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At least 559 records · Page 31

Phase stability, physical properties and strengthening mechanisms of concentrated solid solution alloys

Here, we review recent research developments in a special class of multicomponent concentrated solid solution alloys (CSAs) – of which the recently discovered high entropy alloys (HEAs) are exemplars – that offer a new paradigm for the development of next generation structural materials. This review focuses on the role of inherent extreme chemical complexity on the phase stability, electronic, transport, and mechanical properties of this remarkable class of disordered solid solution alloys. Both experimental observations and theoretical models indicate that the phase stability of HEAs goes beyond the original conjecture that these alloys are stabilized by configurational/mixing entropy; rather, it results from competition between the homogeneously disordered phase and phase separation/intermetallic compound formation. Although the number of single-phase HEAs with equiatomic composition is limited, those that do exist often exhibit remarkable electronic, magnetic, transport, and mechanical properties. For the mechanical response, we discuss the solution strengthening mechanism which governs the strength and deformation behaviors of the CSAs, as well as the increasing evidence that low stacking fault energies (deformation twinning) plays an important role in the low temperature strength and ductility of CrMnFeCoNi related alloys. We also review the current understanding of the role of the number and type of alloy elements in determining the electronic, magnetic, and transport properties, in particular the dominant role of magnetic interactions in the properties of 3d-transition metal based alloys. Finally, we emphasize that, despite rapid progress in characterization and understanding of the phase stability and physical/mechanical responses of CSAs, there remain significant challenges to fully exploring the new paradigm that these alloys represent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The electronic structure, crystal fields, and magnetic anisotropy in RECo 5 magnets

The current progress in describing rare-earth-based magnets' electronic structure and magnetic properties is discussed. We use several currently popular electronic structure methods to show the typical values of critical parameters that define the physics of RECo 5 (RE = rare earth atom) materials. The magnetic moments and magnetic anisotropy of 4f atoms are obtained using several approaches, including anisotropic 4f-charge density-constrained DFT and DFT+HI methods. We also suggest the introduction of "penalty" functional for obtaining correct variational total energy in the traditional Hund's rule-constrained DFT-based techniques. The applicability and future extensions are discussed. The proposed combination of methods is potentially suitable for high-throughput computational searches of new rare-earth-containing magnetic materials.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Regulating off-centering distortion maximizes photoluminescence in halide perovskites

Abstract Metal halide perovskites possess unique atomic and electronic configurations that endow them with high defect tolerance and enable high-performance photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Perovskite light-emitting diodes have achieved an external quantum efficiency of over 20%. Despite tremendous progress, fundamental questions remain, such as how structural distortion affects the optical properties. Addressing their relationships is considerably challenging due to the scarcity of effective diagnostic tools during structural and property tuning as well as the limited tunability achievable by conventional methods. Here, using pressure and chemical methods to regulate the metal off-centering distortion, we demonstrate the giant tunability of photoluminescence (PL) in both the intensity (>20 times) and wavelength (>180 nm/GPa) in the highly distorted halide perovskites [CH3NH3GeI3, HC(NH2)2GeI3, and CsGeI3]. Using advanced in situ high-pressure probes and first-principles calculations, we quantitatively reveal a universal relationship whereby regulating the level of off-centering distortion towards 0.2 leads to the best PL performance in the halide perovskites. By applying this principle, intense PL can still be induced by substituting CH3NH3+ with Cs+ to control the distortion in (CH3NH3)1-xCsxGeI3, where the chemical substitution plays a similar role as external pressure. The compression of a fully substituted sample of CsGeI3 further tunes the distortion to the optimal value at 0.7 GPa, which maximizes the emission with a 10-fold enhancement. This work not only demonstrates a quantitative relationship between structural distortion and PL property of the halide perovskites but also illustrates the use of knowledge gained from high-pressure research to achieve the desired properties by ambient methods.

halide perovskites↗

Light-induced effects-impacts to module performance measurements and reliability testing: An overview

The stability of solar cells is a key factor in determining the reliability of photovoltaic modules and is of great interest in the case of solar cells having a new technology which has not yet been fully developed. In particular this question arises with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells because a-Si exhibits reversible light induced changes in its electronic properties, commonly referred to as the Staebler-Wronski effect (SWE). Continuous progress is being made in the peak conversion efficiencies of a-Si solar cells and efficiencies in excess of 11% have been achieved. However, stability is still a problem. ARCO Solar reports results on solar cells which, after over a year's exposure to sunlight, under open circuit conditions, still have about 7% conversion efficiency. Other results show a region of fast degradation for about a month, after which the degradation diminishes rapidly.

Wronski, C. R.↗

Adhesion and wear resistance of materials

Recent studies into the nature of bonding at the interface between two solids in contact or a solid and deposited film have provided a better understanding of those properties important to the adhesive wear resistance of materials. Analytical and experimental progress are reviewed. For simple metal systems the adhesive bond forces are related to electronic wave function overlap. With metals in contact with nonmetals, molecular-orbital energy, and density of states, respectively can provide insight into adhesion and wear. Experimental results are presented which correlate adhesive forces measured between solids and the electronic surface structures. Orientation, surface reconstruction, surface segregation, adsorption are all shown to influence adhesive interfacial strength. The interrelationship between adhesion and the wear of the various materials as well as the life of coatings applied to substrates are discussed. Metallic systems addressed include simple metals and alloys and these materials in contact with themselves, both oxide and nonoxide ceramics, diamond, polymers, and inorganic coating compounds, h as diamondlike carbon.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Studies of premixed laminar and turbulent flames at microgravity

A two and one-half year experimental and theoretical research program on the properties of laminar and turbulent premixed gas flames at microgravity was conducted. Progress during this program is identified and avenues for future studies are discussed.

Ronney, Paul D.↗

Development of Standardized Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials

Lunar exploration requires scientific and engineering studies using standardized testing procedures that ultimately support flight certification of technologies and hardware. It is necessary to anticipate the range of source materials and environmental constraints that are expected on the Moon and Mars, and to evaluate in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) coupled with testing and development. Physical properties of the regolith dominate processes such as excavation and drilling, while chemical properties dominate processes such as elemental extraction. We describe here the development of standardized lunar regolith simulant (SLRS) materials that are traceable interlaboratory standards for testing and technology development. These SLRS materials must simulate the lunar regolith in terms of physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties. A comprehensive simulant development program has been outlined and is in progress. A summary of these issues is contained in the 2005 Workshop on Lunar Regolith Simulant Materials

Carpenter, P.↗

Global Weather States and Their Properties from Passive and Active Satellite Cloud Retrievals

In this study, the authors apply a clustering algorithm to International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud optical thickness-cloud top pressure histograms in order to derive weather states (WSs) for the global domain. The cloud property distribution within each WS is examined and the geographical variability of each WS is mapped. Once the global WSs are derived, a combination of CloudSat and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) vertical cloud structure retrievals is used to derive the vertical distribution of the cloud field within each WS. Finally, the dynamic environment and the radiative signature of the WSs are derived and their variability is examined. The cluster analysis produces a comprehensive description of global atmospheric conditions through the derivation of 11 WSs, each representing a distinct cloud structure characterized by the horizontal distribution of cloud optical depth and cloud top pressure. Matching those distinct WSs with cloud vertical profiles derived from CloudSat and CALIPSO retrievals shows that the ISCCP WSs exhibit unique distributions of vertical layering that correspond well to the horizontal structure of cloud properties. Matching the derived WSs with vertical velocity measurements shows a normal progression in dynamic regime when moving from the most convective to the least convective WS. Time trend analysis of the WSs shows a sharp increase of the fair-weather WS in the 1990s and a flattening of that increase in the 2000s. The fact that the fair-weather WS is the one with the lowest cloud radiative cooling capability implies that this behavior has contributed excess radiative warming to the global radiative budget during the 1990s.

histograms↗

RECENT ADVANCES TO THE OPENSSP PARTICLE AND SCATTERING DATABASE

We highlight recent progress in and discuss future plans for the OpenSSP particle and scattering property database. Ongoing work has focused on expanding the types of particles to include polycrystals and melting snow flakes. Future expansion will include rimed particles, hail, and aligned snow flakes.

Ian S. Adams↗

Lessons Learned in Implementation of Radiological Investigations of Small-Scale Sites in Port Hope, Ontario - 16534

The Port Hope Area Initiative is a $1.28 billion project for the remediation of historic low-level radioactive waste resulting from the operation of Eldorado Nuclear Limited and its private-sector predecessors between 1932 and 1988 in Port Hope and Port Granby, Ontario, approximately 100 km east of Toronto. Included in the project is the investigation of all 4,800 privately and publicly owned properties in Port Hope in order to identify and remediate an estimated 375 properties containing LLRW exceeding clean-up criteria. This paper discusses the progress of the investigations, the development of clean-up criteria, methodologies used to identify historic LLRW, and lessons learned to date. This paper will be of greatest interest to future project managers of similar investigations. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Steps Towards Efficiently Demonstrating Adequate MSR Safety

The substantial technical differences of liquid-salt fueled nuclear power plants from previously licensed reactors results in significant divergence in the evidence necessary to demonstrate adequate protection of the health and safety of the public and the environment. The US Government is supporting a diverse set of activities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of molten salt reactor safety adequacy evaluation. Key current projects include developing a fuel salt thermophysical and thermochemical properties database and performing integral and separate effects experiments to validate accident progression models.

Holcomb, David↗

Effects of blended cements and carbonation on chloride-induced corrosion propagation

Highlights: • Corrosion propagation of blended cements was investigated for 1 year. • Carbonated and non‑carbonated mortars were evaluated. • Galvanostatic pulse and ER sensors were used to monitor corrosion. • Mortar properties were correlated with corrosion rates and corrosion damage. • Relationships between mortar properties and corrosion behaviour were established. Supplementary cementitious materials are known to refine the pore structure of concrete and accelerate the carbonation progress. The combination of the two processes can have both beneficial and disadvantageous effects on corrosion, especially when chlorides are also involved. In this study the corrosion properties of multiple blended cements were evaluated in carbonated and non‑carbonated states, with chlorides introduced through cyclic ponding. The examination involved monitoring the propagation phase, determining the microstructural properties of cements, and assessing the final corrosion damage. The results showed that the steel in the blended cements initially had a relatively high corrosion activity, which later decreased compared to the OPC. This stabilisation was presumably due to the beneficial changes to the pore structure. Carbonation had a significant impact on the corrosion, with carbonated mortars revealing shallower damage over a larger surface area. This effect was more pronounced for blended cements that exhibited greater susceptibility to carbonation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Remote Sensing of Spectral Aerosol Properties: A Classroom Experience

Bridging the gap between current research and the classroom is a major challenge to today s instructor, especially in the sciences where progress happens quickly. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland teamed up in designing a graduate class project intended to provide a hands-on introduction to the physical basis for the retrieval of aerosol properties from state-of-the-art MODIS observations. Students learned to recognize spectral signatures of atmospheric aerosols and to perform spectral inversions. They became acquainted with the operational MODIS aerosol retrieval algorithm over oceans, and methods for its evaluation, including comparisons with groundbased AERONET sun-photometer data.

Levy, Robert C.↗

Damage Progression in Bolted Composites

Structural durability,damage tolerance,and progressive fracture characteristics of bolted graphite/epoxy composite laminates are evaluated via computational simulation. Constituent material properties and stress and strain limits are scaled up to the structure level to evaluate the overall damage and fracture propagation for bolted composites. Single and double bolted composite specimens with various widths and bolt spacings are evaluated. The effect of bolt spacing is investigated with regard to the structural durability of a bolted joint. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture are included in the simulations. Results show the damage progression sequence and structural fracture resistance during different degradation stages. A procedure is outlined for the use of computational simulation data in the assessment of damage tolerance, determination of sensitive parameters affecting fracture, and interpretation of experimental results with insight for design decisions.

Minnetyan, Levon↗

Damage Progression in Bolted Composites

Structural durability, damage tolerance, and progressive fracture characteristics of bolted graphite/epoxy composite laminates are evaluated via computational simulation. Constituent material properties and stress and strain limits are scaled up to the structure level to evaluate the overall damage and fracture propagation for bolted composites. Single and double bolted composite specimens with various widths and bolt spacings are evaluated. The effect of bolt spacing is investigated with regard to the structural durability of a bolted joint. Damage initiation, growth, accumulation, and propagation to fracture are included in the simulations. Results show the damage progression sequence and structural fracture resistance during different degradation stages. A procedure is outlined for the use of computational simulation data in the assessment of damage tolerance, determination of sensitive parameters affecting fracture, and interpretation of experimental results with insight for design decisions.

Minnetyan, Levon↗

Large-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Dehydration of a Suspension of Smectite Clay Nanoparticles

Fine-grained sediments and sedimentary rocks play important roles in a variety of modern energy technologies from petroleum geology to geological carbon sequestration and radioactive waste management. However, despite their utility and ubiquity, many of their properties remain poorly understood. In particular, the ability to predict the permeability and mechanics of these media remains a persistent fundamental challenge in the geosciences. In the present work, we show how large-scale classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can help interpret the properties of fine-grained sedimentary material. All-atom simulations containing 30 discrete clay particles are utilized to understand the evolution of a clay nanoparticle suspension during its progressive dehydration. Microstructural (pore size distribution, tortuosity, anisotropy), thermodynamic (enthalpy and free energy of hydration, anion exclusion), mechanical (total suction), and transport properties (diffusion coefficient tensors of water and sodium) are calculated and compared to the experiment. Overall, our results provide new insight into the coupled chemistry, mechanics, and transport properties of disordered nanoparticle assemblages and shed light upon the important role of water films in controlling these properties.

02 PETROLEUM↗