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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

Influence of Numerical Modeling Approaches on Damped Behavior of Flexible Beams: Preprint

Composites structures are widely used in aerospace and wind energy applications for their excellent stiffness and strength-to-weight properties. In these structures, structural damping is critical to predict vibration amplitudes, performance, and reliability. Structural damping is of particular interest for slender wings, rotorcraft blades, and wind turbine blades that can exhibit complex vibration phenomena and are frequently modeled with geometrically exact beam theory (GEBT). Standard approaches of stiffness proportional or modal damping merely assign user defined values and cannot predict damping behavior. This work compares stiffness proportional damping to two more advanced damping approaches: modal strain energy and Prony series. The modal strain energy approach uses a sectional analysis tool to calculate the beam stiffness and postprocess internal stresses from GEBT simulations. The internal stresses are then used to calculate modal damping factors. The Prony series is implemented within GEBT to directly model viscoelastic behavior of the composites. These approaches are compared by modeling the evolution of the damping factors of a realistic flexible wind turbine blade with varying rotational speed. Discrepancies between the approaches suggest areas for future modeling development, but differences in nonlinear damping values are less than current uncertainties about the magnitude of structural damping.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Mechanical theory of nonequilibrium coexistence and motility-induced phase separation

Nonequilibrium phase transitions are routinely observed in both natural and synthetic systems. The ubiquity of these transitions highlights the conspicuous absence of a general theory of phase coexistence that is broadly applicable to both nonequilibrium and equilibrium systems. Here, in this study, we present a general mechanical theory for phase separation rooted in ideas explored nearly a half-century ago in the study of inhomogeneous fluids. The core idea is that the mechanical forces within the interface separating two coexisting phases uniquely determine coexistence criteria, regardless of whether a system is in equilibrium or not. We demonstrate the power and utility of this theory by applying it to active Brownian particles, predicting a quantitative phase diagram for motility-induced phase separation in both two and three dimensions. This formulation additionally allows for the prediction of novel interfacial phenomena, such as an increasing interface width while moving deeper into the two-phase region, a uniquely nonequilibrium effect confirmed by computer simulations. The self-consistent determination of bulk phase behavior and interfacial phenomena offered by this mechanical perspective provide a concrete path forward toward a general theory for nonequilibrium phase transitions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Hybrid Quantum Mechanical, Molecular Mechanical, and Machine Learning Potential for Computing Aqueous-Phase Adsorption Free Energies on Metal Surfaces

Performing reliable computer simulations of elementary processes occurring at metal–water interfaces is pivotal for novel catalyst design in sustainable energy applications. Computational catalyst design hinges on the ability to reliably and efficiently compute the potential energy surface (PES) of the system. Here, due to the large system sizes needed for studying processes at liquid water–metal interfaces, these systems can currently not be described using density functional theory (DFT). In this work, we used a hybrid quantum mechanical, molecular mechanical, and machine learning potential for studying the adsorption behavior of phenol, atomic hydrogen, 2-butanol, and 2-butanone on the (0001) facet of Ru under reducing conditions when Ru is not oxidized. Specifically, we describe the adsorbate and the surrounding metal atoms at the DFT level of theory. Here, we also considered the electrostatic field effect of the water molecules on adsorbate–metal interactions. Next, for the water–water and water–adsorbate interactions, we used established classical force fields. Finally, for the water–Ru surface interaction, for which no reliable force fields have been published, we used Behler–Parrinello high-dimensional neural network potentials (HDNNPs). Employing this setup, we used our explicit solvation for metal surface (eSMS) approach to compute the aqueous-phase effect on the low-coverage adsorption of selected molecules and atoms on the (0001) facet of Ru. In agreement with previous experimental and computational studies of oxygenated molecules over transition metal facets, we found that liquid water destabilizes the tested adsorbates on Ru(0001). Interestingly, our findings indicate that adsorbates on Ru are less affected by the presence of an aqueous phase than on other transition metals (e.g., Pt), highlighting the necessity of experimental investigations of Ru-based catalytic systems in liquid water.

Adsorption↗

A Polar Magnetic and Insulating Double Corundum Oxide: Mn2MnSbO6 with Ordered Mn(II) and Mn(III) Ions

A new magnetic insulator Mn2MnSbO6 with a polar crystal structure and an ordered Mn2+ and Mn3+ arrangement was synthesized under a high pressure of 7.5 GPa and 1300 degrees C. The crystal structure of Mn2MnSbO6, investigated by synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, was found to be isomorphous with that of Ni3TeO6-type, space group R3. The non-centrosymmetric structure was confirmed by the second-harmonic generation measurements. The X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy measurement confirmed the nominal oxidation states of Mn22+Mn3+SbO6. Magnetic measurements indicate that Mn2MnSbO6 orders antiferromagnetically below 44 K and undergoes a field-induced spin-flop transition at 5 K. First-principles calculations indicate an antiferromagnetic ground state with up/up/up/down/down/down (uuuddd) spin configuration of the six crystallographically unique Mn ions in the c-axis doubled magnetic structure. The density functional theory calculations also substantiate the experimentally observed charge ordering of the Mn2+/Mn3+ ions and the insulating behavior due to a bandgap of 0.52 eV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first double corundum oxide containing Jahn-Teller active Mn3+ ions.

Feng, Hai L.↗

Dynamics of virtual water networks: Role of national socio-economic indicators across the world

Intensified water usage due to rapid industrialization is often dictated by economic policies based on monetary growth rather than sustainable use of environmental resources. In addition, interdependence within economic sectors further interweaves water usage through product transactions, which further makes it difficult to quantify the dynamics of hydro-economic systems at regional, national and global scale. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of domestic virtual water networks (VWN) of 189 countries based on concept of information theory by quantifying network metrics that describes VWN flow capacity, robustness, efficiency and flexibility. These networks represent virtual water interconnected through economic sectors within a specified country built based on environmentally extended multi region input output (EE-MRIO) approach. We further estimated trends associated with network metrics, as well as coupling intensity between metrics with respect to socio-economic indicators, such as, population, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Income (GNI). It was observed that capacity and flexibility of VWNs are strongly and positively correlated indicating that a high capacity VWN can be more flexible. Our results also indicate that, in general a higher percentage of developing countries (i.e. both least developing and developing nations) have exhibited increasing trends in capacity, robustness, efficiency and flexibility of VWN compared to developed nations. It was revealed that the dynamics of VWNs are positively coupled with socio-economic growth for few countries, which indicates the sustainable behavior of VWN with socio-economic growth. Our results argue that the information theory-based metrics by embedding water footprints can holistically capture sustainability aspect of the VWN dynamics.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Signatures of van Hove singularities in the anisotropic in-plane optical conductivity of the topological semimetal Nb 3 ⁢SiTe 6

In this work, we present a temperature-dependent infrared spectroscopy study on the layered topological semimetal Nb 3 ⁢SiTe 6 combined with density-functional theory calculations of the electronic band structure and optical conductivity. Our results reveal an anisotropic behavior of the in-plane (ac-plane) optical conductivity, with three pronounced excitations located at around 0.15, 0.28, and 0.41 eV for the polarization of the incident radiation along the c axis. These excitations are well reproduced in the theoretical spectra. Based on the ab initio results, the excitations around 0.15 and 0.28 eV are interpreted as fingerprints of van Hove singularities in the electronic band structure and compared to the findings for other topological semimetals.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Situating the Vector Density Approach Among Contemporary Continuum Theories of Dislocation Dynamics

Abstract For the past century, dislocations have been understood to be the carriers of plastic deformation in crystalline solids. However, their collective behavior is still poorly understood. Progress in understanding the collective behavior of dislocations has primarily come in one of two modes: the simulation of systems of interacting discrete dislocations and the treatment of density measures of varying complexity that are considered as continuum fields. A summary of contemporary models of continuum dislocation dynamics is presented. These include, in order of complexity, the two-dimensional statistical theory of dislocations, the field dislocation mechanics treating the total Kröner–Nye tensor, vector density approaches that treat geometrically necessary dislocations on each slip system of a crystal, and high-order theories that examine the effect of dislocation curvature and distribution over orientation. Each of theories contain common themes, including statistical closure of the kinetic dislocation transport equations and treatment of dislocation reactions such as junction formation. An emphasis is placed on how these common themes rely on closure relations obtained by analysis of discrete dislocation dynamics experiments. The outlook of these various continuum theories of dislocation motion is then discussed.

Engineering↗

Unconventional Charge Transport in MgCr 2 O 4 and Implications for Battery Intercalation Hosts

Ion transport in solid-state cathode materials prescribes a fundamental limit to the rates batteries can operate; therefore, an accurate understanding of ion transport is a critical missing piece to enable new battery technologies, such as magnesium batteries. Based on our conventional understanding of lithium-ion materials, MgCr 2 O 4 is a promising magnesium-ion cathode material given its high capacity, high voltage against an Mg anode, and acceptable computed diffusion barriers. Electrochemical examinations of MgCr 2 O 4 , however, reveal significant energetic limitations. Motivated by these disparate observations; herein, we examine long-range ion transport by electrically polarizing dense pellets of MgCr 2 O 4 . Our conventional understanding of ion transport in battery cathode materials, e.g., Nernst-Einstein conduction, cannot explain the measured response since it neglects frictional interactions between mobile species and their nonideal free energies. In this work, we propose an extended theory that incorporates these interactions and reduces to the Nernst-Einstein conduction under dilute conditions. This theory describes the measured response, and we report the first study of long-range ion transport behavior in MgCr 2 O 4 . We conclusively show that the Mg chemical diffusivity is comparable to lithium-ion electrode materials, whereas the total conductivity is rate-limiting. Given these differences, energy storage in MgCr 2 O 4 is limited by particle-scale voltage drops, unlike lithium-ion particles that are limited by concentration gradients. Future materials design efforts should consider the interspecies interactions described in this extended theory, particularly with respect to multivalent-ion systems and their resultant effects on continuum transport properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Advanced Multiscale Microscopy Characterization of High Burnup LWR UO 2 Before and After LOCA Testing

Previous microscopy work within the campaign has observed increased porosity coupled with subgrain formation in the mid-radial region of the fuel. However, examinations of high burnup fuel taken from multiple reactors with different operating conditions have shown that this structure can move radially inward depending on the fuel operating conditions. It is currently theorized that inter- and intragranular fission gas bubble nucleation is precursory to the grain subdivision observed in the mid-radial and central regions of the fuel. Characterization of samples after loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) testing has revealed that these restructured regions with a high density of bubbles and subgrains pulverize during the transient test. It appears that the increase in fission gas bubbles coupled with grain subdivision renders the fuel mechanically weaker during a LOCA transient and thus susceptible to fuel fragmentation relocation and dispersal (FFRD). Work this past fiscal year has prioritized understanding this behavior by using advanced microscopy to investigate fission gas behavior in the as-irradiated and post-LOCA state. Additional work has been performed to verify the theory described above by analyzing multiple post-LOCA optical micrographs and comparing that to as-irradiated microstructural data. This document reports progress in the post-irradiation characterization of high burnup nuclear fuel with emphasis on the restructured fuel regions, particularly how microstructural features influence FFRD and fission gas release behavior in LOCA conditions.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Reactivity of Carbonate Solvent Electrolytes on Lithium Silicon Anodes

Silicon (Si) is promising for lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes due to their high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. However, significant challenges remain, including severe volumetric expansion during cycling and the electrochemical instability of electrolytes, which leads to the formation of a nonuniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). To investigate SEI formation mechanisms, computational molecular dynamics simulations offer valuable insights. In this work, we examine the trajectories and charge transfer behavior of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6 ) salt with various solvent compositions using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). Among the tested electrolyte systems, LiPF 6 with vinylene carbonate (VC) added to ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) exhibits the lowest reactivity with the Si anode. In contrast, the effects of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and VC depend on whether the primary solvent is EMC alone or a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and EMC. Moreover, we show that electrolyte reactivity varies with the degree of lithiation of the Si anode (LiSi vs Li 15 Si 4 ) and under different charge states. To decouple electrolyte reactivity from surface effects, we analyze the dissociation and formation energies of individual species from solvated configurations. Overall, these first-principles-based findings provide a strategic foundation for electrolyte design to improve cycling stability and extend calendar life in LIBs using Si anodes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Time-resolved unsteady shock motion and spectral analysis of a hypersonic shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction over a double-cone

Direct experimental measurements of double-cone shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction dynamics at Mach 7.2 were collected using a schlieren-based shock-detection algorithm at the University of Texas at San Antonio. The points of flow separation and reattachment were spatially and spectrally evaluated at 300 kHz for time-resolved characterization of the unsteadiness of this flow field. The separation bubble was found to rapidly expand and contract about a large mean length. Spectral analysis of the velocity fluctuations of this motion revealed this behavior to be a turbulent phenomenon, with spectral energy trends consistent with the Kolmogorov theory for the turbulent energy cascade.

Glasby, Ryan [ORNL]↗

Simulation of convective transport during frequency chirping of a TAE using the MEGA code

Here, we present a procedure to examine energetic particle phase-space during long range frequency chirping phenomena in tokamak plasmas. To apply the proposed method, we have performed self-consistent simulations using the MEGA code and analyzed the simulation data. We demonstrate a traveling wave in phase-space and that there exist specific slices of phase-space on which the resonant particles lie throughout the wave evolution. For non-linear evolution of an n = 6 toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode (TAE), our results reveal the formation of coherent phase-space structures (holes/clumps) after coarse-graining of the distribution function. These structures cause a convective transport in phase-space which implies a radial drift of the resonant particles. We also demonstrate that the rate of frequency chirping increases with the TAE damping rate. Our observations of the TAE behavior and the corresponding phase-space dynamics are consistent with the Berk–Breizman theory.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Transmission Line Based Sensor Design for FMCW Radar Processing of Collision Damage

This report presents a framework for transmission line ( T-L ) sensor design in Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar applications, with particular emphasis on modeling collision damage effects. Classical electromagnetic (EM) propagation theory is combined with impact mechanics to develop a model for analyzing transmission line behavior as a sensor under high-velocity impact conditions. The framework includes detailed mathematical derivations, spatial and temporal damage evolution models, and practical implementation considerations.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Advanced Fuels Campaign Execution Plan

The Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) Execution Plan outlines the strategy, mission, scope, near-term and long-term goals, structure, and organization associated with nuclear fuels and materials research, development, and demonstration activities within the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain (NFCSC) program. NFCSC has been given responsibility to identify and mature advanced fuel technologies for the DOE using a science-based approach, focused on developing a fundamental understanding of nuclear fuels and materials to drive development of integrated nuclear fuel and materials technology. This science-based approach combines theory, experiments, and multiscale modeling and simulation to achieve a predictive understanding of relevant behaviors ranging from fuel fabrication processes (and their resulting fuel microstructures) through fuel/cladding performance under irradiation (in contrast to more empirical, observation-based approaches frequently used in fuel performance modeling and fuel qualification). The traditional scope of AFC includes the evaluation and development of multiple fuel forms to support two fuel cycle options: once-through and full recycle. The word “fuel” is used generically to include conventional fuels, transmutation targets, and any associated cladding or duct materials. The once-through fuel cycle addresses advanced light water reactor fuels with enhanced performance, extended burnup, and reduced waste generation. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, AFC’s scope expanded to include research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) for light water reactor (LWR) fuels with enhanced accident tolerance. Fuel fabrication activities include the development of innovative methods to enhance process efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve control over as-fabricated fuel microstructural properties to achieve desired in-reactor performance. Using modern modeling and simulation approaches, the objective is to predict fresh fuel properties given the feedstock characteristics and fabrication process parameters. The performance-related activities include small-scale, in-reactor, and out-of-reactor phenomenological testing (distinct from, but synergistic with, integral prototypic testing) and extensive, quantitative characterization (focusing on characterization of fuel and cladding materials at the scale of microstructure) both before and after testing. Larger-scale, prototypic experiments are conducted in concert with phenomenological testing to drive a Fuel Development and Qualification program, incorporating a fundamental understanding of fuel behavior performance characteristics. Then, using the tools developed under the productive science-based approach, fuels will be optimized to meet specific performance requirements, thereby minimizing the need to repeatedly perform large-scale, integral experiments over a wide parametric range as a means of experimental exploration. Two significant initiatives are underway within AFC. First, a gap analysis completed in early FY 2019 identified critical irradiation testing needs that are lacking within the national light water reactor (LWR) fuels testbed since the shutdown of the Halden Reactor in 2018. The identified gaps are for instrumented, prototypic testing of LWR fuels, especially under boiling water reactor conditions, ramp conditions, and conditions leading to fuel failure; these needs exist for supporting current LWR fuels and their possible extension to higher burnups, but are especially urgent relative to near-term development and qualification of accident-tolerant fuels. Recommendations that resulted from the Halden Gap Analysis focused on enhancements at Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) and Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) to fill gaps in testing capabilities relative to these needs. Second, a concerted effort to develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to accelerating the development, testing, and qualification of new fuel systems has been initiated. This is highlighted by a test strategy that combines the considerable advances in multiscale, mechanistic fuel modeling of recent years with a MiniFuel separate effects test program in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and a Fission Accelerated Steady-state Testing (FAST) semi-integral accelerated test program in ATR. This approach is being tested/demonstrated using the metallic fuel system, but if successful it is expected to be extensible to multiple fuel types and diverse applications. This document includes an overview of the NFCSC program, a definition of science-based development of nuclear fuels, near-term goals for Advanced LWR fuels (ALFs), and longer-term goals for Advanced Reactor Fuels (ARFs) RD&D. This includes the activities that will be conducted to achieve success toward the grand challenge, as well as the goals and milestones to be achieved over the next few decades of research and development. Long-term goals are based on the DOE Office of Nuclear Energ

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Advanced Fuels Campaign Execution Plan

The Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) Execution Plan outlines the strategy, mission, scope, near-term and long-term goals, structure, and organization associated with nuclear fuels and materials research, development, and demonstration activities within the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Supply Chain (NFCSC) program. NFCSC has been given responsibility to identify and mature advanced fuel technologies for the DOE using a science-based approach, focused on developing a fundamental understanding of nuclear fuels and materials to drive development of integrated nuclear fuel and materials technology. This science-based approach combines theory, experiments, and multiscale modeling and simulation to achieve a predictive understanding of relevant behaviors ranging from fuel fabrication processes (and their resulting fuel microstructures) through fuel/cladding performance under irradiation (in contrast to more empirical, observation-based approaches frequently used in fuel performance modeling and fuel qualification). The traditional scope of AFC includes the evaluation and development of multiple fuel forms to support two fuel cycle options: once-through and full recycle. The word “fuel” is used generically to include conventional fuels, transmutation targets, and any associated cladding or duct materials. The once-through fuel cycle addresses advanced light water reactor fuels with enhanced performance, extended burnup, and reduced waste generation. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, AFC’s scope expanded to include research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) for light water reactor (LWR) fuels with enhanced accident tolerance. Fuel fabrication activities include the development of innovative methods to enhance process efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve control over as-fabricated fuel microstructural properties to achieve desired in-reactor performance. Using modern modeling and simulation approaches, the objective is to predict fresh fuel properties given the feedstock characteristics and fabrication process parameters. The performance-related activities include small-scale, in-reactor, and out-of-reactor phenomenological testing (distinct from, but synergistic with, integral prototypic testing) and extensive, quantitative characterization (focusing on characterization of fuel and cladding materials at the scale of microstructure) both before and after testing. Larger-scale, prototypic experiments are conducted in concert with phenomenological testing to drive a Fuel Development and Qualification program, incorporating a fundamental understanding of fuel behavior performance characteristics. Then, using the tools developed under the productive science-based approach, fuels will be optimized to meet specific performance requirements, thereby minimizing the need to repeatedly perform large-scale, integral experiments over a wide parametric range as a means of experimental exploration. Two significant initiatives are underway within AFC. First, a gap analysis completed in early FY 2019 identified critical irradiation testing needs that are lacking within the national light water reactor (LWR) fuels testbed since the shutdown of the Halden Reactor in 2018. The identified gaps are for instrumented, prototypic testing of LWR fuels, especially under boiling water reactor conditions, ramp conditions, and conditions leading to fuel failure; these needs exist for supporting current LWR fuels and their possible extension to higher burnups, but are especially urgent relative to near-term development and qualification of accident-tolerant fuels. Recommendations that resulted from the Halden Gap Analysis focused on enhancements at Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) and Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) to fill gaps in testing capabilities relative to these needs. Second, a concerted effort to develop and demonstrate a systematic approach to accelerating the development, testing, and qualification of new fuel systems has been initiated. This is highlighted by a test strategy that combines the considerable advances in multiscale, mechanistic fuel modeling of recent years with a MiniFuel separate effects test program in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and a Fission Accelerated Steady-state Testing (FAST) semi-integral accelerated test program in ATR. This approach is being tested/demonstrated using the metallic fuel system, but if successful it is expected to be extensible to multiple fuel types and diverse applications. This document includes an overview of the NFCSC program, a definition of science-based development of nuclear fuels, near-term goals for Advanced LWR fuels (ALFs), and longer-term goals for Advanced Reactor Fuels (ARFs) RD&D. This includes the activities that will be conducted to achieve success toward the grand challenge, as well as the goals and milestones to be achieved over the next few decades of research and development. Long-term goals are based on the DOE Office of Nuclear Energ

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Insights into the Li Diffusion Mechanism in Si/C Composite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Recently, Si/C composite materials have attracted enormous research interest as the most promising candidates for the anodes of next-generation lithium-ion batteries, owing to their high energy density and mechanical buffering property. However, the fundamental mechanism of Li diffusion behavior in various Si/C composite materials remains unclear, with our understanding limited by experimental techniques and continuum modeling methodologies. Herein, the atomic behavior of Li diffusion in the Si/C composite material is studied within the framework of density functional theory. Two representative structural mixing formats, that is, simple mixture mode and core-shell mode, are modeled and compared. We discover that the carbon material increases Li diffusion in silicon from 7.75 x 10 -5 to 2.097 x 10 -4 cm 2 /s. The boost is about 50% more obvious in the mixture mode, while the core-shell structure shows more dependence on the atomic structures of the carbon layer. These results offer new insights into Li diffusion behavior in Si/C composites and unlock the enhancing mechanism for Li diffusion in Si/C. Furthermore, this understanding facilitates the modeling of batteries with composite anodes and will guide the corresponding structure designs for robust and high-energy-density batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Large deformations of Tr(Φ 3 ) and the world at infinity

The amplitudes of the non-linear sigma model can be obtained from those of Tr(Φ 3 ) theory by sending the kinematic (Mandelstam) variables to infinity in a certain direction. In this paper we characterize the behavior of Tr(Φ 3 ) amplitudes under a general class of large kinematic shifts called g-vector shifts. The objects that live in this world at infinity retain certain key amplitude-like properties, most notably factorization, and admit descriptions in terms of polytopes, but they are not generally amplitudes of any cognizable theory. We identify particular g-vector shifts that lead at infinity to mixed amplitudes involving two pions and any number of scalars, allowing us to provide polytopal descriptions of these amplitudes.

effective field theories↗