SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “particle image analysis”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 271 records · Page 15

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2021

Mechanisms and heterogeneity of in situ mineral processing by the marine nitrogen fixer Trichodesmium revealed by single-colony metaproteomics

The keystone marine nitrogen fixer Trichodesmium thrives in high-dust environments. While laboratory investigations have observed that Trichodesmium colonies can access the essential nutrient iron from dust particles, less clear are the biochemical strategies underlying particle–colony interactions in nature. Here we demonstrate that Trichodesmium colonies engage with mineral particles in the wild with distinct molecular responses. We encountered particle-laden Trichodesmium colonies at a sampling location in the Southern Caribbean Sea; microscopy and synchrotron-based imaging then demonstrated heterogeneous associations with iron oxide and iron-silicate minerals. Metaproteomic analysis of individual colonies by a new low-biomass approach revealed responses in biogeochemically relevant proteins including photosynthesis proteins and metalloproteins containing iron, nickel, copper, and zinc. The iron-storage protein ferritin was particularly enriched implying accumulation of mineral-derived iron, and multiple iron acquisition pathways including Fe(II), Fe(III), and Fe-siderophore transporters were engaged. While the particles provided key trace metals such as iron and nickel, there was also evidence that Trichodesmium was altering its strategy to confront increased superoxide production and metal exposure. Chemotaxis regulators also responded to mineral presence suggesting involvement in particle entrainment. These molecular responses are fundamental to Trichodesmium’s ecological success and global biogeochemical impact, and may contribute to the leaching of particulate trace metals with implications for global iron and carbon cycling.

Held, Noelle A.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Collision Tracking in OpenMC: Methods and Applications in Neutron Noise, Neutron Imaging, Time-of-Flight, and Multiplicity Counting

We present the development and application of a collision tracking feature within the OpenMC Monte Carlo particle transport code, designed for diverse applications such as neutron spectroscopy, scatter camera system, neutron noise, and multiplicity counting simulations. This feature enables the tracking of individual particle collisions, with potential applications in nuclear nonproliferation, reactor physics, and nuclear security. Additionally, the feature holds potential for the calibration of neutron detectors, specifically in converting light output into energy deposited within the detectors. The implementation consists of a set of filters—such as reaction type, energy, cell, and material—that constrain the set of collisions that are tracked, extensions to the Python API to enable simple input specification, and support for writing either OpenMC’s native HDF5-based format or the Monte Carlo particle list format. This feature was added to the official OpenMC release in version 0.15.3. In this work, the feature will be applied to showcase scenarios such as time-of-flight simulations, scatter-camera imaging for neutron source localization, neutron-noise analysis to extract integral kinetic parameters such as the prompt decay constant α, and multiplicity counting to estimate the mass of special nuclear materials. Ultimately, this feature aims to expand the application scope of open-source Monte Carlo particle transport codes such as OpenMC.

Monte Carlo code↗

DOE OSTI2026

X-ray observation of individual Ti-6Al-4V spherical powder particle impact in an in-situ operando laser directed energy deposition system

Understanding the particle capture mechanism in the laser directed energy deposition additive manufacturing process provides a foundation for improving productivity and reducing material loss. Capturing this phenomenon is challenging due to its highly transient time interval. To analyze the impact behavior of spherical Ti-6Al-4V powder, a custom laser directed energy deposition system was designed to control the deposition of individual particles. Synchrotron X-ray imaging at 24 kHz monitored the impact dynamics of individual powder particles. A multi-physics model based on the Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics scheme supported the analysis by providing the temperature and velocity fields of the molten pool. Results revealed that in laser directed energy deposition, surface tension forces dominated the powder–molten pool interaction. Hydrophobic Ti-6Al-4V powder particles had an equilibrium contact angle of 121 degrees with their molten state. Furthermore, Ti-6Al-4V powder particles required a high impact velocity (6 to 12 m/s) to transition from oscillation to submergence behavior. Lastly, oscillating powder particles that impacted near the location of the laser beam exhibited faster melting, highlighting the contribution of the laser beam to the melting mechanism. This work lays the foundation for investigations of powder particle impact in laser directed deposition and supports the validation of numerical models of powder–molten pool interactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Aerosol Composition, Mixing State, and Phase State of Free Tropospheric Particles and Their Role in Ice Cloud Formation

The prediction of ice cloud formation in the atmosphere remains challenging. Free tropospheric aerosols can act as ice nucleating particles (INPs), affecting cloud properties and precipitation. The physicochemical properties of free tropospheric particles are modified upon long-range transport by different atmospheric processes. These modifications affect the ice formation potential of individual particles. We investigated free tropospheric particles collected at the remote Pico Mountain Observatory at 2225m a.s.l. in the North Atlantic Ocean using multimodal microspectroscopy and chemical imaging techniques. We probed their ice nucleation activity using an ice nucleation stage interfaced with an environmental scanning electron microscope. Retroplume analysis, chemical imaging, and micro-spectroscopy analysis indicated that the size-resolved chemical composition, mixing state, and phase state of the articles with similar aging times but different transport patterns were substantially different. Relative humidity-dependent glass transition temperatures estimated from meteorological conditions were consistent with the observed organic component of the particles' phase. More viscous (solid and semi-solid-like) particles are more ice active in deposition mode at temperature ranging from 205-220 K than those less viscous particles. Finally, this study provides a better understanding of the phase and mixing state of long range transported free tropospheric aerosols and their role in ice cloud formation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2023

Lateral Variations Across the Southern San Andreas Fault Zone Revealed From Analysis of Traffic Signals at a Dense Seismic Array

Abstract We image the shallow seismic structure across the Southern San Andreas Fault (SSAF) using signals from freight trains and trucks recorded by a dense nodal array, with a linear component perpendicular to SSAF and two 2D subarrays centered on the Banning Fault and Mission Creek Fault (MCF). Particle motion analysis in the frequency band 2–5 Hz shows that the examined traffic sources can be approximated as moving single‐ or multi‐point sources that primarily induce Rayleigh waves. Using several techniques, we resolve strong lateral variations of Rayleigh wave velocities and Q ‐values across the SSAF, including 35% velocity reduction across MCF toward the northeast and strong attenuation around the two fault strands. We further resolve 10% mass density reduction and 45% shear modulus decrease across the MCF. These findings suggest that the MCF is currently the main strand of the SSAF in the area with important implications for seismic hazard assessments.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1992

The pulsating magnetosphere and flux transfer events

The possible sources of magnetic field variations in the magnetosphere, the precipitation of energetic particles, and auroral emissions are investigated using magnetic field observations from the GOES 5, GOES 6, AMPTE/CCE, and Viking satellites and a ground station. An analysis of the observations supports the view that the magnetosphere often varies in a periodic way because of its own resonant processes and processes driven by the solar wind. UV images from Viking are used to examine the patterns of precipitating particles in the lower ionosphere.

Potemra, T. A.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Pressure-based process monitoring of direct-ink write material extrusion additive manufacturing

As additive manufacturing (AM) has become a reliable method for creating complex and unique hardware rapidly, the quality assurance of printed parts remains a priority. In situ process monitoring offers an approach for performing quality control while simultaneously minimizing post-production inspection. For extrusion printing processes, direct linkages between extrusion pressure fluctuations and print defects can be established by integrating pressure sensors onto the print head. In this work, the sensitivity of process monitoring is tested using engineered spherical defects. Pressure and force sensors located near an ink reservoir and just before the nozzle are shown to assist in identification of air bubbles, changes in height between the print head and build surface, clogs, and particle aggregates with a detection threshold of 60–70% of the nozzle diameter. Visual evidence of printed bead distortion is quantified using optical image analysis and correlated to pressure measurements. Importantly, this methodology provides an ability to monitor the quality of AM parts produced by extrusion printing methods and can be accomplished using commonly available pressure-sensing equipment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Ligand-conjugated quantum dots for fast sub-diffraction protein tracking in acute brain slices

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have demonstrated utility in long-term single particle tracking of membrane proteins in live cells in culture. To extend the superior optical properties of QDs to more physiologically relevant cell platforms, such as acute brain slices, we examine the photophysics of compact ligand-conjugated CdSe/CdS QDs using both ensemble and single particle analysis in brain tissue media. We find that symmetric core passivation is critical for both photostability in oxygenated media and for prolonged single particle imaging in brain slices. We then demonstrate the utility of these QDs by imaging single dopamine transporters in acute brain slices, achieving 20 nm localization precision at 10 Hz frame rates. Finally, these findings detail design requirements needed for new QD probes in complex living environments, and open the door to physiologically relevant studies that capture the utility of QD probes in acute brain slices.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Samples from Asteroid Ryugu Returned by Hayabusa2

After returning to Earth in the winter of 2020, the samples from Cb-type asteroid Ryugu were stored under atmosphere-free conditions at the Extraterrestrial Materials Curation Center of ISAS/JAXA, and investigated for basic descriptions (sample imaging, weighing, etc.). They were distributed to six initial analysis teams in Japan in June 2021. The "Stone" team, in charge of analysis of coarse particles (>1 mm in size), conducted a series of analyses using a variety of techniques including reflectance spectra measurement, synchrotron-radiation three-dimensional elemental and mineralogical analysis, bulk elemental analysis using muon beam, Fe valence state measurement by XANES and Mössbauer spectroscopy, detailed mineralogical and petrological characterization by scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Physical and thermal properties of Ryiugu samples were measured to understand the response to shock and heating. In this talk, I would like to introduce summary of analysis results and what comes to be known about the formation and evolution of asteroid Ryugu.

Tomoki Nakamura↗

DOE OSTI2023

Granular Flow in Novel Octet Shape–Based Lattice Frame Material

Moving packed-bed heat exchangers in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants involves heat transfer between heated falling particles and supercritical carbon dioxide. The overall effective thermal conductivity of the moving packed bed and particle-side channel contact resistances are still the bottlenecks in achieving the desirable thermal transport levels. To this end, a novel moving packed bed heat exchanger consisting of an Octet lattice packed between the walls of the particle-side channel is proposed in this study. Granular flow analysis in Octet lattice moving packed bed heat exchanger (OLHX) was conducted through experiments and discrete element method (DEM)-based numerical simulations. The experimental images clearly demonstrated stagnation regions upstream of lattice fibers, void regions downstream of the fiber junctions, and wavy-type unobstructed flow on the lateral sides of the fibers. DEM simulations were successful in capturing all these critical flow phenomena. Larger flow velocities were observed on the lateral sides of the fibers in the simulations. Also, when the particles in the silo were emptied, the final images showed an accumulation of particles on the inter-fiber as well as fiber–channel wall junctions. Moreover, the fiber connections resulted in some regions devoid of particle contact on the channel endwall, which means that these regions would suffer from poor thermal exchange. Finally, the overall mass flowrate increased with increasing porosity for a fixed particle diameter.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Validation of standardized data formats and tools for ground-level particle-based gamma-ray observatories

Context. Ground-based γ-ray astronomy is still a rather young field of research, with strong historical connections to particle physics. This is why most observations are conducted by experiments with proprietary data and analysis software, as is usual in the particle physics field. However, in recent years, this paradigm has been slowly shifting toward the development and use of open-source data formats and tools, driven by upcoming observatories such as the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). In this context, a community-driven, shared data format (the gamma-astro-data-format, or GADF) and analysis tools such as Gammapy and ctools have been developed. So far, these efforts have been led by the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope community, leaving out other types of ground-based γ-ray instruments. Aims. We aim to show that the data from ground particle arrays, such as the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory, are also compatible with the GADF and can thus be fully analyzed using the related tools, in this case, Gammapy. Methods. We reproduced several published HAWC results using Gammapy and data products compliant with GADF standard. We also illustrate the capabilities of the shared format and tools by producing a joint fit of the Crab spectrum including data from six different γ-ray experiments. Results. We find excellent agreement with the reference results, a powerful confirmation of both the published results and the tools involved. Conclusions. The data from particle detector arrays such as the HAWC observatory can be adapted to the GADF and thus analyzed with Gammapy. A common data format and shared analysis tools allow multi-instrument joint analysis and effective data sharing. To emphasize this, a sample of Crab nebula event lists is made public with this paper. Because of the complementary nature of pointing and wide-field instruments, this synergy will be distinctly beneficial for the joint scientific exploitation of future observatories such as the Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory and CTA.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS2001

The Combined Detection of Morphological and Molecular Biomarkers: Implications for Astrobiology

Experience gathered by previous researchers during their hunt for evidence of early Earth life has shown the complexity in interpreting observations of possible microfossils and to establish the evidence to be positive. Similarly, the stillsimmering controversy on the nature of the nano-structures in Martian meteorite ALH84001 described by McKay et al. (1996) emphasizes the difficulties of conclusively identifying those structures as (a) fossilized bacterial cells and (b) establish their indigeneity. A better understanding of biological signatures in rocks is needed in order to identify traces of microbial life, which include morphological, mineralogical and chemical traces. It is thus considered crucial to tackle the problems emerging in the search for evidence of early life on Earth and in exopaleontological research with a multidisciplinary approach. With this is mind we applied surface sensitive Time of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) to a previously described 25 m.y. old fossil bacterial biofilm. This technique allows in situ analysis with high mass resolution as well as molecular imaging of micron sized structures. As no extraction or derivatisation of the sample is required for ToF-SIMS analysis, electron microscopical investigation of the same samples subsequent to analysis is possible, thus allowing the combination of molecular and morphological biomarkers. The analysed fossil bacterial biofilms were associated with macrofossils from volcanoclastic lacustrine sediments from the Upper Oligocene Enspel formation (Germany). Preliminary scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies have shown that a fossil structure interpreted as a coprolite purely consisted of fossilized bacterial biofilm. For ToF-SIMS investigation small particles were taken from the fossil biofilm and mounted onto Au-coated In-foil and analysed in a Phi Evans T-2000 TRIFT system. The ToF-SIMS analysed samples were Au/Pd-sputter coated and imaged using a Philips XL40 Field Emission Gun SEM (FEG-SEM). ToF-SIMS analysis of the organic rich fossil biofilm (TOC 29%) in the 0-100 Dalton (Da) range showed significant amounts of inorganic species, confirming the results obtained previously by EDX analysis, clearly showing the bacterial fossils to be mineralised. ToF-SIMS furthermore revealed the presence of a variety of low- and high-mass organic molecules and fragments thereof. These include peaks indicative of alkenes and alkanes, aromatic organic species and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene. More tentatively, peaks indicative of alkyl pyrroles and pyridyl-CH2 were identified. Other peaks of interest include peaks indicative of C(n)H(2n)O2 and C(n)H(2n-2)O2, which according to their general formula would suggest the presence of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids although further in situ derivatisation experiments and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography MS) need to be applied to verify this beyond doubt. Furthermore, peaks at m/z 370, 384, 398, 412, 426, 440, 454 and 468 were identified, which indicate the potential presence of bacterial hopanes, a class of biomarkers indicative of bacteria. The main diagnostic peak for this group of chemicals is the fragment at m/z 191.18. Our studies conducted on purified hopane standards have shown that in the high-mass resolution mode differentiation of this diagnostic hopane peak and polyethylene at m/z 191.05 is possible. However, the spectra discussed here were collected in the lower resolution mapping mode, therefore this differentiation was not possible. The centroids of the possible hopane peaks obtained on the fossil biofilms are well within the range associated with bacterial hopanes. There is a strong possibility therefore that hopanoids may be associated with the fossil bacterial cells. Due to the non-destructive nature of ToF-SIMS, analysed samples can be studied using SEM, thus allowing the combination of morphological and molecular biomarkers. Subsequent SEM analysis of the ToF-SIMS analysed samples confirmed that the analysed material purely consists of fossil bacterial cells. This is thus the first successful effort to demonstrate the combination of spectral and morphological biomarkers. The advantages of highly sensitive non-destructive in situ analysis techniques for biomarker detection are invaluable, particularly with respect to envisaged Mars sample return missions, as it may allow us to identify remains and traces of former microbial life in both ancient terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials. This technique may prove particularly useful in the quest for extraterrestrial life with respect to precious extraterrestrial materials, as minute quantities are sufficient to conduct analysis.

Toporski, J.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Multimodal Nanoscale Tomographic Imaging for Battery Electrodes

Accurate representations of the 3D structure within a lithium-ion battery are key to understanding performance limitations. However, obtaining exact reconstructions of electrodes, where the active particles, the carbon black and polymeric binder domain, and the pore space are visualized is challenging. In this work, it is shown that multimodal imaging can be used to overcome this challenge. High-resolution ptychographic X-ray computed tomography are combined with lower resolution but higher contrast transmission X-ray tomographic microscopy to obtain 3D reconstructions of pristine and cycled graphite-silicon composite electrodes. This cross-correlation enables quantitative analysis of the surface of active particles, including the heterogeneity of carbon-black and binder domain and solid-electrolyte interphase coverage. Capturing the active particles as well as the carbon black-binder domain allows using these segmented structures for electrochemical simulations to highlight the influence of the particle embedding on local state of charge heterogeneities.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

NASA NTRS1993

Evaluation of lunar rocks and soils for resource utilization: Detailed image analysis of raw materials and beneficiated products

The rocks and soils of the Moon will be the raw materials for fuels and construction needs at a lunar base. This includes sources of materials for the generation of hydrogen, oxygen, metals, and other potential construction materials. For most of the bulk material needs, the regolith, and its less than 1 cm fraction, the soil, will suffice. But for specific mineral resources, it may be necessary to concentrate minerals from rocks or soils, and it is not always obvious which is the more appropriate feedstock. Besides an appreciation of site geology, the mineralogy and petrography of local rocks and soils is important for consideration of the resources which can provide feedstocks of ilmenite, glass, agglutinates, anorthite, etc. In such studies, it is very time-consuming and practically impossible to correlate particle counts (the traditional method of characterizing lunar soil petrography) with accurate modal analyses and with mineral associations in multi-mineralic grains. But x ray digital imaging, using x rays characteristic of each element, makes all this possible and much more (e.g., size and shape analysis). An application of beneficiation image analysis, in use in our lab (Oxford Instr. EDS and Cameca SX-50 EMP), was demonstrated to study mineral liberation from lunar rocks and soils. Results of x ray image analysis are presented.

Taylor, Lawrence A.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Mapping Molecular Adsorption Configurations with < 5 nm Spatial Resolution through Ambient Tip-Enhanced Raman Imaging

We interrogate para-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA) molecules chemisorbed onto plasmonic silver nanocubes through tip-enhanced Raman (TER) spectral nano-imaging. Through a detailed examination of the spectra, aided by correlation analysis and density functional theory calculations, we find that MBA chemisorbs onto the plasmonic particles with at least two distinct configurations: S- and CO2-bound. High spatial resolution TER mapping allows us to distinguish between the distinct adsorption geometries with a pixel-limited (< 5 nm) spatial resolution under ambient laboratory conditions.

Gabel, Matthew L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Infrared imaging of the coma of Comet Wilson

The brightness of the nuclear condensation noted in March 13-15, 1987 thermal IR images of Comet Wilson did not vary, in contrast to Comet Halley's behavior; a dynamical analysis of the dust coma/tail structure establishes that the particle size distribution in this comet, while different from that of Comet Giacobini-Zinner, is nevertheless more similar to that in Comet Halley. The nonisotropic character of the dust ejection is taken to be evidence for prograde rotation of the nucleus, and it is speculated that Comet Wilson is too young to have developed a dust mantle; this would account for the lack of short time scale variability.

Campins, Humberto↗

NASA NTRS1997

X-Ray Transmission Microscope Development

We have succeeded in meeting the goals set out in the proposal. A cadre of detector technologies is available to suit the requirements of the experiment. Resolutions of both real-time and absolute limits to resolution exceed the initial aspirations. Obtaining sufficient contrast is still a significant limitation but can be overcome by Judicious selection of the specimen composition. This can only take time and trial and error for a successful result. The 4th generation furnace provides the capability of real-time in-situ observations of composite alloy development. A low detection sensitivity however, has still made it difficult to observe dendritic growth, although it has been 'seen' in raw video; it was not a recordable signal. We have examined flight ampoules with XTM to observe particle and thermocouple placement, crucible flaws and cracks in collaboration with the Particle Pushing and Engulfment flight experiment (Dr. Stefanescu, UA, P.I.). The value of an in flight XTM to guard against experiment failure and safety assurance is obvious. Although not attributable to equipment limitations, a quest to observe particle pushing was not successful. We tried at length to prepare specimens that would demonstrate particle pushing. Instead, we were successful in imaging the interface deformation due to the thermal field distortion of a ceramic particle or void and to compare to calculated shapes. In theory, we should have been able to make major inroads to this field if the particles could be pushed and the velocities adjusted to make critical measurements. On the other hand, critical issues of sample preparation for the PEP flight experiment were established, particularly the clustering of particles and trapped voids. In this regard, the XTM did prove very useful so that flight specimens would work as expected and to perform post flight analysis. Although not a clear result, particle pushing of precipitates was observed in an Al-Si-Mn alloy. It may be that to be pushed, the particles need to be small and have clean surfaces like one might obtain from in-situ precipitation. The ability to image features in real time skill enable more fundamental and detailed understanding of solidification dynamics in microgravity than had previously been possible, thus, allowing the full benefits of microgravity experiments be applied towards rigorous testing of critical solidification models. The XTM is also a valuable tool for post solidification metallography. The 3-dimensional distribution of solute and solidification features within the specimen volume can be viewed without sectioning or other treatment when the solute has sufficiently higher atomic mass than the solvent. Thus the XTM could provide the first practical method for on orbit microstructural (metallographic) analysis by the astronauts or by telescience.

Kaukler, William F.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Microstructure of irradiated AGR TRISO particle buffer layers as measured by X-ray computed tomography

Shrinkage of the initially low-density buffer layer in tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles during irradiation is a well-known phenomenon with potential implications for fission product and actinide transport, as well as potential pyrocarbon fracture that in some cases has been observed to impact particle performance. During post-irradiation examination, the buffer layer's structure is commonly determined using 2D microscopy of a particle cross section or a series of particle cross sections at staggered depths. Although these methods provide a general idea of the irradiated buffer microstructure, they do not provide a full picture of the TRISO coating microstructure. By contrast, x-ray computed tomography (XCT) provides full 3D imaging of the TRISO particle. Particles from various compacts irradiated for the Advanced Gas Reactor Fuel Development and Qualification Program were imaged using XCT. Some of these particles were selected because of abnormal fission product inventories (e.g., low 137 Cs), whereas others were randomly selected from the center of the fission product inventory distribution. Qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques were applied to the randomly selected particles as representatives of typical TRISO behavior to study the post-irradiation structure of the buffer layer. These results showed that, while separation of the buffer and inner pyrolytic carbon layers was a common behavior during the radiation-induced shrinkage of the buffer, a portion of the original buffer/inner pyrolytic carbon interface remained intact throughout irradiation in nearly all cases. Furthermore, these results also indicated clear trends in the degree of buffer densification with irradiation temperature and fluence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗