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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 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

A deep learning framework for layer-wise porosity prediction in metal powder bed fusion using thermal signatures

Abstract Part quality manufactured by the laser powder bed fusion process is significantly affected by porosity. Existing works of process–property relationships for porosity prediction require many experiments or computationally expensive simulations without considering environmental variations. While efforts that adopt real-time monitoring sensors can only detect porosity after its occurrence rather than predicting it ahead of time. In this study, a novel porosity detection-prediction framework is proposed based on deep learning that predicts porosity in the next layer based on thermal signatures of the previous layers. The proposed framework is validated in terms of its ability to accurately predict lack of fusion porosity using computerized tomography (CT) scans, which achieves a F1-score of 0.75. The framework presented in this work can be effectively applied to quality control in additive manufacturing. As a function of the predicted porosity positions, laser process parameters in the next layer can be adjusted to avoid more part porosity in the future or the existing porosity could be filled. If the predicted part porosity is not acceptable regardless of laser parameters, the building process can be stopped to minimize the loss.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2020

An interlaboratory collaboration to determine consensus 231 Pa/ 235 U model ages of a uranium certified reference material for nuclear forensics

Application of the 231 Pa/ 235 U radiochronometer for nuclear forensic investigations is challenged by a lack of certified reference materials with 231 Pa/ 235 U model purification dates. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory completed an interlaboratory study measuring 231 Pa/ 235 U model ages of New Brunswick Laboratory CRM U100. Results from independent laboratories were combined to calculate a consensus 231 Pa/ 235 U model purification date for CRM U100 of March 26, 1959 ± 237 days. This 231 Pa/ 235 U consensus date for CRM U100 may be used by the nuclear forensic community for quality control of 231 Pa/ 235 U radiochronometry measurements of unknown materials.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2022

International interlaboratory compilation of trace element concentrations in the CUP-2 uranium ore concentrate standard

Herein, a nuclear forensics investigation involving a uranium ore concentrate relies on accurate and precise analysis of impurities. Analytical data defensibility requires the use of reference materials as part of quality control. This study presents a compilation of trace element concentration results of the CUP-2 Uranium Ore Concentrate Standard measured by 11 different laboratories. The laboratories employed various dissolution methods, analytical preparation methods, and instrumental platforms. The data presented here contain concentrations of 66 impurities with up to 138 individual data points for each impurity. Consensus values have been assigned to each impurity following a statistical analysis of the data set.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2025

Model ages of three uranium metal CRMs and implications for radiochronometry data interpretation

In this study, we report 230 Th/ 234 U and 231 Pa/ 235 U model ages in three uranium metal certified reference materials with distinct production histories and isotopic compositions ranging from depleted to highly enriched (CRMs 112-A, 115, and 116-A). Here, our results provide the first model age values for these materials using multiple radiochronometers, which can be used as reference values for quality control of radiochronometry measurements performed during nuclear forensic investigations. Furthermore, we evaluate the model ages in the context of available production records for the materials, which provides insight into the processes that may impact radiochronometry systems during uranium metal production.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2016

The value of soil respiration measurements for interpreting and modeling terrestrial carbon cycling

A recent acceleration of model-data synthesis activities has leveraged many terrestrial carbon (C) datasets, but utilization of soil respiration (RS) data has not kept pace with other types such as eddy covariance (EC) fluxes and soil C stocks. Here we argue that RS data, including non-continuous measurements from survey sampling campaigns, have unrealized value and should be utilized more extensively and creatively in data synthesis and modeling activities. We identify three major challenges in interpreting RS data, and discuss opportunities to address them. The first challenge is that when RS is compared to ecosystem respiration (RECO) measured from EC towers, it is not uncommon to find substantial mismatch, indicating one or both flux methodologies are unreliable. We argue the most likely cause of mismatch is unreliable EC data, and there is an unrecognized opportunity to utilize RS for EC quality control. The second challenge is that RS integrates belowground heterotrophic (RH) and autotrophic (RA) activity, whereas modelers generally prefer partitioned fluxes, and few models include an explicit RS output. Opportunities exist to use the total RS flux for data assimilation and model benchmarking methods rather than less-certain partitioned fluxes. Pushing for more experiments that not only partition RS but also monitor the age of RA and RH, as well as for the development of belowground RA components in models, would allow for more direct comparison between measured and modeled values. The third challenge is that soil respiration is generally measured at a very different resolution than that needed for comparison to EC or ecosystem- to global-scale models. Measuring soil fluxes with finer spatial resolution and more extensive coverage, and downscaling EC fluxes to match the scale of RS, will improve chamber and tower comparisons. Opportunities also exist to estimate RH at regional scales by implementing decomposition functional types, akin to plant functional types. We conclude by discussing the benefits that wide use of RS data will bring to model development, and database developments that will make RS data more robust, useful, and broadly available to the research community.

carbon cycle↗
DOE OSTI2017

Organic phosphorus in the terrestrial environment: a perspective on the state of the art and future priorities

Here, the dynamics of phosphorus (P) in the environment is important for regulating nutrient cycles in natural and managed ecosystems and an integral part in assessing biological resilience against environmental change. Organic P (P o ) compounds play key roles in biological and ecosystems function in the terrestrial environment being critical to cell function, growth and reproduction. We asked a group of experts to consider the global issues associated with P o in the terrestrial environment, methodological strengths and weaknesses, benefits to be gained from understanding the P o cycle, and to set priorities for P o research. In conclusion, we identified seven key opportunities for P o research including: the need for integrated, quality controlled and functionally based methodologies; assessment of stoichiometry with other elements in organic matter; understanding the dynamics of P o in natural and managed systems; the role of microorganisms in controlling P o cycles; the implications of nanoparticles in the environment and the need for better modelling and communication of the research. Each priority is discussed and a statement of intent for the P o research community is made that highlights there are key contributions to be made toward understanding biogeochemical cycles, dynamics and function of natural ecosystems and the management of agricultural systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

IDEAL: Images Across Domains, Experiments, Algorithms and Learning

Research across science domains is increasingly reliant on image-centric data. Software tools are in high demand to uncover relevant, but hidden, information in digital images, such as those coming from faster next generation high-throughput imaging platforms. The challenge is to analyze the data torrent generated by the advanced instruments efficiently, and provide insights such as measurements for decision-making. In this article, we overview work performed by an interdisciplinary team of computational and materials scientists, aimed at designing software applications and coordinating research efforts connecting (1) emerging algorithms for dealing with large and complex datasets; (2) data analysis methods with emphasis in pattern recognition and machine learning; and (3) advances in evolving computer architectures. Engineering tools around these efforts accelerate the analyses of image-based recordings, improve reusability and reproducibility, scale scientific procedures by reducing time between experiments, increase efficiency, and open opportunities for more users of the imaging facilities. This paper describes our algorithms and software tools, showing results across image scales, demonstrating how our framework plays a role in improving image understanding for quality control of existent materials and discovery of new compounds.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Toward Low-Cost, High-Energy Density, and High-Power Density Lithium-Ion Batteries

Reducing cost and increasing energy density are two barriers for widespread application of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Although the cost of electric vehicle batteries has been reduced by ~70% from 2008 to 2015, the current battery pack cost (268/kWh in 2015) is still >2 times what the USABC targets (125/kWh). Even though many advancements in cell chemistry have been realized since the lithium-ion battery was first commercialized in 1991, few major breakthroughs have occurred in the past decade. Therefore, future cost reduction will rely on cell manufacturing and broader market acceptance. Here, this article discusses three major aspects for cost reduction: (1) quality control to minimize scrap rate in cell manufacturing; (2) novel electrode processing and engineering to reduce processing cost and increase energy density and throughputs; and (3) material development and optimization for lithium-ion batteries with high-energy density. Insights on increasing energy and power densities of lithium-ion batteries are also addressed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Additively manufactured mixed potential electrochemical sensors for NO x , C 3 H 8 , and NH 3 detection

Additive manufacturing of mixed potential electrochemical sensors opens the possibility to perform rapid prototyping of electrode and electrolyte materials. We report for the first time the use of this technique for the fabrication of solid-state electrochemical gas sensors of the mixed potential type and assessment of variability in the manufacturing process. La 0.87 Sr 0.13 CrO 3 (LSCO) and Pt electrodes bridged with a porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) have been deposited on YSZ substrates by direct-write extrusion of pastes and inks. The sensors are evaluated for their sensitivity to 200 ppm of NO x , C 3 H 8 , and NH 3 . There is a need to understand how variations in intrinsic materials parameters during manufacturing such as differences in porosity affect the gas sensing of additively manufactured sensors to guide optimization of their performance and serve as quality control techniques. Further characterizations of these devices include electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and an aqueous electrochemical assessment of the electrode surface area and diffusion through the porous layer. In conclusion, we find a correlation of increased sensitivity with larger gas reaction impedance, higher Pt electrode surface area, and slower diffusion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Fluorinated ionic liquids as gas chromatographic stationary phases for the separation of volatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Background Here, the production of fluorinated organic compounds in the manufacturing, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical industries has increased exponentially over the past decade. This rapid growth has created an urgent need for efficient chromatographic platforms capable of selectively separating these compounds from complex mixtures, not only to support industrial quality control and waste management practices, but also to enable reliable environmental monitoring of volatile fluorinated contaminants. Conventional GC stationary phases lack the fluorophilic interactions needed for highly fluorinated analytes. Consequently, there is a clear demand for specialized stationary phases designed to improve chromatographic retention and selectivity for these compounds. Results Three stationary phases composed of fluorinated ionic liquids (ILs) with varied extent of fluorination were prepared to study fluorophilic interactions with fluorinated/non-fluorinated probe molecules by gas chromatography (GC). IL stationary phases featuring linear and branched perfluoroalkyl moieties, as well as a branched alkyl moiety, were systematically investigated. Chromatographic performance was examined using fluorinated compounds and their hydrocarbon analogs, including CF 3 -substituted aromatics, aliphatic alcohols, fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), and perfluoroalkenes. Measurements on 5 m and 20 m columns revealed that the IL possessing branched alkyl provided stronger dispersive and hydrogen bonding interactions toward non-fluorinated aromatic and long-chain alcohols, whereas the fluorinated ILs enhanced retention of highly fluorinated FTOHs and perfluorodecene. Comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC), using a nonpolar primary column coupled with secondary columns featuring cross-bonded poly(trifluoropropylmethyl siloxane) (Rtx-200 ms), the branched fluorinated IL, or the branched non-fluorinated IL, highlighted complementary selectivity with the branched fluorinated IL providing the strongest interactions with fluorinated analytes. Significance These results demonstrate that fluorinated IL stationary phases are promising alternatives to conventional polysiloxane stationary phases for improving the separation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and related fluorinated compounds. By correlating IL structure with fluorophilic interactions, this work establishes design principles for GC stationary phases that enable enhanced selectivity for highly fluorinated analytes while maintaining complementary interactions with non-fluorinated compounds.

Comprehensive two-dimensional GC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Evolution of AISI 304L stainless steel part properties due to powder recycling in laser powder-bed fusion

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a powder-bed fusion process in Additive Manufacturing (AM) that uses a laser beam to selectively fuse layers of powder into near net-shape components with little porosity. However, inconsistencies in the part properties due to the presence of defects in as-built components has hindered the widespread adoption of SLM for industrial applications forcing researchers to study the sources of variation for quality control purposes. A critical area suspected of creating variation in the part properties is the feedstock, where batch-to-batch differences as well as changes in the powder properties with reuse have the potential to affect performance. During processing, laser spatter and condensate eject from the melt pool and deposit into the powder-bed surrounding the parts. These particulates, more commonly known as ejecta, differ morphologically and chemically from the virgin powder compromising its reusability. In this study, 304L stainless steel powder was recycled for a total of 5 times through a systematic approach aimed at accelerating powder degradation to reveal the influence on both the tensile and impact toughness properties. Through analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was found that tensile properties did not change with reuse, while the impact toughness showed a steady decline illustrating the differences in static and dynamic part properties due to powder recycling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Efficient sensitivity analysis of the thermal profile in powder bed fusion of metals using hypercomplex automatic differentiation finite element method

Rapid cyclic temperature fluctuation occurring in powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) influences the formation of flaws in printed parts. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance the quality of printed parts by developing innovative methodologies that can predict thermal histories and help uncover the intricate relationships between process parameters and thermal profiles. Sensitivity Analysis (SA) emerges as an essential tool for this, offering the potential for process optimization and enhanced quality control. Nonetheless, conventional SA methodologies often incur in excessive computational costs and potential numerical approximation errors. Here, to address this technical challenge, we present a novel method for SA that integrates the HYPercomplex-based Automatic Differentiation (HYPAD) technique with transient thermal simulations conducted via the finite element method (FEM). Leveraging this methodology, we efficiently and accurately perform SA for PBF-LB/M processes in a post-processing step. Compared to traditional methods like Finite Differences (FD), HYPAD-FEM required 96 % less computational time for obtaining sensitivities for 22 process parameters, under a comparative study conducted within the context of the 2018–02 AM benchmark of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In summary, HYPAD-FEM offers superior efficiency and accuracy in SA over conventional methods, delivering the best sensitivity of a model without the need for step-size selection and problem or parameter-based implementations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Results of an interlaboratory study on the working curve in vat photopolymerization II: Towards a standardized method

The working curve measurement in photopolymer additive manufacturing is a ubiquitous measure of the cure depth of a printing resin as a function of radiant exposure of light. The fit parameters from this measurement (the depth of light penetration D p and the critical exposure E c ) are used to evaluate and report a resin’s printability, optimize processing parameters, and inform print and resin quality control. Despite its widespread use, the working curve lacks a standard measurement method. Here, following up on our paper “Results of an Interlaboratory Study on the Working Curve in Vat Photopolymerization” from last year, an interlaboratory study on the working curve was performed using calibrated, reproducible, bandpass filtered light sources. With these light sources, the variability between labs in measured working curves was dramatically reduced from the initial interlaboratory study. Aggregate data from this experiment produced reliable D p and E c measurements at 385 nm of 39.2 ± 3.7 µm and 12.3 ± 3.0 mJ cm −2 , respectively. At 405 nm the values of D p and E c are 69.3 ± 3.8 µm and 17.9 ± 2.3 mJ cm −2 , respectively. The results are agnostic to the thickness measurement tool utilized by participants, ensuring broad applicability across laboratories. We also tested the generalizability of the proposed method of using a filtered light source by filtering a commercial 405 nm light source and obtaining a working curve in agreement with the aggregate data from the interlaboratory study. This interlaboratory study provides a basis for a documentary standard for the working curve, so that the entire photopolymer additive manufacturing industry can share reproducible and interoperable working curve data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Integrating continuous atmospheric boundary layer and tower-based flux measurements to advance understanding of land-atmosphere interactions

The atmospheric boundary layer mediates the exchange of energy, matter, and momentum between the land surface and the free troposphere, integrating a range of physical, chemical, and biological processes and is defined as the lowest layer of the atmosphere (ranging from a few meters to 3 km). In this review, we investigate how continuous, automated observations of the atmospheric boundary layer can enhance the scientific value of co-located eddy covariance measurements of land-atmosphere fluxes of carbon, water, and energy, as are being made at FLUXNET sites worldwide. We highlight four key opportunities to integrate tower-based flux measurements with continuous, long-term atmospheric boundary layer measurements: (1) to interpret surface flux and atmospheric boundary layer exchange dynamics and feedbacks at flux tower sites, (2) to support flux footprint modelling, the interpretation of surface fluxes in heterogeneous terrain, and quality control of eddy covariance flux measurements, (3) to support regional-scale modeling and upscaling of surface fluxes to continental scales, and (4) to quantify land-atmosphere coupling and validate its representation in Earth system models. Adding a suite of atmospheric boundary layer measurements to eddy covariance flux tower sites, and supporting the sharing of these data to tower networks, would allow the Earth science community to address new emerging research questions, better interpret ongoing flux tower measurements, and would present novel opportunities for collaborations between FLUXNET scientists and atmospheric and remote sensing scientists.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Defect and satellite characteristics of additive manufacturing metal powders

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) requires high-quality metal powders to three-dimensionally (3D) print metallic components with complex and customizable geometries. The lack of quantification of AM metal powders creates quality control challenges for 3D printed components, increases the uncertainty of printing reliability and net cost of inspected and certified printed components, and reduces the recyclability of used powders. However, critical characteristics of AM metal powders that are decisive factors for the 3D printing process, such as internal porosity, contamination, and satellite feature, remain ambiguous. In this work, we developed a novel approach to 3D quantify key characteristics of AM metal powders down to individual particles by using high-resolution synchrotron x-ray computed tomography. Empowered by the penetrative capability of high-energy x-ray, internal porosity and contamination within as-atomized metal powders from high-entropy alloys to nickel-based superalloys were evaluated. Additionally, the newly-developed dispersion method enables the homogeneous separation of individual particles, and consequently, results in the implementation of 3D particle shape analysis. To resolve a major challenge of identification and quantification of satellite-feature particles in as-atomized AM metal powders, the satellite features were quantitated by modeling and analyzing the shape parameter of local thickness variance. Furthermore, the 3D analytical methods of particle assessment in this study can be applied to other materials systems like rock, food, and pharmaceutical particles, and provide insights for process optimization across powder metallurgy, concrete, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and AM industries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Automated compatibility checking of prefabricated components using 3D as-built models and BIM

There have been recent efforts to use reality capture technologies to perform remote quality control in construction. However, there is a lack of research efforts in detecting construction incompatibilities in modular construction using reality capture technologies. The construction incompatibilities in modular construction often cause reworks and delays in the project schedule. To address this issue, this paper presents a general compatibility analysis method that propose scanning the modules in manufacturing plant and construction site, and check module-to-module compatibility remotely, prior to the shipment and installation. This study provides three sample module-to-module compatibility scenarios to validate the proposed compatibility analysis. The case study results show that the compatibility analysis method was able to identify the compatibility issues with high accuracy. Lastly, the compatibility analysis method was validated in terms of accuracy and time performance in six scenarios that was defined on the modules.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2018

Membrane glycerolipid equilibrium under endoplasmic reticulum stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Highlights: • Membrane glycerolipid biosynthesis under ER stress was investigated in Arabidopsis. • Gene expression of enzymes for PC and PE biosynthesis was changed during ER stress. • Lipid content was mostly unchanged despite significant changes at the transcriptional level. • The membrane glycerolipid profile may be maintained at post-transcriptional levels upon ER stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an indispensable organelle for secretory protein synthesis as well as metabolism of phospholipids and their derivatives in eukaryotic cells. Various external and internal factors may cause an accumulation of aberrant proteins in the ER, which causes ER stress and activates cellular ER stress responses to cope with the stress. In animal research, molecular mechanisms for protein quality control upon ER stress are well documented; however, how cells maintain lipid homeostasis under ER stress is an emerging issue. The ratio of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two major phospholipid classes, is important under ER stress in animal cells. However, in seed plants, no study has reported on the changes in membrane lipid content under ER stress, although a number of physiologically important environmental stresses, such as heat and salinity, induce ER stress. Here, we investigated membrane glycerolipid metabolism under ER stress in Arabidopsis. ER stress transcriptionally affected PC and PE biosynthesis pathways differentially, with no significant changes in membrane glycerolipid content. Our results suggest that higher plants maintain membrane lipid equilibrium during active transcription of phospholipid biosynthetic genes under ER stress.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗