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At least 433 records · Page 24

Phase transformation path in Aluminum under ramp compression; simulation and experimental study

Abstract We present a framework based on non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) to reproduce the phase transformation event of Aluminum under ramp compression loading. The simulated stress-density response, virtual x-ray diffraction patterns, and structure analysis are compared against the previously observed experimental laser-driven ramp compression in-situ x-ray diffraction data. The NEMD simulations show the solid–solid phase transitions are consistent to experimental observations with a close-packed face-centered cubic (fcc) (111), hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure (002), and body-centered cubic bcc (110) planes remaining parallel. The atomic-level analysis of NEMD simulations identifiy the exact phase transformation pathway happening via Bain transformation while the previous in situ x-ray diffraction data did not provide sufficient information for deducing the exact phase transformation path.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental study of controlled tip disturbance effect on flow asymmetry

The effect on the asymmetric mean flow observed on pointed bodies of revolution at incidence of changing the size and location of a controlled disturbance as well as changes in angle of attack and flow conditions are evaluated experimentally. Flow visualization and side-force measurements are carried out for a generic ogive-cylinder body inclined at high angle of attack in a low-speed wind tunnel. For all angles of attack tested (30-60 deg), minute changes in the size or location of the controlled disturbance result in finite changes in the asymmetric flow field, even to the extent of reversing the sign of the side force or becoming almost symmetric. The process is reversible; returning the wire to an original position likewise restores the corresponding flow field and mean side force. The variation of side force with continuous variation of a perturbation's size or location remains continuous and single valued, even in the incidence range of 50 to 60 deg, where 'bistable' behavior of the asymmetric flow field is observed.

Degani, David↗

Experimental study of lunar and SNC (Mars) magmas

The overall objectives of this research were to evaluate the role of C-O-S-Cl degassing processes in explaining vesiculation, oxidation state and fire-fountaining of lunar magmas by analysis of individual lunar glass spherules, and by experimental determination of equilibrium abundances and diffusion rates of C, S and Cl melt species in lunar glass compositions; and to determine possible primitive SNC magma compositions and the mineralogy of the mantle from which they were derived, and to evaluate P, T, XH2O etc. conditions at which they crystallize to form the SNC meteorites. After funding for one year, a project on the A15 volcanic green glass has been completed to the point of writing a first manuscript. Carbon-oxygen species C-O and CO2 are below detection limits (20 ppm) in these glasses, but there is up to 500 ppm S with concentrations both increasing and decreasing toward the spherule margins. Calculations and modeling indicate that C species could have been present in the volcanic gases, however. In a second project, experiments with low PH2O have resulted in refined estimates of the early intercumulus melt composition in the Chassigny meteorite which is generally accepted as a sample from Mars.

Rutherford, Malcolm J.↗

Experimental studies in fluid mechanics and materials science using acoustic levitation

Ground-based and short-duration low gravity experiments have been carried out with the use of ultrasonic levitators to study the dynamics of freely suspended liquid drops under the influence of predominantly capillary and acoustic radiation forces. Some of the effects of the levitating field on the shape as well as the fluid flow fields within the drop have been determined. The development and refinement of measurement techniques using levitated drops with size on the order of 2 mm in diameter have yielded methods having direct application to experiments in microgravity. In addition, containerless melting, undercooling, and freezing of organic materials as well as low melting metals have provided experimental data and observations on the application of acoustic positioning techniques to materials studies.

Trinh, E. H.↗

A computational and experimental study of high Reynolds number viscous/inviscid interaction about a cone at high angle of attack

The flow over a 5 deg semi-angle cone at incidence in supersonic flow is studied as a model problem for the flow over aircraft forebodies. A computational method utilizing the conically symmetric Navier-Stokes equations is used to obtain theoretical flow results which are compared with experimental data from the Ames Research Center 6- by 6-Foot Wind Tunnel and with results from a cone model sting mounted on an F-15 aircraft. The computed results agree well with the wind-tunnel data but less well with the flight data. Modification of the algebraic turbulence model was necessary to reflect an apparent lower turbulence level in flight than was present in the wind tunnel.

Mcrae, D. S.↗

Theoretical and experimental study of the nitrogen-vacancy center in 4H-SiC.

Using first-principles calculations and magnetic resonance experiments, we investigated the physical properties of the negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in 4H-SiC, a promising spin qubit. Our predictive theoretical model in conjunction with experimental measurements reveals a large sensitivity to strain and symmetry. The measured and computed zero-phonon lines (ZPLs) are in agreement and show a consistent trend as a function of the defect location in the crystal. The computed ZPLs are extremely sensitive to the geometrical configurations of the ground and excited states, and large supercells with more than 2 000 atoms are required to obtain accurate numerical results. We find that the computed decoherence time of the basal NV centers at zero magnetic field is substantially larger than that of the axial configurations. Furthermore, at natural nuclear spin abundance and zero field, the Hahn-echo coherence time of one of the basal configurations is similar to that of the axial divacancy in isotopically purified SiC.

Zhu, Yizhi↗

Numerical and Experimental Study of a Novel Additively Manufactured Metal-Polymer Composite Heat-Exchanger for Liquid Cooling Electronics

In order to meet increasing power-dissipation requirements of the electronics industry, compact, low-cost, and lightweight heat exchangers (HXs) are desired. With proper design, materials, and manufacture, polymer composite heat exchangers could meet these requirements. This paper presents a novel crossflow air-to-water, low-cost, and lightweight metal-polymer composite HX. This HX, which is entirely additively manufactured, utilizes a novel cross-media approach that provides direct heat exchange between air and liquid sides by using connecting fins. A robust numerical model was developed, which includes the dimensional effects of additive manufacturing. The study consists of a simplified 3D CFD model based on ellipsoidal-shaped staggered tube banks for the laminar range. It then uses an analytical approach to compute entire HX performance. The model is validated experimentally within 8% for thermal performance, 12% for air-side impedance, and 18% for water-side impedance. Finally, HX is compared with a conventional CPU radiator and performs within 10% of the conventional unit for reasonable flow rates and pressure-drop ranges. Moreover, HX also provides added design and cost advantages over the conventional unit, which makes the HX a potential candidate for electronic cooling applications.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

The structure of small, vapor-deposited particles. II - Experimental study of particles with hexagonal profile

'Multiply-twinned' gold particles with hexagonal bright field TEM profile were determined to be icosahedra composed of 20 identical and twin-related tetrahedral building units that do not have an fcc structure. The crystal structure of these slightly deformed tetrahedra is rhombohedral. Experimental evidence supporting this particle model was obtained by selected-zone dark field and weak beam dark field electron microscopy. In conjunction with the results of part I, it has been concluded that multiply-twinned gold particles of pentagonal or hexagonal profile that are found during the early stages of the vapor deposition growth process on alkali halide surfaces do not have an fcc crystal structure, which is in obvious contrast to the structure of bulk gold.

Yacaman, M. J.↗

An experimental study of the sensitivity of helicopter rotor blade tracking to root pitch adjustment in hover

The sensitivity of blade tracking in hover to variations in root pitch was examined for two rotor configurations. Tests were conducted using a four bladed articulated rotor mounted on the NASA-Army aeroelastic rotor experimental system (ARES). Two rotor configurations were tested: one consisting of a blade set with flexible fiberglass spars and one with stiffer (by a factor of five in flapwise and torsional stiffnesses) aluminum spars. Both blade sets were identical in planform and airfoil distribution and were untwisted. The two configurations were ballasted to the same Lock number so that a direct comparison of the tracking sensitivity to a gross change in blade stiffness could be made. Experimental results show no large differences between the two sets of blades in the sensitivity of the blade tracking to root pitch adjustments. However, a measurable reduction in intrack coning of the fiberglass spar blades with respect to the aluminum blades is noted at higher rotor thrust conditions.

Wilkie, W. Keats↗

An experimental study of trace element partitioning between perovskite, hibonite and melt: Equilibrium values

The presence of perovskite (CATiO3) and hibonite (Ca Al12O19) within different regions of Calcium-, Aluminum-rich Inclusions (CAI) and the trace element concentrations of these minerals in each circumstance, constrain models of precursor formation, nebular condensation, the thermal history of inclusions with relict perovskite and hibonite, and the formation of the Wark-Lovering rim. At present mineral/melt partition coefficient data for hibonite are limited to a few elements in simple experimental systems, or to those derived from hibonite-glass pairs in hibonite/glass microspherules. Similarly, there is only limited data on perovskite D that are applicable to meteorite compositions. Apart from the importance of partitioning studies to meteorite research, D values also are invaluable in the development of thermodynamic models, especially when data is available for a large number of elements that have different ionic charge and radii. In addition, study of the effect of rapid cooling on partitioning is crucial to our understanding of meteorite inclusions. To expand our knowledge of mineral/melt D for perovskite and hibonite, a study was instituted where D values are obtained in both equilibrium and dynamic cooling experiments. As an initial phase of this study mineral/melt D was measured for major elements (Ca, Mg, Al, Ti, and Si), 15 rare earth elements (La-Lu) and 8 other elements (Ba, Sr, U, Th, Nb, Zr, Hf, and Ge) in perovskite and hibonite grown under equilibrium conditions, in bulk compositions that are respectively similar to Compact Type A (CTA) CAI and to a hibonite/glass microspherule. Experimental mixes were doped with REE at 20-50x chondritic (ch) abundances, Ba at 50 ppm, Sr, Hf, Nb, and Zr at 100 ppm and, U and Th at 200 ppm. Trace element abundances were measured with the PANURGE ion microprobe. Major element compositions were obtained by electron microprobe analysis.

Kennedy, A. K.↗

Analytical and experimental study of mean flow and turbulence characteristics inside the passages of an axial flow inducer

The effort conducted to gather additional understanding of the complex inviscid and viscid effects existing within the passages of a three-bladed axial flow inducer operating at a flow coefficient of 0.065 is summarized. The experimental investigations included determination of the blade static pressure and blade limiting streamline angle distributions, and measurement of the three components of mean velocity, turbulence intensities and turbulence stresses at locations inside the inducer blade passage utilizing a rotating three-sensor hotwire probe. Applicable equations were derived for the hotwire data reduction analysis and solved numerically to obtain the appropriate flow parameters. Analytical investigations were conducted to predict the three-dimensional inviscid flow in the inducer by numerically solving the exact equations of motion, and to approximately predict the three-dimensional viscid flow by incorporating the dominant viscous terms into the exact equations. The analytical results are compared with the experimental measurements and design values where appropriate.

Gorton, C. A.↗

An analytical and experimental study of the effect of periodic blade twist on the thrust, torque, and flapping motion of an autogiro rotor

An analysis is made of the influence on autogiro rotor characteristics of a periodic blade twist that varies with the azimuth position of the rotor blade and the results are compared with experimental data. The analysis expresses the influence of this type of twist upon the thrust, torque, and flapping motion of the rotor. The check against experimental data shows that the periodic twist has a pronounced influence on the flapping motion and that this influence is accurately predicted by the analysis. The influence of the twist upon the thrust and torque could be demonstrated only indirectly, but its importance is indicated.

Wheatley, John B↗

An experimental study of small-amplitude drop oscillations in immiscible liquid systems

Measurements of the characteristics of small-amplitude shape oscillations of drops immersed in a host liquid have been carried out by acoustical means. The resonance frequencies of the first few modes have been measured, as well as the damping constant for the fundamental mode, as functions of the drop radius and viscosities of the two liquids. A qualitative photographic study during steady oscillations has revealed a simple internal fluid-particle flow field with no circulation. The theory available at the present time has been found to provide results which are in general agreement with experimental findings for low-viscosity liquids.

Trinh, E.↗

A combined theoretical and experimental study of the phase coexistence and morphotropic boundaries in ferroelectric-antiferroelectric-antiferrodistortive multiferroics

The physical nature of the ferroelectric (FE), ferrielectric (FEI) and antiferroelectric (AFE) phases, their coexistence and spatial distributions underpins the functionality of antiferrodistortive (AFD) multiferroics in the vicinity of morphotropic phase transitions. In this work, using Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) phenomenology and a semi-microscopic four sublattice model (FSM), we explore the behavior of different AFE, FEI, and FE long-range orderings and their coexistence at the morphotropic phase boundaries in FE-AFE-AFD multiferroics. These theoretical predictions are compared with the experimental observations for dense Bi 1-y R y FeO 3 ceramics, where R is Sm or La atoms with the fraction 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.25, as confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM). These complementary measurements were used to study the macroscopic and nanoscopic transformation of the crystal structure with doping. The comparison of the measured and calculated AFE/FE phase fractions demonstrate that the LGD-FSM approach well describes the experimental results obtained by XRD and PFM for Bi 1-y R y FeO 3 . Hence, this combined theoretical and experimental approach provides further insight into the origin of the morphotropic boundaries and coexisting FE and AFE states in model rare-earth doped multiferroics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental study of mechanistic factors influencing solvent-driven fractional crystallization of calcium sulfate

To advance dimethyl ether-driven fractional crystallization (DME-FC), a more sustainable method of water treatment and mineral recovery, a range of chemical equilibria were measured. These include varying concentrations of miscible organic solvents (MOS) used to experimentally measure the solvent-induced solid-liquid equilibrium (SLE) of calcium sulfate (CaSO 4 ) in water. Seven MOS, including dimethyl ether (DME), acetonitrile (MeCN), 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), acetone, ethanol, and diethylamine, were screened to establish trends associated with molecular volume, functional groups, and physical properties. The effect of MOS on CaSO 4 removal differed at concentrations <0.15 mol fraction MOS; MOS with greater molecular volume (THF, 1,4-dioxane, and diethylamine) induced greater CaSO 4 precipitation on a per mole basis. The solvent-induced SLE for all MOS converged between 0.15 and 0.2 mol fraction MOS, reaching a CaSO 4 concentration consistent with a water to MOS hydration ratio of 5:1 to 6:1, which may correspond to the solvent generating a solution-based pseudo-clathrate structure with continuity within the solution. Finally, solution pseudo-clathrate structures provide a mechanistic basis for DME-FC.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

An experimental study of the hypersonic aerodynamics of delta wings.

Results of aerodynamic balance and pressure measurements carried out in a hypersonic gun tunnel (at a free-stream Mach number of 8.2 and a Reynolds number of 800,000) on delta wings having sharp leading edges swept at 70 and 76 deg. The experimental force and pressure coefficients and shock angles are discussed in relation to simple prediction methods. Some transition data are also included.

Rao, D. M.↗

Crystallization of Ca-Al-Rich Inclusions: Experimental Studies on the Effects of Repeated Heating Events

The observed textures and chemistry of Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) are presumed to be the culmination of a series of repeated heating and cooling events in the early history of the solar nebula. We have examined the effects of these heating/cooling cycles experimentally on a bulk composition representing an average Type B Ca-Al-rich inclusion composition. We have tested the effect of the nature of the starting material. Although the most recent and/or highest temperature event prior to incorporation into the parent body dominates the texture and chemistry of the CAI, prior events also affect the phase compositions and textures. We have determined that heating precursor grains to about 1275 C prior to the final melting event increases the likelihood of anorthite crystallization in subsequent higher temperature events and a prior high temperature even that produced dendritic melilite results in melilite that shows evidence of rapid crystallization in subsequent lower temperature events. Prior low temperature pre-crystallization events produce final ran products with pyroxene compositions similar to Type B Ca-Al-rich inclusions, and the glass (residual liquid) composition is more anorthitic than any other experiments to date. The addition of Pt powder to the starting material appears to enhance the ability of anorthite to nucleate from this composition.

Paque, Julie M.↗

Experimental Study on Mitigation of Lifetime-Limiting Dielectric Cracking in Extreme Temperature 4H-SiC JFET Integrated Circuits

While NASA Glenn Research Center's "Generation 10" 4H-SiC Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) integrated circuits (ICs) have uniquely demonstrated 500 °C electrical operation for durations of over a year, this experimental work has also revealed that physical cracking of chip dielectric passivation layers ultimately limits extreme-environment operating lifetime [1-3]. The prevention of such dielectric passivation cracks should therefore improve IC high temperature durability and yield, leading to more beneficial technology adoption into aerospace, automotive, and energy systems. This report describes Generation 10.2, 11.1, and 11.2 die tested under unbiased and unpackaged accelerated age testing at 500 °C, 600 °C, 720 °C, and 800 °C in air-atmosphere ovens for 100- and 200-hour duration. Additional samples were separately subjected to 10 thermal cycles between the same high temperatures (with 10-hour high-temperature soak each cycle) and 50 °C. It is shown that having two stoichiometric Si3N4 layers in the interconnect dielectric stack substantially decreases the amount of dielectric cracking observed following these oven tests.

Spry, D. J.↗