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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 433 records · Page 24

Triangular lattice Hubbard model physics at intermediate temperatures

Moiré systems offer an exciting playground to study the many-body effects of strongly correlated electrons in regimes that are not easily accessible in conventional material settings. Motivated by a recent experiment on WSe 2 /WS 2 moiré bilayers [Y. Tang et al., Nature (London) 579, 353 (2020)], which realized a triangular superlattice with a small hopping (of approximately 10 Kelvin), with tunable density of holes, we explore the Hubbard model on the triangular lattice for intermediate temperatures t ≲ T < U. Employing finite-temperature Lanczos calculations and closely following the fitting protocols used in the experiment, we recover the observed trends in the reported Curie-Weiss temperature Θ with filling, using the reported interaction strength U/t=20. Here, we focus on the large increase of |Θ| on decreasing the density below half filling and the sign change of Θ at higher fillings, which signals the onset of ferromagnetism. The increase in |Θ| is also seen in the t–J model (the low-energy limit of the Hubbard model) in the intermediate temperature range, which we clarify is opposite to the trend in its high temperature limit. Differences between the low, intermediate, and high temperature regimes are discussed. Our numerical calculations also capture the crossover between short-range antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic order in the intermediate temperature regime, a result broadly consistent with the experimental findings. We find that this behavior is a finite-temperature remnant of the underlying zero-temperature phase transition, which we explore with ground-state density matrix renormalization group calculations. We provide evidence of ferromagnetism characterized by weak (but robust) correlations that explain the small Θ seen in the experiment.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structure–property relations of sodium iron phosphate nuclear waste glasses: Effects of iron redox ratio and glass composition

Iron phosphate glasses, known for their exceptional chemical durability and potential applicability in nuclear waste management, have gained significant attention over the years. The structures of these glasses are complicated by the coexistence of Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ , which plays a crucial role in determining their structures and properties. Here, this work uses molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural changes in Na 2 O–Fe 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5 glasses with varying glass composition and Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ redox ratio. It was found that the redox ratio and modifier contents significantly affected the short-range and medium-range orders in the glasses. Significant changes in the local environments around P 5+ and Fe 3+ were observed, as reflected by the bond distances and coordination numbers. Na + cations are found to preferentially associate with Fe 3+ (rather than Fe 2+ ), whereas Fe 2+ has stronger association with P 5+ than Na + , confirming the structural role of Fe 2+ as a glass modifier. The disruptions in P–O–P linkages upon increasing FeO suggest that FeO causes glass depolymerization. These glasses achieved higher connectivity with increasing Fe 3+ / (Fe 3+ + Fe 2+ ) ratios, conerting phosphorous Q 2 to Q 3 units and iron Q 5 units to Q 4 units. The decrease of nonbridging oxygen fractions with increasing Fe 3+ / (Fe 3+ + Fe 2+ ) ratios, through creating P–O–Fe linkages, is the main reason of enhanced network connectivity. Quantitative structure–property relationship analyses with different structural descriptors were used to correlate with measured properties. The analyses provided valuable insights into structure–property relationships, emphasizing the importance of choosing relevant energy parameters and defining glass network connectivity, particularly in F net descriptors. It was found the Fe–O–P linkage density exhibits strong correlations to measured dissolution rates, supporting the importance of these linkages in improving the chemical durability in iron phosphate glasses.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Liquid Structures and Physical Properties -- Ground Based Studies for ISS Experiments

Studies of electrostatically-levitated supercooled liquids have demonstrated strong short- and medium-range ordering in transition metal and alloy liquids, which can influence phase transitions like crystal nucleation and the glass transition. The structure is also related to the liquid properties. Planned ISS experiments will allow a deeper investigation of these results as well as the first investigations of a new type of coupling in crystal nucleation in primary crystallizing liquids, resulting from a linking of the stochastic processes of diffusion with interfacial-attachment. A brief description of the techniques used for ground-based studies and some results relevant to planned ISS investigations are discussed.

Kelton, K. F.↗

The 4th order GISS model of the global atmosphere

The new GISS 4th order model of the global atmosphere is described. It is based on 4th order quadratically conservative differences with the periodic application of a 16th order filter on the sea level pressure and potential temperature equations, a combination which is approximately enstrophy conserving. Several short range forecasts indicate a significant improvement over 2nd order forecasts with the same resolution (approximately 400 km). However the 4th order forecasts are somewhat inferior to 2nd order forecasts with double resolution. This is probably due to the presence of short waves in the range between 1000 km and 2000 km, which are computed more accurately by the 2nd order high resolution model. An operation count of the schemes indicates that with similar code optimization, the 4th order model will require approximately the same amount of computer time as the 2nd order model with the same resolution. It is estimated that the 4th order model with a grid size of 200 km provides enough accuracy to make horizontal truncation errors negligible over a period of a week for all synoptic scales (waves longer than 1000 km).

Kalnay-Rivas, E.↗

Tuning magnetic antiskyrmion stability in tetragonal inverse Heusler alloys

The identification of materials supporting complex, tunable magnetic order at ambient temperatures is foundational to the development of new magnetic device architectures. In this work, we report the design of Mn 2 XY tetragonal inverse Heusler alloys that are capable of hosting magnetic antiskyrmions whose stability is sensitive to elastic strain. Here We first construct a universal magnetic Hamiltonian capturing the short- and long-range magnetic order which can be expected in these materials. This model reveals critical combinations of magnetic interactions that are necessary to approach a magnetic phase boundary, where the magnetic structure is highly susceptible to small perturbations such as elastic strain. We then computationally search for quaternary Mn 2 (X 1 , X 2 ) Y alloys where these critical interactions may be realized and which are likely to be synthesizable in the inverse Heusler structure. We identify the Mn 2 Pt 1–z X z Ga family of materials with X = Au, Ir, Ni as an ideal system for accessing all possible magnetic phases, with several critical compositions where magnetic phase transitions may be actuated mechanically.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Local ordering in disordered Nd x Zr 1-x O 2-0.5x pyrochlore as observed using neutron total scattering

Pyrochlore complex oxides (A 2 B 2 O 7 ) are an important class of fluorite-derivative ceramics with exceptional chemical and structural versatility which make them ideal model systems for studying disordering mechanisms over a range of spatial scales. Here, neutron total scattering methods were used to analyze the structural behavior in the non-stoichiometric series Nd x Zr 1-x O 2-0.5x (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.23) as a function of Nd content, x. Characterization of the structure functions using Rietveld refinement and the pair distribution functions with small-box refinement reveal complex disordering pathways; the average, long-range phase changes over a very narrow compositional range from pyrochlore ($Fd\bar{3}m$) to defect fluorite ($Fm\bar{3}m$) through full randomization of the cation and anion sublattices at x ~ 0.31, while the local, short-range structure continuously adopts a weberite-type atomic arrangement (C222 1 ). Comparison to a previously studied Ho 2 Ti 2-x Zr x O 7 solid solution series reveals how changes in chemical composition and stoichiometry modify defect formation and determine how disordering progresses across different length scales in pyrochlore oxides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The 12-layer trimer-based hexagonal perovskite Cs 4 Ca 0.7 Mn 3.3 Cl 12

Here, we describe the crystal structure and basic magnetic properties of Cs 4 Ca 0.7 Mn 3.3 Cl 12 , a previously unreported twelve layer (12L-) hexagonal (R-3m) chloride perovskite. Its crystal structure features face sharing MnCl 6 octahedra that form Mn 3 Cl 12 trimers. The trimers, which form a triangular array, are separated by corner sharing to layers of disordered single Ca(Mn)Cl 6 octahedra. The decreased intratrimer Mn–Mn distance yields stronger magnetic coupling within trimers than between trimers. The dominant magnetic interactions are antiferromagnetic (θ CW = –105 K), the effective magnetic moment per Mn 2+ is 6.5 μ B , and potential signatures of magnetic frustration are observed. Behavior consistent with short- and long-range magnetic order is exhibited at approximately 37 and 0.7 K, respectively.

12L-hexagonal perovskite↗

Analysis of Physical and Structural Properties of Alkali Oxide–Modified Tellurite Glasses

Glasses in the system xM 2 O·(1-x)TeO 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25), where M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, were made by melting in platinum crucibles. Various quenching methods were used to make each glass because some glasses require extremely rapid cooling. Physical properties such as the glass transition onset temperature (Tg) and density (ρ) were measured. In order to explore the short-range structure in these glasses, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and high-energy x-ray diffraction were used. Furthermore, these experiments on tellurite glasses were performed to find correlations between the physical and structural properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interaction models and configurational entropies of binary MoTa and the MoNbTaW high entropy alloy

We introduce a simplified method to model the interatomic interactions of high entropy alloys based on a lookup table of cluster energies. Furthermore, these interactions are employed in replica exchange Monte Carlo simulations with histogram analysis to obtain thermodynamic properties across a broad temperature range. Kikuchi's cluster variation method entropy formalism is applied to directly calculate entropy from statistics on short- and long-range chemical order, and we discuss the convergence of the entropy as clusters of differing size are included. A high temperature series expansion aids in our understanding of the convergence. Computer codes implementing these methods, and supporting data, are freely available on the internet.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Advanced turboprop technology development

In order for new short-medium range transports to offer significantly lower operating costs than potential derivatives of current designs using advanced technology, the efficiency improvements of high-speed turboprop propulsion systems may be required. Recent studies indicate that the fuel savings of advanced turboprop aircraft appears to be 10 to 20 percent relative to equivalent technology turbofan aircraft. These fuel savings are certainly large enough to warrant further research to establish the viability of turboprop transport aircraft. The studies have identified the technology requirements in propeller design for high efficiency and low noise, fuselage noise attenuation, propeller and gear box maintenance, and engine-airframe integration. This paper presents a review of present research in each of these areas and describes the future plans for continued development of the technology for advanced turboprop transport aircraft.

Dugan, J. F.↗

Raman Scattering in a New Carbon Material

Samples of a new carbon material, Diamonite-B, were fabricated under high pressure from a commercial carbon black--identified as mixed fullerenes. The new material is neither graphite-like nor diamond-like, but exhibits electrical properties close to graphite and mechanical properties close to diamond. The use of Raman spectroscopy to investigate the vibrational dynamics of this new carbon material and to provide structural characterization of its short-, medium- and long-range order is reported. We also provide the results of investigations of these samples by high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Hardness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and other properties of this new material are compared with synthetic graphite-like and diamond-like materials, two other phases of synthetic bulk carbon.

Voronov, O. A.↗

Total X-ray scattering and big-box modeling of pressure-induced local disorder and partial amorphization in CsPbBr 3

The mechanisms governing pressure-induced amorphization and its reversibility in halide perovskites are not yet fully understood, particularly the contribution of local disorder. We performed high-pressure synchrotron total X-ray scattering and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) big-box modeling using CsPbBr 3 as a model system to investigate short-range structural evolution in both the ordered and partially amorphous phases. While diffraction data indicate that long-range order persists up to 2 GPa, pair distribution function (PDF) analysis reveals significant local distortions, including PbBr 6 octahedral tilting and Cs displacement, which influence the bandgap through a complex interplay between bond compression and angular tilting. Beyond 2 GPa, CsPbBr 3 undergoes partial amorphization, with significant disordering of Cs and Br, while the Pb sublattice remains preserved, allowing for structural recovery upon decompression. Our work, accounting for both short- and long-range structural evolution through RMC modeling, successfully captures how disorder shapes the structural response of halide perovskites under pressure.

critical phenomena↗

Spin disorder in a stacking polytype of a layered magnet

Strongly correlated ground states and exotic quasiparticle excitations in low-dimensional systems are central research topics in the solid-state research community. The present work develops a layered material and explores the physical properties. Single crystals of 3⁢R–Na 2 ⁢MnTe⁢O 6 were synthesized via a flux method. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal a crystal structure with ABC-type stacking and an R–3 space group, which establishes this material as a stacking polytype to previously reported 2⁢H–Na 2 ⁢MnTe⁢O 6 . Magnetic- and heat-capacity measurements demonstrate dominant antiferromagnetic interactions, the absence of long-range magnetic order down to 0.5 K, and field-dependent short-range magnetic correlations. A structural transition at ~23 K observed in dielectric measurements may be related to displacements of the Na positions. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that 3⁢R–Na 2 ⁢MnTe⁢O 6 displays low-dimensional magnetism, disordered structure and spins, and the system displays a rich structure variety.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Resistivity and magnetoresistance properties of R 2 NiSi 3 (R = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) compounds

The resistivity and magnetoresistance behaviour of the hexagonal intermetallic compounds R 2 NiSi 3 (R = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm) are reported here. All the studied polycrystalline compounds exhibit metallic behavior along with additional magnetic anomalies at low temperatures. A well-defined resistivity minima is observed in Gd 2 NiSi 3 and Dy 2 Ni 0.87 Si 2.95 at a temperature much higher than their respective magnetic transition temperatures. The anomaly has been ascribed to the charge carrier localization caused by magnetic precursor effect. Magnetic field induced crossover from positive to negative magnetoresistance (MR) behavior associated with antiferromagnetic ground state is evidenced for Gd 2 NiSi 3 and Er 2 NiSi 3 in the low temperature region. Although Tm 2 Ni 0.93 Si 2.93 does not exhibit any long range magnetic order down to 2 K, a sudden drop in resistivity behavior is observed below ~10 K. Furthermore, presence of short range magnetic correlation observed in a wide temperature range, much beyond their respective magnetic ordering temperatures, has been argued to be responsible for achieving finite negative MR for all the compounds. Additionally, a subtle resemblance between the observed transport anomalies and the magnetic properties of these systems has been discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An anomalous structure disordering in Zr–Cu–Ag supercooled glass-forming liquids

An anomalous ordering-to-disordering transition in a Zr–Cu–Ag supercooled glass-forming liquid has been revealed by in situ high-energy x-ray diffraction. Upon heating, the supercooled liquid exhibits a structural crossover at T c = 716 K, evident by the change in statistical characteristics of the first sharp diffraction peak. When annealed in the vicinity of T c , the supercooled liquid first relaxes from its initial state to a denser and more ordered state. Subsequently, it becomes disordered at the medium-range scale with a slowing down of densification, as demonstrated by the broadening of the first sharp diffraction peak and a decrease in the peak intensities of the higher atomic shells in the reduced pair distribution function. Finally, a scenario for the evolution of less correlated locally favored clusters in the liquid–liquid phase transition is discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Comparison of Order-Disorder in Several Families of Cubic Oxides

Order-disorder on both cation and oxygen sites is a hallmark of fluorite-derived structures, including pyrochlores. Ordering can occur on long- and short-range scales and can result in persistent metastable states. In various cubic oxide systems, different types of disorder are seen. The purpose of this paper is to review and compare the types and energetics of order-disorder phenomena in several families of cubic oxides having pyrochlore, weberite, defect fluorite, perovskite, rocksalt, and spinel structures. The goal is to better understand how structure, composition, and thermodynamic parameters (enthalpy and entropy) determine the feasibility of different competing ordering processes and structures in these diverse systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Three-dimensional checkerboard spin structure on a breathing pyrochlore lattice

The standard approach to realize a spin-liquid state is through magnetically frustrated states, relying on ingredients such as the lattice geometry, dimensionality, and magnetic interaction type of the spins. While Heisenberg spins on a pyrochlore lattice with only antiferromagnetic nearest-neighbor interactions are theoretically proven disordered, spins in real systems generally include longer-range interactions. The spatial correlations at longer distances typically stabilize a long-range order rather than enhancing a spin-liquid state. Both states can, however, be destroyed by short-range static correlations introduced by chemical disorder. Here, using disorder-free specimens with a clear long-range antiferromagnetic order, we refine the spin structure of the Heisenberg spinel ZnFe 2 O 4 through neutron magnetic diffraction. The unique wave vector (1, 0, $\frac{1}{2}$) leads to a spin structure that can be viewed as alternatively stacked ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic tetrahedra in a three-dimensional checkerboard form. Stable coexistence of these opposing types of clusters is enabled by the bipartite breathing pyrochlore crystal structure, leading to a second-order phase transition at 10 K. The diffraction intensity of ZnFe 2 O 4 is an exact complement to the inelastic scattering intensity of several chromate spinel systems which are regarded as model classical spin liquids. Our results challenge this attribution, and suggest instead of the six-spin ring mode, spin excitations in chromate spinels are closely related to the (1, 0, $\frac{1}{2}$) type of spin order and the four-spin ferromagnetic cluster locally at one tetrahedron.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Dynamic electron correlations with charge order wavelength along all directions in the copper oxide plane

In strongly correlated systems the strength of Coulomb interactions between electrons, relative to their kinetic energy, plays a central role in determining their emergent quantum mechanical phases. We perform resonant x-ray scattering on Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ , a prototypical cuprate superconductor, to probe electronic correlations within the CuO 2 plane. We discover a dynamic quasi-circular pattern in the x-y scattering plane with a radius that matches the wave vector magnitude of the well-known static charge order. Along with doping- and temperature-dependent measurements, our experiments reveal a picture of charge order competing with superconductivity where short-range domains along x and y can dynamically rotate into any other in-plane direction. This quasi-circular spectrum, a hallmark of Brazovskii-type fluctuations, has immediate consequences to our understanding of rotational and translational symmetry breaking in the cuprates. We discuss how the combination of short- and long-range Coulomb interactions results in an effective non-monotonic potential that may determine the quasi-circular pattern.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗