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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Large-volume centimeter-wave cavities for axion searches

The scan rate of an axion haloscope is proportional to the square of the cavity volume. In this paper, a new class of thin-shell cavities are proposed to search for axionic dark matter. These cavities feature active volume much larger (>20×) than that of a conventional cylindrical haloscope, comparable quality factor Q, and a similar frequency tuning range. Furthermore, full 3D numerical finite-element analyses have been used to show that the TM 010 eigenmodes are singly polarized throughout the volume of the cavity and can facilitate axion-photon conversion in uniform magnetic field produced by a superconducting solenoid. To mitigate spurious mode crowding and volume losses due to localization, a pre-amplification binary summing network will be used for coupling. Because of the favorable frequency-scaling, the new cavities are most suitable for centimeter-wavelength (~ 10–100 GHz), corresponding to the promising post-inflation axion production window. In this frequency range, the tight machining tolerances required for high-Q thin-shell cavities are achievable with standard machining techniques for near-infrared mirrors.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reduction of ion backflow using a quadruple GEM detector with various gas mixtures

In gaseous tracking detectors with a large gaseous volume, like Time Projection Chambers (TPC), multiple layers of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) can be used to block positive ions from flowing back into the active volume, which is detrimental to the tracking performance. TPCs with multilayer GEM readout are used in the recently upgraded ALICE experiment, and in the upcoming sPHENIX experiment. In both cases, suppression of ion backflow (IBF) is important for achieving the desired detector performance. Here, we report on studies of effective gain, IBF, and energy resolution in quadruple GEM detectors, and on strategies for minimizing IBF by optimizing the operating voltages of the individual GEM layers and the potential differences between different layers. These studies are performed as baseline measurements intended to aid in the optimization of the operating conditions of the GEMs of the sPHENIX TPC.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

Molecular models for creep in oriented polyethylene fibers

Highly oriented and crystalline polyetheylene (PE) fibers have a large failure stress under rapid tensile loading but exhibit significant creep at much smaller stresses that limits applications. A possible mechanism is slip of chains due to stress-enhanced, thermally activated nucleation of dislocations at chain ends in crystalline regions. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to parameterize a Frenkel–Kontorova model that provides analytic expressions for the limiting stress and activation energy for dislocation nucleation as a function of stress. Results from four commonly used hydrocarbon potentials are compared to show that the qualitative behavior is robust and estimate quantitative uncertainties. In all cases, the results can be described by an Eyring model with values of the zero-stress activation energy Ea0≈1.5 eV and activation volume V* ≈ 45 Å3 that are consistent with the experimental results for increasingly crystalline materials. The limiting yield stress is ∼8 GPa. These results suggest that activated dislocation nucleation at chain ends is an important mechanism for creep in highly oriented PE fibers.

O’Connor, Thomas C. (ORCID:0000000293930295)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Ultrahigh temperature in situ transmission electron microscopy based bicrystal coble creep in Zirconia II: Interfacial thermodynamics and transport mechanisms

This work uses a combination of stress dependent single grain boundary Coble creep and zero-creep experiments to measure interfacial energies, along with grain boundary point defect formation and migration volumes in cubic ZrO 2 . These data, along with interfacial diffusivities measured in a companion paper are then applied to analyzing two-particle sintering. The analysis presented here indicates that the large activation volume, v * = v f + v m primarily derives from a large migration volume and suggests that the grain boundary rate limiting defects are delocalized, possibly due to electrostatic interactions between charge compensating defects. The discrete nature of the sintering and creep process observed in the small-scale experiments supports the hypothesis that grain boundary dislocations serve as sources and sinks for grain boundary point defects and facilitate strain during sintering and Coble creep. Model two-particle sintering experiments demonstrate that initial-stage densification follows interface reaction rate-limited kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solar excitation of CdS/Cu2S photovoltaic cells

Solar radiation of five typical clear weather days and under a variety of conditions is used to determine the spectral distribution of the photonflux at different planes of a CdS/Cu2S solar cell. The fractions of reflected and absorbed flux are determined at each of the relevant interfaces and active volume elements of the solar cell. The density of absorbed photons is given in respect to spectral and spatial distribution. The variance of the obtained distribution, with changes in insolation and absorption spectra of the active solar cell layers, is indicated. A catalog of typical examples is given in the appendix.

Boer, K. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

High-temperature nanoindentation creep studies on castable and sintered nanostructured low-activation ferritic-martensitic alloys

In this article, we present the creep characteristics of two reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels of identical starting compositions formed by different fabrication routes: a nanostructured ferritic alloy commonly referred to as a castable nanostructured alloy (CNA) and a sintered nanostructured alloy (SNA) variant. Through a series of nanoindentation experiments spanning a temperature range of 25 °C to 650 °C, with a maximum load of 100 mN, we find creep behaviors in the cast and sintered materials to be remarkably similar. The creep stress exponent (n) for CNA and SNA were found to be in the range of 8–35 and the activation volume was ∼14–42b 3 , underscoring a dominance of dislocation-mediated mechanisms in both alloys. Notably, we observed a decline in the creep stress exponent with increasing temperature, attributable to the heightened influence of thermally activated dislocations. This phenomenon suggests a potential transition in the deformation mechanism towards a thermally activated dislocation climb process, significantly impacting the observed creep behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

233 U oxide Measurement Campaign Data: Passive and Active Neutron Multiplicity Measurements of Uranium Oxide Samples at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

During FY2023, three measurement campaigns were conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The goal was to quantify the neutron signatures of samples of uranium oxide containing uranium 233 and uranium-235. This report presents the neutron multiplicity data obtained using the large volume active well coincidence counter (LV-AWCC).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

First Search for Neutral Current Coherent Single-Photon Production in MicroBooNE

This article presents the first search for neutrino-induced neutral current coherent single-photon production (NC coherent 1$\gamma$). The search makes use of data from the MicroBooNE 85-tonne active volume liquid argon time projection chamber detector, situated in the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB), with an average neutrino energy of $\langle E_{\nu}\rangle \sim 0.8$ GeV. A targeted selection of candidate neutrino interactions with a single photon-like electromagnetic shower in the final state and no visible vertex activity was developed to search for the NC coherent 1$\gamma$ process, along with two auxiliary selections used to constrain the dominant background from NC$\pi^0$ production. With an integrated exposure of $6.87 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target delivered by the BNB, we set the world's first limit for this rare process, corresponding to an upper limit on the flux-averaged cross section of $\sigma<1.49 \times 10^{-41}\text{cm}^2$ at 90% C.L.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Distinguishing fissile uranium isotopes using an active well neutron coincidence counter

Proposed thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles are likely to require quantification and verification of 233 U within nuclear material. Because of their similar fission cross sections, active neutron nondestructive assay (NDA) systems may respond similarly to 233 U and 235 U. Traditional safeguards equipment has been optimized for 235 U and 238 U quantification associated with conventional uranium/plutonium fuel cycles and may not be directly applicable to 233 U quantification when mixed with other actinides. This work used models of the large volume active well coincidence counter (LV-AWCC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to evaluate the performance of this neutron NDA system to differentiate fissile uranium isotopes. The models were developed to simulate NDA system performance in response to a number of triangular radiation signature training device sources within the central cavity or well. This work predicted that the LV-AWCC can effectively differentiate 233 U from 235 U in certain modes of operation. In active mode, the LV-AWCC with the cadmium liner results in different doubles count rates between the fissile isotopes for a given fissile uranium mass. Without the cadmium liner, the uranium isotopes provide a statistically indistinguishable doubles count rate response for the fissile masses considered in this work (up to approximately 150 g). The cadmium liner serves to harden the neutron interrogation spectrum, which better exploits the notable difference in the 233 U and 235 U fission cross sections at approximately 1 eV. In passive mode, the two fissile isotopes exhibit different doubles and singles count rates regardless of liner presence because the passive source strength of 233 U is approximately 2 orders of magnitude stronger than that of 235 U due to the shorter half-life and correspondingly higher (α, n) yield. We conclude that using neutron interrogation in the LV-AWCC, two measurements are needed to quantify 233 U content in mixed uranium items. The first measurement is used to determine the total fissile uranium mass using a mode that cannot distinguish fissile isotopes (i.e., where a similar response is observed for both fissile uranium isotopes such as active doubles without cadmium or using a thermal neutron interrogation source). In conclusion, the second measurement is used to determine the 233 U content by using a differentiating technique (e.g., passive doubles, passive doubles to singles ratio, active doubles with cadmium).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2006

Alpha-Voltaic Sources Using Diamond as Conversion Medium

A family of proposed miniature sources of power would exploit the direct conversion of the kinetic energy of a particles into electricity in diamond semiconductor diodes. These power sources would function over a wide range of temperatures encountered in terrestrial and outer-space environments. These sources are expected to have operational lifetimes of 10 to 20 years and energy conversion efficiencies >35 percent. A power source according to the proposal would include a pair of devices like that shown in the figure. Each device would contain Schottky and p/n diode devices made from high-band-gap, radiation-hard diamond substrates. The n and p layers in the diode portion would be doped sparsely (<1014 cm-3) in order to maximize the volume of the depletion region and thereby maximize efficiency. The diode layers would be supported by an undoped diamond substrate. The source of a particles would be a thin film of 244Cm (half-life 18 years) sandwiched between the two paired devices. The sandwich arrangement would force almost every a particle to go through the active volume of at least one of the devices. Typical a particle track lengths in the devices would range from 20 to 30 microns. The a particles would be made to stop only in the undoped substrates to prevent damage to the crystalline structures of the diode portions. The overall dimensions of a typical source are expected to be about 2 by 2 by 1 mm. Assuming an initial 244Cm mass of 20 mg, the estimated initial output of the source is 20 mW (a current of 20 mA at a potential of 1 V).

Patel, Jagadish U.↗
DOE OSTI2024

R&D for LAr + Xe + photosensitive dopants

LArTPCs are the technology of choice for current and future neutrino experiments, including those expected to make eagerly awaited measurements of accelerator neutrino oscillations in the coming decade. This technology provides a large active volume and sensitivity to GeV signals like accelerator neutrinos all the way down to 10s of MeV, covering part of the supernova neutrino spectrum.Expanding the reach of LArTPCs to below the 10 MeV range would substantially enhance the flagship analyses of experiments like DUNE, while potentially enabling the physics of solar neutrinos, dark matter searches, and neutrinoless double beta decay searches.We outline the R&D pathway for photosensitive dopants, whose introduction into the LAr active medium, has the potential to substantially increase ionization yields of LAr detectors and enable the detection of low energy signals in large LArTPCs. This R&D program will demonstrate the feasibility and impacts of introducing doped LAr into current and future neutrino detectors at the kTon scale including the Xenon + photosensitive doping strategy.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Single-Volume Scatter Camera

The multi-institution Single-Volume Scatter Camera (SVSC) collaboration led by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is developing a compact, high-efficiency double-scatter neutron imaging system. Kinematic emission imaging of fission-energy neutrons can be used to detect, locate, and spatially characterize special nuclear material. Neutron-scatter cameras, analogous to Compton imagers for gamma ray detection, have a wide field of view, good event-by-event angular resolution, and spectral sensitivity. Existing systems, however, suffer from large size and/or poor efficiency. We are developing high-efficiency scatter cameras with small form factors by detecting both neutron scatters in a compact active volume. This effort requires development and characterization of individual system components, namely fast organic scintillators, photodetectors, electronics, and reconstruction algorithms. In this presentation, we will focus on characterization measurements of several SVSC candidate scintillators. The SVSC collaboration is investigating two system concepts: the monolithic design in which isotropically emitted photons are detected on the sides of the volume, and the optically segmented design in which scintillation light is channeled along scintillator bars to segmented photodetector readout. For each of these approaches, we will describe the construction and performance of prototype systems. We will conclude by summarizing lessons learned, comparing and contrasting the two system designs, and outlining plans for the next iteration of prototype design and construction.

Manfredi, Juan↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transitional Structures with Continuous Variations in Atomic Positions from Anatase to Rutile Improve Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract TiO 2 polymorphs have distinct properties that are widely employed in various applications. However, mechanisms of transformations between these polymorphs are not fully understood, especially at atomic scale, inhibiting advancing the design and application of the transitional phases. Here, based on results from semi‐in situ transmission electron microscopy, density functional theory, and X‐ray photoemission experiments, a physical picture of transitional structures is discovered, in which continuous variations in atomic positions form along a previously unreported anatase‐to‐rutile phase transformation path of [010] A –to–[] R and (004) A –to– (011) R . These gradient structures give rise to continuous band bending, which promotes electron‐hole separation and inhibits their recombination across the bulk of the particles, leading to a large functionally active volume fraction and resulting in high photoactivity. These findings suggest that interphase matter based on extended gradient structures can be designed to advance new functions not achievable using abrupt interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Deformation mechanisms in single crystal Ni-based concentrated solid solution alloys by nanoindentation

Nanoindentation is a critical technique to probe mechanical properties at the micrometer and sub-micrometer scales, accompanied by challenges from indentation size effect, pile-up/sink-in effect, and strain rate sensitivity. In this work, different nanoindentation techniques have been employed to explore Ni-based concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) with the addition of 3d transition metal elements including Co, Cr, Mn, and Fe, including unique single-crystal Ni, NiCo, NiFe, Ni 80 Cr 20 , and NiCoFeCr samples with (100) surfaces. A procedure of nanoindentation tests and data analysis/correction have been developed, and a data set of hardness, elastic modulus, strain rate sensitivity, and activation volume for Ni-based CSAs are provided, including the less explored binary alloys such as Ni 80 Cr 20 and Ni 80 Mn 20 . The results show that the type of alloying elements is more critical than the number of elements in strengthening: Co does not provide strengthening in NiCo, while Cr, Mn, and Fe are effective strengthening elements. Cr is the most effective among all the 3d transition metal elements. Furthermore, atomic-level lattice distortion is responsible for the strengthening and the role of stacking fault energy is insignificant in Ni-based CSAs at room temperature. In summary, nanoindentation shows increasing promise as a reliable and fast tool to provide comprehensive mechanical information for new alloy design and development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Boron Nitride-Driven Strengthening of Aluminum Composites via Friction Stir Processing

Friction stir welding and processing (FSW/P) has emerged as an effective solid-state joining technique for fabricating metal matrix composites (MMCs), offering improved mechanical properties through refined microstructural evolution. In this study, an aluminum-boron nitride nanoparticle (Al-BNNP) composite was synthesized via FSW, and its indentation-based mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. Microhardness mapping across the weld cross-section revealed a progressive increase in hardness toward the stir zone (SZ), attributed to severe plastic deformation, dynamic recrystallization (DRX), and the reinforcing effect of BNNPs. Profilometry-based indentation plastometry (PIP) inferred yield strength (YS) demonstrates a 47.8% increase compared to the base metal (BM) and a 75% improvement compared to FSP pure aluminum reported in literature. This enhancement is attributed to strengthening mechanisms, including grain boundary pinning, load transfer, and increased dislocation density. The strain rate sensitivity (SRS) measurements at the nanoscale demonstrated a substantial decrease in the SZ, correlated with ultrafine grain structures and strong BNNP-matrix interactions. Activation volume analysis revealed a significant reduction in the SZ, suggesting that dislocation motion is increasingly restricted by dislocation-dislocation and dislocation-particle interactions. These findings suggest that incorporating BNNPs in FSW/P enables tailoring the microstructure without thermal degradation of the secondary particles, thereby significantly enhancing the mechanical performance of aluminum composites, particularly for structural applications in aerospace and automotive industries.

Aluminum↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chromium enhances the mechanical performance of 3d transition metal high entropy alloys

A comprehensive examination of the compositional effects on the deformation behavior of high entropy alloys (HEAs) was conducted through nanoindentation, indentation creep, and stress relaxation experiments at ambient temperature. The alloys investigated included NiCoFe, NiCoCr, NiCoCrFe, and NiCoCrFeMn, all of which underwent identical thermomechanical processing. From the experimental results, NiCoCr exhibited the highest maximum shear stress for dislocation nucleation (13 GPa) and nanoindentation hardness (3.8 GPa) among the alloys tested. It also showed the lowest stress sensitivity (0.02) and activation volume (3–4 b 3 ) under creep and stress relaxation conditions, indicative of its superior plastic flow properties. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed an uneven charge density and larger bonding-length variation in NiCoCr due to the presence of Cr, which increased lattice distortion, impeding dislocation movement. Furthermore, in this study, post-deformation microscopy using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a high density of stacking faults and twins in NiCoCr that effectively enhanced its creep strength. The results highlight the significance of specific elemental effects, particularly from Cr in this study, over configurational entropy effect (i.e., compositional complexity) in governing the deformation microstructure and mechanical properties of HEAs. Finally, these insights will be instrumental for the design and optimization of advanced alloys for load-bearing applications.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

The MATHUSLA test stand

The rate of muons from LHC pp collisions reaching the surface above the ATLAS interaction point is measured as a function of the ATLAS luminosity and compared with expected rates from decays of W and Z bosons and b- and c- quark jets. In addition, data collected during periods without beams circulating in the LHC provide a measurement of the background from cosmic ray inelastic backscattering that is compared to simulation predictions. Data were recorded during 2018 in a 2.5 × 2.5 × 6.5 m 3 active volume MATHUSLA test stand detector unit consisting of two scintillator planes, one at the top and one at the bottom, which defined the trigger, and six layers of RPCs between them, grouped into three ( x, y )-measuring layers separated by 1.74 m from each other. Triggers selecting both upward-going tracks and downward-going tracks were used.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗