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At least 307 records · Page 17

A proposed criteria to identify wind turbine drivetrain bearing loads that induce roller slip based white-etching cracks

In this article, the type of roller slip behavior that may result in the formation of white-etching cracks (WECs) in wind turbine gearbox bearings is identified. A new hypothesis based on the inner raceway normal contact load magnitude at the time of roller slip is proposed as the probable cause of WECs. For this purpose, the maximum normal contact loads are identified when roller slip occurs in high-speed shaft bearings at different mean wind speeds. Subsequently, the annual probability of occurrence of the maximum normal loads are obtained. The probability of maximum load under slip exceeding a limit probability is hypothesized as a probable cause for WEC. In order to apply the proposed hypothesis, two different wind turbines high-speed shaft bearings are used: the cylindrical roller bearing of the General Electric 1.5 SLE turbine and the tapered roller bearing of Vestas V52 turbine. Both the chosen bearings are on the generator side of the high-speed shaft. For both turbines, measurement data together with analytical models are used for identifying the slip and the maximum normal contact loads. We propose forecasting the probability of exceedance of a threshold maximum normal contact load level during slip to identify the possibility for inducing WECs.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

The Effect of Lubricant Composition on White Etching Crack Failures

White etching cracks (WECs) are the dominant mode of failure for wind turbine gearbox bearings. These failures are characterized by subsurface initiation and local region of microstructural alterations adjacent to the crack faces. The definitive cause of WECs within the field is unknown, because of this laboratory replication has proved difficult. At a benchtop scale, specific lubricant formulations referred to as bad reference oils (BROs) are often employed to aid in the formation of WECs; however, exactly how these lubricants induce WECs is unknown. The present work intends to elucidate how these lubricants facilitate the formation of WECs by systematically varying the additives which are found in BROs and studying the effect that these additive combinations have on time until failure, as well as tribofilm development. It was found that the lubricant containing Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate alone led to the formation of WECs sooner than any lubricant studied. It was also documented that a lubricants frictional characteristics play a more dominant role than the tribofilm characteristics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Engineering hierarchical nanochannels in graphene oxide membranes by etching and polydopamine intercalation for highly efficient dye recovery

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have been extensively investigated for dye removal from wastewater, and they are often reduced or cross-linked to improve their stability, which, however, decreases water permeance. This study demonstrates an effective approach to enhance both durability and water permeance and retain dye rejection by synergistically integrating chemical etching using H 2 O 2 and intercalation with polydopamine (PDA) to create hierarchical nanochannels. The nanopores on the holey GO (HGO) shorten the diffusion path, while the PDA intercalation increases the channel sizes and stabilizes the GO nanosheets. Optimized membranes exhibit water permeance of 70–120 LMH/bar (much higher than state-of-the-art commercial polyamide membranes) and a Congo Red rejection of 98.5%, better than GO membranes reported in the literature. Moreover, a membrane with water permeance of 70 LMH/bar exhibits stable performance in a 3-day continuous crossflow filtration test. The versatile approach reported here may be applied to other two-dimensional materials to create hierarchical nanochannels for desired separations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Organosilane-assisted selective etching strategy for fabrication of hollow/rattle-type mesoporous organosilica nanospheres

Highlights: • Effective fabrication of organic hollow/rattle-type mesoporous organosilica. • The addition of CTES could increase the porosity of the materials. • Pore-making agent (CTES) could be removed by alkali treatment without additional step. - Abstract: A facile strategy to fabricate hollow or rattle-type mesoporous silica nanospheres (HMSNs or RMSNs) with organic functional groups and porous shell was developed. Herein, thiol-HMSNs were obtained via treating vinyl-SiO{sub 1.5} @cyano&thiol-SiO{sub 1.5} prepared by using 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as organosilane precursor, vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as sacrificial template precursor and cyanoethyltriethoxysilane (CTES) as pore-making agent. In this method, CTES was co-condensed with MPTMS to form hybrid shell and played an important role in the formation of pore structures. When the volume ratio of MPTMS to CTES was 1:1, well-defined thiol-HMSNs with a specific surface area of 295.6 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} and pore volume of 0.51 cm{sup 3} g{sup −1} could be obtained. Moreover, [email protected] could also be synthesized through this method from three-layered structures (thiocyanato-SiO{sub 1.5} @vinyl-SiO{sub 1.5} @cyano&thiol-SiO{sub 1.5}). The as-prepared RMSNs presented good performance for the adsorption of 2, 4-dichloropheno in water. And this selective etching strategy was versatile and might be extended to fabricate more valuable organic hollow/rattle-type composites for different applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A universal etching method for synthesizing high-performance single crystal cathode materials

LiNi x MnyCo 1-x-y O 2 (NMC) is considered the most appealing cathode material due to its high energy density and low cost. However, the stability and safety concerns, caused by the degradation of polycrystalline cathode materials during cycling, have restricted their practical applications. To overcome this shortcoming, converting polycrystalline cathode to high-performance single-crystal cathode materials becomes an appealing solution. In this work, a universal etching approach is firstly developed to synthesize single-crystal cathode materials. The rate performance of the obtained single-crystal NMC111 is 10–15% more than that of polycrystalline NMC111 whereas the capacity retention of single-crystal NMC111 is enhanced by ~12% after 300 cycles at 0.5C. The obtained single-crystal NMC622 exhibits a pronounced improvement in rate performance, especially at high rates (~28.6% better at 5C and ~129% better at 10C) and has a comparable cycle performance compared to polycrystalline NMC622. Altogether, the findings propose an alternative approach to generate single-crystal particles with high energy density and cycle stability for the next generation lithium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Figure the impact of steel microstructure and heat treatment on the formation of white etching cracks

White etching crack (WECs) associated macro-pitting is a dominant mode of damage within wind turbine gearbox bearings. This damage is characterized by broadly branching crack networks surrounded by local regions of microstructural alterations. The definitive cause of WECs in the field is unknown; therefore, the implementation of effective mitigation techniques has proven difficult. The current work utilized an accelerated benchtop testing technique in order to quantify differences in performance between through-hardened AISI 52100 steel and carburized AISI 3310 steel. It was found that the carburized AISI 3310 steel demonstrated a more than twofold increase in the time elapsed until WEC macro-pitting damage occurred compared to the through-hardened AISI 52100 steel samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The effect of current and lambda on white-etch-crack failures

White etching cracks (WECs) have been associated with premature failure of wind turbine roller bearings. Various drivers for the generation of WECs have been identified such as loading conditions, slip, steel quality, lubrication, hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion fatigue cracking, and stray electrical currents passing through the surface. Here, in this work, a benchtop test rig utilizing a three-ring-on-roller test configuration was used to investigate the effect of electrical current and operation in different lubricating regimes, defined by lambda (λ), on high-quality bearing steel samples tested in a commercially available power transmission EP gear lubricant. It was observed that there is an inverse correlation between the magnitude of electric current applied to the ring/ roller system and time-to-failure. Higher current magnitudes lead to shorter time-to-failure than lower current magnitudes, with macropitting as the main failure mode. Sub-surface investigation revealed the presence of WECs in all cases. For the same current magnitude, tests conducted in boundary and mixed lubrication regimes showed that time-to-failure increased as lambda increased, and the tests resulted in WEC related macropits, whereas tests conducted in near-hydrodynamic regime resulted in surface damage with no macropit. It was also noted that a shift toward near-hydrodynamic lubrication resulted in a distinct surface distress on the roller surface. Furthermore, there seems to be a transition in the mixed regime during which the surface distress occurred. The damage on the surface of the test samples resembled non-spatially, periodic, groove-like corrugations and, in some cases, crater-like depressions. Sub-surface imaging, performed by sequential sectioning, revealed the presence of WECs in all cases, and broad, branching cracks that were more prevalent under the more severe boundary conditions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Improving Oxygen Reduction Performance of Surface-Layer-Controlled Pt–Ni Nano-Octahedra via Gaseous Etching

This study demonstrates an atomic composition manipulation on Pt–Ni nano-octahedra to enhance their electrocatalytic performance. By selectively extracting Ni atoms from the {111} facets of the Pt–Ni nano-octahedra using gaseous carbon monoxide at an elevated temperature, a Pt-rich shell is formed, resulting in an ~2 atomic layer Pt-skin. The surface-engineered octahedral nanocatalyst exhibits a significant enhancement in both mass activity (~1.8-fold) and specific activity (~2.2-fold) toward the oxygen reduction reaction compared with its unmodified counterpart. After 20,000 potential cycles of durability tests, the surface-etched Pt–Ni nano-octahedral sample shows a mass activity of 1.50 A/mg Pt , exceeding the initial mass activity of the unetched counterpart (1.40 A/mg Pt ) and outperforming the benchmark Pt/C (0.18 A/mg Pt ) by a factor of 8. DFT calculations predict this improvement with the Pt surface layers and support these experimental observations. Therefore, this surface-engineering protocol provides a promising strategy for developing novel electrocatalysts with improved catalytic features.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Etching-Chemistry-Driven Ruthenium Doping on Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene for Optimizing Electrochemical Performance

We demonstrate that the etching chemistry used during MXene synthesis from Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX phase significantly influences surface functionalization and structural vacancies, which in turn affect ruthenium (Ru) ion interactions. Using hydrofluoric acid (HF) and ammonium bifluoride (NH 4 HF 2 ) as etchants, we obtained MXene surfaces with distinct functional groups and Ti vacancies that impact Ru ion interactions and electrochemical performance. Both MXene variants (labeled MX(H) and MX(N), respectively) exhibited negative zeta potentials in their pristine state, but upon the addition of Ru the zeta potential for MX(H) reached 12.9 mV while that for MX(N) remained negative at −6.4 mV. This adsorption resulted in a 14.4-fold increase in the specific capacitance of MX(H)/Ru compared to pristine MX(H), whereas MX(N)/Ru exhibited only a 4.4-fold increase over its pristine counterpart. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the formation of ammonium titanium oxide fluoride, (NH 4 ) 3 TiOF 5 , on MX(N), which likely contributed to its reduced Ru adsorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested the presence of Ti vacancies in both MXene variants; however, their behavior toward Ru accommodation differed markedly, with MX(H) showing the most obvious shift in the Ti 2p peak in the XPS survey spectrum, while MX(N) showed the most obvious shift in the C 1s peak. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy further demonstrated a distinct alteration in the spectral signatures of MX(H) upon Ru addition, in contrast to the negligible changes in MX(N), indicating effective passivation of the Ti defect sites in MX(H) via vacancy-assisted Ru doping. Cyclic voltammetry showed that Ru-incorporated MX(H) nanocomposites exhibit more efficient redox-active sites, as reflected in their higher capacitance values. These findings highlight the pivotal role of MXene surface chemistry in controlling cation adsorption, providing valuable insights for the rational design of high-performance electrodes.

2D surface engineering↗

Ion beam etching dependence of spin-orbit torque memory devices with switching current densities reduced by Hf interlayers

We report on the fabrication of nanoscale, three-terminal in-plane spin–orbit torque switching devices with low switching current densities. Critical parameters in the fabrication process, including the ion beam etching angle and time, were optimized to avoid fabrication defects and improve device yield. Measurements of the magnetic field and current-induced switching behavior of the tunnel junctions demonstrate a sensitivity to the nanopillar aspect ratio, which dictates the nanopillars’ anisotropy and thermal stability. Additionally, we show that the current density required for switching can be reduced and the device thermal stability increased by inserting Hf interlayers into the heterostructure. Micromagnetic simulations are generally consistent with the experimentally observed switching behavior, suggesting an increase in the interfacial perpendicular anisotropy at the CoFeB/MgO interface and the reduction in the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction at the W/CoFeB interface by the Hf interlayers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

SEM, Chemical Etching and THz Wave Generation of 4-Dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium Tosylate (DAST) Single Crystals

The 4-dimethylamino-N-methyl-4-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystal which was candidate for generating and detecting terahertz (THz) wave was grown by slope nucleation method (SNM). The functional groups of DAST were identified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) studies. Macroscopic steps and streaks on the (001) face were found by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different patterns of etch pits under different chemical etchants were studied by optical microscope. Widely tunable THz waves ranging from 0.38 to 18.10 THz were generated from 0.5 mm-thick DAST crystal. The maximum output energy was 345.4 nJ/pulse at 3.39 THz and the conversion efficiency was 8.44 × 10{sup –5}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lifetime Extension of the Gas Discharge Detectors with Plasma Etching of Silicon Deposits in 80%CF{sub 4} + 20%CO{sub 2}

A method of elimination of silicon compounds from the anode wire of an aged proportional counter is presented. The aging of a counter with a 70%Ar + 30%CO{sub 2} and a 60%Ar + 30%CO{sub 2} + 10%СF{sub 4} working mixture was stimulated by a {sup 90}Sr β source. To accelerate the process of aging, the gas mixture flow to the counter was supplied through a pipe with RTV coated wall. As a result, the amplitude of the signal decreased 70% already at accumulated charge of Q = 0.03 C/cm. The etching of the silicon compounds on the wire surface with an 80%CF{sub 4} + 20%CO{sub 2} gas mixture discharge led to full recovery of the operating characteristics of detector and an increase in the lifetime. A scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the recovered wire surface were performed. In accordance with the results, a good quality of wire cleaning from SiO{sub 2} compounds was obtained.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Effect of collisions on the angular distribution of ions under plasmachemical etching

The most important parameter responsible for the quality of high-aspect structures produced by plasmachemical etching is the angular distribution of ions near the processed surface. In this work, the effect of collisions and gas pressure on the angular distributions of ions and chemically active radicals in the chamber of a high-pressure plasmachemical reactor with a remote plasma source is analyzed theoretically.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical and Structural Properties of Ag and c-Si Nanostructures Formed During the Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching of Silicon

This study consisting of two parts is concerned with the features of the three-stage process of the metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) of silicon. This process is used to fabricate silicon nanostructures. In the first part of this work, a layer of self-assembled Ag nanoparticles chemically deposited from a solution on the surface of single-crystal silicon (c-Si) (MACE stage 1) was studied, and the second part includes of investigation of Si nanostructures formed in stages 2 and 3. By means of spectroscopic ellipsometry (in the range of wavelengths λ = 250–900 nm), the pseudodielectric functions of the nanostructures were determined and compared for all the three stages of the MACE process. In addition, for the Si nanostructures, the parameters of layers (the thickness and void fraction) were calculated in the context of the multilayer optical model, with the use of Bruggeman’s effective-medium approximation and fitting procedures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Changes in the Photoluminescence Properties of Semiconductor Heterostructures after Ion-Beam Etching

The ion-beam etching of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructures gives rise to radiation defects and, as a result, leads to photoluminescence quenching. Annealing at 620°C in an atmosphere of As almost completely restores the quantum efficiency of photoluminescence in the case of radiation-induced defects lying at a distance of up to 150 nm from the heterointerface.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗