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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
NASA NTRS1995

Kinetics of diffusional droplet growth in a liquid/liquid two-phase system

A new powerful experimental technique based on holographic observations, developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, now permits observation of small liquid droplets coarsening. This technique was developed and used for mixed-dimensional coarsening studies. Experiments were conducted on an isopycnic two-phase alloy of succinonitrile and water, annealed isothermally over a four-month period. The succinonitrile-rich droplets precipitate from a water-rich liquid matrix having a density very close to that of the droplets. The matrix and droplets, however, have different optical indices. The results of these experiments, along with the results of computer simulation based on the quasi-static diffusion approximation developed at Rensselaer are reported. These results were published recently. Copies of these papers are attached to this report.

Glickman, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1999

An Experimental and Computational Study of Directional Solidification in Transparent Materials

An experimental and numerical study of the horizontal Bridgman growth of pure succinonitrile (SCN) and of a succinonitrile- 1.0 mol.% acetone alloy (SCN- 1.0 mol.% ACE) has been performed. Experiments at growth rates of 0, 2 and 40 micron/s were investigated. The solid/liquid interface was stable (non-dendritic and non-cellular); however, it was not flat. Rather, it was significantly distorted by the influence of convection in the melt and, for the growth cases, by the moving temperature boundary conditions along the ampoule. For the alloy, the interface was.determined to be unstable at growth rates greater than 2.8 micron/s, but stable for the no-growth and 2 micron/s growth cases. When compared to the pure SCN interface, the alloy interface forms closer to the cold zone, indicating that the melting temperature has been suppressed by the addition of the alloying element. Two-dimensional computer simulations were performed for the no-growth case for both the pure and alloy materials. These simulations indicate that a primary longitudinal convective cell is formed in the melt. The maximum magnitude of velocity was calculated to be 1.515 mm/s for pure SCN and 1.724 mm/s for the alloy. The interface shape predicted by the computer simulation agrees well with the experimentally determined shape for the pure SCN case. In ongoing work, numerical simulations of the process during growth conditions are being performed.

Simpson, James E.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Data and Modeling of Dendrites Subject to A Step Change in Pressure (TDSE)

There is considerable interest in dendritic solidification because of the influence dendrites have in the determination of microstructure, and thereby in the physical properties of cast metals and alloys. Current theories and models of dendritic growth generally couple diffusion effects in the melt with the physics of the interface. Data and subsequent analysis prior of the tip growth speed and radii of thermal succinonitrile dendrites in the near-convection free, on-orbit, free-fall environment demonstrate that these theories yield predictions that are reasonably in agreement with the results of experiment. However, data and analysis for assessing the interfacial physics component of theory are not sufficiently detailed or definitive. To study fundamental aspects of dendritic interface stability, we are measuring and modeling the kinetics and morphology of dendrites as they evolve from one well-defined steady state at a pre-set supercooling, through a transient stage, to a different well-defined steady state. More specifically, we subject succinonitrile dendrites, growing under steady-state conditions, to a rapid change in pressure. This leads to a rapid change in thermal driving force from the corresponding change in both the equilibrium melting temperature due to the Clapeyron effect, and a change in the far-field temperature due to adiabatic temperature changes in the bulk liquid and solid. Subsequently, we observe transformations from a well-characterized initial state into a new steady-state. Initial data reveal that the dendrite tip velocity changes almost as fast as the pressure charges, while the tip radius changes occur more slowly, taking from 10 60 seconds depending on the size of the step change and the final supercooling. Computer modeling of this process shows both agreements and disagreements with the experimental data. In making these observations and measurements, we are gaining new understandings of interfacial dynamics and state-selection physics.

Koss, Matthew B.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI): Description and Initial Analysis of Experiments Conducted Aboard the International Space Station

Flow Visualization experiments on the controlled melting and solidification of succinonitrile were conducted in the glovebox facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental samples were prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm 1D and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) under 450 millibar of nitrogen. Porosity in the samples arose from natural shrinkage, and in some cases by direct insertion of nitrogen bubbles, during solidification of the liquid SCN. The samples were processed in the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) apparatus that is placed in the glovebox facility (GBX) aboard the ISS. Experimental processing parameters of temperature gradient and translation speed, as well as camera settings, were remotely monitored and manipulated from the ground Telescience Center (TSC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. During the experiments, the sample is first subjected to a unidirectional melt back, generally at 10 microns per second, with a constant temperature gradient ahead of the melting interface. The temperatures in the sample are monitored by six in situ thermocouples. Real time visualization of the controlled directional melt back shows bubbles of different sizes initiating at the melt interface and, upon dislodging from the melting solid, migrating at different speeds into the temperature field ahead of them, before coming to rest. The thermocapillary flow field set up in the melt, ahead of the interface, is dramatic in the context of the large bubbles, and plays a major role in dislodging the bubble. A preliminary analysis of the observed bubble formation and mobility during melt back and its implication to future microgravity experiments is presented and discussed.

Grugel, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Bubble Formation and Transport during Microgravity Materials Processing: Model Experiments on the International Space Station

Flow Visualization experiments on the controlled melting and solidification of succinonitrile were conducted in the glovebox facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental samples were prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm ID and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) under 450 millibar of nitrogen. Porosity in the samples arose from natural shrinkage, and in some cases by direct insertion of nitrogen bubbles, during solidification of the liquid SCN. The samples were processed in the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) apparatus that is placed in the glovebox facility (GBX) aboard the ISS. Experimental processing parameters of temperature gradient and translation speed, as well as camera settings, were remotely monitored and manipulated from the ground Telescience Center (TSC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. During the experiments, the sample is first subjected to a unidirectional melt back, generally at 10 microns per second, with a constant temperature gradient ahead of the melting interface. The temperatures in the sample are monitored by six in situ thermocouples. Real time visualization of the controlled directional melt back shows bubbles of different sizes initiating at the melt interface and, upon dislodging from the melting solid, migrating at different speeds into the temperature field ahead of them, before coming to rest. The thermocapillary flow field set up in the melt, ahead of the interface, is dramatic in the context of the large bubbles, and plays a major role in dislodging the bubble. A preliminary analysis of the observed bubble formation and mobility during melt back and its implication to future microgravity experiments is presented and discussed.

Grugel, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Bubble Formation and Transport during Microgravity Materials Processing: Model Experiments on the International Space Station

Flow Visualization experiments on the controlled melting and solidification of succinonitrile were conducted in the glovebox facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental samples were prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm ID and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) under 450 millibar of nitrogen. Porosity in the samples arose from natural shrinkage, and in some cases by direct insertion of nitrogen bubbles, during solidification of the liquid SCN. The samples were processed in the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) apparatus that is placed in the glovebox facility (GBX) aboard the ISS. Experimental processing parameters of temperature gradient and translation speed, as well as camera settings, were remotely monitored and manipulated from the ground Telescience Center (TSC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. During the experiments, the sample is first subjected to a unidirectional melt back, generally at 10 microns per second, with a constant temperature gradient ahead of the melting interface. The temperatures in the sample are monitored by six in situ thermocouples. Real time visualization of the controlled directional melt back shows bubbles of different sizes initiating at the melt interface and, upon dislodging from the melting solid, migrating at different speeds into the temperature field ahead of them, before coming to rest. The thermocapillary flow field set up in the melt, ahead of the interface, is dramatic in the context of the large bubbles, and plays a major role in dislodging the bubble. A preliminary analysis of the observed bubble formation and mobility during melt back and its implication to future microgravity experiments is presented and discussed.

Grugel, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Bubble Formation and Transport during Microgravity Materials Processing: Model Experiments on the Space Station

Flow Visualization experiments on the controlled melting and solidification of succinonitrile were conducted in the glovebox facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental samples were prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm ID and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) under 450 millibar of nitrogen. Porosity in the samples arose from natural shrinkage, and in some cases by direct insertion of nitrogen bubbles, during solidification of the liquid SCN. The samples were processed in the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) apparatus that is placed in the glovebox facility (GBX) aboard the ISS. Experimental processing parameters of temperature gradient and translation speed, as well as camera settings, were remotely monitored and manipulated from the ground Telescience Center (TSC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. During the experiments, the sample is first subjected to a unidirectional melt back, generally at 10 microns per second, with a constant temperature gradient ahead of the melting interface. The temperatures in the sample are monitored by six in situ thermocouples. Real time visualization of the controlled directional melt back shows bubbles of different sizes initiating at the melt interface and, upon dislodging from the melting solid, migrating at different speeds into the temperature field ahead of them, before coming to rest. The thermocapillary flow field set up in the melt, ahead of the interface, is dramatic in the context of the large bubbles, and plays a major role in dislodging the bubble. A preliminary analysis of the observed bubble formation and mobility during melt back and its implication to future microgravity experiments is presented and discussed.

Grugel, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Direct Observation of Pore Formation and Bubble Mobility during Controlled Melting and Resolidification in Microgravity

Detailed studies on the controlled melting and subsequent re-solidification of succinonitrile were conducted in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using the PFMI apparatus (Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation) located in the ISS glovebox facility (GBX). Samples were initially prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm ID and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) under 450 millibar of nitrogen. During Space processing, experimental parameters like temperature gradient and translation speed, for melting and solidification, were remotely monitored and controlled from the ground Telescience Center (TSC) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. Real time visualization during controlled melting revealed bubbles of different sizes initiating at the solid/liquid interface, and traveling up the temperature gradient ahead of them. Subsequent controlled re-solidification of the SCN revealed the details of porosity formation and evolution. A preliminary analysis of the melt back and re- solidification and its implications to future microgravity materials processing is presented and discussed.

Grugel, Richard N.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Observation of an Aligned Gas - Solid "Eutectic" during Controlled Directional Solidification Aboard the International Space Station - Comparison with Ground-based Studies

Direct observation of the controlled melting and solidification of succinonitrile was conducted in the glovebox facility of the International Space Station (ISS). The experimental samples were prepared on ground by filling glass tubes, 1 cm ID and approximately 30 cm in length, with pure succinonitrile (SCN) in an atmosphere of nitrogen at 450 millibar pressure for eventual processing in the Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) apparatus in the glovebox facility (GBX) on board the ISS. Real time visualization during controlled directional melt back of the sample showed nitrogen bubbles emerging from the interface and moving through the liquid up the imposed temperature gradient. Over a period of time these bubbles disappear by dissolving into the melt. Translation is stopped after melting back of about 9 cm of the sample, with an equilibrium solid-liquid interface established. During controlled re-solidification, aligned tubes of gas were seen growing perpendicular to the planar solid/liquid interface, inferring that the nitrogen previously dissolved into the liquid SCN was now coming out at the solid/liquid interface and forming the little studied liquid = solid + gas eutectic-type reaction. The observed structure is evaluated in terms of spacing dimensions, interface undercooling, and mechanisms for spacing adjustments. Finally, the significance of processing in a microgravity environment is ascertained in view of ground-based results.

Grugel, R. N.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Multiple Functional Bonds Integrated Interphases for Long Cycle Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have garnered significant interest as one of the most promising energy suppliers for power grid energy storage. However, the poor electrode/electrolyte interfacial stability leads to continual electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution, resulting in rapid performance degradation of SIBs. In this work, we propose a strategy integrating multiple functional bonds to regulate electrode/electrolyte interphase by triple-coupling of succinonitrile (SN), sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF 6 ) and fluorinated ethylene carbonate (FEC). Theoretical calculation and experiment results show that the solvation structure of Na + and ClO 4 – is effectively reconfigured by the solvated FEC, SN and PF 6 – in PC-based carbonate electrolyte. The newly developed electrolyte demonstrates increased Na + -FEC coordination, weakened interaction of Na + -PC and participation of SN and PF 6 – anions in solvation, resulting in the formation of a conformal interfacial layer comprising of sodium oxynitrides (NaN x O y ), sodium fluoride (NaF) and phosphorus oxide compounds (NaP x O y ). Consequently, a 3 Ah pouch full cell of hard carbon//NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 exhibits an excellent capacity retention of 90.4 % after 1000 cycles. Detailed postmortem analysis of interface chemistry is further illustrated by multiple characterization methods. Finally, this study provides a new avenue for developing electrolyte formulations with multiple functional bonds integrated interphases to significantly improve the long-term cycling stability of SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Benchmark microgravity experiments and computations for 3D dendritic-array stability in directional solidification

In this study, we present a comprehensive quantitative analysis of stability bands for dendritic arrays during directional solidification of a transparent succinonitrile-0.46 wt % camphor alloy, spanning a broad range of pulling velocities. Taking advantage of the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station where most convection effects are suppressed, we obtain unique measurements that quantify the stable primary spacing range of spatially extended three-dimensional dendritic array structures under purely diffusive growth conditions. Through carefully designed velocity jump experiments and detailed examination of sub-grain boundary dynamics, we characterize key instabilities, including elimination and tertiary branching, shedding new light on the mechanisms governing dynamic dendritic spacing selection in extended 3D arrays. Phase field simulations are performed to characterize the stability limits of dendritic array structures for quantitative comparison with the flight experiments. Although the simulations capture general trends, significant deviations are noted at the upper stability boundary, indicating the influence of additional, unexplored factors. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of dendritic growth dynamics and offer valuable benchmark data that could aid in refining predictive models and improving control of dendritic microstructures in metallurgical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Solid-state polymer magnesium supercapacitor

Here, the present article focuses on the development of a highly ion-conductive, solvent-free, solid-state polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) via photopolymerization of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) network from its homogeneous melt mixtures containing succinonitrile (SCN) plasticizer and magnesium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide Mg(TFSI) 2 salt. The above solid-state Mg-PEM exhibits a Helmholtz electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) behavior in its supercapacitive symmetric carbonaceous electrode configuration. The electrochemical stability for this PEM membrane (20/40/40 PEGDA/SCN/Mg (TFSI) 2 ) was found to be approximately 3 V from linear sweep voltammetry with a specific capacitance of about 44 F/g from cyclic voltammetry and an energy density of approximately 17 Wh/kg in the 0–2 V range from the constant current density (CCD) experiment. Of particular interest is its excellent capacity retention of over 11,200 cycles, thus tested with the Coulombic efficiency of over 87%. Moreover, the energy density after extensive cycling for 11,200 has increased to approximately 56 Wh/kg at 10 mV/s in the potential range of 0–3 V relative to 17 Wh/kg in the potential range of 0–2 V at the same scan rate, attesting the excellent electrochemical stability and long life of the present Mg-PEM supercapacitor.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of the structure and chemistry of the solid–electrolyte interface by cryo-EM leads to high-performance solid-state Li-metal batteries

Solid-state lithium-metal (Li 0 ) batteries are gaining traction for electric vehicle applications because they replace flammable liquid electrolytes with a safer, solid-form electrolyte that also offers higher energy density and better resistance against Li dendrite formation. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are highly promising candidates because of their tunable mechanical properties and easy manufacturability; however, their electrochemical instability against lithium metal (Li 0 ), mediocre conductivity, and poorly understood Li 0 /SPE interphases have prevented extensive application in real batteries. In particular, the origin of the low Coulombic efficiency (CE) associated with SPEs remains elusive, as the debate continues as to whether it originates from unfavored interfacial reactions or lithium dendritic growth and dead lithium formation. In this work, we use state-of-the-art cryo-electromicroscopy (cryoEM) imaging and spectroscopic techniques to characterize the structure and chemistry of the interface between Li 0 and a polyacrylate-based SPE. Contradicting the conventional knowledge, we find that no protective interphase forms, owing to the sustained reactions between deposited Li dendrites and polyacrylic backbones and succinonitrile plasticizer. Due to the reaction induced volume change, large amounts of cracks form inside the Li dendrites with a stress corrosion-cracking behavior, indicating that Li0cannot be passivated in this SPE system. Based on this observation, we then introduce additive engineering leveraging on the knowledge of liquid electrolytes, and demonstrate that the Li 0 surface can be effectively protected against corrosion using fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), leading to densely packed Li 0 domes with conformal and stable solid-electrolyte interphases (SEIs) films. Owing to the high room temperature ionic conductivity of 1.01 mS/cm -1 , the high transference number of 0.57 and the stabilized lithium electrolyte interface, this improved new SPE delivers an excellent lithium plating/stripping CE of 99% and 1800 hours of stable cycling in Li||Li symmetric cells (0.2 mA/cm -2 , 1mAh/cm -2 ). Furthermore, this improved cathodic stability along with the high anodic stability enables record high cycle life of >2000 cycles for Li||LiFePO 4 and >400 cycles for Li||LiCoO 2 full cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1978

Convective heat transfer during dendritic solidification

Experiments on succinonitrile are described in which the dependence of dendritic growth velocity is studied as a function of orientation with respect to gravity. Growth rate measurements were carried out at a relatively small supercooling, requiring high specimen purity as well as extreme thermal stability and precision temperature measurement. The normalized growth velocity showed a dependence on orientation described by the ratio of observed growth velocity to that expected for convection-free growth being equal to 3.52 times the n-th power of Cos half the orientation angle, where n lies between 0.5 and 0.75.

Glicksman, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Fundamentals of dendritic solidification. I - Steady-state tip growth. II - Development of sidebranch structure

Systematic measurements of dendrite tip radius and growth velocity in succinonitrile reveal that consideration of dendrite tip stability should be incorporated into the heat transfer theory to determine the steady-state dendritic growth condition. The dendritic stability criterion measured is 2 alpha d0/VR squared = 0.0195, where V is the dendritic growth velocity, R is the dendritic tip radius, alpha is the liquid thermal diffusivity, and d0 is a capillary length defined in the text. Several dendritic stability models are reviewed and discussed in comparison to the present experimental results.

Huang, S.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Solidification phenomena of binary organic mixtures

The coalescence rates and motion of liquid bubbles in binary organic mixtures were studied. Several factors such as temperature gradient, composition gradient, interfacial tension, and densities of the two phases play important roles in separation of phases of immiscible liquids. An attempt was made to study the effect of initial compositions on separation rates of well-dispersed organic mixtures at different temperatures and, ultimately, on the homogeneity of solidification of the immiscible binary organic liquids. These organic mixtures serve as models for metallic pseudo binary systems under study. Two specific systems were investigated: ethyl salicylate - diethyl glycol and succinonitrile - water.

Chang, K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Convective flow during dendritic growth

A review is presented of the major experimental findings obtained from recent ground-based research conducted under the SPAR program. Measurements of dendritic growth at small supercoolings indicate that below approximately 1.5 K a transition occurs from diffusive control to convective control in succinonitrile, a model system chosen for this study. The key theoretical ideas concerning diffusive and convective heat transport during dendritic growth are discussed, and it is shown that a transition in the transport control should occur when the characteristic length for diffusion becomes larger than the characteristic length for convection. The experimental findings and the theoretical ideas discussed suggest that the Fluid Experiment System could provide appropriate experimental diagnostics for flow field visualization and quantification of the fluid dynamical effects presented here.

Glicksman, M. E.↗