plane dielectric thickness on the electrostatics of lateral junctions formed from atomically thin materials. We show that unlike bulk junctions, the boundary conditions on the edges of the simulation region significantly affect the electrostatics of two-dimensional (2D) lateral junctions by modifying the out-of-plane electric field. We also present an intuitive understanding of the Neumann boundary conditions imposed on the boundaries of the simulation region. The Neumann boundary conditions alter the intended simulation by generating reflections of the device across the boundaries. Finally, we derive a minimal dielectric thickness for a symmetrically doped 2D lateral p-n junction, above which the out-of-plane simulation region boundaries minimally affect the simulated electric field, electrostatic potential, and depletion width of the junction.
A retrospective of the career of Ray Herb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norton, G. A.; Ferry, J. A.; Daniel, R. E.; Klody, G. M.

1999-04-01

Ray Herb's career in the development of electrostatic accelerators spans 65 years. He began in 1933 by pressurizing a Van de Graaff generator, for the first time. Over the next six years, the group at the University of Wisconsin, under his direction, developed the fundamentals of equipotential rings, potential grading, corona triode control, and other basic mechanisms for the practical use of electrostatic accelerators while making fundamental contributions to experimental nuclear physics. This group held the world's record in sustaining potential difference of 4.5 MV. During World War II, he worked on radar at the Radiation Laboratory. After the war, Herb resumed his career with further fundamental contributions including metal/ceramic bonding, ultrahigh vacuum pumping, negative ion source development and metal charge carriers. The company, National Electrostatics, under his direction manufactured the accelerator which still holds the world's record for the highest sustained potential difference of 32±1.5 MV. Throughout his career he led teams which made the electrostatic accelerator a valuable tool for applications in a wide variety of scientific fields, well beyond nuclear physics.
Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, P.; MacArthur, D.W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure is disclosed. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. 4 figs.
Fluctuation spectra in the NASA Lewis bumpy-torus plasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, C. M.; Krawczonek, W. M.; Roth, J. R.; Hong, J. Y.; Powers, E. J.

1978-01-01

The electrostatic potential fluctuation spectrum in the NASA Lewis bumpy-torus plasma was studied with capacitive probes in the low pressure (high impedance) mode and in the high pressure (low impedance) mode. Under different operating conditions, the plasma exhibited electrostatic potential fluctuations (1) at a set of discrete frequencies, (2) at a continuum of frequencies, and (3) as incoherent high-frequency turbulence. The frequencies and azimuthal wave numbers were determined from digitally implemented autopower and cross-power spectra. The azimuthal dispersion characteristics of the unstable waves were examined by varying the electrode voltage, the polarity of the voltage, and the neutral background density at a constant magnetic field strength.
MISSE-7 MESA Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer - Ion Spectra Analysis Preliminary Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enloe, C. L.; Balthazor, R. L.; McHarg, M. G.; Clark, A. L.; Waite, D.; Wallerstein, A. J.; Wilson, K. A.

2011-12-01

The 7th Materials on the International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-7) was launched in November 2009 and retrieved on STS-134 in April 2011. One of the onboard experiments, the Miniaturized Electrostatic Analyzer (MESA), is a small low-cost low-size/weight/power ion and electron spectrometer that was pointed into ram during the majority of the time onboard. Over 800 Mb of data has been obtained by taking spectra every three minutes on-orbit. The data has been analyzed with a novel "parameterizing the parameters" method suitable for on-orbit data analysis using low-cost microcontrollers. Preliminary results are shown.
Satellite auxiliary-propulsion selection techniques. Addendum: A survey of auxiliary electric propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holcomb, L. B.

1971-01-01

A review of electric thrusters for satellite auxiliary propulsion was conducted at JPL during the past year. Comparisons of the various thrusters for attitude propulsion and east-west and north-south stationkeeping were made based upon performance, mass, power, and demonstrated life. Reliability and cost are also discussed. The method of electrical acceleration of propellant served to divide the thruster systems into two groups: electrostatic and electromagnetic. Ion and colloid thrusters fall within the electrostatically accelerated group while MPD and pulsed plasma thrusters comprise the electromagnetically accelerated group. The survey was confined to research in the United States with accent on flight and flight prototype systems.
Fuel-Cell-Powered Vehicle with Hybrid Power Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichenberg, Dennis J.

2010-01-01

Figure 1 depicts a hybrid electric utility vehicle that is powered by hydrogenburning proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells operating in conjunction with a metal hydride hydrogen-storage unit. Unlike conventional hybrid electric vehicles, this vehicle utilizes ultracapacitors, rather than batteries, for storing electric energy. This vehicle is a product of continuing efforts to develop the technological discipline known as hybrid power management (HPM), which is oriented toward integration of diverse electric energy-generating, energy-storing, and energy- consuming devices in optimal configurations. Instances of HPM were reported in five prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, though not explicitly labeled as HPM in the first three articles: "Ultracapacitors Store Energy in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle" (LEW-16876), Vol. 24, No. 4 (April 2000), page 63; "Photovoltaic Power Station With Ultracapacitors for Storage" (LEW- 17177), Vol. 27, No. 8 (August 2003), page 38; "Flasher Powered by Photovoltaic Cells and Ultracapacitors" (LEW-17246), Vol. 27, No. 10 (October 2003), page 37; "Hybrid Power Management" (LEW-17520), Vol. 29, No. 12 (December 2005), page 35; and "Ultracapacitor-Powered Cordless Drill" (LEW-18116-1), Vol. 31, No. 8 (August 2007), page 34. To recapitulate from the cited prior articles: The use of ultracapacitors as energy- storage devices lies at the heart of HPM. An ultracapacitor is an electrochemical energy-storage device, but unlike in a conventional rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery, chemical reactions do not take place during operation. Instead, energy is stored electrostatically at an electrode/electrolyte interface. The capacitance per unit volume of an ultracapacitor is much greater than that of a conventional capacitor because its electrodes have much greater surface area per unit volume and the separation between the electrodes is much smaller.
Electric Potential and Electric Field Imaging with Dynamic Applications & Extensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Ed

2017-01-01

The technology and methods for remote quantitative imaging of electrostatic potentials and electrostatic fields in and around objects and in free space is presented. Electric field imaging (EFI) technology may be applied to characterize intrinsic or existing electric potentials and electric fields, or an externally generated electrostatic field made be used for volumes to be inspected with EFI. The baseline sensor technology (e-Sensor) and its construction, optional electric field generation (quasi-static generator), and current e- Sensor enhancements (ephemeral e-Sensor) are discussed. Critical design elements of current linear and real-time two-dimensional (2D) measurement systems are highlighted, and the development of a three dimensional (3D) EFI system is presented. Demonstrations for structural, electronic, human, and memory applications are shown. Recent work demonstrates that phonons may be used to create and annihilate electric dipoles within structures. Phonon induced dipoles are ephemeral and their polarization, strength, and location may be quantitatively characterized by EFI providing a new subsurface Phonon-EFI imaging technology. Results from real-time imaging of combustion and ion flow, and their measurement complications, will be discussed. Extensions to environment, Space and subterranean applications will be presented, and initial results for quantitative characterizing material properties are shown. A wearable EFI system has been developed by using fundamental EFI concepts. These new EFI capabilities are demonstrated to characterize electric charge distribution creating a new field of study embracing areas of interest including electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation, manufacturing quality control, crime scene forensics, design and materials selection for advanced sensors, combustion science, on-orbit space potential, container inspection, remote characterization of electronic circuits and level of activation, dielectric morphology of structures, tether integrity, organic molecular memory, atmospheric science, weather prediction, earth quake prediction, and medical diagnostic and treatment efficacy applications such as cardiac polarization wave propagation and electromyography imaging.
Next-Generation Microshutter Arrays for Large-Format Imaging and Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moseley, Samuel; Kutyrev, Alexander; Brown, Ari; Li, Mary

2012-01-01

A next-generation microshutter array, LArge Microshutter Array (LAMA), was developed as a multi-object field selector. LAMA consists of small-scaled microshutter arrays that can be combined to form large-scale microshutter array mosaics. Microshutter actuation is accomplished via electrostatic attraction between the shutter and a counter electrode, and 2D addressing can be accomplished by applying an electrostatic potential between a row of shutters and a column, orthogonal to the row, of counter electrodes. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology is used to fabricate the microshutter arrays. The main feature of the microshutter device is to use a set of standard surface micromachining processes for device fabrication. Electrostatic actuation is used to eliminate the need for macromechanical magnet actuating components. A simplified electrostatic actuation with no macro components (e.g. moving magnets) required for actuation and latching of the shutters will make the microshutter arrays robust and less prone to mechanical failure. Smaller-size individual arrays will help to increase the yield and thus reduce the cost and improve robustness of the fabrication process. Reducing the size of the individual shutter array to about one square inch and building the large-scale mosaics by tiling these smaller-size arrays would further help to reduce the cost of the device due to the higher yield of smaller devices. The LAMA development is based on prior experience acquired while developing microshutter arrays for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), but it will have different features. The LAMA modular design permits large-format mosaicking to cover a field of view at least 50 times larger than JWST MSA. The LAMA electrostatic, instead of magnetic, actuation enables operation cycles at least 100 times faster and a mass significantly smaller compared to JWST MSA. Also, standard surface micromachining technology will simplify the fabrication process, increasing yield and reducing cost.
Controlling the size of alginate gel beads by use of a high electrostatic potential.

PubMed

Klokk, T I; Melvik, J E

2002-01-01

The effect of several parameters on the size of alginate beads produced by use of an electrostatic potential bead generator was examined. Parameters studied included needle diameter, electrostatic potential, alginate solution flow rate, gelling ion concentration and alginate concentration and viscosity, as well as alginate composition. Bead size was found to decrease with increasing electrostatic potential, but only down to a certain level. Minimum bead size was reached at between 2-4 kV/cm for the needles tested. The smallest alginate beads produced (using a needle with inner diameter 0.18 mm) had a mean diameter of approximately 300 microm. Bead size was also found to be dependent upon the flow rate of the fed alginate solution. Increasing the gelling ion concentration resulted in a moderate decrease in bead size. The concentration and viscosity of the alginate solution also had an effect on bead size as demonstrated by an increased bead diameter when the concentration or viscosity was increased. This effect was primarily an effect of the viscosity properties of the solution, which led to changes in the rate of droplet formation in the bead generator. Lowering the flow rate of the alginate solution could partly compensate for the increase in bead size with increased viscosity. For a constant droplet size, alginates with a low G block content (F(GG) approximately 0.20) resulted in approximately 30% smaller beads than alginates with a high G block content (F(GG) approximately 0.60). This is explained as a result of differences in the shrinking properties of the beads.
DC voltage fields generated by RF plasmas and their influence on film growth morphology through static attraction to metal wetting layers: Beyond ion bombardment effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butcher, K. S. A.; Terziyska, P. T.; Gergova, R.; Georgiev, V.; Georgieva, D.; Binsted, P. W.; Skerget, S.

2017-01-01

It is shown that attractive electrostatic interactions between regions of positive charge in RF plasmas and the negative charge of metal wetting layers, present during compound semiconductor film growth, can have a greater influence than substrate temperature on film morphology. Using GaN and InN film growth as examples, the DC field component of a remote RF plasma is demonstrated to electrostatically affect metal wetting layers to the point of actually determining the mode of film growth. Examples of enhanced self-seeded nanopillar growth are provided in the case where the substrate is directly exposed to the DC field generated by the plasma. In another case, we show that electrostatic shielding of the DC field from the substrate can result in the growth of Ga-face GaN layers from gallium metal wetting layers at 490 °C with root-mean-square roughness values as low as 0.6 nm. This study has been carried out using a migration enhanced deposition technique with pulsed delivery of the metal precursor allowing the identification of metal wetting layers versus metal droplets as a function of the quantity of metal source delivered per cycle. It is also shown that electrostatic interactions with the plasma can affect metal rich growth limits, causing metal droplet formation for lower metal flux than would otherwise occur. Accordingly, film growth rates can be increased when shielding the substrate from the positive charge region of the plasma. For the example shown here, growth rates were more than doubled using a shielding grid.
New results on the generation of broadband electrostatic waves in the magnetotail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grabbe, C. L.

1985-01-01

The theory of the generation of broadband electrostatic noise (BEN) in the magnetotail is extended through numerical solution of the dispersion relation under conditions that exist in the plasma sheet boundary layer. It is found that the low-frequency portion of the spectrum has a broad angular spectrum but a fairly sharp peak near 75 deg with respect to the magnetic field, while the high-frequency portion has a narrower angular spectrum that is strongly concentrated along the magnetic field line. These results are in excellent agreement with observations of the broadband wave spectrum and a recent measurement of the propagation direction. The effect of a second cold component of electrons is analyzed, and it is found that it can increase the upper cutoff frequency of BEN to the observed value at about the plasma frequency.
FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Generation of stable multi-jets by flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying and their control via I-V characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, W.; Heil, P. E.; Choi, H.; Kim, K.

2010-12-01

The I-V characteristics of flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying (FFESS) were investigated, exposing a new way to predict and control the specific spraying modes from single-jet to multi-jet. Monitoring the I-V characteristics revealed characteristic drops in the current upon formation of an additional jet in the multi-jet spraying mode. For fixed jet numbers, space-charge-limited current behaviour was measured which was attributed to space charge in the dielectric liquids between the needle electrode and the nozzle opening. The present work establishes that FFESS can, in particular, generate stable multiple jets and that their control is possible through monitoring the I-V characteristics. This can allow for automatic control of the FFESS process and expedite its future scientific and industrial applications.
Nonlinear excitation of fast magnetosonic waves via quasi-electrostatic whistler wave mixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zechar, Nathan; Sotnikov, Vladimir; Caplinger, James; Chu, Arthur

2017-10-01

We report on experiments of nonlinear simultaneous generation of low frequency fast magnetosonic waves and electromagnetic whistler waves using two loop antennas in the afterglow of a cold magnetized helium plasma. The exciting antennas each have a frequency that is below half the electron cyclotron frequency, and the difference between the two is just below the lower hybrid frequency. They both directly excite whistler waves, however their nonlinear interaction excite the low frequency fast magnetosonic waves at the frequency given by their difference. Plasma is generated using a helicon plasma source in a one meter length cylindrical chamber. The spatial and temporal data of the electromagnetic and electrostatic components of the plasma waves are then captured with developed diagnostic techniques. Wave spectra, general structure and time domain frequencies observed will be reported.

Large area scanning probe microscope in ultra-high vacuum demonstrated for electrostatic force measurements on high-voltage devices.

PubMed

Gysin, Urs; Glatzel, Thilo; Schmölzer, Thomas; Schöner, Adolf; Reshanov, Sergey; Bartolf, Holger; Meyer, Ernst

2015-01-01

The resolution in electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), a descendant of atomic force microscopy (AFM), has reached nanometre dimensions, necessary to investigate integrated circuits in modern electronic devices. However, the characterization of conducting or semiconducting power devices with EFM methods requires an accurate and reliable technique from the nanometre up to the micrometre scale. For high force sensitivity it is indispensable to operate the microscope under high to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions to suppress viscous damping of the sensor. Furthermore, UHV environment allows for the analysis of clean surfaces under controlled environmental conditions. Because of these requirements we built a large area scanning probe microscope operating under UHV conditions at room temperature allowing to perform various electrical measurements, such as Kelvin probe force microscopy, scanning capacitance force microscopy, scanning spreading resistance microscopy, and also electrostatic force microscopy at higher harmonics. The instrument incorporates beside a standard beam deflection detection system a closed loop scanner with a scan range of 100 μm in lateral and 25 μm in vertical direction as well as an additional fibre optics. This enables the illumination of the tip-sample interface for optically excited measurements such as local surface photo voltage detection. We present Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements before and after sputtering of a copper alloy with chromium grains used as electrical contact surface in ultra-high power switches. In addition, we discuss KPFM measurements on cross sections of cleaved silicon carbide structures: a calibration layer sample and a power rectifier. To demonstrate the benefit of surface photo voltage measurements, we analysed the contact potential difference of a silicon carbide p/n-junction under illumination.
40 CFR 49.5513 - Federal Implementation Plan Provisions for Navajo Generating Station, Navajo Nation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to each owner or operator of the fossil fuel-fired... the fossil fuel-fired, steam-generating equipment at the NGS, or the auxiliary steam boilers at the... of fires in the boiler with fuel oil, to the time when the electrostatic precipitator is sufficiently...
40 CFR 49.5513 - Federal Implementation Plan Provisions for Navajo Generating Station, Navajo Nation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to each owner or operator of the fossil fuel-fired... the fossil fuel-fired, steam-generating equipment at the NGS, or the auxiliary steam boilers at the... of fires in the boiler with fuel oil, to the time when the electrostatic precipitator is sufficiently...
40 CFR 49.5513 - Federal Implementation Plan Provisions for Navajo Generating Station, Navajo Nation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to each owner or operator of the fossil fuel-fired... the fossil fuel-fired, steam-generating equipment at the NGS, or the auxiliary steam boilers at the... of fires in the boiler with fuel oil, to the time when the electrostatic precipitator is sufficiently...
Nanoionic devices: Interface nanoarchitechtonics for physical property tuning and enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuchiya, Takashi; Terabe, Kazuya; Yang, Rui; Aono, Masakazu

2016-11-01

Nanoionic devices have been developed to generate novel functions overcoming limitations of conventional materials synthesis and semiconductor technology. Various physical properties can be tuned and enhanced by local ion transport near the solid/solid interface. Two electronic carrier doping methods can be used to achieve extremely high-density electronic carriers: one is electrostatic carrier doping using an electric double layer (EDL); the other is electrochemical carrier doping using a redox reaction. Atomistic restructuring near the solid/solid interface driven by a DC voltage, namely, interface nanoarchitechtonics, has huge potential. For instance, the use of EDL enables high-density carrier doping in potential superconductors, which can hardly accept chemical doping, in order to achieve room-temperature superconductivity. Optical bandgap and photoluminescence can be controlled for various applications including smart windows and biosensors. In situ tuning of magnetic properties is promising for low-power-consumption spintronics. Synaptic plasticity in the human brain is achieved in neuromorphic devices.
Energy-loss return gate via liquid dielectric polarization.

PubMed

Kim, Taehun; Yong, Hyungseok; Kim, Banseok; Kim, Dongseob; Choi, Dukhyun; Park, Yong Tae; Lee, Sangmin

2018-04-12

There has been much research on renewable energy-harvesting techniques. However, owing to increasing energy demands, significant energy-related issues remain to be solved. Efforts aimed at reducing the amount of energy loss in electric/electronic systems are essential for reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment. Here, we design an energy-loss return gate system that reduces energy loss from electric/electronic systems by utilizing the polarization of liquid dielectrics. The use of a liquid dielectric material in the energy-loss return gate generates electrostatic potential energy while reducing the dielectric loss of the electric/electronic system. Hence, an energy-loss return gate can make breakthrough impacts possible by amplifying energy-harvesting efficiency, lowering the power consumption of electronics, and storing the returned energy. Our study indicates the potential for enhancing energy-harvesting technologies for electric/electronics systems, while increasing the widespread development of these systems.
Nanotube Aerogel Sheet Flutter for Actuation, Power Generation, and Infrasound Detection

PubMed Central

Kang, Tae June; Kim, Taewoo; Jang, Eui Yun; Im, Hyeongwook; Lepro-Chavez, Xavier; Ovalle-Robles, Raquel; Oh, Jiyoung; Kozlov, Mikhail E.; Baughman, Ray H.; Lee, Hong H.; Kim, Yong Hyup

2014-01-01

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) is a mechanism of classical physics that can be utilized to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy or electrical to mechanical energy. This mechanism has not been exploited fully because of lack of a material with a sufficiently low force constant. We here show that carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogel sheets can exploit EMI to provide mechanical actuation at very low applied voltages, to harvest mechanical energy from small air pressure fluctuations, and to detect infrasound at inaudible frequencies below 20 Hz. Using conformal deposition of 100 nm thick aluminum coatings on the nanotubes in the sheets, mechanical actuation can be obtained by applying millivolts, as compared with the thousand volts needed to achieve giant-stroke electrostatic actuation of carbon nanotube aerogel sheets. Device simplicity and performance suggest possible applications as an energy harvester of low energy air fluctuations and as a sensor for infrasound frequencies. PMID:25130708
A Microelectromechanical High-Density Energy Storage/Rapid Release System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodgers, M. Steven; Allen, Jim J.; Meeks, Kent D.

1999-07-21

One highly desirable characteristic of electrostatically driven microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is that they consume very little power. The corresponding drawback is that the force they produce may be inadequate for many applications. It has previously been demonstrated that gear reduction units or microtransmissions can substantially increase the torque generated by microengines. Operating speed, however, is also reduced by the transmission gear ratio. Some applications require both high speed and high force. If this output is only required for a limited period of time, then energy could be stored in a mechanical system and rapidly released upon demand. We have designed,more » fabricated, and demonstrated a high-density energy storage/rapid release system that accomplishes this task. Built using a 5-level surface micromachining technology, the assembly closely resembles a medieval crossbow. Energy releases on the order of tens of nanojoules have already been demonstrated, and significantly higher energy systems are under development.« less
Conjugated Polymers/DNA Hybrid Materials for Protein Inactivation.

PubMed

Zhao, Likun; Zhang, Jiangyan; Xu, Huiming; Geng, Hao; Cheng, Yongqiang

2016-09-07

Chromophore-assisted light inactivation (CALI) is a powerful tool for analyzing protein functions due to the high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. In this work, we demonstrate a CALI approach based on conjugated polymers (CPs)/DNA hybrid material for protein inactivation. The target protein is conjugated with single-stranded DNA in advance. Single-stranded DNA can form CPs/DNA hybrid material with cationic CPs via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Through the formation of CPs/DNA hybrid material, the target protein that is conjugated with DNA is brought into close proximity to CPs. Under irradiation, CPs harvest light and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the inactivation of the adjacent target protein. This approach can efficiently inactivate any target protein which is conjugated with DNA and has good specificity and universality, providing a new strategy for studies of protein function and adjustment of protein activity.
Three dimensional finite element methods: Their role in the design of DC accelerator systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podaru, Nicolae C.; Gottdang, A.; Mous, D. J. W.

2013-04-01

High Voltage Engineering has designed, built and tested a 2 MV dual irradiation system that will be applied for radiation damage studies and ion beam material modification. The system consists of two independent accelerators which support simultaneous proton and electron irradiation (energy range 100 keV - 2 MeV) of target sizes of up to 300 × 300 mm2. Three dimensional finite element methods were used in the design of various parts of the system. The electrostatic solver was used to quantify essential parameters of the solid-state power supply generating the DC high voltage. The magnetostatic solver and ray tracing were used to optimize the electron/ion beam transport. Close agreement between design and measurements of the accelerator characteristics as well as beam performance indicate the usefulness of three dimensional finite element methods during accelerator system design.
Transport velocity transformation - A convenient method for performance analysis of multilayer solar cell structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, M.

1981-01-01

It is noted that in the case of low-level injection, space-charge quasi-neutrality, and spatially constant material parameters (including an electrostatic field), the individual layer can be treated analytically and the basic solar cell performance parameters can be evaluated from three equations. The first equation represents the transformation of the transport velocity across the layer from the other layer boundary. The second establishes the light-generated current output from the layer interface, under the influence of the transport velocities and minority-carrier density at both layer boundaries and of bulk recombination. The third equation describes the flow of these carriers across other layers. The power of the approach is considered to lie in its facility for analysis of the solar cell's performance layer by layer, giving a clear picture of the individual layer's influence on cell efficiency.
Turning bubbles on and off during boiling using charged surfactants

PubMed Central

Cho, H. Jeremy; Mizerak, Jordan P.; Wang, Evelyn N.

2015-01-01

Boiling—a process that has powered industries since the steam age—is governed by bubble formation. State-of-the-art boiling surfaces often increase bubble nucleation via roughness and/or wettability modification to increase performance. However, without active in situ control of bubbles, temperature or steam generation cannot be adjusted for a given heat input. Here we report the ability to turn bubbles ‘on and off' independent of heat input during boiling both temporally and spatially via molecular manipulation of the boiling surface. As a result, we can rapidly and reversibly alter heat transfer performance up to an order of magnitude. Our experiments show that this active control is achieved by electrostatically adsorbing and desorbing charged surfactants to alter the wettability of the surface, thereby affecting nucleation. This approach can improve performance and flexibility in existing boiling technologies as well as enable emerging or unprecedented energy applications. PMID:26486275
Nanotube aerogel sheet flutter for actuation, power generation, and infrasound detection.

PubMed

Kang, Tae June; Kim, Taewoo; Jang, Eui Yun; Im, Hyeongwook; Lepro-Chavez, Xavier; Ovalle-Robles, Raquel; Oh, Jiyoung; Kozlov, Mikhail E; Baughman, Ray H; Lee, Hong H; Kim, Yong Hyup

2014-08-18

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) is a mechanism of classical physics that can be utilized to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy or electrical to mechanical energy. This mechanism has not been exploited fully because of lack of a material with a sufficiently low force constant. We here show that carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogel sheets can exploit EMI to provide mechanical actuation at very low applied voltages, to harvest mechanical energy from small air pressure fluctuations, and to detect infrasound at inaudible frequencies below 20 Hz. Using conformal deposition of 100 nm thick aluminum coatings on the nanotubes in the sheets, mechanical actuation can be obtained by applying millivolts, as compared with the thousand volts needed to achieve giant-stroke electrostatic actuation of carbon nanotube aerogel sheets. Device simplicity and performance suggest possible applications as an energy harvester of low energy air fluctuations and as a sensor for infrasound frequencies.
Microelectromechanical high-density energy storage/rapid release system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodgers, M. Steven; Allen, James J.; Meeks, Kent D.; Jensen, Brian D.; Miller, Samuel L.

1999-08-01

One highly desirable characteristic of electrostatically driven microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is that they consume very little power. The corresponding drawback is that the force they produce may be inadequate for many applications. It has previously been demonstrated that gear reduction units or microtransmissions can substantially increase the torque generated by microengines. Operating speed, however, is also reduced by the transmission gear ratio. Some applications require both high speed and high force. If this output is only required for a limited period of time, then energy could be stored in a mechanical system and rapidly released upon demand. We have designed, fabricated, and demonstrated a high-density energy storage/rapid release system that accomplishes this task. Built using a 5-level surface micromachining technology, the assembly closely resembles a medieval crossbow. Energy releases on the order of tens of nanojoules have already been demonstrated, and significantly higher energy systems are under development.
Wet formation and structural characterization of quasi-hexagonal monolayers.

PubMed

Batys, Piotr; Weroński, Paweł; Nosek, Magdalena

2016-01-01

We have presented a simple and efficient method for producing dense particle monolayers with controlled surface coverage. The method is based on particle sedimentation, manipulation of the particle-substrate electrostatic interaction, and gentle mechanical vibration of the system. It allows for obtaining quasi-hexagonal structures under wet conditions. Using this method, we have produced a monolayer of 3 μm silica particles on a glassy carbon substrate. By optical microscopy, we have determined the coordinates of the particles and surface coverage of the obtained structure to be 0.82. We have characterized the monolayer structure by means of the pair-correlation function and power spectrum. We have also compared the results with those for a 2D hexagonal monolayer and monolayer generated by random sequential adsorption at the coverage 0.50. We have found the surface fractal dimension to be 2.5, independently of the monolayer surface coverage. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Consecutive monitoring of lifelong production of conidia by individual conidiophores of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei on barley leaves by digital microscopic techniques with electrostatic micromanipulation.

PubMed

Moriura, Nobuyuki; Matsuda, Yoshinori; Oichi, Wataru; Nakashima, Shinya; Hirai, Tatsuo; Sameshima, Takeshi; Nonomura, Teruo; Kakutani, Koji; Kusakari, Shin-Ichi; Higashi, Katsuhide; Toyoda, Hideyoshi

2006-01-01

Conidial formation and secession by living conidiophores of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei on barley leaves were consecutively monitored using a high-fidelity digital microscopic technique combined with electrostatic micromanipulation to trap the released conidia. Conidial chains formed on conidiophores through a series of septum-mediated division and growth of generative cells. Apical conidial cells on the conidiophores were abstricted after the conidial chains developed ten conidial cells. The conidia were electrically conductive, and a positive charge was induced in the cells by a negatively polarized insulator probe (ebonite). The electrostatic force between the conidia and the insulator was used to attract the abstricted conidia from the conidiophores on leaves. This conidium movement from the targeted conidiophore to the rod was directly viewed under the digital microscope, and the length of the interval between conidial septation and secession, the total number of the conidia produced by a single conidiophore, and the modes of conidiogenesis were clarified. During the stage of conidial secession, the generative cells pushed new conidial cells upwards by repeated division and growth. The successive release of two apical conidia was synchronized with the successive septation and growth of a generative cell. The release ceased after 4-5 conidia were released without division and growth of the generative cell. Thus, the life of an individual conidiophore (from the erection of the conidiophore to the release of the final conidium) was shown to be 107 h and to produce an average of 33 conidia. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the direct estimation of life-long conidial production by a powdery mildew on host leaves.
End-hall thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Robinson, R. S.; Day, M. L.; Haag, T. W.

1990-01-01

The end-Hall thruster can provide electric propulsion with fixed masses, specific impulses, and power-to-thrust ratios intermediate of an arcjet and a gridded (electrostatic) ion thruster. With these characteristics, this thruster is a candidate for missions of intermediate difficulty, such as the north-south stationkeeping of geostationary satellites.
Two Instruments for Measuring Distributions of Low-Energy Charged Particles in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bader, Michel; Fryer, Thomas B.; Witteborn, Fred C.

1961-01-01

Current estimates indicate that the bulk of interplanetary gas consists of protons with energies between 0 and 20 kev and concentrations of 1 to 105 particles/cu cm. Methods and instrumentation for measuring the energy and density distribution of such a gas are considered from the standpoint of suitability for space vehicle payloads. It is concluded that electrostatic analysis of the energy distribution can provide sufficient information in initial experiments. Both magnetic and electrostatic analyzers should eventually be used. Several instruments designed and constructed at the Ames Research Center for space plasma measurements, and the methods of calibration and data reduction are described. In particular, the instrument designed for operation on solar cell power has the following characteristics: weight, 1.1 pounds; size, 2 by 3 by 4 inches; and power consumption, 145 mw. The instrument is designed to yield information on the concentration, energy distribution, and the anisotropy of ion trajectories in the 0.2 to 20 kev range.
Surface charge tunability as a powerful strategy to control electrostatic interaction for high efficiency silencing, using tailored oligopeptide-modified poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs).

PubMed

Dosta, Pere; Segovia, Nathaly; Cascante, Anna; Ramos, Victor; Borrós, Salvador

2015-07-01

Here we present an extended family of pBAEs that incorporate terminal oligopeptide moieties synthesized from both positive and negative amino acids. Polymer formulations of mixtures of negative and positive oligopeptide-modified pBAEs are capable of condensing siRNA into discrete nanoparticles. We have demonstrated that efficient delivery of nucleic acids in a cell-type dependent manner can be achieved by careful control of the pBAE formulation. In addition, our approach of adding differently charged oligopeptides to the termini of poly(β-amino ester)s is of great interest for the design of tailored complexes having specific features, such as tuneable zeta potential. We anticipate that this surface charge tunability may be a powerful strategy to control unwanted electrostatic interactions, while preserving high silencing efficiency and reduced toxicity. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
First Demonstration of Electrostatic Damping of Parametric Instability at Advanced LIGO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blair, Carl; Gras, Slawek; Abbott, Richard; Aston, Stuart; Betzwieser, Joseph; Blair, David; DeRosa, Ryan; Evans, Matthew; Frolov, Valera; Fritschel, Peter; Grote, Hartmut; Hardwick, Terra; Liu, Jian; Lormand, Marc; Miller, John; Mullavey, Adam; O'Reilly, Brian; Zhao, Chunnong; Abbott, B. P.; Abbott, T. D.; Adams, C.; Adhikari, R. X.; Anderson, S. B.; Ananyeva, A.; Appert, S.; Arai, K.; Ballmer, S. W.; Barker, D.; Barr, B.; Barsotti, L.; Bartlett, J.; Bartos, I.; Batch, J. C.; Bell, A. S.; Billingsley, G.; Birch, J.; Biscans, S.; Biwer, C.; Bork, R.; Brooks, A. F.; Ciani, G.; Clara, F.; Countryman, S. T.; Cowart, M. J.; Coyne, D. C.; Cumming, A.; Cunningham, L.; Danzmann, K.; Da Silva Costa, C. F.; Daw, E. J.; DeBra, D.; DeSalvo, R.; Dooley, K. L.; Doravari, S.; Driggers, J. C.; Dwyer, S. E.; Effler, A.; Etzel, T.; Evans, T. M.; Factourovich, M.; Fair, H.; Fernández Galiana, A.; Fisher, R. P.; Fulda, P.; Fyffe, M.; Giaime, J. A.; Giardina, K. D.; Goetz, E.; Goetz, R.; Gray, C.; Gushwa, K. E.; Gustafson, E. K.; Gustafson, R.; Hall, E. D.; Hammond, G.; Hanks, J.; Hanson, J.; Harry, G. M.; Heintze, M. C.; Heptonstall, A. W.; Hough, J.; Izumi, K.; Jones, R.; Kandhasamy, S.; Karki, S.; Kasprzack, M.; Kaufer, S.; Kawabe, K.; Kijbunchoo, N.; King, E. J.; King, P. J.; Kissel, J. S.; Korth, W. Z.; Kuehn, G.; Landry, M.; Lantz, B.; Lockerbie, N. A.; Lundgren, A. P.; MacInnis, M.; Macleod, D. M.; Márka, S.; Márka, Z.; Markosyan, A. S.; Maros, E.; Martin, I. W.; Martynov, D. V.; Mason, K.; Massinger, T. J.; Matichard, F.; Mavalvala, N.; McCarthy, R.; McClelland, D. E.; McCormick, S.; McIntyre, G.; McIver, J.; Mendell, G.; Merilh, E. L.; Meyers, P. M.; Mittleman, R.; Moreno, G.; Mueller, G.; Munch, J.; Nuttall, L. K.; Oberling, J.; Oppermann, P.; Oram, Richard J.; Ottaway, D. J.; Overmier, H.; Palamos, J. R.; Paris, H. R.; Parker, W.; Pele, A.; Penn, S.; Phelps, M.; Pierro, V.; Pinto, I.; Principe, M.; Prokhorov, L. G.; Puncken, O.; Quetschke, V.; Quintero, E. A.; Raab, F. J.; Radkins, H.; Raffai, P.; Reid, S.; Reitze, D. H.; Robertson, N. A.; Rollins, J. G.; Roma, V. J.; Romie, J. H.; Rowan, S.; Ryan, K.; Sadecki, T.; Sanchez, E. J.; Sandberg, V.; Savage, R. L.; Schofield, R. M. S.; Sellers, D.; Shaddock, D. A.; Shaffer, T. J.; Shapiro, B.; Shawhan, P.; Shoemaker, D. H.; Sigg, D.; Slagmolen, B. J. J.; Smith, B.; Smith, J. R.; Sorazu, B.; Staley, A.; Strain, K. A.; Tanner, D. B.; Taylor, R.; Thomas, M.; Thomas, P.; Thorne, K. A.; Thrane, E.; Torrie, C. I.; Traylor, G.; Vajente, G.; Valdes, G.; van Veggel, A. A.; Vecchio, A.; Veitch, P. J.; Venkateswara, K.; Vo, T.; Vorvick, C.; Walker, M.; Ward, R. L.; Warner, J.; Weaver, B.; Weiss, R.; Weßels, P.; Willke, B.; Wipf, C. C.; Worden, J.; Wu, G.; Yamamoto, H.; Yancey, C. C.; Yu, Hang; Yu, Haocun; Zhang, L.; Zucker, M. E.; Zweizig, J.; LSC Instrument Authors

2017-04-01

Interferometric gravitational wave detectors operate with high optical power in their arms in order to achieve high shot-noise limited strain sensitivity. A significant limitation to increasing the optical power is the phenomenon of three-mode parametric instabilities, in which the laser field in the arm cavities is scattered into higher-order optical modes by acoustic modes of the cavity mirrors. The optical modes can further drive the acoustic modes via radiation pressure, potentially producing an exponential buildup. One proposed technique to stabilize parametric instability is active damping of acoustic modes. We report here the first demonstration of damping a parametrically unstable mode using active feedback forces on the cavity mirror. A 15 538 Hz mode that grew exponentially with a time constant of 182 sec was damped using electrostatic actuation, with a resulting decay time constant of 23 sec. An average control force of 0.03 nN was required to maintain the acoustic mode at its minimum amplitude.

Electrostatic Induced Stretch Growth of Homogeneous β-Ni(OH)2 on Graphene with Enhanced High-Rate Cycling for Supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Wu, Zhong; Huang, Xiao-Lei; Wang, Zhong-Li; Xu, Ji-Jing; Wang, Heng-Guo; Zhang, Xin-Bo

2014-01-01

Supercapacitors, as one of alternative energy devices, have been characterized by the rapid rate of charging and discharging, and high power density. But they are now challenged to achieve their potential energy density that is related to specific capacitance. Thus it is extremely important to make such materials with high specific capacitances. In this report, we have gained homogenous Ni(OH)2 on graphene by efficiently using of a facile and effective electrostatic induced stretch growth method. The electrostatic interaction triggers advantageous change in morphology and the ordered stacking of Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on graphene also enhances the crystallization of Ni(OH)2. When the as-prepared Ni(OH)2/graphene composite is applied to supercapacitors, they show superior electrochemical properties including high specific capacitance (1503 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1) and excellent cycling stability up to 6000 cycles even at a high scan rate of 50 mV s−1. PMID:24413283
Cross-correlation focus method with an electrostatic sensor array for local particle velocity measurement in dilute gas-solid two-phase flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chao; Zhang, Jingyu; Gao, Wenbin; Ding, Hongbing; Wu, Weiping

2015-11-01

The gas-solid two-phase flow has been widely applied in the power, chemical and metallurgical industries. It is of great significance in the research of gas-solid two-phase flow to measure particle velocity at different locations in the pipeline. Thus, an electrostatic sensor array comprising eight arc-shaped electrodes was designed. The relationship between the cross-correlation (CC) velocity and the distribution of particle velocity, charge density and electrode spatial sensitivity was analysed. Then the CC sensitivity and its calculation method were proposed. According to the distribution of CC sensitivity, it was found that, between different electrode pairs, it had different focus areas. The CC focus method was proposed for particle velocity measurement at different locations and validated by a belt-style electrostatic induction experiment facility. Finally, the particle velocities at different locations with different flow conditions were measured to research the particle velocity distribution in a dilute horizontal pneumatic conveying pipeline.
Report on the survey for electrostatic discharges on Mars using NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arabshahi, S.; Majid, W.; Geldzahler, B.; Kocz, J.; Schulter, T.; White, L.

2017-12-01

Mars atmosphere has strong dust activity. It is suggested that the larger regional storms are capable of producing electric fields large enough to initiate electrostatic discharges. The storms have charging process similar to terrestrial dust devils and have hot cores and complicated vortex winds similar to terrestrial thunderstorms. However, due to uncertainties in our understanding of the electrical environment of the storms and absence of related in-situ measurements, the existence (or non-existence) of such electrostatic discharges on the planet is yet to be confirmed. Knowing about the electrical activity on Mars is essential for future human explorations of the planet. We have recently launched a long-term monitoring campaign at NASA's Madrid Deep Space Communication Complex (MDSCC) to search for powerful discharges on Mars. The search occurs during routine tracking of Mars orbiting spacecraft by Deep Space Network (DSN) radio telescope. In this presentation, we will report on the result of processing and analysis of the data from the first six months of our campaign.
Fast visible imaging of turbulent plasma in TORPEX

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iraji, D.; Diallo, A.; Fasoli, A.

2008-10-15

Fast framing cameras constitute an important recent diagnostic development aimed at monitoring light emission from magnetically confined plasmas, and are now commonly used to study turbulence in plasmas. In the TORPEX toroidal device [A. Fasoli et al., Phys. Plasmas 13, 055902 (2006)], low frequency electrostatic fluctuations associated with drift-interchange waves are routinely measured by means of extensive sets of Langmuir probes. A Photron Ultima APX-RS fast framing camera has recently been acquired to complement Langmuir probe measurements, which allows comparing statistical and spectral properties of visible light and electrostatic fluctuations. A direct imaging system has been developed, which allows viewingmore » the light, emitted from microwave-produced plasmas tangentially and perpendicularly to the toroidal direction. The comparison of the probability density function, power spectral density, and autoconditional average of the camera data to those obtained using a multiple head electrostatic probe covering the plasma cross section shows reasonable agreement in the case of perpendicular view and in the plasma region where interchange modes dominate.« less
Electrostatic dispersion lenses and ion beam dispersion methods

DOEpatents

Dahl, David A [Idaho Falls, ID; Appelhans, Anthony D [Idaho Falls, ID

2010-12-28

An EDL includes a case surface and at least one electrode surface. The EDL is configured to receive through the EDL a plurality of ion beams, to generate an electrostatic field between the one electrode surface and either the case surface or another electrode surface, and to increase the separation between the beams using the field. Other than an optional mid-plane intended to contain trajectories of the beams, the electrode surface or surfaces do not exhibit a plane of symmetry through which any beam received through the EDL must pass. In addition or in the alternative, the one electrode surface and either the case surface or the other electrode surface have geometries configured to shape the field to exhibit a less abrupt entrance and/or exit field transition in comparison to another electrostatic field shaped by two nested, one-quarter section, right cylindrical electrode surfaces with a constant gap width.
Electrostatics of two-dimensional lateral junctions.

PubMed

Chaves, Ferney A; Jiménez, David

2018-07-06

The increasing technological control of two-dimensional (2D) materials has allowed the demonstration of 2D lateral junctions exhibiting unique properties that might serve as the basis for a new generation of 2D electronic and optoelectronic devices. Notably, the chemically doped MoS 2 homojunction, the WSe 2 -MoS 2 monolayer and MoS 2 monolayer/multilayer heterojunctions, have been demonstrated. Here we report the investigation of 2D lateral junction electrostatics, which differs from the bulk case because of the weaker screening, producing a much longer transition region between the space-charge region and the quasi-neutral region, making inappropriate the use of the complete-depletion region approximation. For such a purpose we have developed a method based on the conformal mapping technique to solve the 2D electrostatics, widely applicable to every kind of junctions, giving accurate results for even large asymmetric charge distribution scenarios.
Ultrafast collisional ion heating by electrostatic shocks.

PubMed

Turrell, A E; Sherlock, M; Rose, S J

2015-11-13

High-intensity lasers can be used to generate shockwaves, which have found applications in nuclear fusion, proton imaging, cancer therapies and materials science. Collisionless electrostatic shocks are one type of shockwave widely studied for applications involving ion acceleration. Here we show a novel mechanism for collisionless electrostatic shocks to heat small amounts of solid density matter to temperatures of ∼keV in tens of femtoseconds. Unusually, electrons play no direct role in the heating and it is the ions that determine the heating rate. Ions are heated due to an interplay between the electric field of the shock, the local density increase during the passage of the shock and collisions between different species of ion. In simulations, these factors combine to produce rapid, localized heating of the lighter ion species. Although the heated volume is modest, this would be one of the fastest heating mechanisms discovered if demonstrated in the laboratory.
Investigation of spray dispersion and particulate formation in diesel fuel flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Back, L. H.; Bankston, C. P.; Kwack, E. Y.; Bellan, J.; Harstad, K.

1988-01-01

An experimental study of electrostatical atomized and dispersed diesel fuel jets was conducted at various back pressures to 40 atm. A new electrostatic injection technique was utilized to generate continuous, stable fuel sprays at charge densities of 1.5 to 2.0 C/m3 of fluid at one atm, and about 1.0 C/m3 at 40 atm. Flowrates were varied from 0.5 to 2.5 ml/s and electric potentials to -18 kV. Visual observations showed that significant enhanced dispersion of charged fuel jets occurred at high back pressures compared to aerodynamic breakup and dispersion. The average drop size was about the same as the spray triode orifice diameter, and was between the Kelly theory and the Rayleigh limit. The ignition tests, done only at one atm, indicated stable combustion of the electrostatically dispersed fuel jets.
Electrostatically operated optical microshutter array for a miniature integrated optical spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilias, Samir; Picard, Francis; Larouche, Carl; Kruzelecky, Roman; Jamroz, Wes

2017-11-01

16x1 programmable microshutter arrays allowing control of the light transmitted through a transparent substrate supporting the array were successfully fabricated using surface micromachining technology. Each microshutter is basically an electrostatic zipping actuator having a curved shape induced by a stress gradient through the actuator thickness. When a sufficient voltage is applied between the microshutter and the actuation electrode surrounding the associated microslit area, the generated electrostatic force pulls the actuator down to the substrate which closes the microslit. Opening the slit relies on the restoring force. High light transmission through the slit area is obtained with the actuator in the open position and excellent light blocking is observed when the shutter is closed. Static and dynamic responses of the device were determined. The pull-in voltage to close the microslit was about 110 V and the response times to close and open the microslit were about 2 ms and 7 ms, respectively.
Interpretation of STS-3/plasma diagnostics package results in terms of large space structure plasma interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurth, W. S.

1984-01-01

The Plasma Diagnostics Package, which was flown aboard STS-3 recorded various chemical releases from the Orbiter. Changes in the plasma environment were observed to occur during Flash Evaporator System (FES) releases, water dumps and maneuvering thruster operations. During flash evaporator operations, broadband Orbiter-generated electro-static noise is enhanced and plasma density irregularity (delta n/N) is observed to increase by as much as 4 times and is strongly peaked below 6 Hz. In the case of water dumps, background electrostatic noise is enhanced or suppressed depending on frequency and Delta N/N is also seen to increase by as much as 4 times. Various changes in the plasma environment are effected by primary and vernier thruster operations. In addition, thruster activity stimulates electrostatic noise with a spectrum which is most intense at frequencies below 10 kHz.
Electrostatics of two-dimensional lateral junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaves, Ferney A.; Jiménez, David

2018-07-01

The increasing technological control of two-dimensional (2D) materials has allowed the demonstration of 2D lateral junctions exhibiting unique properties that might serve as the basis for a new generation of 2D electronic and optoelectronic devices. Notably, the chemically doped MoS2 homojunction, the WSe2-MoS2 monolayer and MoS2 monolayer/multilayer heterojunctions, have been demonstrated. Here we report the investigation of 2D lateral junction electrostatics, which differs from the bulk case because of the weaker screening, producing a much longer transition region between the space-charge region and the quasi-neutral region, making inappropriate the use of the complete-depletion region approximation. For such a purpose we have developed a method based on the conformal mapping technique to solve the 2D electrostatics, widely applicable to every kind of junctions, giving accurate results for even large asymmetric charge distribution scenarios.
Geometrical optics, electrostatics, and nanophotonic resonances in absorbing nanowire arrays.

PubMed

Anttu, Nicklas

2013-03-01

Semiconductor nanowire arrays have shown promise for next-generation photovoltaics and photodetection, but enhanced understanding of the light-nanowire interaction is still needed. Here, we study theoretically the absorption of light in an array of vertical InP nanowires by moving continuously, first from the electrostatic limit to the nanophotonic regime and then to the geometrical optics limit. We show how the absorption per volume of semiconductor material in the array can be varied by a factor of 200, ranging from 10 times weaker to 20 times stronger than in a bulk semiconductor sample.
Electrostatic emissions between electron gyroharmonics in the outer magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hubbard, R. F.; Birmingham, T. J.

1977-01-01

A scheme was constructed and a theoretical model was developed to classify electrostatic emissions. All of the emissions appear to be generated by the same basic mechanism: an unstable electron plasma distribution consisting of cold electrons (less than 100 eV) and hot loss cone electrons (about 1 keV). Each emission class is associated with a particular range of model parameters; the wide band electric field data can thus be used to infer the density and temperature of the cold plasma component. The model predicts that gyroharmonic emissions near the plasma frequency require large cold plasma densities.
Energy scavenging strain absorber: application to kinetic dielectric elastomer generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jean-Mistral, C.; Beaune, M.; Vu-Cong, T.; Sylvestre, A.

2014-03-01

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are light, compliant, silent energy scavengers. They can easily be incorporated into clothing where they could scavenge energy from the human kinetic movements for biomedical applications. Nevertheless, scavengers based on dielectric elastomers are soft electrostatic generators requiring a high voltage source to polarize them and high external strain, which constitutes the two major disadvantages of these transducers. We propose here a complete structure made up of a strain absorber, a DEG and a simple electronic power circuit. This new structure looks like a patch, can be attached on human's wear and located on the chest, knee, elbow… Our original strain absorber, inspired from a sailing boat winch, is able to heighten the external available strain with a minimal factor of 2. The DEG is made of silicone Danfoss Polypower and it has a total area of 6cm per 2.5cm sustaining a maximal strain of 50% at 1Hz. A complete electromechanical analytical model was developed for the DEG associated to this strain absorber. With a poling voltage of 800V, a scavenged energy of 0.57mJ per cycle is achieved with our complete structure. The performance of the DEG can further be improved by enhancing the imposed strain, by designing a stack structure, by using a dielectric elastomer with high dielectric permittivity.
[Investigations on the effect of an electrostatic field free of residual waves on the motility of the mouse (author's transl)].

PubMed

Fischer, G

1977-08-01

Comparative investigations were carried out concerning the influence on the motility of mice of different electrobioclimatic conditions (electrostatic field with a residual wave component of 1% and a field strength of 4.500 V/m; pure residual wave component: 32 Vs/s, field strength 120 V/m/ss; electrostatic field established by batteries: initial voltage 900 V, field strength 4.500 V/m; shielded from ambient atmospheric electrical fields: damping efficiency at 99%). The Faraday condition represented the control as absolutely objective physical magnitude. All experimental chambers were positioned under Faraday shields. Following a 20 day period of acclimatization to the unaccustomed surroundings for the animals (adaptation period), we established the previously described electrophysical conditions in the cages for a further period of 20 days (experimental period). The lowest values measured during the daily readings were found in the Faraday cage, resp. in the pure electrostatic field, the highest in the DC-field with residual wave component resp. in the residual wave component alone. We draw the following conclusion from the findings: the pure DC-field apparently does not possess those bioclimatologically decisive importance that has been and is being postulated from several sides. Many of the stimtng effects observed and attributed to the electrostatic field are most probably due to the residual wave component resulting from the high-voltage generators employed.
Spectral properties of Langmuir and beam-mode waves observed inside terrestrial foreshock by Cluster spacecraf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisa, D.; Soucek, J.; Santolik, O.

2016-12-01

Electrostatic plasma waves are commonly observed in the upstream regions of planetary shocks. Solar wind electrons accelerated at the shock front are reflected back into the solar wind and form electron beams. The electron distribution becomes unstable and electrostatic waves are generated inside the foreshock region. The processes of generation and evolution of electrostatic waves significantly depend on the solar wind plasma conditions and generally exhibit complex behavior. Langmuir waves can be identified as intense narrowband emission at the local plasma frequency and weaker broadband beam-mode waves below and above the plasma frequency deeper in the downstream region. We present a long-term survey of Langmuir and beam-mode waves in the vicinity of the plasma frequency observed upstream of the terrestrial bow shock by the Cluster spacecraft. Using solar wind data and bow shock positions from OMNI, as well as in-situ measurements of interplanetary magnetic field, we have mapped all available spacecraft positions into foreshock coordinates. For a study of plasma waves, we have used spectra and local plasma frequencies obtained from a passive and active mode of the WHISPER instrument. We show a spatial distribution of wave frequencies and spectral widths as a function of foreshock positions and solar wind conditions.
Simulation and optimization of a 10 A electron gun with electrostatic compression for the electron beam ion source.

PubMed

Pikin, A; Beebe, E N; Raparia, D

2013-03-01

Increasing the current density of the electron beam in the ion trap of the Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS) in BNL's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider facility would confer several essential benefits. They include increasing the ions' charge states, and therefore, the ions' energy out of the Booster for NASA applications, reducing the influx of residual ions in the ion trap, lowering the average power load on the electron collector, and possibly also reducing the emittance of the extracted ion beam. Here, we discuss our findings from a computer simulation of an electron gun with electrostatic compression for electron current up to 10 A that can deliver a high-current-density electron beam for EBIS. The magnetic field in the cathode-anode gap is formed with a magnetic shield surrounding the gun electrodes and the residual magnetic field on the cathode is (5 ÷ 6) Gs. It was demonstrated that for optimized gun geometry within the electron beam current range of (0.5 ÷ 10) A the amplitude of radial beam oscillations can be maintained close to 4% of the beam radius by adjusting the injection magnetic field generated by a separate magnetic coil. Simulating the performance of the gun by varying geometrical parameters indicated that the original gun model is close to optimum and the requirements to the precision of positioning the gun elements can be easily met with conventional technology.
Ecofriendly and Nonvacuum Electrostatic Spray-Assisted Vapor Deposition of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Thin Film Solar Cells.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Anower; Wang, Mingqing; Choy, Kwang-Leong

2015-10-14

Chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) thin films have been deposited by a novel, nonvacuum, and cost-effective electrostatic spray-assisted vapor deposition (ESAVD) method. The generation of a fine aerosol of precursor solution, and their controlled deposition onto a molybdenum substrate, results in adherent, dense, and uniform Cu(In,Ga)S2 (CIGS) films. This is an essential tool to keep the interfacial area of thin film solar cells to a minimum value for efficient charge separation as it helps to achieve the desired surface smoothness uniformity for subsequent cadmium sulfide and window layer deposition. This nonvacuum aerosol based approach for making the CIGSSe film uses environmentally benign precursor solution, and it is cheaper for producing solar cells than that of the vacuum-based thin film solar technology. An optimized CIGSSe thin film solar cell with a device configuration of molybdenum-coated soda-lime glass substrate/CIGSSe/CdS/i-ZnO/AZO shows the photovoltaic (j-V) characteristics of Voc=0.518 V, jsc=28.79 mA cm(-2), fill factor=64.02%, and a promising power conversion efficiency of η=9.55% under simulated AM 1.5 100 mW cm(-2) illuminations, without the use of an antireflection layer. This demonstrates the potential of ESAVD deposition as a promising alternative approach for making thin film CIGSSe solar cells at a lower cost.
Simulation and optimization of a 10 A electron gun with electrostatic compression for the electron beam ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pikin, A.; Beebe, E. N.; Raparia, D.

Increasing the current density of the electron beam in the ion trap of the Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS) in BNL's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider facility would confer several essential benefits. They include increasing the ions' charge states, and therefore, the ions' energy out of the Booster for NASA applications, reducing the influx of residual ions in the ion trap, lowering the average power load on the electron collector, and possibly also reducing the emittance of the extracted ion beam. Here, we discuss our findings from a computer simulation of an electron gun with electrostatic compression for electron current upmore » to 10 A that can deliver a high-current-density electron beam for EBIS. The magnetic field in the cathode-anode gap is formed with a magnetic shield surrounding the gun electrodes and the residual magnetic field on the cathode is (5 Division-Sign 6) Gs. It was demonstrated that for optimized gun geometry within the electron beam current range of (0.5 Division-Sign 10) A the amplitude of radial beam oscillations can be maintained close to 4% of the beam radius by adjusting the injection magnetic field generated by a separate magnetic coil. Simulating the performance of the gun by varying geometrical parameters indicated that the original gun model is close to optimum and the requirements to the precision of positioning the gun elements can be easily met with conventional technology.« less
TEMPO Monolayers on Si(100) Electrodes: Electrostatic Effects by the Electrolyte and Semiconductor Space-Charge on the Electroactivity of a Persistent Radical.

PubMed

Zhang, Long; Vogel, Yan Boris; Noble, Benjamin B; Gonçales, Vinicius R; Darwish, Nadim; Brun, Anton Le; Gooding, J Justin; Wallace, Gordon G; Coote, Michelle L; Ciampi, Simone

2016-08-03

This work demonstrates the effect of electrostatic interactions on the electroactivity of a persistent organic free radical. This was achieved by chemisorption of molecules of 4-azido-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperdinyloxy (4-azido-TEMPO) onto monolayer-modified Si(100) electrodes using a two-step chemical procedure to preserve the open-shell state and hence the electroactivity of the nitroxide radical. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the surface electrochemical reaction are investigated experimentally and analyzed with the aid of electrochemical digital simulations and quantum-chemical calculations of a theoretical model of the tethered TEMPO system. Interactions between the electrolyte anions and the TEMPO grafted on highly doped, i.e., metallic, electrodes can be tuned to predictably manipulate the oxidizing power of surface nitroxide/oxoammonium redox couple, hence showing the practical importance of the electrostatics on the electrolyte side of the radical monolayer. Conversely, for monolayers prepared on the poorly doped electrodes, the electrostatic interactions between the tethered TEMPO units and the semiconductor-side, i.e., space-charge, become dominant and result in drastic kinetic changes to the electroactivity of the radical monolayer as well as electrochemical nonidealities that can be explained as an increase in the self-interaction "a" parameter that leads to the Frumkin isotherm.

Healthy satellites provide quality service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margittai, Paul

The procedures used by Telesat Canada to ensure the performance of Anik satellites is described. At the Satellite Telemetry, Tracking and Command station, each Anik satellite has its own dedicated antenna. Telemetered information from the satellites is received, processed and forwarded to the Satellite Control Center. There the satellite controllers issue all commands to the satellites, and continually monitor the telemetered data. These data, describing the state of health of the satellites, are then analyzed by engineering specialists. The satellites are held in their precise orbital positions by means of specially developed software. The Anik C and D satellites employ travelling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) in the transpounder channels. The TWTA saturated flux density (SFD) and equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) are regularly measured and their trends scrutinized. This ensures that customers receive the radio frequency power needed for high-quality service. The satellite electrical power is supplied by the solar cell array and batteries. Power system performance is evaluated regularly to ensure that power is available to operate the required number of TWTAs. In addition to rain-fades, short service interruptions can be caused by high voltage trip-offs of TWTAs, and by electrostatic discharge related anomalies. To minimize these interruptions, Telesat ensures that the satellite controllers are fully trained and prepared for any eventuality, and the relevant operational procedures are continually refined. A fully trained staff of satellite controllers keep interruptions caused by high voltage trip-offs of TWTAs and by electrostatic discharge to a minimum.
Upper-Division Student Difficulties with Separation of Variables

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilcox, Bethany R.; Pollock, Steven J.

2015-01-01

Separation of variables can be a powerful technique for solving many of the partial differential equations that arise in physics contexts. Upper-division physics students encounter this technique in multiple topical areas including electrostatics and quantum mechanics. To better understand the difficulties students encounter when utilizing the…
Microdynamic Devices Fabricated on Silicon-On-Sapphire Substrates.

DTIC Science & Technology

Silicon-on-sapphire substrates are provided for the fabrication of micromechanical devices, such as micromotors . The high voltage stand-off...a consequence, the electrostatically driven devices, micromotors , can be incorporated in the integrated circuits and yet be powered at elevated voltages to increase their work potential.
Promising Results from Three NASA SBIR Solar Array Technology Development Programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eskenazi, Mike; White, Steve; Spence, Brian; Douglas, Mark; Glick, Mike; Pavlick, Ariel; Murphy, David; O'Neill, Mark; McDanal, A. J.; Piszczor, Michael

2005-01-01

Results from three NASA SBIR solar array technology programs are presented. The programs discussed are: 1) Thin Film Photovoltaic UltraFlex Solar Array; 2) Low Cost/Mass Electrostatically Clean Solar Array (ESCA); and 3) Stretched Lens Array SquareRigger (SLASR). The purpose of the Thin Film UltraFlex (TFUF) Program is to mature and validate the use of advanced flexible thin film photovoltaics blankets as the electrical subsystem element within an UltraFlex solar array structural system. In this program operational prototype flexible array segments, using United Solar amorphous silicon cells, are being manufactured and tested for the flight qualified UltraFlex structure. In addition, large size (e.g. 10 kW GEO) TFUF wing systems are being designed and analyzed. Thermal cycle and electrical test and analysis results from the TFUF program are presented. The purpose of the second program entitled, Low Cost/Mass Electrostatically Clean Solar Array (ESCA) System, is to develop an Electrostatically Clean Solar Array meeting NASA s design requirements and ready this technology for commercialization and use on the NASA MMS and GED missions. The ESCA designs developed use flight proven materials and processes to create a ESCA system that yields low cost, low mass, high reliability, high power density, and is adaptable to any cell type and coverglass thickness. All program objectives, which included developing specifications, creating ESCA concepts, concept analysis and trade studies, producing detailed designs of the most promising ESCA treatments, manufacturing ESCA demonstration panels, and LEO (2,000 cycles) and GEO (1,350 cycles) thermal cycling testing of the down-selected designs were successfully achieved. The purpose of the third program entitled, "High Power Platform for the Stretched Lens Array," is to develop an extremely lightweight, high efficiency, high power, high voltage, and low stowed volume solar array suitable for very high power (multi-kW to MW) applications. These objectives are achieved by combining two cutting edge technologies, the SquareRigger solar array structure and the Stretched Lens Array (SLA). The SLA SquareRigger solar array is termed SLASR. All program objectives, which included developing specifications, creating preliminary designs for a near-term SLASR, detailed structural, mass, power, and sizing analyses, fabrication and power testing of a functional flight-like SLASR solar blanket, were successfully achieved.
High voltage conditioning of the electrostatic deflector of MARA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Partanen, J.; Johansen, U.; Sarén, J.; Tuunanen, J.; Uusitalo, J.

2016-06-01

MARA is a new recoil mass separator in the Accelerator Laboratory of University of Jyväskylä (JYFL-ACCLAB) with a mass resolving power of 250 and an ion-optical configuration of QQQDEDM . In this paper the construction, control and conditioning of its electrostatic deflector are described. The deflector was designed for voltages up to 500 kV accross the gap, corresponding to a 3.6 MV/m field, to accomodate fusion reactions with inverse kinematics. Titanium electrodes with a beam dump opening in the anode are used. The conditioning procedure, which has been used repeatedly to take the deflector to 450 kV, is described, along with the safety systems and precautions that are in place.
A new venous infusion path monitoring system utilizing electrostatic induced potential.

PubMed

Ogawa, Hidekuni; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Maki, Hiromichi; Caldwell, W Morton

2008-01-01

A new venous infusion pathway monitoring system has been developed for hospital and home use. The system consists of linear and digital integrated circuits and a low-power 8-bit single chip microcomputer which constantly monitors the infusion pathway intactness. A 330 kHz AC voltage, which is induced on the patient's body by electrostatic coupling from a 330 kHz pulse oscillator, can be recorded by main and reference electrodes wrapped around the infusion polyvinyl chloride tube. If the injection needle or infusion tube becomes detached, then the system detects changes in the induced AC voltages and alerts the nursing station, via the nurse call system or PHS (personal handy phone system).
Evidence for an electrostatic mechanism of force generation by the bacteriophage T4 DNA packaging motor.

PubMed

Migliori, Amy D; Keller, Nicholas; Alam, Tanfis I; Mahalingam, Marthandan; Rao, Venigalla B; Arya, Gaurav; Smith, Douglas E

2014-06-17

How viral packaging motors generate enormous forces to translocate DNA into viral capsids remains unknown. Recent structural studies of the bacteriophage T4 packaging motor have led to a proposed mechanism wherein the gp17 motor protein translocates DNA by transitioning between extended and compact states, orchestrated by electrostatic interactions between complimentarily charged residues across the interface between the N- and C-terminal subdomains. Here we show that site-directed alterations in these residues cause force dependent impairments of motor function including lower translocation velocity, lower stall force and higher frequency of pauses and slips. We further show that the measured impairments correlate with computed changes in free-energy differences between the two states. These findings support the proposed structural mechanism and further suggest an energy landscape model of motor activity that couples the free-energy profile of motor conformational states with that of the ATP hydrolysis cycle.
Evidence for an electrostatic mechanism of force generation by the bacteriophage T4 DNA packaging motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Migliori, Amy D.; Keller, Nicholas; Alam, Tanfis I.; Mahalingam, Marthandan; Rao, Venigalla B.; Arya, Gaurav; Smith, Douglas E.

2014-06-01

How viral packaging motors generate enormous forces to translocate DNA into viral capsids remains unknown. Recent structural studies of the bacteriophage T4 packaging motor have led to a proposed mechanism wherein the gp17 motor protein translocates DNA by transitioning between extended and compact states, orchestrated by electrostatic interactions between complimentarily charged residues across the interface between the N- and C-terminal subdomains. Here we show that site-directed alterations in these residues cause force dependent impairments of motor function including lower translocation velocity, lower stall force and higher frequency of pauses and slips. We further show that the measured impairments correlate with computed changes in free-energy differences between the two states. These findings support the proposed structural mechanism and further suggest an energy landscape model of motor activity that couples the free-energy profile of motor conformational states with that of the ATP hydrolysis cycle.
Generating high-current monoenergetic proton beams by a circularly polarized laser pulse in the phase-stable acceleration regime.

PubMed

Yan, X Q; Lin, C; Sheng, Z M; Guo, Z Y; Liu, B C; Lu, Y R; Fang, J X; Chen, J E

2008-04-04

A new ion acceleration method, namely, phase-stable acceleration, using circularly-polarized laser pulses is proposed. When the initial target density n(0) and thickness D satisfy a(L) approximately (n(0)/n(c))D/lambda(L) and D>l(s) with a(L), lambda(L), l(s), and n(c) the normalized laser amplitude, the laser wavelength in vacuum, the plasma skin depth, and the critical density of the incident laser pulse, respectively, a quasiequilibrium for the electrons is established by the light pressure and the space charge electrostatic field at the interacting front of the laser pulse. The ions within the skin depth of the laser pulse are synchronously accelerated and bunched by the electrostatic field, and thereby a high-intensity monoenergetic proton beam can be generated. The proton dynamics is investigated analytically and the results are verified by one- and two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.
Plasma simulation in a hybrid ion electric propulsion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jugroot, Manish; Christou, Alex

2015-04-01

An exciting possibility for the next generation of satellite technology is the microsatellite. These satellites, ranging from 10-500 kg, can offer advantages in cost, reduced risk, and increased functionality for a variety of missions. For station keeping and control of these satellites, a suitable compact and high efficiency thruster is required. Electrostatic propulsion provides a promising solution for microsatellite thrust due to their high specific impulse. The rare gas propellant is ionized into plasma and generates a beam of high speed ions by electrostatic processes. A concept explored in this work is a hybrid combination of dc ion engines and hall thrusters to overcome space-charge and lifetime limitations of current ion thruster technologies. A multiphysics space and time-dependent formulation was used to investigate and understand the underlying physical phenomena. Several regions and time scales of the plasma have been observed and will be discussed.
Electron beam injection during active experiments. I - Electromagnetic wave emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winglee, R. M.; Kellogg, P. J.

1990-01-01

The wave emissions produced in Echo 7 experiment by active injections of electron beams were investigated to determine the properties of the electromagnetic and electrostatic fields for both the field-aligned and cross-field injection in such experiments and to evaluate the sources of free energy and relative efficiencies for the generation of the VLF and HF emissions. It is shown that, for typical beam energies in active experiments, electromagnetic effects do not substantially change the bulk properties of the beam, spacecraft charging, and plasma particle acceleration. Through simulations, beam-generated whistlers; fundamental z-mode and harmonic x-mode radiation; and electrostatic electron-cyclotron, upper-hybrid, Langmuir, and lower-hybrid waves were identified. The characteristics of the observed wave spectra were found to be sensitive to both the ratio of the electron plasma frequency to the cyclotron frequency and the angle of injection relative to the magnetic field.
Evidence for an electrostatic mechanism of force generation by the bacteriophage T4 DNA packaging motor

PubMed Central

Migliori, Amy D.; Keller, Nicholas; Alam, Tanfis I.; Mahalingam, Marthandan; Rao, Venigalla B.; Arya, Gaurav; Smith, Douglas E

2014-01-01

How viral packaging motors generate enormous forces to translocate DNA into viral capsids remains unknown. Recent structural studies of the bacteriophage T4 packaging motor have led to a proposed mechanism wherein the gp17 motor protein translocates DNA by transitioning between extended and compact states, orchestrated by electrostatic interactions between complimentarily charged residues across the interface between the N- and C-terminal subdomains. Here, we show that site-directed alterations in these residues cause force dependent impairments of motor function including lower translocation velocity, lower stall force, and higher frequency of pauses and slips. We further show that the measured impairments correlate with computed changes in free energy differences between the two states. These findings support the proposed structural mechanism and further suggest an energy landscape model of motor activity that couples the free energy profile of motor conformational states with that of the ATP hydrolysis cycle. PMID:24937091
The « 3-D donut » electrostatic analyzer for millisecond timescale electron measurements in the solar wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berthomier, M.; Techer, J. D.

2017-12-01

Understanding electron acceleration mechanisms in planetary magnetospheres or energy dissipation at electron scale in the solar wind requires fast measurement of electron distribution functions on a millisecond time scale. Still, since the beginning of space age, the instantaneous field of view of plasma spectrometers is limited to a few degrees around their viewing plane. In Earth's magnetosphere, the NASA MMS spacecraft use 8 state-of-the-art sensor heads to reach a time resolution of 30 milliseconds. This costly strategy in terms of mass and power consumption can hardly be extended to the next generation of constellation missions that would use a large number of small-satellites. In the solar wind, using the same sensor heads, the ESA THOR mission is expected to reach the 5ms timescale in the thermal energy range, up to 100eV. We present the « 3-D donut » electrostatic analyzer concept that can change the game for future space missions because of its instantaneous hemispheric field of view. A set of 2 sensors is sufficient to cover all directions over a wide range of energy, e.g. up to 1-2keV in the solar wind, which covers both thermal and supra-thermal particles. In addition, its high sensitivity compared to state of the art instruments opens the possibility of millisecond time scale measurements in space plasmas. With CNES support, we developed a high fidelity prototype (a quarter of the full « 3-D donut » analyzer) that includes all electronic sub-systems. The prototype weights less than a kilogram. The key building block of the instrument is an imaging detector that uses EASIC, a low-power front-end electronics that will fly on the ESA Solar Orbiter and on the NASA Parker Solar Probe missions.
KSC Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Issues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buhler, Charles

2008-01-01

Discussion of key electrostatic issues that have arisen during the past few years at KSC that the Electrostatics Laboratory has studied. The lab has studied in depth the Space Shuttle's Thermal Control System Blankets, the International Space Station Thermal Blanket, the Pan/Tilt Camera Blankets, the Kapton Purge Barrier Curtain, the Aclar Purge Barrier Curtain, the Thrust Vector Controller Blankets, the Tyvek Reaction Control System covers, the AID-PAK and FLU-9 pyro inflatable devices, the Velostat Solid Rocket Booster mats, and the SCAPE suits. In many cases these materials are insulating meaning that they might be a source of unsafe levels of electrostatic discharge (ESD). For each, the lab provided in-depth testing of each material within its current configuration to ensure that it does not cause an ESD concern that may violate the safety of the astronauts, the workers and equipment for NASA. For example the lab provides unique solutions and testing such as Spark Incendivity Testing that checks whether a material is capable of generating a spark strong enough to ignite a flammable gas. The lab makes recommendations to changes in specifications, procedures, and material if necessary. The lab also consults with a variety of non-safety related ESD issues for the agency.
Electrostatic adhesion for added functionality of composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heath, Callum J. C.; Bond, Ian P.; Potter, Kevin D.

2016-02-01

Electrostatic adhesion can be used as a means of reversible attachment. The incorporation of electrostatic adhesion into fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structures could provide significant value added functionality. Imparting large potential differences (˜2 kV) across electrodes generates an attractive force, thus providing a means of attachment. This could be used as a reversible latching mechanism or as a means of controllable internal connectivity. Varying the connectivity for discrete elements of a substructure of a given design allows for control of internal load paths and moment of area of the cross section. This could facilitate variable stiffness (both in bending and torsion). Using a combination of existing fabrication techniques, functional electrodes have been integrated within a FRP. Copper polyimide thin film laminate material has been both co-cured with carbon fibre reinforced epoxy and bonded to PVC closed cell foam core material to provide a range of structural configurations with integrated electrodes. The ability of such integrated devices to confer variations in global bending stiffness of basic beam structures is investigated. Through the application of 4 kV across integrated electrostatic adhesive devices, a 112% increase in flexural stiffness has been demonstrated for a composite sandwich structure.
Inertial electrostatic confinement and nuclear fusion in the interelectrode plasma of a nanosecond vacuum discharge. I: Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurilenkov, Yu. K.; Skowronek, M.

2010-12-15

Properties of an aerosol substance with a high power density in the interelectrode space of a nano- second vacuum discharge are studied. The possibilities of emission and/or trapping of fast ions and hard X-rays by ensembles of clusters and microparticles are analyzed. The possibility of simultaneous partial trapping (diffusion) of X-rays and complete trapping of fast ions by a cluster ensemble is demonstrated experimentally. Due to such trapping, the aerosol ensemble transforms into a 'dusty' microreactor that can be used to investigate a certain class of nuclear processes, including collisional DD microfusion. Operating regimes of such a microreactor and theirmore » reproducibility were studied. On the whole, the generation efficiency of hard X-rays and neutrons in the proposed vacuum discharge with a hollow cathode can be higher by two orders of magnitude than that in a system 'high-power laser pulse-cluster cloud.' Multiply repeated nuclear fusion accompanied by pulsating DD neutron emission was reproducibly detected in experiment. Ion acceleration mechanisms in the interelectrode space and the fundamental role of the virtual cathode in observed nuclear fusion processes are discussed.« less
Experimental and theoretical investigation of an impact vibration harvester with triboelectric transduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, Alwathiqbellah; Ramini, Abdallah; Towfighian, Shahrzad

2018-03-01

There has been remarkable interest in triboelectric mechanisms because of their high efficiency, wide availability, and low-cost generation of sustainable power. Using impact vibrations, we introduce piece-wise stiffness to the system to enlarge frequency bandwidth. The triboelectric layers consist of Aluminum, which also serves as an electrode, and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with micro semi-cylindrical patterns. At the bottom of the PDMS layer, there is another Al electrode. The layers are sandwiched between the center mass of a clamped-clamped beam and its base. The center mass enhances the impact force on the triboelectric layers subjected to external vibrations. Upon impact, alternating current, caused by the contact electrification and electrostatic induction, flows between the Al electrodes. Because of the impact, the equivalent stiffness of the structure increases and as a result, the frequency bandwidth gets wider. The output voltage and power reach as large as 5.5 V, 15 μW, respectively at 0.8 g vibrational amplitude. In addition, we report how the surface charge density increases with the excitation levels. The analysis delineates the interactions between impact vibrations and triboelectric transductions. The ability of the system to achieve wider bandwidth paves the way for efficient triboelectric vibrational energy harvesters.
Smart material-based radiation sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovaleski, Scott

2014-10-01

From sensors to power harvesters, the unique properties of smart materials have been exploited in numerous ways to enable new applications and reduce the size of many useful devices. Smart materials are defined as materials whose properties can be changed in a controlled and often reversible fashion by use of external stimuli, such as electric and magnetic fields, temperature, or humidity. Smart materials have been used to make acceleration sensors that are ubiquitous in mobile phones, to make highly accurate frequency standards, to make unprecedentedly small actuators and motors, to seal and reduce friction of rotating shafts, and to generate power by conversion of either kinetic or thermal energy to electrical energy. The number of useful devices enabled by smart materials is large and continues to grow. Smart materials can also be used to generate plasmas and accelerate particles at small scales. The materials discussed in this talk are from non-centrosymmetric crystalline classes including piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric materials, which produce large electric fields in response to external stimuli such as applied electric fields or thermal energy. First, the use of ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric materials for plasma generation and particle acceleration will be reviewed. The talk will then focus on the use of piezoelectric materials at the University of Missouri to construct plasma sources and electrostatic accelerators for applications including space propulsion, x-ray imaging, and neutron production. The basic concepts of piezoelectric transformers, which are analogous to conventional magnetic transformers, will be discussed, along with results from experiments over the last decade to produce micro-thrusters for space propulsion and particle accelerators for x-ray and neutron production. Support from ONR, AFOSR, and LANL.
Electrostatic origin of the unidirectionality of walking myosin V motors.

PubMed

Mukherjee, Shayantani; Warshel, Arieh

2013-10-22

Understanding the basis for the action of myosin motors and related molecular machines requires a quantitative energy-based description of the overall functional cycle. Previous theoretical attempts to do so have provided interesting insights on parts of the cycle but could not generate a structure-based free energy landscape for the complete cycle of myosin. In particular, a nonphenomenological structure/energy-based understanding of the unidirectional motion is still missing. Here we use a coarse-grained model of myosin V and generate a structure-based free energy surface of the largest conformational change, namely the transition from the post- to prepowerstroke movement. We also couple the observed energetics of ligand binding/hydrolysis and product release to that of the conformational surface and reproduce the energetics of the complete mechanochemical cycle. It is found that the release in electrostatic free energy upon changing the conformation of the lever arm and the convertor domain from its post- to prepowerstroke state provides the necessary energy to bias the system towards the unidirectional movement of myosin V on the actin filament. The free energy change of 11 kcal is also in the range of ∼2-3 pN, which is consistent with the experimentally observed stalling force required to stop the motor completely on its track. The conformational-chemical coupling generating a successful powerstroke cycle is believed to be conserved among most members of the myosin family, thus highlighting the importance of the previously unknown role of electrostatics free energy in guiding the functional cycle in other actin-based myosin motors.
Tube-Super Dielectric Materials: Electrostatic Capacitors with Energy Density Greater than 200 J·cm−3

PubMed Central

Cortes, Francisco Javier Quintero; Phillips, Jonathan

2015-01-01

The construction and performance of a second generation of super dielectric material based electrostatic capacitors (EC), with energy density greater than 200 J·cm−3, which rival the best reported energy density of electric double layer capacitors (EDLC), also known as supercapacitors, are reported. The first generation super dielectric materials (SDM) are multi-material mixtures with dielectric constants greater than 1.0 × 105, composed of a porous, electrically insulating powder filled with a polarizable, ion-containing liquid. Second-generation SDMs (TSDM), introduced here, are anodic titania nanotube arrays filled with concentrated aqueous salt solutions. Capacitors using TiO2 based TSDM were found to have dielectric constants at ~0 Hz greater than 107 in all cases, a maximum operating voltage of greater than 2 volts and remarkable energy density that surpasses the highest previously reported for EC capacitors by approximately one order of magnitude. A simple model based on the classic ponderable media model was shown to be largely consistent with data from nine EC type capacitors employing TSDM. PMID:28793561

Tube-Super Dielectric Materials: Electrostatic Capacitors with Energy Density Greater than 200 J·cm-3.

PubMed

Cortes, Francisco Javier Quintero; Phillips, Jonathan

2015-09-17

The construction and performance of a second generation of super dielectric material based electrostatic capacitors (EC), with energy density greater than 200 J·cm - ³, which rival the best reported energy density of electric double layer capacitors (EDLC), also known as supercapacitors, are reported. The first generation super dielectric materials (SDM) are multi-material mixtures with dielectric constants greater than 1.0 × 10⁵, composed of a porous, electrically insulating powder filled with a polarizable, ion-containing liquid. Second-generation SDMs (TSDM), introduced here, are anodic titania nanotube arrays filled with concentrated aqueous salt solutions. Capacitors using TiO₂ based TSDM were found to have dielectric constants at ~0 Hz greater than 10⁷ in all cases, a maximum operating voltage of greater than 2 volts and remarkable energy density that surpasses the highest previously reported for EC capacitors by approximately one order of magnitude. A simple model based on the classic ponderable media model was shown to be largely consistent with data from nine EC type capacitors employing TSDM.
Microwave-induced electrostatic etching: generation of highly reactive magnesium for application in Grignard reagent formation.

PubMed

van de Kruijs, Bastiaan H P; Dressen, Mark H C L; Meuldijk, Jan; Vekemans, Jef A J M; Hulshof, Lumbertus A

2010-04-07

A detailed study regarding the influence of microwave irradiation on the formation of a series of Grignard reagents in terms of rates and selectivities has revealed that these heterogeneous reactions may display a beneficial microwave effect. The interaction between microwaves and magnesium turnings generates violent electrostatic discharges. These discharges on magnesium lead to melting of the magnesium surface, thus generating highly active magnesium particles. As compared to conventional operation the microwave-induced discharges on the magnesium surface lead to considerably shorter initiation times for the insertion of magnesium in selected substrates (i.e. halothiophenes, halopyridines, octyl halides, and halobenzenes). Thermographic imaging and surface characterization by scanning electron microscopy showed that neither selective heating nor a "specific" microwave effect was causing the reduction in initiation times. This novel and straightforward initiation method eliminates the use of toxic and environmentally adverse initiators. Thus, this initiation method limits the formation of by-products. We clearly demonstrated that microwave irradiation enables fast Grignard reagent formation. Therefore, microwave technology is promising for process intensification of Grignard based coupling reactions.
Effects of Cathode Surface Roughness on the Quality of Electron Beams

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-12

ignored. Thus, magnetic field effects are ignored altogether in the present study and the beam tranverse velocities are caused only by the electrostatic...in experiments. This depends on the resolving power and on the competing effects such as nonlinear space charge and thermal effects. Based on the
LABORATORY ANALYSES OF CORONA DISCHARGES

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an experimental research program to characterize corona generation from different electrode geometries in a range of conditions comparable to those found in electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). A wire-parallel plate device and a wire-cylinder device were used t...
LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF BACK-CORONA DISCHARGE

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses an experimental research program to characterize back-corona generation and behavior in a range of environments and geometries common to electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). A wire-parallel plate device was used to monitor the intensity and distribution of back...
Cyclone as a precleaner to ESP--a need for Indian coal based thermal power plants.

PubMed

George, K V; Manjunath, S; Rao, C V Chalapati; Bopche, A M

2003-11-01

Almost all coal based thermal power plants (CTPP) in India use electrostatic precipitator (ESP) for reduction of particulate matter (PM) in flue gas generated due to the combustion of Indian coal. This coal is characterized by high ash content, low calorific value and low sulfur content resulting in the generation of a very large amount of highly electrically-resistive fly-ash; thereby requiring a very large size ESP to minimize the fly-ash emissions. However, the flue-gas particle size distribution analysis showed that 60% of the particles are above 15 microm size, which can be conveniently removed using a low-cost inertial separator such as a cyclone separator. It is proposed that a cyclone be used, as a pre-cleaner to ESP so that the large size fraction of fly-ash can be removed in the pre-cleaning and the remaining flue-gas entering the ESP will then contain only small size particles with low dust loading, thereby requiring a small ESP, and improving overall efficiency of dust removal. A low efficiency (65%), high throughput cyclone is considered for pre-cleaning flue gas and the ESP is designed for removal of the remaining 35% fly-ash from the flue gas. It is observed that with 100% dust load, the ESP requires six fields per pass, whereas with cyclone as a pre-cleaner, it requires only five fields per pass. Introducing cyclone into the flue gas path results in additional head loss, which needs to be overcome by providing additional power to induced draft (ID) fan. The permissible head loss due to the cyclone is estimated by comparing the power requirement in the bag filter control unit and cyclone-ESP combined unit. It is estimated that a head loss of 10 cm of water can be permitted across the cyclone so as to design the same for 65% efficiency.
From the first nuclear power plant to fourth-generation nuclear power installations [on the 60th anniversary of the World's First nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rachkov, V. I.; Kalyakin, S. G.; Kukharchuk, O. F.; Orlov, Yu. I.; Sorokin, A. P.

2014-05-01

Successful commissioning in the 1954 of the World's First nuclear power plant constructed at the Institute for Physics and Power Engineering (IPPE) in Obninsk signaled a turn from military programs to peaceful utilization of atomic energy. Up to the decommissioning of this plant, the AM reactor served as one of the main reactor bases on which neutron-physical investigations and investigations in solid state physics were carried out, fuel rods and electricity generating channels were tested, and isotope products were bred. The plant served as a center for training Soviet and foreign specialists on nuclear power plants, the personnel of the Lenin nuclear-powered icebreaker, and others. The IPPE development history is linked with the names of I.V. Kurchatov, A.I. Leipunskii, D.I. Blokhintsev, A.P. Aleksandrov, and E.P. Slavskii. More than 120 projects of various nuclear power installations were developed under the scientific leadership of the IPPE for submarine, terrestrial, and space applications, including two water-cooled power units at the Beloyarsk NPP in Ural, the Bilibino nuclear cogeneration station in Chukotka, crawler-mounted transportable TES-3 power station, the BN-350 reactor in Kazakhstan, and the BN-600 power unit at the Beloyarsk NPP. Owing to efforts taken on implementing the program for developing fast-neutron reactors, Russia occupied leading positions around the world in this field. All this time, IPPE specialists worked on elaborating the principles of energy supertechnologies of the 21st century. New large experimental installations have been put in operation, including the nuclear-laser setup B, the EGP-15 accelerator, the large physical setup BFS, the high-pressure setup SVD-2; scientific, engineering, and technological schools have been established in the field of high- and intermediate-energy nuclear physics, electrostatic accelerators of multicharge ions, plasma processes in thermionic converters and nuclear-pumped lasers, physics of compact nuclear reactors and radiation protection, thermal physics, physical chemistry and technology of liquid metal coolants, and physics of radiation-induced defects, and radiation materials science. The activity of the institute is aimed at solving matters concerned with technological development of large-scale nuclear power engineering on the basis of a closed nuclear fuel cycle with the use of fast-neutron reactors (referred to henceforth as fast reactors), development of innovative nuclear and conventional technologies, and extension of their application fields.
Electrodynamic Tethers and E-Sails as Active Experiment Testbeds and Technologies in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilchrist, B. E.; Wiegmann, B.; Johnson, L.; Bilen, S. G.; Habash Krause, L.; Miars, G.; Leon, O.

2017-12-01

The use of small-to-large flexible structures in space such as tethers continues to be studied for scientific and technology applications. Here we will consider tether electrodynamic and electrostatic interactions with magneto-plasmas in ionospheres, magnetospheres, and interplanetary space. These systems are enabling fundamental studies of basic plasma physics phenomena, allowing direct studies of the space environment, and generating technological applications beneficial for science missions. Electrodynamic tethers can drive current through the tether based on the Lorenz force adding or extracting energy from its orbit allowing for the study of charged bodies or plasma plumes moving through meso-sonic magnetoplasmas [1]. Technologically, this also generates propulsive forces requiring no propellant and little or no consumables in any planetary system with a magnetic field and ionosphere, e.g., Jupiter [2]. Further, so called electric sails (E-sails) are being studied to provide thrust through momentum exchange with the hypersonic solar wind. The E-sail uses multiple, very long (10s of km) charged, mostly bare rotating conducting tethers to deflect solar wind protons. It is estimated that a spacecraft could achieve a velocity over 100 km/s with time [3,4]. 1. Banks, P.M., "Review of electrodynamic tethers for space plasma science," J. Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 234-239, 1989. 2. Talley, C., J. Moore, D. Gallagher, and L. Johnson, "Propulsion and power from a rotating electrodynamic tether at Jupiter," 38th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, January 2000. 3. Janhunen, P., "The electric sail—A new propulsion method which may enable fast missions to the outer solar system," J. British Interpl. Soc., vol. 61, no. 8, pp. 322-325, 2008. 4. Wiegman, B., T. Scheider, A. Heaton, J. Vaughn, N. Stone, and K. Wright, "The Heliopause Electrostatic Rapid Transit System (HERTS)—Design, trades, and analyses performed in a two-year NASA investigation of electric sail propulsion systems," 53rd AIAA/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conf., 10-12 July 2017, Atlanta, GA.
Thickness-self-controlled synthesis of porous transparent polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide composites towards advanced bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu-Sheng; Li, Shin-Ming; Hsiao, Sheng-Tsung; Liao, Wei-Hao; Yang, Shin-Yi; Tien, Hsi-Wen; Ma, Chen-Chi M.; Hu, Chi-Chang

2014-08-01

A powerful synthesis strategy is proposed for fabricating porous polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide (PANI-RGO) composites with transparency up to 80% and thickness from 300 to 1000 nm for the counter electrode (CE) of bifacial dye-sensitizing solar cells (DSSCs). The first step is to combine the in-situ positive charge transformation of graphene oxide (GO) through aniline (ANI) prepolymerization and the electrostatic adsorption of ANI oligomer-GO to effectively control the thickness of ultrathin PANI-GO films by adjusting pH of the polymerization media. In the second step, PANI-GO films are reduced with hydroiodic acid to simultaneously enhance the apparent redox activity for the I3-/I- couple and their electronic conductivity. Incorporating the RGO increases the transparency of PANI and facilitates the light-harvesting from the rear side. A DSSC assembled with such a transparent PANI-RGO CE exhibits an excellent efficiency of 7.84%, comparable to 8.19% for a semi-transparent Pt-based DSSC. The high light-harvesting ability of PANI-RGO enhances the efficiency retention between rear- and front-illumination modes to 76.7%, compared with 69.1% for a PANI-based DSSC. The higher retention reduces the power-to-weight ratio and the total cost of bifacial DSSCs, which is also promising in other applications, such as windows, power generators, and panel screens.
An electrostatic CMOS/BiCMOS Lithium ion vibration-based harvester-charger IC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres, Erick Omar

Self-powered microsystems, such as wireless transceiver microsensors, appeal to an expanding application space in monitoring, control, and diagnosis for commercial, industrial, military, space, and biomedical products. As these devices continue to shrink, their microscale dimensions allow them to be unobtrusive and economical, with the potential to operate from typically unreachable environments and, in wireless network applications, deploy numerous distributed sensing nodes simultaneously. Extended operational life, however, is difficult to achieve since their limited volume space constrains the stored energy available, even with state-of-the-art technologies, such as thin-film lithium-ion batteries (Li Ion) and micro-fuel cells. Harvesting ambient energy overcomes this deficit by continually replenishing the energy reservoir and, as a result, indefinitely extending system lifetime. In this work, an electrostatic harvester that harnesses ambient kinetic energy from vibrations to charge an energy-storage device (e.g., a battery) is investigated, developed, and evaluated. The proposed harvester charges and holds the voltage across a vibration-sensitive variable capacitor so that vibrations can induce it to generate current into the battery when capacitance decreases (as its plates separate). The challenge is that energy is harnessed at relatively slow rates, producing low output power, and the electronics required to transfer it to charge a battery can easily demand more than the power produced. To this end, the system reduces losses by time-managing and biasing its circuits to operate only when needed and with just enough energy while charging the capacitor through an efficient quasi-lossless inductor-based precharger. As result, the proposed energy harvester stores a net energy gain in the battery during every vibration cycle. Two energy-harvesting integrated circuits (IC) were analyzed, designed, developed, and validated using a 0.7-im BiCMOS process and a 30-Hz mechanical variable capacitor. The precharger, harvester, monitoring, and control microelectronics of the first prototype draw sufficient power to operate and at the same time produce experimentally 1.27, 2.14, and 2.87 nJ per vibration cycle for battery voltages at 2.7, 3.5, and 4.2 V, which with 30-Hz vibrations produce 38.1, 64.2, and 86.1 nW. By incorporating into the system a self-tuning loop that adapts optimally the inductor-based precharger to varying battery voltages, the second prototype harnessed and gained 1.93, 2.43, and 3.89 nJ per vibration cycle at battery voltages 2.7, 3.5, and 4.2 V, generating 57.89, 73.02, and 116.55 nW at 30 Hz. The harvester ultimately charges from 2.7 to 4.2 V a 1-muF capacitor (which emulates a small thin-film Li Ion) in approximately 69 s, harnessing in the same length of time 47.9% more energy than with a non-adapting harvester.
Harmonic generation and parametric decay in the ion cyclotron frequency range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skiff, F.N.; Wong, K.L.; Ono, M.

1984-06-01

Harmonic generation and parametric decay are examined in a toroidal ACT-I plasma using electrostatic plate antennas. The harmonic generation, which is consistent with sheath rectification, is sufficiently strong that the nonlinearly generated harmonic modes themselves decay parametrically. Resonant and nonresonant parametric decay of the second harmonic are observed and compared with uniform pump theory. Resonant decay of lower hybrid waves into lower hybrid waves and slow ion cyclotron waves is seen for the first time. Surprisingly, the decay processes are nonlinearly saturated, indicating absolute instability.
Electrical Engineering in Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silva, Michael James

The field of electrical engineering plays a significant role in particle accelerator design and operations. Los Alamos National Laboratories LANSCE facility utilizes the electrical energy concepts of power distribution, plasma generation, radio frequency energy, electrostatic acceleration, signals and diagnostics. The culmination of these fields produces a machine of incredible potential with uses such as isotope production, neutron spallation, neutron imaging and particle analysis. The key isotope produced in LANSCE isotope production facility is Strontium-82 which is utilized for medical uses such as cancer treatment and positron emission tomography also known as PET scans. Neutron spallation is one of the verymore » few methods used to produce neutrons for scientific research the other methods are natural decay of transuranic elements from nuclear reactors. Accelerator produce neutrons by accelerating charged particles into neutron dense elements such as tungsten imparting a neutral particle with kinetic energy, this has the benefit of producing a large number of neutrons as well as minimizing the waste generated. Utilizing the accelerator scientist can gain an understanding of how various particles behave and interact with matter to better understand the natural laws of physics and the universe around us.« less
Converging Resonance Cones in the LAPTAG plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, Cami; Ha, Chris; Gekelman, Walter; Pribyl, Patrick; Agmon, Nathan; Wise, Joe; Baker, Bob

2013-10-01

The LAPTAG laboratory is a high school outreach effort that has a 1.5m long 50 cm diameter magnetized plasma device. The plasma is produced by an ICP source (1X109 < n < 5X1011 cm-3) and has computer controlled data acquisition. Ring antennas are used to produce converging resonance cones. The experiment was performed in the quiescent plasma afterglow. The electrostatic cones were produced by rf applied to the rings (80 < f < 120 MHz), where fRF < f
On the influence that the ground electrode diameter has in the propulsion efficiency of an asymmetric capacitor in nitrogen gas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martins, Alexandre A.; Pinheiro, Mario J.

In this work, the propulsion force developed in an asymmetric capacitor will be calculated for three different diameters of the ground electrode. The used ion source is a small diameter wire, which generates a positive corona discharge in nitrogen gas directed to the ground electrode. By applying the fluid dynamic and electrostatic theories, all hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces that act on the considered geometries will be computed in an attempt to provide a physical insight on the force mechanism that acts on the asymmetrical capacitors, and also to understand how to increase the efficiency of propulsion.
A Monte-Carlo method which is not based on Markov chain algorithm, used to study electrostatic screening of ion potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šantić, Branko; Gracin, Davor

2017-12-01

A new simple Monte Carlo method is introduced for the study of electrostatic screening by surrounding ions. The proposed method is not based on the generally used Markov chain method for sample generation. Each sample is pristine and there is no correlation with other samples. As the main novelty, the pairs of ions are gradually added to a sample provided that the energy of each ion is within the boundaries determined by the temperature and the size of ions. The proposed method provides reliable results, as demonstrated by the screening of ion in plasma and in water.
Metod And Apparatus For Debris Mitigation For An Electrical Discharge Source

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard E.; Silfvast, William T.; Rader, Daniel J.

2005-05-03

Method and apparatus for mitigating the transport of debris generated and dispersed from electric discharge sources by thermophoretic and electrostatic deposition. A member is positioned adjacent the front electrode of an electric discharge source and used to establish a temperature difference between it and the front electrode. By flowing a gas between the member and the front electrode a temperature gradient is established that can be used for thermophoretic deposition of particulate debris on either the member or front electrode depending upon the direction of the thermal gradient. Establishing an electric field between the member and front electrode can aid in particle deposition by electrostatic deposition.
Method and apparatus for debris mitigation for an electrical discharge source

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard E [San Clemente, CA; Rader, Daniel J [Albuquerque, NM; Silfvast, William T [Helena, CA

2006-01-24

Method and apparatus for mitigating the transport of debris generated and dispersed from electric discharge sources by thermophoretic and electrostatic deposition. A member is positioned adjacent the front electrode of an electric discharge source and used to establish a temperature difference between it and the front electrode. By flowing a gas between the member and the front electrode a temperature gradient is established that can be used for thermophoretic deposition of particulate debris on either the member or front electrode depending upon the direction of the thermal gradient. Establishing an electric field between the member and front electrode can aid in particle deposition by electrostatic deposition.
EDITORIAL: Selected papers from the 10th International Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS 2010) Selected papers from the 10th International Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS 2010)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynaerts, Dominiek; Vullers, Ruud

2011-10-01

This special section of Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering features papers selected from the 10th International Workshop on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS 2010). The workshop was organized in Leuven, Belgium from 30 November to 3 December 2010 by Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the imec/Holst Centre. This was a special PowerMEMS Workshop, for several reasons. First of all, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the workshop: the first PowerMEMS meeting was organized in Sendai, Japan in 2000. None of the organizers or participants of this first meeting could have predicted the impact of the workshop over the next decade. The second reason was that, for the first time, the conference organization spanned two countries: Belgium and the Netherlands. Thanks to the advances in information technology, teams from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and the imec/Holst Centre in Eindhoven (the Netherlands) have been able to work together seamlessly as one team. The objective of the PowerMEMS Workshop is to stimulate innovation in micro and nanotechnology for power generation and energy conversion applications. Its scope ranges from integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for power generation, dissipation, harvesting, and management, to novel nanostructures and materials for energy-related applications. True to the objective of the PowerMEMSWorkshop, the 2010 technical program covered a broad range of energy related research, ranging from the nanometer to the millimeter scale, discussed in 5 invited and 52 oral presentations, and 112 posters. This special section includes 14 papers covering vibration energy harvesters, thermal applications and micro power systems. Finally, we wish to express sincere appreciation to the members of the International Steering Committee, the Technical Program Committee and last but not least the Local Organizing Committee. This special issue was edited in collaboration with the staff of IOP Publishing. PowerMEMS 2010 contents Harvesting energy from airflow with a michromachined piezoelectric harvester inside a Helmholtz resonator S P Matova, R Elfrink, R J M Vullers and R van Schaijk Analysis and characterization of triangular electrode structures for electrostatic energy harvestingDaniel Hoffmann, Bernd Folkmer and Yiannos Manoli A smart and self-sufficient frequency tunable vibration energy harvesterC Eichhorn, R Tchagsim, N Wilhelm and P Woias Power output enhancement of a vibration-driven electret generator for wireless sensor applicationsTatsuakira Masaki, Kenji Sakurai, Toru Yokoyama, Masayo Ikuta, Hiroshi Sameshima, Masashi Doi, Tomonori Seki and Masatoshi Oba Harvesting traffic-induced vibrations for structural health monitoring of bridgesT V Galchev, J McCullagh, R L Peterson and K Najafi Dispenser-printed planar thick-film thermoelectric energy generatorsA Chen, D Madan, P K Wright and J W Evans Silicon nanowire arrays as thermoelectric material for a power microgeneratorD Dávila, A Tarancón, M Fernández-Regúlez, C Calaza, M Salleras, A San Paulo and L Fonseca A micro thermal switch with a stiffness-enhanced thermal isolation structureTakashiro Tsukamoto, Masayoshi Esashi and Shuji Tanaka A dielectric liquid contact thermal switch with electrowetting actuationA R McLanahan, C D Richards and R F Richards A self-regulating valve for single-phase liquid cooling of microelectronicsRadu Donose, Michaël De Volder, Jan Peirs and Dominiek Reynaerts A MEMS-enabled 3D zinc-air microbattery with improved discharge characteristics based on a multilayer metallic substructureA Armutlulu, Y Fang, S H Kim, C H Ji, S A Bidstrup Allen and M G Allen Design, fabrication and testing of an air-breathing micro direct methanol fuel cell with compound anode flow fieldLuwen Wang, Yufeng Zhang, Youran Zhao, Zijiang An, Zhiping Zhou and Xiaowei Liu A shadow-mask evaporated pyroMEMS igniterD A de Koninck, D Briand and N F de Rooij Aerodynamic journal bearing with a flexible, damped support operating at 7.2 million DNTobias Waumans, Jan Peirs, Farid Al-Bender and Dominiek Reynaerts Thermoelectric energy harvester on the heated human machineVladimir Leonov
Progress in ab initio QM/MM free-energy simulations of electrostatic energies in proteins: accelerated QM/MM studies of pKa, redox reactions and solvation free energies.

PubMed

Kamerlin, Shina C L; Haranczyk, Maciej; Warshel, Arieh

2009-02-05

Hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approaches have been used to provide a general scheme for chemical reactions in proteins. However, such approaches still present a major challenge to computational chemists, not only because of the need for very large computer time in order to evaluate the QM energy but also because of the need for proper computational sampling. This review focuses on the sampling issue in QM/MM evaluations of electrostatic energies in proteins. We chose this example since electrostatic energies play a major role in controlling the function of proteins and are key to the structure-function correlation of biological molecules. Thus, the correct treatment of electrostatics is essential for the accurate simulation of biological systems. Although we will be presenting different types of QM/MM calculations of electrostatic energies (and related properties) here, our focus will be on pKa calculations. This reflects the fact that pKa's of ionizable groups in proteins provide one of the most direct benchmarks for the accuracy of electrostatic models of macromolecules. While pKa calculations by semimacroscopic models have given reasonable results in many cases, existing attempts to perform pKa calculations using QM/MM-FEP have led to discrepancies between calculated and experimental values. In this work, we accelerate our QM/MM calculations using an updated mean charge distribution and a classical reference potential. We examine both a surface residue (Asp3) of the bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and a residue buried in a hydrophobic pocket (Lys102) of the T4-lysozyme mutant. We demonstrate that, by using this approach, we are able to reproduce the relevant side chain pKa's with an accuracy of 3 kcal/mol. This is well within the 7 kcal/mol energy difference observed in studies of enzymatic catalysis, and is thus sufficient accuracy to determine the main contributions to the catalytic energies of enzymes. We also provide an overall perspective of the potential of QM/MM calculations in general evaluations of electrostatic free energies, pointing out that our approach should provide a very powerful and accurate tool to predict the electrostatics of not only solution but also enzymatic reactions, as well as the solvation free energies of even larger systems, such as nucleic acid bases incorporated into DNA.
Comparison between the effects of positive noncatastrophic HMB ESD stress in n-channel and p-channel power MOSFET's

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zupac, Dragan; Kosier, Steven L.; Schrimpf, Ronald D.; Galloway, Kenneth F.; Baum, Keith W.

1991-10-01

The effect of noncatastrophic positive human body model (HBM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) stress on n-channel power MOSFETs is radically different from that on p-channel MOSFETs. In n-channel transistors, the stress causes negative shifts of the current-voltage characteristics indicative of positive charge trapping in the gate oxide. In p-channel transistors, the stress increases the drain-to-source leakage current, probably due to localized avalanche electron injection from the p-doped drain.

Preliminary Design Options for Meteor Burst Communications Systems Buoy Relays

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

FIELDS BRAYTON OTTO ELECTROSTATIC FIELDS SUPERCRITICAL Figure 5.1. Structure of current power source technology for ocean applications. 32 L / P 9 t ~A...As in the sulphur dioxide cell, a low weight, high surface area, carbon positive elec- trode acts as a catalyst for the reduction of the cathode...Operating Transmit Power No. (Relay/Service) Type Covert Covert Mode Duty Cycle (watts) 2.1 Trans Ocean Relay Shore/Ship No Yes Remote 20 Msg/hr 0.9
Extrusion of transmitter, water and ions generates forces to close fusion pore.

PubMed

Tajparast, M; Glavinović, M I

2009-05-01

During exocytosis the fusion pore opens rapidly, then dilates gradually, and may subsequently close completely, but what controls its dynamics is not well understood. In this study we focus our attention on forces acting on the pore wall, and which are generated solely by the passage of transmitter, ions and water through the open fusion pore. The transport through the charged cylindrical nano-size pore is simulated using a coupled system of Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Navier-Stokes equations and the forces that act radially on the wall of the fusion pore are then estimated. Four forces are considered: a) inertial force, b) pressure, c) viscotic force, and d) electrostatic force. The inertial and viscotic forces are small, but the electrostatic force and the pressure are typically significant. High vesicular pressure tends to open the fusion pore, but the pressure induced by the transport of charged particles (glutamate, ions), which is predominant when the pore wall charge density is high tends to close the pore. The electrostatic force, which also depends on the charge density on the pore wall, is weakly repulsive before the pore dilates, but becomes attractive and pronounced as the pore dilates. Given that the vesicular concentration of free transmitter can change rapidly due to the release, or owing to the dissociation from the gel matrix, we evaluated how much and how rapidly a change of the vesicular K(+)-glutamate(-) concentration affects the concentration of glutamate(-) and ions in the pore and how such changes alter the radial force on the wall of the fusion pore. A step-like rise of the vesicular K(+)-glutamate(-) concentration leads to a chain of events. Pore concentration (and efflux) of both K(+) and glutamate(-) rise reaching their new steady-state values in less than 100 ns. Interestingly within a similar time interval the pore concentration of Na(+) also rises, whereas that of Cl(-) diminishes, although their extra-cellular concentration does not change. Finally such changes affect also the water movement. Water efflux changes bi-phasically, first increasing before decreasing to a new, but lower steady-state value. Nevertheless, even under such conditions an overall approximate neutrality of the pore is maintained remarkably well, and the electrostatic, but also inertial, viscotic and pressure forces acting on the pore wall remain constant. In conclusion the extrusion of the vesicular content generates forces, primarily the force due to the electro-kinetically induced pressure and electrostatic force (both influenced by the pore radius and even more by the charge density on the pore wall), which tend to close the fusion pore.
THE ALLEN TELESCOPE ARRAY SEARCH FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGES ON MARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, Marin M.; Siemion, Andrew P. V.; Bower, Geoffrey C.

The Allen Telescope Array was used to monitor Mars between 2010 March 9 and June 2, over a total of approximately 30 hr, for radio emission indicative of electrostatic discharge. The search was motivated by the report from Ruf et al. of the detection of non-thermal microwave radiation from Mars characterized by peaks in the power spectrum of the kurtosis, or kurtstrum, at 10 Hz, coinciding with a large dust storm event on 2006 June 8. For these observations, we developed a wideband signal processor at the Center for Astronomy Signal Processing and Electronics Research. This 1024 channel spectrometer calculatesmore » the accumulated power and power-squared, from which the spectral kurtosis is calculated post-observation. Variations in the kurtosis are indicative of non-Gaussianity in the signal, which can be used to detect variable cosmic signals as well as radio frequency interference (RFI). During the three-month period of observations, dust activity occurred on Mars in the form of small-scale dust storms; however, no signals indicating lightning discharge were detected. Frequent signals in the kurtstrum that contain spectral peaks with an approximate 10 Hz fundamental were seen at both 3.2 and 8.0 GHz, but were the result of narrowband RFI with harmonics spread over a broad frequency range.« less
Representability of algebraic topology for biomolecules in machine learning based scoring and virtual screening

PubMed Central

Mu, Lin

2018-01-01

This work introduces a number of algebraic topology approaches, including multi-component persistent homology, multi-level persistent homology, and electrostatic persistence for the representation, characterization, and description of small molecules and biomolecular complexes. In contrast to the conventional persistent homology, multi-component persistent homology retains critical chemical and biological information during the topological simplification of biomolecular geometric complexity. Multi-level persistent homology enables a tailored topological description of inter- and/or intra-molecular interactions of interest. Electrostatic persistence incorporates partial charge information into topological invariants. These topological methods are paired with Wasserstein distance to characterize similarities between molecules and are further integrated with a variety of machine learning algorithms, including k-nearest neighbors, ensemble of trees, and deep convolutional neural networks, to manifest their descriptive and predictive powers for protein-ligand binding analysis and virtual screening of small molecules. Extensive numerical experiments involving 4,414 protein-ligand complexes from the PDBBind database and 128,374 ligand-target and decoy-target pairs in the DUD database are performed to test respectively the scoring power and the discriminatory power of the proposed topological learning strategies. It is demonstrated that the present topological learning outperforms other existing methods in protein-ligand binding affinity prediction and ligand-decoy discrimination. PMID:29309403
Electrostatic focusing of directly heated linear filament gun using EGUN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, Munawar; Lodhi, M. A. K.; Majeed, Zahid; Batani, Dimitri

2011-06-01

This paper presents the optimization of a line source rectangular electron gun using electrostatic focusing. We optimized the gun by shaping the configuration of its electrodes in order to achieve the desired focusing characteristics, namely maximum focusing distance and minimum beam spread. The optimization has been carried out using the software EGUN. We have also simplified the gun design using only one focusing electrode at the same potential as that of the cathode and by avoiding magnetic focusing field, separate focusing electrodes and additional power supply, thus minimizing the cost without any loss in its accuracy and efficient performance. This gun with the optimum configuration was used in actual experiment and the results of the simulation were compared with the experimental measurements.
The use of shale ash in dry mix construction materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulbe, L.; Setina, J.; Juhnevica, I.

2017-10-01

The research was made to determine the use of shale ash usage in dry mix construction materials by replacing part of cement amount. Cement mortar ZM produced by SIA Sakret and two types of shale ashes from Narva Power plant (cyclone ash and electrostatic precipitator ash) were used. Fresh mortar properties, hardened mortar bulk density, thermal conductivity (λ10, dry) (table value) were tested in mortar ZM samples and mortar samples in which 20% of the amount of cement was replaced by ash. Compressive strenght, frost resistance and resistance to sulphate salt solutions were checked. It was stated that the use of electrostatic precipitator ash had a little change of the material properties, but the cyclone ash significantly reduced the mechanical strength of the material.
Effects of turbulence on a kinetic auroral arc model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwall, J. M.; Chiu, Y. T.

1981-01-01

A plasma kinetic model of an inverted-V auroral arc structure which includes the effects of electrostatic turbulence is proposed. In the absence of turbulence, a parallel potential drop is supported by magnetic mirror forces and charge quasi neutrality, with energetic auroral ions penetrating to low altitudes; relative to the electrons, the ions' pitch angle distribution is skewed toward smaller pitch angles. The electrons energized by the potential drop form a current which excites electrostatic turbulence. In equilibrium the plasma is marginally stable. The conventional anomalous resistivity contribution to the potential drop is very small. Anomalous resistivity processes are far too dissipative to be powered by auroral particles. It is concluded that under certain circumstances equilibrium may be impossible and relaxation oscillations set in.
Electrostatic Inflation of Membrane Space Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stiles, Laura A.

Membrane space structures provide a lightweight and cost effective alternative to traditional mechanical systems. The low-mass and high deployed-to-stored volume ratios allow for larger structures to be launched, expanding on-orbit science and technology capabilities. This research explores a novel method for deployment of membrane space structures using electrostatic pressure as the inflation mechanism. Applying electric charge to a layered gossamer structure provides an inflationary pressure due to the repulsive electrostatic forces between the charged layers. The electrostatic inflation of membrane structures (EIMS) concept is particularly applicable to non-precision structures such as sunshields or drag de-orbiting devices. This research addresses three fundamental topics: necessary conditions for EIMS in a vacuum, necessary conditions for EIMS in a plasma, and charging methods. Vacuum demonstrations show that less than 10 kiloVolts are required for electrostatic inflation of membrane structures in 1-g. On-orbit perturbation forces can be much smaller, suggesting feasible voltage requirements. Numerical simulation enables a relationship between required inflation pressure (to offset disturbances) and voltage. 100's of Volts are required for inflation in geosynchronous orbits (GEO) and a few kiloVolts in low Earth orbit (LEO). While GEO plasma has a small impact on the EIMS performance, Debye shielding at LEO reduces the electrostatic pressure. The classic Debye shielding prediction is far worse than actual shielding, raising the `effective' Debye length to the meter scale in LEO, suggesting feasibility for EIMS in LEO. Charged particle emission and remote charging methods are explored as inflation mechanisms. Secondary electron emission characteristics of EIMS materials were determined experimentally. Nonlinear fits to the Sternglass curve determined a maximum yield of 1.83 at 433 eV for Aluminized Kapton and a maximum yield of 1.78 at 511 eV for Aluminized Mylar. Remote charging was demonstrated to -500 V with a 5 keV electron beam. Charge emission power levels are below 1 Watt in GEO and from 10's of Watt to a kiloWatt in LEO.
Study of high-power GaAs-based laser diodes operation and failure by cross-sectional electrostatic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ankudinov, A.; Titkov, A. N.; Evtikhiev, Vadim P.; Kotelnikov, Eugeny Y.; Bazhenov, N.; Zegrya, Georgy G.; Huhtinen, H.; Laiho, R.

2003-06-01

One of the important factors that restricts the power limit of semiconductor lasers is a catastrophic optical mirror damage. This process is significantly suppressed through decreasing the optical power density due to its redistribution over the broad transverse waveguide (BW). Recently it was shown that record-breaking values of the quasicontinuous and continuous-wave (QWC and CW) output power for 100-μm-wide-aperture devices can be achieved by incorporating a broad transverse waveguide into 0.97 μm emitting Al-free InGaAs(P)/InGaP/GaAs and Al-containing InGaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs separate confinement heterostructure quantum-well lasers (SCH-QWL). Another important factor limiting the CW output power is the Joule overheating of a laser diode due to an extra serial resistance. Traditionally, a decrease in the resistance is achieved by development of the contacts, whereas a voltage distribution across the device structure is not analyzed properly. At high operating currents the applied voltage can drop not only across the n-p-junction, but also at certain additional regions of the laser structure depending on a particular design of the device. Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) provides a very promising method to study the voltage distribution across an operating device with a nanometer space resolution. An application of EFM for diagnostics of III-V laser diodes without and under applied biases have been recently demonstrated. However, the most interesting range of the biases, the lazing regime, has not been studied yet.
New technology for separating resin powder and fiberglass powder from fiberglass-resin powder of waste printed circuit boards.

PubMed

Li, Jia; Gao, Bei; Xu, Zhenming

2014-05-06

New recycling technologies have been developed lately to enhance the value of the fiberglass powder-resin powder fraction (FRP) from waste printed circuit boards. The definite aim of the present paper is to present some novel methods that use the image forces for the separation of the resin powder and fiberglass powder generated from FRP during the corona electrostatic separating process. The particle shape charactization and particle trajectory simulation were performed on samples of mixed non-metallic particles. The simulation results pointed out that particles of resin powder and particles of fiberglass powder had different detach trajectories at the conditions of the same size and certain device parameters. An experiment carried out using a corona electrostatic separator validated the possibility of sorting these particles based on the differences in their shape characteristics. The differences in the physical properties of the different types of particles provided the technical basis for the development of electrostatic separation technologies for the recycling industry.
Continuous-flow separation of nanoparticles by electrostatic sieving at a micro-nanofluidic interface.

PubMed

Regtmeier, Jan; Käsewieter, Jörg; Everwand, Martina; Anselmetti, Dario

2011-05-01

Continuous-flow separation of nanoparticles (NPs) (15 and 39 nm) is demonstrated based on electrostatic sieving at a micro-nanofluidic interface. The interface is realized in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) device with a nanoslit of 525 nm laterally spanning the microfluidic channel (aspect ratio of 540:1). Within this nanoslit, the Debye layers overlap and generate an electrostatic sieve. This was exploited to selectively deflect and sort NPs with a sorting purity of up to 97%. Because of the continuous-flow operation, the sample is continuously fed into the device, immediately separated, and the parameters can be adapted in real time. For bioanalytical purposes, we also demonstrate the deflection of proteins (longest axis 6.8 nm). The continuous operation mode and the general applicability of this separation concept make this method a valuable addition to the current Lab-on-a-Chip devices for continuous sorting of NPs and macromolecules. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Effects of non-Gaussian Brownian motion on direct force optical tweezers measurements of the electrostatic forces between pairs of colloidal particles.

PubMed

Raudsepp, Allan; A K Williams, Martin; B Hall, Simon

2016-07-01

Measurements of the electrostatic force with separation between a fixed and an optically trapped colloidal particle are examined with experiment, simulation and analytical calculation. Non-Gaussian Brownian motion is observed in the position of the optically trapped particle when particles are close and traps weak. As a consequence of this motion, a simple least squares parameterization of direct force measurements, in which force is inferred from the displacement of an optically trapped particle as separation is gradually decreased, contains forces generated by the rectification of thermal fluctuations in addition to those originating directly from the electrostatic interaction between the particles. Thus, when particles are close and traps weak, simply fitting the measured direct force measurement to DLVO theory extracts parameters with modified meanings when compared to the original formulation. In such cases, however, physically meaningful DLVO parameters can be recovered by comparing the measured non-Gaussian statistics to those predicted by solutions to Smoluchowski's equation for diffusion in a potential.
An electrostatic mechanism for Ca2+-mediated regulation of gap junction channels

PubMed Central

Bennett, Brad C.; Purdy, Michael D.; Baker, Kent A.; Acharya, Chayan; McIntire, William E.; Stevens, Raymond C.; Zhang, Qinghai; Harris, Andrew L.; Abagyan, Ruben; Yeager, Mark

2016-01-01

Gap junction channels mediate intercellular signalling that is crucial in tissue development, homeostasis and pathologic states such as cardiac arrhythmias, cancer and trauma. To explore the mechanism by which Ca2+ blocks intercellular communication during tissue injury, we determined the X-ray crystal structures of the human Cx26 gap junction channel with and without bound Ca2+. The two structures were nearly identical, ruling out both a large-scale structural change and a local steric constriction of the pore. Ca2+ coordination sites reside at the interfaces between adjacent subunits, near the entrance to the extracellular gap, where local, side chain conformational rearrangements enable Ca2+chelation. Computational analysis revealed that Ca2+-binding generates a positive electrostatic barrier that substantially inhibits permeation of cations such as K+ into the pore. Our results provide structural evidence for a unique mechanism of channel regulation: ionic conduction block via an electrostatic barrier rather than steric occlusion of the channel pore. PMID:26753910
DelPhi Web Server: A comprehensive online suite for electrostatic calculations of biological macromolecules and their complexes

PubMed Central

Sarkar, Subhra; Witham, Shawn; Zhang, Jie; Zhenirovskyy, Maxim; Rocchia, Walter; Alexov, Emil

2011-01-01

Here we report a web server, the DelPhi web server, which utilizes DelPhi program to calculate electrostatic energies and the corresponding electrostatic potential and ionic distributions, and dielectric map. The server provides extra services to fix structural defects, as missing atoms in the structural file and allows for generation of missing hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen placement and the corresponding DelPhi calculations can be done with user selected force field parameters being either Charmm22, Amber98 or OPLS. Upon completion of the calculations, the user is given option to download fixed and protonated structural file, together with the parameter and Delphi output files for further analysis. Utilizing Jmol viewer, the user can see the corresponding structural file, to manipulate it and to change the presentation. In addition, if the potential map is requested to be calculated, the potential can be mapped onto the molecule surface. The DelPhi web server is available from http://compbio.clemson.edu/delphi_webserver. PMID:24683424
Electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves in a nonuniform magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cartier, S. L.; Dangelo, N.; Merlino, R. L.

1985-01-01

The properties of electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves excited in a single-ended cesium Q machine with a nonuniform magnetic field are described. The electrostatic ion-cyclotron waves are generated in the usual manner by drawing an electron current to a small exciter disk immersed in the plasma column. The parallel and perpendicular (to B) wavelengths and phase velocities are determined by mapping out two-dimensional wave phase contours. The wave frequency f depends on the location of the exciter disk in the nonuniform magnetic field, and propagating waves are only observed in the region where f is approximately greater than fci, where fci is the local ion-cyclotron frequency. The parallel phase velocity is in the direction of the electron drift. From measurements of the plasma properties along the axis, it is inferred that the electron drift velocity is not uniform along the entire current channel. The evidence suggests that the waves begin being excited at that axial position where the critical drift velocity is first exceeded, consistent with a current-driven excitation mechanism.
Compliant displacement-multiplying apparatus for microelectromechanical systems

DOEpatents

Kota, Sridhar; Rodgers, M. Steven; Hetrick, Joel A.

2001-01-01

A pivotless compliant structure is disclosed that can be used to increase the geometric advantage or mechanical advantage of a microelectromechanical (MEM) actuator such as an electrostatic comb actuator, a capacitive-plate electrostatic actuator, or a thermal actuator. The compliant structure, based on a combination of interconnected flexible beams and cross-beams formed of one or more layers of polysilicon or silicon nitride, can provide a geometric advantage of from about 5:1 to about 60:1 to multiply a 0.25-3 .mu.m displacement provided by a short-stroke actuator so that such an actuator can be used to generate a displacement stroke of about 10-34 .mu.m to operate a ratchet-driven MEM device or a microengine. The compliant structure has less play than conventional displacement-multiplying devices based on lever arms and pivoting joints, and is expected to be more reliable than such devices. The compliant structure and an associated electrostatic or thermal actuator can be formed on a common substrate (e.g. silicon) using surface micromachining.
Highly Efficient Computation of the Basal kon using Direct Simulation of Protein-Protein Association with Flexible Molecular Models.

PubMed

Saglam, Ali S; Chong, Lillian T

2016-01-14

An essential baseline for determining the extent to which electrostatic interactions enhance the kinetics of protein-protein association is the "basal" kon, which is the rate constant for association in the absence of electrostatic interactions. However, since such association events are beyond the milliseconds time scale, it has not been practical to compute the basal kon by directly simulating the association with flexible models. Here, we computed the basal kon for barnase and barstar, two of the most rapidly associating proteins, using highly efficient, flexible molecular simulations. These simulations involved (a) pseudoatomic protein models that reproduce the molecular shapes, electrostatic, and diffusion properties of all-atom models, and (b) application of the weighted ensemble path sampling strategy, which enhanced the efficiency of generating association events by >130-fold. We also examined the extent to which the computed basal kon is affected by inclusion of intermolecular hydrodynamic interactions in the simulations.
Dirac Hamiltonian and Reissner-Nordström metric: Coulomb interaction in curved space-time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noble, J. H.; Jentschura, U. D.

2016-03-01

We investigate the spin-1 /2 relativistic quantum dynamics in the curved space-time generated by a central massive charged object (black hole). This necessitates a study of the coupling of a Dirac particle to the Reissner-Nordström space-time geometry and the simultaneous covariant coupling to the central electrostatic field. The relativistic Dirac Hamiltonian for the Reissner-Nordström geometry is derived. A Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation reveals the presence of gravitational and electrogravitational spin-orbit coupling terms which generalize the Fokker precession terms found for the Dirac-Schwarzschild Hamiltonian, and other electrogravitational correction terms to the potential proportional to αnG , where α is the fine-structure constant and G is the gravitational coupling constant. The particle-antiparticle symmetry found for the Dirac-Schwarzschild geometry (and for other geometries which do not include electromagnetic interactions) is shown to be explicitly broken due to the electrostatic coupling. The resulting spectrum of radially symmetric, electrostatically bound systems (with gravitational corrections) is evaluated for example cases.
Impact of local electrostatic field rearrangement on field ionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katnagallu, Shyam; Dagan, Michal; Parviainen, Stefan; Nematollahi, Ali; Grabowski, Blazej; Bagot, Paul A. J.; Rolland, Nicolas; Neugebauer, Jörg; Raabe, Dierk; Vurpillot, François; Moody, Michael P.; Gault, Baptiste

2018-03-01

Field ion microscopy allows for direct imaging of surfaces with true atomic resolution. The high charge density distribution on the surface generates an intense electric field that can induce ionization of gas atoms. We investigate the dynamic nature of the charge and the consequent electrostatic field redistribution following the departure of atoms initially constituting the surface in the form of an ion, a process known as field evaporation. We report on a new algorithm for image processing and tracking of individual atoms on the specimen surface enabling quantitative assessment of shifts in the imaged atomic positions. By combining experimental investigations with molecular dynamics simulations, which include the full electric charge, we confirm that change is directly associated with the rearrangement of the electrostatic field that modifies the imaging gas ionization zone. We derive important considerations for future developments of data reconstruction in 3D field ion microscopy, in particular for precise quantification of lattice strains and characterization of crystalline defects at the atomic scale.
VHDL-AMS modelling and simulation of a planar electrostatic micromotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endemaño, A.; Fourniols, J. Y.; Camon, H.; Marchese, A.; Muratet, S.; Bony, F.; Dunnigan, M.; Desmulliez, M. P. Y.; Overton, G.

2003-09-01

System level simulation results of a planar electrostatic micromotor, based on analytical models of the static and dynamic torque behaviours, are presented. A planar variable capacitance (VC) electrostatic micromotor designed, fabricated and tested at LAAS (Toulouse) in 1995 is simulated using the high level language VHDL-AMS (VHSIC (very high speed integrated circuits) hardware description language-analog mixed signal). The analytical torque model is obtained by first calculating the overlaps and capacitances between different electrodes based on a conformal mapping transformation. Capacitance values in the order of 10-16 F and torque values in the order of 10-11 N m have been calculated in agreement with previous measurements and simulations from this type of motor. A dynamic model has been developed for the motor by calculating the inertia coefficient and estimating the friction-coefficient-based values calculated previously for other similar devices. Starting voltage results obtained from experimental measurement are in good agreement with our proposed simulation model. Simulation results of starting voltage values, step response, switching response and continuous operation of the micromotor, based on the dynamic model of the torque, are also presented. Four VHDL-AMS blocks were created, validated and simulated for power supply, excitation control, micromotor torque creation and micromotor dynamics. These blocks can be considered as the initial phase towards the creation of intellectual property (IP) blocks for microsystems in general and electrostatic micromotors in particular.

The Sterilization Effect of Cooperative Treatment of High Voltage Electrostatic Field and Variable Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Heterotrophic Bacteria in Circulating Cooling Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Xuetong; Liu, Zhian; Zhao, Judong

2018-01-01

Compared to other treatment of industrial circulating cooling water in the field of industrial water treatment, high-voltage electrostatic field and variable frequency pulsed electromagnetic field co-sterilization technology, an advanced technology, is widely used because of its special characteristics--low energy consumption, nonpoisonous and environmentally friendly. In order to get a better cooling water sterilization effect under the premise of not polluting the environment, some experiments about sterilization of heterotrophic bacteria in industrial circulating cooling water by cooperative treatment of high voltage electrostatic field and variable frequency pulsed electromagnetic field were carried out. The comparison experiment on the sterilization effect of high-voltage electrostatic field and variable frequency pulsed electromagnetic field co-sterilization on heterotrophic bacteria in industrial circulating cooling water was carried out by change electric field strength and pulse frequency. The results show that the bactericidal rate is selective to the frequency and output voltage, and the heterotrophic bacterium can only kill under the condition of sweep frequency range and output voltage. When the voltage of the high voltage power supply is 4000V, the pulse frequency is 1000Hz and the water temperature is 30°C, the sterilization rate is 48.7%, the sterilization rate is over 90%. Results of this study have important guiding significance for future application of magnetic field sterilization.
A Comparative Study of Successful Central Nervous System Drugs Using Molecular Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, Hyosub; Sulaimon, Segun; Menezes, Sandra; Son, Anne; Menezes, Warren J. C.

2011-01-01

Molecular modeling is a powerful tool used for three-dimensional visualization and for exploring electrostatic forces involved in drug transport. This tool enhances student understanding of structure-property relationships, as well as actively engaging them in class. Molecular modeling of several central nervous system (CNS) drugs is used to…
Cloth-Based Power Shirt for Wearable Energy Harvesting and Clothes Ornamentation.

PubMed

Li, Suling; Zhong, Qize; Zhong, Junwen; Cheng, Xiaofeng; Wang, Bo; Hu, Bin; Zhou, Jun

2015-07-15

Harvesting ambient mechanical energy from human body motion has attracted great research interest. In this work, a power shirt based on triboelectrification and the electrostatic induction effect between fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) and external objects is demonstrated. This power shirt can effectively convert the ambient mechanical energy into electric power, and the working mechanism is systematically discussed. A maximum short-circuit current density of ∼0.37 μA/cm2 and a maximum peak power density of ∼4.65 μW/cm2 were achieved. Simultaneously, 11 blue LEDs were lit by sliding the sleeve and power shirt, indicating the potential application of the power shirt in clothes ornamentation and risk warning. This study develops an efficient path for harvesting human body energy and promoting the development of wearable electronics and smart garments.
Energy harvesting from human motion: materials and techniques.

PubMed

Invernizzi, F; Dulio, S; Patrini, M; Guizzetti, G; Mustarelli, P

2016-10-10

Energy harvesting from human motion is a research field under rapid development. In this tutorial review we address the main physical and physico-chemical processes which can lead to energy generation, including electromagnetism, piezoelectricity, and electrostatic generation. Emphasis is put on the relationships among material properties and device efficiency. Some new and relatively less known approaches, such as triboelectric nanogeneration (TENG) and reverse electrowetting (REWOD), are reported in more detail.
Force Field for Water Based on Neural Network.

PubMed

Wang, Hao; Yang, Weitao

2018-05-18

We developed a novel neural network based force field for water based on training with high level ab initio theory. The force field was built based on electrostatically embedded many-body expansion method truncated at binary interactions. Many-body expansion method is a common strategy to partition the total Hamiltonian of large systems into a hierarchy of few-body terms. Neural networks were trained to represent electrostatically embedded one-body and two-body interactions, which require as input only one and two water molecule calculations at the level of ab initio electronic structure method CCSD/aug-cc-pVDZ embedded in the molecular mechanics water environment, making it efficient as a general force field construction approach. Structural and dynamic properties of liquid water calculated with our force field show good agreement with experimental results. We constructed two sets of neural network based force fields: non-polarizable and polarizable force fields. Simulation results show that the non-polarizable force field using fixed TIP3P charges has already behaved well, since polarization effects and many-body effects are implicitly included due to the electrostatic embedding scheme. Our results demonstrate that the electrostatically embedded many-body expansion combined with neural network provides a promising and systematic way to build the next generation force fields at high accuracy and low computational costs, especially for large systems.
Emission shaping in fluorescent proteins: role of electrostatics and π-stacking.

PubMed

Park, Jae Woo; Rhee, Young Min

2016-02-07

For many decades, simulating the excited state properties of complex systems has been an intriguing but daunting task due to its high computational cost. Here, we apply molecular dynamics based techniques with interpolated potential energy surfaces toward calculating fluorescence spectra of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants in a statistically meaningful manner. With the GFP, we show that the diverse electrostatic tuning can shape the emission features in many different ways. By computationally modulating the electrostatic interactions between the chromophore phenoxy oxygen and its nearby residues, we demonstrate that we indeed can shift the emission to the blue or to the red side in a predictable manner. We rationalize the shifting effects of individual residues in the GFP based on the responses of both the adiabatic and the diabatic electronic states of the chromophore. We next exhibit that the yellow emitting variant, the Thr203Tyr mutant, generates changes in the electrostatic interactions and an additional π-stacking interaction. These combined effects indeed induce a red shift to emit the fluorescence into the yellow region. With the series of demonstrations, we suggest that our approach can provide sound rationales and useful insights in understanding different responses of various fluorescent complexes, which may be helpful in designing new light emitting proteins and other related systems in future studies.
Crystal Field in Rare-Earth Complexes: From Electrostatics to Bonding.

PubMed

Alessandri, Riccardo; Zulfikri, Habiburrahman; Autschbach, Jochen; Bolvin, Hélène

2018-04-11

The flexibility of first-principles (ab initio) calculations with the SO-CASSCF (complete active space self-consistent field theory with a treatment of the spin-orbit (SO) coupling by state interaction) method is used to quantify the electrostatic and covalent contributions to crystal field parameters. Two types of systems are chosen for illustration: 1) The ionic and experimentally well-characterized PrCl 3 crystal; this study permits a revisitation of the partition of contributions proposed in the early days of crystal field theory; and 2) a series of sandwich molecules [Ln(η n -C n H n ) 2 ] q , with Ln=Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm and n=5, 6, and 8, in which the interaction between Ln III and the aromatic ligands is more difficult to describe within an electrostatic approach. It is shown that a model with three layers of charges reproduces the electrostatic field generated by the ligands and that the covalency plays a qualitative role. The one-electron character of crystal field theory is discussed and shown to be valuable, although it is not completely quantitative. This permits a reduction of the many-electron problem to a discussion of the energy of the seven 4f orbitals. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Molecular interactions and residues involved in force generation in the T4 viral DNA packaging motor.

PubMed

Migliori, Amy D; Smith, Douglas E; Arya, Gaurav

2014-12-12

Many viruses utilize molecular motors to package their genomes into preformed capsids. A striking feature of these motors is their ability to generate large forces to drive DNA translocation against entropic, electrostatic, and bending forces resisting DNA confinement. A model based on recently resolved structures of the bacteriophage T4 motor protein gp17 suggests that this motor generates large forces by undergoing a conformational change from an extended to a compact state. This transition is proposed to be driven by electrostatic interactions between complementarily charged residues across the interface between the N- and C-terminal domains of gp17. Here we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to investigate in detail the molecular interactions and residues involved in such a compaction transition of gp17. We find that although electrostatic interactions between charged residues contribute significantly to the overall free energy change of compaction, interactions mediated by the uncharged residues are equally if not more important. We identify five charged residues and six uncharged residues at the interface that play a dominant role in the compaction transition and also reveal salt bridging, van der Waals, and solvent hydrogen-bonding interactions mediated by these residues in stabilizing the compact form of gp17. The formation of a salt bridge between Glu309 and Arg494 is found to be particularly crucial, consistent with experiments showing complete abrogation in packaging upon Glu309Lys mutation. The computed contributions of several other residues are also found to correlate well with single-molecule measurements of impairments in DNA translocation activity caused by site-directed mutations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Micro-mechanics of electrostatically stabilized suspensions of cellulose nanofibrils under steady state shear flow.

PubMed

Martoïa, F; Dumont, P J J; Orgéas, L; Belgacem, M N; Putaux, J-L

2016-02-14

In this study, we characterized and modeled the rheology of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (NFC) aqueous suspensions with electrostatically stabilized and unflocculated nanofibrous structures. These colloidal suspensions of slender and wavy nanofibers exhibited a yield stress and a shear thinning behavior at low and high shear rates, respectively. Both the shear yield stress and the consistency of these suspensions were power-law functions of the NFC volume fraction. We developed an original multiscale model for the prediction of the rheology of these suspensions. At the nanoscale, the suspensions were described as concentrated systems where NFCs interacted with the Newtonian suspending fluid through Brownian motion and long range fluid-NFC hydrodynamic interactions, as well as with each other through short range hydrodynamic and repulsive colloidal interaction forces. These forces were estimated using both the experimental results and 3D networks of NFCs that were numerically generated to mimic the nanostructures of NFC suspensions under shear flow. They were in good agreement with theoretical and measured forces for model colloidal systems. The model showed the primary role played by short range hydrodynamic and colloidal interactions on the rheology of NFC suspensions. At low shear rates, the origin of the yield stress of NFC suspensions was attributed to the combined contribution of repulsive colloidal interactions and the topology of the entangled NFC networks in the suspensions. At high shear rates, both concurrent colloidal and short (in some cases long) range hydrodynamic interactions could be at the origin of the shear thinning behavior of NFC suspensions.
Assessment of environmental effects on Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, Cheng-Yi; Nahra, Henry K.

1991-01-01

Analyses of EPS (electrical power system) interactions with the LEO (low earth orbit) environment are described. The results of these analyses will support EPS design so as to be compatible with the natural and induced environments and to meet power, lifetime, and performance requirements. The environmental impacts to the Space Station Freedom EPS include aerodynamic drag, atomic oxygen erosion, ultraviolet degradation, VXB effect, ionizing radiation dose and single event effects, electromagnetic interference, electrostatic discharge, plasma interactions (ion sputtering, arcing, and leakage current), meteoroid and orbital debris threats, thermal cycling effects, induced current and voltage potential differences in the SSF due to induced electric field, and contamination degradation.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone stabilized-Ru nanoclusters loaded onto reduced graphene oxide as high active catalyst for hydrogen evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiao; Hao, Jinghao; Ma, Qianli; Li, Chuanqi; Liu, Yushan; Li, Baojun; Liu, Zhongyi

2017-06-01

Ruthenium/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Ru/rGO NCs) were synthesized via an electrostatic self-assembly approach. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilized and positively charged metallic ruthenium nanoclusters about 1.2 nm were synthesized and uniformly loaded onto negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) sheets via strong electrostatic interactions. The as-prepared Ru/rGO NCs exhibited superior performance in catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) to generate H2. The hydrogen generation rate was up to 14.87 L H2 min-1 gcat -1 at 318 K with relatively low activation energy of 38.12 kJ mol-1. Kinetics study confirmed that the hydrolysis of NaBH4 was first order with respect to concentration of catalysts. Besides, the conversion of NaBH4 remained at 97% and catalytic activity retained more than 70% after 5 reaction cycles at room temperature. These results suggested that the Ru/rGO NCs have a promising prospect in the field of clean energy.
Dendritic polyelectrolytes as seen by the Poisson-Boltzmann-Flory theory.

PubMed

Kłos, J S; Milewski, J

2018-06-20

G3-G9 dendritic polyelectrolytes accompanied by counterions are investigated using the Poisson-Boltzmann-Flory theory. Within this approach we solve numerically the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the mean electrostatic potential and minimize the Poisson-Boltzmann-Flory free energy with respect to the size of the molecules. Such a scheme enables us to inspect the conformational and electrostatic properties of the dendrimers in equilibrium based on their response to varying the dendrimer generation. The calculations indicate that the G3-G6 dendrimers exist in the polyelectrolyte regime where absorption of counterions into the volume of the molecules is minor. Trapping of ions in the interior region becomes significant for the G7-G9 dendrimers and signals the emergence of the osmotic regime. We find that the behavior of the dendritic polyelectrolytes corresponds with the degree of ion trapping. In particular, in both regimes the polyelectrolytes are swollen as compared to their neutral counterparts and the expansion factor is maximal at the crossover generation G7.
Electron Debye scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Sang-Yun; Lee, Ensang, E-mail: eslee@khu.ac.kr; Kim, Khan-Hyuk

2015-12-15

In this paper, we investigated the electron Debye scale Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability using two-dimensional electrostatic particle-in-cell simulations. We introduced a velocity shear layer with a thickness comparable to the electron Debye length and examined the generation of the KH instability. The KH instability occurs in a similar manner as observed in the KH instabilities in fluid or ion scales producing surface waves and rolled-up vortices. The strength and growth rate of the electron Debye scale KH instability is affected by the structure of the velocity shear layer. The strength depends on the magnitude of the velocity and the growth ratemore » on the velocity gradient of the shear layer. However, the development of the electron Debye scale KH instability is mainly determined by the electric field generated by charge separation. Significant mixing of electrons occurs across the shear layer, and a fraction of electrons can penetrate deeply into the opposite side fairly far from the vortices across the shear layer.« less
A description of electron heating with an electrostatic potential jump in a parallel, collisionless, fire hose shock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellison, Donald C.; Jones, Frank C.

1988-01-01

The electron heating required if protons scatter elastically in a parallel, collisionless shock is calculated. Near-elastic proton scattering off large amplitude background magnetic field fluctuations might be expected if the waves responsible for the shock dissipation are generated by the fire hose instability. The effects of an electrostatic potential jump in the shock layer are included by assuming that the energy lost by protons in traversing the potential jump is converted into electron thermal pressure. It is found that the electron temperature increase is a strong function of the potential jump. Comparison is made to the parallel shock plasma simulation of Quest (1987).
Discharge pulse phenomenology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederickson, A. R.

1985-01-01

A model was developed which places radiation induced discharge pulse results into a unified conceptual framework. Only two phenomena are required to interpret all space and laboratory results: (1) radiation produces large electrostatic fields inside insulators via the trapping of a net space charge density; and (2) the electrostatic fields initiate discharge streamer plasmas similar to those investigated in high voltage electrical insulation materials; these streamer plasmas generate the pulsing phenomena. The apparent variability and diversity of results seen is an inherent feature of the plasma streamer mechanism acting in the electric fields which is created by irradiation of the dielectrics. The implications of the model are extensive and lead to constraints over what can be done about spacecraft pulsing.
Non-destructive evaluation method employing dielectric electrostatic ultrasonic transducers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yost, William T. (Inventor); Cantrell, Jr., John H. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

An acoustic nonlinearity parameter (.beta.) measurement method and system for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of materials and structural members novelly employs a loosely mounted dielectric electrostatic ultrasonic transducer (DEUT) to receive and convert ultrasonic energy into an electrical signal which can be analyzed to determine the .beta. of the test material. The dielectric material is ferroelectric with a high dielectric constant .di-elect cons.. A computer-controlled measurement system coupled to the DEUT contains an excitation signal generator section and a measurement and analysis section. As a result, the DEUT measures the absolute particle displacement amplitudes in test material, leading to derivation of the nonlinearity parameter (.beta.) without the costly, low field reliability methods of the prior art.
Possible Mechanism for Damping of Electrostatic Instability Related to Inhomogeneous Distribution of Energy Density in the Auroral Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovchanskaya, I. V.; Kozelov, B. V.; Chernyshov, A. A.; Ilyasov, A. A.; Mogilevsky, M. M.

2018-03-01

Satellite observations show that the electrostatic instability, which is expected to occur in most cases due to an inhomogeneous energy density caused by a strongly inhomogeneous transverse electric field (shear of plasma convection velocity), occasionally does not develop inside nonlinear plasma structures in the auroral ionosphere, even though the velocity shear is sufficient for its excitation. In this paper, it is shown that the instability damping can be caused by out-of-phase variations of the electric field and field-aligned current acting in these structures. Therefore, the mismatch of sources of free energy required for the wave generation nearly nullifies their common effect.
Nonlinear electrostatic solitary waves in electron-positron plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazarus, I. J.; Bharuthram, R.; Moolla, S.; Singh, S. V.; Lakhina, G. S.

2016-02-01

The generation of nonlinear electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs) is explored in a magnetized four component two-temperature electron-positron plasma. Fluid theory is used to derive a set of nonlinear equations for the ESWs, which propagate obliquely to an external magnetic field. The electric field structures are examined for various plasma parameters and are shown to yield sinusoidal, sawtooth and bipolar waveforms. It is found that an increase in the densities of the electrons and positrons strengthen the nonlinearity while the periodicity and nonlinearity of the wave increases as the cool-to-hot temperature ratio increases. Our results could be useful in understanding nonlinear propagation of waves in astrophysical environments and related laboratory experiments.
Electromagnetic Components of Auroral Hiss and Lower Hybrid Waves in the Polar Magnetosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, H. K.

1995-01-01

DE-1 has frequently observed waves in the whistler and lower hybrid frequencies range. Besides the electrostatic components, these waves also exhibit electromagnetic components. It is generally believed that these waves are excited by the electron acoustic instability and the electron-beam-driven lower hybrid instability. Because the electron acoustic and the lower hybrid waves are predominately electrostatic waves, they cannot account for the observed electromagnetic components. In this work, it is suggested that these electromagnetic components can be explained by waves that are generated near the resonance cone and that propagate away from the source. The role that these electromagnetic waves can play in particle acceleration processes at low altitude is discussed.
Energy Conservation Alternatives Study (ECAS): Conceptual Design and Implementation Assessment of a Utility Steam Plant with Conventional Furnace and Wet Lime Stack Gas Scrubbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Dale H.

1976-01-01

A study was performed to estimate the technical/economic characteristics of a steam power plant (3500 pounds per square inch gauge, 1000 degrees Fahrenheit / 1000 degrees Fahrenheit) with a coal-burning radiant furnace and a wet lime stack gas scrubber to control sulfur emissions. Particulate emissions were controlled by an electrostatic precipitator operating at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The stack gas from the scrubber was reheated from 125 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit as a base case, and from 125 degrees Fahrenheit to 175 degrees Fahrenheit as an alternate case. The study was performed on a basis consistent with the General Electric ECAS Phase II evaluation of advanced energy conversion systems for electric utility baseload applications using coal or coal-derived fuels. A conceptual design of the power plant was developed, including the on-site calcination of limestone to lime and the provision of sludge ponds to store the products of flue gas scrubbing. From this design, estimates were derived for power plant efficiency, capital cost, environmental intrusion characteristics, natural resource requirements, and cost of electricity at an assumed capacity factor of 65 percent. An implementation assessment was performed where factors affecting applicability of the conceptual design power plant in electric utility generation systems were appraised. At 250 degrees Fahrenheit and 175 degrees Fahrenheit stack gas temperatures respectively, the plants showed a cost of electricity of 39.8 and 37.0 mills per kilowatt-hours and overall plant efficiencies of 32 percent and 34 percent.

SELF-HEALING NANOMATERIALS: MULTIMILLION-ATOM REACTIVE MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hakamata, Tomoya; Shimamura, Kohei; Shimojo, Fuyuki

Organometal halide perovskites are attracting great attention as promising material for solar cells because of their high power conversion efficiency. The high performance has been attributed to the existence of free charge carriers and their large diffusion lengths, but the nature of carrier transport at the atomistic level remains elusive. Here, nonadiabatic quantum molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the mechanisms underlying the excellent free-carrier transport in CH 3NH 3PbI 3. Pb and I sublattices act as disjunct pathways for rapid and balanced transport of photoexcited electrons and holes, respectively, while minimizing efficiency-degrading charge recombination. On the other hand, CH 3NH 3more » sublattice quickly screens out electrostatic electron-hole attraction to generate free carriers within 1 ps. Together this nano-architecture lets photoexcited electrons and holes dissociate instantaneously and travel far away to be harvested before dissipated as heat. As a result, this work provides much needed structure-property relationships and time-resolved information that potentially lead to rational design of efficient solar cells.« less
Cost-effective particulate control options at Potomac Electric Power Company's Dickerson Station: An integrated approach to current and future particulate limits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Christoffersen, S.W.; Rouse, G.T.; Krasnopoler, M.J.

1998-07-01

The Dickerson Generating Station evaluated several particulate control options to identify the most cost-effective option. The study's goals were to: eliminate the particulate scrubber and its high maintenance costs, and incorporate flexibility for low-sulfur coal and possible stricter emission limits. Each of the three Dickerson 190 MW units has a small 37-year-old electrostatic precipitator and a wet particulate scrubber. The study evaluated alternatives to replace the scrubber and enhance ESP performance: Existing ESP alternatives--Extend height of existing ESP; Flue gas conditioning. Scrubber stream alternatives--Partial-flow ESP or pulse jet baghouse. Full-flow alternatives--Supplemental ESP; COHPAC baghouse; replacement ESP or baghouse. A technicalmore » and economic prescreening eliminated some of the options. Capital, operating, and life cycle costs were estimated for the remaining options to determine the most cost-effective alternative. This paper will present the technical and economic evaluations done for this study, including performance and costs.« less
The nature of free-carrier transport in organometal halide perovskites

PubMed Central

Hakamata, Tomoya; Shimamura, Kohei; Shimojo, Fuyuki; Kalia, Rajiv K.; Nakano, Aiichiro; Vashishta, Priya

2016-01-01

Organometal halide perovskites are attracting great attention as promising material for solar cells because of their high power conversion efficiency. The high performance has been attributed to the existence of free charge carriers and their large diffusion lengths, but the nature of carrier transport at the atomistic level remains elusive. Here, nonadiabatic quantum molecular dynamics simulations elucidate the mechanisms underlying the excellent free-carrier transport in CH3NH3PbI3. Pb and I sublattices act as disjunct pathways for rapid and balanced transport of photoexcited electrons and holes, respectively, while minimizing efficiency-degrading charge recombination. On the other hand, CH3NH3 sublattice quickly screens out electrostatic electron-hole attraction to generate free carriers within 1 ps. Together this nano-architecture lets photoexcited electrons and holes dissociate instantaneously and travel far away to be harvested before dissipated as heat. This work provides much needed structure-property relationships and time-resolved information that potentially lead to rational design of efficient solar cells. PMID:26781627
Experimental Investigation of Electron Cloud Containment in a Nonuniform Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eninger, J. E.

1974-01-01

Dense clouds of electrons were generated and studied in an axisymmetric, nonuniform magnetic field created by a short solenoid. The operation of the experiment was similar to that of a low-pressure (approximately 0.000001 Torr) magnetron discharge. Discharge current characteristics are presented as a function of pressure, magnetic field strength, voltage, and cathode end-plate location. The rotation of the electron cloud is determined from the frequency of diocotron waves. In the space charge saturated regime of operation, the cloud is found to rotate as a solid body with frequency close to V sub a/phi sub a where V sub a is the anode voltage and phi suba is the total magnetic flux. This result indicates that, in regions where electrons are present, the magnetic field lines are electrostatic equipotentials (E bar, B bar = 0). Equilibrium electron density distributions suggested by this conditions are integrated with respect to total ionizing power and are found consistent with measured discharge currents.
Hybrid supercapacitors for reversible control of magnetism

PubMed Central

Molinari, Alan; Leufke, Philipp M.; Reitz, Christian; Dasgupta, Subho; Witte, Ralf; Kruk, Robert; Hahn, Horst

2017-01-01

Electric field tuning of magnetism is one of the most intensely pursued research topics of recent times aiming at the development of new-generation low-power spintronics and microelectronics. However, a reversible magnetoelectric effect with an on/off ratio suitable for easy and precise device operation is yet to be achieved. Here we propose a novel route to robustly tune magnetism via the charging/discharging processes of hybrid supercapacitors, which involve electrostatic (electric-double-layer capacitance) and electrochemical (pseudocapacitance) doping. We use both charging mechanisms—occurring at the La0.74Sr0.26MnO3/ionic liquid interface to control the balance between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic phases of La1−xSrxMnO3 to an unprecedented extent. A magnetic modulation of up to ≈33% is reached above room temperature when applying an external potential of only about 2.0 V. Our case study intends to draw attention to new, reversible physico-chemical phenomena in the rather unexplored area of magnetoelectric supercapacitors. PMID:28489078
Removal and fate of trace organic compounds in microbial fuel cells.

PubMed

Wang, Heming; Heil, Dean; Ren, Zhiyong Jason; Xu, Pei

2015-04-01

This study focused on understanding and characterizing the removal of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) in microbial fuel cells (MFC). 26 TOrCs with broad physicochemical properties were spiked in synthetic wastewater. Single-chamber air-cathode MFC (SMFC) and double-chamber air-cathode MFC (DMFC) were constructed to provide combined or separated oxidation/reduction environments for TOrCs removal. The study showed that TOrCs removal processes involved both sorption and biodegradation. For neutral TOrCs, the removal efficiency was affected primarily by the biodegradability probability and hydrophobicity of the compounds, while electrostatic interactions played an additional role in the MFCs as the removal of positively charged TOrCs was generally higher than negatively charged TOrCs. The presence of TOrCs showed negligible impact on MFC power generation, likewise the operation of MFCs had marginal effect on TOrCs removal, except longer residence time in MFCs improved biological removal performance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stress measurements of planar dielectric elastomer actuators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osmani, Bekim; Aeby, Elise A.; Müller, Bert

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) micro- and nano-structures are referred to artificial muscles because of their specific continuous power and adequate time response. The bending measurement of an asymmetric, planar DEA is described. The asymmetric cantilevers consist of 1 or 5 μm-thin DEAs deposited on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates 16, 25, 38, or 50 μm thick. The application of a voltage to the DEA electrodes generates an electrostatic pressure in the sandwiched silicone elastomer layer, which causes the underlying PEN substrate to bend. Optical beam deflection enables the detection of the bending angle vs. applied voltage. Bending radii as large asmore » 850 m were reproducibly detected. DEA tests with electric fields of up to 80 V/μm showed limitations in electrode’s conductivity and structure failures. The actuation measurement is essential for the quantitative characterization of nanometer-thin, low-voltage, single- and multi-layer DEAs, as foreseen for artificial sphincters to efficiently treat severe urinary and fecal incontinence.« less
Optimization of a coaxial electron cyclotron resonance plasma thruster with an analytical model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cannat, F., E-mail: felix.cannat@onera.fr, E-mail: felix.cannat@gmail.com; Lafleur, T.; Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas, CNRS, Sorbonne Universites, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Univ Paris-Sud, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau

2015-05-15

A new cathodeless plasma thruster currently under development at Onera is presented and characterized experimentally and analytically. The coaxial thruster consists of a microwave antenna immersed in a magnetic field, which allows electron heating via cyclotron resonance. The magnetic field diverges at the thruster exit and forms a nozzle that accelerates the quasi-neutral plasma to generate a thrust. Different thruster configurations are tested, and in particular, the influence of the source diameter on the thruster performance is investigated. At microwave powers of about 30 W and a xenon flow rate of 0.1 mg/s (1 SCCM), a mass utilization of 60% and amore » thrust of 1 mN are estimated based on angular electrostatic probe measurements performed downstream of the thruster in the exhaust plume. Results are found to be in fair agreement with a recent analytical helicon thruster model that has been adapted for the coaxial geometry used here.« less
Kinetic analysis of the interaction between poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and model lipid membranes.

PubMed

Tiriveedhi, Venkataswarup; Kitchens, Kelly M; Nevels, Kerrick J; Ghandehari, Hamidreza; Butko, Peter

2011-01-01

We used fluorescence spectroscopy and surface tensiometry to study the interaction between low-generation (G1 and G4) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, potential vehicles for intracellular drug delivery, and model lipid bilayers. Membrane association of fluorescently labeled dendrimers, measured by fluorescence anisotropy, increased with increasing size of the dendrimer and with increasing negative charge density in the membrane, indicating the electrostatic nature of the interaction. When the membrane was doped with pyrene-labeled phosphatidyl glycerol (pyrene-PG), pyrene excimer fluorescence demonstrated a dendrimer-induced selective aggregation of negatively charged lipids when the membrane was in the liquid crystalline state. A nonlinear Stern-Volmer quenching of dendrimer fluorescence with cobalt bromide suggested a dendrimer-induced aggregation of lipid vesicles, which increased with the dendrimer's generation number. Surface tensiometry measurements showed that dendrimers penetrated into the lipid monolayer only at subphysiologic surface pressures (<30mN/m). We conclude that the low-generation PAMAM dendrimers associate with lipid membranes predominantly electrostatically, without significantly compromising the bilayer integrity. They bind stronger to membranes with higher fluidity and lower surface pressure, which are characteristic of rapidly dividing cells. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Self-Powered Human-Interactive Transparent Nanopaper Systems.

PubMed

Zhong, Junwen; Zhu, Hongli; Zhong, Qize; Dai, Jiaqi; Li, Wenbo; Jang, Soo-Hwan; Yao, Yonggang; Henderson, Doug; Hu, Qiyi; Hu, Liangbing; Zhou, Jun

2015-07-28

Self-powered human-interactive but invisible electronics have many applications in anti-theft and anti-fake systems for human society. In this work, for the first time, we demonstrate a transparent paper-based, self-powered, and human-interactive flexible system. The system is based on an electrostatic induction mechanism with no extra power system appended. The self-powered, transparent paper device can be used for a transparent paper-based art anti-theft system in museums or for a smart mapping anti-fake system in precious packaging and documents, by virtue of the advantages of adding/removing freely, having no impairment on the appearance of the protected objects, and being easily mass manufactured. This initial study bridges the transparent nanopaper with a self-powered and human-interactive electronic system, paving the way for the development of smart transparent paper electronics.
Assessment of atmospheric mercury emission reduction measures relevant for application in Poland

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hlawiczka, S.; Fudala, J.

Fuel combustion for heat and power generation, together with cement production, were the most significant sources of anthropogenic atmospheric mercury emission in Poland in 2003, with 57 and 27% of Hg emission, respectively. It was found that in Poland, Hg emission reduction measures need to be focused on the energy generation sector. Sorbent injection upstream of an electrostatic precipitator or fabric filter, mercury oxidation upstream of a wet or dry flue gas desulphurisation installation, together with Hg capture on sorbents, should be considered as priority in Polish conditions. This refers mainly to fuel combustion processes but also to the productionmore » of cement. For economic reasons it seems advisable that, apart from activated carbons as sorbents, application of zeolites obtained from power plant fly ash should also be considered. Application of primary methods seems to be very promising in Polish conditions, although they should be considered rather as an additional option apart from sorbent injection as the best option. Switching from coal to liquid and gaseous fuels shows the highest potential for reducing Hg emission. For chlorine production using the mercury cell electrolysis method, strict monitoring of Hg emissions and good housekeeping of Hg releasing processes seems a promising approach, but the main activity should focus on changing mercury-based technologies into membrane cell methods. Emission abatement potential for the atmospheric mercury in Poland has been roughly assessed, showing that in perspective of 2015, the emission could be reduced to about 25% of the anthropogenic atmospheric Hg emission in 2003.« less
ELECTROSTATIC SURFACE STRUCTURES OF COAL AND MINERAL PARTICLES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

It is the purpose of this research to study electrostatic charging mechanisms related to electrostatic beneficiation of coal with the goal of improving models of separation and the design of electrostatic separators. Areas addressed in this technical progress report are (a) electrostatic beneficiation of Pittsburgh #8 coal powders as a function of grind size and processing atmosphere; (b) the use of fluorescent micro-spheres to probe the charge distribution on the surfaces of coal particles; (c) the use of electrostatic beneficiation to recover unburned carbon from flyash; (d) the development of research instruments for investigation of charging properties of coal. Pittsburghmore » #8 powders were beneficiated as a function of grind size and under three atmosphere conditions: fresh ground in air , after 24 hours of air exposure, or under N2 atmosphere. The feed and processed powders were analyzed by a variety of methods including moisture, ash, total sulfur, and pyritic sulfur content. Mass distribution and cumulative charge of the processed powders were also measured. Fresh ground coal performed the best in electrostatic beneficiation. Results are compared with those of similar studies conducted on Pittsburgh #8 powders last year (April 1, 1997 to September 30, 1997). Polystyrene latex spheres were charged and deposited onto coal particles that had been passed through the electrostatic separator and collected onto insulating filters. The observations suggest bipolar charging of individual particles and patches of charge on the particles which may be associated with particular maceral types or with mineral inclusions. A preliminary investigation was performed on eletrostatic separation of unburned carbon particles from flyash. Approximately 25% of the flyash acquired positive charge in the copper tribocharger. This compares with 75% of fresh ground coal. The negatively charged material had a slightly reduced ash content suggesting some enrichment of carbonaceous material. There was also evidence that the carbon is present at a higher ratio in larger particles than in small particles. An ultraviolet photoelectron counter for use in ambient atmosphere is nearing completion. The counter will be used to measure work functions of different maceral and mineral types in the coal matrix. A Particle Image Analyzer for measuring size and charge of airborne particles is also under contruction and its current status is presented. A charged, monodisperse, droplet generator is also being constructed for calibration of the Particle Image Analyzer and other airborne particle analyzers in our labs.« less
Partially Glycosylated Dendrimers Block MD-2 and Prevent TLR4-MD-2-LPS Complex Mediated Cytokine Responses

PubMed Central

Barata, Teresa S.; Teo, Ian; Brocchini, Steve; Zloh, Mire; Shaunak, Sunil

2011-01-01

The crystal structure of the TLR4-MD-2-LPS complex responsible for triggering powerful pro-inflammatory cytokine responses has recently become available. Central to cell surface complex formation is binding of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to soluble MD-2. We have previously shown, in biologically based experiments, that a generation 3.5 PAMAM dendrimer with 64 peripheral carboxylic acid groups acts as an antagonist of pro-inflammatory cytokine production after surface modification with 8 glucosamine molecules. We have also shown using molecular modelling approaches that this partially glycosylated dendrimer has the flexibility, cluster density, surface electrostatic charge, and hydrophilicity to make it a therapeutically useful antagonist of complex formation. These studies enabled the computational study of the interactions of the unmodified dendrimer, glucosamine, and of the partially glycosylated dendrimer with TLR4 and MD-2 using molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques. They demonstrate that dendrimer glucosamine forms co-operative electrostatic interactions with residues lining the entrance to MD-2's hydrophobic pocket. Crucially, dendrimer glucosamine interferes with the electrostatic binding of: (i) the 4′phosphate on the di-glucosamine of LPS to Ser118 on MD-2; (ii) LPS to Lys91 on MD-2; (iii) the subsequent binding of TLR4 to Tyr102 on MD-2. This is followed by additional co-operative interactions between several of the dendrimer glucosamine's carboxylic acid branches and MD-2. Collectively, these interactions block the entry of the lipid chains of LPS into MD-2's hydrophobic pocket, and also prevent TLR4-MD-2-LPS complex formation. Our studies have therefore defined the first nonlipid-based synthetic MD-2 antagonist using both animal model-based studies of pro-inflammatory cytokine responses and molecular modelling studies of a whole dendrimer with its target protein. Using this approach, it should now be possible to computationally design additional macromolecular dendrimer based antagonists for other Toll Like Receptors. They could be useful for treating a spectrum of infectious, inflammatory and malignant diseases. PMID:21738462
Prototype electrostatic ground state approach to predicting crystal structures of ionic compounds: Application to hydrogen storage materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majzoub, E. H.; Ozoliņš, V.

2008-03-01

We have developed a procedure for crystal structure generation and prediction for ionic compounds consisting of a collection of cations and rigid complex anions. Our approach is based on global optimization of an energy functional consisting of the electrostatic and soft-sphere repulsive energies using Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) simulated annealing in conjunction with smoothing of the potential energy landscape via the distance scaling method. The resulting structures, or prototype electrostatic ground states (PEGS), are subsequently relaxed using first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations to obtain accurate structural parameters and thermodynamic properties. This method is shown to produce the ground state structures of NaAlH4 and Mg(AlH4)2 , as well as the mixed cation alanate K2LiAlH6 . For LiAlH4 , the PEGS search produces a structure with a static DFT total energy equal to that of the experimentally observed structure; the latter is stabilized by vibrational contributions to the free energy. For mixed-valence hexa-alanates, XY AlH6 , where X=(Li,Na,K) , and Y=(Mg,Ca) , the PEGS method predicts six unsuspected structure types, which are not found in the existing structure databases. The PEGS search yields energies that are, on the average, better than the best database structures with the same number of atoms per unit cell, demonstrating the predictive power and usefulness of the PEGS structures. In addition to the recently synthesized LiMgAlH6 compound, we predict that LiCaAlH6 , NaCaAlH6 , and KCaAlH6 are also thermodynamically stable with respect to phase separation into other alanates and metal hydrides. In contrast, NaMgAlH6 and KMgAlH6 are slightly unstable (by less than 3kJ/mol ) relative to the phase separation into NaAlH4 , KAlH4 , and MgH2 . We suggest that solid-state ion-exchange reactions between X3AlH6 (X=Li,Na,K) and YCl2 (Y=Mg,Ca) could be used to synthesize the predicted mixed-valence hexa-alanates.
Thermal Actuation Based 3-DoF Non-Resonant Microgyroscope Using MetalMUMPs

PubMed Central

Shakoor, Rana Iqtidar; Bazaz, Shafaat Ahmed; Kraft, Michael; Lai, Yongjun; Masood ul Hassan, Muhammad

2009-01-01

High force, large displacement and low voltage consumption are a primary concern for microgyroscopes. The chevron-shaped thermal actuators are unique in terms of high force generation combined with the large displacements at a low operating voltage in comparison with traditional electrostatic actuators. A Nickel based 3-DoF micromachined gyroscope comprising 2-DoF drive mode and 1-DoF sense mode oscillator utilizing the chevron-shaped thermal actuators is presented here. Analytical derivations and finite element simulations are carried out to predict the performance of the proposed device using the thermo-physical properties of electroplated nickel. The device sensitivity is improved by utilizing the dynamical amplification of the oscillation in 2-DoF drive mode using an active-passive mass configuration. A comprehensive theoretical description, dynamics and mechanical design considerations of the proposed gyroscopes model are discussed in detail. Parametric optimization of gyroscope, its prototype modeling and fabrication using MetalMUMPs has also been investigated. Dynamic transient simulation results predicted that the sense mass of the proposed device achieved a drive displacement of 4.1μm when a sinusoidal voltage of 0.5V is applied at 1.77 kHz exhibiting a mechanical sensitivity of 1.7μm /°/s in vacuum. The wide bandwidth frequency response of the 2-DoF drive mode oscillator consists of two resonant peaks and a flat region of 2.11 kHz between the peaks defining the operational frequency region. The sense mode resonant frequency can lie anywhere within this region and therefore the amplitude of the response is insensitive to structural parameter variations, enhancing device robustness against such variations. The proposed device has a size of 2.2 × 2.6 mm2, almost one third in comparison with existing M-DoF vibratory gyroscope with an estimated power consumption of 0.26 Watts. These predicted results illustrate that the chevron-shaped thermal actuator has a large voltage-stroke ratio shifting the paradigm in MEMS gyroscope design from the traditional interdigitated comb drive electrostatic actuator. These actuators have low damping compared to electrostatic comb drive actuators which may result in high quality factor microgyroscopes operating at atmospheric pressure. PMID:22574020
Electrostatic Control of Bioactivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldberger, Joshua E.; Berns, Eric J.; Bitton, Ronit

2012-03-15

The power of independence: When exhibited on the surface of self-assembling peptide-amphiphile nanofibers, the hydrophobic laminin-derived IKVAV epitope induced nanofiber bundling through interdigitation with neighboring fibers and thus decreased the bioactivity of the resulting materials. The inclusion of charged amino acids in the peptide amphiphiles disrupted the tendency to bundle and led to significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth.
Laser Induced Rotation of a Levitated Sample in Vacuum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhim, W. K.; Paradis, P. F.

1999-01-01

A method of systematically controlling the rotational state of a sample levitated in a high vacuum using the photon pressure is described. A zirconium sphere was levitated in the high-temperature electrostatic levitator and it was rotated by irradiating it with a narrow beam of a high power laser on a spot off the center of mass.
Stimulated Brillouin scatter in a magnetized ionospheric plasma.

PubMed

Bernhardt, P A; Selcher, C A; Lehmberg, R H; Rodriguez, S P; Thomason, J F; Groves, K M; McCarrick, M J; Frazer, G J

2010-04-23

High power electromagnetic waves transmitted from the HAARP facility in Alaska can excite low-frequency electrostatic waves by magnetized stimulated Brillouin scatter. Either an ion-acoustic wave with a frequency less than the ion cyclotron frequency (f(CI)) or an electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) wave just above f(CI) can be produced. The coupled equations describing the magnetized stimulated Brillouin scatter instability show that the production of both ion-acoustic and EIC waves is strongly influenced by the wave propagation relative to the background magnetic field. Experimental observations of stimulated electromagnetic emissions using the HAARP transmitter have confirmed that only ion-acoustic waves are excited for propagation along the magnetic zenith and that EIC waves can only be detected with oblique propagation angles. The ion composition can be obtained from the measured EIC frequency.
The development of enabling technologies for producing active interrogation beams.

PubMed

Kwan, Thomas J T; Morgado, Richard E; Wang, Tai-Sen F; Vodolaga, B; Terekhin, V; Onischenko, L M; Vorozhtsov, S B; Samsonov, E V; Vorozhtsov, A S; Alenitsky, Yu G; Perpelkin, E E; Glazov, A A; Novikov, D L; Parkhomchuk, V; Reva, V; Vostrikov, V; Mashinin, V A; Fedotov, S N; Minayev, S A

2010-10-01

A U.S./Russian collaboration of accelerator scientists was directed to the development of high averaged-current (∼1 mA) and high-quality (emittance ∼15 πmm mrad; energy spread ∼0.1%) 1.75 MeV proton beams to produce active interrogation beams that could be applied to counterterrorism. Several accelerator technologies were investigated. These included an electrostatic tandem accelerator of novel design, a compact cyclotron, and a storage ring with energy compensation and electron cooling. Production targets capable of withstanding the beam power levels were designed, fabricated, and tested. The cyclotron/storage-ring system was theoretically studied and computationally designed, and the electrostatic vacuum tandem accelerator at BINP was demonstrated for its potential in active interrogation of explosives and special nuclear materials.
Surface charge method for molecular surfaces with curved areal elements I. Spherical triangles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yi-Kuo

2018-03-01

Parametrizing a curved surface with flat triangles in electrostatics problems creates a diverging electric field. One way to avoid this is to have curved areal elements. However, charge density integration over curved patches appears difficult. This paper, dealing with spherical triangles, is the first in a series aiming to solve this problem. Here, we lay the ground work for employing curved patches for applying the surface charge method to electrostatics. We show analytically how one may control the accuracy by expanding in powers of the the arc length (multiplied by the curvature). To accommodate not extremely small curved areal elements, we have provided enough details to include higher order corrections that are needed for better accuracy when slightly larger surface elements are used.

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