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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 91 records · Page 5

Latent Catalysis as a Platform for Accessing Diverse Material Properties in Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing

Vat photopolymerization (VP) 3D printing is an attractive strategy to manufacture customized polymer parts. The properties of printed materials are limited by the need to employ a low viscosity liquid resin and achieve rapid polymerization kinetics. To circumvent this limitation, dual‐cure methods have been developed using reagents embedded in the liquid resin formulation; however, the reagent‐based approach requires the discovery and optimization of new chemistry for each desired material. Here, in this work, we demonstrate a catalytic, dual‐cure platform that enables access to both Nylon‐6 and polyester interpenetrating networks through VP 3D printing under a universal approach. Structure–reactivity relationships of the latent NHC catalysts led to the identification of a magnesium chloride–NHC adduct as a latent catalyst that is orthogonal to radical polymerization and can be unmasked at elevated temperatures post‐printing to initiate ring‐opening polymerization of lactones and lactams. This strategy results in access to semicrystalline materials, which are a challenging morphology to access via VP 3D printing, that have attractive mechanical properties and can be printed at high resolution. This work represents the first photochemical‐based 3D printing of Nylon‐based materials and demonstrates the value of catalytic approaches to access new material properties in VP 3D printing.

Colliver, Cali N. [University of North Carolina, C↗

Stochastic 3D reconstruction of cracked polycrystalline NMC particles using 2D SEM data

Li-ion battery performance is strongly influenced by the 3D microstructure of its cathode particles. Cracks within these particles develop during calendaring and cycling, reducing connectivity but increasing reactive surface, making their impact on battery performance complex. Understanding these contradictory effects requires a quantitative link between particle morphology and battery performance. However, informative 3D imaging techniques are time-consuming, costly and rarely available, such that analyses often have to rely on 2D image data. This paper presents a novel stereological approach for generating virtual 3D cathode particles exhibiting crack networks that are statistically equivalent to those observed in 2D sections of experimentally measured particles. Consequently, 2D image data suffices for deriving a full 3D characterization of cracked cathodes particles. Such virtually generated 3D particles could serve as geometry input for spatially resolved electro-chemo-mechanical simulations to enhance our understanding of structure-property relationships of cathodes in Li-ion batteries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Scan strategies in EBM-printed IN718 and the physics of bulk 3D microstructure development

Three-dimensional (3D) characterization provides opportunities for understanding processing-structure relationships in additively manufactured (AM) materials. Bulk samples of Inconel 718 were fabricated via electron beam melting (EBM) in order to study microstructural development as a function of energy input and beam scan strategy. TriBeam tomography of bulk Inconel 718 microstructures built under steady-state growth conditions reveals the sensitivity of microstructure formation and evolution to machine process parameters. Here, samples manufactured using a narrow range of energy input per unit build area result in varied grain morphologies and crystallographic textures. Using TRUCHAS, a thermal simulation software, the thermal history of bulk scan strategies was predicted, and combined with a calibrated microstructure-processing map to accurately predict bulk grain morphologies. The solidification parameters and the 3D measured nucleation density are used to predict the transition between columnar and equiaxed grain morphologies, providing a process map to guide AM parameter choices to locally control as-printed microstructure. A two-dimensional metric for characterizing bulk grain morphology was also found to agree well with predictions from the process map calibrated by 3D data. Combined with 3D tomography and thermal modelling, the physics of structure development were understood at a new level of detail with respect to the competing processes of grain nucleation and epitaxial growth.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An experimental and computational study of thin-layer Rayleigh–Taylor instability development during deceleration with and without an externally applied magnetic field

The importance of mitigating the Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is critical to successfully achieve high gain fusion yield. Consequently, understanding the seed mechanisms of RTI and the potential evolution of RTI in ICF relevant conditions is crucial. Single feature perturbations consistently demonstrate non-linear RTI evolution, for which an experimental platform on OMEGA-EP is developed. Manufacturing defects introduced into the target design require exploration of unanticipated changes to RTI development and an identification of targets that will still render quantifiable physics results. Consequently, it is presented that the inherent 3D nature of experimental targets necessitates 3D modeling for accurate design work and predictive modeling of experimental targets, especially when high resolution imaging diagnostics, like Fresnel Zone Plates, are utilized. A study of the morphology of the RTI evolution due to changing initial conditions and the presence of an externally applied magnetic field are also explored. Experimental data show thin-layer RTI morphology comparable to resistive magneto hydrodynamic 3D results. A discussion on the impacts of an externally applied magnetic field makes the case for continued efforts to observe a magnetic field's impact on RTI morphology.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Three Eruptions Observed by Remote Sensing Instruments Onboard Solar Orbiter

On February 21 and March 21 – 22, 2021, the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) onboard Solar Orbiter observed three prominence eruptions. The eruptions were associated with coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed by Metis, Solar Orbiter’s coronagraph. All three eruptions were also observed by instruments onboard the Solar–TErrestrial RElations Observatory (Ahead; STEREO-A), the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). Here we present an analysis of these eruptions. We investigate their morphology, direction of propagation, and 3D properties. We demonstrate the success of applying two 3D reconstruction methods to three CMEs and their corresponding prominences observed from three perspectives and different distances from the Sun. This allows us to analyze the evolution of the events, from the erupting prominences low in the corona to the corresponding CMEs high in the corona. We also study the changes in the global magnetic field before and after the eruptions and the magnetic field configuration at the site of the eruptions using magnetic field extrapolation methods. This work highlights the importance of multi-perspective observations in studying the morphology of the erupting prominences, their source regions, and associated CMEs. The upcoming Solar Orbiter observations from higher latitudes will help to constrain this kind of study better.

Coronal mass ejections↗

LABQ3: Bayesian method for quantification of mineral compositions and nano-scale elemental mapping of 3D synchrotron XCT data

Quantitative analysis of mineral compositions is essential in understanding geochemical, mineralogical and environmental processes. Fine-resolution 3D imaging is widely done using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (XCT), but existing analyses are limited to visualization and segmentation. This paper presents a new method, Linear Attenuation Bayesian Quantitative 3D-mapper (LABQ3), based on the linearity of X-ray attenuation with respect to elemental concentrations. To address the random variability in attenuation measurements, LABQ3 employs Bayesian decision theory to minimize classification error, using reference attenuation distributions from scans of pure mineral standards. To demonstrate LABQ3 and test its performance, we studied precipitated carbonate samples. XCT scans were done at multiple energies using the transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) at beamline 32-ID-C of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The reconstructed 3D images have a voxel size of 20 nm. Analyses revealed rich nano-scale compositional heterogeneity within individual particles. A mixture of calcium and cadmium produced an overall stoichiometric composition of (Ca 0.78 ,Cd 0.22 )CO 3 , with some voxels containing nearly pure CdCO 3 . The addition of zinc led to an overall stoichiometric composition of 33% Ca, 28% Cd, 39% Zn, with a nearly pure CaCO 3 core and compositional zonation through the rim. These compositional gradients are related to temporal sequences of carbonate mineral formation where Cd precipitated at the beginning in (Ca,Cd)CO 3 , while Cd and Zn precipitated at the end in (Ca, Cd,Zn)CO 3 . Results differ from bulk analyses using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), showing that LABQ3 provides particle-specific insights. LABQ3 distinguishes itself by quantifying chemical compositions along a continuum, making it different from XCT analyses based on segmentation. LABQ3 allows simultaneous acquisition of morphology and chemical composition in 3D, facilitating the interpretation of chemical gradients of trace elements, quantification of solid solution compositions, inferences about temporal sequences of mineral precipitation, and addressing other concerns about solid-phase chemistry.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

A 3D Citizen Science Video Game for NeMO-Net, the NASA Neural Multi-Modal Observation and Training Network for Global Coral Reef Assessment

NeMO-Net, the NASA neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment, is an open-source deep convolutional neural network aimed at accurately assessing the present and past dynamics of coral reef ecosystems through determination of percent living cover and morphology. We present here the active learning component of the project, which consists of an interactive video game prototype for tablet and mobile devices where players are able to intuitively label morphology classifications over mm-scale 3D coral reef imagery. Active learning applications present a novel methodology for engaging the public while efficiently providing large-scale training and test data for increasingly complex and data-intensive machine learning algorithms. NeMO-Net trains players on domain-specific knowledge through interactive tutorials and periodically checks players' input against pre-classified coral imagery to gauge their accuracy and utilize in-game mechanics to provide personalized classification training. Players can rate the classifications of other players, unlock rewards and join a global community as they explore and classify coral reefs and other shallow marine environments.

Citizen Science↗

A 3D Active Learning Application for NeMO-Net, the NASA Neural Multi-Modal Observation and Training Network for Global Coral Reef Assessment

NeMO-Net, the NASA neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment, is an open-source deep convolutional neural network and interactive active learning training software aiming to accurately assess the present and past dynamics of coral reef ecosystems through determination of percent living cover and morphology as well as mapping of spatial distribution. We present an interactive video game prototype for tablet and mobile devices where users interactively label morphology classifications over mm-scale 3D coral reef imagery captured using fluid lensing to create a dataset that will be used to train NeMO-Nets convolutional neural network. The application currently allows for users to classify preselected regions of coral in the Pacific and will be expanded to include additional regions captured using our NASA FluidCam instrument, presently the highest-resolution remote sensing benthic imaging technology capable of removing ocean wave distortion, as well as lower-resolution airborne remote sensing data from the ongoing NASA CORAL campaign. Active learning applications present a novel methodology for efficiently training large-scale Neural Networks wherein variances in identification can be rapidly mitigated against control data. NeMO-Net periodically checks users input against pre-classified coral imagery to gauge their accuracy and utilize in-game mechanics to provide classification training. Users actively communicate with a server and are requested to classify areas of coral for which other users had conflicting classifications and contribute their input to a larger database for ranking. In partnering with Mission Blue and IUCN, NeMO-Net leverages an international consortium of subject matter experts to classify areas of confusion identified by NeMO-Net and generate additional labels crucial for identifying decision boundary locations in coral reef assessment.

NeMO=NET↗

Visualizing Size-Dependent Dynamics of CeO 2-δ {100}-Supported CoO x Nanoparticles Under CO 2 Hydrogenation Conditions

Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas. In order to optimize processes focused on its chemical valorization, one needs detailed information about the effects of CO 2 and/or CO 2 /H 2 mixtures on the structure and morphology of metal/oxide catalysts. Here, in this study, the evolution of a catalyst with cobalt supported on CeO 2 -cube nanostructures under CO 2 hydrogenation conditions was investigated by using a set of in situ characterization techniques (X-ray absorption fine structure, X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, and environmental transmission electron microscopy (TEM)). The {100} facets of the ceria support displayed an unexpectedly high stability due to strong interactions with the aggregates of cobalt oxide. A significant influence of interfacial bonding between CoO x and CeO 2-δ {100} is evident through a clear preference in the orientation of CoO x nanoparticles (NPs) with respect to the substrate. For initially reduced Co/CeO 2 -cube nanostructures, a kinetically controlled oxidation of cobalt upon the introduction of CO 2 was observed during the early stages of CO 2 hydrogenation. Environmental TEM revealed the size-dependent morphological behavior of cobalt oxide NPs due to strong interactions with the CeO 2 {100} surface. When the environment was switched from H 2 to a mixture of H 2 and CO 2 at 250 °C, small CoO x NPs (in the largest dimension < 2.5 nm) rapidly transformed from a pyramidal three-dimensional (3D) form to a planar, monatomic layer attached to the concurrently oxidized CeO 2-δ {100} surface. This maximizes the number of sites available for the binding of CO 2 or reaction intermediates. The shape transformation reflected the oxophilic character of cobalt and strong metal–support interactions. The removal of CO 2 from the gas phase led to a reduction of the cobalt oxide NPs by hydrogen and a reversible two-dimensional → 3D transformation. In contrast, no significant morphological changes, apart from further oxidation, were observed for big CoO x NPs (in the largest dimension > 3 nm). These trends are not seen for nanoparticles of noble metals. The observed morphological and structural changes in the small CoO x NPs affected the stability of reaction intermediates and modified the selectivity of the CoO x /CeO 2 catalyst system for methane production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modeling Radiation-Induced Epithelial Cell Injury in Murine Three-Dimensional Esophageal Organoids

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly consequence of radiation exposure to the esophagus. ESCC arises from esophageal epithelial cells that undergo malignant transformation and features a perturbed squamous cell differentiation program. Understanding the dose- and radiation quality-dependence of the esophageal epithelium response to radiation may provide insights into the ability of radiation to promote ESCC. We have explored factors that may play a role in esophageal epithelial radiosensitivity and their potential relationship to ESCC risk. We have utilized a murine three-dimensional (3D) organoid model that recapitulates the morphology and functions of the stratified squamous epithelium of the esophagus to study persistent dose- and radiation quality-dependent changes. Interestingly, although high-linear energy transfer (LET) Fe ion exposure induced a more intense and persistent alteration of squamous differentiation and 53BP1 DNA damage foci levels as compared to Cs, the MAPK/SAPK stress pathway signaling showed similar altered levels for most phospho-proteins with both radiation qualities. In addition, the lower dose of high-LET exposure also revealed nearly the same degree of morphological changes, even though only ~36% of the cells were predicted to be hit at the lower 0.1 Gy dose, suggesting that a bystander effect may be induced. Although p38 and ERK/MAPK revealed the highest levels following high-LET exposure, the findings reveal that even a low dose (0.1 Gy) of both radiation qualities can elicit a persistent stress signaling response that may critically impact the differentiation gradient of the esophageal epithelium, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis of radiation-induced esophageal injury and early stage esophageal carcinogenesis.

3D organoid culture↗

Morphological and chemical characteristics of oxide scales formed on δ-Phase plutonium metal alloys I: 3.5 at% ga

Focused ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and three-dimensional (3D) microscopy were applied to characterize the subsurface morphological features of oxide scales formed on an ~3.5 at.% Ga plutonium (Pu) metal alloy. Using the FIB-SEM technique, a number of morphological features formed in the interior of the oxide scale from Pu metal's environmental exposure were observed and identified. Here, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was utilized to characterize the cross-sectional composition and chemistry of the oxide scale. The oxide scale formed during inert storage and operational environments has a characteristic internal scale structure that includes a relatively dense oxide layer with some lateral and transverse cracking. Generally, after subsequent exposure to dry air environment, the oxide scale retained most of the original structural and chemical characteristics. However, after aging in a moist air environment, while the oxide scale was found to maintain the chemical characteristics of the source oxide, the scale was found to be on average thinner and without the previously observed internal microcracking, likely the result of spallation of the source scale during exposure to the new environment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Morphological and chemical characteristics of oxide scales formed on δ-phase plutonium metal alloys II: 2.0 at% Ga

The focused ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and three-dimensional (3D) microscopy were applied to characterize the subsurface morphological features of oxide scales formed on an ~2.0 at. % Ga plutonium (Pu) metal alloy. Using the FIB-SEM technique, a number of morphological features formed in the interior of the oxide scale from Pu metal’s environmental exposure were observed and identified. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was utilized to characterize the cross-sectional composition and chemistry of the oxide scale. The oxide scale formed during inert storage and operational environments was found to be highly variable in thickness and morphology, presenting some regions with a thin (<400 nm), dense oxide layer and others with a thick (>2 µm) scale with substantial lateral cracking. After subsequent exposure to dry air environment, the oxide scale became thicker (~4 µm) and slightly more porous. The changes following aging in a moist air environment were observed to be more severe, with the formation of a highly porous internal structure containing significant lateral and transverse cracking. In comparison to the scale formed on an ~3.5 at. % Ga-Pu metal alloy, the oxide morphology of the lower gallium alloy investigated here exhibited greater variation in thickness and a noteworthy dependence on the presence of water vapor, particularly in terms of the internal porosity formed during growth of the oxide.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Controlled In Situ Foaming for Mechanical Responsiveness of Architected Foams

Addition of chemical blowing agents to polysiloxane resins produces foams with closed–cell morphology. Combining this chemistry with the 3D–printing technique direct ink writing (DIW) permits the creation of architected foams with controllable, hierarchical tiers of porosity. Here, using a two–component foaming ink, the extent of foaming can be controlled by incorporating an active mixing printhead as part of the fabrication process. Changes in the mixing speed allows for in situ control of the foaming reaction where the mixing speed is directly correlated with the resulting foaming that occurs upon extrusion. These architected foams display tunable mechanical responses, porosities, and open–to–closed cell ratios. While chemically blown polysiloxane foam is a well–established material, utilizing DIW as fabrication technique presents a novel approach for creating tailored, architected foams that require minimal post–processing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solution-Deposited and Patternable Conductive Polymer Thin-Film Electrodes for Microbial Bioelectronics

Microbial bioelectronic devices integrate naturally occurring or synthetically engineered electroactive microbes with microelectronics. These devices have a broad range of potential applications, but engineering the biotic–abiotic interface for biocompatibility, adhesion, electron transfer, and maximum surface area remains a challenge. Prior approaches to interface modification lack simple processability, the ability to pattern the materials, and/or a significant enhancement in currents. We report a novel conductive polymer coating that significantly enhances current densities relative to unmodified electrodes in microbial bioelectronics is reported. The coating is based on a blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) crosslinked with poly(2-hydroxyethylacrylate) (PHEA) along with a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer for adhesion to an underlying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. When used as an interface layer with the current-producing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, this material produces a 178-fold increase in the current density compared to unmodified electrodes, a current gain that is higher than previously reported thin-film 2D coatings and 3D conductive polymer coatings. The chemistry, morphology, and electronic properties of the coatings are characterized and the implementation of these coated electrodes for use in microbial fuel cells, multiplexed bioelectronic devices, and organic electrochemical transistor based microbial sensors are demonstrated. It is envisioned that this simple coating will advance the development of microbial bioelectronic devices.

patterned bioelectronics↗

Expanding NeMO-Net Machine Learning Capabilities for Citizen Science

NASA NeMO-Net, the neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment, is an open-source deep convolutional neural network and interactive active learning training software aiming to accurately assess the present and past dynamics of coral reef ecosystems through determination of percent living cover and morphology as well as mapping of spatial distribution. We present an interactive citizen science video game, released this April, for desktop and iOS devices where users interactively label morphology classifications over mm-scale 3D coral reef imagery captured using diver photomosaic imagery, the UAV enabled NASA FluidCam instrument, and satellite datasets. To date, the application has had over 40,000 downloads and over 60,000 unique coral reef classifications, each filtered through a user-based rating and expert evaluation system. We also present results from NeMO-Net’s convolutional neural network (CNN) models used to semantically segment 2D satellite imagery as well as projections of 3D coral reconstructions using user input data as training datasets. Fusing datasets using machine learning from multiple remote sensing platforms presents novel methodologies for assessing the health of coral ecosystems, which are critically endangered by a changing climate. In partnering with Mission Blue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Living Oceans Foundation (LOF), NeMO-Net leverages an international consortium of subject matter experts to provide both proper training for citizen scientists and the generation of a labeled datasets to ingest into machine learning algorithms for global coral reef identification.

NeMO-Net↗

Expanding NeMO-Net Machine Learning Capabilities for Citizen Science

NASA NeMO-Net, the neural multi-modal observation and training network for global coral reef assessment, is an open-source deep convolutional neural network and interactive active learning training software aiming to accurately assess the present and past dynamics of coral reef ecosystems through determination of percent living cover and morphology as well as mapping of spatial distribution. We present an interactive citizen science video game, released this April, for desktop and iOS devices where users interactively label morphology classifications over mm-scale 3D coral reef imagery captured using diver photomosaic imagery, the UAV enabled NASA FluidCam instrument, and satellite datasets. To date, the application has had over 40,000 downloads and over60,000 unique coral reef classifications, each filtered through a user-based rating and expert evaluation system. We also present results from NeMO-Net’s convolutional neural network (CNN) models used to semantically segment 2D satellite imagery as well as projections of 3D coral reconstructions using user input data as training datasets. Fusing datasets using machine learning from multiple remote sensing platforms presents novel methodologies for assessing the health of coral ecosystems, which are critically endangered by a changing climate. In partnering with Mission Blue, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Living Oceans Foundation (LOF), NeMO-Net leverages an international consortium of subject matter experts to provide both proper training for citizen scientists and the generation of a labeled datasets to ingest into machine learning algorithms for global coral reef identification.

NeMO-Net↗

Effects of Simulated Microgravity and LINC-Complex on Chromosome 8 of Human Mammary Cells

Previously, human breast epithelial cells were studied under simulated microgravity to determine the role of the LINC-complex in maintaining nuclear morphology and gene expression. Data from that study was used in this project to understand how the LINC-complex influences gene expression at chromosome 8 under simulated microgravity. Differentially expressed genes found in clusters typically indicate a molecular relationship amongst them. Visual and data analyses (GO, pathways) identified 51 genes within clusters on chromosome 8 across various simulated microgravity conditions that did not share any molecular relationship. Additional results also determined that cells with a disrupted LINC-complex experienced more differential gene expression than the control, and that extended periods of simulated microgravity exacerbated differential gene expression in chromosome 8 of LINC-disrupted cells. These results suggest that the stressful simulated microgravity environment coupled with disrupted biological processes, such as in the case of the LINC-complex, can increase differential gene expression in chromosomes. Future studies where additional analyses are performed to further analyze gene expression of clusters under simulated microgravity could potentially elucidate the molecular relationship amongst affected genes.

Simulated microgravity↗

Rapid macrovoid characterization in membranes prepared via nonsolvent-induced phase separation: A comparison between 2D and 3D techniques

Optimizing the performance of asymmetric membranes prepared via nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) requires a quantitative understanding of how processing variables influence membrane morphology. Presently, the most useful structural quantification techniques require 3D visualization of the membrane structure and are best suited for studies seeking detailed information on small datasets. This study proposes and validates a rapid and accurate technique for quantifying macroporosity (i.e., D m ), a simple descriptor of sublayer macrovoid content in asymmetric membranes D m . values measured from segmented cross-sectional imaging performed via X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are presented and compared for three asymmetric membranes prepared from commercial polymers. Importantly, analyses of 3D XCT membrane reconstructions reveal that D m is described by a single, centralized mean, which demonstrates that macrovoid content is spatially homogenous. Thus, D m can be approximated from limited sampling of the 2D cross-sectional membrane structure via SEM. A proposed 2D SEM sampling method provides D m estimates within ±6% of corresponding 3D XCT values with 30 independent measurements for the three membranes. Further sensitivity is achieved using complementary descriptors such as macrovoid count density (i.e., C m ). This technique is thus a useful tool for characterizing macroporosity from a broad selection of membrane samples.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗