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At least 523 records · Page 29

Kinetics of Carbon Condensation in Detonation of High Explosives: First-Order Phase Transition Theory Perspective

We report the kinetics of carbon condensation, or carbon clustering, in detonation of carbon-rich high explosives is modeled by solving a system of rate equations for concentrations of carbon particles. Unlike previous efforts, the rate equations account not only for the aggregation of particles but also for their fragmentation in a thermodynamically consistent manner. Numerical simulations are performed, yielding the distribution of particle concentrations as a function of time. In addition to that, analytical expressions are obtained for all the distinct steps and regimes of the condensation kinetics, which facilitates the analysis of the numerical results and allows one to study the sensitivity of the kinetic behavior to the variation of system parameters. The latter is important because the numerical values of many parameters are not reliably known at present. The theory of the kinetics of first-order phase transitions is found adequate to describe the general kinetic trends of carbon condensation, as described by the rate equations. Such physical phenomena and processes as the coagulation, nucleation, growth, and Ostwald ripening are observed, and their dependence on various system parameters is studied and reported. It is believed that the present work will become useful when analyzing the present and future results for the kinetics of carbon condensation, obtained from experiments or atomistic simulations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Advanced Solar and Load Forecasting Incorporating HD Sky Imaging (Phase III)

Due to rapidly changing sky conditions, the available solar irradiance for energy generation is subject to wide swings in amplitude. As the market penetration of solar energy continues to increase rapidly, these variations in solar power generation are beginning to have an impact on grid stability and increased wear on power switches. Solar power forecasting plays a critical role in operations for Independent System Operators (ISOs) and utilities. Accurate forecasts help maintain grid reliability, optimize generation from renewables, and reduce operating costs. Of particular interest to the ISOs and utilities are sudden changes in solar irradiance, termed “ramp events,” due to the movement of clouds. One significant impact of ramp events on the grid is additional ancillary service requirements necessary to manage such variability. Ramp events can also cause voltage fluctuations in the distribution grids and trigger actions of automated line equipment (e.g., tap changers), leading to additional maintenance costs. In high penetration solar regions, forecasts must be made for both transmission-connected and distribution-connected resources – either behind the meter or in front of it. Particularly for distributed solar energy resources, forecasting can be a challenge due to the lack of visibility of the energy resource. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been working towards nowcasting Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) using low-cost technologies for several years now. The Solar NowCasting technology being developed by BNL is a 0 – 30 min solar “nowcasting” technology applicable to a scale covering both large generating facilities and residential, distributed solar installations that relies on a network of ground-based high-definition (HD) cameras and surface pyranometers. GHI forecasts are being produced for both regions using 8 ground-based HD cameras and at least 2 surface pyranometers. When stitched together, the camera images can be used to forecast the impact of clouds on available solar irradiance over a domain of ~50 km 2 . Phase I of the project was the engineering scale up conceptual design stage. Phase II was the initial field test and demonstration, in which the technology was scaled up by a factor of 20 times and successfully demonstrated in eastern Long Island. In Phase III, an additional forecasting network was added in upstate NY and both networks are currently being operated until at least a full year of data is gathered by the Albany network to allow for the collection of sufficient data to evaluate performance against the persistence and smart persistence models using the Solar Arbiter.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Step-loaded creep testing of Zircaloy-4 cladding at higher temperatures in the α-phase

A refined understanding of zirconium-based cladding thermomechanical performance during rapid transients is essential for enhancing the safety and operation of light-water reactors. Traditional models for zirconium alloys under accident conditions generally assume that creep dominates fuel cladding performance. Here, these historic models have largely remained unchanged and serve as the basis for safety criteria development. As the U.S. nuclear industry pursues higher burnup levels, the increased release of fission gases during transients raises the risk of cladding failure in the low-temperature hcp α-phase, making the fidelity of these models of greater importance. Creep testing was conducted from 550–700°C with 25–120 MPa applied hoop stresses to investigate Zircaloy-4 deformation at accident-relevant temperatures in the α-phase. Step-loading was employed to capture creep behavior across a wide stress range from a single sample. The stress-strain rate data at higher temperatures (650 and 700°C) were well-described by isotropic versions of the Erbacher and Kaddour models, while the lower temperature data (550 and 600°C) were underpredicted by both anisotropic and isotropic model variants. Greater strain rates during the initial loading step at 650 and 700°C were attributed to recrystallization and grain growth of sub-micron crystallites. Yet, texture analysis revealed the basal split texture remained after testing. These observations produced results suggesting Zircaloy-4 claddings experience higher creep rates across the α-phase than previously thought, possibly related to dynamic anisotropy due to temperature dependent activation of deformation mechanisms, effects of biaxial loading, and variation in material condition between the current testing used in previous model development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

CsO x Nanostructures on Au(111): Morphology- and Size-dependent Activity for the Water–Gas Shift Reaction

Alkali oxides are typically used as promoters of heterogeneous catalysts for the water–gas shift (WGS; H 2 O + CO → H 2 + CO 2 ) reaction. On Au(111), CsO x exhibits diverse nanostructures at varying coverages, as revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy. Clusters of cesium oxide (Cs 2 O 2 ) nucleate at elbow sites of the Au(111) herringbone when θ Cs is less than 0.1 ML. Subsequently, these clusters transform into two-dimensional (2D) islands (Cs 2 O, Cs 2 O 2 , CsO 2 ) as the cesium coverage increases (θ Cs > 0.1 ML). Both types of CsO x nanostructures enable the WGS process on Au(111). The highest activity was seen for the cesium oxide clusters which facilitated the partial dissociation of water and binding of CO. The CO ads and OH ads groups were not strongly bound and probably reacted to yield a short-lived HOCO intermediate that led to gaseous H 2 and CO 2 . The 2D islands of CsO x also enabled the WGS but their efficiency was reduced due to the formation of cesium hydroxide compounds (limiting mobility of OH groups) and the generation of CO 3 and C species (blocking of active centers). The fact that the performance of the CsO x /Au(111) catalysts changed dramatically with variations in the chemical properties of the CsO x nanostructures indicates that the alkali oxide was an integral part of the active phase, playing a central role in the activation and conversion of the reactants. To attach the label of “promoter” to CsO x is a simplification that does not help in the design and optimization of catalysts for C1 chemistry. In conclusion, to achieve a rational design, one must consider the structural and chemical properties of the alkali oxide.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Moisture-Induced Structural Degradation in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Thin Films

Methylammonium lead iodide (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , MAPbI 3 ) belongs to the group of organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) that exhibit exceptional electrical and optical behavior suitable for photovoltaic applications. However, improving its structural and chemical stability and robustness remains a challenge for OIHPs to be considered a feasible active material in optoelectronic devices. This is due to the fact that this material is very susceptible to degrade under various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms through which MAPbI 3 undergoes chemical degradation under operating conditions such as a relatively humid environment. We present the structural characteristics of MAPbI 3 under working conditions that suggest the routes of phase segregation as a result of exposing to highly moist media. We use dark pulse discharge behavior and current–voltage (I–V) variations of MAPbI 3 under different moisture levels to investigate the nature of structural degradation in OIHPs. Here we show that while relatively lower levels of humidity (~60% RH) have a limited impact on the structural stability of MAPbI 3 , exposure to higher levels of moisture (~100% RH) results in the formation of PbI 2 and aqueous CH 3 NH 3 I, which fundamentally change the charge transport characteristics in MAPbI 3 . Our findings explain the ongoing debate on the presence of a threshold for the humidity that triggers irreversible structural transformation and leads to full degradation of MAPbI 3 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-Throughput Characterization of (Fe x Co 1–x ) 3 O 4 Thin-Film Composition Spreads

In this study, thin-film continuous composition spreads of Fe–Co–O were fabricated by reactive cosputtering from elemental Fe and Co targets in reactive Ar/O 2 atmosphere using deposition temperatures ranging from 300 to 700 °C. Fused silica and platinized Si/SiO 2 strips were used as substrates. Ti and Ta were investigated as adhesion layer for Pt and the fabrication of the Fe–Co–O films. The thin-film composition spreads were characterized by high-throughput electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical transmission spectroscopy. The Fe-content ranged from 28 to 72 at. %. The spinel phases Fe 2 CoO 4 and FeCo 2 O 4 could be synthesized and stabilized at all deposition temperatures with a continuous variation in spinel composition in between. The dependence of the film surface microstructure on the deposition temperature and the composition was mapped. Moreover, the band gap values, ranging from 2.41 eV for FeCo 2 O 4 to 2.74 eV for Fe 2 CoO 4 , show a continuous variation with the composition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Consequences and Control of Multiscale Order/Disorder in Chiral Magnetic Textures

Transition metal intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising platforms for next-generation spintronic devices based on their wide range of electronic and magnetic phases, which can be tuned by varying the host lattice or intercalant’s identity, stoichiometry, or spatial order. Some of these compounds host a chiral magnetic phase in which the helical winding of magnetic moments propagates along a high-symmetry crystalline axis. Previous studies have demonstrated that variation in intercalant concentrations can have a dramatic effect on the formation of chiral domains and ensemble magnetic properties. However, a systematic and comprehensive study of how atomic-scale order and disorder impact these chiral magnetic textures is so far lacking. Here, we leverage a combination of imaging modes in the (scanning) transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) to directly probe (dis)order across multiple length scales and show how subtle changes in the atomic lattice can tune the mesoscale spin textures and bulk magnetic response in Cr 1/3 NbS 2 , with direct implications for the fundamental understanding and technological implementation of such compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Deep learning on the 2-dimensional Ising model to extract the crossover region with a variational autoencoder

The 2-dimensional Ising model on a square lattice is investigated with a variational autoencoder in the non-vanishing field case for the purpose of extracting the crossover region between the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. The encoded latent variable space is found to provide suitable metrics for tracking the order and disorder in the Ising configurations that extends to the extraction of a crossover region in a way that is consistent with expectations. The extracted results achieve an exceptional prediction for the critical point as well as agreement with previously published results on the configurational magnetizations of the model. The performance of this method provides encouragement for the use of machine learning to extract meaningful structural information from complex physical systems where little a priori data is available.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Contact patterns in wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) from GPS tracking reveal spatial and temporal dynamics of social behaviour

Wild pig ( Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) social behaviour affects disease transmission and landscape-level population management. Recent research has incorporated analysis of social structure to better understand the risk of disease transmission in wild pigs, although the relationship between overall social structure of wild pigs remains unclear. Here, we seek to improve understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of wild pig social structure and contact rates to better inform management strategies. Using GPS tracking data, we measured home range overlap, and estimated contact rates of wild pigs at four study sites in the southern USA to identify pairwise social associations (i.e., contacts) based on synchronous movement. Contact rate was strongly associated with home range overlap, but exhibited substantial variation, especially at moderate levels of home range overlap. We found that female–female dyads had higher contact rates and longer duration phases of social association compared to female–male and male–male dyads. We found male–male dyads tended to experience social associations farther from their home range centers than female–female or female–male dyads. Social associations between wild pig dyads are highly dynamic in their spatial and temporal structure. Further, dyads with strong social associations still experience substantial time apart. Our findings highlight the challenges of predicting spatial and social associations in wild pig social pairs due to their dynamic social structure over space and time.

McIlraith, Jack R.↗

Uranium Retardation Capacity of Lithologies from the Negev Desert, Israel—Rock Characterization and Sorption Experiments

A series of batch experiments were performed to assess the uranium sorption capacity of four mineralogically distinct lithologies from the Negev Desert, Israel, to evaluate the suitability of a potential site for subsurface radioactive waste disposal. The rock specimens consisted of an organic-rich phosphorite, a bituminous marl, a chalk, and a sandstone. The sorption data for each lithology were fitted using a general composite surface complexation model (GC SCM) implemented in PHREEQC. Sorption data were also fitted by a non-mechanistic Langmuir sorption isotherm, which can be used as an alternative to the GC SCM to provide a more computationally efficient method for uranium sorption. This is because all the rocks tested have high pH/alkalinity/calcium buffering capacities that restrict groundwater chemistry variations, so that the use of a GC SCM is not advantageous. The mineralogy of the rocks points to several dominant sorption phases for uranyl (UO 2 2+ ), including apatite, organic carbon, clays, and iron-bearing phases. The surface complexation parameters based on literature values for the minerals identified overestimate the uranium sorption capacities, so that for our application, an empirical approach that makes direct use of the experimental data to estimate mineral-specific sorption parameters appears to be more practical for predicting uranium sorption.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

An Orthogonal Recursive Bisection (ORB) Based Time Advancement Algorithm for CFD-DEM Solvers

The time integration of the granular phase in coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) – discrete element method (DEM) simulations presents a unique computational challenge brought about by the large variations in particle collisional time scales. Particles in the dilute regions of the computational domain can be advanced with large time steps while dense regions require much smaller time increments. However, the time step size in most solvers is globally set as the limit for accuracy and stability imposed by the collisions and is typically orders of magnitude less than that required away from collisions. This work addresses this precise issue and provides a strategy to avoid the use of a global conservative small time step size for the entire set of particles.A novel time stepping algorithm for CFD-DEM solvers using a partitioning approach using orthogonal recursive bisection (ORB) that allows for variable time steps among particles is described and its computational performance is compared against baseline explicit methods, typically used in several CFD-DEM solvers. ORB has advantages of being relatively quick and easy to update incrementally and has the required heuristic behavior (i.e., it will split the region in half with a cluster on each side) when groups of particles are well separated (clustered). The algorithm presented in this work uses a local time stepping approach to resolve collisional time scales for subsets of particles that are present at the leaves of the ORB, thereby resulting in substantial reduction of computational cost. The parallel implementation of this method where a ``knapsack” algorithm is used in tandem with ORB for effective load-balancing is also presented, where a best possible partitioning is obtained based on number of particles and local time-stepping costs. The algorithm is tested against benchmark problems with varying particle distributions that include fluidized bed and riser flow scenarios. Preliminary results indicate that the approach is 2-3X faster than traditional explicit methods for problems that involve both dense and dilute regions, while maintaining the same level of accuracy.

adaptive timestepping↗

Designing an exciton-condensate Josephson junction in quantum Hall heterostructures

The exciton condensate, a counterpart of superconductors realized in two-dimensional quantum Hall bilayer systems, has yet to demonstrate definitive experimental evidence of phase coherence such as the Josephson effect. This work introduces a gate-defined Josephson junction designed to exhibit the in-plane Josephson effect in van der Waals heterostructures. Unlike superconducting S-I-S junctions, the proposed device leverages a nearly layer-polarized gated region to mediate Josephson coupling via layer pseudospin variation. This coupling mechanism is tunable through gate voltages and magnetic fields, offering a high degree of experimental control. We demonstrate the feasibility of the design using realistic parameters, paving the way for direct observation of excitonic phase coherence in clean quantum Hall systems.

Wang, Tianle↗

Coexistence of Synchronization and Stochasticity in Thermally Coupled Mott Oscillators

Synchronization is conventionally regarded as a mechanism for suppressing variability and enforcing order in coupled systems, from pendula and lasers to neurons and electronic oscillators. Here, we show that synchronization can also embed stochasticity at finer scales. We observe this phenomenon in thermally coupled VO 2 neuristors, where robust in-phase synchronization at the microsecond scale coexists with spike onset fluctuations at the nanosecond scale, with no fixed leader. The coexistence of order and disorder originates from stochastic domain-level physics of the insulator–metal and metal–insulator transitions, where local variations in transition temperature drive cycle-to-cycle randomness in nucleation, percolation, and relaxation. A stochastic domain model reproduces this effect by generating synchronized spike trains with random lead–lag jitter, and experimental interspike interval statistics confirm the persistence of fine-scale variability despite macroscopic phase locking. These findings establish that synchronization and stochasticity can coexist within the same physical platform, revealing hidden disorder within collective order. Furthermore, this insight reframes synchronization as not purely deterministic, but as a universal context where microscopic variability can persist, with implications for electronics, cryptography, and the fundamental physics of order–disorder coexistence.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Differential holography

Differential Holography technology measures the amplitude and/or phase of, e.g., an incident linearly polarized spatially coherent quasi-monochromatic optical field by optically computing the first derivative of the field and linearly mapping it to an irradiance signal detectable by an image sensor. This information recorded on the image sensor is then recovered by a simple algorithm. In some embodiments, an input field is split into two or more beams to independently compute the horizontal and vertical derivatives (using amplitude gradient filters in orthogonal orientations) for detection on one image sensor in separate regions of interest (ROIs) or on multiple image sensors. A third unfiltered beam recorded in a third ROI directly measures amplitude variations in the input field to numerically remove its contribution as noise before recovering the original wavefront using a numerical in algorithm. When combined, the measured amplitude and phase constitute a holographic recording of the incident optical field.

Ravizza, Frank↗

Growth and characterization of large (Y,La)TiO 3 and (Y,Ca)TiO 3 single crystals

The Mott-insulating rare-earth titanates ( R TiO 3 , with R being a rare-earth ion) are an important class of materials that encompasses interesting spin-orbital phases as well as ferromagnet-antiferromagnet and insulator-metal transitions. The growth of these materials has been plagued by difficulties related to overoxidation, which arises from a strong tendency of Ti 3 + to oxidize to Ti 4 + . We describe our efforts to grow sizable single crystals of YTiO 3 , Y 1 - x La x TiO 3 ( x ≤ 0.25 ), and Y 1 - y Ca y TiO 3 ( y ≤ 0.35 ) with the optical traveling-solvent floating-zone technique. Finally, we present sample characterization via chemical composition analysis, magnetometry, charge transport, neutron scattering, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism to understand macroscopic physical property variations associated with overoxidation. Furthermore, we demonstrate a good signal-to-noise ratio in inelastic magnetic neutron scattering measurements of spin-wave excitations. A superconducting impurity phase, found to appear in Ca-doped samples at high doping levels, is identified as TiO.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of ferromagnetic electrode length and thickness on Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Molecular Spintronic Devices (MTJMSD)

A knowledge gap exists about the impact of variation in length and thickness of ferromagnetic(FM) electrodes on molecular spintronics devices’ ability to manifest molecular coupling impact. Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Molecular Spintronic Devices (MTJMSDs) are potential candidates for inventing highly correlated materials and devices and investigating the fundamental science of organic spintronics. This paper reports our experi- mental observations providing the dramatic impact of variation in ferromagnetic electrode length and thickness on paramagnetic molecule-based MTJMSD. Room temperature transport studies were performed to investigate the effect of FM electrode thickness. On the other hand, magnetic force microscopy measurements were con- ducted to understand the effect of FM electrode length extending beyond the molecular junction area, i.e., the site where paramagnetic molecules bridged between two FM. In the strong molecular coupling regime, transport study suggested thickness variation caused ~1000 to million-fold differences in junction conductivity. MFM study revealed near-zero magnetic contrast for pillar-shaped MTJMSD without any extended FM electrode. However, MFM images showed a multitude of microscopic magnetic phases on cross junction shaped MTJMSD where FM electrodes extended beyond the junction area. To understand the intriguing experimental results, we conducted an in-depth theoretical study using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) approach. MCS study utilized a Heisenberg atomic model of cross junction shaped MTJMSD to gain insights about room temperature transport and MFM experimental observations of microscopic MTJMSD. To make this study applicable for a wide variety of MTJMSDs, we systematically studied the effect of variation in molecular coupling strength between magnetic molecules and ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes of various dimensions. Here, our theoretical results suggest 25 atoms thick FM electrode show very weak molecular coupling impact and of the same order of experimentally studied FM electrode dimensions showing weak effect. Also, MCS results agree with experimentally observed multiple magnetic phases on lengthy FM electrodes of an MTJMSD.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Sub‐5 Ångstrom Porosity Tuning in Calixarene‐Derived Porous Liquids via Supramolecular Complexation Construction

Abstract Sub‐Ångstrom‐level porosity engineering, which is appealing in gas separations, has been demonstrated in solid carbon, polymer, and framework materials but rarely achieved in the liquid phase. In this work, a gas molecular sieving effect in the liquid phase at sub‐5 Ångstrom scale is created via sophisticated porosity tuning in calixarene‐derived porous liquids (PLs). Type II PLs are constructed via supramolecular complexation between the sodium salts of calixarene derivatives and crown ether solvents. The chemical structure variation and assembly behavior of the porous host upon PL construction are monitored by spectroscopy‐, X‐ray‐, and neutron‐scattering techniques. The presence of permanent porosity in calixarene‐derived PLs is verified by pressure swing gas uptake, altered CO 2 physisorption behavior, and molecular simulations. Sub‐5 Ångstrom porosity tuning within the PL phase is achieved by introducing bulky substituted groups on the benzene ring of the calixarene host, which then greatly affects the dynamic motion and transport behavior of CO 2 molecules and the Xe uptake performance. The approach being demonstrated in this work represents a promising pathway to tune and leverage the porosity effect for enhanced gas uptake capacity and selectivity in liquid sorbents.

Li, Errui [Department of Chemistry University of T↗

Mo 4 FeGa 17.25– x Ge x : Complementary Point Substitutions, Buffering Frameworks, and Merging of the 18-n and Octet Bonding Schemes

We present the discovery of Mo 4 FeGa 17.25–x Ge x (x ∼ 2.1(4), based on determination of Ge content), a complex gallide featuring a variety of point substitution phenomena. Its crystal structure is derived from the Ti 2 Ni type, in which a diamond network of face-sharing octahedra is interpenetrated by a second diamond network of vertex-sharing stella quadrangula. However, while in the ideal Ti 2 Ni type these two frameworks run uninterrupted through the crystal, Mo 4 FeGa 17.25–x Ge x shows three variations. First, the inner tetrahedron of every other stella quadrangula is replaced with a main group atom, creating tetrahedra reminiscent of the Zintl phase NaTl. Next, a selection of Ga 6 octahedra are filled with Fe atoms, in a manner analogous to the stuffed AuCu 3 -type phases. Finally, the refined crystal structure shows that in each unit cell a single Ga2 atom in the octahedral network is substituted with a dumbbell of Ga/Ge atoms. Electronic structure calculations on ordered models of Mo 4 FeGa 17.25–x Ge x reveal a narrow band near the Fermi energy, which is explained in terms of the 18-n and octet bonding schemes using reversed approximation Molecular Orbital analysis. A DFT-chemical pressure analysis connects the tetrahedron/atom and atom/dumbbell substitutions to the relief of atomic packing tensions and highlights soft atomic motions within the octahedral framework and driving forces for atom/dumbbell substitution. The combination of soft vibrational modes, disorder, and a narrow band gap could make this phase of interest for potential thermoelectric properties.

Chemical structure↗