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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 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Parameterization of Vertical Profiles of Governing Microphysical Parameters of Shallow Cumulus Cloud Ensembles Using LES with Bin Microphysics

Shallow convection is a subgrid process in cloud-resolving models for which their grid box is larger than the size of small cumulus clouds (Cu). At the same time such Cu substantially affect radiation properties and thermodynamic parameters of the low atmosphere. The main microphysical parameters used for calculation of radiative properties of Cu in cloud-resolving models are liquid water content (LWC), effective droplet radius, and cloud fraction (CF). In this study, these parameters of fields of small, warm Cu are calculated using large-eddy simulations (LESs) performed using the System for Atmospheric Modeling (SAM) with spectral bin microphysics. Despite the complexity of microphysical processes, several fundamental properties of Cu were found. First, despite the high variability of LWC and droplet concentration within clouds and between different clouds, the volume mean and effective radii per specific level vary only slightly. Second, the values of effective radius are close to those forming during adiabatic ascent of air parcels from cloud base. These findings allow for characterization of a cloud field by specific vertical profiles of effective radius and of mean liquid water content, which can be calculated using the theoretical profile of adiabatic liquid water content and the droplet concentration at cloud base. Using the results of these LESs, a simple parameterization of cloud-field-averaged vertical profiles of effective radius and of liquid water content is proposed for different aerosol and thermodynamic conditions. These profiles can be used for calculation of radiation properties of Cu fields in large-scale models. The role of adiabatic processes in the formation of microstructure of Cu is discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Operating Stresses and their Effects on Degradation of LSM-Based SOFC Cathodes

The overall goals of the program were: To understand how selected operational parameters affect the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), with a focus on parameters affecting cathodes (air electrodes) comprised of lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM, (La 1-x Sr x ) 1-y MnO 3±δ ) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ, (Zr 1–z Y z )O 2±δ ). To relate the observed relationships between operational parameters and cell performance to the microstructural changes that can be observed in the cells after operation.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Cathode Modeling of Solid-State Batteries

The search for safe, reliable, and compact high-capacity energy storage devices has led to increased interest in all-solid-state battery research. The use of solid electrolytes provides enhanced safety and durability due to their reduced flammability and increased mechanical strength compared to organic liquid electrolytes. Still, the use of solid electrolytes remains challenging. Computational modeling plays a substantial role in addressing these challenges. A particle dynamics electromechanical model for simulating electrochemical processes in a solid-state battery cathode will be presented. The model presents cathode microstructure at the particle level as a mixture of ionically conductive solid electrolyte particles, electrically conductive carbon additives, and cathodic reactant particles. After densification, the particle connectivity is analyzed to reconstruct the complex electric network connecting reactant particles with an anodic and cathodic current collectors through the electrolyte and carbon particles. The Kirchhoff’s matrix equation describing this electric network, is solved to obtain values of various critical parameters, such as the overall conductivity of the cathode for lithium ions and electrons, cathodic reactant material utilization, and the distribution of the electric current and voltages within the cathode. In addition, by representing the reactant particles as electrolyte or galvanic microcells governed by the Butler-Volmer electrochemical equation, the overall performance of battery cells during charge or discharge processes, respectively, can be predicted for a given cathodic powder composition. The presented model, executed on a high-performance computing architecture, essentially provides a valuable guidance in designing and developing future solid-state batteries.

solid-state battery↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effects of chemical segregation on ductility-anisotropy in high strength Fe-Mn-Al-C lightweight austenitic steels

Ductile Fe-Mn-Al-C lightweight steels offer great potential as high specific strength materials for weight critical applications. In the present work, very high yield (~1 GPa) and ultimate tensile strength levels (~1.5 GPa) were obtained along the rolling and transverse directions of Fe-30Mn-8.5Al-0.9Si-0.9C-0.5Mo (wt.%), with high tensile elongation to failure of ~35%. This excellent mechanical behavior was attributed to the nanoscale, ordered κ-carbide precipitates formed during aging after rolling. However, tensile ductility was not isotropic through all directions of the rolled plate. In particular, the ductility was consistently lower than 5% true strain along the normal direction. Upon detailed microstructural investigations, micro-scale lamellar chemical micro-segregation bands were detected, which caused the observed anisotropic embrittlement along certain plate directions. These bands resulted in low failure strains along the normal direction since it is oriented perpendicular to these chemical segregation bands, resulting in a failure type reminiscent of delamination-induced cleavage fracture. Chemical segregation causes an inhomogeneous κ-carbide precipitate distribution upon aging, producing more pronounced mechanical anisotropy after peak-aging as compared to the solution heat treated samples. Surprisingly, deformation twinning was observed after tensile deformation of solution-heat treated specimens via electron-backscatter diffraction experiments, which is anomalous for a high stacking faulty energy (SFE) material. Further, it was proposed that chemical micro-segregation promotes locally different SFE regions, leading to deformation twinning in this nominally high SFE material. Overall, this work demonstrates the effects of chemical segregation on mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in a high performance, lightweight Fe-Mn-Al-C steel.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Phase diagrams and microstructures of aqueous short alkyl chain polyethylene glycol ether carboxylate and carboxylic acid triblock surfactant solutions

The surfactant C 8 Eo 8 CH 2 COOH (Akypo LF2) and its salts have a small hydrophobic and a significantly longer hydrophilic part. As a consequence, there must be a significant steric constraint, once these surfactant molecules form micelles. In addition, the partially charged headgroups should bring some additional fine-tuning via electrostatic interactions to this "essentially non-ionic" surfactant. Experiments: Phase diagrams of binary mixtures of water and C 8 Eo 8 CH 2 COOH are established over large concentration and temperature ranges, also at different pHs and in the presence of sodium and calcium ions. Surface tensions and osmotic pressures are measured to understand the systems. To evaluate the microstructures, also Dynamic Light Scattering and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering are performed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Facile one-pot synthesis and characterization of nickel supported on hierarchically porous carbon

Highlights: • Novel, inexpensive, one-pot, synthesis method for Ni on hierarchically porous carbon. • Disappearance of surfactant mesopores seen with incorporation of nickel. • Distribution of Ni nanoparticles on the hierarchically porous carbon support was studied by SEM. • Nickel nanoparticles were dispersed on macropore walls and not within carbon. - Abstract: Described is a novel, facile route for the synthesis of nickel supported on hierarchically porous carbon (Ni/HPC) using a one-pot co-gelation sol–gel method. Ni/HPC with varying nickel loadings (0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 wt% Ni) were synthesized and the materials characterized by nitrogen physisorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies. The results show a three-dimensional network of disordered carbon with fine nickel nanoparticles of sizes ranging from 8 nm to 13 nm at 0.5 wt% Ni loading which gradually increased with increase in the Ni loading. The carbon structure was retained at the macropore level, but not at the mesoscale where the ordered mesopores were lost on nickel addition. The nickel nanoparticles were observed to grow on the surface of the ligaments. This may make them particularly suitable for low pressure Ni-catalyzed organic transformations e.g., hydrogenations, C–C coupling, C-heteroatom coupling, etc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Chemical, Molecular, and Microstructural Evolution of Kerogen during Thermal Maturation: Case Study from the Woodford Shale of Oklahoma

Integrated elemental, spectroscopic (infrared spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure), and gas intrusion (helium pycnometry and nitrogen adsorption) analyses are used to characterize the bulk chemical, molecular, and physical microstructures of kerogen spanning a thermal maturity transect (vitrinite reflectance, Ro, from 0.5% to 2.6%) across the Woodford Shale of the Anadarko Basin, Oklahoma. The integration takes advantage of novel procedures to prepare kerogen isolates that preserve both the chemical and physical properties of the organic matter in the bulk shale. The Woodford kerogens follow the expected trends in H/C and O/C coordinates during thermal maturation for type II kerogen. Infrared spectra show that loss of hydrogen from kerogen is related to cracking of hydrogen-rich aliphatic (alkyl) carbon structures from aromatic carbons. Within the range of Ro values < 1.5%, peripheral aromatic carbons remain highly substituted with alkyl (methyl and methylene) and probably heteroatom functional groups. At Ro values > 1.5%, these substitutions are substantially removed and replaced by hydrogen. The evolution of carbon structures inferred from the IR spectra is supported by known carbon bond dissociation energies for carbonaceous materials. Total organic sulfur and sulfur-XANES data show that sulfur in Woodford kerogens is dominated by aromatic sulfur (thiophene) and that reactive, aliphatic sulfur (sulfide) is eliminated at low degrees of thermal stress (Ro ≤ 0.9%). At higher thermal stress, sulfur speciation is stable and dominated by thermally stable thiophene. The physical properties of Woodford kerogens evolve during thermal maturation in a manner consistent with their molecular characteristics. Skeletal density of kerogen increases during maturation in a manner that is linearly correlated to its atomic H/C ratio and inferred aromatic carbon content. The specific surface area of kerogen also increases during maturation, reflecting the development of internal pores within the kerogen skeletal framework as aliphatic carbon structures are preferentially cracked and expelled from solid kerogen. The quantitative chemical and structural changes expressed by the Woodford kerogens during thermal maturation, including their hydrogen and carbon content, carbon speciation, and skeletal density, are shown by comparison to not be measurably different for other type II kerogens from numerous oil- and gas-producing shale plays, indicating that thermal stress acts to drive maturation of type II kerogen in a similar way globally.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2001

Solidification Processing of Immiscible Liquids in the Presence of Applied Ultrasonic Energy

Uniform microstructural distribution during solidification of immiscible liquids (e.g., oil and water; aluminum and lead) on Earth is hampered by inherent density differences between the phases. Microgravity processing minimizes settling but segregation still occurs due to gravity independent wetting and coalescence phenomena. Experiments with the transparent organic, metal analogue, succinonitrile-glycerol system were conducted in conjunction with applied ultrasonic energy. The processing parameters associated with this technique have been evaluated in view of optimizing dispersion uniformity. Characterization of the experimental results in terms of a modeling effort will also be presented,

Grugel, R. N.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Creating microfluidic channels functionalized with micro- and nano-scale features via femtosecond laser surface processing

We demonstrate the ability to create functionalized microfluidic channels using femtosecond laser surface processing (FLSP). FLSP is an emerging advanced manufacturing technology used to modify the surface properties of materials directly and permanently by producing self-organized quasi-periodic micro- and nano-scale surface features along with surface and subsurface chemical and grain structure changes. We demonstrate on Hastelloy X that by controlling the laser fluence and pulse count, the depth of the microchannels and height of the FLSP microstructures within the microchannels can be controlled independently.

Ultrashort pulse laser applications, micro- and na↗
DOE OSTI2014

Nanostructured gadolinium-doped ceria microsphere synthesis from ion exchange resin: Multi-scale in-situ studies of solid solution formation

In the current nano-sized material revolution, the main limitations to a large-scale deployment of nanomaterials involve health concerns related to nano-dissemination via air. Developing new chemical routes benefiting from nano-size advantages while avoiding their hazards could overcome these limitations. Addressing this need, a chemical route leading to soft nano-particle agglomerates, i.e., macroscopic precursors presenting the ability to be decomposed into nano-sized materials, was developed and applied to Ce{sub 0.8}Gd{sub 0.2}O{sub 2−δ}. Using cerium/gadolinium-loaded ion exchange resin, the Ce{sub 0.8}Gd{sub 0.2}O{sub 2−δ} solid solution formation as a function of temperature was studied in-situ through X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Temperatures corresponding to the organic skeleton decomposition and to the mixed oxide crystallization were identified. An optimal heat treatment, leading to nanostructured soft agglomerates, was established. Microsphere processing capabilities were evaluated and particle size distribution measurements were recorded. A very low fracture strength was calculated, and a nanometric particle size distribution (170 nm) was determined. - Graphical abstract: The elaboration of micro-spherical precursors leading to the formation of nano-oxide soft agglomerates was studied and approved through the use of ion exchange resin loaded with cerium and gadolinium. The formation of the solid solution was followed through in-situ measurements such as XAS, XRD, Raman, TGA and DSC. Key temperatures were identified for the formation of the mixed-oxide. Following this study, the microstructure and particle size of oxide microspheres formed highlight the formation of soft nano-arrangments. - Highlights: • Soft microspherical agglomerates able to be decomposed into nano-sized materials. • In situ study of cerium/gadolinium-loaded ion exchange resin conversion in oxide. • In situ multi-scale study through Raman spectroscopy, XAS and HT-XRD. • Monodisperse nanometric particle synthesis suitable for ceramic processing.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2005

Supernova olivine from cometary dust

An interplanetary dust particle contains a submicrometer crystalline silicate aggregate of probable supernova origin. The grain has a pronounced enrichment in 18O/16O (13 times the solar value) and depletions in 17O/16O (one-third solar) and 29Si/28Si (<0.8 times solar), indicative of formation from a type II supernova. The aggregate contains olivine (forsterite 83) grains <100 nanometers in size, with microstructures that are consistent with minimal thermal alteration. This unusually iron-rich olivine grain could have formed by equilibrium condensation from cooling supernova ejecta if several different nucleosynthetic zones mixed in the proper proportions. The supernova grain is also partially encased in nitrogen-15-rich organic matter that likely formed in a presolar cold molecular cloud.

Iron Compounds/analysis↗
DOE OSTI2012

Preparation and thermoelectric properties of ternary superionic conductor CuCrS{sub 2}

Transition metal chalcogenide CuCrS{sub 2} powder was synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) and then consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique at 673-1073 K. The phase structure, microstructure and thermoelectric properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Seebeck coefficient/electrical conductivity measuring system, respectively. All the bulks indicated a single phase CuCrS{sub 2}, while the high relative density over 90% were attained for the samples sintered at 873-1073 K. The electrical conductivity of bulk samples displayed a typical characteristic of semiconductor. With increasing measuring temperature, the conductive behaviour of bulk samples sintered over 973 K showed a semiconductor transformation from n-type to p-type due to the changes of main carrier type. The sample obtained by applying SPS at 873 K got the highest power factor 83.2 {mu}W m{sup -1} K{sup -2}, and the largest ZT value 0.11 at 673 K. - Graphical abstract: The samples sintered above 873 K, both of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity exhibit an increase tendency with increasing temperature, which is due to the mechanism of mix-conduction for CuCrS{sub 2}. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Single phase CuCrS{sub 2} powder was synthesized by ball-milling at 425 rpm for 40 h. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Dense CuCrS{sub 2} bulks were fabricated using SPS techniques at sintering temperature 873-1073 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Seebeck coefficient of CuCrS{sub 2} samples sintered over 973 K change the signs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Highest power factor reached 83.2 {mu}W m{sup -1} K{sup -2} at 673 K for the sample sintered at 873 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer ZT value was 0.11 at 673 K for the sample sintered at 873 K.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Interplay between microstructure, defect states, and mobile charge generation in transition metal dichalcogenide heterojunctions

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs) have gained attention for their promise in next-generation energy-harvesting and quantum computing technologies, but realizing these technologies requires a greater understanding of TMDC properties that influence their photophysics. To this end, we discuss here the interplay between TMDC microstructure and defects with the charge generation yield, lifetime, and mobility. As a model system, we compare monolayer-only and monolayer-rich MoS 2 grown by chemical vapor deposition, and we employ the TMDCs in Type-II charge-separating heterojunctions with semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (s-SWCNTs). Our results suggest longer lifetimes and higher yields of mobile carriers in samples containing a small fraction of defect-rich multilayer islands on predominately monolayer MoS 2 . Compared to the monolayer-only heterojunctions, the carrier lifetimes increase from 0.73 μs to 4.71 μs, the hole transfer yield increases from 23% to 34%, and the electron transfer yield increases from 39% to 59%. We reach these conclusions using a unique combination of microwave photoconductivity (which probes only mobile carriers) along with transient absorption spectroscopy (which identifies spectral signatures unique to each material and type of photoexcited quasiparticle, but does not probe mobility). Overall, our results highlight the substantial changes in photophysics that can occur from small changes in TMDC microstructure and defect density, where the presence of defects does not necessarily preclude improvements in charge generation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

T cell activation and immune synapse organization respond to the microscale mechanics of structured surfaces

Cells have the remarkable ability to sense the mechanical stiffness of their surroundings. This has been studied extensively in the context of cells interacting with planar surfaces, a conceptually elegant model that also has application in biomaterial design. However, physiological interfaces are spatially complex, exhibiting topographical features that are described over multiple scales. This report explores mechanosensing of microstructured elastomer surfaces by CD4 + T cells, key mediators of the adaptive immune response. We show that T cells form complex interactions with elastomer micropillar arrays, extending processes into spaces between structures and forming local areas of contraction and expansion dictated by the layout of microtubules within this interface. Conversely, cytoskeletal reorganization and intracellular signaling are sensitive to the pillar dimensions and flexibility. Unexpectedly, these measures show different responses to substrate rigidity, suggesting competing processes in overall T cell mechanosensing. The results of this study demonstrate that T cells sense the local rigidity of their environment, leading to strategies for biomaterial design.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1978

Development of Methods of Characterizing Coal in Its Plastic State

Coal in its plastic state (typically 400-460 C) was examined by the isothermal Gieseler plastometry of seven selected coals of widely varying plastic properties. Kinetic models were proposed for the isothermal plastometric curves. Plastic behavior was compared with a variety of laboratory analyses and characterizations of these coals, including classical coal analysis; mineral analysis; microstructural analysis (extractable fractions, surface area measurement, and petrographic analysis); and thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis, thermomechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry). The phenomenon of a sharp, large, poorly reproducible exotherm in the differential scanning calorimetric analysis of coking coals was examined. Several coal extrudates show mineral distribution, organic maceral composition and overall calorific value to be little affected by 800 F extrusion. Volatile matter and plastic properties are moderately reduced, and the network structure (as gauged by extractables) appears to be slightly degraded in the extrusion process.

Lloyd, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Materials Science Experiments on the International Space Station

The Performance Goal for NASA's Microgravity Materials Science Program reads "Use microgravity to establish and improve quantitative and predictive relationships between the structure, processing and properties of materials." The advent of the International Space Station will open up a new era in Materials Science Research including the ability to perform long term and frequent experiments in microgravity. As indicated the objective is to gain a greater understanding of issues of materials science in an environment in which the force of gravity can be effectively switched off. Thus gravity related issues of convection, buoyancy and hydrostatic forces can be reduced and the science behind the structure/processing/properties relationship can more easily be understood. The specific areas of research covered within the program are (1) the study of Nucleation and Metastable States, (2) Prediction and Control of Microstructure (including pattern formation and morphological stability), (3) Phase Separation and Interfacial Stability, (4) Transport Phenomena (including process modeling and thermophysical properties measurement), and (5) Crystal Growth, and Defect Generation and Control. All classes of materials, including metals and alloys, glasses and ceramics, polymers, electronic materials (including organic and inorganic single crystals), aerogels and nanostructures, are included in these areas. The principal experimental equipment available to the materials scientist on the International Space Station (ISS) will be the Materials Science Research Facility (MSRF). Each of these systems will be accommodated in a single ISS rack, which can operate autonomously, will accommodate telescience operations, and will provide real time data to the ground. Eventual plans call for three MSRF racks, the first of which will be shared with the European Space Agency (ESA). Under international agreements, ESA and other partners will provide some of the equipment, while NASA covers launch and integration costs. The MSRF facilities will include modular components, which can be exchanged to provide inserts specifically matched to the engineering requirements of the particular Principal Investigator. To defray costs and avoid duplication of engineering effort NASA is also pursuing the possibility of using facilities provided by international partners. By this means it is anticipated that all of the types of research outlined in the previous paragraph can be done on the ISS.

Gillies, Donald C.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Organically Modified Nanoclay and Aluminum Hydroxide Incorporated Bionanocomposites towards Enhancement of Physico-mechanical and Thermal Properties of Lignocellulosic Structural Reinforcement

A range of bio-nanocomposites were prepared by incorporation of organo modified montmorillonite nanoclay (OMMT) with or without use of aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH){sub 3}) within polylactic acid (PLA) solution. Furthermore, the solution was employed for modification of ligno-cellulosic (jute) fabric structural reinforcements. The successful incorporation of nanofillers within the host polymer, polylactic acid (PLA) was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Water uptake and swelling behaviour studies revealed that the water uptake and swelling ratio of bio-composites reduced significantly as compared to pristine jute fabric, whereas upon incorporation of OMMT and Al(OH){sub 3}, the water barrier properties reduced even further in the developed bio-nanocomposites. The flexural strength of the bio-nanocomposites also showed improved mechanical and dimensional stability. Synergistic effects of OMMT and Al(OH){sub 3} were observed in enhancing the aforementioned physico-mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed microstructural details of developed samples. Similarly, the thermo-gravimetric analysis and linear burning rate studies of Al(OH){sub 3 }treated bio-nanocomposite materials revealed enhanced thermal resistance and reduced flammability respectively compared to both pristine woven jute fabric and fabrics treated with PLA alone or those without Al(OH){sub 3}. From the above results it can safely be said that the bio-nanocomposite material can be a prospective candidate for development of flame retardant biopackaging.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗