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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Bendable disordered metamaterials for broadband terahertz invisibility

We experimentally demonstrate a bendable cloaking structure composed of obliquely stacked planar metallic shells that individually enclose the objects to be hidden. The ensemble of shells acts as a disordered oblique grating capable of bending along a curved structure and exhibits broadband invisibility from 0.2 to 1.0 THz. Hiding cloaked objects sized hundreds of microns could prevent the detection of certain powders that are sensitive to terahertz waves; such a cloaking structure can also be considered as a shape-changing passageway that transfers the electromagnetic waves without interfering with them. Our approach provides a unique way to achieve broadband electromagnetic invisibility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

3D, Real-time Label-free Visualization of Cellular Health

This work directly addresses a key question raised in TA7, Topic L1 of HDTRA1-16-24-FRCWMDCall, “Can quantum level changes be detected, mapped, and understood in the biological environment to allow faster diagnostic responses?” This work will use the inherently sensitive quantum property of a molecular excited state lifetime to visualize and map discrete, subtle nanometer-scale changes (e.g. NADPH vs NADH) that are key indicators of cellular health in response to chemical and biological threats and MCMs. It will also develop and exploit new, fast imaging light-sheet methods to allow faster diagnostic responses. This new imaging system will exploit time-correlated single photon counting and new advances in single-objective light-sheet microscopy (oblique plane microscopy) for fast, quantitative analysis of cellular redox state. We will add an entirely new dimension (excited state fluorescence lifetime) to oblique plane microscopy—a method that even without this added dimension was labeled by Nature Methods in 2021 as a ‘Method to Watch.’ Following instrument development and validation, we will explore cellular response to Burkholderia infections and antibiotic treatment in immortal cell lines followed by expansion to more realistic cellular environments (such as neuro-muscular junctions, NMJs) to test nerve agent simulants and their MCMs. As a microscopy platform, these methods hold the promise of being able to visualize a single infected cell (or a cellular compartment) and MCM treatment well before a larger and later organ/organism response.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

Topological Model of the Pseudogap State: Experimental Signatures

We summarize the basic ideas of our topological model of the pseudogap state of high temperature superconductors (HTS) as a condensate of charged magnetic monopoles, with a focus on new experimental signatures. These include the surface quantum Hall effect, the generation of electric fields when applying magnetic fields by the oblique Meissner effect, and the generation of circular electric fields surrounding electric currents by the oblique Ampère law.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Youngest Planet to Have a Spin-Orbit Alignment Measurement AU Mic b

We report measurements of the sky-projected spin–orbit angle for AU Mic b, a Neptune-size planet orbiting a very young (∼20 Myr) nearby pre-main-sequence M-dwarf star, which also hosts a bright, edge-on, debris disk. The planet was recently discovered from preliminary analysis of radial-velocity observations and confirmed to be transiting its host star from photometric data from the NASA’s TESS mission. We obtained radial-velocity measurements of AU Mic over the course of two partially observable transits and one full transit of planet b from high-resolution spectroscopic observations made with the Minerva-Australis telescope array. Only a marginal detection of the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect signal was obtained from the radial velocities, in part due to AU Mic being an extremely active star and the lack of full transit coverage plus sufficient out-of-transit baseline. As such, a precise determination of the obliquity for AU Mic b is not possible in this study and we find a sky-projected spin–orbit angle of λ=47{sub −54}{sup +26°}. This result is consistent with both the planet’s orbit being aligned or highly misaligned with the spin axis of its host star. Our measurement independently agrees with, but is far less precise than observations carried out on other instruments around the same time that measure a low-obliquity orbit for the planet. AU Mic is the youngest exoplanetary system for which the projected spin–orbit angle has been measured, making it a key data point in the study of the formation and migration of exoplanets—particularly given that the system is also host to a bright debris disk.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Plasma Dynamics and Nonthermal Particle Acceleration in 3D Nonrelativistic Magnetic Reconnection

Understanding plasma dynamics and nonthermal particle acceleration in 3D magnetic reconnection has been a long-standing challenge. In this paper, we explore these problems by performing large-scale fully kinetic simulations of multi-X-line plasmoid reconnection with various parameters in both the weak- and strong-guide-field regimes. In each regime, we have identified its unique 3D dynamics that lead to field-line chaos and efficient acceleration, and we have achieved nonthermal acceleration of both electrons and protons into power-law spectra. The spectral indices agree well with a simple Fermi acceleration theory that includes guide-field dependence. In the low-guide-field regime, the flux rope kink instability governs the 3D dynamics for efficient acceleration. The weak dependence of the spectra on the ion-to-electron mass ratio and β ($\ll$1) implies that the particles are sufficiently magnetized for Fermi acceleration in our simulations. While both electrons and protons are injected at reconnection exhausts, protons are primarily injected by perpendicular electric fields through Fermi reflections and electrons are injected by a combination of perpendicular and parallel electric fields. The magnetic power spectra agree with in situ magnetotail observations, and the spectral index may reflect a reconnection-driven size distribution of plasmoids instead of the Goldreich–Sridhar vortex cascade. As the guide field becomes stronger, the oblique flux ropes of large sizes capture the main 3D dynamics for efficient acceleration. Intriguingly, the oblique flux ropes can also experience flux rope kink instability, to drive extra 3D dynamics. This work has broad implications for 3D reconnection dynamics and particle acceleration in heliophysics and astrophysics.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Rotational mechanical gas separator

The invention provides a system for removing target moieties from gas streams, the system comprising a supersonic expander coaxially positioned within an array of oblique shock inducers. Also provided is a method for removing target moieties from gas streams, the method comprising simultaneously subjecting the streams to supersonic expansion and oblique shock compression.

VanOsdol, John G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lattice Symmetry-Guided Charge Transport in 2D Supramolecular Polymers Promotes Triplet Formation

Singlet-to-triplet intersystem crossing (ISC) in organic molecules is intimately connected with their geometries: by modifying the molecular shape, symmetry selection rules pertaining to spin-orbit coupling can be partially relieved, leading to extra matrix elements for increased ISC. As an analog to this molecular design concept, the study finds that the lattice symmetry of supramolecular polymers also defines their triplet formation efficiencies. A supramolecular polymer self-assembled from weakly interacting molecules is considered. Its 2D oblique unit cell effectively renders it as a coplanar array of 1D molecular columns weakly bound to each other. Using momentum-resolved photoluminescence imaging in combination with Monte Carlo simulations, the study found that photogenerated charge carriers in the supramolecular polymer predominantly recombine as spin-uncorrelated carrier pairs through inter-column charge transfer states. This lattice-defined recombination pathway leads to a substantial triplet formation efficiency (≈60%) in the supramolecular polymer. These findings suggest that lattice symmetry of micro-/macroscopic structures relying on intermolecular interactions can be strategized for controlled triplet formation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Anomalies in global SMEFT analyses. A case study of first-row CKM unitarity

Recent developments in the Standard Model analysis of semileptonic charged-current processes involving light quarks have revealed ~ 3σ tensions in Cabibbo universality tests involving meson, neutron, and nuclear beta decays. In this paper, we explore beyond the Standard Model explanations of this so-called Cabibbo Angle Anomaly in the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), including not only low-energy charged current processes (‘L’), but also electroweak precision observables (‘EW’) and Drell-Yan collider processes (‘C’) that probe the same underlying physics across a broad range of energy scales. The resulting ‘CLEW’ framework not only allows one to test explanations of the Cabibbo Angle Anomaly, but is set up to provide near model-independent analyses with minimal assumptions on the flavor structure of the SMEFT operators. Besides the global analysis, we consider a large number of simpler scenarios, each with a subset of SMEFT operators, and investigate how much they improve upon the Standard Model fit. We find that the most favored scenarios, as judged by the Akaike Information Criterion, are those that involve right-handed charged currents. Additional interactions, namely oblique operators, terms modifying the Fermi constant, and operators involving right-handed neutral currents, play a role if the CDF determination of the W mass is included in the analysis.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

On the implications of positive W mass shift

We investigate the phenomenological implications of the recent W mass measurement by the CDF collaboration, which exhibits tension with the standard model (SM) electroweak fit. Performing the fit to the electroweak observables within the SM effective field theory, we find that the new physics that contributes either to the determination of the electroweak vacuum expectation value, or to the oblique parameters, can improve the agreement with data. The best description is obtained from a fit where flavor universality is not required in the new physics operators, with 2 to 3 σ indications for several nonzero Wilson coefficients. We point out that top partners with order TeV masses could lead to the observed shift in the W mass.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2022

Search for new physics in the lepton plus missing transverse momentum final state in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} =$ 13 TeV

A search for physics beyond the standard model (SM) in final states with an electron or muon and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis uses data from proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016–2018 and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb−1. No significant deviation from the SM prediction is observed. Model-independent limits are set on the production cross section of W’ bosons decaying into lepton-plus-neutrino final states. Within the framework of the sequential standard model, with the combined results from the electron and muon decay channels a W’ boson with mass less than 5.7 TeV is excluded at 95% confidence level. Results on a SM precision test, the determination of the oblique electroweak W parameter, are presented using LHC data for the first time. These results together with those from the direct W’ resonance search are used to extend existing constraints on composite Higgs scenarios. This is the first experimental exclusion on compositeness parameters using results from LHC data other than Higgs boson measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Precision electroweak tensions and a dark photon

We examine how different assumptions about the hadronic vacuum polarization, the W boson mass, and the forward-backward asymmetry in b-quarks at the Z pole can impact the precision electroweak fit. We study the implications for a kinetically mixed dark photon, addressing the complementarity of precision bounds and direct searches, particularly in the case where the dark photon can decay into the dark sector, and we consider implications for future Large Hadron Collider searches. We comment on cases where the precision effects of the dark photon may not be well-described by the oblique parameters.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Embedding ceramic components in metal structures with hybrid directed energy deposition

The combined benefit of both additive and subtractive manufacturing within the same gantry system enables hybrid directed energy deposition to create complex geometries with smooth surface finish and superior dimensional accuracy. Moreover, with layer-by-layer access to the structure during both the addition and subtraction of material, the insertion of components is now possible, assuming the components can survive the high temperatures associated with the subsequent metal deposition. Ceramic inserts are of interest for a variety of reasons including (1) to create complex interwoven ductile/brittle composites for ballistics or high-temperature applications or (2) to integrate high-temperature strain or temperature sensors protected within ceramic substrate subsumed into a larger metal structure. Here, in this work, stainless steel substrates were machined to create an internal cavity for the insertion of a ceramic component. During the investigation of several different over-the-ceramic deposition strategies, components were inserted, and different process sequences were allowed to continue to envelop the inserted ceramic with varying success. Unmelted powder was used to serve both as a thermal buffer and to provide a flush surface upon which the laser cladding could continue. Subsequent depositions were attempted with both dry and wet powder (addition of machining coolant to wet). The wet powder has previously been demonstrated to not significantly impact the mechanical properties of a final structure and provided a thermal barrier to protect the ceramic piece from the extreme temperatures of the final metal deposition. The wetting of the powder provided stability and minimized displacement caused by the powder flow from the laser cladding head. Finally, the use of an oblique angle for laser cladding allowed for the redirection of some fraction of the introduced thermal energy away from the ceramic component and, consequently, improved the survival of the ceramic inserts. With this combination of techniques, ceramic inserts survived full embedding within a 3D-printed stainless steel structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Non-close-packed plasmonic Bravais lattices through a fluid interface-assisted colloidal assembly and transfer process

Abstract The assembly of colloids at fluid interfaces followed by their transfer to solid substrates represents a robust bottom-up strategy for creating colloidal monolayers over large, macroscopic areas. In this study, we showcase how subtle adjustments in the transfer process, such as varying the contact angle of the substrate and controlling deposition speed and direction, enable the realization of all five two-dimensional Bravais lattices. Leveraging plasmonic core–shell microgels as the building blocks, we successfully engineered non-close-packed plasmonic lattices exhibiting hexagonal, square, rectangular, centered rectangular, and oblique symmetries. Beyond characterizing the monolayer structures and their long-range order, we employed extinction spectroscopy alongside finite difference time domain simulations to comprehensively investigate and interpret the plasmonic response of these monolayers. Additionally, we probed the influence of the refractive index environment on the plasmonic properties by two methods: first, by plasma treatment to remove the microgel shells, and second, by overcoating the resulting gold nanoparticle lattices with a homogeneous refractive index polymer film. Graphical Abstract

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

Intermediate Principal Stress Effects on the 3D Cracking Behavior of Flawed Rocks Under True Triaxial Compression

Crack initiation, growth, and coalescence in flawed rocks have been extensively studied for 2D (planar, penetrating) flaws under uniaxial/biaxial compression. However, little is known as to the mechanisms and processes of cracking from 3D flaws under true triaxial compression, where the intermediate principal stress (σ 2 ) is distinguished from the major and minor principal stresses. In this work, we systematically investigate the effects of σ 2 on the 3D cracking behavior of rock specimens with preexisting flaws, through the use of mechanistic simulations of mixed-mode fracture in rocks. We explore how two characteristics of σ 2 , namely, (i) its orientation with respect to the flaw and (ii) its magnitude, affect two aspects of the cracking behavior, namely, (i) the cracking pattern and (ii) the peak stress. Results show that the orientation of σ 2 exerts more control over the cracking pattern than the flaw inclination angle. The peak stress becomes highest when σ 1 is parallel to the flaw, whereas it becomes lowest when σ 2 is parallel to the flaw. Also, the effects of σ 2 magnitude are more significant when σ 2 becomes more oblique to the flaw plane. On the basis of our observations, we propose mechanisms underlying the cracking behavior of 3D flawed rocks under true triaxial compression.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

A New Proof That the Number of Linear Elastic Symmetries in Two Dimensions Is Four

In this work, we present an elementary and self-contained proof that there are exactly four symmetry classes of the elasticity tensor in two dimensions: oblique, rectangular, square, and isotropic. In two dimensions, orthogonal transformations are either reflections or rotations. The proof is based on identification of constraints imposed by reflections and rotations on the elasticity tensor, and it simply employs elementary tools from trigonometry, making the proof accessible to a broad audience. For completeness, we identify the sets of transformations (rotations and reflections) for each symmetry class and report the corresponding equations of motions in classical linear elasticity.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

CoolPINNs: A physics-informed neural network modeling of active cooling in vascular systems

Emerging technologies like hypersonic aircraft, space exploration vehicles, and batteries avail fluid circulation in embedded microvasculatures for efficient thermal regulation. Modeling is vital during the design and operational phases of these engineered systems. However, many challenges exist in developing a modeling framework. What is lacking is an accurate framework that (i) captures sharp jumps in the thermal flux across complex vasculature layouts, (ii) deals with oblique derivatives (involving tangential and normal components), (iii) handles nonlinearity because of radiative heat transfer, (iv) provides a high-speed forecast for real-time monitoring, and (v) facilitates robust inverse modeling. Here, this paper addresses these challenges by availing the power of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). We develop a fast, reliable, and accurate Scientific Machine Learning (SciML) framework for vascular-based thermal regulation—called CoolPINNs: a PINNs-based modeling framework for active cooling. The proposed mesh-less framework elegantly overcomes all the mentioned challenges. The significance of the reported research is multi-fold. First, the framework is valuable for real-time monitoring of thermal regulatory systems because of rapid forecasting. Second, researchers can address complex thermoregulation designs since the approach is meshless. Finally, the framework facilitates systematic parameter identification and inverse modeling studies, perhaps the most significant utility of the current framework.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Analyzing LF/VLF Lightning Waveforms to Estimate D-region Electron Density Profiles

Lightning waveforms in the low frequency (LF; 30-300 kHz) and the very low frequency (VLF; 3-30 kHz) bands can be exploited to produce data-driven ionospheric D-region electron density profile (EDP) estimates with significantly higher spatial and temporal coverage than previously available. The lightning waveforms used in this paper are signals detected in the LF/VLF of negative cloud-to-ground lightning by the Earth Networks Total Lightning Detection Network. Each waveform contains a ground wave and a time-delayed ionospheric reflection. The time delay between the ground wave and ionospheric reflection has previously been used to estimate a single specular reflection altitude, where LF/VLF emissions are reflected by the ionosphere. Here, we expand upon previous methods to include filtering and spectral analysis, and account for oblique propagation to produce higher-order estimates for reflection altitudes and corresponding electron densities. Once estimated, reflection altitudes and corresponding electron densities can be used to derive parameters β and h’, which define an EDP for the D-region. In this study, the lightning waveform (LW) analysis is demonstrated using a single representative 24-hour dataset over the Southeast United States, and then extended to a total of 10 separate datasets with varying locations and ionospheric conditions. The LW-derived D-region EDPs are in agreement with predictions made by the Faraday International Reference Ionosphere model, and the LW EDPs β and h’ values are consistent with previous LF/VLF-derived estimates.

D-region ionosphere↗
DOE OSTI2020

Molecular dynamics study on interface formation and bond strength of impact-welded Mg-steel joints

It was recently demonstrated that the vaporizing foil actuator welding (VFAW) method can directly join immiscible magnesium and steel alloys without coating or a third chemical element based intermetallic compound layer. The VFAW Mg/steel joint exhibits a mixed interface layer of up to 200μm thickness consisting of Mg matrix and Fe particles. Computer simulations have suggested the formation of the interlayer is from the high-velocity frictional shearing between the Mg/steel substrates during the oblique impact in the VFAW process. This paper investigates the formation of Mg-Fe interlayer under VFAW condition with different shearing velocities using molecular dynamics (MD) model, and studies the bonding strength under different scenarios. Finally, the results elucidate the critical role of shearing velocity and surface roughness in achieving Mg/Fe joint.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗