Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “COUPLED STRESS”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

Determining Stress in Metallic Conducting Layers of Microelectronics Devices Using High Resolution Electron Backscatter Diffraction and Finite Element Analysis

Delayed failure due to stress voiding is a concern with some aging microelectronics, as these voids can grow large enough to cause an open circuit. Local measurements of stress in the metallic layers are crucial to understanding and predicting this failure, but such measurements are complicated by the fact that exposing the aluminum conducting lines will relieve most of their stress. In this study, we instead mechanically thin the device substrate and measure distortions on the thinned surface using high resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HREBSD). These measurements are then related to the stresses in the metallic layers through elastic simulations. This study found that in legacy components that had no obvious voids, the stresses were comparable to the theoretical stresses at the time of manufacture (≈300 MPa). Distortion fields in the substrate were also determined around known voids, which may be directly compared to stress voiding models. In conclusion, the technique presented here for stress determination, HREBSD coupled with finite element analysis to infer subsurface stresses, is a valuable tool for assessing failure in layered microelectronics devices.

HREBSD↗

Modeling gas migration through clay-based buffer material using coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanics with stress-dependent gas permeability

A model for gas migration through clay-based buffer material is developed for modeling gas generation and migration associated with deep geologic nuclear waste disposal. The model is based on a multiphase fluid flow and geomechanics simulator that is adapted to consider enhanced gas flow when gas pressure is high enough to approach the confining stress magnitude. A key feature in the model is a direct coupling between gas permeability and stress, through a non-linear stress-dependent permeability function. The model was first tested and calibrated by modelling two different laboratory gas migration tests on Wyoming (MX-80) bentonite samples. The calibrated model was then applied to model gas migration through a bentonite buffer of a large-scale gas injection test (Lasgit) conducted at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden. Observed preferential gas migration along interfaces (between compacted blocks and along the canister surface) required explicit representation of such interfaces in the model. The model with the stress-dependent gas permeability accurately captured observed experimental responses in terms of gas breakthrough time, peak gas pressure, and cumulative gas flow rates. The calibrated model was finally applied to simulate migration of hydrogen gas generated within a breached nuclear waste canister over 10,000 years, involving migration of much larger gas volumes. For the considered gas generation rate and host rock properties, the generated gas could migrate through the bentonite buffer and released into the surrounding host rock at a maximum gas pressure somewhat higher than the initial total stress, though a significant amount of hydrogen remained within the buffer. This modelling sets the stage for further detailed analysis of the impact of hydrogen gas generation on the long-term performance of nuclear waste repositories.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Utah FORGE 5-2428: Coupled Investigation of Fracture Permeability Impact on Reservoir Stress and Seismic Slip - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Coupled Investigation of Fracture Permeability Impact on Reservoir Stress and Seismic Slip Behavior by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, presented by Kayla Kroll. This presentation addresses testing and modelling related to the dependency of EGS production on sustained permeability and sufficient fluid flow through pre-existing or induced fractures in hot rock. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 13, 2024.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Dissecting a strongly coupled scalar nucleon

We continue our investigation of the stress within a strongly coupled scalar nucleon, and now dissect the gravitational form factors into contributions from its constituents, the (mock) nucleon and the (mock) pion. The computation is based on a nonperturbative solution of the scalar Yukawa model in the light-front Hamiltonian formalism with a Fock sector expansion, including up to one nucleon and two pions. By employing the “good currents” T i + + , T i + − and T i 12 , we extract the full set of gravitational form factors A i , D i , c ¯ i without the contamination of the spurious form factors and free of uncanceled UV divergences. With these results, we decompose the mass of the system into its constituents and compute the matter and mechanical radii, gaining insights into the strongly coupled system. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Cao, Xianghui (ORCID:0009000359096713)↗

Enhanced MPM framework with multipatch isogeometric analysis for geotechnical applications

Achieving stable stress solutions at large strains using the Material Point Method (MPM) is challenging due to the accumulation of errors associated with geometry discretization, cell-crossing noise, and volumetric locking. Several simplified attempts exist in the literature to mitigate these errors, including higher-order frameworks. However, the stability of the MPM solution in such frameworks has been limited to simple geometries and the single-phase formulation (i.e., neglecting pore fluid). Although never explored, multipatch isogeometric analysis offers desirable qualities to simulate complex geometries while mitigating errors in the MPM. The degree of required high-order spatial integration has also never been investigated to infer a minimum limit for the stability of the stress solution in MPM. This paper presents a general-purpose numerical framework for simulating stable stresses in porous media, capturing both near incompressibility and multiphase interactions. First, the numerical framework is presented considering Non-Uniform Rational B-splines (NURBS) to perform isogeometric analysis (IGA) in MPM. Additionally, a volumetric strain smoothing algorithm is used to alleviate errors associated with volumetric locking. Second, the manifestation of cell-crossing errors is assessed via a series of problems with orders ranging from linear to cubic interpolation functions. Third, the use of NURBS is investigated and verified for problems with circular geometries. Finally, multipatch analysis is deployed to simulate plane strain and 3D penetration in soils, considering nearly incompressible elastoplastic (total stress) analysis and fully-coupled hydro-mechanical (effective stress) analysis. The stability of the solution is also analyzed for different constitutive models. From the results, it can be concluded that the framework using cubic interpolation functions with strain smoothing is the most convenient, presenting stable stress solutions for a broad range of multiphase geotechnical applications.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Behavior of Tidally Triggered Earthquakes Depends on Fluid Conditions

Seismicity at The Geysers geothermal field and in Oklahoma is heavily influenced by industrial activities related to energy production, though the mechanism in which earthquakes are induced or triggered is different. At The Geysers, much of the seismicity is linked to thermoelastic stresses caused by injecting cold water into hot rocks, whereas in Oklahoma, the seismicity is linked to a reduction of confining stress on faults due to increasing pore pressure resulting from wastewater injections. Here, in this study, we show that these contrasting conditions are also evident in tidally triggered earthquakes. At The Geysers, earthquakes preferentially occur during maximum extensional stress, which does not occur at the same time as maximum shear stress on optimally oriented faults in the regional stress field. In Oklahoma, earthquakes preferentially occur during maximum shear stress on optimally oriented faults rather than maximum extensional stress. The magnitude of tidal extensional stress is naturally much greater than tidal shear stress. However, in a fluid-saturated environment, pore pressure responds to changes in volume, which can counteract or reduce the effect of the applied stress. The difference in behavior at these two sites is indicative of the level of coupling between applied stress and pore pressure, corresponding to unsaturated conditions at The Geysers and high pore pressure in Oklahoma.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Coupled Investigation of Fracture Permeability Impact on Reservoir Stress and Seismic Slip Behavior (Final Technical Report)

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) produce clean energy by circulating fluid through hot rock deep underground and bringing that heat to the surface to generate electricity. For this process to work reliably, fluids must be able to move efficiently through networks of natural or engineered fractures in the rock. Enhancing and maintaining subsurface permeability over time is essential for sustainable energy production. However, fluid injection changes the underground temperature, pressure, rock stress, and chemistry, which can alter permeability and sometimes trigger earthquakes. Predicting these interconnected processes remains a key challenge. To address this, we combined high-temperature laboratory experiments with high-fidelity simulations to better understand how fractures in geothermal reservoirs evolve over time. Our experiments measured how fractures respond to stress, slip, slip rate, and chemical reactions under geothermal conditions. These data were integrated into coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical and earthquake (THMC+E) models tailored to the Utah FORGE site. The validated modeling framework improves predictions of reservoir performance and seismic response and helps guide operational decisions. This work reduces technical risk and strengthens the scientific foundation needed to make geothermal energy a reliable and scalable clean energy resource.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Strongly anisotropic antiferromagnetic coupling in EuFe 2 As 2 revealed by stress detwinning

Of all parent compounds of iron-based high-temperature superconductors, EuFe 2 As 2 exhibits by far the largest magnetostructural coupling due to the sizable biquadratic interaction between Eu and Fe moments. While the coupling between Eu antiferromagnetic order and Fe structural/antiferromagnetic domains enables rapid field detwinning, this prevents simple magnetometry measurements from extracting the critical fields of the Eu metamagnetic transitions. Furthermore we measure these critical fields by combining x-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy with in-situ tunable uniaxial stress and applied magnetic field. The combination of two tuning knobs allows us to separate the stressdetwinning of structural domains from the field-induced reorientation of Eu moments. Intriguingly, from the critical field values we find that the Eu interplanar interaction is strongly anisotropic. We argue that this anisotropic exchange term is likely a consequence of the strong anisotropy in the magnetically ordered Fe layer, which highlights the non-trivial interplay between Eu-Fe magnetism in this system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Computational Modeling of Heterogeneity of Stress, Charge, and Cyclic Damage in Composite Electrodes of Li-Ion Batteries

Charge heterogeneity is a prevalent feature in many electrochemical systems. In a commercial cathode of Li-ion batteries, the composite is hierarchically structured across multiple length scales including the sub-micron single-crystal primary-particle domains up to the macroscopic particle ensembles. The redox kinetics of charge transfer and mass transport strongly couples with mechanical stresses. This interplay catalyzes substantial heterogeneity in the charge (re)distribution, stresses, and mechanical damage in the composite electrode during charging and discharging. We assess the heterogeneous electrochemistry and mechanics in a LiNi x Mn y Co z O 2 (NMC) cathode using a fully coupled electro-chemo-mechanics model at the cell level. A microstructure-resolved model is constructed based on the synchrotron X-ray tomography data. We calculate the stress field in the composite and then quantitatively evaluate the kinetics of surface charge transfer and Li transport biased by mechanical stresses. We further model the cyclic behavior of the cell. The repetitive deformation of the active particles and the weakening of the interfacial strength cause gradual increase of the interfacial debonding. The mechanical damage impedes electron transfer, incurs more charge heterogeneity, and results in the capacity degradation in batteries over cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The formation and evolution of Ni 2 Cr precipitates in Ni–Cr model alloys as a function of stoichiometry characterized by synchrotron x-ray diffraction

Ni-based alloys containing significant amounts of Cr, may precipitate new phases during long-term service at elevated temperatures. In Ni–Cr model alloys, the formation of Ni 2 Cr has been found to impact the material properties, including the strength and ductility after isothermal aging below the critical temperature of 590°C. In this work, we quantify the formation and evolution of long-range ordering in four Ni–Cr binary model alloys (Ni/Cr = 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4) after isothermal aging up to 10,000h at temperatures between 373 and 475°C. The alloys were characterized by hardness testing and synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction to quantify the impact of Ni 2 Cr phase fraction and precipitate size on mechanical properties. After 500h of isothermal aging, the formation of Ni 2 Cr was detected in all four alloys at 475°C. In the stochiometric alloy samples (Ni/Cr = 2.0), the formation of Ni 2 Cr was found after 500 and 3000h aging at 418 and 373°C, respectively. We found that the matrix lattice contraction and Ni 2 Cr phase fraction both saturate after early aging times. This is in stark contrast to the hardness and Ni 2 Cr precipitate size that both continue to increase with increasing aging time. Our results highlight that changes in hardness correlate linearly with Ni 2 Cr precipitate size rather than phase fraction. This important structure-property relationship can potentially help define Ni–Cr-based component lifetimes directly through an understanding of how Ni 2 Cr formation impacts strength and ductility. Here, we find that a precipitation hardening model for critical resolved shear stress with weakly coupled dislocations shows good agreement with the material property changes quantified from experimental measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Role of Fe in long-range ordered Ni 2 Cr precipitates in Ni-Cr-Fe model alloys during isothermal aging

The precipitation of new phases during long-term service at elevated temperatures is a concern for the thermal stability of engineering alloys. In Ni-Cr-based alloys, e.g., Alloy 690, the formation of long-range ordered Ni 2 Cr causes embrittlement and may impact the lifetime of nuclear power plant components. In this work, we quantify the formation and evolution of Ni 2 Cr precipitation in eleven Ni-Cr-Fe model alloys with 0, 5, 7, and 10wt % Fe contents, and with Ni/Cr atomic ratios of 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4. These alloys were isothermally aged up to 10,000h at temperatures between 330 and 475°C. The alloys were characterized by synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction and Vickers hardness testing to quantify Ni 2 Cr precipitate size, and the impact of precipitate size on the mechanical properties as a function of Fe content. After 10,000 h of aging at 475°C and 418°C, the formation of Ni 2 Cr was observed in all alloys with 0 and 5wt % Fe. After 10,000h of aging at 418°C, Ni 2 Cr precipitates were also observed in the 7wt % Fe containing Ni/Cr=2.0 sample. Further, no clear evidence of Ni 2 Cr was observed in any of the 10wt % Fe samples at any time and temperature combination. We find that the face-centered cubic matrix lattice contraction and Vickers hardness are correlated with the Ni 2 Cr formation. The greatest change in hardness and lattice contraction occurs in stoichiometric alloys (Ni/Cr=2.0) with 0wt % Fe at 475°C. The rate of change in the material properties for the 5wt % Fe alloys is reduced, however the magnitude of changes is similar to 0wt % Fe alloys. A precipitation hardening model developed for Ni-Cr alloys based on critical resolved shear stress with weakly coupled dislocations shows a clear link between Ni 2 Cr precipitate size and hardness. This trend held across all alloys with Ni 2 Cr formation regardless of Fe concentration. This important structure-property relationship can potentially help define Ni-Cr-Fe-based component lifetimes directly through an understanding of how Ni 2 Cr formation impacts mechanical properties as a function of Fe content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shot 3 Post-Shot Report: Fault Analysis of MK-X Data [Slides]

This presentation constitutes a post-shot report for the MK-X performance on Shot 3 (13 July 2022). It focuses primarily on the analysis of electrical faults which have been a persistent issue in MK-X performance and were a significant focus of the test. The MK-X is a helical flux compression generator (HFCG) that has been manufactured in a novel and very cost-effective way. Shot 3 was the fourth test in a series which began with a low initial-current-level HFCG test coupled to a dummy load (Shot 0) and then a high stress test (Shot 1) coupled to a primitive pulse forming network (PFN). Shot 0 performed close to expectation but Shot 1 had early time losses that could not be explained. As a result, Shots 2 and 3 had dual goals. Each shot looked at MK-X performance relative to the early time losses, and since the amount of current generated on the first two tests was a useful amount, we coupled to a fast R43S Ranchero flux compression generator for Shot 2 to ascertain Ranchero’s performance with higher-than-ever initial current and another PFN load. Then Shot 3 implemented a specific change to the MK-X and coupled to only a low inductance PFN load. The report shows that Shots 1-3 all have qualitatively similar losses and the change made for Shot 3 to explore losses led to even further losses. However, the PFN on shot 3 was low inductance and in spite of the losses, 32 MA was generated. This report discusses the losses seen specifically on Shot 3 and compares the electrical and camera data along with a careful comparison to 3 D MHD modeling.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Geophysical Signatures of Crack Network Coalescence in Rocks at Multiple Length Scales

The main goal of the research project was to identify the geophysical signatures of fracture growth in natural rocks by utilizing novel geophysical techniques. The research objectives were to (a) investigate the potential for geophysical methods to determine when cracks initiate, the types and locations of propagated cracks, and the coalescence of networks of cracks in natural rocks at multiple scales, (b) determine how damage at the microscale evolved into damage at the macroscale and then link the microscopic and macroscopic observations, (c) quantify crack coalescence in rocks under realistic stress conditions using coupled mechanical-geophysical-optical visualization, and (d) identify the precursors in geophysical signals to crack coalescence. The following research thrusts were explored to achieve the research objectives: (1) uniaxial compression testing of rock specimens with and without a set of pre‐existing flaws and (2) triaxial compression testing of natural rock specimens. These thrusts allowed for exploring fracturing in rocks under realistic in situ environments and at multiple scales. This project provided educational opportunities for nine graduate and undergraduate students and resulted in 27 peer-reviewed publications. This first research thrust focused on investigating the micromechanics of fractures in rocks through uniaxial compression testing combined with advanced geophysical and imaging techniques, specifically acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, ultrasonic imaging, and 2-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (2D-DIC). By examining damage processes under time-independent and time-dependent loading conditions, insights into damage localization, crack initiation, and fracturing mechanisms were gained. It was observed that the AE signals and the strain-based measurements directly reflect the state of damage in the rock specimen and could be used to identify the cracking levels, such as the crack initiation (CI) and crack damage (CD), and the mode of deformation. A novel calibration apparatus was developed to enhance the accuracy of AE sensors, allowing for the estimation of key parameters such as magnitude, source dimension, stress drop, and radiated seismic energy associated with the fractures. The findings highlighted significant variations in the temporal evolution of AE source parameters during the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages of creep, identifying tensile cracking as the primary deformation mode. The second research thrust focused on enhancing the understanding of fracturing processes in natural rocks through triaxial compression testing, real-time AE monitoring, and ultrasonic monitoring. We investigated the impact of various factors such as fracture propagation regimes, injection parameters, rock types, and pre-existing conditions on the hydraulic fracture (HF) behavior using scaled true-triaxially loaded specimens of Barre granite and Lyons sandstone. Custom sensor housing facilitated concurrent active and passive monitoring to analyze hydro-mechanical responses and microseismicity associated with different HF scenarios. A coupled investigation of passive microseismicity and active signal attributes permitted a detailed comprehension of the various HF processes (aseismic deformation, fracture initiation and propagation, fluid permeation, and leak-off) and their dependence on the specific rock type. The findings of this research demonstrated the effectiveness of AE monitoring techniques in providing valuable insights into the impact of various factors on the behavior and dynamics of HF processes. The advancements in monitoring techniques, offering a more thorough and precise approach, represent a significant step towards optimizing HF practices and ensuring sustainable resource extraction.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Coupled Investigation of Fracture Permeability Impact on Reservoir Stress and Seismic Slip Behavior

Our goal is to develop, apply and validate a holistic thermal, hydrologic, mechanical, and chemical (THMC) workflow that includes evaluation of induced seismic slip in EGS reservoirs. We will integrate experimental and modeling approaches to reduce parameter uncertainty and better predict/mitigate seismic hazard at EGS sites. Our novel approach couples 3D physics-based earthquake simulations with THMC models (THMc+E). This capability will enable improve engineering decisions at Utah-FORGE and move EGS operations toward repeatable, robust, economically viable, and socially accepted development. For example, our THMC+E models will predict circulation scenarios and related seismic hazard for a suite of flow rates and under uncertainty, thus enabling evaluation of optimal circulation strategy. Laboratory experiments will be performed to constrain key model parameters and Bayesian techniques will provide a probabilistic evaluation of parameters used in models. THMC+E simulations will enable exploration various circumstances that may hinder EGS success and develop mitigation strategies.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

A visco-plastic framework for interface processes in sedimentary reservoir rocks at HPHT conditions

As energy operations face the challenge of reservoirs at ever-increasing depths, modelling the response of reservoir rocks at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) conditions is a crucial step for successfully unlocking new resources. At these conditions, rocks can experience thermal and pressure sensitivity, as well as admit internal phase changes at the pore-solid interfaces that determine their macroscopic response to external loading. It is therefore expected that constitutive laws of Geomechanics should be enriched to accommodate such effects. In this work, a multi-physics constitutive theory for sedimentary rocks is proposed within the general framework of viscoplasticity. The viscosity of the material is assumed to be a function of the temperature, pore-pressure and energy required to alter the inter-granular interfaces. This energy is expressed through the chemical potentials of the phases involved during processes like chemical dissolution/precipitation of the interfaces or mechanical debonding. The resulting flow law and corresponding stress equilibrium are coupled to the energy and mass conservation laws, constituting a closed system of equations, which is solved using the Finite Element simulator REDBACK. A series of numerical tests for performance and calibration is then successfully performed against different types of reservoir rocks, confining pressures and temperatures (from room temperature to over 800K). Here, we show that the mechanical response of sedimentary porous rocks at strains usually achieved in laboratory testing can be explained by accounting for the interface processes taking place at the cementitious material bonding the grains, a process that can also determine the brittle-to-ductile transition of sedimentary rocks.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Modeling Ti–6Al–4V using crystal plasticity, calibrated with multi-scale experiments, to understand the effect of the orientation and morphology of the α and β phases on time dependent cyclic loading

Classically, crystal plasticity modeling has used a range of constitutive equations, in which the incorporation of additional physics-based relationships typically results in additional model parameters. These additional parameters need to be reliably calibrated, which often necessitates the use of a range of experimental data acquired at multiple length scales. In this work, a crystal plasticity based finite element (CPFE) model for a dual-phase Titanium alloy, Ti–6Al–4V, is developed. The α and β phases of the microstructure are explicitly modeled. The model is calibrated using a systematic optimization routine and experimental data that consist of macroscopic stress-strain curves coupled with lattice strains on different crystallographic planes for the two phases. These experimental data were obtained from in situ high energy X-ray diffraction experiments for multiple material pedigrees, with varying crystallographic orientation distribution and β volume fractions. Depending on the thermomechanical-processing route and the heat treatment used to manufacture the alloy, Ti–6Al–4V can exist in a wide number of microstructural forms, which often results in the α and β phases either having well aligned slip systems (following the Burgers orientation relationship (BOR)) or possessing no alignment of the slip systems across the interphase boundary (not following the BOR). In this study, the fully-calibrated CPFE model is used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the deformation behavior of Ti–6Al–4V, specifically, the effect of microstructures that follow the BOR (or not) on time-dependent cyclic loading (including the effects of dwell hold times).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis of plants: recent progress and future opportunities

Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) is a valuable tool for quantifying cellular phenotypes and to guide plant metabolic engineering. By introducing stable isotopic tracers and employing mathematical models, MFA can quantify the rates of metabolic reactions through biochemical pathways. Recent applications of isotopically nonstationary MFA (INST–MFA) to plants have elucidated nonintuitive metabolism in leaves under optimal and stress conditions, described coupled fluxes for fast–growing algae, and produced a synergistic multi–organ flux map that is a first in MFA for any biological system. Finally, these insights could not be elucidated through other approaches and show the potential of INST–MFA to correct an oversimplified understanding of plant metabolism.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Radius of Contact During Friction Surfacing of Stainless Steel 304L: Effect of Spindle Speed and Rod Diameter

Abstract The “radius of contact” or the “real-rotational contact plane,” has been increasingly mentioned terminology in friction surfacing. However, the fundamental understanding of the flow dynamics behind this phenomenon is still very limited. The goal of this study was to understand the influence of spindle speed and consumable rod diameter on the flow dynamics and the radius of contact during friction surfacing of 304L stainless steel over a substrate of the same material. Friction surfacing was performed using consumable rods with diameters of 4.76 mm, 9.52 mm, and 12.7 mm while using spindle speeds from 1500 rpm to 20,000 rpm. The impact of spindle speed on deposition morphology, including the radius of contact, was studied. The radius of contact was calculated empirically and was found to be inversely proportional to the tangential velocity of the rod. The coupling between flow stresses and localized forces is hypothesized to be the key factor behind the variation of the radius of contact with processing conditions.

Engineering↗