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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Separated and Recovering Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow Behind a Backward Facing Step For Different Reynolds Numbers

Experimental results for a two-dimensional separated turbulent boundary layer behind a backward facing step for five different Reynolds numbers are reported. Results are presented in the form of tables, graphs and a floppy disk for an easy access of the data. Reynolds number based on the step height was varied by changing the reference velocity upstream of the step, U(sub o), and the step height, h. Hot-wire measurement techniques were used to measure three Reynolds stresses and four triple-velocity correlations. In addition, surface pressure and skin friction coefficients were measured. All hot-wire measurements were acquired in a measuring domain which excluded recirculating flow region due to the directional insensitivity of hot-wires. The downstream extent of the domain from the step was 51 h for the largest and I 14h for the smallest step height. This significant downstream length permitted extensive study of the flow recovery. Prediction of perturbed flows and their recovery is particularly attractive for popular turbulence models since variations of turbulence length and time scales and flow interactions in different regions are generally inadequately predicted. The data indicate that the flow in the free shear layer region behaves like the plane mixing layer up to about 2/3 of the mean reattachment length when the flow interaction with the wall commences the flow recovery to that of an ordinary turbulent boundary layer structure. These changes of the flow do not occur abruptly with the change of boundary conditions. A reattachment region represents a transitional region where the flow undergoes the most dramatic adjustments to the new boundary conditions. Large eddies, created in the upstream free-shear layer region, are being torn, recirculated, reentrained back into the main stream interacting with the incoming flow structure. It is foreseeable that it is quite difficult to describe the physics of this region in a rational and quantitative manner other than statistical. Downstream of the reattachment point the flow recovers at different rates near the wall, in the newly developing internal boundary layer, and in the outer part of the flow. It appears that Reynolds stresses do not fully recover up to the longest recovery length of 114 h.

Jovic, Srba↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Efficient Electrolytic Preparation of MAX-Phased Ti-Al-C

Large-scale deployment of MAX-phased Ti-Al-C with intriguing mechanical and physicochemical properties is significantly retarded by its harsh preparation conditions, in which costly precursors, high temperature and non-atmospheric pressure are generally imperative. We herein report an efficient electrolytic preparation of MAX-phased Ti-Al-C by direct electro-reduction of solid TiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C in molten CaCl{sub 2} at 1223 K under normal pressure. Homogeneous layered Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} with an oxygen content of 4300 ppm is prepared under a voltage of 3 V between the solid cathode and graphite anode for only 4 hours. The electro-reduction of TiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C exhibits a much faster speed compared with the electrolysis employing TiO{sub 2}, TiO{sub 2}-C and TiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} as the precursors. Time-dependent electrolysis indicates that TiC{sub x}O{sub y} is the main intermediate. The generation of refractory and highly conducting TiC{sub x}O{sub y} intermediate enhances the reduction. Density functional theory simulations show a weak affinity towards oxygen of the resulting Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2}, which is beneficial to fast and thorough deoxidation. The formation of a layered structure of Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} is attributed to the template effect of the precursory graphite. By simply varying the precursory stoichiometry, layered Ti{sub 2}AlC is also prepared. The present protocol featuring affordable feedstock, low temperature, ambient pressure, high energy efficiency and controllable stoichiometry is promising for large-scale application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Chemical and morphological evolution of hybrid conversion coatings in low-Earth orbit space environment

Understanding how protective coatings respond to the harsh low-Earth orbit (LEO) environment is essential for ensuring the safety, longevity, and cost-effectiveness of spacecraft. In particular, identifying environmentally friendly, non-chromate alternatives that can maintain performance under such conditions has both technological and regulatory significance. This study investigates the environmental stability of zirconium-based hybrid conversion coatings with Cu additives (Cu10 and Cu20) applied to cold-rolled steel, tested in the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) outside the International Space Station (ISS). Chemical and morphological analyses were carried out using a combination of electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. After exposure outside the ISS, all coatings remained structurally intact, with all exhibiting a uniform Zr-rich matrix and embedded Cu-rich clusters, while a thin Si-rich surface layer developed from interaction with space environments. Depth-resolved XPS showed a layered structure with CuO on the surface, Cu 2 O, and partial Zr(IV) reduction near Cu-rich sites, evidence of Atomic Oxygen (AO)-driven surface oxidation. These results demonstrate that Cu–Zr coatings maintain their chemical integrity and microstructure in harsh space environments, offering a non-chromate alternative for long-term aerospace protection. These insights provide valuable guidance for developing next-generation protective coatings that combine environmental sustainability with the reliability required for future aerospace and orbital applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of the Sapphire-Nitridation Level and Nucleation-Layer Enrichment with Aluminum on the Structural Properties of AlN Layers

The effect of atomic aluminum deposited onto sapphire substrates with different nitridation levels on the quality of AlN layers grown by ammonia molecular-beam epitaxy is investigated. The nitridation of sapphire with the formation of ~1 monolayer of AlN is shown to ensure the growth of layers with a smoother surface and better crystal quality than in the case of the formation of a nitrided AlN layer with a thickness of ~2 monolayers. It is demonstrated that the change in the duration of exposure of nitrided substrates to the atomic aluminum flux does not significantly affect the parameters of subsequent AlN layers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2002

Lidar Measurements of Wind, Moisture, and Boundary Layer Evolution in a Dry Line during 1HOP 2002

Variability in the convective boundary layer moisture, wind and temperature fields and their importance in the forecasting and understanding of storms have been discussed in the literature. These . variations have been reported in relation to frontal zones, stationary boundaries and during horizontal convective rolls. While all three vary substantially in the convective boundary layer, moisture poses a particular challenge. Moisture or water vapor concentration (expressed as a mass mixing ratio, g/kg), is conserved in all meteorological processes except condensation and evaporation. The water vapor mixing ratio often remains distinct across an air-mass boundary even when the temperature difference is indistinct. These properties make it an ideal choice in visualizing and understanding many of the atmosphere's dynamic features. However, it also presents a unique measurement challenge because water vapor content can vary by more than three orders of magnitude in the troposphere. Characterization of the 3D-distribution of water vapor is also difficult as water vapor observations can suffer from large sampling errors and substantial variability both in the vertical and horizontal. This study presents ground-based measurements of wind, boundary layer structure and water vapor mixing ratio measurements observed by three co-located lidars. This presentation will focus on the evolution and variability of moisture and wind in the boundary layer during a dry line event that occurred on 22 May 2002. These data sets and analyses are unique in that they combine simultaneous measurements of wind, moisture and CBL structure to study the detailed thermal variability in and around clear air updrafts during a dryline event. It will quantify the variation caused by, in and around buoyant plumes and across a dryline. The data presented here were collected in the panhandle of Oklahoma as part of the International H2O Project (MOP-2002), a field experiment that took place over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) of the United States from 13 May to 30 June 2002. The chief goal of MOP-2002 is to improve characterization of the four-dimensional (4-D) distribution of water vapor and its application to improving the understanding and prediction of convection

Demoz, Belay↗
NASA NTRS2003

Lidar Measurements of Wind, Moisture and Boundary Layer Evolution in a Dryline During IHOP2002

Variability in the convective boundary layer moisture, wind and temperature fields and their importance in the forecasting and understanding of storms have been discussed in the literature. These variations have been reported in relation to frontal zones, stationary boundaries and during horizontal convective rolls. While all three vary substantially in the convective boundary layer, moisture poses a particular challenge. Moisture or water vapor concentration (expressed as a mass mixing ratio, g/kg), is conserved in all meteorological processes except condensation and evaporation. The water vapor mixing ratio often remains distinct across an air -mass boundary even when the temperature difference is indistinct. These properties make it an ideal choice in visualizing and understanding many of the atmosphere's dynamic features. However, it also presents a unique measurement challenge because water vapor content can vary by more than three orders of magnitude in the troposphere. Characterization of the 3D-distribution of water vapor is also difficult as water vapor observations can suffer from large sampling errors and substantial variability both in the vertical and horizontal. This study presents groundbased measurements of wind, boundary layer structure and water vapor mixing ratio measurements observed by three co-located lidars. This presentation will focus on the evolution and variability of moisture and wind in the boundary layer during a dry line event that occurred on 22 May 2002. These data sets and analyses are unique in that they combine simultaneous measurements of wind, moisture and CBL structure to study the detailed thermal variability in and around clear air updrafts during a dryline event. It will quantify the variation caused by, in and around buoyant plumes and across a dryline. The data presented here were collected in the panhandle of Oklahoma as part of the International BO Project (IHOP-2002), a field experiment that took place over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) of the United States from 13 May to 30 June 2002. The chief goal of IHOP-2002 is to improve characterization of the four-dimensional (4-D) distribution of water vapor and its application to improving the understanding and prediction of convection

Demoz, Belay↗
DOE OSTI2025

Recent Developments in Lithium-Manganese-Nickel Oxide Electrochemistry: The Alchemy of LiMn 0.5 Ni 0.5 O 2

Efforts have been underway for some time at Argonne National Laboratory to design structurally integrated and stabilized lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide cathode materials. The goal has been to find a cobalt-free, high-capacity cathode for a Li-ion battery that is competitive, both cost- and energy-wise, with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) products. This brief synopsis highlights the remarkable alchemy of LiMn 0.5 Ni 0.5 O 2 resulting from its well-known, slightly disordered layered structure and the recently discovered lithiated spinel phase and totally disordered rock-salt configurations. All three arrangements share a structurally compatible cubic-close-packed oxygen array. The lithiated spinel and layered components provide an intersecting network of two- and three-dimensional channels that facilitate Li + -ion transport, while a minor amount of an extensively disordered rock-salt component likely serves to enhance the structural and electrochemical stability of the electrode. The synopsis also encompasses the historical development of lithiated spinel electrode materials and structurally integrated systems.

Thackeray, Michael M. [Argonne National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2018

Modified Oxygen Defect Chemistry at Transition Metal Oxide Heterostructures Probed by Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction

Transition metal oxide hetero-structures are interesting due to the distinctly different properties that can arise from their interfaces, such as superconductivity, high catalytic activity and magnetism. Oxygen point defects can play an important role at these interfaces in inducing potentially novel properties. The design of oxide hetero-structures in which the oxygen defects are manipulated to attain specific functionalities requires the ability to resolve the state and concentration of local oxygen defects across buried interfaces. In this work, we utilized a novel combination of hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and high resolution xray diffraction (HRXRD) to probe the local oxygen defect distribution across the buried interfaces of oxide heterolayers. This approach provides a non-destructive way to qualitatively probe locally the oxygen defects in transition metal oxide hetero-structures. We studied two trilayer structures as model systems - the La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3-δ /(La 0.5 Sr 0.5 ) 2 CoO 4 /La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3-δ (LSC 113 /LSC 214 ) and the La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3-δ /La 2 NiO 4+δ /La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3-δ (LSC 113 /LNO 214 ) on SrTiO 3 (001) single crystal substrates. We found that the oxygen defect chemistry of these transition metal oxides was strongly impacted by the presence of interfaces and the properties of the adjacent phases. Under reducing conditions, the LSC 113 in the LSC 113 /LNO 214 tri-layer had less oxygen vacancies than the LSC 113 in the LSC 113 /LSC 214 tri-layer and the LSC 113 single phase film. On the other hand, LSC 214 and LNO 214 were more reduced in the two tri-layer structures when in contact with the LSC 113 layer compared to their single phase counterparts. Furthermore, the results point out a potential way to modify the local oxygen defect states at oxide hetero-interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2008

Formation of Structured Dayside Boundary Layers under Different Solar Wind Conditions: THEMIS Observations

We have begun an investigation of the formation of the dayside low latitude boundary layer under different solar wind conditions using data from the THEMIS spacecraft. We present two cases of magnetopause/LLBL interface crossings made by the five spacecraft; one under long lasting northward IMF and a second for a period of southward IMF. All spacecraft during these observations traversed the dayside magnetosphere in a string-of-pearls configuration with the farthest distance between spacecraft less than approx.2 R(sub E). The sequence of observations from spacecraft, as they crossed the magnetopause, shows the development of a highly structured boundary layer regardless of the polarity of the IMF. We discuss possible scenarios for the development of such structured boundary layers, including low latitude reconnection under northward IMF as well as double reconnection in opposite hemispheres.

Avanov, Levon A.↗
DOE OSTI2017

New quaternary alkali metal cadmium selenites, A{sub 2}Cd(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} (A = K, Rb, and Cs) and Li{sub 2}Cd{sub 3}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 4}

A series of new alkali metal cadmium selenites, A{sub 2}Cd(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} (A = K, Rb, and Cs) and Li{sub 2}Cd{sub 3}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 4} have been synthesized in phase pure forms through hydrothermal and solid-state reactions. Structural analyses using single crystal X-ray diffraction indicate that while A{sub 2}Cd(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} and Li{sub 2}Cd{sub 3}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 4} reveal layered structures consisting of CdO{sub 6} and SeO{sub 3} polyhedra, their symmetry, bonding modes, and the orientation of lone pairs on Se{sup 4+} cations are different. A closer examination suggests that the observed structural variations found in the reported materials are attributed to the structure-directing effect of alkali metal cations with different sizes. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analysis by X-ray, thermogravimetric analysis, Infrared and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transformation reactions under hydrothermal conditions, and local dipole moment calculations for the reported materials are also reported. - Graphical abstract: The size of alkali metal cations affects the direction of lone pairs on the Se{sup 4+} between the layers. Display Omitted - Highlights: • New selenites, A{sub 2}Cd(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} (A = K, Rb, and Cs) and Li{sub 2}Cd{sub 3}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 4}, were synthesized. • Complete structural determinations and full characterizations have been performed. • The structural variations are due to the different size of alkali metal cations. • A{sub 2}Cd(SeO{sub 3}){sub 2} transformed to Li{sub 2}Cd{sub 3}(SeO{sub 3}){sub 4} in aqueous LiNO{sub 3} under hydrothermal conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Fe-Cluster Compounds of Chalcogenides: Candidates for Rare-Earth-Free Permanent Magnet and Magnetic Nodal-Line Topological Material

Here, Fe-cluster-based crystal structures are predicted for chalcogenides Fe 3 X 4 (X = S, Se, Te) using an adaptive genetic algorithm. Topologically different from the well-studied layered structures of iron chalcogenides, the newly predicted structures consist of Fe clusters that are either separated by the chalcogen atoms or connected via sharing of the vertex Fe atoms. Additionally, using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that these structures have competitive or even lower formation energies than the experimentally synthesized Fe 3 X 4 compounds and exhibit interesting magnetic and electronic properties. In particular, we show that Fe 3 X 4 can be a good candidate as a rare-earth-free permanent magnet and Fe 3 X 4 can be a magnetic nodal-line topological material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unconventional nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials

We present the first investigation of unusual nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials. Contrary to expectations, our study shows that these nonlinear effects are not merely extensions of their monolayer counterparts. Instead, we find that stacking order and pairwise interactions between neighboring layers, mediated by Berry curvatures, play a pivotal role in shaping their collective nonlinear optical response. By combining large-scale Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT) simulations with model Hamiltonian analyses, we demonstrate a remarkable second-harmonic transverse response in hexagonal boron nitride four-layers, even in cases where the total Berry curvature cancels out. Furthermore, our symmetry analysis of the layered structures provides a simplified framework for predicting nonlinear responses in multilayer materials in general. Our investigation challenges the prevailing understanding of nonlinear optical responses in layered materials and opens new avenues for the design and development of advanced materials with tailored optical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Structure and dynamics of hydrodynamically interacting finite-size Brownian particles in a spherical cavity: Spheres and cylinders

The structure and dynamics of confined suspensions of particles of arbitrary shape are of interest in multiple disciplines from biology to engineering. Theoretical studies are often limited by the complexity of long-range particle-particle and particle-wall forces, including many-body fluctuating hydrodynamic interactions. Here, we report a computational study on the diffusion of spherical and cylindrical particles confined in a spherical cavity. We rely on an immersed-boundary general geometry Ewald-like method to capture lubrication and long-range hydrodynamics and include appropriate non-slip conditions at the confining walls. A Chebyshev polynomial approximation is used to satisfy the fluctuation-dissipation theorem for the Brownian suspension. We explore how lubrication, long-range hydrodynamics, particle volume fraction, and shape affect the equilibrium structure and the diffusion of the particles. It is found that once the particle volume fraction is greater than 10%, the particles start to form layered aggregates that greatly influence particle dynamics. Hydrodynamic interactions strongly influence the particle diffusion by inducing spatially dependent short-time diffusion coefficients, stronger wall effects on the particle diffusion toward the walls, and a sub-diffusive regime-caused by crowding-in the long-time particle mobility. The level of asymmetry of the cylindrical particles considered here is enough to induce an orientational order in the layered structure, decreasing the diffusion rate and facilitating a transition to the crowded mobility regime at low particle concentrations. Our results offer fundamental insights into the diffusion and distribution of globular and fibrillar proteins inside cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1988

Investigation of heat and momentum transport in turbulent flows via numerical simulations

Turbulent transport of heat is studied by examining the flow fields obtained from a direct simulation of a turbulent channel flow. The turbulence structures associated with the velocity and scalar fields are presented using air (Pr = 0.71) as the medium. A comparison is made between the wall-layer structures identified by the temperature field and the structures found in the velocity field. Consideration is also given to the role of the organized turbulence structures in scalar transport.

Kim, John↗
NASA NTRS1989

Interactions in boundary-layer transition

Certain theoretical studies of boundary-layer transition are described, based on high Reynolds numbers and with attention drawn to the various nonlinear interactions and scales present. The article concentrates in particular on theories for which the mean-flow profile is completely altered from its original state. Two- and three-dimensional flow theory and conjectures on turbulent-boundary-layer structures are included. Specific recent findings noted, and in qualitative agreement with experiments, are: nonlinear finite-time break-ups in unsteady interactive boundary layers; strong vortex/wave interactions; and prediction of turbulent boundary-layer displacement- and stress sublayer-thicknesses.

Smith, Frank T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Nonlinear breakdowns in boundary layer transition

Theoretical studies of boundary-layer transition are described, based on high Reynolds numbers and with attention drawn to nonlinear interactions, breakdowns and scales. The article notes in particular truly nonlinear theories for which the mean-flow profile is completely altered from its original state. Two- and three-dimensional flow theory and conjectures on turbulent boundary-layer structures are included. Specific recent findings noted, and in qualitative agreement with experiments, are: nonlinear finite-time break-ups in unsteady interactive boundary layers; strong vortex/wave interactions; and prediction of turbulent boundary-layer displacement- and stress sublayer-thicknesses.

Smith, Frank T.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural and Magnetic Characteristics of Nanogranular Co–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} Single- and Multilayer Films Formed by the Solid-State Synthesis

The results of structural and magnetic investigations of nanogranular Co–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} films formed from Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/Al thin-film layered structures upon vacuum annealing are reported. The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/Al films have been obtained by sequential reactive magnetron sputtering of a metallic cobalt target in a medium consisting of the Ar + O{sub 2} gas mixture and magnetron sputtering of an aluminum target in the pure argon atmosphere. It is shown that such a technique makes it possible to obtain nanogranular Co–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} single- and multilayer thin films with a well-controlled size of magnetic grains and their distribution over the film thickness.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pressure-Induced Diels-Alder Reactions in C 6 H 6 -C 6 F 6 Cocrystal towards Graphane Structure

Pressure-induced polymerization (PIP) of aromatics is a novel method to construct sp 3 -carbon frameworks, and nanothreads with diamond-like structures were synthesized by compressing benzene and its derivatives. Here, by compressing benzene-hexafluorobenzene cocrystal (CHCF), we identified H-F-substituted graphane with a layered structure in the PIP product. Based on the crystal structure determined from the in situ neutron diffraction and the intermediate products identified by the gas chromatography-mass spectrum, we found that at 20 GPa CHCF forms tilted columns with benzene and hexafluorobenzene stacked alternatively, which leads to a [4+2] polymer, and then transfers to short-range ordered hydrogenated-fluorinated graphane. The reaction process contains [4+2] Diels-Alder, retro-Diels-Alder, and 1-1' coupling, and the former is the key reaction in the PIP. In conclusion, our studies confirmed the elemental reactions of the CHCF for the first time, which provides a novel insight into the PIP of aromatics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗