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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.

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At least 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Electronic structure of layered ferroelectric high-k titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}

The spectroscopic parameters and electronic structure of binary titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been studied by IR-, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the powder sample prepared by solid state synthesis. The spectral features of valence band and all constituent element core levels have been considered. The Auger parameters of titanium and oxygen in Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been determined as {alpha}{sub Ti}=872.8 and {alpha}{sub O}=1042.3 eV. Variations of cation-anion bond ionicity have been discussed using binding energy differences {Delta}{sub Ti}=(BE O 1s-BE Ti 2p{sub 3/2})=71.6 eV and {Delta}{sub Pr}=BE(Pr 3d{sub 5/2})-BE(O 1s)=403.8 eV as key parameters in comparison with those of other titanium- and praseodymium-bearing oxides. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Solid state synthesis of polar titanate Pr{sub 2}Ti{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural and spectroscopic properties and electronic structure determination. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ti-O and Pr-O bonding analysis using Ti 2p{sub 3/2}, Pr 3d{sub 5/2} and O 1s core levels.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Electron affinity of cubic boron nitride terminated with vanadium oxide

A thermally stable negative electron affinity (NEA) for a cubic boron nitride (c-BN) surface with vanadium-oxide-termination is achieved, and its electronic structure was analyzed with in-situ photoelectron spectroscopy. The c-BN films were prepared by electron cyclotron resonance plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition employing BF{sub 3} and N{sub 2} as precursors. Vanadium layers of ∼0.1 and 0.5 nm thickness were deposited on the c-BN surface in an electron beam deposition system. Oxidation of the metal layer was achieved by an oxygen plasma treatment. After 650 °C thermal annealing, the vanadium oxide on the c-BN surface was determined to be VO{sub 2}, and the surfaces were found to be thermally stable, exhibiting an NEA. In comparison, the oxygen-terminated c-BN surface, where B{sub 2}O{sub 3} was detected, showed a positive electron affinity of ∼1.2 eV. The B{sub 2}O{sub 3} evidently acts as a negatively charged layer introducing a surface dipole directed into the c-BN. Through the interaction of VO{sub 2} with the B{sub 2}O{sub 3} layer, a B-O-V layer structure would contribute a dipole between the O and V layers with the positive side facing vacuum. The lower enthalpy of formation for B{sub 2}O{sub 3} is favorable for the formation of the B-O-V layer structure, which provides a thermally stable surface dipole and an NEA surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Mesoscale to microscale wind farm flow modeling and evaluation

The increasing size of wind turbines, with rotors already spanning more than 150 m diameter and hub heights above 100 m, requires proper modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) from the surface to the free atmosphere. Furthermore, large wind farm arrays create their own boundary layer structure with unique physics. This poses significant challenges to traditional wind engineering models that rely on surface-layer theories and engineering wind farm models to simulate the flow in and around wind farms. However, adopting an ABL approach offers the opportunity to better integrate wind farm design tools and meteorological models. The challenge is how to build the bridge between atmospheric and wind engineering model communities and how to establish a comprehensive evaluation process that identifies relevant physical phenomena for wind energy applications with modeling and experimental requirements. A framework for model verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification is established to guide this process by a systematic evaluation of the modeling system at increasing levels of complexity. In terms of atmospheric physics, ‘building the bridge’ means developing models for the so-called ‘terra incognita,’ a term used to designate the turbulent scales that transition from mesoscale to microscale. This range of scales within atmospheric research deals with the transition from parameterized to resolved turbulence and the improvement of surface boundary-layer parameterizations. The coupling of meteorological and wind engineering flow models and the definition of a formal model evaluation methodology, is a strong area of research for the next generation of wind conditions assessment and wind farm and wind turbine design tools. Some fundamental challenges are identified in order to direct future research in this area.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural Evolution of Molybdenum Disulfide Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition for Realization of Large Scale Films in Microelectronic Applications

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) films are attractive materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices, but the temperatures used in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of these materials are too high for device integration. Recently, a low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) process was demonstrated for growth of MoS 2 films at 200 °C using MoF 6 and H 2 S. However, the as-deposited films were amorphous and required annealing to obtain the desired layered structure. The MoS 2 films were sulfur-deficient; however, after annealing the crystallinity improved. To study the structure of these films and the process by which they crystallize, we performed in this work X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-energy X-ray scattering experiments on both as-deposited and annealed MoS 2 films. Analysis indicated that molybdenum atoms in the as-deposited films were well coordinated with sulfur but not well coordinated with other molybdenum atoms when compared to a crystalline reference. Further analysis revealed clusters of the sulfur-rich phase [Mo 3 S(S 6 ) 2 ] 2– , which decomposed after annealing in H 2 and H 2 S at 400 and 600 °C. When compared to the sulfur-deficient films reported previously for this ALD process, the sulfur-rich phase found here indicates that nucleation on the substrate plays an important role in the resulting film stoichiometry, which could be tuned to produce higher quality films for microelectronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Process Engineering to Increase the Layered Phase Concentration in the Immediate Products of Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Flame-spray-pyrolysis (FSP) is a robust and scalable process to synthesize particles at the commodity-scale. FSP has been used to produce the precursor powders which were converted to the layered structure $(R\bar{3m} \text { phase})$ by a postannealing step in making nickel-rich cathode materials (NCMs). Theoretically, the high flame temperature (normally >1500 K) in FSP can provide adequate energy for the phase conversion from rock-salt to layered structures and potentially enables one-step synthesis. However, the high flame temperature is a critical issue to cause lithium loss and structural degradation, preventing the formation of the layered phase. Here, guided by the gaseous nucleation theory, we implemented several FSP processes with different solution recipes. The layered phase concentration in the as-burned products can be increased with the solution enthalpies. By adding a rapid quench step to suppress the lithium loss and phase degradation, the layered phase can be further increased. This work contributes new ideas to innovating process regarding the process efficiency and throughput of manufacturing cathode materials at a large scale.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

New rock salt-related oxides Li{sub 3}M{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni): Synthesis, structure, magnetism and electrochemistry

We describe the synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic and electrochemical characterization of new rock salt-related oxides of formula, Li{sub 3}M{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni). The M=Co oxide adopts the LiCoO{sub 2} (R-3m) structure, where sheets of LiO{sub 6} and (Co{sub 2}/Ru)O{sub 6} octahedra are alternately stacked along the c-direction. The M=Ni oxide also adopts a similar layered structure related to Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3}, where partial mixing of Li and Ni/Ru atoms lowers the symmetry to monoclinic (C2/c). Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that in Li{sub 3}Co{sub 2}RuO{sub 6}, the oxidation states of transition metal ions are Co{sup 3+} (S=0), Co{sup 2+} (S=1/2) and Ru{sup 4+} (S=1), all of them in low-spin configuration and at 10 K, the material orders antiferromagnetically. Analogous Li{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} presents a ferrimagnetic behavior with a Curie temperature of 100 K. The differences in the magnetic behavior have been explained in terms of differences in the crystal structure. Electrochemical studies correlate well with both magnetic properties and crystal structure. Li-transition metal intermixing may be at the origin of the more impeded oxidation of Li{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} when compared to Li{sub 3}Co{sub 2}RuO{sub 6}. Interestingly high first charge capacities (between ca. 160 and 180 mAh g{sup −1}) corresponding to ca. 2/3 of theoretical capacity are reached albeit, in both cases, capacity retention and cyclability are not satisfactory enough to consider these materials as alternatives to LiCoO{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: Two new rock salt related oxides of formula, Li{sub 3}M{sub 2}RuO{sub 6}, (M=Co, Ni) have been prepared. The M=Co oxide adopts the LiCoO{sub 2} (R-3m) structure and the M=Ni oxide adopts a similar layered structure related to Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3,} monoclinic (C2/c), with partial mixing of Li and Ni/Ru atoms. For Li{sub 3}Co{sub 2}RuO{sub 6}, oxidation state for Ru is 4+ and antiferromagnetic (AFM) order is found below 10 K while for the analogous Li{sub 3}Ni{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} , Ru oxidation state is 5+ and a ferrimagnetic (FM) behavior with a Curie temperature of 100 K is found. Electrochemical studies correlate well with both magnetic properties and crystal structure. - Highlights: • New Ruthenium rock salt-related oxides of formula, Li{sub 3}M{sub 2}RuO{sub 6} (M=Co, Ni) were studied. • Structurally different: rhombohedral α-NaFeO{sub 2}-type (Co) and monoclinic Li{sub 2}TiO{sub 3}-type (Ni) • Magnetic behavior is different: the Co sample is AFM while the Ni one is ferrimagnetic. • Ruthenium oxidation states are different: 4+ in the Co sample and 5+ in the Ni one. • Electrochemical studies correlate well with magnetic properties and crystal structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

The limiting layer of fish scales: structure and properties

Fish scales serve as a flexible natural armor that have received increasing attention across the materials community. Most efforts in this area have focused on the composite structure of the predominately organic elasmodine, and limited work addresses the highly mineralized external portion known as the Limiting Layer (LL). This coating serves as the first barrier to external threats and plays an important role in resisting puncture. In this investigation the structure, composition and mechanical behavior of the LL were explored for three different fish, including the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) and the carp (Cyprinus carpio). The scales of these three fish have received the most attention within the materials community. Features of the LL were evaluated with respect to anatomical position to distinguish site-specific functional differences. Results show that there are significant differences in the surface morphology of the LL from posterior and anterior regions in the scales, and between the three fish species. The calcium to phosphorus ratio and the mineral to collagen ratios of the LL are not equivalent among the three fish. Results from nanoindentation showed that the LL of tarpon scales is the hardest, followed by the carp and the arapaima and the differences in hardness are related to the apatite structure, possibly induced by the growth rate and environment of each fish.

Arola, Dwayne D.↗
DOE OSTI2017

High-Pressure Behavior of Silver Fluorides up to 40 GPa

A combined experimental–theoretical study of silver(I) and silver(II) fluorides under high pressure is reported. For Ag I , the CsCl-type structure is stable to at least 39 GPa; the overtone of the IR-active mode is seen in the Raman spectrum. Its Ag II F 2 sibling is a unique compound in many ways: it is more covalent than other known difluorides, crystallizes in a layered structure, and is enormously reactive. Using X-ray diffraction and guided by theoretical calculations (density functional theory), we have been able to elucidate crystal structures of high-pressure polymorphs of AgF 2 . The transition from ambient pressure to an unprecedented nanotubular structure takes place via an intermediate orthorhombic layered structure, which lacks an inversion center. Here, the observed phase transitions are discussed within the broader framework of the fluorite → cotunnite → Ni 2 In series, which has been seen for other metal difluorides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mixed-Valent Copper Chalcogenides: Tuning Structures and Electronic Properties Using Multiple Anions

A series of mixed-anion copper chalcogenides have been prepared using solid-state methods including ACu 4.2 TeS 2 (A = K, Rb, Cs), which adopt the KCu 4 S 3 structure type. The mixedanion motif has an expanded sublattice, relative to KCu 4 S 3 , that can accommodate additional Cu atoms at its interstitial sites that are unoccupied in the parent structure. The variable temperature transport shows that the materials are p-type metals with carrier densities on the order of 10 21 cm -3 and room-temperature electrical conductivity as high as 4000 S cm -1 . Band structures calculated using density functional theory corroborate the experimental data and indicate that the interstitial Cu atoms lower the carrier concentration and increase the Fermi level of the materials. The layered structure has Te and S atoms occupying unique sites within the ACu 4.2 TeS 2 structure, where relatively hard S 2- anions prefer Wyckoff positions where they can form energetically favorable acid-base interactions with hard alkali cations. The phenomenon is observed in the related K 3 Cu 8 Te 2 S 4 system, which also has a fully ordered layered structure. Here, we believe that the report provides new chemical guidelines for targeting ordered multianion structures, as well as a unique method for tuning the electronic properties of metallic chalcogenides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structure of Layers Formed by [2-(3,6-Disubstituted-9 H -carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic Acids on Metal Oxides

[2-(9 H -Carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) and its derivatives are being used extensively as hole-transport layers in organic and perovskite solar cells due to their ability to modify electrode work function, surface wettability, and in some cases, to improve active-layer adhesion, while minimizing interfacial energy losses. The orientation and coverage of surface modifiers significantly impact these functional properties; however, the detailed structure and packing in these overlayers are challenging to investigate, leading to a lack of understanding of how this structure and packing influence performance and limiting the ability to rationally design molecular modifiers. Here, we investigate monolayers of 2-(9 H -carbazol-9-yl)ethyl phosphonic acid derivatives (from here on referred to as X-2PACz) on indium tin oxide (ITO) and alpha phase aluminum oxide (α-Al 2 O 3 ) using a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, and X-ray reflectivity (XRR). By correlating elemental ratios, molecular orientation, and electron density profiles, we directly quantify surface coverage, layer thickness, and molecular tilt across a series of chemically related monolayers. We find that 2PACz and the X-2PACz derivatives form dense monolayers on α-Al 2 O 3 and ITO, with similar surface coverages on either substrate that are inversely proportional to molecular steric bulk. These surface coverage results indicate that X-2PACz is sterically limited in its monolayer surface packing density, as opposed to site limited. Despite surface packing density differences between molecules, the NEXAFS data show a constant average molecular orientation of 61° to 65° between the plane of the carbazole and the substrate for all the molecules on both substrates. These results increase our general understanding of 2PACz derivatives as they become increasingly useful in high performance solar cells.

NEXAFS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Propagation of surface waves along a dielectric layer in a photorefractive crystal with a diffusion mechanism for the nonlinearity formation

It is shown that TM-polarised surface waves, which exhibit a different character of their attenuation, can propagate along a dielectric layer separating photorefractive crystals with a diffusion mechanism of the nonlinearity formation. The wave profiles can be symmetric and antisymmetric with respect to the centre of the three-layer structure. For all considered wave types, dispersion equations are derived. The dependences of the propagation constant on the characteristics of the layered structure are found for long-wavelength surface waves in an explicit analytical form, and the conditions for their existence are revealed. The influence of the temperature and thickness of the dielectric layer on the propagation regimes of surface waves and their characteristics is analysed. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Model-Based Reconstruction for Multi-Frequency Collimated Beam Ultrasound Systems

Collimated beam ultrasound systems are a technology for imaging inside multi-layered structures such as geothermal wells. These systems work by using a collimated narrow-band ultrasound transmitter that can penetrate through multiple layers of heterogeneous material. A series of measurements can then be made at multiple transmit frequencies. However, commonly used reconstruction algorithms such as Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) tend to produce poor quality reconstructions for these systems both because they do not model collimated beam systems and they do not jointly reconstruct the multiple frequencies. Here, in this article, we propose a multi-frequency ultrasound model-based iterative reconstruction (UMBIR) algorithm designed for multi-frequency collimated beam ultrasound systems. The combined system targets reflective imaging of heterogeneous, multi-layered structures. For each transmitted frequency band, we introduce a physics-based forward model to accurately account for the propagation of the collimated narrow-band ultrasonic beam through the multi-layered media. We then show how the joint multi-frequency UMBIR reconstruction can be computed by modeling the direct arrival signals, detector noise, and incorporating a spatially varying image prior. Results using both simulated and experimental data indicate that multi-frequency UMBIR reconstruction yields much higher reconstruction quality than either single frequency UMBIR or SAFT.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2011

Nonequilibrium behavior of the Pb wetting layer on Si(111)7×7

The growth and stability of the Pb8 x 8 wetting layer on Si(111)7 x 7, which provides a foundation for growing quantum-size-effect nanocrystals, was investigated by in situ x-ray scattering. Our experimental results reveal that the wetting-layer structure evolves temporally over a remarkably broad range of temperatures and that there are two distinct temperature regimes of nonequilibrium behavior. When grown at lower temperature (below 170 C), it was discovered that the wetting-layer structure changes with time, indicating that its disordered structure is not static; annealing in this regime improves the order of the wetting layer. Growth at higher temperature (170 C < T < 250 C), however, leads to a time-dependent degradation of the 8 x 8 structure due to the deterioration of the underlying Si(111)7 x 7. Thermal measurements determined an activation energy of 0.4 eV in the low-temperature regime, whereas in the high-temperature regime, a two-step process is observed, which has activation energies of approximately 1.3 and 1.9 eV. The results provide important considerations for understanding the anomalous kinetic behavior of quantum-size-effect Pb nanocrystals on Si(111)7 x 7, which is facilitated by the wetting layer.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Exploring the $A$-V-Sb landscape beyond $A$$\mathrm{V_3}$ $\mathrm{Sb_5}$: A case study on the $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ Kagome compound

Kagome compounds have garnered attention in the past few years for their intriguing magnetic properties arising from spin frustration dictated by the geometry of the Kagome sublattice. In this paper, we highlight the success of the unconventional hydride route for the fast and easy synthesis of the Kagome compound $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$. Here, high-temperature in situ powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies proved to be useful in hinting at the existence of $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$, identifying its synthesis conditions, and understanding the reaction mechanism. The crystal structure for $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ was determined from high-resolution PXRD data. The compound has a layered structure [$R\overline{3}m, a = 5.5318$ (9) Å, $c = 34.23$ (3)Å 3 $Z = 3$] at room temperature] and features a Kagome bilayer of V atoms. $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ is isostructural to the previously reported $\mathrm{RbV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ and $\mathrm{CsV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ compounds. $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ is thermally stable in vacuum up to 1173 K, as evident from the high-temperature in situ PXRD and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Investigation of magnetic properties for $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ between 2 and 300 K reveals temperature-independent paramagnetism and an absence of superconductivity, like the Rb and Cs analogs. Furthermore, we compare the magnetic properties of K V 3 Sb 5 , another ternary Kagome compound, synthesized via two different methods: the hydride route and the traditional route from elements. Low-temperature transport property measurements of $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ indicate metallic behavior and an intrinsically low thermal conductivity of $\mathrm{1.0 W K^-1}$ $\mathrm{m^-1}$ at 300 K. The layered structure of $\mathrm{KV_6}$ $\mathrm{Sb_6}$ makes it an attractive candidate for deintercalation and doping studies to tune both magnetic and transport properties, laying a foundation for further studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Phase transition mechanism and bandgap engineering of Sb2S3 at gigapascal pressures

Abstract Earth-abundant antimony trisulfide (Sb 2 S 3 ), or simply antimonite, is a promising material for capturing natural energies like solar power and heat flux. The layered structure, held up by weak van-der Waals forces, induces anisotropic behaviors in carrier transportation and thermal expansion. Here, we used stress as mechanical stimuli to destabilize the layered structure and observed the structural phase transition to a three-dimensional (3D) structure. We combined in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations to study the evolution of structure and bandgap width up to 20.1 GPa. The optical band gap energy of Sb 2 S 3 followed a two-step hierarchical sequence at approximately 4 and 11 GPa. We also revealed that the first step of change is mainly caused by the redistribution of band states near the conduction band maximum. The second transition is controlled by an isostructural phase transition, with collapsed layers and the formation of a higher coordinated bulky structure. The band gap reduced from 1.73 eV at ambient to 0.68 eV at 15 GPa, making it a promising thermoelectric material under high pressure.

Cui, Zhongxun (ORCID:0000000275044177)↗
DOE OSTI2012

Layered YSZ/SCSZ/YSZ Electrolytes for Intermediate Temperature SOFC Part I: Design and Manufacturing

(Sc2O3)0.1(CeO2)0.01(ZrO2)0.89 (SCSZ) ceramic electrolyte has superior ionic conductivity in the intermediate temperature range (700 800 C), but it does not exhibit good phase and chemical stability in comparison with 8 mol% Y2O3 ZrO2 (YSZ). To maintain high ionic conductivity and improve the stability in the whole electrolyte, layered structures with YSZ outer layers and SCSZ inner layers were designed. Because of a mismatch of coefficients of thermal expansion and Young's moduli of SCSZ and YSZ phases, upon cooling of the electrolytes after sintering, thermal residual stresses will arise, leading to a possible strengthening of the layered composite and, therefore, an increase in the reliability of the electrolyte. Laminated electrolytes with three, four, and six layers design were manufactured using tape-casting, lamination, and sintering techniques. After sintering, while the thickness of YSZ outer layers remained constant at 30 m, the thickness of the SCSZ inner layer varied from 30 m for a Y SC Y three-layered electrolyte, 60 m for a Y 2SC Y four-layered electrolyte, and 120 m for a Y 4SC Y six-layered electrolyte. The microstructure, crystal structure, impurities present, and the density of the sintered electrolytes were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, and water immersion techniques.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Identifying synoptic controls on boundary layer thermodynamic and cloud properties in a regional forecast model

Although most of our understanding of boundary layer cloudiness is based on idealized, subtropical, barotropic marine environments, boundary layer clouds exist across a range of conditions. In this study, we use the Naval Research Laboratory's Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) and an automated cold-front-relative analysis framework to explore the boundary layer structure associated with low clouds across a transect through the cold front of a midlatitude synoptic cyclone. The model credibly captures boundary layer structure in line with conceptual models of midlatitude cyclones and ground-based observations at Graciosa Island in the Azores. The warm sector is conditionally unstable, with clouds that are too shallow and with too little liquid water, compared to cloud property retrievals from satellite and surface-based instruments. The cold-frontal region exhibits convection associated with weak stability and ascent. Northwest of the cold front, the boundary layer is well mixed, deeper, and capped by a strong inversion maintained by large-scale subsidence. Simulated clouds in frontal and post-frontal regions are mostly too thick, with too much liquid water and too little cloud base drizzle. The post-frontal clouds are associated with grid-scale updrafts, which appear to be the model's attempt to represent mesoscale organization of cellular convection typically observed in the cold sector of midlatitude cyclones. The deep, well-mixed post-frontal boundary layers and cloudiness are maintained by strong surface fluxes, as in cold air outbreaks. Our analysis framework serves as a unique approach to model verification, and our results offer insights into differences in boundary layer cloud behavior between subtropical and synoptic cold-sector regimes.

Eissner, Jordan M. [Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS ↗