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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

Computational thermodynamic study of SiC chemical vapor deposition from MTS-H 2

This study focuses on the computational thermodynamic analysis of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of SiC from the methyltrichlorosilane-hydrogen (MTS-H 2 ) using up-to-date thermodynamic databases. High-resolution computation has been performed with the fine intervals of temperature and pressure at the various H 2 /MTS ratios of interest to systematically investigate the deposition condition range (800 to 1600°C, 0 to 26 664 Pa, and H 2 /MTS ratios of 0.1 to 100) to guide experimental exploration. The influence of deposition parameters on the compositions and phase stabilities of the deposit and gas phase pertinent to vapor processing is elucidated. Low pressure and medium temperatures (1000 to 1400°C) are beneficial to reaching a higher SiC deposition efficiency and provide an optimal window for preparing a high-purity (>99 wt.% SiC) deposit. This optimal processing window expands significantly with an increasing H 2 /MTS ratio (<20). These results are supported by a number of previous theoretical and experimental observations. The mass fraction of SiC in deposit is proposed as an additional perspective to understand the discrepancy between thermodynamic calculation and experimental observation of pure CVD SiC at low H 2 /MTS ratios.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic contributions to corundum-eskolaite and corundum-hematite phase equilibria: A DFT cluster expansion study

Magnetic contributions have the potential to significantly influence predicted phase stability within alloy and mineral mixing phase diagrams, yet have been historically challenging to incorporate due to a significant increase to phase space sampling. Here, in this work, we employ a computational protocol that includes spin orientation as an additional configurational component within multi-component cluster expansions between magnetic and non-magnetic metal oxide alloys [calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and the generalized gradient approximation]. This approach was used to determine the effect of magnetic contributions to corundum-eskolaite and corundum-hematite phase equilibria from first principles. Two-component cluster expansions of the magnetic components of eskolaite and hematite were first performed showing the ability of this method to properly calculate their respective magnetic properties. Two-component cluster expansions were then performed for non-magnetic Al(III) and ferromagnetic Cr(III) and Fe(III), and phase diagrams were calculated for later comparison. Finally, a non-magnetic Al(III) and “up” and “down” magnetic configurations for anti-ferromagnetic Cr(III) and Fe(III) were performed. Magnetic contributions to the calculated phase diagram for the corundumeskolaite system were shown to be inconsequential but are vital for accurate determination of the corundum-hematite solvus.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Observations of celestial X-ray sources above 20 keV with the high-energy scintillation spectrometer on board OSO 8

High-energy X-ray spectra of the Crab Nebula, Cyg- XR-1, and Cen A were determined from observations with the scintillation spectrometer on board the OSO-8 satellite, launched in June, 1975. Each of these sources was observed over two periods of 8 days or more, enabling a search for day-to-day and year to year variations in the spectral and temporal characteristics of the X-ray emission. No variation in the light curve of the Crab pulsar was found from observations which span a 15-day period in March 1976, with demonstrable phase stability. Transitions associated with the binary phase of Cyg XR-1 and a large change in the emission from Con A are reported.

Crannell, C. J.↗

Observations of celestial X-ray sources above 20 keV with the high-energy scintillation spectrometer on board OSO-8

High-energy X-ray spectra of the Crab Nebula, Cyg XR-1, and Cen A were determined from observations with the scintillation spectrometer onboard the OSO-8 satellite, launched in June 1975. Each of these sources was observed over two periods of 8 days or more, allowing a search for day-to-day and year-to-year variations in the spectral and temporal characteristics of the X-ray emission. No variation in the light curve of the Crab pulsar was found from observations which span a 15-day period in March 1976, with demonstrable phase stability. Transitions associated with the binary phase of Cyg XR-1 and a large change in the emission from Cen A are reported.

Crannell, C. J.↗

Compatibility of potential reinforcing ceramics with Ni and Fe aluminides

There is a great deal of interest in the possible utilization of intermetallic compounds in advanced high temperature gas turbine engines. These compounds exhibit a variety of promising properties, including reasonable strength, high melting points, relatively low densities, and good corrosion resistance. However, in general, they also show limited ductilities and toughness, and less than optimum creep strengths at elevated temperatures. In addition, in applications involving advanced gas turbine engines, it is often necessary for candidate materials to have large elastic moduli. The present study is part of a program whose objective is to identify a high temperature fiber reinforced composite. The approach adopted was to fabricate laboratory samples of the combinations of materials considered by Misra, in order to determine the extent to which the thermodynamic calculations can predict phase stability. As many of the ceramic phases considered are not currently available in fiber form, they were added as particulates to the alloy matrices. The ways in which the materials were produced and evaluated are described.

Clark, William A. T.↗

Structures and thermoelectric properties of double-filled (Ca{sub x}Ce{sub 1−x})Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} skutterudites

The structures and thermoelectric properties of the double-filled (Ca{sub x}Ce{sub 1−x})Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} series (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) have been studied using a combined experimental and computational methods. Compounds of (Ca{sub x}Ce{sub 1−x})Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} were obtained only for x=0, 0.5, and 1. Composition with x=0.25 was found to be a mixture of x=0 and 0.5 compounds, and composition with x=0.75 was found to be a mixture of x=1 and 0.5 compounds, respectively. Our conclusions on phase formation are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In Ca{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12,} Ca substitution in the Ce site of CeFe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} leads to high hole concentrations, resulting in stronger semimetal transport as compared to CeFe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12}. Ca{sub 0.5}Ce{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} yields a slightly higher ZT value than that of CeFe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12}, which is attributed to its lower lattice thermal conductivity. Phonon mode calculations adopting a three-particle bending model suggest that thermal conductivity is reduced upon Ca substitution because of an additional vibration mode which involves both Ca and Ce atoms. - Graphical abstract: Detailed structural information to correlate with thermoelectric properties in a series of double-filled (Ca{sub x}Ce{sub 1−x})Fe{sub 4}Sb{sub 12} skutterudite samples were obtained using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and first principle calculations. - Highlights: • Research focus on phase stability of CaCe double-filled p-type skutterudite. • Stable structure forms for an equiatomic occupancy of the voids by Ca and Ce. • Samples feature two-phase mixtures with variations of filling atoms ratio. • Phase stablility is investigated by DFT total energy calculations. • Sample with Equiatomic occupancy of Ca and Ce show higher ZT.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Experimental implementation of phase locking in a nonlinear interferometer

Based upon two cascade four-wave mixing processes in two identical hot rubidium vapor cells, a nonlinear interferometer has been experimentally realized [Jing et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 011110 (2011); Hudelist et al., Nat. Commun. 5, 3049 (2014)]. It has a higher degree of phase sensitivity than a traditional linear interferometer and has many potential applications in quantum metrology. Phase locking of the nonlinear interferometer is needed before it can find its way into applications. In this letter, we investigate the experimental implementation of phase locking of the relative phase between the three beams at different frequencies involved in such a nonlinear interferometer. We have utilized two different methods, namely, beat note locking and coherent modulation locking. We find that coherent modulation locking can achieve much better phase stability than beat note locking in our system. Our results pave the way for real applications of a nonlinear interferometer in precision measurement and quantum manipulation, for example, phase control in phase-sensitive N-wave mixing process, N-port nonlinear interferometer and quantum-enhanced real-time phase tracking.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Stability, metallicity, and magnetism in niobium silicide nanofilms

Modern superconducting qubits based on two-dimensional (2D) transmons typically involve the growth of Nb thin films on high-resistivity Si substrates. Since imperfections at the Nb-Si heterointerface have been implicated as a source of two-level systems that limit quantum coherence times, detailed characterization and understanding of niobium silicide interfacial layers are critical to improving superconducting qubit technology. While bulk binary intermetallic niobium silicide phases are well understood, the thermodynamic phase stability and properties of ultrathin niobium silicides, such as those found at the Nb-Si heterointerface in 2D transmons, have not yet been explored. Here, we report finite-sized effects for ultrathin niobium silicide films using density functional theory calculations and predict nanoscale stabilization of Nb 6 Si 5 over the bulk α-Nb 5 Si 3 phase. This result is consistent with our experimental observations of a niobium silicide interfacial layer between a sputtered Nb thin film and the underlying Si substrate. Furthermore, our calculations show that Nb 6 Si 5 nanofilms are nonmagnetic, making them superior to nanofilms of α-Nb 5 Si 3 that exhibit antiferromagnetic correlations detrimental to long coherence times in superconducting qubits. Furthermore, by providing atomic-scale insight into niobium silicide nanofilms, this paper can help guide ongoing efforts to optimize Nb-Si heterointerfaces for long coherence times in superconducting qubits.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wideband Amplifier With Subpicosecond Stability

RF circuit offers high isolation as well as phase stability. For temperature stability, all circuit components are contained in closed metal housing; packages of active circuit elements are embedded in common heat sink. Provisions not only slow down effect of ambient temperature changes on individual devices but also reduce temperature differences across devices so that differential temperature effects vanish.

Reinhardt, V. S.↗

New Oxide Materials for an Ultra High Temperature Environment

In this project, a new oxide material, Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 has been successfully synthesized by the controlled oxidization of Hf-Ta alloys. This oxide exhibits good oxidation resistance, high temperature phase stability up to more than 2000°C, low thermal conductivity and thus could serve as a component or a coating material in an ultrahigh temperature environment. We have examined the microstructure evolution and phase formation sequence during the oxidation exposure of Hf-Ta alloys at 1500°C and identified that the oxidation of a Hf-26.7atomic %Ta alloy leads to the formation of a single phase adherent Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 with a complex atomic structure i.e. superstructure. The overall reactive diffusion pathway is consistent with the calculated Hf-Ta-O ternary phase diagram. Besides the synthesis of Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 superstructure by oxidizing Hf-Ta alloys, we have also developed a synthesis method based upon the reactive sintering of the correct ratios of mixed powders of HfO 2 and Ta 2 O 5 and verified the low thermal conductivity of Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 superstructure on these samples. We have completed a preliminary analysis of the oxidation kinetics for Hf 6 Ta 2 O 17 , which shows an initial parabolic oxidation kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spectral broadening and pulse shaping in the deep ultraviolet

Here, we report the generation and shaping of ∼20 femtosecond pulses in the deep ultraviolet (DUV). Our approach combines spectral broadening in a stretched hollow-core fiber with compression and shaping via an acousto-optic modulator-based pulse shaper. The pulse shaper allows for automatic compression, useful for in-air delivery of pulses to two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy and other time-resolved experiments. Unlike previous DUV pulse generation schemes that lack phase stability, our method enables programmable generation of phase-locked pulse-pairs with attosecond-level stability. We demonstrate pulse characterization via self-diffraction frequency-resolved optical gating and dispersion scan methods in the DUV and validate performance through a pump-probe experiment resolving electronic dynamics on attosecond timescales.

Codere, Julia [Stony Brook Univ., NY (United State↗

High strength and high ductility in a novel Fe 40.2 Ni 11.3 Mn 30 Al 7.5 Cr 11 multiphase high entropy alloy

In the present study, a novel Fe 40.2 Ni 11.3 Mn 30 Al 7.5 Cr 11 high entropy alloy displaying an excellent com- bination of high strength and high ductility has been developed. The b.c.c.þB2/f.c.c. dendritic- interdendritic microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and the alloy’s mechanical properties were examined using Vickers hardness measurements and room-temperature tensile tests. The phase stability of Fe 40.2 Ni 11.3 Mn 30 Al 7.5 Cr 11 was investigated by annealing the alloy between 1173 Ke1273 K, and the presence of both Ni-rich, b.c.c. needle-shaped precipitates and Cr-rich, s phase particles was observed for the 1173 K annealed specimen. The s phase precipitates contributed to the rapid age-hardening effect in the material annealed at 1173 K. A further increase in ageing temperature to 1223 K and 1273 K led to the dissolution of the s phase and a reduction in the volume fraction of the b.c.c./B2 dendrites, which led to a consequent drop in room-temperature yield strength from the as-cast value of ~593 MPae~486 MPa and ~228 MPa for the specimens annealed at 1223 K and 1273 K, respectively. An accompanying increase in ductility was observed from ~22% for the as-cast alloy to ~27% and ~40% after annealing the material at 1223 K and 1273 K, respectively. Post-deformation transmission electron micrographs revealed that the f.c.c interdendrites accommodated plastic strain via wavy slip and moreover, deformed before the b.c.c. dendritic regions, which were reinforced by B2 particles and acted as obstacles to moving dislocations. Finally, the discovery of a multi-phase HEA that contains 11% Cr and good mechanical properties has relevant high-temperature structural applications especially in cases that require suitable corrosion resistance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Studies on the thermal stability of BiCuSeO

BiCuSeO based materials have been reported as very promising thermoelectric materials, with thermoelectric figure of merit values that make them among the best p-type Pb-free polycrystalline thermoelectric materials, and they could be suitable for applications in thermal to electrical power conversion modules in a 300–650 °C temperature range. In this paper, we report on the phase stability and thermal stability of these materials under inert and oxidizing atmosphere and we discuss their actual potential for wide scale applications. We show that although they are stable in inert atmosphere up to 650 °C, with very slow volatilization rate, it is not the case under oxidizing atmosphere, with a quick oxidation starting at a moderate temperature. - Graphical abstract: BiCuSeO oxidation under air, starting below 300 °C. - Highlights: • Decomposition and oxidation mechanisms of BiCuSeO were studied. • BiCuSeO does not volatilize in inert atmosphere up to 650 °C. • BiCuSeO starts oxidizing for temperatures as low as 200 °C.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nanosized low-temperature phases of titanium(IV) oxide with anatase and η-phase structures: composition, structure, and photocatalytic properties

Nanosized low-temperature modifications of titanium(IV) oxide with the anatase and η-phase (TiO{sub 2–x}•mH{sub 2}O) structures were prepared by the sulfate method (pH <3) and for the first time characterized by a complex of methods (X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, low-temperature sorption capacity of samples to nitrogen, and differentiating dissolution). The physicochemical properties of the modifications were compared. Differences in compositions of the surface and volumes of the samples, compositions and structures of the phases (structure of η-phase is superstructure to anatase), and microstructure elements (sizes of crystallites, nanoparticles, and specific surface area; volume of nano- and ultrananopores) were revealed. The region of η-phase stability was found in the coordinates of temperature (T = 50–95 °C) and hydrolysis duration (τ = 10–80 min) and temperature (T≤200 °C) and annealing duration (τ <6 h). The distinctions in the thermal behavior of the nanosized anatase and η-phase were studied. The photocatalytic activity (PCA) is determined by the physicochemical characteristics of the samples and phases and also by the composition and structure of the decomposed substrate. In the case of difenoxazole, the PCA is affected by the compositions of the samples, phases, and surface (the presence of OH groups) and specific surface area, whereas the composition of the samples and specific surface area affect the PCA in the case of thiamethoxam.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Electronic Structure, Mechanical and Dynamical Stability of Hexagonal Subcarbides M{sub 2}C (M = Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt): Ab Initio Calculations

Ab initio calculations were used to study the properties of a series of hexagonal (Fe{sub 2}N-like) subcarbides M{sub 2}C, where M = Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, and Pt, and to calculate their equilibrium structural parameters, electronic properties, phase stability, elastic constants, compression modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, compressibility, Pugh’s indicator, Poisson ratio, elastic anisotropy indices, and also hardness, Debye temperature, sound velocity, and low-temperature heat capacity. It is found based on these results that all the subcarbides are mechanically stable; however, their formation energies E{sub form} are positive with respect to a mixture of d-metal and graphite. In addition, the calculation of the phonon spectra of these subcarbides shows the existence of negative modes, which indicates their dynamical instability. Thus, a successful synthesis of these subcarbides at normal conditions is highly improbable.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Design of ternary alkaline-earth metal Sn(II) oxides with potential good p-type conductivity

Oxides with good p-type conductivity have been long sought after to achieve high performance all-oxide optoelectronic devices. Divalent Sn(II) based oxides are promising candidates because of their rather dispersive upper valence bands caused by the Sn-5s/O-2p anti-bonding hybridization. There are so far few known Sn(II) oxides being p-type conductive suitable for device applications. Here, we present via first-principles global optimization structure searches a material design study for a hitherto unexplored Sn(II)-based system, ternary alkaline-earth metal Sn(II) oxides in the stoichiometry of MSn 2 O 3 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba). We identify two stable compounds of SrSn 2 O 3 and BaSn 2 O 3 , which can be stabilized by Sn-rich conditions in phase stability diagrams. Their structures follow the Zintl behaviour and consist of basic structural motifs of SnO 3 tetrahedra. Unexpectedly they show distinct electronic properties with band gaps ranging from 1.90 (BaSn 2 O 3 ) to 3.15 (SrSn 2 O 3 ) eV, and hole effective masses ranging from 0.87 (BaSn 2 O 3 ) to above 6.0 (SrSn 2 O 3 ) m 0 . Further exploration of metastable phases indicates a wide tunability of electronic properties controlled by the details of the bonding between the basic structural motifs. Lastly, this suggests further exploration of alkaline-earth metal Sn(II) oxides for potential applications requiring good p-type conductivity such as transparent conductors and photovoltaic absorbers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

On the effect of elemental partitioning to secondary phases after solution and aging heat treatments in a Co-Ni-based superalloy

Here, this paper presents the phase stability and elemental partitioning in a Co-40Ni-10Al-7.5W-10Cr-3Nb-0.06B-0.6C (at.%) superalloy (referred to as 3Nb) after a two-step heat treatment. The resulting microstructure consisted of γ, γ', MC carbides and µ-Co 7 W 6 phase decorating the regions near and at the grain boundaries. Nb preferentially partitioned to the γ'-phase and other elements such as Ni, Cr and W were responsible for the μ-phase formation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-pressure orthorhombic ferromagnesite as a potential deep-mantle carbon carrier

In this study, knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of candidate deep-carbon carriers such as ferromagnesite [(Mg,Fe)CO 3 ] at high pressure and temperature of the deep mantle is necessary for our understanding of deep-carbon storage as well as the global carbon cycle of the planet. Previous studies have reported very different scenarios for the (Mg,Fe)CO 3 system at deep-mantle conditions including the chemical dissociation to (Mg,Fe)O+CO 2 , the occurrence of the tetrahedrally-coordinated carbonates based on CO 4 structural units, and various high-pressure phase transitions. Here we have studied the phase stability and compressional behavior of (Mg,Fe)CO 3 carbonates up to relevant lower-mantle conditions of approximately 120 GPa and 2400 K. Our experimental results show that the rhombohedral siderite (Phase I) transforms to an orthorhombic phase (Phase II with Pmm2 space group) at approximately 50 GPa and 1400 K. The structural transition is likely driven by the spin transition of iron accompanied by a volume collapse in the Fe-rich (Mg,Fe)CO 3 phases; the spin transition stabilizes the high-pressure phase II at much lower pressure conditions than its Mg-rich counterpart. It is conceivable that the low-spin ferromagnesite phase II becomes a major deep-carbon carrier at the deeper parts of the lower mantle below 1900 km in depth.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗