From Equations to Discovery: AI-Driven Parameter Space Navigation in Materials Science & Process Engineering
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organic↗
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From Equations to Discovery: AI-Driven Parameter Space Navigation in Materials Science & Process Engineering
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
organic↗
High-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging of melt pool dynamics during ultrasonic melt processing of Al6061
Not Available
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Submerged Fatigue Testing of Marine Energy Advanced Materials
Marine energy structures are typically made of advanced composite materials and are subjected to extreme ocean environments in service. In extreme ocean environments, seawater currents and waves load structures repeatedly, which cause two environmental conditions: water intrusion and mechanical fatigue. In prior research, the two environmental conditions were applied sequentially, where composite specimens were aged and then mechanically tested. To understand the combined effects of dynamic loading and water intrusion on composite materials, the present study involves the static and fatigue four-point bend testing of composite coupons in a water tank. The water tank was designed and built to fit either a 100 kN or a 250 kN load frame. Flexural strength value, cycles to failure, and failure mode results from submerged fatigue testing will be used to inform marine energy structure designs. The coupon-scale test method will be used to scale up to and inform methods for subsequent subcomponent testing and standards development. Finally, the benefits of designing marine energy structures to informed standards are decreased lifetime costs and increased reliability and energy production, ultimately leading to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
Materials science and engineering in space
The influences of gravitational forces on processes used in the preparation of materials employed in earth-based applications are addressed and the benefits which may be derived from the microgravity environment of space in improving on such constraints are considered. Attention is given to the fact that Materials Processing in Space is directed toward the utilization of the unique space environment as a tool to establish a scientific characterization of materials processes for technological exploitation in the public benefit. In the context of enhancement to earth-based technology or implementation of space-based processes for specialized, low volume, high value materials, the thrust of the Materials Processing in Space program is surveyed.
Zoller, L. K.↗
Reliability and engineering sciences area. Materials research: Single junction thin film
A test bench was designed and fabricated for the purpose of improving control of hot-spot test accuracy. Electrochemical corrosion research focused on corrosion mechanisms to which both crystalline and a-Si modules may be subjected in central station applications. A variety of cells and several designs were subjected to accelerated stress tests. Humiditiy degradation rates were determined and key electrochemical failure mechanisms were identified. Software was developed for the prediction of power loss resulting from open circuits in an array field of a-Si modules. Failure analysis was continued on the four ARCO Solar Genesis modules. The interactions of water on the silicon module was examined. An autocatalytic photooxidation model was proposed. The reliability and durability of bonding materials and electrical insulation were also studied.
Source record↗
Artificial Muscles Based on Electroactive Polymers as an Enabling Tool in Biomimetics
Evolution has resolved many of nature's challenges leading to working and lasting solutions that employ principles of physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, materials science, and many other fields of science and engineering. Nature's inventions have always inspired human achievements leading to effective materials, structures, tools, mechanisms, processes, algorithms, methods, systems, and many other benefits. Some of the technologies that have emerged include artificial intelligence, artificial vision, and artificial muscles, where the latter is the moniker for electroactive polymers (EAPs). To take advantage of these materials and make them practical actuators, efforts are made worldwide to develop capabilities that are critical to the field infrastructure. Researchers are developing analytical model and comprehensive understanding of EAP materials response mechanism as well as effective processing and characterization techniques. The field is still in its emerging state and robust materials are still not readily available; however, in recent years, significant progress has been made and commercial products have already started to appear. In the current paper, the state-of-the-art and challenges to artificial muscles as well as their potential application to biomimetic mechanisms and devices are described and discussed.
electroactive polymers↗
Los Alamos National Laboratory R&D Intern
This report details the responsibilities, outcomes, and project details of a summer R&D internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANL is a multidisciplinary laboratory that focuses on current cutting-edge research in many fields such as national security, engineering, materials science, computational modeling, and advanced manufacturing. The goal of the internship project was to work with lab engineers and resources to develop an energy absorbing structure for high-velocity impact applications. The successful development of this technology and methodology would not only positively impact future project funding but also contribute to the laboratory's commitment to solve national security challenges through simultaneous excellence. Such devices would also support efforts surrounding the research and development of energy absorbing structures and would provide new vital information backed by experimentation. Different computational and modeling methods were used to design these structures, in addition to qualitative background information provided by past literature. The resultant designs were successfully tested, and the test results were successfully quantified. From these results, new computational methods were developed through python programming and modeling to predict ideal materialistic properties for these structures given a sufficiently defined application.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
High strain-rate strength response of single crystal tantalum through in-situ hole closure imaging experiments
The properties of crystalline materials often depend on directionality and operating conditions. Specifically, the strength of materials can depend anisotropically on crystal direction and the loading condition. To probe these effects, a preliminary series of high strain-rate (> 105/s) strength plate-impact hole closure experiments were performed on high purity single crystal Tantalum cubes. The orientation of the single crystals with respect to impact/loading were varied to provide data to inform crystal plasticity modeling efforts. The experiments consist of in-situ high-resolution X-ray radiographic imaging of the hole collapse under dynamic compression conditions to infer the material strength via its resistance to closure at increasing levels of plastic strain. The experiments are compared against hydrocode simulation predictions. Here, a comparison with simple elastic perfectly plastic strength model predictions is presented to elucidate the response of the different crystal orientations at high strain-rate and large plastic strains.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Cooperative Education
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary national laboratory that conducts research and development in national security, engineering, materials science, computational modeling, and advanced manufacturing. The laboratory develops innovative technologies to address complex scientific and engineering challenges. This project focuses on the development and evaluation of high-performance absorbing structures through computational design, simulation, and engineering analysis. Absorbing structures are used in applications where damage mitigation, structural protection, and material efficiency are critical performance requirements. The increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength, and highly efficient structural systems has created a need for improved design methodologies capable of maximizing absorption while minimizing weight and material usage. The project utilizes advanced engineering software, including 3D CAD software and FEA, to generate and optimize structural concepts. Computational simulations are performed to evaluate structural behavior under loading conditions, while mathematical analyses are conducted using Python-based tools as well as established analytical equations from material and structural mechanics. The project benefits LANL by supporting the development of advanced design methodologies and improving the understanding of material and structural performance. During the internship term, a significant portion of the design development, simulation, and data analysis activities will be completed. Success of the project depends on collaboration among engineering mentors and technical staff members. Work will be conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory using laboratory computing resources and engineering software.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Technical Reports: Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars
The Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program was established by Dr. Samuel E. Massenberg in 1986. The program has increased from 20 participants in 1986 to 114 participants in 1995. The program is LaRC-unique and is administered by Hampton University. The program was established for the benefit of undergraduate juniors and seniors and first-year graduate students who are pursuing degrees in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, computer science, atmospheric science, astrophysics, physics, and chemistry. Two primary elements of the LARSS Program are: (1) a research project to be completed by each participant under the supervision of a researcher who will assume the role of a mentor for the summer, and (2) technical lectures by prominent engineers and scientists. Additional elements of this program include tours of LARC wind tunnels, computational facilities, and laboratories. Library and computer facilities will be available for use by the participants.
Schwan, Rafaela↗
Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars
The Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) Program was established by Dr. Samuel E. Massenberg in 1986. The program has increased from 20 participants in 1986 to 114 participants in 1995. The program is LaRC-unique and is administered by Hampton University. The program was established for the benefit of undergraduate juniors and seniors and first-year graduate students who are pursuing degrees in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, computer science, atmospheric science, astrophysics, physics, and chemistry. Two primary elements of the LARSS Program are: (1) a research project to be completed by each participant under the supervision of a researcher who will assume the role of a mentor for the summer, and (2) technical lectures by prominent engineers and scientists. Additional elements of this program include tours of LARC wind tunnels, computational facilities, and laboratories. Library and computer facilities will be available for use by the participants.
Schwan, Rafaela↗
Technical Education Outreach in Materials Science and Technology Based on NASA's Materials Research
The grant NAG-1 -2125, Technical Education Outreach in Materials Science and Technology, based on NASA s Materials Research, involves collaborative effort among the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s Langley Research Center (NASA-LaRC), Norfolk State University (NSU), national research centers, private industry, technical societies, colleges and universities. The collaboration aims to strengthen math, science and technology education by providing outreach related to materials science and technology (MST). The goal of the project is to transfer new developments from LaRC s Center for Excellence for Structures and Materials and other NASA materials research into technical education across the nation to provide educational outreach and strengthen technical education. To achieve this goal we are employing two main strategies: 1) development of the gateway website and 2) using the National Educators Workshop: Update in Engineering Materials, Science and Technology (NEW:Updates). We have also participated in a number of national projects, presented talks at technical meetings and published articles aimed at improving k-12 technical education. Through the three years of this project the NSU team developed the successful MST-Online site and continued to upgrade and update it as our limited resources permitted. Three annual NEW:Updates conducted from 2000 though 2002 overcame the challenges presented first by the September 11,2001 terrorist attacks and the slow U.S. economy and still managed to conduct very effective workshops and expand our outreach efforts. Plans began on NEW:Update 2003 to be hosted by NASA Langley as a part of the celebration of the Centennial of Controlled Flight.
Jacobs, James A.↗
Nanoengineered Shape-Memory Hemostat
Uncontrolled hemorrhage is the predominant cause of preventable combat deaths. Various biomaterials serve as hemostatic agents due to their procoagulant or absorptive activity. However, these biomaterials often lack expansion capabilities, which severely limits use in noncompressible wounds. This study combines a hemostatic nanocomposite with a shape-memory polymer foam to design a composite material with both hemostatic and physical expansion properties. This composite is fabricated in two formulations: a foam externally coated in a highly concentrated nanocomposite (“coated composite”) and a foam containing a diluted nanocomposite infused throughout its pores (“infused composite”). Both formulations retain the shape-memory foam's expansion property. Further, the coated composite shows improved fluid uptake (>2-fold) versus infused composites or foam. The nanocomposite component dissociates from the foam under degradative conditions, with the foam remaining stable for 30 days. Hemostatic studies illustrate that the coated composite reduces the clotting time by ≈20%. Alternatively, the infused composite improves clotting over a larger distance (up to ≈2× distance from the composite). These results signify a modular hemostatic ability: the coated composite reduces clotting and improves fluid uptake, while the infused composite achieves diffuse clotting and maintains mechanical properties. Thus, these materials pose a strong potential for use in noncompressible wounds.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
Ultrafast Surface Phosphor Thermometry for Pulsed-power and Hostile Environments
Modern concepts for next generation pulsed power (NGPP) are slated to deliver up to ten times the energy of Z today. An increase of this magnitude is concerning insofar that Z currently exhibits sizable amounts of inner magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) loss current on the order of 5-10%. Loss phenomenon in these systems are complex and electrode heating and subsequent thermal desorption are a leading cause. Rapid heat-driven thermal desorption of contaminants scales as the square of the current. Therefore, even a modest doubling of drive current would yield an ~ 4X in non-linear surface electrode heating, quickening thermal desorption-based current loss. Exacerbating these physics is a current inability to measure ultra fast heating rates (>20°C/ns), which are paramount to benchmarking and code validation critical to NGPP design – as an empirical approach is not viable. Therefore, Ultrafast Photoluminescent Surface Heating Optical Thermometry (UP-SHOT) was developed as a new diagnostic for measurement of GHz-scale electrode heating. The discovery of UP-SHOT leveraged expertise in Engineering Science, Material Science, Pulsed-Power, and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies. This report includes information on: 1) The preparation of zinc oxide (ZnO) films, characterization, post-deposition treatments 2) Time-resolved photoluminescence at elevated temperatures and thermographic sensitivity
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Evaluating Polymer Properties with Different Additives for Carbon Capture and Other Applications
Anthropogenic climate change is one of this generation’s most pressing concerns, with the potential to completely alter the delicate balance we’ve struck with nature. Already, global temperatures have risen 1.29°C, leading to disrupted weather systems, extinctions, increased risks of wildfires, and sea level rise, to name a few effects. Carbon dioxide emission from the combustion of fossil fuels and other industrial activity is a large driver of this phenomenon, as it absorbs heat before it can be radiated away from Earth, trapping it. Carbon dioxide has reached unprecedented levels in our atmosphere, showing a 50% increase from preindustrial averages to a whopping 430 ppm. Thus, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide via carbon capture technology is an important endeavor that serves to benefit everyone. The Microencapsulated CO 2 Sorbent (MECS) team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned to microencapsulation to approach this endeavor. Microcapsules provide an attractive approach to carbon capture, combining large surface areas for more efficient mass transfer, regenerative abilities, reduced solvent loss, and improved handling. Additionally, while existing carbon capture technology relies on industrial plants, capsules could present a modular approach to carbon capture, reducing the need for extensive physical infrastructure. The MECS team’s design consists of a polymer membrane that contains a liquid carbon sequestering sorbent, aqueous sodium carbonate. The carbon capturing reaction occurs in three distinct steps, the first of which is the dissolution of carbon dioxide into the sorbent solution and its conversion into carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), shown in equations 1 and 2 respectively. Because this step hinges upon the ability of carbon dioxide to reach the solution inside the capsule, it is necessary that the microcapsule shell is permeable to carbon dioxide gas. The MECS team produces these microcapsules using the in-air droplet encapsulation apparatus (IDEA) shown in figure 1, which can produce uniform micron-scale droplets at speeds much faster than traditional single-dispersal microfluidic-based techniques. The IDEA Is 100 times faster than these current techniques and can reach up to 1000 times their speed when incorporating a multi-nozzle design. Additionally, because droplets are produced in-air via vibration, IDEA can decrease post-processing times and material waste by 99% and can fabricate microgels that are 10 to 100 times more viscous than can be produced via traditional microfluidics. While this design represents a breakthrough in the throughput, efficiency, and tunability of microcapsule production, it imposes a major constraint on the microcapsule curing process. Because microcapsule shells are crosslinked with UV light while falling 30 cm through the air, this gives them a reaction window of approximately 0.2 seconds. Thus, the system and shell formulations must be optimized such that the shells can be fully crosslinked within this very narrow window, prompting investigations into curing behavior.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Applications of aerospace technology in the electric power industry
Existing applications of NASA contributions to disciplines such as combustion engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, quality assurance and computer control are outlined to illustrate how space technology is used in the electric power industry. Corporate strategies to acquire relevant space technology are described.
Johnson, F. D.↗