Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Experimental evolution”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Spatiotemporal evolution of runaway electrons from synchrotron images in Alcator C-Mod

In the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, relativistic runaway electron (RE) generation can occur during the flattop current phase of low density, diverted plasma discharges. Due to the high toroidal magnetic field (B0 = 5.4 T), RE synchrotron radiation is measured by a wide-view camera in the visible wavelength range (~400-900 nm). In this paper, a statistical analysis of over one thousand camera images is performed to investigate the plasma conditions under which synchrotron emission is observed in C-Mod. In addition, the spatiotemporal evolution of REs during one particular discharge is explored in detail via a thorough analysis of the distortion-corrected synchrotron images. To accurately predict RE energies, the kinetic solver CODE [Landreman et al 2014 Comput. Phys. Commun. 185 847-855] is used to evolve the electron momentum-space distribution at six locations throughout the plasma: the magnetic axis and flux surfaces q = 1, 4/3, 3/2, 2, and 3. These results, along with the experimentally-measured magnetic topology and camera geometry, are input into the synthetic diagnostic SOFT [Hoppe et al 2018 Nucl. Fusion 58 026032] to simulate synchrotron emission and detection. Interesting spatial structure near the surface q = 2 is found to coincide with the onset of a locked mode and increased MHD activity. Furthermore, the RE density profile evolution is fit by comparing experimental to synthetic images, providing important insight into RE spatiotemporal dynamics.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Leveraging computational genomics to understand the molecular basis of metal homeostasis

Genome-based data is helping to reveal the diverse strategies plants and algae use to maintain metal homeostasis. In addition to acquisition, distribution and storage of metals, acclimating to feast or famine can involve a wealth of genes that we are just now starting to understand. The fast-paced acquisition of genome-based data, however, is far outpacing our ability to experimentally characterize protein function. Computational genomic approaches are needed to fill the gap between what is known and unknown. To avoid misconstruing bioinformatically derived data, which is the root cause of the inaccurate functional annotations that plague databases, functional inferences from diverse sources and contextualization of that evidence with a robust understanding of protein family evolution is needed. Phylogenomic- and comparative-genomic-based studies can aid in the interpretation of experimental data or provide a spark for the discovery of a new function. These analyses not only lead to novel insight into a target protein's function but can generate thought-provoking insights across protein families.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Simulated Microstructural and Compositional Evolution of U-Pu-Zr Alloys Using the Potts-Phase Field Modeling Technique

U-Pu-Zr alloys are considered ideal metallic fuels for Experimental Breeder Reactors because of their superior material properties and potential for increased burnup performance. However, significant constituent redistribution has been observed in these alloys when irradiated, or subject to a thermal gradient, resulting in inhomogeneity of both composition and phase, which, in turn, alters the fuel performance. The hybrid Potts-phase field method is reformulated for ternary alloys in a thermal gradient and utilized to simulate and predict constituent redistribution and phase transformations in the U-Pu-Zr nuclear fuel system. Simulated evolution profiles for the U-16Pu-23Zr (at%) alloy show concentric zones that are compared with published experimental results; discrepancies in zone size are attributed to thermal profile differences and assumptions related to the diffusivity values used. Twenty-one alloys, over the entire ternary compositional spectrum, are also simulated to investigate the effects of alloy composition on constituent redistribution and phase transformations. The U-40Pu-20Zr (at%) alloy shows the most potential for compositional uniformity and phase homogeneity, throughout a thermal gradient, while remaining in the compositional range of feasible alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1987

Textural evolution of partially-molten planetary materials in microgravity

Recent Earth-based experiments examining the textural evolution of partially-molten rocks have revealed two important ways in which surface energy considerations affect magma. An initial experimental program addressing surface-energy effects on partially-molten materials in microgravity would involve simple, isothermal treatment of natural samples (meteorites, perioditic komatiite) at preselected temperatures in the melting range. Textural evolution would be assessed by time studies in which the only experiment variable would be run duration. Textural characterization of each sample would be done by quenching, recover, and sectioning for generally later, computer-aided interpretation of features.

Watson, E. B.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Chapter 4: Physically informed deep learning networks for simulating microstructure evolution of 3D polycrystals

As discussed in the previous chapter, high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) is used to study the micromechanical evolution of a material during in situ loading. HEDM experiments have been used to verify crystal plasticity (CP) simulations [119, 91, 90, 120], for experimental planning, material design, and to further analyze experimental results. However, Fast Fourier transform-based CP (CP-FFT) or finite element-based CP (CP-FE) methods are often too slow to be used in real-time during an experiment. CP-FFT is faster than CP-FE simulations due to the absence of meshing, but can still take hours to simulate the response of a single volume depending on the size and number of strain steps [127]. Reducing computation time would create a larger exploration space in planning and design, and enable faster analysis of experimental results and real-time feedback during an experiment. This research expands upon previous works to develop a workflow for predicting the full-field evolution of a 3D polycrystal. The workflow is simplified from previous works to predict only orientation and elastic strain tensors (from which stress tensors are calculated). The network is physically informed through loss functions and network architecture for a more robust model. The orientation predictions are informed about the cubic crystal symmetry of the material by incorporating disorientation and misorientation information into the network architecture and loss. The Von Mises stress is used to enforce the correct stress-strain trends in the strain tensor predictions. Additional total strain steps from the elastic and elastoplastic region are included to better capture the stress-strain evolution at smaller total strain steps. Material and hardening parameters are additional inputs into the networks to further inform the network and to study the network’s ability to predict different materials other than those used for training.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

First-principles search for alloying elements that increase corrosion resistance of Mg with second-phase particles of transition metal impurities

A significant challenge for applications of Mg alloys is their poor corrosion resistance and hence Mg alloys designs with built-in corrosion resistance are of significant interest. Corrosion can result from the coupling of anodic dissolution of Mg and cathodic reduction of water on impurities such as Iron (Fe)-rich second-phase particles. Experiments have shown that small quantities of Arsenic (As) or Germanium (Ge) can inhibit Mg corrosion, possibly slowing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as the cathodic reaction on Fe surfaces. Since a broader experimental search across the periodic table for other Mg corrosion inhibiting elements is unavailable, we designed thermodynamic and HER criteria, and used high-throughput computations to search a pool of 68 elements including As and Ge that can segregate from bulk Mg to surfaces of Fe particles and impede the HER there. Our computational procedure predicts that six p-block elements meet these criteria, and they rank according to their ability to reduce H adsorption energies and the HER rate as follows: As > Ge > Si > Ga > P ≈ Al. Results for As, the most effective corrosion-inhibiting element, and Ge are in qualitative accord with recent experiments. Further, while none of the 68 elements was found to enhance H adsorption, the six p-block elements reduce H adsorption via strong orbital overlap (Pauli repulsion) between their outer-shell orbitals and the s orbitals of H adsorbates. These p-block elements are also found to have the potential to reduce HER on surfaces of Ni second-phase particles in Mg according to the same criteria, but not on surfaces of Cu second-phase particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Integrated modeling of second phase precipitation in cold-worked 316 stainless steels under irradiation

The current work combines the Cluster Dynamics (CD) technique and CALPHAD-based precipitation modeling to address the second phase precipitation in cold-worked (CW) 316 stainless steels (SS) under irradiation at 300–400 °C. CD provides the radiation enhanced diffusion and dislocation evolution as inputs for the precipitation model. The CALPHAD-based precipitation model treats the nucleation, growth and coarsening of precipitation processes based on classical nucleation theory and evolution equations, and simulates the composition, size and size distribution of precipitate phases. We benchmark the model against available experimental data at fast reactor conditions (9.4 × 10 –7 dpa/s and 390 °C) and then use the model to predict the phase instability of CW 316 SS under light water reactor (LWR) extended life conditions (7 × 10 –8 dpa/s and 275 °C). The model accurately predicts the γ' (Ni 3 Si) precipitation evolution under fast reactor conditions and that the formation of this phase is dominated by radiation enhanced segregation. The model also predicts a carbide volume fraction that agrees well with available experimental data from a PWR reactor but is much higher than the volume fraction observed in fast reactors. We propose that radiation enhanced dissolution and/or carbon depletion at sinks that occurs at high flux could be the main sources of this inconsistency. The integrated model predicts ~1.2% volume fraction for carbide and ~3.0% volume fraction for γ' for typical CW 316 SS (with 0.054 wt% carbon) under LWR extended life conditions. Finally, this work provides valuable insights into the magnitudes and mechanisms of precipitation in irradiated CW 316 SS for nuclear applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2013

Enhanced Schapery Theory Software Development for Modeling Failure of Fiber-Reinforced Laminates

Progressive damage and failure analysis (PDFA) tools are needed to predict the nonlinear response of advanced fiber-reinforced composite structures. Predictive tools should incorporate the underlying physics of the damage and failure mechanisms observed in the composite, and should utilize as few input parameters as possible. The purpose of the Enhanced Schapery Theory (EST) was to create a PDFA tool that operates in conjunction with a commercially available finite element (FE) code (Abaqus). The tool captures the physics of the damage and failure mechanisms that result in the nonlinear behavior of the material, and the failure methodology employed yields numerical results that are relatively insensitive to changes in the FE mesh. The EST code is written in Fortran and compiled into a static library that is linked to Abaqus. A Fortran Abaqus UMAT material subroutine is used to facilitate the communication between Abaqus and EST. A clear distinction between damage and failure is imposed. Damage mechanisms result in pre-peak nonlinearity in the stress strain curve. Four internal state variables (ISVs) are utilized to control the damage and failure degradation. All damage is said to result from matrix microdamage, and a single ISV marks the micro-damage evolution as it is used to degrade the transverse and shear moduli of the lamina using a set of experimentally obtainable matrix microdamage functions. Three separate failure ISVs are used to incorporate failure due to fiber breakage, mode I matrix cracking, and mode II matrix cracking. Failure initiation is determined using a failure criterion, and the evolution of these ISVs is controlled by a set of traction-separation laws. The traction separation laws are postulated such that the area under the curves is equal to the fracture toughness of the material associated with the corresponding failure mechanism. A characteristic finite element length is used to transform the traction-separation laws into stress-strain laws. The ISV evolution equations are derived in a thermodynamically consistent manner by invoking the stationary principle on the total work of the system with respect to each ISV. A novel feature is the inclusion of both pre-peak damage and appropriately scaled, post-peak strain softening failure. Also, the characteristic elements used in the failure degradation scheme are calculated using the element nodal coordinates, rather than simply the square root of the area of the element.

Pineda, Evan J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Preservation of corneous β-proteins in Mesozoic feathers

Fossil proteins are valuable tools in evolutionary biology. Recent technological advances and better integration of experimental methods have confirmed the feasibility of biomolecular preservation in deep time, yielding new insights into the timing of key evolutionary transitions. Keratins (formerly α-keratins) and corneous β-proteins (CBPs, formerly β-keratins) are of particular interest as they define tissue structures that underpin fundamental physiological and ecological strategies and have the potential to inform on the molecular evolution of the vertebrate integument. Reports of CBPs in Mesozoic fossils, however, appear to conflict with experimental evidence for CBP degradation during fossilization. Further, the recent model for molecular modification of feather chemistry during the dinosaur–bird transition does not consider the relative preservation potential of different feather proteins. Here we use controlled taphonomic experiments coupled with infrared and sulfur X-ray spectroscopy to show that the dominant β-sheet structure of CBPs is progressively altered to α-helices with increasing temperature, suggesting that (α-)keratins and α-helices in fossil feathers are most likely artefacts of fossilization. Our analyses of fossil feathers shows that this process is independent of geological age, as even Cenozoic feathers can comprise primarily α-helices and disordered structures. Critically, our experiments show that feather CBPs can survive moderate thermal maturation. Importantly, as predicted by our experiments, analyses of Mesozoic feathers confirm that evidence of feather CBPs can persist through deep time.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Gas Phase Chemical Evolution of Uranium, Aluminum, and Iron Oxides

Abstract We use a recently developed plasma-flow reactor to experimentally investigate the formation of oxide nanoparticles from gas phase metal atoms during oxidation, homogeneous nucleation, condensation, and agglomeration processes. Gas phase uranium, aluminum, and iron atoms were cooled from 5000 K to 1000 K over short-time scales (∆t < 30 ms) at atmospheric pressures in the presence of excess oxygen. In-situ emission spectroscopy is used to measure the variation in monoxide/atomic emission intensity ratios as a function of temperature and oxygen fugacity. Condensed oxide nanoparticles are collected inside the reactor for ex-situ analyses using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) to determine their structural compositions and sizes. A chemical kinetics model is also developed to describe the gas phase reactions of iron and aluminum metals. The resulting sizes and forms of the crystalline nanoparticles (FeO-wustite, eta-Al 2 O 3 , UO 2 , and alpha-UO 3 ) depend on the thermodynamic properties, kinetically-limited gas phase chemical reactions, and local redox conditions. This work shows the nucleation and growth of metal oxide particles in rapidly-cooling gas is closely coupled to the kinetically-controlled chemical pathways for vapor-phase oxide formation.

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

Experimental study of ion heating in obliquely merging hypersonic plasma jets

In this study, we measure ion temperature evolution of collisional plasma shocks and colliding supersonic plasma flows across a range of species (Ar, Kr, Xe, and N), Mach numbers, and collisionalities. Shocks are formed via the collision of discrete plasma jets relevant to plasma-jet-driven magneto-inertial fusion (PJMIF). We observe nearly classical ion shock heating and ion-electron equilibration, with peak temperatures attained consistent with collisional shock heating. Additionally, we observe cases where this heating occurs in a smooth merged structure with reduced density gradients due to significant intepenetration of the plasma jets. In application to PJMIF liners, we find that Mach number degradation due to ion shock heating will likely not be significant at the typical full-scale conditions proposed, and that a degree of interpenetration may be an attractive condition for PJMIF and similar approaches which seek to form uniform merged structures from discrete supersonic plasma jets.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite power system (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 3: Experimental verification definition

An evolutionary Satellite Power Systems development plan was prepared. Planning analysis was directed toward the evolution of a scenario that met the stated objectives, was technically possible and economically attractive, and took into account constraining considerations, such as requirements for very large scale end-to-end demonstration in a compressed time frame, the relative cost/technical merits of ground testing versus space testing, and the need for large mass flow capability to low Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit at reasonable cost per pound.

Hanley, G. M.↗
DOE OSTI2026

The ionomer as an oxygen evolution reaction promoter: piperidinium’s impact on mechanistic pathways on NiO, IrO 2 , and Fe–NiO

The commercial viability of anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis requires optimization of various stack components, with specific catalyst-ionomer combinations often yielding higher current densities, lowered Tafel slopes, and improved mass activity. In this joint theoretical-experimental study, theoretical calculations detail the impact of Versogen’s piperidinium functional group on the complex, kinetically limiting oxygen evolution reaction, finding that the functional group can act as a promoter of specific steps (O*/O 2 * formation; H 2 O/O 2 desorption with reaction enthalpies ranging between 0.2–0.6 eV at higher coverages of O x H y intermediates) on NiO and NiFeO x catalysts. In particular, Fe sites on the NiFeO x catalyst facilitate concerted mechanisms of O*/O 2 * formation and H 2 O desorption with a low enthalpy of 0.5 eV; O 2 desorption alone requires only 0.3 eV. In contrast, Versogen-IrO 2 results in stronger Ir–O bonds, where the enthalpies for bond breaking (Ir–OH 2 and Ir–O 2 ) are considerably higher (1.4 eV and 1.6 eV, respectively). Rotating disk electrode studies utilized commercially available NiO and IrO 2 and synthesized 7.5 wt % Fe in NiFeO x catalysts in combination with Versogen, a common AEM ionomer, and Nafion, an alternative binder. Electrochemical testing validated the impact of these mechanistic changes on ionomer-catalyst combinations, finding that Versogen particularly activates NiO and NiFeO x compared to IrO 2 . Following a 13.5 h hold at 1.8 V, mass activities and Tafel slopes improved to 34 ± 13 A g −1 and 79 ± 2 mV dec −1 (NiO) and 82 ± 4.9 A g −1 and 72 ± 2 mV dec −1 (NiFeO x ). In contrast, Versogen-IrO 2 only reached 17 ± 2.9 A g −1 and 81 ± 3 mV dec −1 . Optimization of the ionomer-catalyst can yield significant increases in performance from initial activity and after an electrochemical conditioning procedure: this enhancement to the mass activity resulted in a 200.9 ± 106.1% improvement for Versogen-NiFeO x and 1284.2 ± 260.5% for Versogen-NiO. In contrast, Nafion-NiFeO x and -NiO offered moderate improvements of 39.1 ± 30.5% and 120.9 ± 59.1%, respectively.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2026

Modeling Study of Hatch Spacing’s Effect on Grain Morphology in Repairing Damaged Metal Parts with Welding and Hatch Spacing’s Potential Use in Lunar Exploration

The welding process is a potential way of repairing a damaged metal component, especially cavity damage caused by a harsh environment like the lunar environment, which is characterized by large temperature differences and reduced gravity. The adjustment of welding parameter (e.g., hatch spacing) can improve production efficiency in the repair process. Seen from the microstructural level, hatch spacing sensitivity affects the metallic grain evolution and morphology in the welding process, which can further influence a repaired part’s mechanical properties; however, the study of hatch spacing’s effect on microstructure is challenging. Traditional experimental procedures are costly and time-consuming, and any change in hatch spacing value needs roll-back of experimental procedure. A modeling study can address the above challenges in experimental observation. In this research, a modeling approach based on the Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) Potts theory was used to simulate grain evolution and morphology with three hatch spacings. Through quantifying and analyzing the predicted grain morphologies, the effect of hatch spacing on microstructure in a welding-fabricated part was investigated. The predicted grain morphologies were validated with an EBSD image of welding microstructure, which has been published before. The primary grain morphologies were columnar grains with a small amount of fine equiaxed grains formed in the scanning path centerline. When increasing the hatch spacing, the columnar grains become larger and more lengthy, while the effect of hatch spacing on the equiaxed grains is not obvious.

Welding for repairing↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effects of heat treatment and build orientation on the evolution of $ϵ$ and $α'$ martensite and strength during compressive loading of additively manufactured 304L stainless steel

In this paper, the effect of heat-treatment and build orientation on martensitic phase transformation in additively manufactured (AM) 304L stainless steel is studied and compared with conventionally produced wrought material. The relationships between observed martensitic transformations and material microstructures and their effects on mechanical strength are established through experimental observations. In situ high-energy X-ray powder diffraction measurements were performed to monitor the evolution of $ϵ$ and $α'$ martensite during compressive loading of stainless steel. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to provide insight on initial grain morphology, crystallographic misorientation within grains, and crystallographic texture. Heat treatment alters the microstructure of AM samples creating different initial conditions. This difference in starting microstructure resulted in variability in martensitic transformation during compressive deformation. The rate of martensitic transformation decreased for AM samples treated with temperatures up to 1100°C, after which the AM microstructures recrystallized, resulting in increased rate of martensitic transformation for those samples treated at higher temperatures. It was also observed that aligning the axis of compression with the AM build direction resulted in a lower rate of strain-induced martensite formation as opposed to aligning the compression axis perpendicular to it. More favorable distribution of crystal orientations in the latter loading orientation promoted martensitic transformation. These and additional experimental observations from EBSD in terms of kernel average misorientation, mean grain orientation spread, and mean crystallite size reveal strong microstructural effects on strength of additively manufactured metallic materials.

304L stainless steel↗
NASA NTRS2004

Buoyancy Effects on Flow Structure and Instability of Low-Density Gas Jets

A low-density gas jet injected into a high-density ambient gas is known to exhibit self-excited global oscillations accompanied by large vortical structures interacting with the flow field. The primary objective of the proposed research is to study buoyancy effects on the origin and nature of the flow instability and structure in the near-field of low-density gas jets. Quantitative rainbow schlieren deflectometry, Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Linear stability analysis were the techniques employed to scale the buoyancy effects. The formation and evolution of vortices and scalar structure of the flow field are investigated in buoyant helium jets discharged from a vertical tube into quiescent air. Oscillations at identical frequency were observed throughout the flow field. The evolving flow structure is described by helium mole percentage contours during an oscillation cycle. Instantaneous, mean, and RMS concentration profiles are presented to describe interactions of the vortex with the jet flow. Oscillations in a narrow wake region near the jet exit are shown to spread through the jet core near the downstream location of the vortex formation. The effects of jet Richardson number on characteristics of vortex and flow field are investigated and discussed. The laminar, axisymmetric, unsteady jet flow of helium injected into air was simulated using CFD. Global oscillations were observed in the flow field. The computed oscillation frequency agreed qualitatively with the experimentally measured frequency. Contours of helium concentration, vorticity and velocity provided information about the evolution and propagation of vortices in the oscillating flow field. Buoyancy effects on the instability mode were evaluated by rainbow schlieren flow visualization and concentration measurements in the near-field of self-excited helium jets undergoing gravitational change in the microgravity environment of 2.2s drop tower at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center. The jet Reynolds number was varied from 200 to 1500 and jet Richardson number was varied from 0.72 to 0.002. Power spectra plots generated from Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of angular deflection data acquired at a temporal resolution of 1000Hz reveal substantial damping of the oscillation amplitude in microgravity at low Richardson numbers (~0.002). Quantitative concentration data in the form of spatial and temporal evolutions of the instability data in Earth gravity and microgravity reveal significant variations in the jet flow structure upon removal of buoyancy forces. Radial variation of the frequency spectra and time traces of helium concentration revealed the importance of gravitational effects in the jet shear layer region. Linear temporal and spatio-temporal stability analyses of a low-density round gas jet injected into a high-density ambient gas were performed by assuming hyper-tan mean velocity and density profiles. The flow was assumed to be non parallel. Viscous and diffusive effects were ignored. The mean flow parameters were represented as the sum of the mean value and a small normal-mode fluctuation. A second order differential equation governing the pressure disturbance amplitude was derived from the basic conservation equations. The effects of the inhomogeneous shear layer and the Froude number (signifying the effects of gravity) on the temporal and spatio-temporal results were delineated. A decrease in the density ratio (ratio of the density of the jet to the density of the ambient gas) resulted in an increase in the temporal amplification rate of the disturbances. The temporal growth rate of the disturbances increased as the Froude number was reduced. The spatio-temporal analysis performed to determine the absolute instability characteristics of the jet yield positive absolute temporal growth rates at all Fr and different axial locations. As buoyancy was removed (Fr . 8), the previously existing absolute instability disappeared at all locations establhing buoyancy as the primary instability mechanism in self-excited low-density jets.

Pasumarthi, Kasyap Sriramachandra↗
NASA NTRS2000

Acoustic Receptivity of a Blasius Boundary Layer with 2-D and Oblique Surface Waviness

An experimental investigation was conducted to examine acoustic receptivity and subsequent boundary-layer instability evolution for a Blasius boundary layer formed on a flat plate in the presence of two-dimensional (2-D) and oblique (3-D) surface waviness. The effect of the non-localized surface roughness geometry and acoustic wave amplitude on the receptivity process was explored. The surface roughness had a well defined wavenumber spectrum with fundamental wavenumber k (sub w). A planar downstream traveling acoustic wave was created to temporally excite the flow near the resonance frequency of an unstable eigenmode corresponding to k (sub ts) = k (sub w). The range of acoustic forcing levels, epsilon, and roughness heights, DELTA h, examined resulted in a linear dependence of receptivity coefficients; however, the larger values of the forcing combination epsilon dot DELTA h resulted in subsequent nonlinear development of the Tollmien-Schlichting (T-S) wave. This study provided the first experimental evidence of a marked increase in the receptivity coefficient with increasing obliqueness of the surface waviness in excellent agreement with theory. Detuning of the 2-D and oblique disturbances was investigated by varying the streamwise wall-roughness wavenumber a,, and measuring the T-S response. For the configuration where laminar-to-turbulent breakdown occurred, the breakdown process was found to be dominated by energy at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies, indicative of K-type breakdown.

King, Rudolph A.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Chemical Activity of the Peroxide/Oxide Redox Couple: Case Study of Ba 5 Ru 2 O 11 in Aqueous and Organic Solvents

The finding that triggering the redox activity of oxygen ions within the lattice of transition metal oxides can boost the performances of materials used in energy storage and conversion devices such as Li-ion batteries or oxygen evolution electrocatalysts has recently spurred intensive and innovative research in the field of energy. While experimental and theoretical efforts have been critical in understanding the role of oxygen nonbonding states in the redox activity of oxygen ions, a clear picture of the redox chemistry of the oxygen species formed upon this oxidation process is still missing. This can be, in part, explained by the complexity in stabilizing and studying these species once electrochemically formed. Here in this work, we alleviate this difficulty by studying the phase Ba 5 Ru 2 O 11 , which contains peroxide O 2 2- groups, as oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst and Li-ion battery material. Combining physical characterization and electrochemical measurements, we demonstrate that peroxide groups can easily be oxidized at relatively low potential, leading to the formation of gaseous dioxygen and to the instability of the oxide. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, owing to the stabilization at high energy of peroxide, the high-lying energy of the empty sigma* antibonding O-O states limits the reversibility of the electrochemical reactions when the O 2 2- /O 2- redox couple is used as redox center for Li-ion battery materials or as OER redox active sites. Overall, this work suggests that the formation of true peroxide O 2 2- states are detrimental for transition metal oxides used as OER catalysts and Li-ion battery materials. Rather, oxygen species with O-O bond order lower than 1 would be preferred for these applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗