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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

Multiple Layer Identification Label Using Stacked Identification Symbols

An automatic identification system and method are provided which employ a machine readable multiple layer label. The label has a plurality of machine readable marking layers stacked one upon another. Each of the marking layers encodes an identification symbol detectable using one or more sensing technologies. The various marking layers may comprise the same marking material or each marking layer may comprise a different medium having characteristics detectable by a different sensing technology. These sensing technologies include x-ray, radar, capacitance, thermal, magnetic and ultrasonic. A complete symbol may be encoded within each marking layer or a symbol may be segmented into fragments which are then divided within a single marking layer or encoded across multiple marking layers.

Harry F Schramm↗

Multiple layer identification label using stacked identification symbols

An automatic identification system and method are provided which employ a machine readable multiple layer label. The label has a plurality of machine readable marking layers stacked one upon another. Each of the marking layers encodes an identification symbol detectable using one or more sensing technologies. The various marking layers may comprise the same marking material or each marking layer may comprise a different medium having characteristics detectable by a different sensing technology. These sensing technologies include x-ray, radar, capacitance, thermal, magnetic and ultrasonic. A complete symbol may be encoded within each marking layer or a symbol may be segmented into fragments which are then divided within a single marking layer or encoded across multiple marking layers.

Schramm, Harry F.↗

Methods for Incorporating Model Uncertainty into Exoplanet Atmospheric Analysis

A key goal of exoplanet spectroscopy is to measure atmospheric properties, such as abundances of chemical species, in order to connect them to our understanding of atmospheric physics and planet formation. In this new era of high-quality JWST data, it is paramount that these measurement methods are robust. When comparing atmospheric models to observations, multiple candidate models may produce reasonable fits to the data. Typically, conclusions are reached by selecting the best-performing model according to some metric. This ignores model uncertainty in favor of specific model assumptions, potentially leading to measured atmospheric properties that are overconfident and/or incorrect. In this paper, we compare three ensemble methods for addressing model uncertainty by combining posterior distributions from multiple analyses: Bayesian model averaging, a variant of Bayesian model averaging using leave-one-out predictive densities, and stacking of predictive distributions. We demonstrate these methods by fitting the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) + Spitzer transmission spectrum of the hot Jupiter HD 209458b using models with different cloud and haze prescriptions. All of our ensemble methods lead to uncertainties on retrieved parameters that are larger but more realistic and consistent with physical and chemical expectations. Since they have not typically accounted for model uncertainty, uncertainties of retrieved parameters from HST spectra have likely been underreported. We recommend stacking as the most robust model combination method. Our methods can be used to combine results from independent retrieval codes and from different models within one code. They are also widely applicable to other exoplanet analysis processes, such as combining results from different data reductions.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Microbial community diversity changes during voltage reversal repair in a 12-unit microbial fuel cell

Microbial fuel cell stacks (MFC-Stack) are often confronted with voltage reversals, likely due to an interplay between microbial community dynamics and insufficient electric circuit balancing. Herein, we provide new insight into voltage reversals by examining the microbiomes of twelve MFC units of a 12-liter Pilot-MFC-Stack during repair. Different biofilm repair methods (self-healing, electrostimulation, and re-acclimatization upon cross-inoculation) were used to evaluate the microbial community response. In addition, MFC-Stack simulation was performed based on Kirchhoff’s Second Law to predict values for source potentials and post-evaluate internal resistances. Analysis of the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing data suggests that the biofilm repair methods could slowly heal damaged biofilms. Notably, severely voltage reversed MFC units had low electrogen relative abundances (18%) and positive anode potentials, while strong bioanodes and contained more than 50% electrogens and had negative anode potentials. Between-community analyses (beta diversity ordination and multinomial regression) of the voltage reversed MFC units revealed differences among biofilms in contrast to healthy/strong MFC units. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed that reversed biofilms were, indeed, significantly (p < 0.05) different from stronger ones. Overall, these analyses demonstrated the utility of combining electrotechnical and microbial community analyses, especially beta diversity ordination and multinomial regression, to understand problematic MFC units and the potential success of a biofilm repair method. Finally, thicker biofilms were usually healthier and stronger, although thickness was no guarantee for proper structure and power function as all factors were interdependent. There was an evolutionary trend that strong anodes became stronger/healthier and others weaker. This spontaneous trend has to be considered to avoid irreversible voltage reversals and to repair electrogenic biofilms in an MFC-Stack.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Evaluation of SR/ TEVA/ TRU triple stack for separation of activation products

A rapid method to separate Ta, Po, Au, Pt, and W from a sample containing mixed fission and activation products was developed using three commercially available extraction chromatography resins stacked in series. When the separation was tested using all the target activation products, even those with short half-lives were measurable. Finally, combining multiple extraction chromatography resin cartridges in tandem allows for multiple short-lived activation products to be separated from one sample addition without the complication of multiple steps.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

PVwindow (Photovoltaic Window Simulator) [SWR-22-01]

PVwindow simulates photovoltaic window properties by allowing the user build stacks of thin film materials that compose the window layers. The only needed inputs are the complex refractive indices and thicknesses of the materials. The software will simulate the optical transmission, front reflection, and back reflection of the stack using the transfer matrix method. Properties specific to PV window optics such as visible transmittance and color are also calculated. The optics code extracts the number of absorbed photons in the PV absorber layer and solves the single diode equation to yield theoretical photovoltaic metrics such as power conversion efficiency, fill factor, open circuit voltage, and short circuit current of the PV window when illuminated at an arbitrary angle or from either side of the stack. The software tool ultimately allows researchers to design photovoltaic windows and simulate their properties. The software also exports files that can be read into LBL Window software or into the EnergyPlus and Open Studio building energy modeling software to determine larger scale energy impacts of PV window integration.

Wheeler, Lance↗

Optical reflectance imaging reveals interlayer coupling in mechanically stacked MoS 2 and WS 2 bilayers

Optical reflectance imaging is a popular technique for characterizing 2D materials, thanks to its simplicity and speed of data acquisition. The use of this method for studying interlayer phenomena in stacked 2D layers has, however, remained limited. Here we demonstrate that optical imaging can reveal the nature of interlayer coupling in stacked MoS 2 and WS 2 bilayers through their observed reflectance contrast versus the substrate. Successful determination of interlayer coupling requires co-optimization of the illumination wavelength and the thickness of an underlying SiO 2 film. Our observations are supported by multilayer optical calculations together with an analysis of the effect of any interlayer gap. This approach promises quick characterization of constructed 2D material systems.

Nguyen, Vu↗

Building Battery Energy Storage System Performance Data into an Economic Assessment

Economic assessments of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) rely on optimal dispatch methods to capture temporal interdependency of BESS operations and coupling among different grid applications. Many existing BESS economic assessment studies are based on a simplified first-order scalar model using BESS nameplate numbers. Such a method cannot accurately capture varying capabilities and nonlinear dynamics of a BESS, leading to inaccurate assessment results. This paper presents a practical implementation of performance data into the economic assessment of the BESSs recently developed within the Snohomish Public Utility District system in Washington State. Extensive testing conducted over multiple seasons is used to assess the technical performance and develop high-fidelity models of the BESSs. A dynamic programming algorithm is proposed to optimally dispatch the BESSs and assess the potential benefits from stacked value streams. The proposed method can be adapted for the economic assessment of other BESSs with different applications.

Wu, Di↗

Effects of Endwall Geometry and Stacking on Two-Stage Supersonic Turbine Performance

Two methods are commonly used to control the secondary/separated flows (and associated losses) in supersonic turbines: endwall contouring and airfoil stacking. In the current investigation the flow path between the first-stage vanes and rotors, and the stacking of the first-stage vanes were varied in an effort to improve turbine performance. The geometric variations have been studied by performing a series of unsteady three-dimensional numerical simulations for the two-stage turbine.

Dorney, Daniel J.↗

Distribution of mica polytypes among space groups.

All the possible space groups for mica polytypes are deduced by making use of the characteristics of the mica unit layer and stacking mode. The algebraic properties of the vector-stacking symbol of Ross et al. (1966) are examined, and a simple algorithm for deducing the space group from this symbol is presented. A method considered for enumerating all possible stacking sequences of mica polytypes makes use of a computer.

Takeda, H.↗

Identifying Strain Stacking Boundaries between Multiphase Domains in Atomically Thin Two-Dimensional Magnets

Stacking engineering of van der Waals materials is an important strategy to control the materials’ properties, such as electronic correlations, ferroelectricity, and layer-dependent two-dimensional magnetism. A timely testbed for the study of the latter is atomically thin chromium trihalides (CrX 3 , X = Cl, Br, I). Notably, by understanding the sliding mechanism between different stacking sequences, control of the stacking arrangement, and thus magnetic properties in CrX 3 , can be achieved. Such insight, however, is currently lacking. Here, in this study, advanced electron microscopy methods are used to identify multiple stacking sequences corresponding to different bulk phases in atomically thin CrX 3 (X = Cl and Br) down to bilayer thickness and with lateral domain sizes as small as tens of nanometers. Indications of nanometer scale transitions and interactions at the stacking boundaries are found, including a universally preferred sliding direction that is consistent with density functional theory calculations and the strain fields at lateral heterostructure boundaries. This study demonstrates the necessity to consider local stacking structures when interpreting averaged magnetic properties measured with macroscale probes. Additionally, the preferred sliding direction insight from this study provides a strategy to control stacking sequence in atomically thin CrX 3 samples during the exfoliation and sample fabrication process.

DFT calculations↗

Engineering chirality at wafer scale with ordered carbon nanotube architectures

Creating artificial matter with controllable chirality in a simple and scalable manner brings new opportunities to diverse areas. Here we show two such methods based on controlled vacuum filtration - twist stacking and mechanical rotation - for fabricating wafer-scale chiral architectures of ordered carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with tunable and large circular dichroism (CD). By controlling the stacking angle and handedness in the twist-stacking approach, we maximize the CD response and achieve a high deep-ultraviolet ellipticity of 40 ± 1 mdeg nm -1 . Our theoretical simulations using the transfer matrix method reproduce the experimentally observed CD spectra and further predict that an optimized film of twist-stacked CNTs can exhibit an ellipticity as high as 150 mdeg nm -1 , corresponding to a g factor of 0.22. Furthermore, the mechanical rotation method not only accelerates the fabrication of twisted structures but also produces both chiralities simultaneously in a single sample, in a single run, and in a controllable manner. The created wafer-scale objects represent an alternative type of synthetic chiral matter consisting of ordered quantum wires whose macroscopic properties are governed by nanoscopic electronic signatures and can be used to explore chiral phenomena and develop chiral photonic and optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tensor-based flow reconstruction from optimally located sensor measurements

Reconstructing high-resolution flow fields from sparse measurements is a major challenge in fluid dynamics. Existing methods often vectorize the flow by stacking different spatial directions on top of each other, hence confounding the information encoded in different dimensions. Here, we introduce a tensor-based sensor placement and flow reconstruction method which retains and exploits the inherent multidimensionality of the flow. We derive estimates for the flow reconstruction error, storage requirements and computational cost of our method. We show, with examples, that our tensor-based method is significantly more accurate than similar vectorized methods. Furthermore, the variance of the error is smaller when using our tensor-based method. While the computational cost of our method is comparable to similar vectorized methods, it reduces the storage cost by several orders of magnitude. The reduced storage cost becomes even more pronounced as the dimension of the flow increases. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method on three examples: a chaotic Kolmogorov flow, in situ and satellite measurements of the global sea surface temperature and three-dimensional unsteady simulated flow around a marine research vessel.

Mechanics↗

From Inside Out: How the Buried Interface, Shell Defects, and Surface Chemistry Conspire to Determine Optical Performance in Nonblinking Giant Quantum Dots

“Giant” or core/thick‐shell quantum dots (gQDs) are an important class of solid‐state quantum emitter characterized by strongly suppressed blinking and photobleaching under ambient conditions, and reduced nonradiative Auger processes. Together, these qualities provide distinguishing and useful functionality as single‐ and ensemble‐photon sources. For many applications, operation at elevated temperatures and under intense photon flux is desired, but performance is strongly dependent on the synthetic method employed for thick‐shell growth. Here, a comprehensive analysis of gQD structural properties “from the inside out” as a function of shell‐growth method is reported: successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and high‐temperature continuous injection (HT‐CI), or sequential combinations of the two. Key correlations across synthesis methods, structural features (interfacial alloying, stacking‐fault density and surface‐ligand identity), and performance metrics (quantum yield, single‐gQD photoluminescence under thermal/photo stress, charging behavior and quantum‐optical properties) are identified. Surprisingly, it is found that interfacial alloying is the strongest indicator of gQD stability under stress, but this parameter is not the determining factor for Auger suppression. Furthermore, quantum yield is strongly influenced by surface chemistry and can approach unity even in the case of high shell‐defect density, while introduction of zinc‐blende stacking faults increases the likelihood that a gQD exhibits charged‐state emission.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

The Role of Interfacial Thermal Resistance in Li-Ion Battery Thermal Management: Preprint

Temperature critically affects the performance, life and safety of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, it is essential to understand heat generation and dissipation within individual battery cells and battery packs to plan a proper thermal management strategy. One of the key challenges is that interfacial heat transfer of a battery unit is difficult to quantify. The steady-state absolute method and the transient laser-flash-diffusivity method were employed to measure heat conductivities of battery layer stacks and individual battery layer separately. Results show flash diffusivity method gives higher thermal conductivity at both cross-plane and in-plane directions. The difference is primarily caused by interfacial thermal resistance so that it can be estimated by steady-state and transient measurements. To investigate the effects of interfacial thermal transport beyond individual cell level, a multiphysics battery model is used. The model is built upon a multi-scale multi-domain modeling framework for battery packs that accounts for the interplay across multiple physical phenomena. Benefits of a battery module using thermal management materials are quantified through numerical experiments. During a thermal runaway event, it is found interfacial thermal resistance can mitigate thermal runaway in a battery module by significantly reducing heat transfer between cells.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Results of the 2018 Wood Stove Design Challenge

The 2018 Wood Stove Design Challenge was an international design competition which sought to identify top performing residential wood stoves based on automation. To prepare for the event, the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) developed a testing protocol that challenged the stoves by testing them in more field-like conditions—capturing emissions from start-up, reloading a stove, and the use of larger piece sizes. Flue gas emissions were measured using a combination of in-stack and novel dilution sampling methods, as the event occurred on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in a non-laboratory setting. Particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) were measured from three stoves in real-time. A combustion efficiency was also calculated for each stove in real-time. Measured PM emission rates ranged between 1.8 and 8.0 g/hr for all stoves and operating conditions, with the highest emissions being measured during cold start in all cases. The test average PM emission rates were 2.4, 4.0, and 2.4 g/hr for stoves A, B, and C, respectively. Results showed emissions measured during transient operations, which are often excluded in current certification methods, can be significantly higher than steady-state periods—echoing other studies and highlighting the importance of testing in various operational modes for more realistic emission estimates. Additionally, the stoves had overall CO emission rates of 48.8, 284.8, and 100.8 g/hr, for stoves A, B and C, respectively. Calculated PM and CO emission factors overall were low considering the testing protocol sought to follow more challenging yet realistic practices in terms of fuel loading and operating procedures. The overall estimated combustion efficiency for stoves A, B, and C was 85%, 78%, 76%, respectively and in all cases was lowest during the cold start period.This report details the successfully proposed and assembled instrumentation that was relatively portable for field-site testing and the results of the emissions measurements for the 2018 Wood Stove Design Challenge competition. Overall, the repeatability of each stove was favorable with coefficients of variation (COV) ranging from 7 to 15% for measured PM concentrations.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Mode Profiles in Waveguide-Coupled Resonators

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) waveguide-coupled resonators are of considerable interest for narrow-band filter applications, though to date there has been very little published on the acoustic details of their operation. As in any resonator, one must fully understand its mode structure and herein we study the SAW mode profiles in these devices. Transverse mode profiles in the resonant cavity of the device were measured at various frequencies of interest using a knife-edge laser probe. In addition we predict the mode profiles for the device structure by two independent methods. One is a stack-matrix approach adapted from integrated optics and the other is a conventional analytical eigenmode analysis of the Helmholtz equation. Both modeling techniques are in good agreement with the measured results.

Hunt, William D.↗

Perovskite-containing devices and methods of making the same

The present disclosure relates to a method that includes positioning a stack that includes at least one of the following layers between a first surface and a second surface: a first perovskite layer and/or a second perovskite layer; and treating the stack for a period of time by at least one of heating the stack or pressurizing the stack, where a device that includes the first surface and the second surface provides the heating and the pressurizing of the stack.

van Hest, Marinus Franciscus Antonius Maria↗