Performance of pulsed plasma thruster at low discharge energy

As the size of satellites scales down, low-power and compact propulsion systems such as the pulsed plasma thruster(PPT) are needed for stabilizing these miniature satellites in orbit. Most PPT systems are operated at 2 J or more of discharge energy. In this work, the performance of a PPT with a side-fed, tongue-flared electrode configuration operated within a lower discharge energy range of 0.5-2.5 J has been investigated. Ablation and charring of the polytetrafluoroethylene propellant surface were analyzed through field-effect scanning electron microscopy imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. When the discharge energy fell below 2 J, inconsistencies occurred in the specific impulse and the thrust efficiency due to the measurement of the low mass bit. At energy ≥2 J, the performance parameters are compared with other PPT systems of similar configuration and discussed in depth.

Flow control performance evaluation of a tri-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator

Tri-electrode sliding discharge(TED)plasma actuators are formed by adding a direct current(DC)exposed electrode to conventional dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma actuators.There are three TED modes depending on the polarity and amplitude of the DC supply:DBD discharge,extended discharge and sliding discharge.This paper evaluates the electrical,aerodynamic and mechanical characteristics of a TED plasma actuator based on energy analysis,particle image velocimetry experiments and calculations using the Navier-Stokes equation.The flow control performances of different discharge modes are quantitatively analyzed based on characteristic parameters.The results show that flow control performance in both extended discharge and sliding discharge is more significant than that of DBD,mainly because of the significantly higher(up to 141%)body force of TED compared with DBD.However,conductivity loss is the primary power loss caused by the DC polarity for TED discharge.Therefore,power consumption can be reduced by optimizing the dielectric material and thickness,thus improving the flow control performance of plasma actuators.

Discharge mode and particle transport in radio frequency capacitively coupled Ar/O_(2)plasma discharges

Simulations are conducted on capacitively coupled Ar/O_(2)mixed gas discharges employing a one-dimensional fluid coupled with an electron Monte Carlo(MC)model.The research explores the impact of different O_(2)ratio and pressures on the discharge characteristics of Ar/O_(2)plasma.At a fixed Ar/O_(2)gas ratio,with the increasing pressure,higher ion densities,as well as a slight increase in electron density in the bulk region can be observed.The discharge remains dominated by the drift-ambipolar(DA)mode,and the flux of O(3P)at the electrode increases with the increasing pressure due to higher background gas density,while the fluxes of O(1D)and Ardecrease due to the pronounced loss rate.With the increasing proportion of O_(2),a change in the dominant discharge mode from a mode to DA mode can be detected,and the O_(2)-associated charged particle densities are significantly increased.However,Ar+density shows a trend of increasing and then decreasing,while for neutral fluxes at the electrode,Arflux decreases,and O(3P)flux increases with the reduced Ar gas proportion,while trends in O(1D)flux show slight differences.The evolution of the densities of the charged particle and the neutral fluxes under different discharge parameters are discussed in detail using the ionization characteristics as well as the transport properties.Hopefully,more comprehensive understanding of Ar/O_(2)discharge characteristics in this work will provide a valuable reference for the industry.

Improving the electrical performances of InSe transistors by interface engineering

InSe has emerged as a promising candidate for next-generation electronics due to its predicted ultrahigh electrical performance.However,the efficacy of the InSe transistor in meeting application requirements is hindered due to its sensitivity to interfaces.In this study,we have achieved notable enhancement in the electrical performance of InSe transistors through interface engineering.We engineered an InSe/h-BN heterostructure,effectively suppressing dielectric layer-induced scattering.Additionally,we successfully established excellent metal-semiconductor contacts using graphene ribbons as a buffer layer.Through a methodical approach to interface engineering,our graphene/InSe/h-BN transistor demonstrates impressive on-state current,field-effect mobility,and on/off ratio at room temperature,reaching values as high as 1.1 mA/μm,904 cm^(2)·V^(-1)·s^(-1),and>10~6,respectively.Theoretical computations corroborate that the graphene/InSe heterostructure shows significant interlayer charge transfer and weak interlayer interaction,contributing to the enhanced performance of InSe transistors.This research offers a comprehensive strategy to elevate the electrical performance of InSe transistors,paving the way for their utilization in future electronic applications.

Formation mechanism of bright and dark concentric-ring pattern in dielectric barrier discharge

In this work,a bright and dark concentric-ring pattern is reported in a dielectric barrier discharge for the first time.The spatiotemporal dynamics of the bright and dark concentric-ring pattern are investigated with an intensified charge-coupled device and photomultiplier tubes.The results indicate that the bright and dark concentric-ring pattern is composed of three concentric-ring sublattices.These are bright concentric-ring structures,dark concentric-ring structures and wider concentric-ring structures,respectively.The bright concentric-ring structures and dark concentricring structures are alternately distributed.The bright concentric-ring structures are located at the centre of the wider concentric-ring structures.The wider concentric-ring structures first form from the outer edge and gradually develop to the centre.The essence of all three concentric-ring structures is the individual discharge filaments.The optical emission spectra of different sublattices are acquired and analysed.It is found that the plasma parameters of the three concentricring sublattices are different.Finally,the formation mechanism of the bright and dark concentricring pattern is discussed.

Designing an Effective Method for Automatic Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a Static Environment

This article outlines an Effective Method for Automatic Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a Static Environment. It consists of investigated wireless transformer structures with various ferrite forms. WPT technology has rapidly advanced in the last few years. At kilowatt power levels, the transmission distance grows from a few millimeters to several hundred millimeters with a grid to load efficiency greater than 90%. The improvements have made the WPT more appealing for electric vehicle (EV) charging applications in both static and dynamic charging scenarios. Static and dynamic WEVCS, two of the main applications, are described, and current developments with features from research facilities, academic institutions, and businesses are noted. Additionally, forthcoming concepts based WEVCS are analyzed and examined, including “dynamic” wireless charging systems (WCS). A dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system, which can supply electricity to moving EVs, is one of the feasible alternatives. The moving secondary coil is part of the dynamic WPT system, which also comprises of many fixed groundside (primary) coils. An equivalent circuit between the stationary system and the dynamic WPT system that results from the stationary system is demonstrated by theoretical investigations. The dynamic WPT system’s solenoid coils outperform circular coils in terms of flux distribution and misalignment. The WPT-related EV wireless charging technologies were examined in this study. WPT can assist EVs in overcoming their restrictions on cost, range, and charging time.

Effect of yttrium and calcium additions on electrochemical behaviors and discharge performance of AZ80 anodes for Mg-air battery

The effects of yttrium(Y)and yttrium+calcium(Y+Ca)additions on the electrochemical properties and discharge performance of the as-extruded Mg−8Al−0.5Zn−0.2Mn(AZ80)anodes for Mg−air batteries were investigated.The results show that the addition of 0.2 wt.%Y increased the corrosion resistance and discharge activity of AZ80 anode.This was attributed to the fine and sphericalβ-Mg_17)Al_(12) phases dispersing evenly in AZ80+0.2Y alloy,which suppressed the localized corrosion and severe“chunk effect”,and facilitated the rapid activation ofα-Mg.Combinative addition of 0.2 wt.%Y and 0.15 wt.%Ca generated grain refinement and a reduction of theβ-Mg_17)Al_(12) phase,resulting in a further enhancement in discharge voltage.However,the incorporation of Ca in Mg_17)Al_(12) and Al_(2)Y compounds compromised the corrosion resistance and anodic efficiency of AZ80+0.2Y+0.15Ca anode.Consequently,AZ80+0.2Y anode exhibited excellent overall discharge performance,with the peak discharge capacity and anodic efficiency of 1525 mA·h·g^(−1) and 67%at 80 mA/cm^(2),13%and 14%higher than those of AZ80 anode,respectively.

Analysis of the Gas Puffing Performance for Improving the Repeatability of Ohmic Discharges in the SUNIST Spherical Tokamak

The gas puffing performance plays a key role in repeatable discharges in the Sino- UNited Spherical Tokamak （SUNIST） experiments. In this paper, temporal evolution of the gas pressure in the vacuum vessel and the dependence of the repeatability of plasma discharges on different timing arrangements between the gas puffing pulse and the Ohmic field have been experimentally investigated. The results show that, after a fast rising phase, the gas pressure becomes quasi-stationary. In the regime of the discharges being started up when the gas pressure has already reached the quasi-stationary state for about 37 ms, an improved repeatability of the plasma discharges is achieved.

Surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas

The surface performance of workpieces processed by electrical discharge machining in gas(dry EDM)was studied in this paper.Firstly,the composition,micro hardness and recast layer of electrical discharge machined(EDMed)surface of 45 carbon steels in air were investigated through different test analysis methods.The results show that the workpiece surface EDMed in air contains a certain quantity of oxide,and oxidation occurs on the workpiece surface.Compared with the surface of workpieces processed in kerosene,fewer cracks exist on the dry EDMed workpiece surface,and the surface recast layer is thinner than that obtained by conventional EDM.The micro hardness of workpieces machined by dry EDM method is lower than that machined in kerosene,and higher than that of the matrix.In addition,experiments were conducted on the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air and kerosene using copper electrode and titanium alloy electrode.The results indicate that the surface wear resistance of workpieces processed in air can be improved,and it is related with tool material and dielectric.

Low-temperature performance and high-rate discharge capability of AB_5-type non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage alloy

Low-temperature performance and high-rate discharge capability of AB5-type non-stoichiometric hydrogen storage are studied. X-ray diffraction(XRD),pressure-composition-temperature(PCT) curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) are applied to characterize the electrochemical properties of ABx(x=4.8,4.9,5.0,5.1,5.2) alloys. The results show that the non-stoichiometric alloys exhibit better electrochemical properties compared with that of the AB5 alloy.

Optimal Scheduling of PEV Charging/Discharging in Microgrids with Combined Objectives

While renewable power generation and vehicle electrification are promising solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it faces great challenges to effectively integrate them in a power grid. The weather-dependent power generation of renewable energy sources, such as Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, could introduce significant intermittency to a power grid. Meanwhile, uncontrolled PEV charging may cause load surge in a power grid. This paper studies the optimization of PEV charging/discharging scheduling to reduce customer cost and improve grid performance. Optimization algorithms are developed for three cases: 1) minimize cost, 2) minimize power deviation from a pre-defined power profile, and 3) combine objective functions in 1) and 2). A Microgrid with PV arrays, bi-directional PEV charging stations, and a commercial building is used in this study. The bi-directional power from/to PEVs provides the opportunity of using PEVs to reduce the intermittency of PV power generation and the peak load of the Microgrid. Simulation has been performed for all three cases and the simulation results show that the presented optimization algorithms can meet defined objectives.

A comparative study for the impact performance of shaped charge JET on UHPC targets

With the development of two-stage munitions(a precursor shaped charge(SC)and a following kinetic energy projectile)to attack the hard concrete targets,as well as the increasing applications of ultra-high performance concrete(UHPC)in both civil and military protective structures,a comparative study on the impact performance of SC formed jet on UHPC target is performed experimentally and numerically at present.Firstly,a series of jet penetration/perforation test on the UHPC,45# steel and UHPC/45# steel composite targets are conducted.By assessing the penetration depth and borehole(crater and tunnel)diameter,the influences of target material and configuration as well as the standoff distance of SC on the impact performance of jet are experimentally discussed.Then,by adopting the 2 D multi-material Arbitrary Lagrange-Euler(ALE)algorithm,Fluid-Structure Interaction(FSI)method and erosion algorithm implemented in the finite element code LS-DYNA,the formation and impact performance of jet in the present test are well reproduced.Finally,based on the validated numerical algorithms,constitutive models and the corresponding parameters,the influences of target material(UHPC,NSC and 45# steel),standoff distance,target configuration(stacked and spaced)and weight efficiency on the impact performance of jet are further discussed.The derived conclusions could provide helpful references for evaluating the ballistic performance of jet and designing the protective structures.

Simulation analysis on microscopic discharge characteristics of the bipolar corona of a floating conductor

A floating conductor exhibits a bipolar corona phenomenon with microscopic discharge characteristics that are still unclear.In this study,a plasma simulation model of the bipolar corona with 108 chemical reaction equations is established by combining hydrodynamics and plasma chemical reactions.The evolution characteristics of electrons,positive ions,negative ions and neutral particles,as well as the distribution characteristics of space charges are analyzed,and the evolutionary flow of microscopic particles is summarized.The results indicate that the positive end of the bipolar corona initiates discharge before the negative end,but the plasma chemistry at the negative end is more vigorous.The electron generation rate can reach 1240 mol(m^(3) s)^(-1),and the dissipation rate can reach 34 mol(m^(3) s)^(-1).The positive ion swarm is dominated by O_(4)^(+),and the maximum generation rate can reach 440 mol((m^(3) s)^(-1).The negative ion swarm is mainly O_(2) and O_(4).The O_(2) content is approximately 1.5-3 times that of O_(4),and the maximum reaction rate can reach 51 mol(m^(3) s)^(-1).The final destination of neutral particles is an accumulation in the form of O_(3) and NO,and the amount of O3 produced is approximately 4-6 times that of NO.The positive end of the bipolar corona is dominated by positive space charges,which continue to develop and spread outwards in the form of a pulse wave.The negative end exhibits a space charge distribution structure of concentrated positive charges and diffused negative charges.The validity of the microscopic simulation analysis is verified by the macroscopic discharge phenomenon.

Numerical Analysis on Charging Performance of the Macro-Encapsulating Combined Sensible-Latent Heat Storage System with Structural Parameters

For combined sensible-latent heat storage system(CSLHS)(termed as the hybrid configuration),macro encapsulation can effectively solve the leakage problem of PCMs.However,due to the poor thermal conductivity of PCMs,the charging performance of the hybrid configuration slightly increases compared to the solid structure(with only sensible materials).Meanwhile,the natural convection in the PCMs zone could improve the charging performance.So,how to improve natural convection intensity is a key issue for the CSLHS by macro encapsulating.It is found that adding fins can significantly enhance natural convection and accelerate the melting of PCM.In this paper,we proposed the hybrid configuration with fins built-in by macro encapsulation,and analyzed its charging performance with different fin structural parameters in the PCM zone by CFD simulation.In the case,the sensible heat storage material is high-temperature concrete and the PCM is a low-melting-point mixed molten salt.We analyzed the effects of fin number,fin length and fin thickness on the charging performance of the hybrid configuration respectively.From the result,the charging performance increases with the fin number,but the increase rate gradually decreases.When the fin number is 6,the charging performance increases by 20.18%compared to the situation without fin.The charging performance increases gradually with the fin length.Compared with the hybrid configuration without fin,for each 10 mm increase in fin length,its charging performances increase by 4.09%,5.26%,7.02%,8.77%,11.70%,and 15.79%,respectively.Different from number and length of fins,the effect of thickness on the charging performance is very small.When the fin thickness increased from 1 mm to 4 mm,the charging performance only increased by 2.3%.It indicates that the main reason for the improving the charging performance is to increase the natural convection intensity by dividing the PCM zone through fins.These results show that the charging performance of the CSLHS with macro encapsulation can be improved by optimizing fin structural parameters.

Mesoporous molecular sieve confined phase change materials with high absorption,enhanced thermal conductivity,and cooling energy charging/discharging capacity

The biggest challenge for organic phase change materials(PCMs)used in cold energy storage is to maintain high heat storage capacity while reducing the leakage risk of PCMs during the phase transition process.This is crucial for expanding their applications in the more demanding cold storage field.In this study,novel formstable low-temperature composite PCMs are prepared with mesoporous materials,namely SBA-15 and CMK-3(which are prepared using the template method),as supporting matrices and dodecane as the PCM.Owing to the combined effects of capillary forces within mesoporous materials and interactions among dodecane molecules,both dodecane/SBA-15 and dodecane/CMK-3 exhibit outstanding shape stability and thermal cycling stability even after 200 heating/cooling cycles.In comparison to those of dodecane/SBA-15,dodecane/CMK-3 exhibits superior cold storage performance and higher thermal conductivity.Specifically,the phase transition temperature of dodecane/CMK-3 is-8.81℃ with a latent heat of 122.4 J·g^(-1).Additionally,it has a thermal conductivity of 1.21 W·m^(-1)·K^(-1),which is 9.45 times that of dodecane alone.All these highlight its significant potential for applications in the area of cold energy storage.

Effect of Residual Charge Carrier on the Performance of a Graphene Field Effect Transistor

The temperature-dependent effect of residual charge carrier （no）, at the Dirac point, on mobility is studied. We fabricate and characterize a graphene field effect transistor （GFET） using 7nm TiO2 as the top-gate dielectric. The temperature-dependent gate voltage-drain current and room temperature gate capacitance are measured to extract the carrier mobility and to estimate the quantum capacitance of the GFET. The device shows the mobility value of gOO cm^2 /V.s at room temperature and it decreases to 45 cm^2 /V.s for 20 K due to the increase of n0. These results indicate that the phonon scattering is not the dominant process for the unevenness dielectric layer while the coulomb scattering by charged impurities degrades the device characteristically at low temperature.

Analysis on damage characteristics and detonation performance of solid rocket engine charge subjected to jet

To further explore the damage characteristics and impact response of the shaped charge to the solid rocket engine(SRE) in storage or transportation, protective armor was designed and the shelled charges model(SCM)/SRE with protective armor impacting by shaped charge tests were conducted. Air overpressures at 5 locations and axial acceleration caused by the explosion were measured, and the experimental results were compared with two air overpressure curves of propellant detonation obtained by related scholars. Afterwards, the finite element software AUTODYN was used to simulate the SCM impacted process and SRE detonation results. The penetration process and the formation cause of damage were analyzed. The detonation performance of TNT, reference propellant, and the propellant used in this experiment was compared. The axial acceleration caused by the explosion was also analyzed.By comprehensive comparison, the energy released by the detonation of this propellant is larger, and the HMX or Al particles contained in this propellant are more than the reference propellant, with a TNT equivalent of 1.168-1.196. Finally, advanced protection armor suggestions were proposed based on the theory of woven fabric rubber composite armor(WFRCA).

Impact of Band-Engineering to Performance of High-k Multilayer Based Charge Trapping Memory

Impact of band-engineering to the performance of charge trapping memory with HfO2/Ta2O5/HfO2 （HTH） as the charge trapping layer is investigated. Compared with devices with the same total HfO2 thickness, structures with Ta2O5 closer to substrates show larger program/erase window, because the 2nd HfO2 （next to blocking oxide） serving as part of blocking oxide reduces the current tunneling out of/in the charge trapping layer during program and erase. Moreover, trapped charge centroid is modulated and contributed more to the fiat-band voltage shift. Further experiments prove that devices with a thicker 2nd HfO2 layer exhibit larger saturate fiat-band shift in both program and erase operation. The optimized device achieves a 7 V memory window and good reliability characteristics.

Experiment Study on the Ending Criteria of Charge and Discharge of Nickel-Hydride Battery

Charge and discharge characteristics of Ni/MH batteries are investigated with experiments. During battery’s working, the voltage, capacity, temperature and internal resistance were recorded, corresponding curves were depicted. Variations of the aforementioned four parameters are differently obvious. Ending criteria of charge and discharge of Ni/MH batteries are discussed on the basis of the curves. Voltage, capacity and temperature of a battery can be used as ending criteria during charge. When discharge takes place, voltage, capacity and internal resistance can be chosen as ending criteria. As a whole, capacity is more suitable for being used as ending criteria of charge and discharge than the other three parameters. At last, the capacity of a battery is recommended to be ending criteria of charge and discharge. The conclusions will provide references to different capacity Ni/MH batteries for electric vehicles.

Carbon foam with microporous structure for high performance symmetric potassium dual-ion capacitor

A novel carbon foam with microporous structure(CFMS),with the advantages of a simple fabrication process,low energy consumption,large specific surface area and high conductivity,has been prepared by a facile one-step carbonization.In addition,the carbon foam possesses suitable interlayer spacing in short range which is flexible to accommodate the deformation of carbon layer caused by the ion insertion and deinsertion at the charge and discharge state.Furthermore,a low cost carbon-based symmetric potassium dual-ion capacitor(PDIC),which integrates the virtues of potassium ion capacitors and dual-ion batteries,is successfully established with CFMS as both the battery-type cathode and the capacitor-type anode.PDIC displays a superior rate performance,an ultra-long cycle life(90%retention after 10000 cycles),and a high power density of 7800 W kg^-1 at an energy density of 39Whkg^-1.The PDIC also exhibits excellent ultrafast charge and slow discharge properties,with a full charge in just 60 s and a discharge time of more than 3000 s.