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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Memory formation in matter

Memory formation in matter is a theme of broad intellectual relevance; it sits at the interdisciplinary crossroads of physics, biology, chemistry, and computer science. Memory connotes the ability to encode, access, and erase signatures of past history in the state of a system. Once the system has completely relaxed to thermal equilibrium, it is no longer able to recall aspects of its evolution. The memory of initial conditions or previous training protocols will be lost. Thus many forms of memory are intrinsically tied to far-from-equilibrium behavior and to transient response to a perturbation. This general behavior arises in diverse contexts in condensed-matter physics and materials, including phase change memory, shape memory, echoes, memory effects in glasses, return-point memory in disordered magnets, as well as related contexts in computer science. Yet, as opposed to the situation in biology, there is currently no common categorization and description of the memory behavior that appears to be prevalent throughout condensed-matter systems. Here the focus is on material memories. Here, the basic phenomenology of a few of the known behaviors that can be understood as constituting a memory will be described. The hope is that this will be a guide toward developing the unifying conceptual underpinnings for a broad understanding of memory effects that appear in materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Modeling the Coupled Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Amorphous Polymer Networks.

Amorphous polymers exhibit a rich landscape of time-dependent behavior including viscoelasticity, structural relaxation, and viscoplasticity. These time-dependent mechanisms can be exploited to achieve shape-memory behavior, which allows the material to store a programmed deformed shape indefinitely and to recover entirely the undeformed shape in response to specific environmental stimulus. The shape-memory performance of amorphous polymers depends on the coordination of multiple physical mechanisms, and considerable opportunities exist to tailor the polymer structure and shape-memory programming procedure to achieve the desired performance. The goal of this project was to use a combination of theoretical, numerical and experimental methods to investigate the effect of shape memory programming, thermo-mechanical properties, and physical and environmental aging on the shape memory performance. Physical and environmental aging occurs during storage and through exposure to solvents, such as water, and can significantly alter the viscoelastic behavior and shape memory behavior of amorphous polymers. This project – executed primarily by Professor Thao Nguyen and Graduate Student Rui Xiao at Johns Hopkins University in support of a DOE/NNSA Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering (PECASE) – developed a theoretical framework for chemothermo- mechanical behavior of amorphous polymers to model the effects of physical aging and solvent-induced environmental factors on their thermoviscoelastic behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Self-erecting shapes

Technologies for making self-erecting structures are described herein. An exemplary self-erecting structure comprises a plurality of shape-memory members that connect two or more hub components. When forces are applied to the self-erecting structure, the shape-memory members can deform, and when the forces are removed the shape-memory members can return to their original pre-deformation shape, allowing the self-erecting structure to return to its own original shape under its own power. A shape of the self-erecting structure depends on a spatial orientation of the hub components, and a relative orientation of the shape-memory members, which in turn depends on an orientation of joining of the shape-memory members with the hub components.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2013

Deformable, Programmable, and Shape-Memorizing Micro-Optics

The use of shape memory polymers is demonstrated for deformable, programmable, and shape-memorizing micro-optical devices. A semi-crystalline shape memory elastomer, crosslinked poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), is used to prepare various micro-optic components, ranging from microlens and microprism arrays to diffraction gratings and holograms. Here, the precise replication of surface features at the micro- and nanoscale and the formation of crosslinked shape memory polymer networks can be achieved in a single step via compression molding. Further deformation via hot pressing or stretching of micro-optics formed in this manner allows manipulation of the microscopic surface features, and thus the corresponding optical properties. Due to the shape memory effect, the original surface structures and the optical properties can be recovered and the devices be reprogrammed, with excellent reversibility in the optical properties. Furthermore, arrays of transparent resistive microheaters can be integrated with deformed micro-optical devices to selectively trigger the recovery of surface features in a spatially programmable manner, thereby providing additional capabilities in user-definable optics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

The shape recovery conditions for Fe–Mn–Si alloys: An interplay between martensitic transformation and plasticity

Highlights: • Fe15Mn5Si9Cr5Ni samples were rolled at 800 °C and annealed at 650 (C1) and 1000 °C (C2). • TEM analysis was performed. • High density of stacking faults and appropriate density of dislocation appears in C1. • Complex dislocation arrays due to plastic deformation are observed in C2. • Shape memory properties depend on the thermomechanical treatment. - Abstract: This work analyses the improvement of the shape memory properties of Fe-Mn-Si based alloys, and expands upon and deepens recently published developments concerning this topic. We prepared TEM specimens from a Fe-15Mn-5Si-9Cr-5Ni sheet rolled at 800 °C and annealed at 650 °C–92% shape recovery – and from another sheet annealed at 1000 °C–45% shape recovery. Here, we analyse the development of microstructure during the γ ↔ ε martensitic transformation and correlate it with the shape memory behaviour. Among the observed microstructural features, the introduction of complex dislocation arrays due to plastic deformation appears to be critical for shape memory development, since they can arrest the backward movement of Shockley partial dislocations over the original path. Tailoring the microstructure in order to introduce a high stacking-fault density accompanied by an appropriate dislocation density remains a key issue in the design of these kinds of functional materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

High Temperature, High Pressure Devices for Zonal Isolation in Geothermal Wells

The U.S. Department of Energy is leading the development of alternative energy sources that will ensure the long-term energy independence of our nation. One key renewable resource being advanced is geothermal energy which offers an environmentally benign, reliable source of energy for the nation. To utilize this resource, water will be introduced into wells 3 to 10 km deep to create a geothermal reservoir. This approach is known as an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS). The high temperatures and pressures at these depths have become a limiting factor in the development of this energy source. For example, reliable zonal isolation for high-temperature applications at high differential pressures is needed to conduct mini-fracs and other stress state diagnostics. Zonal isolation is essential for many EGS reservoir development activities. To date, the capability has not been sufficiently demonstrated to isolate sections of the wellbore to: 1) enable stimulation; and 2) seal off unwanted flow regions in unknown EGS completion schemes and high-temperature (>200°C) environments. In addition, packers and other zonal isolation tools are required to eliminate fluid loss, to help identify and mitigate short circuiting of flow from injectors to producers, and to target individual fractures or fracture networks for testing and validating reservoir models. General-purpose open-hole packers do not exist for geothermal environments, with the primary barrier being the poor stability of elastomeric seals at high temperature above 175°C. Experimental packer systems have been developed for geothermal environments but they currently only operate at low pressure, they are not retrievable, and they are not commercially available. The development of the high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) zonal isolation device would provide the geothermal community with the capability to conduct mini-fracs, eliminate fluid loss, to help identify and mitigate short circuiting of flow from injectors to producers, and to target individual fractures or fracture networks for testing and validating reservoir models. The goal of this program, therefore, was to develop and demonstrate reliable high-temperature high-pressure zonal isolation devices that are compatible with the high-temperature downhole environment anticipated for Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Over the course of this 3 year program, CTD designed and demonstrated a high temperature high pressure zonal isolation device. CTD has utilized its expertise in high-temperature materials, shape memory composites and foams, and deployment mechanisms for spacecraft and oil tools to develop a new class of HTHP zonal isolation devices for use in EGS. Specifically, the objective was to demonstrate the ability to isolate sections of an EGS wellbore to: 1) enable stimulation; and 2) seal off unwanted flow regions in unknown EGS completion schemes and high-temperature (>200°C) environments at temperatures upwards of 300°C. A concept for a high-temperature, high-pressure zonal isolation device was designed for use in creating circulation paths in environments where temperatures are in excess of 300°C and differential pressures of up to 10,000 psi are required to stimulate solid granite. This new zonal isolation device distributes the high-pressure differential through a significant length of high temperature, shape memory polymer composite material. The development of differential pressure is initiated by a thermally triggered actuation of a ‘structural seal’ that fills the cross section of the bore with the shape memory material. After this preliminary seal is made, differential pressure begins to build through the material as the seal forces the flow to pass through pores in the shape memory material. The shape memory material is compressed into place to react the force of the internal

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

Strain-induced dimensionality crossover of precursor modulations in Ni 2 MnGa

Precursor modulations often occur in functional materials like magnetic shape memory alloys, ferroelectrics, and superconductors. In this letter, we have revealed the underlying mechanism of the precursor modulations in ferromagnetic shape memory alloys Ni 2 MnGa by combining synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction experiments and first-principles phonon calculations. We discovered the precursor modulations along [011] direction can be eliminated with [001] uniaxial loading, while the precursor modulations or premartensite can be totally suppressed by hydrostatic pressure condition. The TA 2 phonon anomaly is sensitive to stress induced lattice strain, and the entire TA 2 branch is stabilized along the directions where precursor modulations are eliminated by external stress. Furthermore, our discovery bridges precursor modulations and phonon anomalies, and sheds light on the microscopic mechanism of the two-step superelasticity in precursor martensite.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Microwires fabricated by glass-coated melt spinning

The glass-coated melt spinning method offers a route for the manufacture of metal filaments with a few micrometers in diameter in a single operation directly from the melt. Cobalt-based amorphous wires, Cu-15.0 atomic percent (at. %) Sn shape-memory wires, and Ni{sub 2}MnGa (atomic percent) ferromagnetic wires were successfully produced by this method. The cobalt-based amorphous wire is flexible, and Cu-15.0 at. % Sn shape-memory wires have the tensile elongation of 14%. However, because of chemical reaction with glass and oxidation, it is hard to make Cu–Al–Ni shape-memory wires and Ni–Nb–Sn amorphous wires. Conditions for preparing these materials were summarized, and the differences of the solidification processes among glass-coated amorphous cobalt-based wires, Cu-15.0 at. % Sn shape-memory wires, and Ni{sub 2}MnGa wires were analyzed and discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for in-line variably porous surfaces

Variably porous panels and panel assemblies incorporating shape memory alloy components along with methods for actuating the shape memory alloys are disclosed to predictably alter the porosity of a substrate surface, with the shape memory alloy maintained in an orientation relative to the panel that is in-plane with a mold-line of the panel outer surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

First-principles investigation of phase stability in the Mg-Sc binary alloy

The recent discovery of shape memory behavior in Mg-Sc alloys has opened the door to the possibility of lightweight shape memory alloys. Very little is known, however, about martensitic phase transformations or about equilibrium phase stability in this alloy system. In this paper we report on a first-principles statistical mechanics study of zero Kelvin and finite temperature phase stability of hcp, bcc, and fcc based phases in the Mg-Sc binary. Our calculations reveal a rich array of phase transitions among the different low-temperature ordered and high-temperature disordered phases. Ground state orderings on hcp, bcc, and fcc belong to families of hierarchical structures containing rods of scandium atoms assembled in layers that repeat periodically. Both fcc and bcc are found to undergo a series of second-order phase transformations with increasing temperature until they completely disorder. A high degree of degeneracy is predicted at low and high temperatures among hcp, bcc, and fcc, a property that is likely to play an important role in the shape memory effects observed in this alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Temperature and electrical memory of polymer fibers

We report in this work studies of the shape memory behavior of polymer fibers loaded with carbon nanotubes or graphene flakes. These materials exhibit enhanced shape memory properties with the generation of a giant stress upon shape recovery. In addition, they exhibit a surprising temperature memory with a peak of generated stress at a temperature nearly equal to the temperature of programming. This temperature memory is ascribed to the presence of dynamical heterogeneities and to the intrinsic broadness of the glass transition. We present recent experiments related to observables other than mechanical properties. In particular nanocomposite fibers exhibit variations of electrical conductivity with an accurate memory. Indeed, the rate of conductivity variations during temperature changes reaches a well defined maximum at a temperature equal to the temperature of programming. Such materials are promising for future actuators that couple dimensional changes with sensing electronic functionalities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Curved Biopsy Device for CT-Guided Biopsy of Lesions Unreachable Using Standard Straight Needle Trajectories

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of a novel curved CT-guided biopsy needle prototype with shape memory to access otherwise not accessible biopsy targets.Methods and MaterialsA biopsy needle curved by 90° with specific radius was designed. It was manufactured using nitinol to acquire shape memory, encased in a straight guiding trocar to be driven out for access of otherwise inaccessible targets. Fifty CT-guided punctures were conducted in a biopsy phantom and 10 CT-guided punctures in a swine corpse. Biposies from porcine liver and muscle tissue were separately gained using the biopsy device, and histological examination was performed subsequently.ResultsMean time for placement of the trocar and deployment of the inner biopsy needle was ~205 ± 69 and ~93 ± 58 s, respectively, with a mean of ~4.5 ± 1.3 steps to reach adequate biopsy position. Mean distance from the tip of the needle to the target was ~0.7 ± 0.8 mm. CT-guided punctures in the swine corpse took relatively longer and required more biopsy steps (~574 ± 107 and ~380 ± 148 s, 8 ± 2.6 steps). Histology demonstrated appropriate tissue samples in nine out of ten cases (90%).ConclusionsTargets that were otherwise inaccessible via standard straight needle trajectories could be successfully reached with the curved biopsy needle prototype. Shape memory and preformed size with specific radius of the curved needle simplify the target accessibility with a low risk of injuring adjacent structures.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Shape-morphing composites with designed micro-architectures

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are attractive materials due to their unique mechanical properties, including high deformation capacity and shape recovery. SMPs are easier to process, lightweight, and inexpensive compared to their metallic counterparts, shape memory alloys. However, SMPs are limited to relatively small form factors due to their low recovery stresses. Lightweight, micro-architected composite SMPs may overcome these size limitations and offer the ability to combine functional properties (e.g., electrical conductivity) with shape memory behavior. Fabrication of 3D SMP thermoset structures via traditional manufacturing methods is challenging, especially for designs that are composed of multiple materials within porous microarchitectures designed for specific shape change strategies, e.g. sequential shape recovery. We report thermoset SMP composite inks containing some materials from renewable resources that can be 3D printed into complex, multi-material architectures that exhibit programmable shape changes with temperature and time. Through addition of fiber-based fillers, we demonstrate printing of electrically conductive SMPs where multiple shape states may induce functional changes in a device and that shape changes can be actuated via heating of printed composites. As a result, the ability of SMPs to recover their original shapes will be advantageous for a broad range of applications, including medical, aerospace, and robotic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Structure/property relationships in copolymers comprising renewable isosorbide, glucarodilactone, and 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan subunits

Carbohydrates and their derivatives have great potential as building blocks for the development of renewable materials that are cost and performance competitive with conventional petroleum-based materials. To this end, the rigid carbohydrate-derived diols, glucarodilactone and isosorbide were functionalized with a castor oil derivative, 10-undecenoic acid, forming α,ω-dienes suitable for acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. Equimolar copolymerizations of these two monomers, glucarodilactone undecenoate (GDLU) and isosorbide undecenoate (GDLU), transform brittle homopolymers into elastic materials with shape memory capabilities. To understand the source of these properties, a series of copolymers consisting of a range of GDLU and IU compositions (100:0, 77:23, 76:24, 52:48, 48:52, 18:82, 0:100 mol percent GDLU to IU) was synthesized. The material and chemical properties were characterized by uniaxial tensile testing, small-amplitude oscillatory shear rheology, X-ray scattering and hydrolytic degradation testing. Small compositional changes in this family were shown to have a drastic impact on the observed mechanical performance and degradability of these materials. Rheological measurements of GDLU-containing copolymers found evidence for the presence of transient networking within these materials. We posit that the transient network within this material is responsible for the elasticity and shape memory abilities of the GDL-containing materials. In confirmation of these properties, a novel α,ω-diene 2,5-bis(hydroxymethylfuran) undecenoate (BHMFU) was developed and served as a direct replacement for either GDLU or IU in copolymerizations. The replacement of GDLU resulted in a total loss of the elasticity and shape memory of the copolymers, supporting the role of GDLU in the mechanical performance.

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

Combinatorial Synthesis and High-Throughput Characterization of Microstructure and Phase Transformation in Ni–Ti–Cu–V Quaternary Thin-Film Library

Ni–Ti–based shape memory alloys (SMAs) have found widespread use in the last 70 years, but improving their functional stability remains a key quest for more robust and advanced applications. Named for their ability to retain their processed shape as a result of a reversible martensitic transformation, SMAs are highly sensitive to compositional variations. Alloying with ternary and quaternary elements to fine-tune the lattice parameters and the thermal hysteresis of an SMA, therefore, becomes a challenge in materials exploration. Combinatorial materials science allows streamlining of the synthesis process and data management from multiple characterization techniques. In this study, a composition spread of Ni–Ti–Cu–V thin-film library was synthesized by magnetron co-sputtering on a thermally oxidized Si wafer. Composition-dependent phase transformation temperature and microstructure were investigated and determined using high-throughput wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and temperature-dependent resistance measurements. Of the 177 compositions in the materials library, 32 were observed to have shape memory effect, of which five had zero or near-zero thermal hysteresis. These compositions provide flexibility in the operating temperature regimes that they can be used in. A phase map for the quaternary system and correlations of functional properties are discussed with respect to the local microstructure and composition of the thin-film library.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Martensitic transformation behaviors of rapidly solidified Ti–Ni–Mo powders

For the fabrication of bulk near-net-shape shape memory alloys and porous metallic biomaterials, consolidation of Ti–Ni–Mo alloy powders is more useful than that of elemental powders of Ti, Ni and Mo. Ti{sub 50}Ni{sub 49.9}Mo{sub 0.1} shape memory alloy powders were prepared by gas atomization, and transformation temperatures and microstructures of those powders were investigated as a function of powder size. XRD analysis showed that the B2–R–B19 martensitic transformation occurred in powders smaller than 150 μm. According to DSC analysis of the as-atomized powders, the B2–R transformation temperature (T{sub R}) of the 25–50 μm powders was 18.4 °C. The T{sub R} decreased with increasing powder size, however, the difference in T{sub R} between 25–50 μm powders and 100–150 μm powders is only 1 °C. Evaluation of powder microstructures was based on SEM examination of the surface and the polished and etched powder cross sections and the typical images of the rapidly solidified powders showed cellular morphology. Porous cylindrical foams of 10 mm diameter and 1.5 mm length were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 800 °C and 5 MPa. Finally these porous TiNi alloy samples are heat-treated for 1 h at 850 °C, and then quenched in ice water. The bulk samples have 23% porosity and 4.6 g/cm{sup 3} density and their T{sub R} is 17.8 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Structural state of a radiation-modified Ti{sub 50}Ni{sub 47}Fe{sub 3} single crystal

The structural state of a Ti{sub 50}Ni{sub 47}Fe{sub 3} single crystal irradiated by fast neutrons (F = 2.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 20} cm{sup -2}) at 340 K was studied by thermal neutron diffraction at 78 and 295 K. The melt of this composition was chosen with the purpose of designing a radiation-resistant material exhibiting a shape-memory effect. It was found that the melt remains crystalline after irradiation, whereas the Ti{sub 49}Ni{sub 51} crystal studied earlier becomes amorphous after an analogous irradiation. In spite of the fact that the main structural motif of the crystal remains unchanged after irradiation, martensitic transformations in the crystal do not occur and, consequently, the shape-memory effect is not retained. The radiation resistance of this class of crystals was estimated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗