Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “range decomposition”

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 271 records · Page 15

Dissociation products and structures of solid H 2 S at strong compression

Hydrogen sulfides have recently received a great deal of interest due to the record high superconducting temperatures of up to 203 K observed on strong compression of dihydrogen sulfide ( H 2 S ). A joint theoretical and experimental study is presented in this paper in which decomposition products and structures of compressed H 2 S are characterized, and their superconducting properties are calculated. In addition to the experimentally known H 2 S and H 3 S phases, our first-principles structure searches have identified several energetically competitive stoichiometries that have not been reported previously: H 2 S 3 , H 3 S 2 , HS 2 , and H 4 S 3 . In particular, H 4 S 3 is predicted to be thermodynamically stable within a large pressure range of 25–113 GPa. High-pressure x-ray diffraction measurements confirm the presence of H 3 S and H 4 S 3 through decomposition of H 2 S that emerges at 27 GPa and coexists with residual H 2 S , at least up to the highest pressure of 140 GPa studied in our experiments. Electron-phonon coupling calculations show that H 4 S 3 has a small T c of below 2 K, and that H 2 S is mainly responsible for the observed superconductivity of samples prepared at low temperature ( < 100 K).

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Decomposition of Aromatic Compounds Relevant to Organic Electronics under Exposure to Low-Energy Electrons

The persistence of molecules to destruction under the action of low-energy (0–15 eV) electrons is investigated for a representative series of aromatic compounds of interest to organic electronics and photonics. The energy regions of the most effective interaction of free electrons with isolated molecules, which leads to the dissociative decay of molecules due to the formation of short-lived negative molecular ions unstable to fragmentation, are determined using resonance electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry. The characteristic fragmentation channels for molecular ions are revealed for some groups of compounds, and the threshold energies of the most significant fragmentation processes are estimated. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oligophenyls are stable to the action of electrons in the electron energy range ~0–3 eV, above which these compounds are decomposed into the single channel of hydrogen atom detachment. For compounds with heterocycles (oxadiazole and maleimide derivatives) in their structure, the stability range narrows down to ~0–1 eV. Electrons with energies exceeding this range initiate the decay of molecules (anions) via various channels among which the detachment of a cyanate anion from a heterocyclic nucleus is the most intense and destructive process.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Aluminothermic Reduction Process Under Nitrogen Gas Pressure for Preparing High Nitrogen Austenitic Steels

The aluminothermic reduction casting process under nitrogen gas pressure to make austenitic Cr-Mn-N (Ni-free) and Cr-N (Ni/Mn-free) high nitrogen stainless steels was investigated. Thermodynamic simulation of the redox reaction depending on process parameters was performed. As a result, the optimal ratio of aluminum to oxygen in the initial powder mixture to obtain the highest yield of metal product with minimal aluminum nitride contamination was predicted to be slightly greater than the stoichiometric ratio of 1.125. Microstructures of aluminothermic 26Cr1N and 23Cr9Mn1N steels, prepared taking into account the results of thermodynamic simulation, were investigated by X-ray diffraction, metallography, and transmission electron microscopy. The as-cast microstructure was a pseudo-pearlite (layered ferrite-nitride mixture) in 26Cr1N steel and a ferrite-austenite with signs of discontinuous austenite decomposition in 23Cr9Mn1N steel. After hot forging and subsequent water quenching from 1200 °C, the microstructure was fully austenitic in both steels. Tensile tests of quenched 23Cr9Mn1N steel showed a combination of high strength (ultimate strength of 1324 MPa) and ductility (elongation of 27 pct). The results illustrate that the aluminothermic casting process for producing high nitrogen steel is competitive with the commonly used methods, such as pressure electroslag remelting, both in terms of cost and mechanical properties of manufactured steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An Envelope Time Synchronous Averaging for Wind Turbine Gearbox Fault Diagnosis

Vibration-based condition monitoring techniques are widely used for diagnosing faults in rotating machines. These techniques are implemented in the time domain, the frequency domain, or both. However, the composite and noisy nature of the raw data collected requires a preprocessing stage such as filtering and decomposition using in-depth processing techniques. Moreover, these methods require good frequency resolution and involve examining a broad frequency range to discern both healthy and faulty cases. In this work, we introduce a simple and fast diagnostic scheme for wind turbine gear teeth wear based on time domain analysis. The proposed method is based on the local minima interpolation of a filtered version of the vibration signal following time synchronous averaging (TSA) technique. Given tachometer signal, the TSA of the vibration data is performed using MTALAB software. Then, local minima of the filtered signal are interpolated using the Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomial (PCHIP) function. The variance of the interpolated curve built a gear fault index. The derived fault index resulting of the proposed technique allows a substantial distinction between the healthy and faulty cases. Its efficiency is validated using 10 real-world datasets of vibration stemmed from a wind turbine planetary gearbox. The proposed method boasts a low computation time and ease of interpretation, specifically beneficial for gearbox fault diagnosis purposes.

fault diagnosis↗

Phase transformations of HfNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy at intermediate temperatures

The strong and ductile single-phase body-centered-cubic (BCC) HfNbTaTiZr refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) is a potential structural material for high-temperature applications. However, the BCC phase stability in the intermediate temperature range (500-900 degrees C) needs to be better understood to make this alloy applicable to industry. Here, the phase decomposition of the HfNbTaTiZr RHEA is examined at different temperatures (500-1000 degrees C). Additionally, the formation of BCC Ta-Nb-rich and hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) Hf-Zr-rich precipitates are studied as a function of annealing time at 700 degrees C using a combination of atom probe tomography, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. In conclusion, we found that these BCC and HCP precipitates have preferred orientations with the BCC matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Making metals linear super-elastic with ultralow modulus and nearly zero hysteresis

We demonstrate a novel materials design approach to achieve unprecedented properties by utilizing nanoscale chemo-mechanical coupling. In particular, by using computer simulations we demonstrate how to engineer ultralow modulus (12 GPa), nearly hysteresisfree, and linear super-elastic metals with a giant elastic strain limit (2.7%) by creating appropriate concentration modulations (CMs) at the nanoscale in the parent phase and by pre-straining to regulate the stress-induced martensitic transformation (MT). The nanoscale CMs created via spinodal decomposition produce corresponding phase stability modulations, suppress autocatalysis in nucleation, impose nano-confinements on growth, and hinder long-range ordering of transformation strain during the MT, which changes the otherwise sharp first-order transition into a smeared, macroscopically continuous transition over a large stress range. The pre-straining generates retained martensitic particles that are stable at the test temperature after unloading and act as operational nuclei in subsequent load cycles, eliminating the stress–strain hysteresis and offering an ultralow apparent Young’s modulus. Materials with a high strength and an ultralow apparent Young’s modulus have great potential for application in orthopaedic implants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Direct time-resolved detection and quantification of key reactive intermediates in diethyl ether oxidation at T = 450–600 K

High-pressure multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry (MPIMS) with tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ionization radiation from the Lawrence Berkeley Labs Advanced Light Source is used to investigate the oxidation of diethyl ether (DEE). Kinetics and photoionization (PI) spectra are simultaneously measured for the species formed. Several stable products from DEE oxidation are identified and quantified using reference PI cross-sections. In addition, we directly detect and quantify three key chemical intermediates: peroxy (ROO˙), hydroperoxyalkyl peroxy (˙OOQOOH), and ketohydroperoxide (HOOP[double bond, length as m-dash]O, KHP). These intermediates undergo dissociative ionization (DI) into smaller fragments, making their identification by mass spectrometry challenging. Furthermore, with the aid of quantum chemical calculations, we identify the DI channels of these key chemical species and quantify their time-resolved concentrations from the overall carbon atom balance at T = 450 K and P = 7500 torr. This allows the determination of the absolute PI cross-sections of ROO˙, ˙OOQOOH, and KHP into each DI channel directly from experiment. The PI cross-sections in turn enable the quantification of ROO˙, ˙OOQOOH, and KHP from DEE oxidation over a range of experimental conditions that reveal the effects of pressure, O 2 concentration, and temperature on the competition among radical decomposition and second O 2 addition pathways.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Humidity Data for 9975 Shipping Packages with Softwood Fiberboard

The 9975 surveillance program is developing a technical basis to support extending the storage period of 9975 packages in K-Area Complex beyond the currently approved 15 years. A key element of this effort is developing a better understanding of degradation of the fiberboard assembly under storage conditions. This degradation is influenced greatly by the moisture content of the fiberboard, which is not well characterized on an individual package basis. Direct measurements of humidity and fiberboard moisture content have been made on two test packages with softwood fiberboard and varying internal heat levels from 0 up to 19W. Comparable measurements with cane fiberboard have been reported previously. With an internal heat load, a temperature gradient in the fiberboard assembly leads to varying relative humidity in the air around the fiberboard. However, the absolute humidity tends to remain approximately constant throughout the package, especially at lower heat loads.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Modeling anaerobic soil organic carbon decomposition in Arctic polygon tundra: insights into soil geochemical influences on carbon mineralization

Abstract. Rapid warming of Arctic ecosystems exposes soil organic matter (SOM) to accelerated microbial decomposition, potentially leading to increased emissions of carbon dioxide ( CO 2 ) and methane ( CH 4 ) that have a positive feedback on global warming. Current estimates of the magnitude and form of carbon emissions from Earth system models include significant uncertainties, partially due to the oversimplified representation of geochemical constraints on microbial decomposition. Here, we coupled modeling principles developed in different disciplines, including a thermodynamically based microbial growth model for methanogenesis and iron reduction, a pool-based model to represent upstream carbon transformations, and a humic ion-binding model for dynamic pH simulation to build a more versatile carbon decomposition model framework that can be applied to soils under varying redox conditions. This new model framework was parameterized and validated using synthesized anaerobic incubation data from permafrost-affected soils along a gradient of fine-scale thermal and hydrological variabilities across Arctic polygonal tundra. The model accurately simulated anaerobic CO 2 production and its temperature sensitivity using data on labile carbon pools and fermentation rates as model constraints. CH 4 production is strongly influenced by water content, pH, methanogen biomass, and presence of competing electron acceptors, resulting in high variability in its temperature sensitivity. This work provides new insights into the interactions of SOM pools, temperature increase, soil geochemical feedbacks, and resulting CO 2 and CH 4 production. The proposed anaerobic carbon decomposition framework presented here builds a mechanistic link between soil geochemistry and carbon mineralization, making it applicable over a wide range of soils under different environmental settings.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A simple system for helicopter individual-blade-control and its application to gust alleviation

A new, advanced type of active control for helicopters and its application to gust alleviation is described. Each blade is individually controlled in the rotating frame over a wide range of frequencies up to the sixth harmonic of rotor speed. Considerable system simplification is achieved by means of modal decomposition. It is shown both analytically and experimentally that by utilizing a tip-mounted accelerometer as a sensor in the feedback path, significant reductions in blade flapping response to a sinusoidal gust can be achieved at the gust excitation frequency as well as at super- and subharmonics of rotor speed.

Ham, N. D.↗

Low Forward Voltage III-Nitride Red Micro-Light-Emitting Diodes on a Strain Relaxed Template with an InGaN Decomposition Layer

In this study, III-nitride red micro-light-emitting diodes (µLEDs) with ultralow forward voltage are demonstrated on a strain relaxed template. The forward voltage ranges between 2.00 V and 2.05 V at 20 A/cm 2 for device dimensions from 5 x 5 to 100 x 100 µm 2 . The µLEDs emit at 692 nm at 5 A/cm 2 and 637 nm at 100 A/cm 2 , corresponding to a blueshift of 55 nm due to the screening of the internal electric field in the quantum wells. The maximum external quantum efficiency and wall-plug efficiency of µLEDs are 0.31% and 0.21%, respectively. This suggests that efficient III-nitride red µLEDs can be realized with further material optimizations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Theoretical and kinetic modeling study of H 2 S pyrolysis

Hydrogen sulfide pyrolysis was investigated theoretically and through chemical kinetic modeling. Reactions on the SHH potential energy surface, primarily S + H 2 (+Ar) ⇌ H 2 S (+ Ar) (R1) and S + H 2 ⇌ SH + H (R6b) were characterized by ab initio calculations. Results for k 1 were in good agreement with experiment, but deviated strongly below 2000 K from values previously used in modeling. Collider efficiencies for H 2 S, S 2 , and N 2 compared to Ar were calculated for R1. Hydrogen sulfide decomposition experiments reported in literature were re-examined in terms of an updated detailed chemical kinetic model. Concentration profiles for the atomic S at high temperature in shock tubes supported the present value of k 1 and served to constrain the rate constants for reaction of S with SH and H 2 S. To explain results from batch and flow reactors, conducted at high H 2 S concentrations in the 900–1400 K range, a very fast rate constant was required for HSS + H ⇌ SH + SH. Under dilute conditions, the gas-phase chemistry was too slow to compete and the decomposition of H 2 S was controlled by loss on the reactor surface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Origin, Succession, and Predicted Metabolism of Bacterial Communities Associated with Leaf Decomposition

Intraspecific variation in plant nutrient and defensive traits can regulate ecosystem-level processes, such as decomposition and transformation of plant carbon and nutrients. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of ecosystem functions at local scales may facilitate predictions of the resistance and resilience of these functions to change. We evaluated how riverine bacterial community assembly and predicted gene content corresponded to decomposition rates of green leaf inputs from red alder trees into rivers of Washington State, USA. Previously, we documented accelerated decomposition rates for leaves originating from trees growing adjacent to the site of decomposition versus more distant locales, suggesting that microbes have a “home-field advantage” in decomposing local leaves. Here, we identified repeatable stages of bacterial succession, each defined by dominant taxa with predicted gene content associated with metabolic pathways relevant to the leaf characteristics and course of decomposition. “Home” leaves contained bacterial communities with distinct functional capacities to degrade aromatic compounds. Given known spatial variation of alder aromatics, this finding helps explain locally accelerated decomposition. Bacterial decomposer communities adjust to intraspecific variation in leaves at spatial scales of less than a kilometer, providing a mechanism for rapid response to changes in resources such as range shifts among plant genotypes. Such rapid responses among bacterial communities in turn may maintain high rates of carbon and nutrient cycling through aquatic ecosystems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Simultaneous Thermal Analysis of Anion and Cation Exchange Resins

The decomposition reactions of one anion exchange resin (Bio-Rad AG MP-1) and one cerium-loaded cation exchange resin (DOWEX 50W-X8), both in nitrate form, were analyzed using simultaneous thermal analysis methods. Thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic scanning calorimetry, and evolved gas analysis were deployed in combination to probe the temperature profiles, reaction enthalpies, and off-gases from these resins under process-relevant temperature ranges. Analysis indicates that both resins undergo three clear phases during heating. The first is a dehydration step with prominent off-gassing of water, the second is a decomposition step with evolution of several gaseous species, and lastly is a combustion step with a large release of CO 2 . The temperature at which combustion ends varies slightly between AG MP-1 and DOWEX 50W: combustion completed at ~690°C and ~810°C, respectively. For the DOWEX cation resin, the combustion reaction showed greater sensitivity to the availability of oxygen under the test conditions. Both resins displayed broad exotherms during the combustion step of the decomposition, but the DOWEX cation resin demonstrated a 4.5 times higher specific enthalpy than that of the AG MP-1.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nonmonotonic-potential description of polarization effects, fusion, and nuclear rainbows in elastic scattering of 6 Li + 12 C at 4.5–600 MeV

The experimental differential cross-section (CS) and analyzing power (AP) data of the 6 Li + 12 C elastic scattering over a wide laboratory energy scale (4.5MeV≤𝐸 lab ≤600MeV) are analyzed within the framework of the optical model (OPM) using nonmonotonic (NM) nucleus–nucleus potentials. The real part of the NM potentials is derived from the Pauli-embodied energy density-functional (EDF) formalism with the sudden approximation. The real part of the noncentral spin-orbit and tensor terms, as well as the imaginary parts, are treated phenomenologically. The effect of the radius of sensitivity on the CS and AP data is found to be more important at lower energies. The diffractive and refractive scattering with Airy structures in the whole angular region of the elastic scattering across the studied energy range is successfully described within the OPM using the NM 6 Li + 12 C potential. The near- and far-side (N and F) decomposition of the total elastic-scattering amplitudes has also been studied using our NM potentials. The evolution of the Airy minima in the angular distributions, coupled with the fitting of the AP data, provides an accurate description of Airy minima of different orders. The OPM calculations with the NM potentials describe exceptionally well the CS, vector analyzing power (VAP), and tensor analyzing power data at 𝐸 lab =9.0,19.24,20,30, and 50MeV. In agreement with our past successful descriptions of CS and the opposite signs of the VAP data for the 6 Li and 7 Li elastic scattering using NM potentials in OPM, the present results appear to provide a better fit, so far, than those obtained from the coupled-channels method. The fusion cross sections of 6 Li + 12 C have been predicted in the energy range (4.5MeV≤𝐸 lab ≤20MeV), fitting the experimental data well in the range 𝐸 lab =2.97–11.77MeV. The EDF potential without any energy dependence and renormalization is also found to describe satisfactorily the experimental CS and AP data at energies up to several hundreds of MeV.

6 ≤ A ≤ 19↗

Characterization of microstructure and tempering response of conventionally quenched, short- and long-time sub-zero treated PM Vanadis 6 ledeburitic tool steel

Highlights: • Sub-zero treatment refines the microstructural features of Vanadis 6 steel. • Sub-zero treatments foster the precipitation of M{sub 3}C carbides at low temperatures • Transformation of retained austenite is accelerated due to sub-zero treatment. • Elevated hardness of sub-zero treated steel is preserved up to a temperature of 500 °C. • Tempering above 500 °C reduces hardness more significantly due to sub-zero treatment. - Abstract: The microstructure and tempering response of ledeburitic steel Vanadis 6 subjected to sub-zero treatments at a boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen for 4 and 17 h have been examined with reference to conventional heat treatment. The obtained results infer that i) sub-zero treatment induces time-dependent reduction of retained austenite amount, ii) the steel contains considerably enhanced population density of small globular carbides after sub-zero treatments; the population density is directly proportioned to the duration of sub-zero treatment, iii) application of sub-zero treatment results in overall refinement of the microstructure, iv) decomposition of retained austenite is accelerated by sub-zero treatments, v) tempering treatment reduces the population density of small globular carbides, vi) sub-zero treatments modify the precipitation behaviour of carbides; the precipitation of transient M{sub 3}C is accelerated within the low-temperature tempering range, but the precipitation of stable M{sub 7}C{sub 3} carbides is rather suppressed within the normal secondary hardening temperature range, viii) the application of sub-zero treatment leads to complete loss of secondary hardening peak, ix) the overall tempering response of the Vanadis 6 steel is a result of competition between the tempering of the martensite, decomposition of the retained austenite, variations in the small globular carbides count, and precipitation of carbides; higher hardness of sub-zero treated and low-temperature tempered steel can be attributed to lower retained austenite amount, and much higher number of small globular carbides while the loss of secondary hardening peak is explained by much lower contribution of secondary martensitic transformation, suppressed precipitation of special alloy carbides, and reduced number of small globular carbides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Data and scripts associated with a manuscript modeling microbial regulation of priming effects

This data package is associated with the publication “Modeling Microbial Regulatory Feedback in Organic Matter Decomposition Identifies Copiotrophic Traits as Key Drivers of Positive Priming” published as a preprint on BioRXiv by Ahamed et al. (2026); https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.11.607483. The package contains MATLAB scripts and saved simulation outputs used to implement a cybernetic model of microbial regulation during complex organic matter (OM) decomposition governing priming effects. It includes models of (i) single microbial functional groups (copiotrophic or oligotrophic degraders) and (ii) binary consortia composed of degraders and non-degraders with contrasting or common growth traits. Simulation results were generated using Monte Carlo analyses, with randomized key model parameters across a range of environmental mixing fractions of complex and labile OM. The dataset was created to provide a transparent and reusable computational framework for systematically exploring how microbial growth traits, metabolic regulation, and community composition influence OM decomposition dynamics and priming effects. For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. In addition to a readme, this data package also includes a file-level metadata (FLMD) file that describes each file and a data dictionary (DD) that describes the variable definitions. This package includes: (1) annotated MATLAB code implementing the system of ordinary differential equations and cybernetic control laws; (2) saved output files containing data (e.g., biomass, substrates, enzyme levels, priming metrics); and (3) scripts for processing saved outputs and regenerating figures. Specifically, the data package contains three main MATLAB scripts: runPrimingModel.m, runPlotData.m, and runPlotSuppFigS1.m, along with this readme and supporting documentation. Users should begin with runPrimingModel.m, which contains the annotated code implementing the system of ordinary differential equations and cybernetic control laws. This script runs the Monte Carlo simulations of microbial OM decomposition and allows users to modify microbial trait definitions, adjust parameter distributions, or define new community configurations. Simulation outputs are automatically saved as .mat files in the folder named SavedData, which stores all pre-generated results included in this package. The second script, runPlotData.m, reads files from the SavedData folder and processes them to regenerate the figures presented in the manuscript. The third script, runPlotSuppFigS1.m, specifically generates Figure S1 in the Supplementary Material of the manuscript. The package also includes the aforementioned files in non-proprietary .txt format. If users intend to use them, they should first save the files in their respective .m or .mat formats prior to execution in MATLAB.

Biomass concentration↗

Efficient Oxidative Decomposition of Jet-Fuel exo -Tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (JP-10) by Aluminum Nanoparticles in a Catalytic Microreactor: An Online Vacuum Ultraviolet Photoionization Study

The oxidation of gas-phase exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (JP-10, C 10 H 16 ) over aluminum nanoparticles (AlNP) has been explored between a temperature range of 300 and 1250 K with a novel chemical microreactor. The results are compared with those obtained from chemical microreactor studies of helium-seeded JP-10 and of helium–oxygen-seeded JP-10 without AlNP to gauge the effects of molecular oxygen and AlNP, respectively. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization mass spectrometry reveals that oxidative decomposition of JP-10 in the presence of AlNP is lowered by 350 and 200 K with and without AlNP, respectively, in comparison with pyrolysis of the fuel. Overall, 63 nascent gas-phase products are identified through photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves; these can be categorized as oxygenated molecules and their radicals as well as closed-shell hydrocarbons along with hydrocarbon radicals. Quantitative branching ratios of the products reveal diminishing yields of oxidized species and enhanced branching ratios of hydrocarbon species with the increase in temperature. While in the low-temperature regime (300–1000 K), AlNP solely acts as an efficient heat transfer medium, in the higher-temperature regime (1000–1250 K), chemical reactivity is triggered, facilitating the primary decomposition of the parent JP-10 molecule. Furthermore, this enhanced reactivity of AlNP could plausibly be linked to the exposed reactive surface of the aluminum (Al) core generated upon the rupture of the alumina shell material above the melting point of the metal (Al).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗