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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Observations of an Intermediate Layer During the Coqui II Campaign

NASA sounding rocket 21.114, launched March 7, 1998, during the Coqui II campaign, provided neutral wind and plasma density measurements of a weak intermediate layer. The layer was centered near 140 km and had an approximate peak plasma density of 2200 cc. The measured winds were typically less than 40 m/s, in agreement with wind shear formation theory and coincident density observations. The data obtained during the flight allow us to explore the plasma density structure and wind field morphology of the intermediate layer. Coupled with simultaneous data from Arecibo Observatory, the upleg and downleg density profiles provide three spatially separated measurements that enable the first detailed investigation of the horizontal extent and variation of an intermediate layer.

Bishop, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Intermediate Temperature Strength Degradation in SiC/SiC Composites

Woven silicon carbide fiber-reinforced, silicon carbide matrix composites are leading candidate materials for an advanced jet engine combustor liner application. Although the use temperature in the hot region for this application is expected to exceed 1200 C, a potential life-limiting concern for this composite system exists at intermediate temperatures (800 +/- 200 C), where significant time-dependent strength degradation has been observed under stress-rupture loading. A number of factors control the degree of stress-rupture strength degradation, the major factor being the nature of the interphase separating the fiber and the matrix. BN interphases are superior to carbon interphases due to the slower oxidation kinetics of BN. A model for the intermediate temperature stress-rupture of SiC/BN/SiC composites is presented based on the observed mechanistic process that leads to strength degradation for the simple case of through-thickness matrix cracks. The approach taken has much in common with that used by Curtin and coworkers, for two different composite systems. The predictions of the model are in good agreement with the rupture data for stress-rupture of both precracked and as-produced composites. Also, three approaches that dramatically improve the intermediate temperature stress-rupture properties are described: Si-doped BN, fiber spreading, and 'outside debonding'.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Is M82 X-1 Really an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole? X-Ray Spectral and Timing Evidence

Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) with apparent luminosities up to hundreds of times the Eddington luminosity for a neutron star have been discovered in external galaxies. The existence of intermediate-mass black holes has been proposed to explain these sources. We present evidence for an intermediate-mass black hole in the ULX M82 X-1 based on the spectral features and timing (quasi-periodic oscillation [QPO]) properties of the X-radiation from this source. We revisited XMM-Newton and Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) data for M82 X-1 obtained in 2001 and 1997 for XMM and RXTE, respectively. We show for these observations that the source is either in transition or in a high/soft state with photon spectral indices 2.1 and 2.7, respectively. We confirm the early determination of the QPO frequency nu approx. = 55 mHz in this source by Strohmayer & Mushotzky and identify this as the low-frequency QPO for the source. We apply a new method to determine the black hole mass of M82 X-1. The method uses the index-QPO low-frequency correlation that has been recently established in Galactic black hole candidates GRS 1915+105, XTE JI550-564, 4U 1630-47, and others. Using scaling arguments and the correlation derived from the consideration of Galactic black holes, we conclude that M82 X-1 is an intermediate black hole with a mass of the order of 1000 solar mass,.

Fiorito, Ralph↗
NASA NTRS1992

Structures of aspartic acid-96 in the L and N intermediates of bacteriorhodopsin: analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The light-induced difference Fourier transform infrared spectrum between the L or N intermediate minus light-adapted bacteriorhodopsin (BR) was measured in order to examine the protonated states and the changes in the interactions of carboxylic acids of Asp-96 and Asp-115 in these intermediates. Vibrational bands due to the protonated and unprotonated carboxylic acid were identified by isotope shift and band depletion upon substitution of Asp-96 or -115 by asparagine. While the signal due to the deprotonation of Asp-96 was clearly observed in the N intermediate, this residue remained protonated in L. Asp-115 was partially deprotonated in L. The C = O stretching vibration of protonated Asp-96 of L showed almost no shift upon 2H2O substitution, in contrast to the corresponding band of Asp-96 or Asp-115 of BR, which shifted by 9-12 cm-1 under the same conditions. In the model system of acetic acid in organic solvents, such an absence of the shift of the C = O stretching vibration of the protonated carboxylic acid upon 2H2O substitution was seen only when the O-H of acetic acid is hydrogen-bonded. The non-hydrogen-bonded monomer showed the 2H2O-dependent shift. Thus, the O-H bond of Asp-96 enters into hydrogen bonding upon conversion of BR to L. Its increased hydrogen bonding in L is consistent with the observed downshift of the O-H stretching vibration of the carboxylic acid of Asp-96.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS2002

Ceramic Composite Intermediate Temperature Stress-Rupture Properties Improved Significantly

Silicon carbide (SiC) composites are considered to be potential materials for future aircraft engine parts such as combustor liners. It is envisioned that on the hot side (inner surface) of the combustor liner, composites will have to withstand temperatures in excess of 1200 C for thousands of hours in oxidizing environments. This is a severe condition; however, an equally severe, if not more detrimental, condition exists on the cold side (outer surface) of the combustor liner. Here, the temperatures are expected to be on the order of 800 to 1000 C under high tensile stress because of thermal gradients and attachment of the combustor liner to the engine frame (the hot side will be under compressive stress, a less severe stress-state for ceramics). Since these composites are not oxides, they oxidize. The worst form of oxidation for strength reduction occurs at these intermediate temperatures, where the boron nitride (BN) interphase oxidizes first, which causes the formation of a glass layer that strongly bonds the fibers to the matrix. When the fibers strongly bond to the matrix or to one another, the composite loses toughness and strength and becomes brittle. To increase the intermediate temperature stress-rupture properties, researchers must modify the BN interphase. With the support of the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Program, significant improvements were made as state-of-the-art SiC/SiC composites were developed during the Enabling Propulsion Materials (EPM) program. Three approaches were found to improve the intermediate-temperature stress-rupture properties: fiber-spreading, high-temperature silicon- (Si) doped boron nitride (BN), and outside-debonding BN.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Metallicity Evolution of Low Mass Galaxies: New Contraints at Intermediate Redshift

We present abundance measurements from 26 emission-line-selected galaxies at z approx. 0.6-0.7. By reaching stellar masses as low as 10(exp 8) M stellar mass, these observations provide the first measurement of the intermediate-redshift mass-metallicity (MZ) relation below 10(exp 9)M stellar mass. For the portion of our sample above M is greater than 10(exp 9)M (8/26 galaxies), we find good agreement with previous measurements of the intermediate-redshift MZ relation. Compared to the local relation, we measure an evolution that corresponds to a 0.12 dex decrease in oxygen abundances at intermediate redshifts. This result confirms the trend that metallicity evolution becomes more significant toward lower stellar masses, in keeping with a downsizing scenario where low-mass galaxies evolve onto the local MZ relation at later cosmic times. We show that these galaxies follow the local fundamental metallicity relation, where objects with higher specific (mass-normalized) star formation rates (SFRs) have lower metallicities. Furthermore, we show that the galaxies in our sample lie on an extrapolation of the SFR-M∗ relation (the star-forming main sequence). Leveraging the MZ relation and star-forming main sequence (and combining our data with higher-mass measurements from the literature), we test models that assume an equilibrium between mass inflow, outflow, and star formation.We find that outflows are required to describe the data. By comparing different outflow prescriptions, we show that momentum, driven winds can describe the MZ relation; however, this model underpredicts the amount of star formation in low-mass galaxies. This disagreement may indicate that preventive feedback from gas heating has been overestimated, or it may signify a more fundamental deviation from the equilibrium assumption.

Low Mass↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Intermediate Wake of a Thin Flat Plate with a Circular Trailing Edge

The intermediate wakes of thin flat plates with circular trailing edges (TEs) are investigated here with direct numerical simulations (DNSs). The separating boundary layers are turbulent in all cases. The near wake in two thin-plate cases (IN & NS), with a focus on the vortex shedding process, was explored in a recent article. Intermittent shedding was observed in Case IN. Case NS, with half the TE diameter of Case IN, was an essentially non-shedding case. A third case (ST) with a sharp trailing edge was also investigated and found to exhibit an intermittent wake instability. The objectives of the present study are twofold. The first is to determine if the wake instability found in Case ST exists in Cases IN and NS as well. The second is to provide the distributions of the turbulent normal intensities and shear stress in the wake and to understand these distributions via the budget terms in the corresponding transport equations. The results show that both Cases IN & NS exhibit a wake instability in the intermediate wake region, that is similar to that found earlier in Case ST. We note that in Case IN, the presence of an intermediate-wake instability results in the co-existence of two different types of instability within a single wake. The distributions of the turbulent normal intensities and shear stress, and the budget terms for the streamwise intensity are included and discussed here. All the budget terms contribute appreciably to the overall budget in the transport equation for streamwise normal intensity.

Rai, Man Mohan↗
NASA NTRS2019

Search for Intermediate Mass Black Hole Binaries in the First and Second Observing Runs of the Advanced LIGO and VIRGO Network

Gravitational-wave astronomy has been firmly established with the detection of gravitational waves from the merger of ten stellar-mass binary black holes and a neutron star binary. This paper reports on the all-sky search for gravitational waves from intermediate mass black hole binaries in the first and second observing runs of the Advanced LIGO and Virgo network. The search uses three independent algorithms: two based on matched filtering of the data with waveform templates of gravitational-wave signals from compact binaries, and a third, model-independent algorithm that employs no signal model for the incoming signal. No intermediate mass black hole binary event is detected in this search. Consequently, we place upper limits on the merger rate density for a family of intermediate mass black hole binaries. In particular, we choose sources with total masses 𝑀=𝑚1+𝑚2∈[120,800] 𝑀⊙ and mass ratios 𝑞=𝑚2/𝑚1∈[0.1,1.0]. For the first time, this calculation is done using numerical relativity waveforms (which include higher modes) as models of the real emitted signal. We place a most stringent upper limit of 0.20 Gpc−3 yr−1 (in comoving units at the 90% confidence level) for equal-mass binaries with individual masses 𝑚1,2=100 𝑀⊙ and dimensionless spins 𝜒1,2=0.8 aligned with the orbital angular momentum of the binary. This improves by a factor of ∼5 that reported after Advanced LIGO’s first observing run.

B. P. Abbott↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Intermediate Temperature Ceramic Heat Pipe Modeling and Optimization

The intermediate temperature regime of heat pipes, 450-700 K, has not been well characterized due in part to the corrosive nature of many of the working fluids, as well as the poor performance in many conventional metal envelope systems. Spacecraft nuclear electric propulsion, as well as other emerging technologies, can benefit from heat pipes with optimal performance in this intermediate regime. In this work, we have explored halide working fluids coupled with aluminum nitride shells to operate at 500-600 K and interface with a nuclear electric propulsion system. The shells have been additively manufactured and tested to ensure compatibility with the halides. Specifically, AlBr 3 , AlCl 3 , FeCl 3 , and SbBr 3 were selected owing to their higher performance and comparatively safe handling characteristics compared to other intermediate temperature working fluids. The additive manufacturing process enables highly customizable designs that integrate the heat pipe and radiator fin together, optimized for each fluid. We have evaluated the performance limits of such a heat pipe design in order to establish the feasibility of AlBr 3 in particular, and present design that achieves an areal density of 5.2 kg/m 2 and mass per unit heat performance of 0.71 kg/kW. Analysis is ongoing for all working fluids.

thermal management↗
DOE OSTI2026

Intermediate Bandgap (IB) Cu 3 VS x Se 4−x Nanocrystals as a New Class of Light Absorbing Semiconductors

A new family of highly uniform, cubic-shaped Cu 3 VS x Se 4−x (CVSSe; 0 ≤ x ≤ 4) nanocrystals based on earth-abundant materials with intermediate bandgaps (IB) in the visible range is reported, synthesized via a hot-injection method. The IB transitions and optical band gap of the novel CVSSe nanocrystals are investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, revealing tunable band gaps that span the visible and near-infrared regimes. The composition-dependent relationships among the crystal phase, optical band gap, and photoluminescence properties of the novel IB semiconductors with progressive substitution of Se by S are examined in detail. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterization confirm the high crystallinity and uniform size (~19.7 nm × 17.2 nm for Cu 3 VS 4 ) of the cubic-shaped nanocrystals. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations based on virtual crystal approximation support the experimental findings, showing good agreement in lattice parameters and band gaps across the CVSSe series and lending confidence that the targeted phases and compositions have been successfully realized. A current conversion efficiency, i.e., incident photon-to-current efficiency, of 14.7% was achieved with the p-type IB semiconductor Cu 3 VS 4 . These novel p-type IB semiconductor nanocrystals hold promise for enabling thin film solar cells with efficiencies beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit by allowing sub-band-gap photon absorption through intermediate-band transitions, in addition to the conventional direct-band-gap transition.

Cu3VSxSe4−x↗
DOE OSTI2025

Deep-learning-enhanced assessment of wellbore barrier effectiveness in geologic storage systems with intermediate aquifers

For geologic systems where carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is injected underground, existing wells represent potential pathways for fluid migration. Here, this study introduces a novel deep learning model to quantify the likelihood and potential magnitude of fluid migration through wellbores at sites with intermediate aquifers or thief zones between the injection units and underground drinking water sources. Synthetic datasets, generated using reservoir simulations, captured a wide range of subsurface conditions, well attributes, operational parameters, and fluid migration scenarios. Among the regression models developed to predict brine and CO 2 leakage rates and CO 2 saturations along leaky wellbores, convolutional neural network (CNN) outperformed both Light Gradient Boosting Machine and deep neural network. Additionally, a CNN-based classification model was created to predict whether brine and CO 2 would leak along a wellbore, further improving performance over regression alone. The best models were integrated into the National Risk Assessment Partnership Open-source Integrated Assessment Model for rapid, stochastic assessment of storage system containment and leakage risks. A case study demonstrated the model’s ability to simulate fluid migration through existing wells with multiple intermediate aquifers. This computationally efficient wellbore model offers value in support of site performance evaluation and risk-informed decision making by stakeholders.

CO2 leakage↗
DOE OSTI2025

Dynamics of disordered intermediates during the two-electron alkaline MnO 2 conversion reaction for grid-scale batteries

Battery technologies beyond Li-ion are likely needed for extensive integration of grid-scale storage. The rechargeable Zn-MnO 2 chemistry has the potential for high sustainability, high safety, and low cost, using Earth-abundant basis materials. In an alkaline electrolyte, the MnO 2 cathode can cycle reversibly if modified by including a Bi-containing additive, although the cycling mechanism remains mostly unknown. This work presents an account of the intermediate species involved in the electrochemical transformation from layered δ-MnO 2 to Mn(OH) 2 and back. During charge, a disordered intermediate with a structure resembling layered β-MnOOH exists stably for an extended period, corresponding to a regime known to have unexpected electrochemical activity of Bi. During discharge, β-MnOOH exists only briefly and is never the majority material, revealing that the cycling mechanism is asymmetric. In conclusion, these findings represent a significant advance in mechanistic knowledge and can enable engineering to develop the system for commercial use.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Experiments and simulations on the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability with a thin intermediate layer

Experiments and simulations of the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) in two- and three-layer configurations are presented. The two-layer case utilizes a light-over-heavy configuration and consists of air as the light gas and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) as the heavy gas. The three-layer case utilizes a light-intermediate-heavy configuration, with helium (He) as the light gas, air as the intermediate gas, and SF 6 as the heavy gas. Statistically significant differences in the mixing layer width of the lower interface are not observed between the two cases. This differs from the experiments of Schalles et al., where a small, though statistically significant, difference in mixing layer growth was observed between the two- and three-layer cases with a nominally two-dimensional, single mode perturbation. Notably, the perturbations on the lower interface in the present work do not grow large enough to significantly interact with the upper interface during the duration of the experiments. In conclusion, this suggests that the differences in mixing layer growth observed by Schalles et al. may be due to interactions of the perturbations on one interface with the other interface rather than being inherent to the three-layer problem.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Constraining the Low-Temperature Oxidation Mechanism of n -Hexanol through the Detection and Identification of C 6 Elusive Intermediates

Alcohol-based fuels are currently considered to be viable energy carriers for the transportation sector. Consequently, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the low-temperature oxidation of alcohols is essential for application in advanced low-temperature compression engines. Here, in this work, a multidimensional approach involving experimental investigations, kinetic modeling, and theoretical calculations was used to provide new insights into the low-temperature oxidation mechanism of a C 6 alcohol, n -hexanol (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 5 OH), through the detection and identification of elusive C 6 intermediates. The oxidation of n-hexanol was investigated in a jet-stirred reactor under stoichiometric conditions (ϕ = 1.0), an initial fuel concentration of 2%, a residence time of 2 s, a temperature range between 500 and 660 K, and a pressure of 700 Torr. The reactants, intermediates, and final products were detected and identified by means of molecular-beam mass spectrometry coupled with single-photon ionization employing tunable synchrotron-generated vacuum ultraviolet radiation. Chemical kinetic simulations were performed using a previously published kinetic model (Togbé et al., Energy Fuels 2010, 11, 5859−5875) to predict the reactivity of n-hexanol and elucidate the predominant formation pathways of the observed low-temperature species. Experimental photoionization efficiency curves in conjunction with ab initio calculations, enabled the identification of important low-temperature species, such as C 6 unsaturated alcohols, C 6 olefinic hydroperoxides, C 6 cyclic ethers, C 6 diones, and C 6 ketohydroperoxides. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the mechanism of the low-temperature oxidation chemistry of n -hexanol, contributing to the development of kinetic models for the low-temperature oxidation of n-hexanol and other long-chain linear alcohols.

alcohols↗
DOE OSTI2026

Solvent Stabilization of Protic Oxonium/Ammonium Intermediates in Cation Radical Cyclization Reactions Investigated via Computational Approaches

Anodic intramolecular cyclization reactions have substantial synthetic utility for formation of cyclic carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds. For cases of intramolecular trapping of a cation radical by a protic nucleophile, the cyclization step coincides with a substantial increase in substrate acidity and thus may exhibit particularly pronounced solvent effects. In this computational work, we employ both quantum chemical (QM) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods to compute solvent effects on free energy profiles for cyclization and deprotonation reaction steps for cation radical intermediates of substrates representative for anodic intramolecular cyclizations. We find substantial solvent contribution to the thermodynamic driving force for cation radical cyclization; for example, methanol and tetrahydrofuran solvents provide ∼30–35 kJ/mol driving force to form cyclic oxonium cation radicals and ∼15–25 kJ/mol driving force to form cyclic ammonium cation radicals, compared to baseline reactions in dichloromethane solvent. Given that these solvent shifts are on par with the innate cyclization reaction thermodynamics, the choice of solvent plays a crucial role in promoting/driving the cation radical cyclization step. Methanol is particularly effective at facilitating rapid deprotonation of the cyclic cation radical intermediate, which may lead to the full electrochemical process (e.g., second electron transfer) proceeding heterogeneously at the anode.

Khan, Shahriar [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000289138430)↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermally Initiated Formation of Criegee Intermediate CH 2 OO in the Oxidation of Ethane

Criegee intermediates (CIs) play an important role in atmospheric chemistry as a transient source of the OH radical through their formation by the ozonolysis of unsaturated organic compounds. Here, we report thermally initiated formation of the smallest CI (CH 2 OO) in the oxidation of ethane (CH 3 CH 3 ) that may be relevant to combustion and flames. The SiO 2 /SiC oxidation microreactor is heated to 1800 K and has a short residence time of ∼100 μs. The CH 2 OO we observe is likely formed in a lower-temperature region near the microreactor’s exit. Plausible mechanisms for CH 2 OO formation and retention under these conditions mediated by methylperoxy (CH 3 OO) radicals are discussed. Pure rotational spectra of CH 2 OO and other intermediates (HO 2 , CH 3 CHO, CH 2 CHOH, c-CH 2 OCH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CHO, CH 3 OOH, and HCOOH) are detected with a chirped-pulse Fourier transform millimeter-wave spectrometer operating in the frequency range of 60–90 GHz. In conclusion, detection occurs in a molecular beam, where the species are supersonically cooled to 5 K.

Hydrocarbons↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanoporous Fe 2 O 3 and Soluble Fe(II) Intermediates Accelerate the Electrodeposition of Fe in NaOH(aq)

Electrochemical conversion of iron oxide to iron metal can enable low-cost batteries for long duration energy storage and zero-emissions ironmaking for steel. Iron oxides, such as hematite, can be electrochemically reduced to metallic iron in concentrated alkaline electrolytes at modest temperatures, but the relative influences of solid-state and dissolved intermediates at practical reaction rates remains unclear. Here, in this study, we prepare a homologous set of well-defined hematite particles to measure how the nanoscale morphology of oxides controls both their reactivity and apparent reduction mechanism in concentrated hydroxide. Correlated electron microscopy and rotating-ring-disk-electrode measurements revealed that nanoporous hematite and solid intermediates formed iron via a dissolution-redeposition pathway. In contrast, dense hematite particles directly formed iron metal via reactive fracture. While previous studies on iron electrowinning have primarily emphasized the role of particle diameter at the micron scale, these results demonstrate the importance of the dissolution-redeposition pathway to support rapid reaction rates and suggest that nanoscale porosity controls iron oxide reactivity at temperatures <100 °C. Therefore, iron-oxide-to-metal electrolyzers and fast-charging iron-air batteries supported by curtailed electricity can increase the rate of metal formation by accelerating fracture and dissolution in reactant oxides.

TEM↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mixed Valence {Ni 2+ Ni 1+ } Clusters as Models of Acetyl Coenzyme A Synthase Intermediates

Acetyl coenzyme A synthase (ACS) catalyzes the formation and deconstruction of the key biological metabolite, acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). The active site of ACS features a {NiNi} cluster bridged to a [Fe4S4] n+ cubane known as the A-cluster. The mechanism by which the A-cluster functions is debated, with few model complexes able to replicate the oxidation states, coordination features, or reactivity proposed in the catalytic cycle. In this work, we isolate the first bimetallic models of two hypothesized intermediates on the paramagnetic pathway of the ACS function. The heteroligated {Ni 2+ Ni 1+ } cluster, [K(12-crown-4) 2 ][1], effectively replicates the coordination number and oxidation state of the proposed “A red ” state of the A-cluster. Addition of carbon monoxide to [1] - allows for isolation of a dinuclear {Ni 2+ Ni 1+ (CO)} complex, [K(12-crown-2) n ][2] (n = 1–2), which bears similarity to the “A NiFeC ” enzyme intermediate. Structural and electronic properties of each cluster are elucidated by X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, cyclic voltammetry, and UV/vis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, which are supplemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Calculations indicate that the pseudo-T-shaped geometry of the three-coordinate nickel in [1] – is more stable than the Y-conformation by 22 kcal mol –1 , and that binding of CO to Ni 1+ is barrierless and exergonic by 6 kcal mol –1 . UV/vis absorption spectroscopy on [2] - in conjunction with time-dependent DFT calculations indicates that the square-planar nickel site is involved in electron transfer to the CO π*-orbital. Further, we demonstrate that [2] - promotes thioester synthesis in a reaction analogous to the production of acetyl coenzyme A by ACS.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗