Pulsed Fusion Space Propulsion: Computational Ideal Magneto-Hydro Dynamics of a Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Pulsed Fusion Space Propulsion: Computational Ideal Magneto-Hydro Dynamics of a Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber Pulsed Fusion Space Propulsion: Computational Ideal Magneto-Hydro Dynamics of a Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber G. Romanelli Master of Science Thesis Space Systems Engineering PULSED FUSION SPACE PROPULSION: COMPUTATIONAL IDEAL MAGNETO-HYDRO DYNAMICS OFA MAGNETIC FLUX COMPRESSION REACTION CHAMBER by Gherardo ROMANELLI to obtain the degree of Master of Science at the Delft University of Technology, to be defended publicly on Friday February 26, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Student number: 4299876 Thesis committee: Dr. A. Cervone, TU Delft, supervisor Prof. Dr. E. K. A. Gill, TU Delft Dr. Ir. E. Mooij, TU Delft Prof. A. Mignone, Politecnico di Torino An electronic version of this thesis is available at http://repository.tudelft.nl/. To boldly go where no one has gone before. James T. Kirk ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First of all I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. A. Cervone who has always sup- ported me despite my “quite exotic” interests. He left me completely autonomous in shaping my thesis project, and still, was always there every time I needed help. Then, I would of course like to thank Prof. A. Mignone who decided to give his contribute to this seemingly crazy project of mine. His advice arrived just in time to give an happy ending to this story. Il ringraziamento più grande, però, va di certo alla mia famiglia. Alla mia mamma e a mio babbo, perché hanno sempre avuto fiducia in me e non hanno mai chiesto ragioni o spiegazioni alle mie scelte. Ai miei nonni, perché se di punto in bianco, un giorno di novembre ho deciso di intraprendere questa lunga strada verso l’Olanda, l’ho potuto fare anche per merito loro. A tutti gli altri, perché erano sempre li a fare il tifo per me. Poi ci sono i miei cari vecchi amici di Arezzo. Con alcuni ci siamo incontrati “solo” 12 anni fa, con altri anche un po’ prima, e nonostante io sia scappato lontano, loro sono ancora li ogni volta che ne ho bisogno. Un altro saluto va ai colleghi/amici di Pisa, perché anche se abbiamo condiviso un periodo breve, è stato comunque un capitolo fondamentale. Finally, there is Delft where I met new people, new chal- lenges, new feelings, and a new life. Lucky me that I also had some good friends to share the adventure with. iii ABSTARACT Verifying the working principle of a magnetic flux compression reaction chamber might be crucial for the development of pulsed fusion propulsion: a system that has been projected to possibly revolutionise manned space exploration. For that purpose, an exhaustive computational Magneto-Hydrodynamics (MHD) analysis is a necessary step. This master thesis investigated the possibility of using PLUTO1 to estimate the ideal-MHD of a multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber. PLUTO is a freely-distributed and modular code for computational astrophysics that, although not originally pro- grammed for engineering applications, has demonstrated great adaptation capabil- ities: implementing the boundary conditions to effectively emulate a magnetic flux compression reaction chamber has eventually been possible. Besides, the attained results are in accordance with theoretical projections and previous numerical analy- ses. However, the outcomes pointed out that ideal-MHD could be an over-simplified model: relativistic conditions, that are not properly reproduced by the ideal-MHD equations, have been identified in several locations of the computational domain. In addition, some aspects of the real system physics have yet to be thoroughly in- vestigated as well as mathematically described. Therefore, further investigations are required. According to this research, no other computational analyses of a multi-coil parabolic reaction chamber (i.e. the latest and most promising magnetic flux com- pression reaction chamber concept) have been found in the literature. Therefore, the results hereby reported contribute to the body of knowledge of plasma physics and nuclear fusion applied to space propulsion. In particular: The objective of this master’s thesis project is to contribute to the development of a magnetic flux compression reaction chamber for space propulsion applications, by completing the first computational ideal-MHD analysis of the plasma expansion in a multi-coil parabolic chamber Besides, completing such a project has answered to the following research questions: • How is the thrust generated in a magnetic flux compression reaction chamber? – What is the theoretical background at support of the projected working principle of a reaction chamber? – What is the latest and most promising reaction chamber concept? • How have the so far projected performance been derived? 1http://plutocode.ph.unito.it/ v viA BSTRACT – Which were the assumptions taken to estimate the performance of the rocket? – Can the same assumptions be confirmed by a more detailed plasma physics? – How much do the simplifications and assumptions taken affect the re- sults of the estimation? • Can the same performance be reproduced by a more extensive computational analysis? – What is the plasma physics model that better reproduces the dynamics in a magnetic flux compression reaction chamber? – What are the available codes that can be used to perform the computa- tional analysis? – What are the assumptions/simplification that can be taken to attain an efficient (i.e. in a reasonable amount of time) and still effective analysis? – Can the computational analysis be performed on a commercial laptop? CONTENTS List of Figures xi List of Tables xv Abbreviations xvii Physical Constants xix List of Symbols xxi 1 Introduction1 1.1 Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber...............4 1.2 Research Contributions.............................7 1.3 Thesis Outline...................................8 2 Plasma Dynamics: Physical Description 11 2.1 Plasma: the 4th state of matter.............................. 11 2.2 Classical Electromagnetism........................... 12 2.2.1 Maxwell’s equations........................... 14 2.2.2 Single-Particle Dynamics........................ 15 2.3 Plasma Fluid Theory............................... 15 2.3.1 Zeroth Moment.............................. 16 2.3.2 First Moment............................... 16 2.3.3 Second Moment.............................. 16 2.3.4 Single-Fluid Theory............................ 17 2.4 Ideal-MHD..................................... 20 2.4.1 Collisionless Plasma........................... 21 2.4.2 High-Conductivity Plasma....................... 21 2.4.3 Non-Relativistic Plasma Wave Velocity................ 22 3 Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber: Operation 25 3.1 Working principle................................. 25 3.1.1 Seed Magnetic Field Generation.................... 26 3.1.2 Magnetic Field Compression and Momentum Transfer...... 29 3.2 Previous Concept Designs............................ 32 3.2.1 Project Daedalus............................. 32 3.2.2 Vehicle for Interplanetary Space Transport Applications (VISTA) 33 3.2.3 Human Outer Planet Exploration (HOPE).............. 34 vii viii CONTENTS 4 Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber: Elementary Analysis 39 4.1 System Energy Balance.............................. 40 4.1.1 Estimated Performance......................... 45 4.2 Simplified Analytical Model........................... 46 4.2.1 Initial Magnetic Flux Derivation.................... 53 4.3 Analytical Model Validation........................... 57 4.3.1 Initial Conditions............................. 57 4.3.2 Integration Problem........................... 59 4.3.3 Results................................... 60 4.3.4 Final Remarks............................... 60 5 Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber: Computational Code Selection 63 5.1 Selection of the Computational Code..................... 63 5.2 PLUTO........................................ 65 5.2.1 Computational Domain and Solving Strategy............ 66 5.2.2 Defining Initial Conditions....................... 69 5.3 Previous Numerical Analysis.......................... 70 5.3.1 Computational Problem Set-Up.................... 71 6 Magnetic Flux Compression Reaction Chamber: Computational Analysis 75 6.1 Final Set-Up.................................... 75 6.1.1 Computational Domain......................... 76 6.1.2 Plasma Pellet and Seed Magnetic Field Definition......... 76 6.1.3 Boundary Conditions.......................... 78 6.1.4 Ambient Conditions........................... 83 6.1.5 Entropy Switch.............................. 86 6.1.6 Runtime Analysis............................. 87 6.2 Validation...................................... 89 6.3 Results........................................ 91 6.3.1 Simplified analytical model verification............... 97 7 Conclusions 101 7.1 Research Contributions............................. 104 7.2 Recommended Future Work........................... 105 A MATLAB script 107 A.1 Arrays Definition................................. 107 A.2 Integration Problem............................... 108 B PLUTO 111 B.1 pluto.ini....................................... 111 B.2 definitions.c.................................... 112 B.3 init.c......................................... 113 B.4 userdefoutput.c.................................. 119 CONTENTS ix B.5 ct.c.......................................... 120 Bibliography 123 LISTOF FIGURES 1.1 Thrust, specific impulse (Isp ), and input power of nowadays available space propulsion systems [1].........................2 1.2 Comparison between the section of a de Laval nozzle a), and of a mag- netic nozzle b) [2]................................3 1.3 Artistic impression of a Fusion Driven
Recommended publications
  • Nasa Tm X-1864 *
    NASA TECHNICAL. • £HP2fKit NASA TM X-1864 * ... MEMORANDUM oo fe *' > ;ff f- •* '• . ;.*• f PROPULSION • FOR *MANN1D E30PLORATION-k '* *Of THE SOEAE " • » £ Moedkel • - " *' ' ' y Lem$ Research Center Cleveland, Qbt® NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SFACE ADMINISTRATION • WASHINGTON, D. €, * AUCUST 1969 NASA TM X-1864 PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR MANNED EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM By W. E. Moeckel Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION For sale by the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and. Technical Information Springfield, Virginia 22151 - CFSTI price $3.00 ABSTRACT What propulsion systems are in sight for fast interplanetary travel? Only a few show promise of reducing trip times to values comparable to those of 16th century terrestrial expeditions. The first portion of this report relates planetary round-trip times to the performance parameters of two types of propulsion systems: type I is specific-impulse limited (with high thrust), and type n is specific-mass limited (with low thrust). The second part of the report discusses advanced propulsion concepts of both types and evaluates their limitations. The discussion includes nuclear-fission . rockets (solid, liquid, and gaseous core), nuclear-pulse propulsion, nuclear-electric rockets, and thermonuclear-fusion rockets. Particular attention is given to the last of these, because it is less familiar than the others. A general conclusion is that the more advanced systems, if they prove feasible, will reduce trip time to the near planets by factors of 3 to 5, and will make several outer planets accessible to manned exploration. PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR MANNED EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM* byW. E. Moeckel Lewis Research Center SUMMARY What propulsion systems are in sight for fast interplanetary travel? Only a few show promise of reducing trip times to values comparable to those of 16th century terrestrial expeditions.
    [Show full text]
  • 9.0 BACKGROUND “What Do I Do First?” You Need to Research a Card (Thruster Or 9.1 DESIGNER’S NOTES Robonaut) with a Low Fuel Consumption
    9.2 TIPS FOR INEXPERIENCED ROCKET CADETS 9.0 BACKGROUND “What do I do first?” You need to research a card (thruster or 9.1 DESIGNER’S NOTES robonaut) with a low fuel consumption. A “1” is great, a “4” The original concept for this game was a “Lords of the Sierra Madre” in is marginal. The PRC player*** can consider an dash to space. With mines, ranches, smelters, and rail lines all purchased and claim Hellas Basin on Mars, using just his crew card. He controlled by different players, who have to negotiate between them- needs 19 fuel steps (6 WT) along the red route to do this. selves to expand. But space does not work this way. “What does my rocket need?” Your rocket needs 4 things: Suppose you have a smelter on one main-belt asteroid, powered by a • A card with a thruster triangle (2.4D) to act as a thruster. • A card with an ISRU rating, if its mission is to prospect. beam-station on another asteroid, and you discover platinum on a third • A refinery, if its mission is to build a factory. nearby asteroid. Unfortunately for long-term operations, next year these • Enough fuel to get to the destination. asteroids will be separated by 2 to 6 AUs.* Furthermore, main belt Decide between a small rocket able to make multiple claims, Hohmann transfers are about 2 years long, with optimal transfer opportu- or a big rocket including a refinery and robonaut able to nities about 7 years apart. Jerry Pournelle in his book “A Step Farther industrialize the first successful claim.
    [Show full text]
  • Deuterium – Tritium Pulse Propulsion with Hydrogen As Propellant and the Entire Space-Craft As a Gigavolt Capacitor for Ignition
    Deuterium – Tritium pulse propulsion with hydrogen as propellant and the entire space-craft as a gigavolt capacitor for ignition. By F. Winterberg University of Nevada, Reno Abstract A deuterium-tritium (DT) nuclear pulse propulsion concept for fast interplanetary transport is proposed utilizing almost all the energy for thrust and without the need for a large radiator: 1. By letting the thermonuclear micro-explosion take place in the center of a liquid hydrogen sphere with the radius of the sphere large enough to slow down and absorb the neutrons of the DT fusion reaction, heating the hydrogen to a fully ionized plasma at a temperature of ~ 105 K. 2. By using the entire spacecraft as a magnetically insulated gigavolt capacitor, igniting the DT micro-explosion with an intense GeV ion beam discharging the gigavolt capacitor, possible if the space craft has the topology of a torus. 1. Introduction The idea to use the 80% of the neutron energy released in the DT fusion reaction for nuclear micro-bomb rocket propulsion, by surrounding the micro-explosion with a thick layer of liquid hydrogen heated up to 105 K thereby becoming part of the exhaust, was first proposed by the author in 1971 [1]. Unlike the Orion pusher plate concept, the fire ball of the fully ionized hydrogen plasma can here be reflected by a magnetic mirror. The 80% of the energy released into 14MeV neutrons cannot be reflected by a magnetic mirror for thermonuclear micro-bomb propulsion. This was the reason why for the Project Daedalus interstellar probe study of the British Interplanetary Society [2], the neutron poor deuterium-helium 3 (DHe3) reaction was chosen.
    [Show full text]
  • Humanity and Space
    10/17/2012!! !!!!!! Project Number: MH-1207 Humanity and Space An Interactive Qualifying Project Submitted to WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment for the Degree of Bachelor of Science by: Matthew Beck Jillian Chalke Matthew Chase Julia Rugo Professor Mayer H. Humi, Project Advisor Abstract Our IQP investigates the possible functionality of another celestial body as an alternate home for mankind. This project explores the necessary technological advances for moving forward into the future of space travel and human development on the Moon and Mars. Mars is the optimal candidate for future human colonization and a stepping stone towards humanity’s expansion into outer space. Our group concluded space travel and interplanetary exploration is possible, however international political cooperation and stability is necessary for such accomplishments. 2 Executive Summary This report provides insight into extraterrestrial exploration and colonization with regards to technology and human biology. Multiple locations have been taken into consideration for potential development, with such qualifying specifications as resources, atmospheric conditions, hazards, and the environment. Methods of analysis include essential research through online media and library resources, an interview with NASA about the upcoming Curiosity mission to Mars, and the assessment of data through mathematical equations. Our findings concerning the human aspect of space exploration state that humanity is not yet ready politically and will not be able to biologically withstand the hazards of long-term space travel. Additionally, in the field of robotics, we have the necessary hardware to implement adequate operational systems yet humanity lacks the software to implement rudimentary Artificial Intelligence. Findings regarding the physics behind rocketry and space navigation have revealed that the science of spacecraft is well-established.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Vision for Fusion Energy Research: Fusion Rocket Engines for Planetary Defense Abstract We Argue That It Is Essential Fo
    LA-UR-15-23198 A New Vision for Fusion Energy Research: Fusion Rocket Engines for Planetary Defense G. A. Wurden1, T. E. Weber1, P. J. Turchi2, P. B. Parks3, T. E. Evans3, S. A. Cohen4, J. T. Cassibry5, E. M. Campbell6 1Los Alamos National Laboratory 2Santa Fe, NM 3General Atomics 4Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory 5University of Alabama, Huntsville 6Sandia National Laboratory Abstract We argue that it is essential for the fusion energy program to identify an imagination- capturing critical mission by developing a unique product which could command the marketplace. We lay out the logic that this product is a fusion rocket engine, to enable a rapid response capable of deflecting an incoming comet, to prevent its impact on the planet Earth, in defense of our population, infrastructure, and civilization. As a side benefit, deep space solar system exploration, with greater speed and orders-of-magnitude greater payload mass would also be possible. The US Department of Energy’s magnetic fusion research program, based in its Office of Science, focuses on plasma and fusion science1 to support the long term goal of environmentally friendly, socially acceptable, and economically viable electricity production from fusion reactors.2 For several decades the US magnetic fusion program has had to deal with a lack of urgency towards and inconsistent funding for this ambitious goal. In many American circles, fusion isn’t even at the table3 when it comes to discussing future energy production. Is there another, more urgent, unique, and even more important application for fusion? Fusion’s unique application As an on-board power source and thruster for fast propulsion in space,4 a fusion reactor would provide unparalleled performance (high specific impulse and high specific power) for a spacecraft.
    [Show full text]
  • Advanced Ion Propulsion Using Krypton Isotope for Rocket Engine
    Special Issue - 2019 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 CONFCALL - 2019 Conference Proceedings Advanced Ion Propulsion using Krypton Isotope for Rocket Engine R. Saro C. Madeshwaran Dept of AERO-PITS Dept of AERO-PITS Mr. V. Keerthivasan Mr. T. Anbarasan Assistant Professor Head of the Department Dept of AERO-PITS Dept of AERO-PITS Abstract:- A Rocket engine is a storage device of rocket propellant which forms a high speed propulsive jet of fluid with a high temperature gas. Krypton isotope are used for producing hot positrons. Isotopes are obtained using neutron that produce reactors. The positrons were generated and directed towards action which on further obtain fusion propulsion. Positron dynamics reduce the speed of positron that are generated. It consists of moderator device with several layers of silicon carbide film which provide individual positrons. An electric field makes the particle to move towards each layers where the particles are cooled. The catalysed fusion reaction of positron is in a block of deuterium. When the particle triggers with deuterium, it produces thrust. FIG .1.1-ROCKET ENGINE Keywords – Positrons, Silicon carbide layer, Deuterium, Neutron capture. ADVANCED PROPULSION INTRODUCTION Spacecraft has been slow down due to chemical The word propulsion refers push forward or to move an rocket speed over years. Only speed over 1 million object forward. A propulsion system has a mechanical miles per hour is possible over the year 2050. New power which converts power to propulsive force. ion drives as being developed to provide ten times Normally, this system consists of two classifications – air better than ISP.
    [Show full text]
  • Fusion Rockets for Planetary Defense
    | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Fusion Rockets for Planetary Defense Glen Wurden Los Alamos National Laboratory Exploratory Plasma Research Workshop Feb 26, 2016 LA-UR-16-21396 LA-UR-15-xxxx UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA April 2014 | UNCLASSIFIED | 1 | Los Alamos National Laboratory | My collaborators on this topic: T. E. Weber1, P. J. Turchi2, P. B. Parks3, T. E. Evans3, S. A. Cohen4, J. T. Cassibry5, E. M. Campbell6 . 1Los Alamos National Laboratory . 2Santa Fe, NM . 3General Atomics . 4Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory . 5University of Alabama, Huntsville . 6LLE, University of Rochester, Rochester Wurden et al., Journal of Fusion Energy, Vol. 35, 1, 123 (2016) UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA April 2014 | UNCLASSIFIED | 2 | Los Alamos National Laboratory | How many ways is electricity made today? Primary Energy Source Nominally CO2 Free Current capacity (%) Expected Lifetime (yrs) Natural Gas no 100 Coal no 80.6 400 Oil no < 50 Biomass neutral 11.4 > 400 Wind yes 0.5 > 1000 Solar photovoltaic yes 0.06 > 1000 Solar thermal yes 0.17 > 1000 Hydro yes 3.3 > 1000 Wave/Tidal yes 0.001 > 1000 Geothermal yes 0.12 > 1000 Nuclear fission yes 2.7 > 400 [i] REN21–Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century Renewables 2012–Global Status Report, 2012, http://www.map.ren21.net/GSR/GSR2012.pdf , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_development UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA April 2014 | UNCLASSIFIED | 3 | Los Alamos National Laboratory | What is the most important product that fusion could deliver? .
    [Show full text]
  • Arxiv:2002.12686V1 [Physics.Pop-Ph] 28 Feb 2020 SOI Sphere of Influence VEV Variable Ejection Velocity
    Achieving the required mobility in the solar system through Direct Fusion Drive Giancarlo Genta1 and Roman Ya. Kezerashvili2;3;4, 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy 2Physics Department, New York City College of Technology, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA 3The Graduate School and University Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA 4Samara National Research University, Samara, Russian Federation (Dated: March 2, 2020) To develop a spacefaring civilization, humankind must develop technologies which enable safe, affordable and repeatable mobility through the solar system. One such technology is nuclear fusion propulsion which is at present under study mostly as a breakthrough toward the first interstellar probes. The aim of the present paper is to show that fusion drive is even more important in human planetary exploration and constitutes the natural solution to the problem of exploring and colonizing the solar system. Nomenclature Is specific impulse m mass mi initial mass ml mass of payload mp mass of propellant ms structural mass mt mass of the thruster mtank mass of tanks t time td departure time ve ejection velocity F thrust J cost function P power of the jet α specific mass of the generator γ optimization parameter ∆V velocity increment DFD Direct Fusion Drive IMLEO Initial Mass in Low Earth Orbit LEO Low Earth Orbit LMO Low Mars Orbit NEP Nuclear Electric Propulsion NTP Nuclear Thermal Propulsion SEP Solar Electric Propulsion arXiv:2002.12686v1 [physics.pop-ph] 28 Feb 2020 SOI Sphere of Influence VEV Variable Ejection Velocity I.
    [Show full text]
  • Hyperspace  NASA BPP Program  Books 8
    Advanced Space Propulsion Concepts for Interstellar Travel Gregory V. Meholic [email protected] Planets HR 8799 140 LY 11/14/08 Updated 9/25/2019 1 Presentation Objectives and Caveats ▪ Provide a high-level, “evolutionary”, information-only overview of various propulsion technology concepts that, with sufficient development (i.e. $), may lead mankind to the stars. ▪ Only candidate concepts for a vehicle’s primary interstellar propulsion system will be discussed. No attitude control No earth-to-orbit launch No traditional electric systems No sail-based systems No beamed energy ▪ None of the following will be given, assumed or implied: Recommendations on specific mission designs Developmental timelines or cost estimates ▪ Not all propulsion options will be discussed – that would be impossible! 2 Chapters 1. The Ultimate Space Mission 2. The Solar System and Beyond 3. Challenges of Human Star Flight 4. “Rocket Science” Basics 5. Conventional Mass Ejection Propulsion Systems State-of-the-Art Possible Improvements 6. Alternative Mass Ejection Systems Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fusion Matter/Antimatter Other Concepts 7. Physics-Based Concepts Definitions and Things to Remember Space-Time Warp Drives Fundamental Force Coupling Alternate Dimension / Hyperspace NASA BPP Program Books 8. Closing Information 3 Chapter 1: The Ultimate Space Mission 4 The Ultimate Space Mission For humans to travel to the stars and return to Earth within a “reasonable fraction” (around 15 years) of a human lifetime. ▪ Why venture beyond our Solar System? Because we have to - humans love to explore!!! Visit the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud – Theoretical home to long-period comets Investigate the nature of the interstellar medium and its influence on the solar system (and vice versa) – Magnetic fields, low-energy galactic cosmic rays, composition, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • DIRECT FUSION DRIVE for Interstellar Exploration S.A
    Journal of the British Interplanetary Society VOLUME 72 NO.2 FEBRUARY 2019 General interstellar issue DIRECT FUSION DRIVE for Interstellar Exploration S.A. Cohen et al. INTERMEDIATE BEAMERS FOR STARSHOT: Probes to the Sun’s Inner Gravity Focus James Benford & Gregory Matloff REALITY, THE BREAKTHROUGH INITIATIVES and Prospects for Colonization of Space Edd Wheeler A GRAVITATIONAL WAVE TRANSMITTER A.A. Jackson and Gregory Benford CORRESPONDENCE www.bis-space.com ISSN 0007-084X PUBLICATION DATE: 29 APRIL 2019 Submitting papers International Advisory Board to JBIS JBIS welcomes the submission of technical Rachel Armstrong, Newcastle University, UK papers for publication dealing with technical Peter Bainum, Howard University, USA reviews, research, technology and engineering in astronautics and related fields. Stephen Baxter, Science & Science Fiction Writer, UK James Benford, Microwave Sciences, California, USA Text should be: James Biggs, The University of Strathclyde, UK ■ As concise as the content allows – typically 5,000 to 6,000 words. Shorter papers (Technical Notes) Anu Bowman, Foundation for Enterprise Development, California, USA will also be considered; longer papers will only Gerald Cleaver, Baylor University, USA be considered in exceptional circumstances – for Charles Cockell, University of Edinburgh, UK example, in the case of a major subject review. Ian A. Crawford, Birkbeck College London, UK ■ Source references should be inserted in the text in square brackets – [1] – and then listed at the Adam Crowl, Icarus Interstellar, Australia end of the paper. Eric W. Davis, Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin, USA ■ Illustration references should be cited in Kathryn Denning, York University, Toronto, Canada numerical order in the text; those not cited in the Martyn Fogg, Probability Research Group, UK text risk omission.
    [Show full text]
  • Research Institution List
    NASA 2017 STTR Program Phase II Selections - Research Institution List Proposals Selected for Negotiation of Contracts Aerospace Federally Funded Research and Development Center 2310 E. El Segundo Blvd. El Segundo, CA Luna Innovations, Inc. 301 1st Street Southwest, Suite 200 Roanoke, VA 24011 Michael Pruzan (540) 769-8430 17-2-T12.02-9846 KSC Efficient Composite Repair Methods for Launch Vehicles [1] Case Western Reserve University 10900 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106 EleQuant Knowledge Innovation Data Science, LLC 1801 Swann Street Northwest, #302 Washington, DC 20009 Regina Llopis (415) 978-9800 17-2-T3.02-9967 GRC Holomorphic Embedding for Loadflow Integration of Operational Thermal and Electric Reliable Procedural Systems [2] Dartmouth College 207 Parkhurst Hall Hanover, NH Creare, LLC 16 Great Hollow Road Page 1 of 11 NASA 2017 STTR Program Phase II Selections - Research Institution List Hanover, NH 3755 Robert Kline-Schoder (603) 640-2487 17-2-T6.02-9840 JSC Volume Sensor for Flexible Fluid Reservoirs in Microgravity [3] Florida Institute of Technology 150 W University Blvd Melbourne, FL 32901 Jaycon Systems 801 East Hibiscus Melbourne, FL 32901 Jiten Chandiramani (321) 505-4560 17-2-T11.02-9854 ARC Vision-Based Navigation for Formation Flight onboard ISS [4] Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 77058 CrossTrac Engineering,Inc. 2730 Saint Giles Lane Mountain View, CA 94040 John Hanson (408) 898-0376 17-2-T11.02-9927 GSFC Optical Intersatellite Communications for CubeSat Swarms [5] Mississippi
    [Show full text]
  • Fusion Rockets for Planetary Defense
    | Los Alamos National Laboratory | Fusion Rockets for Planetary Defense Glen Wurden Los Alamos National Laboratory PPPL Colloquium March 16, 2016 LA-UR-16-21396 LA-UR-15-xxxx UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA | Los Alamos National Laboratory | My collaborators on this topic: T. E. Weber1, P. J. Turchi2, P. B. Parks3, T. E. Evans3, S. A. Cohen4, J. T. Cassibry5, E. M. Campbell6 . 1Los Alamos National Laboratory . 2Santa Fe, NM . 3General Atomics . 4Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory . 5University of Alabama, Huntsville . 6LLE, University of Rochester, Rochester Wurden et al., Journal of Fusion Energy, Vol. 35, 1, 123 (2016) UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA | Los Alamos National Laboratory | How many ways is electricity made today? Primary Energy Source Nominally CO2 Free Current capacity (%) Expected Lifetime (yrs) Natural Gas no 100 Coal no 80.6 400 Oil no < 50 Biomass neutral 11.4 > 400 Wind yes 0.5 > 1000 Solar photovoltaic yes 0.06 > 1000 Solar thermal yes 0.17 > 1000 Hydro yes 3.3 > 1000 Wave/Tidal yes 0.001 > 1000 Geothermal yes 0.12 > 1000 Nuclear fission yes 2.7 > 400 [i] REN21–Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century Renewables 2012–Global Status Report, 2012, http://www.map.ren21.net/GSR/GSR2012.pdf , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_development UNCLASSIFIED Operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA | Los Alamos National Laboratory | What is the most important product that fusion could deliver? .
    [Show full text]