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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 487 records · Page 27

Maximal absorption in ultrathin TiN films for microbolometer applications

Ultrathin light absorbers present a viable route toward improving the specific detectivity and response time of microbolometers. However, for an ultrathin film to absorb light efficiently, the dielectric function of the film and its thickness must satisfy strict requirements. Here we experimentally demonstrate an average absorptance of 48% ± 2.5% in the 8–13 μm (769–1250 cm -1 ) spectral range for 10 nm thick titanium nitride (TiN), a value bordering on the 50% fundamental absorptance limit for a suspended thin film. The heat capacity per unit area of this absorber is only 1.2 × 10 -6 J/K/cm 2 , which is beneficial for improving the response time of a microfabricated bolometer. We also show that a sufficient condition for reaching maximal absorption in an ultrathin film is that ε" $\gg$ |ε'|.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of InGaN-based light-emitting diodes

A method to reveal low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of an InGaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) is reported. Structural (via scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, x-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy) and optical (via temperature- and power-dependent photoluminescence) properties of InGaN-based blue LEDs are coupled with a channel-based recombination model, which reveals the low temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of the LED on traditional sapphire and emerging Si (111) substrates as 27.5% and 71.1%, respectively. High low-temperature absolute internal quantum efficiency of the former is attributed to its lower defect density and less strain. Furthermore, our results show assuming perfect (i.e., 100%) internal quantum efficiency in an InGaN-based LED at low temperatures could be misleading, and using negative thermal quenching properties of defect luminesce bands with a channel-based recombination model can be a method to quantify LED's less than ideal low temperature internal quantum efficiencies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetron sputter deposition of boron carbide in Ne and Ar plasmas

Conventional magnetron sputter deposition of B 4 C uses Ar as the working gas. In this report we explore the magnetron sputter deposition of B 4 C with a Ne plasma, which is expected to exhibit larger sputtering yields than Ar. We study properties of films deposited with different substrate tilt angles with the magnetron source operated in either direct-current (DC) or radio-frequency (RF) mode in an Ar or Ne plasma. Results show that the B 4 C film properties are determined by a combination of sputtering ballistics and effects of the working gas on the plasma discharge and gas phase scattering of depositing species flux. At constant discharge power, deposition rates for Ar and Ne plasmas are similar, which is attributed to balancing effects of a higher ballistic sputtering yield of Ne and lower ion flux to the target. Both depositing B and C neutral species and bombarding ions have higher energies for the case of Ne plasmas. Films deposited with the RF-driven Ne plasma exhibit a uniform non-columnar structure, lowest oxygen impurity content, and highest mass density and mechanical properties at a cost of Ne incorporation and larger compressive residual stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputter Deposition of Ultrathick Amorphous Carbon

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a material of interest for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ablators. However, the deposition of ultrathick DLC coatings, as required for ICF ablator fabrication, remains a challenge. Here, in this study, we use high-power impulse magnetron sputtering to deposit DLC and demonstrate a set of process parameters leading to high-purity, amorphous DLC coatings with a low compressive residual stress of <400 MPa. Coatings with thicknesses of up to 80 μm are demonstrated.

amorphous carbon↗

High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputter Deposition of Boron Carbide with Full-Face Erosion Magnetron and Mixed Ar-Ne Plasma

Boron carbide (B 4 C) is an attractive inertial confinement fusion ablator material. The fabrication of B4C ablators by magnetron sputtering requires process optimization. To increase process flexibility, here we explore high-power impulse magnetron sputter (HiPIMS) deposition of B 4 C in pure Ar and mixed Ar-Ne plasmas. Here, the results show that higher plasma discharge currents can be reached with a mixed Ar-Ne plasma in the entire working pressure range studied (5 𝑡𝑜 50 mTorr). At 45 mTorr with 10% of Ne in the Ar-Ne mix, high peak target current densities of ~1 A cm −2 were demonstrated. Films deposited with such a mixed Ar-Ne plasma with a full-face erosion magnetron source on substrates biased at −25 V exhibited higher density and improved mechanical properties, albeit with higher compressive residual stresses compared to the case of HiPIMS deposition in a pure Ar plasma. This work demonstrates additional process flexibility of the HiPIMS discharge mode for the deposition of B 4 C coatings.

Ablator capsule↗

In situ x-ray diffraction study of dynamically compressed α -cristobalite using a dynamic diamond anvil cell

Here we present results of the dynamic compression of α -cristobalite up to a pressure of 106 GPa with the use of the dynamic diamond anvil cell. X-ray diffraction images were recorded at different ramp compression and decompression rates to investigate in situ the high-pressure phase transitions of α -cristobalite. Our results suggest that the pressure onset of the phase transformation of α -cristobalite to cristobalite II, cristobalite X-I, and ultimately to seifertite ( α – PbO 2 type SiO 2 ) is dependent on the applied compression rates and stress conditions of the experiment. Increasing compression rates in general shift the studied phase transitions to higher pressures. Furthermore, our results indicate for single crystals under hydrostatic conditions a suppression of a phase transition from cristobalite X-I to seifertite at pressures of up to 82 GPa.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Different bonding type along each crystallographic axis: Computational study of poly($\textit{p}$-phenylene terephthalamide)

Poly($\textit{p}$-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) exhibits van der Waals (vdW) bonding along its $\textit{a}$ axis, hydrogen bonding along its $\textit{b}$ axis, and covalent bonding along its $\textit{c}$ axis. In this work, we explore the structural and mechanical properties of PPTA using density functional theory with various functionals including LDA, PBE, PBE+rVV10L, SCAN, and SCAN+rVV10, compared with available experiments. The hierarchy of nonempirical semilocal functionals LDA, PBE, and SCAN (not fitted to any multicenter bonded system) includes differing amounts of intermediate-range vdW interaction. rVV10 is the long-range vdW correction. (rVV10L differs from rVV10 only in the value of a range parameter.) Among the tested functionals, SCAN shows the best performance for the lattice parameters of PPTA along the two crystal directions involving vdW or hydrogen-bond interaction. The equilibrium lattice constants obtained by SCAN and PBE+rVV10L are closest to experimental data, while SCAN+rVV10 slightly overbinds the system. We study the mechanical response of PPTA by applying strain along three lattice directions. Due to the inclusion of vdW interaction, SCAN, PBE+rVV10L, and SCAN+rVV10 all exhibit correct bonding strain-energy curves. On the contrary, PBE strongly underestimates the vdW interaction needed to resist uniaxial stretching along the $\textit{a}$ axis. The Young's modulus and yield strength of PPTA are computed and compared with previous results. The experimental values are much smaller than the computed ones, mainly due to the fact that the PPTA fiber samples used for measurements are mechanically weaker than the perfect molecular crystals considered in the simulations. Interestingly, when a compressive uniaxial stress of 25 Kbar is applied along the $\textit{b}$ axis, a structural phase transition, in which the hydrogen bonds reform along one diagonal of the $\textit{ab}$ rectangle, is predicted by SCAN.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Boron carbide films with reduced nodular defect density deposited by full-face erosion radio-frequency magnetron sputtering

Boron carbide coatings deposited by sputtering with conventional planar magnetrons exhibit nodular growth defects. Here, we demonstrate that the density of nodular defects in B 4 C films can be greatly reduced by using a full-face-erosion magnetron source that achieves a more uniform target erosion by sweeping the confining magnetic field over the target surface. Here, we systematically study properties of B 4 C films deposited on substrates with different tilt angles and demonstrate deposition of ultrathick films with compressive residual stress below 200MPa.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Real-Time Observation of Nanoscale Kink Band Mediated Plasticity in Ion-Irradiated Graphite: An In Situ TEM Study

Graphite IG-110 is a synthetic polycrystalline material used as a neutron moderator in reactors. Graphite is inherently brittle and is known to exhibit a further increase in brittleness due to radiation damage at room temperature. To understand the irradiation effects on pre-existing defects and their overall influence on external load, micropillar compression tests were performed using in situ nanoindentation in the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for both pristine and ion-irradiated samples. While pristine specimens showed brittle and subsequent catastrophic failure, the 2.8 MeV Au2+ ion (fluence of 4.378 × 1014 cm−2) irradiated specimens sustained extensive plasticity at room temperature without failure. In situ TEM characterization showed nucleation of nanoscale kink band structures at numerous sites, where the localized plasticity appeared to close the defects and cracks while allowing large average strain. We propose that compressive mechanical stress due to dimensional change during ion irradiation transforms buckled basal layers in graphite into kink bands. The externally applied load during the micropillar tests proliferates the nucleation and motion of kink bands to accommodate the large plastic strain. The inherent non-uniformity of graphite microstructure promotes such strain localization, making kink bands the predominant mechanism behind unprecedented toughness in an otherwise brittle material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Post-stressed concrete foundation may reduce machinery vibration

Post-stressing concrete mat foundation reduces excessive vibrations in machinery. The mat is stressed in compression after the machinery is mounted, thus closing any cracks in it, altering the distribution of the soil subgrade reaction on the mat, and changing the mat-subgrade natural frequency.

Fistedis, S. H.↗

Thermophysical characterization of composite materials under transient heating conditions

Thermophysical property measurements were made under transient heating conditions on several materials being considered for use in SCOUT rocket motors. The materials included were ATJ graphite, MX 2600 silica phenolic, FM 5272 cellulose phenolic, and two carbon-carbon composites: CARBITEX 700 and RPP-4. The ATJ was included as a reference or base line material to check performance of the transient tests as it was not expected to be sensitive to heating rate. Measurements included in the program were thermal conductivity, strength, compressive stress-strain (carbon-carbon only), thermal expansion and the effective thermal expansion under partially restrained conditions. Development of this latter measurement was a major part of the program. It consisted of partially restraining the expansion of a specimen as it was heated, measuring the load and strain which occurred (together with a simultaneous modulus determination by superimposing a small cyclic load) and using these quantities to calculate what the effective thermal expansion would have to be to produce the observed stress and deformation. For materials which are sensitive to heating rate, such as reinforced phenolics, it was believed that this would provide a more realistic determination of the thermal expansion as it more nearly simulates the conditions experienced in end use.

Roetling, J.↗

Fatigue crack growth from a circular hole with and without high prior loading

Fatigue crack growth from a circular hole was investigated experimentally and analytically. An aluminum-alloy sheet specimen was cycled under a single level of loading with and without prior high loads. Tests showed that the crack propagation life was significantly longer when the high loads were applied initially. This longer life was attributed to compressive residual stresses produced near the hole by the initial high loads. The residual stresses near the hole were determined by an elastoplastic analysis and were then used to develop a stress-intensity solution for a crack growing through the residual stress field. This solution and a similar solution for the case of no prior loading were used to predict crack growth. The predicted crack growth agreed closely with the experimental values.

Crews, J. H., Jr.↗

The ablation of graphitic materials in the sublimation regime.

A large variety of graphitic materials have been tested in an arc heated air stream at a surface pressure of 4.3 atm and a nominal surface temperature of 3925 K. Included were commercial and developmental grades of artificial graphites, both two and three dimensional carbon-carbon composites, composites seeded with refractory compounds, and several special materials such as pyrolytic graphite, mesophase graphite, glassy carbon, and natural graphite. ATJ graphite was used as a control material. Except for the seeded materials which had poor performance, the mass loss rate for all the man-made graphitic materials fell within the range of 17 per cent less to 30 per cent more than the rate for ATJ. Thus it is concluded that wide variations in constituents, processing, fabrication and structure have relatively little effect on the ablation performance of graphitic materials, at least under the conditions of the present tests. Particulate mass loss was observed for all the materials tested and is the dominant mechanism for mass removal at the present test conditions. It is suggested that this mechanism results from physical failure, primarily by compressive thermal stress.

Lundell, J. H.↗

Strengthening of oxidation resistant materials for gas turbine applications

Silicon nitride and silicon carbide ceramics were treated to form compressive surface layers. On the silicon carbide, quenching and thermal exposure treatments were used, and on the silicon nitride, quenching, carburizing, and a combination of quenching and carburizing were used. In some cases substantial improvements in impact resistance and/or flexural strength were observed. The presence of compressive surface stresses was demonstrated by slotted rod tests.

Kirchner, H. P.↗

Effect of load introduction on graphite epoxy compression specimens

Compression testing of modern composite materials is affected by the manner in which the compressive load is introduced. Two such effects are investigated: (1) the constrained edge effect which prevents transverse expansion and is common to all compression testing in which the specimen is gripped in the fixture; and (2) nonuniform gripping which induces bending into the specimen. An analytical model capable of quantifying these foregoing effects was developed which is based upon the principle of minimum complementary energy. For pure compression, the stresses are approximated by Fourier series. For pure bending, the stresses are approximated by Legendre polynomials.

Reiss, R.↗

Expander for Thin-Wall Tubing

Tool locally expands small-diameter tubes. Tube expander locally expands and deforms tube: Compressive lateral stress induced in elastomeric sleeve by squeezing axially between two metal tool parts. Adaptable to situations in which tube must have small bulge for mechanical support or flow control.

Pessin, R.↗

The structural response of a rail accelerator

The transient response of a 0.4 by 0.6 cm rectangular bore rail accelerator was analyzed by a three dimensional finite element code. The copper rail deflected to a peak value of 0.08 mm in compression and then oscillated at an amplitude of 0.02 mm. Simultaneously the insulating side wall of glass fabric base, epoxy resin laminate (G-1o) was compressed to a peak value of 0.13 mm and rebounded to a steady state in extension. Projectile pinch or blowby due to the rail extension or compression, respectively, can be identified by examining the time history of the rail displacement. The effect of blowby was most significant at the side wall characterized by mm size displacement in compression. Dynamic stress calculations indicate that the G-10 supporting material behind the rail is subjected to over 21 MPa at which the G-10 could fail if the laminate was not carefully oriented. Results for a polycarbonate resin (Lexan) side wall show much larger displacements and stresses than for G-10. The tradeoff between the transparency of Lexan and the mechanical strength of G-10 for sidewall material is obvious. Displacement calculations from the modal method are smaller than the results from the direct integration method by almost an order of magnitude, because the high frequency effect is neglected.

Wang, S. Y.↗