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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 325 records · Page 18

Correlative electron and ion beam analysis of the electrochemical performances of LiV 3 O 8 cathode films as a function of microstructures

Degradation mechanisms in LiV 3 O 8 cathode films (~500 nm) with different initial microstructures i.e., globular nanocrystals in amorphous matrix and needle-like nanocrystals, synthesized by annealing the cathodes at 150 °C and 300 °C for 6 h are studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). In addition, a unique in-situ combination of TEM and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) imaging techniques, namely Parallel Ion and Electron beam Spectrometry (PIES) is carried out to measure the 3D distribution of V and Li with nanoscale resolution. These characterization studies focus on correlating the pre- and post-cycling microstructure to observed electrochemical performance. The LiV 3 O 8 cathode film with needle-like nanocrystals (300 °C) shows a higher initial capacity but it degrades rapidly compared to the film with globular nanocrystals embedded in amorphous matrix (150 °C). We observed that LiV 3 O 8 films with needle-like nanocrystals are more susceptible to cathode decohesion and vanadium dissolution than the films with globular nanocrystals embedded in amorphous matrix, explaining the differences in their electrochemical performance. The findings from this study have relevance to the development of thin film electrode microstructures for high capacity and cyclic stability.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Effects Of B On Intergranular Hot Cracking In Ni Alloys

Report describes experiments on role of boron on solidification of 718-type nickel/chromium/iron superalloys containing niobium and relative intergranular segregations of boron, sulfur, and phosphorus in alloys. Ten alloys studied by use of light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive analysis of thin-film specimens, mechanical tests for susceptibility to microfissuring, differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning Auger microscopy, and Gleeble thermal analysis.

Thompson, Raymond G.↗

Universal signal scaling in microwave impedance microscopy

Microwave impedance microscopy (MIM) is an emerging scanning probe technique that measures the local complex dielectric function using near-field microwave. Although it has made significant impacts in diverse fields, a systematic, quantitative understanding of the signal's dependence on various important design parameters is lacking. Here, we show that for a wide range of MIM implementations, given a complex tip-sample admittance change ΔΥ, the MIM signal—the amplified change in the reflected microwave amplitude—is –G · ΔΥ/2Υ 0 · η 2 · V in , where η is the ratio of the microwave voltage at the probe to the incident microwave amplitude, Y o is the system admittance, and G is the total voltage gain. For linear circuits, η is determined by the circuit design and does not depend on V in . We show that the maximum achievable signal for different designs scales with η 2 or η when limited by input power or sample perturbation, respectively. Furthermore, this universal scaling provides guidance on diverse design goals, including maximizing narrow-band signal for imaging and balancing bandwidth and signal strength for spectroscopy.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High temperature deformation of hot-pressed polycrystalline orthoenstatite

Artificial hot pressed polycrystalline samples were prepared from purified powder of Bamble, Norway, orthoenstatite, (Mg0.86Fe0.14)SiO3. The uniaxial creep behavior of the polycrystalline orthoenstatite was studied over stress ranges of 10-180 MPa and temperatures of 1500-1700 K (0.82-0.93 T sub m) under two different oxygen fugacities, namely equilibrium (Mo-MoO2 buffer) and a reducing (graphite heating element) atmosphere, respectively. An intergranular glassy phase of different compositions with a cavitational creep deformation were observed. In the Mo-MoO2 buffer atmosphere with PO2 approx. 10 to the minus 11 power - 10 to the minus 13 power atmospheres, the results of an analytical electron microscopy analysis indicate that the glassy phases are richer in Ca and Al due to the residual impurities after hot pressing. In the reducing atmosphere with an oxygen fugacity of PO2 approx. 10 to the minus 3 power - 10 to the minus 25 power atmospheres, the results of analytical electron microscopy analysis indicate that the glassy phase is almost pure silica with the presence of free iron precipitate on grain facets and at triple junctions due to the reduction of bulk materials.

Dehghan-Banadaki, A.↗

3D electron tomographic and biochemical analysis of ER, Golgi and trans Golgi network membrane systems in stimulated Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) glandular cells

The insect-trapping leaves of Dionaea muscipula provide a model for studying the secretory pathway of an inducible plant secretory system. The leaf glands were induced with bovine serum albumin to secrete proteases that were characterized via zymogram activity gels over a 6-day period. The accompanying morphological changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi were analyzed using 3D electron tomography of glands preserved by high-pressure freezing/freeze substitution methods. Secretion of multiple cysteine and aspartic proteases occurred biphasically. The majority of the Golgi was organized in clusters consisting of 3–6 stacks surrounded by a cage-like system of ER cisternae. In these clusters, all Golgi stacks were oriented with their cis-most C1 cisterna facing an ER export site. The C1 Golgi cisternae varied in size and shape consistent with the hypothesis that they form de novo. Following induction, the number of ER-bound polysomes doubled, but no increase in COPII vesicles was observed. Golgi changes included a reduction in the number of cisternae per stack and a doubling of cisternal volume without increased surface area. Polysaccharide molecules that form the sticky slime cause swelling of the trans and trans Golgi network (TGN) cisternae. Peeling of the trans-most cisternae gives rise to free TGN cisternae. One day after gland stimulation, the free TGNs were frequently associated with loose groups of oriented actin-like filaments which were not seen in any other samples. These findings suggest that the secretory apparatus of resting gland cells is “overbuilt” to enable the cells to rapidly up-regulate lytic enzyme production and secretion in response to prey trapping.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Electron diffraction radial distribution function analysis of amorphous boron carbide synthesized by ion beam irradiation and chemical vapor deposition

Amorphous boron carbide (a-BxC) networks consist of light elements, and their low atomic scattering factors makes structural analysis by x-ray diffraction difficult. Electron diffraction has an advantage of detecting the light elements, because of the strong interaction between the matter and electrons. In this work, we prepared a-BxC by ion beam technologies and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and characterized their structures via atomic pair-distribution functions derived from electron diffraction intensity profiles. It was found that a pentagonal pyramid is the most favorable cluster in a-B4C generated by ion irradiation, while C—C homonuclear bonds were formed in the deposited a-B x C thin film. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy revealed that the a-BxC thin film possesses more carbon than B 4 C, which is responsible for the formation of the homonuclear bonds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Transition probability data for seven band systems of C2

Absolute transition-probability parameters are reported for seven band systems of the C2 molecule. These include all the known C2 band systems in the spectral region between 0.2 and 1.2 microns with the exception of the Messerle-Krauss system. To obtain the data, absolute intensities of selected spectral regions were measured behind the incident shock wave in a combustion-driven shock tube containing 85% Ar and 15% C2H2. These measurements were converted into electronic transition moments by a synthetic spectrum analysis. The electronic transition moments were then used to determine extensive tables of the transition-probability parameters for each of the band systems measured.

Coo, D. M.↗

Unusual structure of the dayside low-latitude magnetopause energetic electron layer

An analysis of high time resolution energetic electron data from an ISEE 1 spacecraft crossing of the magnetopause on Nov. 6, 1977 is presented. Low-energy proton measurements were taken with an ultralow energy and charge analyzer and energetic electron measurements were made with an ultralow energy wide-angle telescope (ULEWAT). Electrons were observed in four rate channels between 75 and 1300 keV and particle angular distributions are provided. The ecliptic was scanned by the particle angular detector as the spacecraft rotated at 19.7 rpm. Trapped energetic electrons were found to drift from dusk to dawn by way of the midnight sector. The electrons which started at midnight met the magnetopause at the dawnside, were entrained on the field lines, and resulted in a filamentary small-scale structure. A diffusion time scale across the magnetosheath was determined to be a few seconds, and electrons diffused tailward or into the interplanetary medium

Scholer, M.↗

Transport of Space Environment Electrons: A Simplified Rapid-Analysis Computational Procedure

A computational procedure for describing transport of electrons in condensed media has been formulated for application to effects and exposures from spectral distributions typical of electrons trapped in planetary magnetic fields. The procedure is based on earlier parameterizations established from numerous electron beam experiments. New parameterizations have been derived that logically extend the domain of application to low molecular weight (high hydrogen content) materials and higher energies (approximately 50 MeV). The production and transport of high energy photons (bremsstrahlung) generated in the electron transport processes have also been modeled using tabulated values of photon production cross sections. A primary purpose for developing the procedure has been to provide a means for rapidly performing numerous repetitive calculations essential for electron radiation exposure assessments for complex space structures. Several favorable comparisons have been made with previous calculations for typical space environment spectra, which have indicated that accuracy has not been substantially compromised at the expense of computational speed.

Nealy, John E.↗

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) Analysis and U-Pb Geochronology of the Oldest Lunar Zircon: Constraining Early Lunar Differentiation and Dating Impact-Related Deformation

The evolution of the early moon was dominated by two processes (i) crystallization of the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) and differentiation of potassium-rare earth element-phosphorous-rich residual magma reservoir referred to as KREEP, and (ii) an intense meteorite bombardment referred to as lunar cataclysm . The exact timing of these processes is disputed, and resolution relies on collection and interpretation of precise age data. This study examines the microstructure and geochronology of zircon from lunar impact breccias collected during the Apollo 17 mission. A large zircon clast within lunar breccia 72215,195 shows sector zoning in optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and Raman mapping, and indicates that it was a relict fragment of a much larger magmatic grain. Sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb analysis of the zircon shows that U and Th concentration correlate with sector zoning, with darkest CL domains corresponding with high-U and Th (approx.150 and approx.100 ppm respectively), and the brightest-CL sectors containing approx.30-50 ppm U and approx.10-20 ppm Th. This indicates that variations in optical CL and Raman properties correspond to differential accumulation of alpha-radiation damage in each sector. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping shows that the quality of electron backscatter patterns (band contrast) varies with sector zoning, with the poorest quality patterns obtained from high-U and Th, dark-CL zones. EBSD mapping also reveals a deformation microstructure that is cryptic in optical, CL and Raman imaging. Two orthogonal sets of straight discrete and gradational low-angle boundaries accommodate approx.12 misorientation across the grain. The deformation bands are parallel to the crystallographic {a}-planes of the zircon, have misorientation axes parallel to the c-axis, and are geometrically consistent with formation by dislocation creep associated with <100>{010} slip. The deformation bands are unlike curved morphology of crystal-plastic microstructures in tectonically deformed terrestrial zircon, and geometrically similar to dislocation microstructures reported in experimentally shocked zircon. We interpret these crystal-plastic deformation microstructures to have resulted from a significant impact, either directly from impact shock, or during ductile flow directly following the impact. The deformation bands appear to continue undeflected through the non-indexed, radiation-damaged areas of the grain, which suggests that the orientation variation predates any significant mechanical weakening from radiation damage in the grain, and therefore occurred early in its history.

Timms, Nick↗

Analysis of energetic proton and electron data in Neptune's magnetosphere

This grant was for the analysis and interpretation of data obtained by the cosmic ray system (CRS) on Voyager 2 in the magnetosphere of Neptune. The research goals included the following: characterize the distribution and intensity of trapped electrons and protons; relate them to theoretical models of particle transport; study the particle absorption signatures of Neptune's moons and rings; develop planetary magnetic field models based on the particle data; and study Neptune's cosmic ray cutoff.

Stone, Edward C.↗

Bridging Zirconia Nodes within a Metal–Organic Framework via Catalytic Ni-Hydroxo Clusters to Form Heterobimetallic Nanowires

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their well-ordered pore networks and tunable surface chemistries, offer a versatile platform for preparing well-defined nanostructures wherein functionality such as catalysis can be incorporated. We resolved the atomic structure of Ni-oxo species deposited in the MOF NU-1000 through atomic layer deposition using local and long-range structure probes, including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, pair distribution function analysis and difference envelope density analysis, with electron microscopy imaging and computational modeling.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

A Manufacturing Cost and Supply Chain Analysis of SiC Power Electronics Applicable to Medium-Voltage Motor Drives

Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices are increasingly being considered for use in certain power electronics applications, where they can improve efficiency, performance, footprint, and, potentially, total system cost compared to systems using traditional silicon (Si) devices. Silicon carbide (SiC) devices in particular -- which are currently more mature than other WBG devices -- are poised for growth in the coming years. Today, the manufacturing of SiC wafers is concentrated in the United States, and chip production is split roughly equally between the United States, Japan, and Europe. Established contract manufacturers located throughout Asia typically carry out manufacturing of WBG power modules. We seek to understand how global manufacturing of SiC components may evolve over time by illustrating the regional cost drivers along the supply chain and providing an overview of other factors that influence where manufacturing is sited. We conduct this analysis for a particular case study where SiC devices are used in a medium-voltage motor drive.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Spray-Formed 7075 Alloy During Retrogression

The mechanical properties, conductivity, microstructure, precipitation behavior and evolution process of elements and phases of spray-formed 7075 alloy during retrogression are studied by the tensile test, electric test, hardness test, transmission electron microscope (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, electron-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and lattice parameter measurements. The results show that the mechanical properties and conductivity of the alloy can be effectively improved when treated at a suitable retrogression temperature and time. According to the TEM observations, XRD analysis, EDS and an accurate measurement of the lattice parameter, the redissolution of elements and precipitated phases can be readily observed. From the optimization selection of the RRA treatment for the 7075 alloy, the regularity of redissolution and precipitation of the elements and phases are evaluated. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, elongation and conductivity of the spray-formed 7075 alloy after preaging at 120 °C for 16 h, retrogression at 200 °C for 8 min and reaging at 120 °C for 24 h are 791, 736 MPa, 181 HBW, 8.5% and 22.6 MS/m, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Constraints on dark photons and axionlike particles from the SuperCDMS Soudan experiment

We present an analysis of electron recoils in cryogenic germanium detectors operated during the SuperCDMS Soudan experiment. The data are used to set new constraints on the axioelectric coupling of axion-like particles and the kinetic mixing parameter of dark photons, assuming the respective species constitutes all of the galactic dark matter. This study covers the mass range from 40 eV/$c^2$ to 500 eV/$c^2$ for both candidates, excluding previously untested parameter space for masses below ~1 keV/$c^2$. For the kinetic mixing of dark photons, values below $10^{-15}$ are reached for particle masses around 100 eV/$c^2$; for the axioelectric coupling of axion-like particles, values below $10^{-12}$ are reached for particles with masses in the range of a few-hundred eV/$c^2$.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Viscosities and working region predictions for bismuth aluminoborosilicate glasses

Bismuth aluminoborosilicate glasses were prepared using a standard melt-quench technique, and the viscosity and thermal properties were measured and analyzed. Electron microprobe analysis was used to examine glass homogeneity. Fragility was calculated based on Mauro–Yue–Ellison–Gupta–Allan model fits to the viscosity curves. The system is characterized by an open structure with high fragility (44-59). Based on microanalysis and differential scanning calorimetry results, the addition of network intermediate Al2O3 appears to mitigate both phase separation and crystallization. From thermal property data, mixture models were created to predict the glass transition temperatures and softening temperatures as functions of composition. Based on K-fold validation findings, the first-order mixture model predictions of glass transition and softening appear to approximate actual values better than models with any additional second-order terms.

Gardner, Levi↗

Performance of Laser-Based Electronic Devices for Structural Analysis of Amazonian Terra-Firme Forests

Tropical vegetation biomass represents a key component of the carbon stored in global forest ecosystems. Estimates of aboveground biomass commonly rely on measurements of tree size (diameter and height) and then indirectly relate, via allometric relationships and wood density, to biomass sampled from a relatively small number of harvested and weighed trees. Recently, however, novel in situ remote sensing techniques have been proposed, which may provide nondestructive alternative approaches to derive biomass estimates. Nonetheless, we still lack knowledge of the measurement uncertainties, as both the calibration and validation of estimates using different techniques and instruments requires consistent assessment of the underlying errors. To that end, we investigate different approaches estimating the tropical aboveground biomass in situ. We quantify the total and systematic errors among measurements obtained from terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR), hypsometer-based trigonometry, and traditional forest inventory. We show that laser-based estimates of aboveground biomass are in good agreement (<10% measurement uncertainty) with traditional measurements. However, relative uncertainties vary among the allometric equations based on the vegetation parameters used for parameterization. We report the error metrics for measurements of tree diameter and tree height and discuss the consequences for estimated biomass. Despite methodological differences detected in this study, we conclude that laser-based electronic devices could complement conventional measurement techniques, thereby potentially improving estimates of tropical vegetation biomass.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗