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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 55 records · Page 3

The role of surface forces in environment-enhanced cracking of brittle solids

Fracture initiation and propagation in brittle materials is promoted in surface-reactive (sorptive) environments, a phenomenon known as subcritical crack growth (SCG). Laboratory measured crack-propagation velocity vs. stress intensity factor relationships typically exhibit highly nonlinear, multi-stage characteristics that are sensitive to environmental factors such as adsorbate concentration and temperature. For practical purposes, empirical relationships (e.g., a power law) have been used to describe this complex phenomenon. However, how the overall SCG behavior emerges from the underlying fundamental processes near the crack tip, such as the interaction of the crack surfaces separated by only a few nanometers and mass transport within the nano-confined space, is still not well understood. This paper develops a mechanistic, surface-force-based fracture theory (SFFT) which integrates surface force models, fluid transport models, and linear elastic fracture mechanics to quantitatively explain the multi-stage characteristics of SCG in brittle solids. A numerical model is developed based on SFFT and solved through an implicit partitioned scheme for efficiency and modularity. The results are validated by Wiederhorn's data on crack propagation in soda-lime glasses at a wide range of relative humidity levels. We show that, for the first time, the entire range of an SCG curve can be captured by a single physics-based model. The predicted SCG curves reveal that the development of repulsive disjoining pressure behind the crack tip can be responsible for the reduced apparent fracture toughness in a sorptive environment. In conclusion, the shape of the SCG curve, and its changes with respect to the environment, is found to critically depend on the assumed transport models.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Risk Assessment in a Chemical Laboratory Following an Explosive Incident Involving a Novel Diazonium Compound: Retrospective Analysis and Lessons Learned

Diazonium compounds are synthetically useful in the production of dyes and textiles, however they are highly explosive under dry conditions. Explosion prevention becomes more difficult when new diazonium compounds are synthesized, because while some syntheses include a counterion to increase their stability, this is not always a reliable method to prevent an explosive incident. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the explosiveness of different diazonium compounds, it is important to understand how to safely clean up after an incident and how to determine when it is safe to return a laboratory to typical operational use, particularly when the incident involves a novel compound where a standard does not exist for instrument calibration. Here, an explosive event is discussed involving the synthesis of 4-bromo-benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate. Following the explosive incident and 3-step cleanup, which involved a precautionary neutralization step, samples were collected from the fume hood where the incident occurred. Because the incident involved an unstable, novel compound that is not commercially available and was deemed unsafe to resynthesize for instrument calibration, we assessed the risk of further explosion by analyzing for the stable decomposition products. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the residue in the fume hood contained 5-bromosalicylic acid, a decomposition product of 4-bromo-benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate. Samples were taken from multiple points in the fume hood and analyzed to estimate the spatial distribution of the decomposition product. Based on this analysis, we inferred that the primary decomposition product was far more abundant than residual energetic, indicating the energetic had been consumed or neutralized to a trace quantity where the risk of further explosion was low. Furthermore, the steps presented here─specifically, initial neutralization and then analyzing the spatial distribution of expected decomposition products to assess risk when a novel explosive material is detonated in a confined space─were our approach to assess further risk following an explosion due to a novel diazonium compound without the need for any further handling or resynthesis of the energetic. Here, we present our approach and critically analyze these steps by discussing retrospective lessons learned and alternative analytical approaches.

Computer simulations↗

Enhanced Manganese Oxidation at the Biofilm–Fluid Interface Drives Pore-Scale Patterns in Mineral Precipitation

Microbial oxidation of manganese (Mn) from aqueous Mn(II) to solid-phase Mn(III, IV) minerals catalyzes Mn(II) removal in natural and engineered porous systems. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal evolution of Mn biomineralization in confined spaces that experience simultaneous Mn(II) delivery and Mn oxide precipitation. Here, we combine time-lapse microscopy, image analysis, and mass spectrometry to quantify the extent and rate of Mn biomineralization by Pseudomonas putida GB-1 in an optically transparent two-dimensional porous medium. We found that Mn(II) oxidation initially occurred within biofilms but shifted over time toward the edges of biofilms in contact with pore fluid. Minerals precipitated outside of the initial biofilm footprint likely due to surface-mediated oxidation of Mn(II) by nascent biogenic Mn oxides, reinforcing a gradient in mineral accumulation from the Mn(II) source near the reactor inlet to the outlet. The rate of mineral precipitation outside the biofilm footprint surpassed the rate of mineral accumulation inside biofilms within 6 h and accounted for two-thirds of the total Mn oxide mass in the pore space at the end of the experiment. This work advances a mechanistic understanding of coupled biotic and abiotic Mn oxidation in porous environments while providing a novel platform to quantify microbe-mineral-fluid interactions.

Biofilms↗

VUV Photoionization Dynamics and Reactivity of Heterogeneous Water Clusters

This feature focuses on bridging isolated water and bulk water studies. It assembles experiments and theory on water clusters, mainly probed by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, and summarizes what the effects are of intermolecular interactions on both the spectroscopy and the VUV-induced processes in water. In particular, it highlights studies of heterogeneous water clusters─those incorporating other molecular species such as naphthalene, methane, formic acid, and glycerol─which serve as model systems to investigate the fundamental roles of water in hydrogen bonding networks, proton transfer, and astrochemical processes. These mixed clusters provide a platform to revisit the stability of protonated water clusters and compile observations of ionization-induced structural rearrangements and fragmentation, especially in systems involving hydroxyl-rich cosolvents. This feature then explores energy transfer mechanisms in molecular clusters, following VUV photoexcitation. It concludes with potential future directions. First, we investigate excited-state dynamics in molecular clusters through direct probing, complementing the synchrotron studies discussed here. Second, exploring gas-phase molecule evaporation from confined spaces and interfaces using advanced spectroscopic techniques sheds light on these ubiquitous, yet currently debated, molecular processes.

Cluster chemistry↗

Lithium Deposition-Induced Fracture of Carbon Nanotubes and Its Implication to Solid-State Batteries

The increasing demand for safe and dense energy storage has shifted research focus from liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries toward solid-state batteries (SSBs). However, the application of SSBs is impeded by uncontrollable Li dendrite growth and short circuiting, the mechanism of which remains elusive. Herein, we conceptualize a scheme to visualize Li deposition in the confined space inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to mimic Li deposition dynamics inside solid electrolyte (SE) cracks, where the high-strength CNT walls mimic the mechanically strong SEs. We observed that the deposited Li propagates as a creeping solid in the CNTs, presenting an effective pathway for stress relaxation. When the stress-relaxation pathway is blocked, the Li deposition-induced stress reaches the gigapascal level and causes CNT fracture. Mechanics analysis suggests that interfacial lithiophilicity critically governs Li deposition dynamics and stress relaxation. Furthermore, our study offers critical strategies for suppressing Li dendritic growth and constructing high-energy-density, electrochemically and mechanically robust SSBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Encapsulating Semiconductor Quantum Dots in Supramolecular Cages Enables Ultrafast Guest–Host Electron and Vibrational Energy Transfer

In the field of supramolecular chemistry, host- guest systems have been extensively explored to encapsulate a wide range of substrates, owing to emerging functionalities in nano-confined space that cannot be achieved in dilute solutions. However, host-guest chemistry is still limited to encapsulation of small guests. Herein, we construct a water-soluble metallo-supramolecular hexagonal prism with a large hydrophobic cavity by anchoring multiple polyethylene glycol chains onto the building blocks. Then, assembled prisms are able to encapsulate quantum dots (QDs) with diameters of less than 5.0 nm. Furthermore, we find that the supramolecular cage around each QD strongly modifies the photophysics of the QD by universally increasing the rates of QD relaxation processes via ultrafast electron and vibrational energy transfer. In conclusion, taken together, these efforts expand the scope of substrates in host-guest systems and provide a new approach to tune the optical properties of QDs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Vertical organic electrochemical transistors for complementary circuits

Abstract Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and OECT-based circuitry offer great potential in bioelectronics, wearable electronics and artificial neuromorphic electronics because of their exceptionally low driving voltages (<1 V), low power consumption (<1 µW), high transconductances (>10 mS) and biocompatibility 1–5 . However, the successful realization of critical complementary logic OECTs is currently limited by temporal and/or operational instability, slow redox processes and/or switching, incompatibility with high-density monolithic integration and inferior n-type OECT performance 6–8 . Here we demonstrate p- and n-type vertical OECTs with balanced and ultra-high performance by blending redox-active semiconducting polymers with a redox-inactive photocurable and/or photopatternable polymer to form an ion-permeable semiconducting channel, implemented in a simple, scalable vertical architecture that has a dense, impermeable top contact. Footprint current densities exceeding 1 kA cm −2 at less than ±0.7 V, transconductances of 0.2–0.4 S, short transient times of less than 1 ms and ultra-stable switching (>50,000 cycles) are achieved in, to our knowledge, the first vertically stacked complementary vertical OECT logic circuits. This architecture opens many possibilities for fundamental studies of organic semiconductor redox chemistry and physics in nanoscopically confined spaces, without macroscopic electrolyte contact, as well as wearable and implantable device applications.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of water formation and adsorption under two-dimensional silica and aluminosilicate layers on Pd(111)

Ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations was used to characterize the interaction of water with two-dimensional (2D) silica and aluminosilicate bilayers on Pd(111). Starting with oxygen adsorbed at the SiO2/Pd interface, exposure to water caused the SiO 2 -derived XPS peaks to shift to higher binding energy and the removal of an O 1s feature associated with interfacial adsorbed oxygen. These observations were attributed to the formation of a mixed water–hydroxyl interface, which eliminates the interfacial dipolar layer, and its associated electrostatic potential, created by adsorbed oxygen. Interfacial oxygen also reacted with H 2 to produce adsorbed water which also caused an upward binding energy shift of the SiO 2 peaks. Spectra recorded under 0.5 Torr water revealed additional water adsorption and a further shift of the overlayer peaks to higher binding energy. Incorporating Al into the 2D material caused the bilayer peaks to shift to lower binding energy which could be explained by electron donation from the metal to the bilayer. Although the stronger interaction between the bilayer and Pd substrate should restrict interfacial adsorption and reaction, similar trends were observed for water and hydrogen exposure to interfacial adsorbed oxygen. Less water adsorption was observed at the aluminosilicate interface which is a consequence of Al strengthening the bond to the metal substrate. The results reveal how the sensitivity of XPS to interfacial dipoles can be exploited to distinguish reactions taking place in confined spaces under 2D layers and how tuning the composition of the 2D layer can impact such reactions.

Density functional theory↗

Proton dynamics in water confined at the interface of the graphene–MXene heterostructure

Heterostructures of 2D materials offer a fertile ground to study ion transport and charge storage. Here, we use ab initio molecular dynamics to examine the proton-transfer/diffusion and redox behavior in a water layer confined in the graphene-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 heterostructure. We find that in comparison with the similar interface of water confined between Ti 3 C 2 O 2 layers, the proton redox rate in the dissimilar interface of graphene-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 is much higher, owing to the very different interfacial structure as well as the interfacial electric field induced by an electron transfer in the latter. Water molecules in the dissimilar interface of the graphene-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 heterostructure form a denser hydrogen-bond network with a preferred orientation of water molecules, leading to an increase in proton mobility with proton concentration in the graphene-Ti 3 C 2 O 2 interface. As the proton concentration further increases, proton mobility decreases due to increasingly more frequent surface redox events that slow down proton mobility due to binding with surface O atoms. Our work provides important insights into how the dissimilar interface and their associated interfacial structure and properties impact proton transfer and redox in the confined space.

2D materials↗

Growth of nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) thin films on a nanohole-patterned substrate using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD)

Nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) thin films were grown on a nanohole-patterned silicon substrate using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. A nanoscale hole-patterned silicon substrate was fabricated for the growth of MoS 2 film using the self-assembly-based nanofabrication method. The nanoscale holes can significantly increase the surface area of the substrate while the formation and growth of nanostructures normally start at the surface of the substrate. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) gas was used as the S source in the growth of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) while molybdenum (V) chloride (MoCl 5 ) powder was used as the Mo source. The MoS 2 film had a stoichiometric ratio of 1 (Mo) to 2 (S), and had peaks of E 1 2g and A 1g , which represent the in-plane and out-plane vibration modes of the Mo–S bond, respectively. It was found that the MoS 2 film grown in the nanoscale hole, especially at the wall of the hole, has more hexagonal-like structures due to the effects of nanoscale space confinement and the nanoscale interface although the film shows an amorphous structure. Post-growth high-temperature annealing ranging from 800 to 900 °C produced local crystalline structures in the film, which are compatible with those reported by other researchers.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Pore occupancy of gas hydrate

Methane hydrate deposits are one of the largest fractions of hydrocarbons in the Earth's crust. They are found mainly in ocean sediments, and the configuration of the deposits—at the largest (kilometer) and smallest (micrometer) scales—determines how and when gaseous methane is released. Here, in this work, using thermodynamic arguments, we show how the confined spaces of the sediment allow methane hydrate to coexist with both water and gas to create a three-phase region. We find that the hydrate pore occupancy changes depending on the depth of the three-phase region, due to changes in methane density of the gas phase. We estimate the thickness of three-phase regions (hydrate, gas, and water) within ocean sediments. We further show how this directly predicts how the presence of hydrate affects the flow properties of gaseous methane and water through porous media.

flows in porous media↗

Submersible Multistage Centrifugal Pump for Versatile Test Reactor Cartridge Test Loop

Submersible multistage centrifugal pumps are ideal for pumping in narrow confined spaces and achieving necessary head pressures and flow rates. Once a diameter is determined then manipulation of the number of stages and motor speed are all that are required to meet desired flow conditions. The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) closed loop cartridge systems will need forced convection cooling independent of the main reactor. A multistage centrifugal pump can meet the necessary flow rates and pumping pressures while minimizing space taken. The pump considered for this work was based off a deep well submersible pump, a variation of a multistage centrifugal pump. We experimented with two pump sizes, 5 cm (2 inch) and 7.5 cm (3 inch) diameters. These diameters were chosen to fit into the inner diameter of standard 5 and 7.5 (2 and 3 inch) Schedule 40 pipe, respectively. This made the design for the test loop both simpler and less expensive as the need for an engineered pump housing was eliminated. Initial test cartridge planning indicated space for only a 5 cm (2 inch) diameter pump, though early testing of this size showed the need for an abnormally high-speed and high-power motor. Fine tuning of the cartridge design allowed a pump size increase to 7.5 cm (3 inches), which was the pump size most extensively tested in this work. The test loop is composed of various sizes of PVC and aluminum piping components in a loop configuration. The pump is driven by a Pittman 250 W (1/3 horsepower) electric motor with maximum speed of 3,450 RPM. Testing consisted of running the pump at a constant motor speed while varying a control valve to restrict flow through the loop, with differential pressure and flow rate recorded. This was done for one and two stage configurations for the 5 cm (2 inch) diameter impeller design and one, two, and three stage configurations for the 7.5 cm (3 inch diameter) impeller design, respectively. Due to pumping power requirements, two and three stage 7.5 cm (3 inch) diameter impeller testing at higher flowrates lowered the motor speed substantially. In regions where motor speed could not be maintained constant, the data were discarded. The test loop was also reconfigured to allow for the pump to be tested for pressure drop in a stalled or inoperable (0 RPM) flow condition. Demonstration of adequate natural convection cooling of the test cartridge fuel type is necessary under accident conditions, and this will depend upon the flow resistance through the impeller assembly when the pump is not operating. Thus, accurate knowledge of the effective impeller assembly loss coefficient is important for safety evaluations. The test loop was modified to provide water inlet and outlets on either side of the pump impeller stack, and a metered flow of lab water was provided in order to measure the pressure drop across the cartridges as a function of flowrate. Data from the pump head curve testing developed as part of this work and supported by analysis using pump head affinity laws indicates that a three stage 7.5 cm (3 inch) pump impeller design will meet target requirements for coolant flow within the VTR cartridge sodium cartridge at full power conditions [1] with margin; this corresponds to a flowrate of 45 l/min (12 gpm) at a pressure drop of 6.1 m (20 feet) of water head. The results of the pressure loss measurements across the impeller assembly when the pump is stationary (i.e., at 0 RPM) indicate that the pressure loss coefficient is 0.921 for a two impeller stack configuration; this value is calculated based on the flow velocity through the minimum available flow area within a single stage of the impeller which corresponds to 1.4 cm2.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Office of Nuclear Verification FY 2023 Quarterly Report TSVT Q1

This project encompasses the continued development and training of a U.S. operational team, the Test Site Verification Team (TSVT), supporting verification of nuclear testing activities. TSVT builds on decades of U.S. nuclear testing history and nuclear explosion monitoring experience. The Team maintains readiness to deploy internationally on short notice to provide field-based support of verification of declared or undeclared nuclear testing and associated activities, as well as follow-on activities including monitoring and capability disablement and dismantlement, as established by negotiated agreement or treaty. The roles and structure of the TSVT are integrated with other NA-243 deployable verification teams and the interagency. FY23 TSVT activities focus on continued capability buildup within the team, including Team trainings and exercises with a focus on missions in confined spaces (e.g., tunnels, mines, other underground facilities), increased familiarity with foreign nuclear weapons testing programs, demonstration of Team capacity to deploy, train, and practice sustained OPSEC in non-western locations, establishment of sustainable storage and maintenance of equipment, specification and procurement of additional equipment to support field observations, further evolution of concepts of operation documents (CONOPs), and mission coordination with Headquarters and associated Stakeholders. Activities will culminate with a full-scale domestic team exercise at the end of FY23 focusing on underground activities signatures/observations and safety including advanced outdoor safety and familiarity in working around explosive test environments. In addition, we will be further articulating approaches and capacity relevant to the identification of nuclear tests, as well as monitoring of nuclear testing activities and/or dismantlement of nuclear test sites and anticipate developing additional equipment requests in support of this evolution. The TSVT Team Leads will also coordinate with its Senior Advisor, the TSVT Logistics and Readiness (L&R) Training Lead, and NNSA Headquarters to draft a five-year TSVT training and exercise plan, that strategically and incrementally builds capacity and expertise in key areas of significance for the continuum of nuclear and nuclear-related testing activities that fall within the team’s mission space.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Motion Dynamics of Motile Microbes in Pore-Networks and its Implications for Reactive Transport Processes

This report outlines new methods to improve simulations of microbial transport and microbially mediated reactions in porous media. A range of experimental, modeling, and machine learning tools are introduced to make these simulations faster, more reliable, and useful for real-world applications. At the microscopic level, the study investigates how different types of bacteria move through confined spaces. A new artificial intelligence tool called DeepTrackStat, is introduced to track motions dynamics as observed in videos of particles migrating through pore networks. This tool is especially helpful for studying fast-moving microbes and requires less computing power than traditional tracking methods. At larger scales, the research looks at how microbes and chemicals interact in zones where surface water and groundwater meet. To connect the small- and large-scale findings, the study presents a neural network model called STAMNet. This tool helps scale up detailed small-scale microbial motion behaviors to predict large-scale environmental changes more efficiently. By combining lab experiments, computer models, and artificial intelligence, the research presented supports smarter environmental decision-making, especially in bioremediation of contaminated groundwater and protection of water quality.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

AI-Enabled Robotic NDE for Structural Damage Assessment and Repair

The aim of this paper is to develop the concept and a prototype of an intelligent mobile robotic platform that is integrated with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) capabilities for autonomous live inspection and repair. In many industrial environments, such as the application of power plant boiler inspection, human inspectors often have to perform hazardous and challenging tasks. There is a significant chance of injury, considering the confined spaces and limited visibility of the inspection environment and hazards such as pressurization and improper water levels. In order to provide a solution to eliminate these dangers, the concept of a new robotic system was developed and prototyped that is capable of autonomously sweeping the region to be inspected. The robot design contains systematic integration of components from robotics, NDE, and artificial intelligence (AI). A magnetic track system is used to navigate over the vertical steel structures required for examination. While moving across the inspection area, the robot uses an NDE sensor to acquire data for inspection and repair. This paper presents a design of a portable NDE scanning system based on eddy current array probes, which can be customized and installed on various mobile robot platforms. Machine learning methods are applied for semantic segmentation that will simultaneously localize and recognize defects without the need of human intervention. Experiments were conducted that show the NDE and repair capabilities of the system. Improvements in human safety and structural damage prevention, as well as lowering the overall costs of maintenance, are possible through the implementation of this robotic NDE system.

Materials Science↗

Tracking Robot Location for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Double-Shell Tanks

(1) Background: Non-destructive evaluation of double-shell nuclear-waste storage tanks at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford site requires a robot to navigate a network of air slots in the confined space between primary and secondary tanks. Situational awareness, data collection, and data interpretation require continuous tracking of the robot’s location. (2) Methods: Robot location is continuously monitored using video image analysis for short distances and laser ranging for absolute location. (3) Results: The technique was demonstrated in our laboratory using a mockup of air slot and robot. (4) Conclusions: Location tracking and display provide decision support to inspectors and lay the groundwork for automated data collection.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Online Monitoring of Catalytic Processes by Fiber-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

An innovative solution for real-time monitoring of reactions within confined spaces, optimized for Raman spectroscopy applications, is presented. This approach involves the utilization of a hollow-core waveguide configured as a compact flow cell, serving both as a conduit for Raman excitation and scattering and seamlessly integrating into the effluent stream of a cracking catalytic reactor. The analytical technique, encompassing device and optical design, ensures robustness, compactness, and cost-effectiveness for implementation into process facilities. Notably, the modularity of the approach empowers customization for diverse gas monitoring needs, as it readily adapts to the specific requirements of various sensing scenarios. As a proof of concept, the efficacy of a spectroscopic approach is shown by monitoring two catalytic processes: CO 2 methanation (CO 2 + 4H 2 → CH 4 + 2H 2 O) and ammonia cracking (2NH 3 → N 2 + 3H 2 ). Leveraging chemometric data processing techniques, spectral signatures of the individual components involved in these reactions are effectively disentangled and the results are compared to mass spectrometry data. This robust methodology underscores the versatility and reliability of this monitoring system in complex chemical environments.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Development of Risk Mitigation Guidance for Hydrogen Sensor Placement Indoors and Outdoors

Guidance on Sensor Placement remains one of the top priorities for the safe deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell equipment in the commercial marketplace. Building on the success of Phase 1 work reported at ICHS2019 and published in IJHE, this paper discusses the consecutive steps to further develop and validate such guidance for mechanically ventilated enclosures. The key step included a more in-depth analysis of sensitivity to variation of physical parameters in a small enclosure, and finally, expansion of the developed approach to confined spaces in an outdoor environment.

codes and standards↗