Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Lim, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Lim, J..

At least 19 records

Effect of low-temperature compression on superconductivity and crystal structure in strontium metal

The superconducting and structural properties of elemental strontium metal were investigated under pressures up to 60 GPa while maintaining cryogenic conditions during pressure application. Applying pressure at low temperatures reveals differences in superconducting and structural phases compared to previous reports obtained at room temperatures. Notably, the superconducting critical temperature exhibits a twofold increase under compression after cryogenic cooling within the pressure range of 35–42 GPa, compared to cryogenic cooling after room-temperature compression. Subsequently, the transition width becomes significantly sharper above 42 GPa. Low-temperature x-ray diffraction measurements under pressure reveal that this change corresponds to the Sr-III to Sr-IV transition, with no evidence of any metastable structure. Furthermore, the monoclinic Sr-IV structure was observed to remain stable to much higher pressures—at least up to 60 GPa, without the appearance of the incommensurate Sr-V phase present at room temperature. As a result, this implies that thermal activation energy plays an important role in overcoming the presence of a kinetic barrier to the Sr-V phase at room temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Niobium substitution suppresses the superconducting critical temperature of pressurized MoB 2

A recent study has demonstrated that MoB 2 , transforming to the same structure as MgB 2 (P 6 /mmm), superconducts at temperatures above 30 K near 100 GPa [C. Pei et al., Natl. Sci. Rev. 10, nwad034 (2023)], and Nb substitution in MoB 2 stabilizes the P6/mmm structure down to ambient pressure [A. C. Hire et al., Phys. Rev. B 106, 174515 (2022)]. Here, the current work explores the high-pressure superconducting behavior of Nb-substituted MoB 2 (Nb 0.25 Mo 0.75 B 2 ). High-pressure x-ray diffraction measurements show that the sample remains in the ambient pressure P6/mmm structure to at least 160 GPa. Electrical resistivity measurements demonstrate that from an ambient pressure T c of 8K (confirmed by specific heat to be a bulk effect), the critical temperature is suppressed to 4 K at 50 GPa, before gradually rising to 5.5 K at 170 GPa. The critical temperature at high pressure is thus significantly lower than that found in MoB 2 under pressure (30 K), revealing that Nb substitution results in a strong suppression of the superconducting critical temperature. Our calculations indeed find a reduced electron-phonon coupling in Nb 0.25 Mo 0.75 B 2 , but do not account fully for the observed suppression, which may also arise from inhomogeneity and enhanced spin fluctuations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Creating superconductivity in WB 2 through pressure-induced metastable planar defects

High-pressure electrical resistivity measurements reveal that the mechanical deformation of ultra-hard WB 2 during compression induces superconductivity above 50 GPa with a maximum superconducting critical temperature, T c of 17 K at 91 GPa. Upon further compression up to 187 GPa, the T c gradually decreases. Theoretical calculations show that electron-phonon mediated superconductivity originates from the formation of metastable stacking faults and twin boundaries that exhibit a local structure resembling MgB 2 (hP3, space group 191, prototype AlB 2 ). Synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements up to 145 GPa show that the ambient pressure hP12 structure (space group 194, prototype WB 2 ) continues to persist to this pressure, consistent with the formation of the planar defects above 50 GPa. The abrupt appearance of superconductivity under pressure does not coincide with a structural transition but instead with the formation and percolation of mechanically-induced stacking faults and twin boundaries. The results identify an alternate route for designing superconducting materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High-pressure study of the low- Z rich superconductor Be 22 Re

With T c ~ 9.6K, Be 22 Re exhibits one of the highest critical temperatures among Be-rich compounds.We have carried out a series of high-pressure electrical resistivity measurements on this compound to 30 GPa. The data show that the critical temperature T c is suppressed gradually at a rate of dT c /dP = –0.05K/GPa. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic and phonon density of states (DOS) and the measured critical temperature, we estimate that the rapid increase in lattice stiffening in Be 22 Re overwhelms a moderate increase in the electron-ion interaction with pressure, resulting in the decrease in T c . Furthermore, high-pressure x-ray diffraction measurements show that the ambient pressure crystal structure of Be 22 Re persists to at least 154 GPa.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Record high magnetic ordering temperature in a lanthanide at extreme pressure

Today's best permanent magnet materials, SmCo 5 and Nd 2 Fe 14 B, could likely be made signi fi cantly more powerful were it not necessary to dilute the strong magnetism of the rare earth ions (Sm, Nd) with the 3 d transition elements (Fe, Co). Since the rare-earth metals order magnetically at relatively low temperatures T o <= 292 K, transition elements must be added to bring T o to temperatures well above ambient. Under pressure T o (P) for the neighboring lanthanides Gd, Tb, and Dy follows a notably nonmonotonic, but nearly identical, dependence to similar to 60 GPa. At higher pressures, however, Tb and Dy exhibit highly anomalous behavior, T o for Dy soaring to temperatures well above ambient. In conclusion, we suggest that this anomalously high magnetic ordering temperature is an heretofore unrecognized feature of the Kondo lattice state.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetism of europium under extreme pressures

Using synchrotron-based Mossbauer and x-ray emission spectroscopies, we explore the evolution of magnetism in elemental (divalent) europium as it gives way to superconductivity at extreme pressures. Magnetic order in Eu is observed to collapse just above 80 GPa as superconductivity emerges, even though Eu cations retain their strong local 4f(7) magnetic moments up to 119 GPa with no evidence for an increase in valence. We speculate that superconductivity in Eu may be unconventional and have its origin in magnetic fluctuations, as has been suggested for high-T-c cuprates, heavy fermions, and iron-pnictides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Aerosol Optical Properties Derived from the DRAGON-NE Asia Campaign, and Implications for a Single-Channel Algorithm to Retrieve Aerosol Optical Depth in Spring from Meteorological Imager (MI) On-Board the Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS)

An aerosol model optimized for northeast Asia is updated with the inversion data from the Distributed Regional Aerosol Gridded Observation Networks (DRAGON)-northeast (NE) Asia campaign which was conducted during spring from March to May 2012. This updated aerosol model was then applied to a single visible channel algorithm to retrieve aerosol optical depth (AOD) from a Meteorological Imager (MI) on-board the geostationary meteorological satellite, Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite (COMS). This model plays an important role in retrieving accurate AOD from a single visible channel measurement. For the single-channel retrieval, sensitivity tests showed that perturbations by 4 % (0.926 +/- 0.04) in the assumed single scattering albedo (SSA) can result in the retrieval error in AOD by over 20 %. Since the measured reflectance at the top of the atmosphere depends on both AOD and SSA, the overestimation of assumed SSA in the aerosol model leads to an underestimation of AOD. Based on the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) inversion data sets obtained over East Asia before 2011, seasonally analyzed aerosol optical properties (AOPs) were categorized by SSAs at 675 nm of 0.92 +/- 0.035 for spring (March, April, and May). After the DRAGON-NE Asia campaign in 2012, the SSA during spring showed a slight increase to 0.93 +/- 0.035. In terms of the volume size distribution, the mode radius of coarse particles was increased from 2.08 +/- 0.40 to 2.14 +/- 0.40. While the original aerosol model consists of volume size distribution and refractive indices obtained before 2011, the new model is constructed by using a total data set after the DRAGON-NE Asia campaign. The large volume of data in high spatial resolution from this intensive campaign can be used to improve the representative aerosol model for East Asia. Accordingly, the new AOD data sets retrieved from a single-channel algorithm, which uses a precalculated look-up table (LUT) with the new aerosol model, show an improved correlation with the measured AOD during the DRAGON-NE Asia campaign. The correlation between the new AOD and AERONET value shows a regression slope of 1.00, while the comparison of the original AOD data retrieved using the original aerosol model shows a slope of 1.08. The change of y-offset is not significant, and the correlation coefficients for the comparisons of the original and new AOD are 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. The tendency of the original aerosol model to overestimate the retrieved AOD is significantly improved by using the SSA values in addition to size distribution and refractive index obtained using the new model.

Kim, M.↗

Anomalous pressure dependence of magnetic ordering temperature in Tb revealed by resistivity measurements to 141 GPa. Comparison with Gd and Dy

In previous studies the pressure dependence of the magnetic ordering temperature T o of Dy was found to exhibit a sharp increase above its volume collapse pressure of 73 GPa, appearing to reach temperatures well above ambient at 157 GPa. In a search for a second such lanthanide, electrical resistivity measurements were carried out on neighboring Tb to 141 GPa over the temperature range 3.8 - 295 K. Below Tb’s volume collapse pressure of 53 GPa, the pressure dependence T o (P) mirrors that of both Dy and Gd. However, at higher pressures T o (P) for Tb becomes highly anomalous. This result, together with the very strong suppression of superconductivity by dilute Tb ions in Y, suggests that extreme pressure transports Tb into an unconventional magnetic state with an anomalously high magnetic ordering temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development of tritium technologies at KAERI

Korea has been operating a CANDU nuclear power plant since 1983. Tritium generated in the heavy water of the plant is removed by the Wolsong TRF (Tritium Removal Facility) and measurement campaigns of tritium near the power plant have shown the efficiency of the TRF system. The HANARO reactor uses heavy water as both reflector and moderator. In HANARO the tritiated water removal system consists of compressors, condensers, and adsorption beds. A tritium behavior analysis code (TRIBAC) for a Very High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (VHTR) is under development at KAERI. The TRIBAC computer software has been equipped with models for tritium production, purification, and leakage, as well as chemisorption and tritium behavior, in the hydrogen production system. Korea takes part into the ITER program and is responsible for the supply of an SDS (Tritium Storage and Delivery System). Within this program Korea has launched an experimental program to study the physico-chemical properties of metal and their hydrides in which hydrogen isotope gases can be stored and removed safely.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Electronic and structural ground state of heavy alkali metals at high pressure

Here, alkali metals display unexpected properties at high pressure, including emergence of low symmetry crystal structures, that appear to occur due to enhanced electronic correlations among the otherwise nearly-free conduction electrons. We investigate the high pressure electronic and structural ground state of K, Rb, and Cs using x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction measurements together with ab initio theoretical calculations. The sequence of phase transitions under pressure observed at low temperature is similar in all three heavy alkalis except for the absence of the oC 84 phase in Cs. Both the experimental and theoretical results point to pressure-enhanced localization of the valence electrons characterized by pseudo-gap formation near the Fermi level and strong spd hybridization. Although the crystal structures predicted to host magnetic order in K are not observed, the localization process appears to drive these alkalis closer to a strongly correlated electron state.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic ordering at anomalously high temperatures in Dy at extreme pressures

In an attempt to destabilize the magnetic state of the heavy lanthanide Dy, extreme pressures were applied in an electrical resistivity measurement to 157 GPa over the temperature range 1.3 - 295 K. The magnetic ordering temperature T o and spin-disorder resistance R sd of Dy, as well as the superconducting pair-breaking effect ΔT c in Y(1 at.% Dy), are found to track each other in a highly non-monotonic fashion as a function of pressure. Above 73 GPa, the critical pressure for a 6% volume collapse in Dy, all three quantities increase sharply (dT o =dP≃5.3 K/GPa), T o appearing to rise above ambient temperature for P > 107 GPa. In contrast, T o and ΔT c for Gd and Y(0.5 at.% Gd), respectively, show no such sharp increase with pressure (dT o =dP≃ 0.73 K/GPa). Altogether, these results suggest that extreme pressure transports Dy into an unconventional magnetic state with an anomalously high magnetic ordering temperature.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Comparison of measured with calculated dose distribution from a 120-MeV electron beam from a laser-plasma accelerator

Purpose: To evaluate the dose distribution of a 120-MeV laser-plasma accelerated electron beam which may be of potential interest for high-energy electron radiation therapy. Methods: In the interaction between an intense laser pulse and a helium gas jet, a well collimated electron beam with very high energy is produced. A secondary laser beam is used to optically control and to tune the electron beam energy and charge. The potential use of this beam for radiation treatment is evaluated experimentally by measurements of dose deposition in a polystyrene phantom. The results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations using the geant4 code. Results: It has been shown that the laser-plasma accelerated electron beam can deliver a peak dose of more than 1 Gy at the entrance of the phantom in a single laser shot by direct irradiation, without the use of intermediate magnetic transport or focusing. The dose distribution is peaked on axis, with narrow lateral penumbra. Monte Carlo simulations of electron beam propagation and dose deposition indicate that the propagation of the intense electron beam (with large self-fields) can be described by standard models that exclude collective effects in the response of the material. Conclusions: The measurements show that the high-energy electron beams produced by an optically injected laser-plasma accelerator can deliver high enough dose at penetration depths of interest for electron beam radiotherapy of deep-seated tumors. Many engineering issues must be resolved before laser-accelerated electrons can be used for cancer therapy, but they also represent exciting challenges for future research.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

An Analysis of the Rapidly Rotating Bp star HD 133880

HD 133880 is a rapidly rotating chemically peculiar B-type (Bp) star (nu sin i approx = 103km/s) and is host to one of the strongest magnetic fields of any Ap/Bp star. A member of the Upper Centaurus Lupus association, it is a star with a well-determined age of 16 Myr. 12 new spectra, four of which are polarimetric, obtained from the FEROS, ESPaDOnS and HARPS instruments, provide sufficient material from which to re-evaluate the magnetic field and obtain a first approximation to the atmospheric abundance distributions of He, O, Mg, Si, Ti. Cr, Fe, Ni, Pr and Nd. An abundance analysis was carried out using ZEEMAN, a program which synthesizes spectral line profiles for stars with permeating magnetic fields. The magnetic field structure was characterized by a colinear multipole expansion from the observed variations of the longitudinal and surface fields with rotational phase. Both magnetic hemispheres are clearly visible during the stellar rotation, and thus a three-ring abundance distribution model encompassing both magnetic poles and magnetic equator with equal spans in colatitude was adopted. Using the new magnetic field measurements and optical photometry together with previously published data, we refine the period of HD 133880 to P = 0.877 476 +/- 0.000009 d. Our simple axisymmetric magnetic field model is based on a predominantly quadrupolar component that roughly describes the field variations. Using spectrum synthesis, we derived mean abundances for O, Mg, Si, Ti, Cr, Fe and Pr. All elements; except Mg, are overabundant compared to the Son. Mg appears to be approximately uniform over the stellar surface, while all other elements are more abundant in the negative magnetic hemisphere than in the positive magnetic hemisphere. In contrast to most Ap/Bp stars which show an underabundance in 0, in HD 133880 this element is clearly overabundant compared to the solar abundance ratio. In studying the Ha and Paschen lines in the optical spectra, we could not unambiguously detect information about the magnetosphere of HD 133880. However, radio emission data at both 3 and 6 cm suggest that the magnetospheric plasma is held in rigid rotation with the star by the magnetic field and further supported against collapse by the rapid rotation. Subtle differences in the shapes of the optically thick radio light curves at 3 and 6 cm suggest that the large-scale magnetic field is not fully axisymmetric at large distances from the star.

Bailey, J. D.↗

Flame Structure and Scalar Properties in Microgravity Laminar Fires

Recent results from microgravity combustion experiments conducted in the Zero Gravity Facility (ZGF) 5.18 second drop tower are reported. Emission mid-infrared spectroscopy measurements have been completed to quantitatively determine the flame temperature, water and carbon dioxide vapor concentrations, radiative emissive power, and soot concentrations in a microgravity laminar ethylene/air flame. The ethylene/air laminar flame conditions are similar to previously reported experiments including the Flight Project, Laminar Soot Processes (LSP). Soot concentrations and gas temperatures are in reasonable agreement with similar results available in the literature. However, soot concentrations and flame structure dramatically change in long duration microgravity laminar diffusion flames as demonstrated in this paper.

Feikema, D. A.↗