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DOE OSTI2024

Distinct Composition‐Dependent Topological Hall Effect in Mn 2‐x Zn x Sb

Abstract Spintronics, an evolving interdisciplinary field at the intersection of magnetism and electronics, explores innovative applications of electron charge and spin properties for advanced electronic devices. The topological Hall effect (THE), a key component in spintronics, has gained significance due to emerging theories surrounding noncoplanar chiral spin textures. This study focuses on Mn 2‐x Zn x Sb, a material crystalizing in centrosymmetric space group with rich magnetic phases tunable by Zn contents. Through comprehensive magnetic and transport characterizations, we found that the high‐Zn ( x > 0.6) samples display THE which is enhanced with decreasing temperature, while THE in the low‐Zn ( x < 0.6) samples show an opposite trend. The coexistence of those distinct temperature dependencies for THE suggests very different magnetic interactions/structures for different compositions and underscores the strong coupling between magnetism and transport in Mn 2‐x Zn x Sb. The findings contribute to understanding topological magnetism in centrosymmetric tetragonal lattices, establishing Mn 2‐x Zn x Sb as a unique platform for exploring tunable transport effects and opening avenues for further exploration in the realm of spintronics.

Nabi, Md Rafique Un↗

DOE OSTI2020

The Energy Modeling Forum (EMF)-30 Study on Short-Lived Climate Forcers: Introduction and Overview

The Energy Modeling Forum (EMF)-30 inter-comparison study on short-lived climate forcers (SLCFs) focuses on black carbon (BC) and methane, two of the most important warming SLCFs. The potential impact on climate change of methane and BC-focused emission reductions in the transport and residential sectors were quantified using nine integrated assessment models and a simple climate model. These SLCF reductions reduced global temperatures by 0.18–0.26 °C in 2050 across the models for central climate parameters, with methane being the dominant contributor. The incremental impact of SLCF-focused reductions is much smaller when combined with a broader climate policy. Individual modeling groups examined the health benefits of air pollutant reductions, climate policy co-benefits, and quantified market impacts from air pollutant damages. Model structure and set-up impact on results are discussed along with areas for future work.

Smith, Steven J.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Assessment of Plant and Microalgal Oil-Derived Nonisocyanate Polyurethane Products for Potential Commercialization

Green pathways for nonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) production have attracted increasing levels of interest. The reaction between 5-membered cyclic carbonate and polyamines is one of the most promising pathways to produce NIPU polymers. Though promising, major technical hurdles such as slow polymerization rate and poor performance hinder the commercialization of NIPU. In this paper, we screened several commercially available triglyceride oil feedstocks for NIPU products, focusing on polymerization kinetics and product performance for industrial application. The impact of carbonated group density on polymerization rate and mechanical strength was determined. We have demonstrated a remarkably higher reactivity of carbonated oil derived from feedstocks with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). The NIPU derived from such feedstocks also showed improved performance for industrial application. Unlike traditional polyurethane foam production that uses isocyanate and water to generate CO2 as a blowing reagent, there is no gas formation in NIPU polymerization. We have demonstrated a practical and cost-effective approach to produce NIPU foam material using bicarbonate as a blowing reagent. Furthermore, we conducted the first-ever technoeconomic analysis (TEA), revealing that profitable commercial NIPU production can be achieved when operating at sufficient production capacities.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Magnetic toroidicity

Abstract Directional non-reciprocity refers to the phenomenon where the motion in one direction differs from the motion in the opposite direction. This behavior is observed across various systems, such as one-way traffic and materials displaying electronic/optical directional dichroism, characterized by the symmetry of velocity vectors. Magnetic toroidal moments (MTMs), which typically arise from rotational spin arrangements, also possess the symmetry of velocity vectors, making them inherently directionally non-reciprocal. In this paper, we examine magnetic point groups (MPGs) that exhibit MTMs, subsequently leading to off-diagonal linear magnetoelectricity. Our focus is on the induction of MTMs through electric fields, magnetic fields, or shear stress, while enumerating the relevant MPGs. The findings of our study will serve as valuable guidance for future investigations on directional non-reciprocity, MTMs, and off-diagonal linear magnetoelectric effects.

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2022

Magnetic Bloch theorem and reentrant flat bands in twisted bilayer graphene at 2 π flux

Bloch's theorem is the centerpiece of topological band theory, which itself has defined an era of quantum materials research. However, Bloch's theorem is broken by a perpendicular magnetic field, making it difficult to study topological systems in strong flux. For the first time, moiré materials have made this problem experimentally relevant, and its solution is the focus of this paper. We construct gauge-invariant irreps of the magnetic translation group at 2π flux on infinite boundary conditions, allowing us to give analytical expressions in terms of the Siegel theta function for the magnetic Bloch Hamiltonian, non-Abelian Wilson loop, and many-body form factors. We illustrate our formalism using a simple square lattice model and the Bistritzer-MacDonald Hamiltonian of twisted bilayer graphene, obtaining reentrant ground states at 2π flux under the Coulomb interaction.

2-dimensional systems↗

DOE OSTI2021

Mechanisms and functions of membrane lipid remodeling in plants

Lipid remodeling, defined herein as post-synthetic structural modifications of membrane lipids, play crucial roles in regulating the physicochemical properties of cellular membranes and hence their many functions. Processes affected by lipid remodeling include lipid metabolism, membrane repair, cellular homeostasis, fatty acid trafficking, cellular signaling and stress tolerance. Glycerolipids are the major structural components of cellular membranes and their composition can be adjusted by modifying their head groups, their acyl chain lengths and the number and position of double bonds. This focused review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms of membrane lipid remodeling with emphasis on the lipases and acyltransferases involved in the modification of phosphatidylcholine and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, the major membrane lipids of extraplastidic and photosynthetic membranes, respectively. We also discuss the role of triacylglycerol metabolism in membrane acyl chain remodeling. Finally, we discuss emerging data concerning the functional roles of glycerolipid remodeling in plant stress responses. Illustrating the molecular basis of lipid remodeling may lead to novel strategies for crop improvement and other biotechnological applications such as bioenergy production.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

UNM High Energy Physics: Task B

The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory provides a unique window into the "TeV" gamma-ray universe. HAWC provides an important 1 TeV to 1000 TeV high-mass window for indirect searches for dark matter (DM) annihilation or decay. Additional fundamental physics studies benefit from HAWC's sensitivity to variable and/or transient sources. Such transient sources include: gamma ray bursts (GRBs), temporal studies of super massive black holes (specifically Markarian (Mrk) 421 and 501), and most recently searches for gamma-ray counterparts to PeV neutrino sources (observed by IceCube) and gravitational wave sources (observed by LIGO/Virgo). The UNM (Task B) research program includes leadership of the HAWC detector and of HAWC science. During this final reporting period the UNM group includes Professor John Matthews and graduate student Zhixiang Ren with the research goal focused on the development of analysis tools to enhance the sensitivity of HAWC to <1 TeV, gamma rays. This program began in 2016 with an initial focus to work to resolve known problems with the low energy analysis bins in the HAWC data. In 2017 this evolved to the development of new analysis tools to optimize current HAWC <1 TeV sensitivity as well as how HAWC (or a future HAWC-like detector) could be modified to be significantly more sensitive to <1 TeV gamma rays. In these studies Ren lead the development and evaluation of new HAWC <1 TeV analysis tools and Matthews lead the study of possible experimental modifications to HAWC to improve the <1 TeV sensitivity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Persistent DynAMICS

Persistent DynAMICS is a lightweight software platform that enables distributed sensing systems to operate as a unified, responsive network. It integrates with existing sensors, data systems, and processing tools as an overlay, without requiring hardware replacement or increasing user burden. As data is collected, the system identifies situations that require additional attention and directs selected sensors to gather more information. For example, if a sensor detects an unusual condition along a pipeline, the system can task nearby sensors or different sensing modalities to confirm the event and focus data collection where it is needed. To support this, the platform forms temporary groups of sensors that work together to address specific objectives. Once complete, these groups are dissolved and resources are reassigned as needed. Communication is handled through an integrated messaging framework with client and server components, enabling reliable operation and data continuity even in low-bandwidth or intermittent connectivity environments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

NASA NTRS1969

Interdisciplinary Approach to the Lubrication of Concentrated Contacts

In an effort to further the advances in the complex and multidisciplinary subject of lubrication, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) inaugurated in 1967 an interdisciplinary lubrication symposium series. The first meeting of the series, held in San Antonio, Texas, on November 28-30, 1967, was devoted to a critical appraisal of the level of understanding and the needed research in the area of sliding friction and wear under unlubricated and boundary-lubrication conditions. The second meeting, held in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 19-21, 1968, again emphasized unlubricated and boundary-lubricated sliding friction and wear but attempted to focus attention on some selected theoretical and practical problems by discussing in small working group their implications and possible methods of attack. Having thus provided for an examination of sliding friction and wear under unlubricated and boundary-lubrication conditions in considerable breadth and depth, the Steering Committee recommended to ASA in September 196 that further attention be turned to an evaluation of the collective understanding and the needed research in the lubrication of highly loaded machine elements in a combined rolling and sliding situation. The recommendation was accepted by ASA and, accordingly, a symposium entitled Interdisciplinary Approach to the Lubrication of Concentrated Contacts was held on the p-rounds of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, on July 15-17, 1969.

P M Ku↗

NASA NTRS1991

Photosynthetic reaction center complexes from heliobacteria

Photosynthetic reaction centers are pigment-protein complexes that are responsible for the transduction of light energy into chemical energy. Considerable evidence indicates that photosynthetic organisms were present very early in the evolution of life on Earth. The goal of this project is to understand the early evolutionary development of photosynthesis by examining the properties of reaction centers isolated from certain contemporary organisms that appear to contain the simplest photosynthetic reaction centers. The major focus is on the family of newly discovered strictly anaerobic photosynthetic organisms that are grouped with the gram-positive phylum of bacteria. The properties of these reactions centers suggest that they may be the descendants of an ancestor that also gave rise to Photosystem 1 found in oxygen-evolving photosynthetic organisms. Photoactive reaction center-core antenna complexes were isolated from the photosynthetic bacteria, Heliobacillus mobilis and Heliobacterium gestii, by extraction of membranes with Deriphat 160C followed by differential centrifugation and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Other aspects of this investigation are briefly discussed.

Trost, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Progress report

The NASA funding allowed Clark Atlanta University (CAU) to establish a High Performance Polymers And Ceramics (HiPPAC) Research Center. The HiPPAC Center is consolidating and expanding the existing polymer and ceramic research capabilities at CAU through the development of interdepartmental and interinstitutional research in: (1) polymer synthesis; (2) polymer characterization and properties; (3) polymer processing; (4) polymer-based ceramic synthesis; and (5) ceramic characterization and properties. This Center has developed strong interactions between scientists and materials scientists of CAU and their counterparts from sister institutions in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) and the Georgia Institute of Technology. As a component of the center, we have started to develop strong collaborations with scientists from other universities and the HBCU's, national and federal agency laboratories, and the private sector during this first year. During this first year we have refined the focus of the research in the HiPPAC Center to three areas with seven working groups that will start programmatic activities on January 1, 1993, as follows: (1) nonlinear optical properties of chitosan derivatives; (2) polymeric electronic materials; (3) nondestructive characterization and prediction of polyimide performance; (4) solution processing of high-performance materials; (5) processable polyimides for composite applications; (6) sol-gel based ceramic materials processing; and (7) synthetic based processing of pre-ceramic polymers.

Abhiraman, A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Advanced development for space robotics with emphasis on fault tolerance

This paper describes the ongoing work in fault tolerance at the University of Texas at Austin. The paper describes the technical goals the group is striving to achieve and includes a brief description of the individual projects focusing on fault tolerance. The ultimate goal is to develop and test technology applicable to all future missions of NASA (lunar base, Mars exploration, planetary surveillance, space station, etc.).

Tesar, D.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Simulating "Mars on Earth"

By now, everyone who's heard of the Haughton-Mars Project knows that we travel to Devon Island to learn how people will live and work on Mars. But how do we learn about Mars operations from what happens in the Arctic? We must document our experience--traverses, life in the hab, instrument deployment, communications, and so on. Then we must analyze and formally model what happens. In short, while most scientists are studying the crater, other scientists must be studying the expedition itself. That's what I have done in the past four field seasons. I study field science, both as it naturally occurs at Haughton (unconstrained by a "Mars Sam") and as a constrained experiment using the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station. During the second week of July 2001, I lived and worked in the hab as part of the Phase 2 crew of six. Besides participating in all activities, I took many photographs and time lapse video. The result of my work will be a computer simulation of how we lived and worked in the hab. It won't be a model of particular people or even my own phase per se, but a pastiche that demonstrates (a proof of concept) that we have appropriate tools for simulating the layout of the hab and daily routines followed by the group and individual scientists. Activities-how people spend their time-are the focus of my observations for building such a simulation model.

Clancey, William J.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Investigating the Present Day Cosmic Dust Flux at the Earth's Surface: Initial Results from the Kwajalein Micrometeorite Collection

Examination of impact craters on the Long Duration Exposure Facility satellite indicate a present day micrometeoroid flux of approx. 30,000 tonnes [1 after 2]. But what portion of this material arrives at the Earth's surface as micrometeorites? Studies of available micrometeorite collections from deep sea sediments [e.g. 3], Greenland blue ice [e.g. 4] and the South Pole water well [e.g. 1] may be complicated by terrestrial weathering and, in some cases, collection bias (magnetic separation for deep sea sediments) and poorly constrained ages. We have recently set up a micrometeorite collection station on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, using high volume air samplers to collect particles directly from the atmosphere. By collecting in this way, the terrestrial age of the particles is known, the weathering they experience is minimal, and we are able to constrain particle arrival times. Collecting at this location also exploits the considerably reduced anthropogenic background [5]. Method: High volume air samplers were installed on top of the two-story airport building on Kwajalein. These were fitted with polycarbonate membrane filters with 5μm diameter perforations. The flow rates were set to 0.5m3/min, and filters were changed once a week. After collection, filters were washed to remove salt and concentrate particles [see 5] in preparation for analysis by SEM. Results and Discussion: A selection of filters have been prepared and surveyed. Due to their ease of identification our initial investigations have focused on particles resembling cosmic spherules. The spheres can be divided into three main groups: 1. Silicate spherules rich in Al, Ca, K and Na (to varying degrees), 2. Silicate spherules rich in Mg and Fe and 3. Fe-rich spherules. Group 1 spherules are often vesiculated and can occur as aggregates. They are similar in appearance and composition to volcanic microspheres [e.g. 6] and are thus likely terrestrial in origin (volcanic). Those of groups 2 and 3, however, typically exhibit quenched surface textures consistent with cosmic spherules. Initial results suggest there is significant variation in the abundance of these groups from filter to filter. Work is ongoing to fully characterize these spherules and to constrain their flux with time.

Wozniakiewicz, P. J.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Practical Application of Sociology in Systems Engineering

Systems engineering involves both the integration of the system and the integration of the disciplines which develop and operate the system. Integrating the disciplines is a sociological effort to bring together different groups, who often have different terminology, to achieve a common goal, the system. The focus for the systems engineer is information flow through the organization, between the disciplines, to ensure the system is developed and operated will all relevant information informing system decisions. The practical application of the sociology in systems engineering brings in various organizational development concepts including the principles of planned renegotiation and the application of principles to address information barriers created by organizational culture. Concepts such as specification of ignorance, consistent terminology, opportunity structures, role-sets, and the reclama (reconsideration) process are all important sociological approaches that help address the organizational social structure (culture). In bringing the disciplines together, the systems engineer must also be wary of social ambivalence, social anomie, social dysfunction, and insider-outsider behavior. Unintended consequences can result when these social issues are present. These issues can occur when localized subcultures shift from the overarching organizational culture, or when the organizational culture prevents achievement of system goals. These sociological principles provide the systems engineer with key approaches to manage the information flow through the organization as the disciplines are integrated and share their information and provides key sociological barriers to information flow through the organization. This paper will discuss the practical application of sociological principles to systems engineering.

Watson, Michael D.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing A Dependable Multi-Agent Rover Swarm Using cFS

The future of space exploration lies in cooperative autonomous systems. Ensuring their high integrity remains a challenge. The Robust Software Engineering group at NASA Ames Research Center has been developing the Troupe project to explore the challenges with developing and assuring high integrity of cooperative autonomous robotic systems. In particular, Troupe aims to develop a swarm of autonomous rovers capable of mapping unknown terrain and assure their high integrity using the advanced V&V tools developed in the group. In this paper, we present the evolution of the design of Troupe. We focus on the lessons learned in developing and assuring the rover swarm using core Flight System (cFS). In particular, we discuss the benefits and challenges in applying model-based development to develop the rover swarm.

space systems↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing A Dependable Multi-Agent Rover Swarm Using cFS

space systems↗

DOE OSTI2021

Integrated TBC/EBC for SiC Fiber Reinforced SiC Matrix Composites for Next Generation Gas Turbines (Final Report)

In this ambitious project, a significant challenge preventing widespread use of ceramic matrix composites in hot section components of gas power generating turbines was addressed. Hot section components made from SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC composites), have the potential to achieve a combined cycle energy efficiency of above 65%. To achieve this efficiency, the temperature of the combustion gases on the turbine component surface is expected to reach as high as ~1700ºC (3100ºF). However, SiC/SiC composites suffer from volatilization at high temperature under high velocity steam environment – typical in a turbine hot chamber. This integrated collaborative project, between two research groups at Clemson University and a team of engineers and scientists at GE Gas Power, focused on design, fabrication and evaluation of a new graded environmental barrier coating. Using the excellent compositional tailorability of polymer derived ceramics (PDCs), we developed an integrated EBC/BC that smoothly transitions from bottom SiC/SiC bond interface to hermetic sesquioxide (Y 2 O 3 ) top surface. This smooth compositional transition avoided the sharp CTE mismatch at interfaces to greatly reduce the thermal stress. The developed EBC is compatible with and bonds well with the bond coat that GE uses. The top hermetic oxide surface ensures low oxygen transportation and volatilization rates under the high velocity steam environment. The graded microstructure with increasing sesquioxide concentration also decreases the amount of Si and C elements near the top hermetic sesquioxide layer. Coatings made using a process suitable for manufacturing – atmospheric plasma spraying was demonstrated. The microstructure of coatings made using this process were fully characterized. Finally, the performance of these coatings was investigated under the most demanding conditions for this application. Specifically, high temperature, high velocity steam exposure; thermal shock test; and thermal cycling tests. The graded coatings performed exceptionally well in all these tests. Specific suggestions for future development in this area have also been identified. In addition to the excellent technical progress, this project helped initiate a robust collaboration between the research groups at Clemson and GE Gas Power. It also provided a high-quality learning and mentoring opportunity for the three post-doctoral research associates and two UG students at Clemson University who worked on this project. All proposed tasks, sub-tasks were completed, and all milestones achieved.

03 NATURAL GAS↗