Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Loss of structure stability”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12

Computing a Stability Spectrum by Use of the HHT

The Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is part of the mathematical basis of a method of calculating a stability spectrum. This method can be regarded as an extended and improved version of a prior HHT-based method of calculating a damping spectrum. In the prior method, information on positive damping (which leads to stability) and negative damping (which leads to instability) becomes mixed into a single squared damping loss factor. Hence, there is no way to distinguish between stability and instability by examining a damping spectrum. In contrast, in the present stabilityspectrum method, information on the mathematical sign of the damping is retained, making it possible to identify reThe Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is part of the mathematical basis of a method of calculating a stability spectrum. This method can be regarded as an extended and improved version of a prior HHT-based method of calculating a damping spectrum. In the prior method, information on positive damping (which leads to stability) and negative damping (which leads to instability) becomes mixed into a single squared damping loss factor. Hence, there is no way to distinguish between stability and instability by examining a damping spectrum. In contrast, in the present stabilityspectrum method, information on the mathematical sign of the damping is retained, making it possible to identify regions of instability in a spectrum. This method is expected to be especially useful for analyzing vibration-test data for the purpose of predicting vibrational instabilities in structures (e.g., flutter in airplane wings).

Huang, Norden E.↗

Study of Geometric Porosity on Static Stability and Drag Using Computational Fluid Dynamics for Rigid Parachute Shapes

This paper explores use of computational fluid dynamics to study the e↵ect of geometric porosity on static stability and drag for NASA's Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle main parachute. Both of these aerodynamic characteristics are of interest to in parachute design, and computational methods promise designers the ability to perform detailed parametric studies and other design iterations with a level of control previously unobtainable using ground or flight testing. The approach presented here uses a canopy structural analysis code to define the inflated parachute shapes on which structured computational grids are generated. These grids are used by the computational fluid dynamics code OVERFLOW and are modeled as rigid, impermeable bodies for this analysis. Comparisons to Apollo drop test data is shown as preliminary validation of the technique. Results include several parametric sweeps through design variables in order to better understand the trade between static stability and drag. Finally, designs that maximize static stability with a minimal loss in drag are suggested for further study in subscale ground and flight testing.

Greathouse, James S.↗

Modeling and Simulation for Exercise Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System Design

The microgravity environment that crew members experience on orbit presents a well-known health challenge, particularly when it comes to loss of muscle and bone mass. To counteract these negative effects, exercise countermeasures play a critical role in the daily routine of the crew on the International Space Station (ISS). To help inform requirements for upcoming exploration missions such as the Gateway Program, a new device, called the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), is being built by the European Space Agency through their contractor, the Danish Aerospace Company. The E4D is being demonstrated on the ISS and is unique from other current exercise devices in that it provides four separate modalities in a single device: resistive, cycle ergometry, seated aerobic rowing, and rope pulling. To support the integration of E4D on ISS, a passive Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) system was required by NASA, and this responsibility was given to the Johnson Space Center. This paper describes the end-to-end process of modeling, simulation, and analysis used to inform the mechanical design of the VIS system. The process begins with the collection of representative exerciser motion capture (MoCap) through ground-based testing with the developmental E4D in both the Prototype Immersive Technology (PIT) Laboratory and the Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) facility at the Johnson Space Center. These collected MoCap data are processed through human biomechanics modeling to create forcing functions as input to a multibody dynamics simulation of the combined E4D/VIS system, with numerous resulting outputs. These outputs include microgravity accelerations, overall system displacements, internal and transmitted loads, as well as collisions. Microgravity accelerations are compared for compliance against ISS requirements while displacements are used for sway space determinations on the design and volumetric constraints within the targeted module. Internal loads are supplied to the supporting stress analysis teams and external loads for structural loads and dynamics teams, both at NASA and ESA. Finally, contact and clearance analysis is performed using the simulation to eliminate potential design issues. To ensure that the elements of the multibody simulation were verified and validated, correlation against multiple VIS related ground hardware testbeds was performed and characterized. In addition to the isolation part of the VIS problem, stabilization is also key to the integrated performance and evaluation. Due to the difficulty in defining ISS requirements in this area, the stability of the exerciser was inspected via analysis. Loss of balance was defined analytically as occurring when the resultant force vector acting on the exerciser lies outside the base of support of the feet. Both the VIS and E4D teams have recently gone through their Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) and the iterative model-based approach has been integral to inform mechanical design, particularly in the case of the VIS. This same end-to-end approach is now being applied for the Gateway Program, where an Exploration Exercise Device (EED) derived from the E4D and notional VIS for the device are under concept development.

Countermeasures↗

Discrete-time stability of continuous-time controller designs for large space structures

In most of the stable control designs for flexible structures, continuous time is assumed. However, in view of the implementation of the controllers by on-line digital computers, the discrete-time stability of such controllers is an important consideration. In the case of direct-velocity feedback (DVFB), involving negative feedback from collocated force actuators and velocity sensors, it is not immediately apparent how much delay due to digital implementation of DVFB can be tolerated without loss of stability. The present investigation is concerned with such questions. A study is conducted of the discrete-time stability of DVFB, taking into account an employment of Euler's method of approximation of the time derivative. The obtained result gives an indication of the acceptable time-step size for stable digital implementation of DVFB. A result derived in connection with the consideration of the discrete-time stability of stable continuous-time systems provides a general condition under which digital implementation of such a system will remain stable.

Balas, M. J.↗

Structural modeling for control design (articulated multibody component representation)

High gain, high frequency flexible responses in gimbaled multibody systems are discussed. Their origin and physical significance are described in terms of detailed mass and stiffness modeling at actuator/sensor interfaces. Guyan Reduction, Generalized Dynamic Reduction, inadequate mass modeling detail, as well as system mode truncation, are shown to suppress the high gain high frequency response and thereby lose system flexibility important for stability and performance predictions. Model validation by modal survey testing is shown to risk similar loss of accuracy. Difficulties caused by high frequency responses in component mode simulations, such as DISCOS, and also linearized system mode simulations, are described, and approaches for handling these difficulties are discussed.

Haugse, E. D.↗

Microgravity foam structure and rheology

Our long-range objective is to establish the fundamental interrelationship between the microscopic structure and dynamics of foams and their macroscopic stability and rheology. Foam structure and dynamics are to be measured directly and noninvasively through the use and development of novel multiple light scattering techniques such as diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS). Foam rheology is to be measured in a custom rheometer which allows simultaneous optical access for multiple light drainage of liquid from in between gas bubbles as the liquid:gas volume fraction in increased towards the rigidity-loss transition.

Durian, Douglas J.↗

Shear-free mixing to achieve accurate temporospatial nanoscale kinetics through scanning-SAXS: ion-induced phase transition of dispersed cellulose nanocrystals

Time-resolved in situ characterization of well-defined mixing processes using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is usually challenging, especially if the process involves changes of material viscoelasticity. In specific, it can be difficult to create a continuous mixing experiment without shearing the material of interest; a desirable situation since shear flow both affects nanoscale structures and flow stability as well as resulting in unreliable time-resolved data. Here, we demonstrate a flow-focusing mixing device for in situ nanostructural characterization using scanning-SAXS. Given the interfacial tension and viscosity ratio between core and sheath fluids, the core material confined by sheath flows is completely detached from the walls and forms a zero-shear plug flow at the channel center, allowing for a trivial conversion of spatial coordinates to mixing times. With this technique, the time-resolved gel formation of dispersed cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was studied by mixing with a sodium chloride solution. It is observed how locally ordered regions, so called tactoids, are disrupted when the added monovalent ions affect the electrostatic interactions, which in turn leads to a loss of CNC alignment through enhanced rotary diffusion. The demonstrated flow-focusing scanning-SAXS technique can be used to unveil important kinetics during structural formation of nanocellulosic materials. However, the same technique is also applicable in many soft matter systems to provide new insights into the nanoscale dynamics during mixing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A High Potential, Low Capacity Fade Rate Iron Complex Posolyte for Aqueous Organic Flow Batteries

An iron complex, tris(4,4'-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine) iron dichloride is reported, which operates at near-neutral pH with a redox potential of 0.985 V versus SHE. This high potential compound is employed in the posolyte of an aqueous flow battery, paired with bis(3-trimethylammonio)propyl viologen tetrachloride in the negolyte, exhibiting an open-circuit voltage of 1.3 V at near-neutral pH. It demonstrates excellent cycling performance with a low temporal capacity fade rate of 0.07% per day over 35 days of cycling. The extended cycling lifetime is the result of low permeability and improved structural stability of the newly developed iron complex compared to that of the iron tris(bipyridine) complex. The combination of high redox potential and low capacity fade rate compares favorably with those of all previously demonstrated organic and organometallic aqueous posolytes. Extensive investigation into the possible degradation mechanisms, including post-mortem chemical and electrochemical analyses, indicates that stepwise ligand dissociations of the iron complex are responsible for the reported capacity loss during cell cycling. Further, this investigation provides unprecedented insight to guide further improvements of such metalorganic compounds for energy storage and conversion applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Epitaxial growth of monolayer PdTe 2 and patterned PtTe 2 by direct tellurization of Pd and Pt surfaces

Two-dimensional (2D) palladium ditelluride (PdTe 2 ) and platinum ditelluride (PtTe 2 ) are two Dirac semimetals, which have fascinating quantum properties such as superconductivity, magnetism and topological order and show the promising applications in future nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. However, the synthesis of PdTe 2 and PtTe 2 monolayers (MLs) is hindered by a strong interlayer coupling and orbital hybridization. Here, in this study, we demonstrate an efficient synthesis of PdTe 2 and PtTe 2 MLs Large-area and high quality MLs of PdTe 2 and patterned PtTe 2 were epitaxially grown on the Pd(111) and Pt(111) surfaces by direct telurization in ultra-high vacuum. This was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction and scanning tunnelling microscopy. PdTe 2 ML demonstrated high thermal stability showing no decomposition sign after annealing at 470 °C. A well-ordered (2 × 2) PtTe 2 structure with Kagome lattice was observed on Te/Pt(111) surface following annealing at 200 °C in UHV, where the (2 × 2) pattern was formed by Te atom vacancies. PtTe 2 multilayer film was prepared as well, and it demonstrated the excitation of the Dirac plasmons as measured by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. The direct tellurization offers the simple and reliable protocol for the preparation of the ML of PdTe 2 and patterned PtTe 2 , and this opens new opportunities for quantum phenomena research and for practical optoelectronics applications.

2D materials↗

Origin of increased helium density inside bubbles in Ni (1–$x$) Fe $x$ alloys

Due to virtually no solubility, He atoms implanted or created inside materials tend to form bubbles, which are known to damage material properties through embrittlement. Higher He density in nano-sized bub- bles was observed both experimentally and computationally in Ni (1–$x$) Fe $x$ -alloy samples compared to Ni. The bubbles in the Ni (1–$x$) Fe $x$ -alloys were observed to be faceted, whereas in elemental Ni they were more spherical. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that stacking fault structures formed around bubbles at maximum He density. Higher Fe concentrations stabilize stacking fault structures, suppress evolution of dislocation network around bubbles and suppress complete dislocation emission, leading to higher He density.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Influence of Transition Metal Ion Contaminants on the Performance of Amine-Based Solid Sorbents in Direct Air Capture

Amine-functionalized solid sorbents are a class of sorbent materials proposed for direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 , yet their long-term performance is susceptible to degradation under realistic operating conditions. Many amines are not thermodynamically stable in air, and amine sorbents oxidize while in use during DAC temperature swing adsorption processes. In this study, we investigate the role of transition metal ion contaminants, specifically Cu 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Ni 2+ , on the oxidative degradation of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)-impregnated SBA-15 sorbents. By introducing metal ions via different modes mimicking both synthesis-related impurities and impurities derived from environmental exposure, we systematically evaluate sorbent stability after exposure to dry air at an elevated temperature. Thermogravimetric CO 2 uptake measurements reveal that even trace levels of Cu and Fe (as low as ∼4 ppm) can lead to measurable sorbent deactivation after oxidative aging, despite negligible loss in the performance of the control samples. In situ infrared, UV–vis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies indicate that these metals catalyze radical-driven oxidation pathways, altering the chemical structure of the sorbent and accelerating degradation. Our findings underscore the need to account for trace metal contamination during DAC sorbent synthesis and deployment and highlight the importance of environmental contamination pathways.

CO2 capture↗

Volumetrically Absorbing Thermal Insulator (VATI) for High-temperature Receivers

This project seeks to exploit volumetric absorption of concentrated solar irradiation in a thin, high-temperature, thermally conductive medium. High efficiency thermal conversion is achieved by volumetric absorption of both incoming solar irradiation (short wavelength) and emitted irradiation (long wavelength), demonstrating a volumetrically absorbing thermally insulating (VATI) effect. The thermalized energy is conducted to the back wall, enclosing the working fluid (molten salt or supercritical CO 2 ). Reliance on conductive thermal transport requires a thermally conductive medium, in the absence of which large temperature gradients drive losses due to emission. The project’s outcomes are important to realize a cost-effective approach to reduce optical and thermal losses from CSP receivers at high temperatures (720°C). High-temperature stable and commercially available porous SiC structures (open-cell foams) were explored as a volumetrically absorbing and thermally insulating layer. To the best of our knowledge, the current state-of-the-art for industrially deployed coatings is Pyromark. However, Pyromark suffers degradation at 700+°C and diurnal temperature changes. This necessitates periodic recoating, and the downtime increases the overall levelized cost of energy (LCOE) production. On the other hand, contemporary research activities have generated significant advances in the development of selective emitter coatings, which present challenges with costs, scalability, and stability. The pursued approach alleviates these concerns by developing a receiver that utilizes the inherent structure of high-temperature stable porous materials to enable robust and cost-effective receivers which require no periodic maintenance downtimes. The overall goal of the project is to experimentally demonstrate a figure of merit (FOM) of 0.92 at a temperature of 720°C and solar irradiation of 1000x concentration with porous receivers. The relevant crystallographic (phase) optical and thermal properties of porous SiC were first characterized. Second, the 3-D geometry of the porous SiC was analyzed using micro-X-ray tomography and converted to CAD data using image processing analysis. Utilizing this 3-D geometry and relevant optical/thermal properties, Monte Carlo- Ray Tracing (MCRT) analysis was performed to extract important parameters governing solar-thermal energy conversion such as extinction coefficient (β, 1/m), scattering albedo (ω) and the scattering phase function (Φ). These properties were then integrated into an in-house radiative and conduction transport model to solve for temperature and transport fluxes characterizing the solar-thermal energy conversion. This model was utilized to predict the FOM for various SiC porous geometries and to identify the highest possible FOM. Testing of the optimized porous structures will be accomplished with a custom-built high-accuracy (< ±4%) FOM measurement test-stand and a 1000x solar concentrator. When neglecting convective losses and resistance at the open boundary and the back wall, the optimized SiC foam leads to a FOM of 0.84. This FOM does not surpass the performance of Pyromark 2500. Yet, conversely to Pyromark 2500, SiC is stable at high temperatures and does not degrade over time. Also, it is possible to boost the FOM of SiC by engineering its effective thermal conductivity and its scattering albedo. A FOM of 0.92 is predicted for an optimized foam by accounting for convective losses and resistance at the open boundary and the back wall. This largely exceeds the FOM of Pyromark 2500 (~0.86) predicted by neglecting convective losses and resistance. Therefore, further engineering of the foam could lead to unprecedented FOMs.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Structure of metallochaperone in complex with the cobalamin-binding domain of its target mutase provides insight into cofactor delivery

G-protein metallochaperone MeaB in bacteria [methylmalonic aciduria type A (MMAA) in humans] is responsible for facilitating the delivery of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) to methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM), the only AdoCbl-dependent enzyme in humans. Genetic defects in the switch III region of MMAA lead to the genetic disorder methylmalonic aciduria in which the body is unable to process certain lipids. Here, we present a crystal structure of Methylobacterium extorquens MeaB bound to a nonhydrolyzable guanosine triphosphate (GTP) analog guanosine-5'-[(β,γ)-methyleno]triphosphate (GMPPCP) with the Cbl-binding domain of its target mutase enzyme (MeMCM cbl ). This structure provides an explanation for the stimulation of the GTP hydrolyase activity of MeaB afforded by target protein binding. We find that upon MCM cbl association, one protomer of the MeaB dimer rotates ~180°, such that the inactive state of MeaB is converted to an active state in which the nucleotide substrate is now surrounded by catalytic residues. Importantly, it is the switch III region that undergoes the largest change, rearranging to make direct contacts with the terminal phosphate of GMPPCP. These structural data additionally provide insights into the molecular basis by which this metallochaperone contributes to AdoCbl delivery without directly binding the cofactor. Our data suggest a model in which GTP-bound MeaB stabilizes a conformation of MCM that is open for AdoCbl insertion, and GTP hydrolysis, as signaled by switch III residues, allows MCM to close and trap its cofactor. Substitutions of switch III residues destabilize the active state of MeaB through loss of protein:nucleotide and protein:protein interactions at the dimer interface, thus uncoupling GTP hydrolysis from AdoCbl delivery.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Compressor Stall Recovery Through Tip Injection Assessed

Aerodynamic stability is a fundamental limit in the compressor design process. The development of robust techniques for increasing stability has several benefits: enabling higher loading and fewer blades, increasing safety throughout a mission, increasing tolerance to stage mismatch during part-speed operation and speed transients, and providing an opportunity to match stages at the compressor maximum efficiency point, thus reducing fuel burn. Mass injection upstream of the tip of a high-speed axial compressor rotor is a stability enhancement approach known to be effective in suppressing stall in tip-critical rotors if the injection is activated before stall occurs. This approach to stall suppression requires that a reliable stall warning system be available. Tests have recently been performed to assess whether steady injection can also be used to recover from fully developed stall. If mass injection is effective in recovering from stall quickly enough to avoid structural damage or loss of engine power, then a stall warning system may not be required. The stall recovery tests were performed on a transonic compressor rotor at its design tip speed of 1475 ft/sec using four injectors evenly spaced around the compressor case upstream of the rotor. The injectors were connected to an external air source. In an actual engine application, the injected air would be supplied with compressor bleed air. The injectors were isolated from the air source by a fast-acting butterfly valve. With the injectors turned off, the compressor was throttled into stall. Air injection was then activated with no change in throttle setting by opening the butterfly valve. The compressor recovered from stall at a fixed throttle setting with the aid of tip injection. The unsteady operating characteristic of the rotor was measured during these tests using high-response pressure sensors located upstream and downstream of the rotor. The figure shows the results, where the unsteady pressure and mass flow are superimposed on the steady operating characteristic. The total injected mass flow was equal to 1.3 percent of the compressor flow. The solid line with no solid squares on it denotes the operating point during the beginning of throttle closure and the initial drop into stall. The gray traces denote the operating point during an additional throttle closure that occurred over the next 1200 rotor revolutions (4 sec). The dashed line denotes the recovery from stall that occurred during 90 rotor revolutions (0.3 sec) after the injectors were activated with no change in throttle setting. Tip injection not only recovers the compressor from stall, but also restores the compressor to its pre-stall level of pressure rise. In contrast, standard stall recovery schemes such as compressor bleed, stator vane actuation, or engine throttle modulation result in a loss of pressure rise across the compressor, which results in a loss of engine power.

Suder, Ken L.↗

Structural snapshots of human DNA polymerase μ engaged on a DNA double-strand break

Genomic integrity is threatened by cytotoxic DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which must be resolved efficiently to prevent sequence loss, chromosomal rearrangements/translocations, or cell death. Polymerase μ (Polμ) participates in DSB repair via the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, by filling small sequence gaps in broken ends to create substrates ultimately ligatable by DNA Ligase IV. Here we present structures of human Polμ engaging a DSB substrate. Synapsis is mediated solely by Polμ, facilitated by single-nucleotide homology at the break site, wherein both ends of the discontinuous template strand are stabilized by a hydrogen bonding network. The active site in the quaternary Pol μ complex is poised for catalysis and nucleotide incoporation proceeds in crystallo. These structures demonstrate that Polμ may address complementary DSB substrates during NHEJ in a manner indistinguishable from single-strand breaks.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

X-Ray Microanalysis and Electron Energy Loss Spectrometry in the Analytical Electron Microscope: Review and Future Directions

This paper reviews and discusses future directions in analytical electron microscopy for microchemical analysis using X-ray and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). The technique of X-ray microanalysis, using the ratio method and k(sub AB) factors, is outlined. The X-ray absorption correction is the major barrier to the objective of obtaining I% accuracy and precision in analysis. Spatial resolution and Minimum Detectability Limits (MDL) are considered with present limitations of spatial resolution in the 2 to 3 microns range and of MDL in the 0.1 to 0.2 wt. % range when a Field Emission Gun (FEG) system is used. Future directions of X-ray analysis include improvement in X-ray spatial resolution to the I to 2 microns range and MDL as low as 0.01 wt. %. With these improvements the detection of single atoms in the analysis volume will be possible. Other future improvements include the use of clean room techniques for thin specimen preparation, quantification available at the I% accuracy and precision level with light element analysis quantification available at better than the 10% accuracy and precision level, the incorporation of a compact wavelength dispersive spectrometer to improve X-ray spectral resolution, light element analysis and MDL, and instrument improvements including source stability, on-line probe current measurements, stage stability, and computerized stage control. The paper reviews the EELS technique, recognizing that it has been slow to develop and still remains firmly in research laboratories rather than in applications laboratories. Consideration of microanalysis with core-loss edges is given along with a discussion of the limitations such as specimen thickness. Spatial resolution and MDL are considered, recognizing that single atom detection is already possible. Plasmon loss analysis is discussed as well as fine structure analysis. New techniques for energy-loss imaging are also summarized. Future directions in the EELS technique will be the development of new spectrometers and improvements in thin specimen preparation. The microanalysis technique needs to be simplified and software developed so that the EELS technique approaches the relative simplicity of the X-ray technique. Finally, one can expect major improvements in EELS imaging as data storage and processing improvements occur.

Goldstein, J. I.↗

Effects of highly intermittent magnetic fields and plasma flows on solar wind dynamics

Filamentary magnetic fields and intermittent mass flows with highly variant physical parameters as observed in coronal holes provide, from a theoretical point of view, natural conditions for strongly nonlinear dynamics. The presence of sheared mass flows along fine scale magnetic structures results in strong nonlinear instability, most important of which is the explosive instability. We specify the physical conditions for several different manifestations of the onset of explosive instability and its further evolution: (1) fully developed explosive instability - explosive release of the energy; (2) shock formation - stabilization of instability by small scale spatial inhomogeneities leads to formation of subsequent shocks having a number of peculiarities that is determined by the interplay of thermal and viscous losses (for example, in predominance of thermal losses the isothermal jump occurs); and (3) solitary waves - stabilization of explosive instability by nonlinear dispersion effect leads to formation of a 'gas' of solitons which are later either damped away with characteristic time and energy input or evolve to solitons with explosively growing amplitudes. Each scenario is completely determined by the physical parameters of the medium, thus producing a quite uneven distribution of energy in a coronal hole and, respectively, an uneven outward propagation of the energy flux.

Ryutova, M.↗

Synthesis, Electronic Properties and Reactivity of [B 12 X 11 (NO 2 )] 2– (X=F–I) Dianions

Nitro-functionalized undecahalogenated closo-dodecaborates [B 12 X 11 (NO 2 )] 2– were synthesized in high purities and characterized by NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, single crystal X-diffraction, mass spectrometry, and gas-phase ion vibrational spectroscopy. The NO 2 substituent leads to an enhanced electronic and electrochemical stability compared to the parent perhalogenated [B 12 X 12 ] 2– (X=F–I) dianions evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and quantum-chemical calculations. The stabilizing effect decreases from X=F to X=I. Thermogravimetric measurements of the salts indicate the loss of the nitric oxide radical (NO . ). The homolytic NO . elimination from the dianion under very soft collisional excitation in gas-phase ion experiments results in the formation of the radical [B 12 X 11 O] 2–. . Theoretical investigations suggest that the loss of NO . proceeds via the rearrangement product [B 12 X 11 (ONO)] 2– . The O-bonded nitrosooxy structure is thermodynamically more stable than the N-bonded nitro structure and its formation by radical recombination of [B 12 X 11 O] 2–. and NO . is demonstrated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗