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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of quasiparticle-vibration coupling on Gamow-Teller strength and 𝛽 decay with the Skyrme proton-neutron finite-amplitude method

We adapt the proton-neutron finite-amplitude method, which in its original form is an efficient implementation of the Skyrme quasiparticle random phase approximation, to include the coupling of quasiparticles to like-particle phonons. The approach allows us to add beyond-quasiparticle random-phase approximation correlations to computations of Gamow-Teller strength and 𝛽-decay rates in deformed nuclei for the first time. We test the approach in several deformed isotopes for which measured strength distributions are available. Furthermore, the additional correlations dramatically improve agreement with the data, and will lead to improved global 𝛽-decay rates.

Beta decay↗
DOE OSTI2025

Glassy interphases reinforce elastomeric nanocomposites by enhancing percolation-driven volume expansion under strain

For nearly a century, introduction of nanoparticles to elastomers has yielded extraordinarily tough nanocomposites that are critical to technologies from actuators to tires. The mechanisms by which this reinforcement occurs have nevertheless remained a central open question in material science. One widely debated hypothesis posits that strong interactions between polymer and particles induce "glassy bridges" that cement particles into a cohesive percolating network that resists elongation. Here, molecular dynamics simulations show that glassy particle shells do not primarily provide elongational cohesion. Instead, they amplify an underlying mechanism wherein competition between filler and elastomer networks causes the elastomer's volume to increase on deformation. This induces contributions from the elastomer's bulk modulus, which is of order 1000 times larger than its Young's modulus. These findings establish a unified understanding of low-strain reinforcement in filled elastomers as emanating from volumetric competition between coexisting particulate and elastomeric networks. This reframes and unifies our understanding of low-strain reinforcement, provides a clear-cut diagnostic for the presence of glassy bridging, and offers a new design principle for tough elastomeric nanocomposites.

Computational Physics (physics.comp-ph)↗
NASA NTRS1973

Drift shell splitting by internal geomagnetic multipoles.

Computations on an 80-coefficient model of the earth's field illustrate the 'topography' of the magnetic equatorial surface and the geometry of the drift shells of geomagnetically trapped particles. Individual terms in the spherical harmonic expansion of the geomagnetic scalar potential V(r, theta, phi) are either even or odd in cos theta, where theta = 90 deg denotes the dipole equator. Terms that are even in cos theta tend to 'warp' the equatorial surface, but do not (in first order) distort particle drift shells radially nor split the drift shells of particles having different equatorial pitch angles. Azimuthally asymmetric terms that are odd in cos theta do cause shell splitting in first order. Shell splitting at large L values (neglecting deformation of the earth's field by the solar wind) is found to be dominated by the geomagnetic octupole. At L approximately equal to 1, shell splitting is strongly enhanced by the South American and South African anomalies. When combined with pitch angle diffusion caused by atmospheric scattering, these results may be able to account for anomalous radial diffusion of inner zone electrons.

Roederer, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Particle motion on Mars inferred from the Viking lander cameras

Data from Viking lander cameras indicate fine particle mobility on the surface of Mars such as: probable ventifacts, rock-associated raised streaks, and particulate drifts. Peak wind directions inferred from Chryse and Utopia are roughly equal, and are consistant with those inferred by orbiter photography. A 24 deg systematic offset between: (1) the direction of rock-associated streaks in the Viking I landing site, and (2) Mariner 9 and Viking observations of crater-associated streaks is consistant with a Coriolis acceleration of particles entrained by high-velocity winds during the production of crater-associated streaks. It is suggested that if a large fraction of collision impact energy goes into deformation, strain, and rupture, a preferential destruction of the most easily saltated grains and a depletion of 15-micron diameter grains will be observed. Investigations of particulates dumped on the landing grid suggest that major saltation events took place between sols 96 and 207, caused by winds of greater than 50 meters/sec normalized to the top of the boundary layer.

Sagan, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Friction and morphology of magnetic tapes in sliding contact with nickel-zinc ferrite

Friction and morphological studies were conducted with magnetic tapes containing a Ni-Zn ferrite hemispherical pin in laboratory air at a relative humidity of 40 percent and at 23 C. The results indicate that the binder plays a significant role in the friction properties, morphology, and microstructure of the tape. Comparisons were made with four binders: nitrocellulose; poly (vinyledene) chloride; cellulose acetate; and hydroxyl-terminated, low molecular weight polyester added to the base polymer, polyester-polyurethane. The coefficient of friction was lowest for the tape with the nitrocellulose binder and increased in the order hydroxylterminated, low molecular weight polyester resin; poly (vinyledene) chloride; and cellulose acetate. The degree of enclosure of the oxide particles by the binder was highest for hydroxyl-terminated, low molecular weight polyester and decreased in the order cellulose acetate, poly (vinyledene) chloride, and nitrocellulose. The nature of deformation of the tape was a factor in controlling friction. The coefficient of friction under elastic contact conditions was considerably lower than under conditions that produced plastic contacts.

Miyoshi, K.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Covariant density functional theory input for r-process simulations in actinides and superheavy nuclei: The ground state and fission properties

A systematic investigation of the ground-state and fission properties of even-even actinides and superheavy nuclei with Z = 90–120 from the two-proton up to two-neutron drip lines with proper assessment of systematic theoretical uncertainties has been performed for the first time in the framework of covariant density functional theory (CDFT). Furthermore, these results provide a necessary theoretical input for the r-process modeling in heavy nuclei and, in particular, for the study of fission cycling. Four state-of-the-art globally tested covariant energy density functionals (CEDFs), namely, DD-PC1, DD-ME2, NL3*, and PC-PK1, representing the major classes of the CDFT models are employed in the present paper. Ground-state deformations, binding energies, two-neutron separation energies, α-decay Q α values and half-lives, and the heights of fission barriers have been calculated for all these nuclei. Theoretical uncertainties in these physical observables and their evolution as a function of proton and neutron numbers have been quantified and their major sources have been identified. Spherical shell closures at Z = 120, N = 184, and N = 258 and the structure of the single-particle (especially, high-j) states in their vicinities as well as nuclear matter properties of employed CEDFs are two major factors contributing to theoretical uncertainties. However, different physical observables are affected in a different way by these two factors. For example, theoretical uncertainties in calculated ground-state deformations are affected mostly by the former factor, while theoretical uncertainties in fission barriers depend on both of these factors.

190 ≤ A ≤ 219↗
DOE OSTI2025

Self-consistent hardness measurements spanning eleven decades of strain rate on a single material surface

A comprehensive understanding of material strength across strain rates typically requires the combination of results from different methods, which often vary in loading conditions and/or sampled volumes, leading to discrepancies in material behavior. This study presents a microindentation approach to measure hardness covering eleven orders of magnitude in strain rate, from quasi-static to phonon drag-dominated rates, on a single material surface under uniform testing conditions. By engineering the geometry of impactors used in laser induced particle impact testing, we extend the breadth of accessible strain rates, including multiple distinct rates exceeding 10⁵ s⁻¹. This self-consistent approach provides clearer insights into high-rate deformation mechanisms. Our results demonstrate a gradual increase in hardness with strain rate from quasi-static up to ultra-high rates, where a sharp upturn in hardness is observed.

Engineering↗
DOE OSTI2021

Neutron-unbound states in 31 Ne

Background: The Island of Inversion near the N = 20 shell gap is home to nuclei with reordered single-particle energy levels compared to the spherical shell model. Studies of 31 Ne have revealed that its ground state has a halo component, characterized by a valence neutron orbiting a deformed 30 Ne core. This lightly-bound nucleus with a separation energy of only S n = 170 keV is expected to have excited states that are neutron unbound. Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the low-lying excited states in 31 Ne that decay by the emission of a single neutron. Methods: An 89 MeV/u 33 Mg beam impinged on a segmented Be reaction target. Neutron unbound states in 31 Ne were populated via a two-proton knockout reaction. The 30 Ne fragment and associated neutron from the decay of 31 Ne were detected by the MoNA-LISA-Sweeper experimental setup at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Invariant mass spectroscopy was used to reconstruct the two-body decay energy ( 30 Ne + n). Results: The two-body decay energy spectrum exhibits two features: a low-lying peak at 0.30 ± 0.17 MeV and a broad enhancement at 1.50 ± 0.33 MeV, each fit with an energy-dependent asymmetric Breit-Wigner line shape representing a resonance in the continuum. Accompanying shell model calculations using the FSU interaction within NuShellX, combined with cross-section cal culations using the eikonal reaction theory, indicate that these peaks in the decay energy spectrum are caused by multiple resonant states in 31 Ne. Conclusions: In this study, excited states in 31 Ne were observed for the first time. Transitions from calculated shell model final states in 31 Ne to bound states in 30 Ne are in good agreement with the measured decay energy spectrum. Cross-section calculations for the two-proton knockout populating 31 Ne states as well as spectroscopic factors pertaining to the decay of 31 Ne into 30 Ne are used to examine the results within the context of the shell model expectations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1981

Physics of auroral arc formation; Proceedings of the Chapman Conference on Formation of Auroral Arcs, Fairbanks, AK, July 21-25, 1980

The results of satellite, balloon-borne, and ground-based observations of auroral phenomena are discussed in terms of the morphology of auroral arcs and the behavior and characteristics of auroral electrons and ions. Further attention is given to auroral electric fields and field aligned currents, and to the development of models of auroral potential structures and energization of auroral particles. A simulation of space plasma phenomena is presented, along with numerical simulations of auroral potential structures and related phenomena, including the V-potential double layers and auroral arc deformations, and a simulation of auroral arcs. Plasma waves observed on auroral field lines and in laboratory conditions are reported, and theoretical studies of waves and turbulence in auroral plasmas are described.

Akasofu, S.-I.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of deformed intruder structures along the N=50 magic number: Insights from 83 Se

The 83 Se nucleus was studied in the context of shape coexistence employing a 82 Se(d,p) 83 Se reaction performed in inverse kinematics with the GALILEO-II + SPIDER setup to reach the desired selectivity on the reaction channel of interest via γ -particle coincidences. The lifetimes of the 1/2 + 540-keV and 3/2$^{+}_{3}$ 1100-keV low-lying intruder states of 83 Se were measured for the first time by employing the Recoil Distance Doppler Shift and the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method. The deduced transition probabilities, together with the mixing ratios obtained from a separate neutron-capture experiment performed at ILL with the FIPPS array, are compared and discussed in the framework of shell-model calculations performed with the PFSDG-U Hamiltonian. Large transition probabilities of hundreds of e 2 fm 4 were found for the E 2 decays of the states built on top of the intruders, pointing to the development of quadrupole collectivity and large deformation in the proximity of N = 50 shell closure.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS2005

Surface Collisions Involving Particles and Moisture (SCIP'M)

Experiments were performed on the collision of a solid sphere with a nearly horizontal flat surface covered with a thin layer of viscous liquid. High-speed collisions were obtained by dropping the ball onto the surface from various heights, using gravitational acceleration. Low-speed collisions were obtained using pendulums with long strings or by launching the balls at low velocities in the reduced-gravity environment of parabolic flight. The sphere bounces only when the impact velocity exceeds a critical value. The coefficient of restitution (ratio of rebound velocity to impact velocity) increases with increasing impact velocity above the critical value, indicating the increasing relative importance of elastic deformation to viscous dissipation. The critical impact velocity increases, and the coefficient of restitution decreases, with increasing viscosity or thickness of the liquid layer and with decreasing density or size of the sphere. The ratio of the wet and dry coefficients is expressed as a function of the Stokes number (ratio of particle inertia and viscous forces), showing good agreement between theory and experiment. Similar experiments were performed with the flat surface inclined at various angles to the approaching sphere. A modified Stokes number, which is a measure of the ratio of inertia of the sphere in the normal direction to the viscous forces exerted by the fluid layer, was used for the analysis of oblique collisions. Even for these oblique collisions, it was found that no rebound of the ball was observed below a certain critical Stokes number. The coefficient of normal restitution, defined as a ratio of normal rebound velocity to normal approach velocity, was found to increase beyond the critical Stokes number and even out as it approaches the value for dry restitution at high Stokes numbers. It was also found that, for smooth spheres like steel, the normal restitution at the same modified Stokes number is independent of the angle of impact. The tangential coefficient of restitution, defined as the ratio of tangential rebound velocity to tangential approach velocity, is found to be nearly unity, except for very low approach velocities. Thus, as a first approximation, the theories that predict the coefficient of restitution for head-on wet collisions can be extended to predict the coefficient of normal restitution for oblique wet collisions. Additional experiments were performed with soft surfaces in which a porous cloth or sponge layer was placed over the hard, flat surface. In these experiments, the coefficient of restitution was found to decrease with increasing impact velocity, due to inelastic losses in the soft material. A model combining inelastic deformation and flow through porous media was developed to describe these findings.

Davis, Robert H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Monte Carlo simulation analysis for radiation damage on Glidcop Al-15 caused by 17-20 MeV/u heavy ions

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) SRF linear heavy-ion accelerator is designed to accelerate all ions up to uranium to a maximum beam power of 400 kW. Several beam intercepting devices (BIDs) are essential to the successful operation of the accelerator, including a low power charge selector (LPCS) made of copper containing 0.15% precipitated aluminum oxide by weight called Glidcop Al-15. As FRIB ramps up the primary beam power beyond the current 20 kW level, the charge selector must withstand higher radiation damage rates, typically measured in displacements per atom (dpa). Significant beam induced radiation damage including significant deformation, like swelling, blistering, and cracking has been observed on a recently removed LPCS. We also observed physical features up to about 5.5 mm wide and appear to be deeper than the projected range of any ions. This paper presents the results of Monte Carlo simulations carried out using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS), quantifying the total damage dose and ion concentration, etc. Simulating an accurate irradiation history is essential to determining the scope of post irradiation examination (PIE) work.

Fletcher, Ethan [Michigan State U.]↗
DOE OSTI2021

Mechanical Behavior of High-Entropy Alloys: A Review

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are materials that consist of equimolar or near-equimolar multiple principal components but tend to form single phases, which is a new research topic in the field of metallurgy, and have attracted extensive attention in the past decade. The HEAs families contain the face-centered-cubic (fcc), body-centered-cubic (bcc), and hexagonal-close-packed (hcp)-structured HEAs. On the one hand, mechanical properties, e.g., hardness, strength, ductility, fatigue, and elastic moduli, are essential for practical applications of HEAs. Scientists have explored in this direction since the advent of HEAs. On the other hand, the pursuit of high strength and good plasticity is the critical research issue of materials. Hence, strengthening of HEAs is a crucial issue.In this chapter, we reviewed the recent work on the room-temperature elastic properties and mechanical behavior of HEAs, including the mechanisms behind the plastic deformation of HEAs at both low and high temperatures. Furthermore, the present work examined the strengthening strategies of HEAs, e.g., strain hardening, grain-boundary strengthening, solid-solution strengthening, and particle strengthening. The fatigue, creep, and fracture properties were briefly introduced. Lastly, the future scientific issues and challenges of HEAs were discussed.

Shang, Yuanyuan↗
DOE OSTI2022

Invariant surface elastic properties in FCC metals and their correlation to bulk properties revealed by machine learning methods

In this work, we present a combination of machine-learned models that predicts the surface elastic properties of general free surfaces in face-centered cubic (FCC) metals. These models are built by combining a semi-analytical method based on atomistic simulations to calculate surface properties with the artificial neural network (ANN) method or the boosted regression tree (BRT) method. The latter is also used to link bulk properties and surface orientation to surface properties. The surface elastic properties are represented by their invariants considering plane elasticity within a polar method. The resulting models are shown to accurately predict the surface elastic properties of seven pure FCC metals (Cu, Ni, Ag, Au, Al, Pd, Pt). The BRT model reveals the correlations between bulk and corresponding surface properties in terms of invariants, which can be used to guide the design of complex nano-sized particles, wires and films. Finally, by expressing the surface excess energy density as a function of surface elastic invariants, fast predictions of surface energy as a function of in-plane deformations can be made from these model constructs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microscopic calculation of fission product yields for odd-mass nuclei

Fission data are essential inputs to reaction networks involved in nucleosynthesis simulations and nuclear forensics. In such applications as well as in the description of multichance fission, the characteristics of fission for odd-mass nuclei are just as important as those for even-even nuclei. The fission theories that aim at explicitly describing fission dynamics are typically based on some variant of the nuclear mean-field theory. In such cases, the treatment of systems with an odd number of particles is markedly more involved, both formally and computationally. In this article, we use the blocking prescription of the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory with Skyrme energy functionals to compute the deformation properties of odd-mass uranium isotopes. We show that the resulting fission fragment distributions depend quite significantly on the spin of the odd neutron. By direct calculation of the spin distribution of the fissioning nucleus, we propose a methodology to rigorously predict the charge and mass distributions in odd-mass nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2018

Acoustic Radiation Pressure

The theoretical foundation of acoustic radiation pressure in plane wave beams is reexamined. It is shown from finite deformation theory and the Boltzmann-Ehrenfest Adiabatic Principle that the Brillouin stress tensor (BST) is the radiation stress in Lagrangian coordinates (not Eulerian coordinates) and that the terms in the BST are not the momentum flux density and mean excess Eulerian stress but are simply contributions to the variation in the wave oscillation period resulting from changes in path length and true wave velocity, respectively, from virtual variations in the strain. It is shown that the radiation stress in Eulerian coordinates is the mean Cauchy stress (not the momentum flux density, as commonly assumed) and that Langevin's second relation does not yield an assessment of the mean Eulerian pressure, since the enthalpy used in the traditional derivations is a function of the thermodynamic tensions - not the Eulerian pressure. It is shown that the transformation between Lagrangian and Eulerian quantities cannot be obtained from the commonly-used expansion of one of the quantities in terms of the particle displacement, since the expansion provides only the difference between the value of the quantity at two different points in Cartesian space separated by the displacement. The proper transformation is obtained only by employing the transformation coefficients of finite deformation theory, which are defined in terms of the displacement gradients. Finite deformation theory leads to the result that for laterally unconfined, plane waves the Lagrangian and Eulerian radiation pressures are equal with the value (1/4)(2K) along the direction of wave propagation, where (K) is the mean kinetic energy density, and zero in directions normal to the propagation direction. This is contrary to the Langevin result that the Lagrangian radiation pressure in the propagation direction is equal to (2K) and the BST result that the Eulerian radiation pressure in that direction is the momentum flux density.

Finite deformation theory↗
DOE OSTI2020

AA2024/SiC metal matrix composites simultaneously improve ductility and cracking resistance during elevated temperature deformation

Here this study uses the stir-casting technique to combine a semi-solid AA2024 alloy directly with finely-sized β-SiC p embedded as a powder or with mechanically alloyed granules as a delivery agent. Liquid-state primary fabrication tends to form agglomerates of reinforcement particles, whereas rolling better distributes the composite constituents. Sub-micron reinforcements of low volume fractions do not significantly increase the hardness of the composite materials. Uniaxial tensile testing at elevated temperatures over a wide range of strain rates showed simultaneous increases in the ductility and crack resistance of AA2024 + SiC p granules embedded as a powder when compared to the non-reinforced control material at lower strain rates, with the same toughness as the control material. The maximum engineering strain of 252.7 ± 19.2% was observed in AA2024/SiCp at a strain rate of 10 -4 s -1 . This improvement in properties is attributed to grain refinement in the MMCs, leading to pinning events during the straining and ductility increases. The resultant impediments to grain growth and crack propagation allow the fine-sized reinforcements to control dynamic microstructural changes during fatigue. Cube {001}<100> is a dominant texture component in AA2024, whereas the Goss {011}<100> and S {123}<634> components mainly represent the texture of the discontinuously reinforced aluminum matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗