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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

A Comparison of Two Balance Calibration Model Building Methods

Simulated strain-gage balance calibration data is used to compare the accuracy of two balance calibration model building methods for different noise environments and calibration experiment designs. The first building method obtains a math model for the analysis of balance calibration data after applying a candidate math model search algorithm to the calibration data set. The second building method uses stepwise regression analysis in order to construct a model for the analysis. Four balance calibration data sets were simulated in order to compare the accuracy of the two math model building methods. The simulated data sets were prepared using the traditional One Factor At a Time (OFAT) technique and the Modern Design of Experiments (MDOE) approach. Random and systematic errors were introduced in the simulated calibration data sets in order to study their influence on the math model building methods. Residuals of the fitted calibration responses and other statistical metrics were compared in order to evaluate the calibration models developed with different combinations of noise environment, experiment design, and model building method. Overall, predicted math models and residuals of both math model building methods show very good agreement. Significant differences in model quality were attributable to noise environment, experiment design, and their interaction. Generally, the addition of systematic error significantly degraded the quality of calibration models developed from OFAT data by either method, but MDOE experiment designs were more robust with respect to the introduction of a systematic component of the unexplained variance.

DeLoach, Richard↗

Establishing a process-structure-property-performance framework for SLS additive manufacturing through integrated multiscale modeling

This study presents a comprehensive suite of high-fidelity computational models that integrate multiscale and multiphysics simulations to capture the full Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) additive manufacturing process—from initial melting and solidification to mechanical response under external loads. Process simulations are linked with mechanical analysis through Representative Volume Elements (RVEs), establishing a process-structure–property-performance framework. The interaction between laser light and polyamide 12 (PA12) powder is modeled, accounting for laser characteristics and the optical, thermal, and geometrical properties of the powder. The heat source is incorporated into a heat transfer model, coupled with crystallization kinetics and densification models to predict material density and crystallinity. The porosity distribution from the densification model and crystallinity interpolated from experimental data are used to construct the RVEs. A multi-mechanism constitutive model is then calibrated using mechanical tests to predict the stress–strain response. Simulation results show good agreement with experimental data in terms of porosity, crystallinity, and mechanical performance when sufficient laser power (62 W or higher) is used. This research supports the inverse design of 3D-printed structures by introducing a high-fidelity framework that combines multiscale and multiphysics modeling with experimental calibration for predictive and performance-driven additive manufacturing.

SLS↗

Molecular-Dynamics Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior of Plasma-Facing Tungsten

We report a systematic computational analysis of the mechanical behavior of plasma-facing component (PFC) tungsten focusing on the impact of void and helium (He) bubble defects on the mechanical response beyond the elastic regime. Specifically, we explore the effects of porosity and He atomic fraction on the mechanical properties and structural response of PFC tungsten, at varying temperature and bubble size. We find that the Young modulus of defective tungsten undergoes substantial softening that follows an exponential scaling relation as a function of matrix porosity and He atomic content. Beyond the elastic regime, our high strain rate simulations reveal that the presence of nanoscale spherical defects (empty voids and He bubbles) reduces the yield strength of tungsten in a monotonically decreasing fashion, obeying an exponential scaling relation as a function of tungsten matrix porosity and He concentration. Our detailed analysis of the structural response of PFC tungsten near the yield point reveals that yielding is initiated by emission of dislocation loops from bubble/matrix interfaces, mainly 1/2<111> shear loops, followed by gliding and growth of these loops and reactions to form <100> dislocations. Furthermore, dislocation gliding on the <111>{211} twin systems nucleates 1/6<111> twin regions in the tungsten matrix. These dynamical processes reduce the stress in the matrix substantially. Subsequent dislocation interactions and depletion of the twin phases via nucleation and propagation of detwinning partials lead the tungsten matrix to a next deformation stage characterized by stress increase during applied straining. Furthermore, our structural analysis reveals that the depletion of twin boundaries (areal defects) is strongly impacted by the density of He bubbles at higher porosities. After the initial stress relief upon yielding, increase in the dislocation density in conjunction with decrease in the areal defect density facilitates the initiation of dislocation-driven deformation mechanisms in the PFC crystal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Estimating viscoelastic compliance of desiccating cementitious materials using drying prism tests

Highlights: • Determining relative humidity and degree of reaction of desiccating cementitious materials via an integrated method • Extracting moisture diffusion coefficient of cement mortar using the mass loss data of the prism specimens • Estimating uniaxial viscoelastic compliance of cement mortar using the shrinkage strain data of the prism specimens An integrated modeling approach to determining internal relative humidity and degree of reaction of desiccating cementitious materials has been developed. By simultaneously accounting for both self-desiccation and external drying, the model is capable of predicting the evolution of material properties of desiccating cementitious materials. Using the mass loss data of the prism specimens, the moisture diffusion coefficient of a nonlinear model for cement mortar was determined. Additionally, a previous poroviscoelastic shrinkage model was modified and extended. Through comparison of predicted and measured axial strain of the prism specimens, the viscoelastic compliance of cement mortar was extracted. The present work revealed that it is possible to use a simple drying prism test to fit the moisture diffusion coefficient and creep compliance of cementitious materials, though the comparison of the extracted viscoelastic compliance with measured compliance was only reasonable if the outer layer of the drying mortar was presumed to have microcracking.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Higher-Order Approximations for Stabilizing Zero-Energy Modes in Peridynamics Crystal Plasticity Models with Large Horizon Interactions

The non-ordinary state-based peridynamics theory combines non-local dynamic techniques with a desirable correspondence material principle, allowing for the use of continuum mechanics constitutive models. Such an approach presents a unique capability for solving problems involving discontinuities (e.g., strain localization, fracture, and fragmentation). However, the correspondence-based peridynamics models often suffer from zero-energy mode instabilities in numerical implementation, primarily due to the approximations of the non-local deformation gradient tensor. This paper focuses on a computational scheme for eliminating the zero-energy mode oscillations using a choice of influence functions that improve the truncation error in a higher-order Taylor series expansion of the deformation gradient. The novelty here is a tensor-based derivation of the linear constraint equations, which can be used to systematically identify the particle interaction weight functions for various user-specified horizon radii. In this paper, the proposed higher-order stabilization scheme is demonstrated for multi-dimensional examples involving polycrystalline and composite microstructures, along with comparisons against conventional finite element methods. The proposed stabilization scheme is shown to be highly effective in suppressing the spurious zero-energy mode oscillations in all numerical examples while enabling efficient simulations of strain localizations across material interfaces.

Non-Ordinary State-Based Peridynamics↗

In-situ HRTEM observations of intermediate phase transformation in lattice reorientation in HCP rhenium

In-situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is performed to investigate the deformation behavior of hexagonal close-packed rhenium (Re) which is compressed along the $\langle1\overline{1}00\rangle$ direction. Atomistic simulations are also conducted to better understand the deformation mechanisms. Two types of lattice reorientation are observed during compression. The first type involves the reorientation of one lattice by ~90° around $\langle1\overline{1}00\rangle$, which is accomplished by the formation of an intermediate face-center-cubic (FCC) phase at the interface. This transformation sequence can be described as {$1\overline{1}00$} matrix → {$111$} FCC → ($0001$) twin . In the second type, a new grain is formed but does not satisfy any known twin relationship with the matrix, and an intermediate FCC phase is also formed. The transformation sequence can be described as {$1\overline{1}00$} matrix → {$111$} FCC → ($0001$) grain . Mechanisms responsible for the observed lattice reorientation and sequential phase transitions are analyzed by conducting lattice correspondence analyses on the simulation results. Strain accommodation is also analyzed to explain the mechanisms for lattice reorientation and the intermediate phase transformations. In conclusion, the results provide new insight into the deformation behavior of HCP metals

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Deformation and Fracture Behaviors of Cylindrical Battery Shell During Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is one of the catastrophic failure modes of lithium-ion cells. During thermal runaway in cylindrical cells, sidewall shell rupture has been identified as a contributing factor for thermal runaway propagation in battery packs. Herein, the deformation and fracture behaviors of the battery shell during thermal runaway are investigated based on in-situ and ex-situ characterization as well as physics-based modeling. The deformation and fracture modes of the battery shell with/without Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sleeves are identified. In the simulation, the strain introduced by thermal expansion of the system is considered, as well as the thermal and strain rate effects on the plastic stage. The final cell shell modeling is validated by cell thermal runaway tests. Results reveal the quantitative relation between shell deformation behaviors and the pressure and temperature distribution. Both the experiment and model demonstrate the effectiveness of adding a tight-fitting CFRP sleeve around the cell in limiting the side-wall rupture of the shell. The use of CFRP tubes introduces a novel phenomenon in the context of uneven temperature distribution. Results shed light on the mechanistic analysis of a cell side-wall rupture during thermal runaway and provide essential guidance for the next-generation safe battery design.

battery casing↗

Survival estimates across five life stages of redfin ( Perca fluviatilis ) exposed to simulated pumped-storage hydropower stressors

The global prevalence of pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is expected to grow exponentially as countries transition to renewable energy sources. Compared to conventional hydropower, little is currently known regarding PSH impacts on aquatic biota. This study estimated the survival of five life stages (egg, two larval stages, juvenile and adult) of redfin (European) perch (Perca fluviatilis) following passage through a PSH facility during the pumping phase. This was achieved by simulating the individual stressors expected to occur during passage through a 2000-MW PSH facility using laboratory-simulated (shear strain and extreme compression) and modelling (blade strike, BS) approaches. Our results indicate that redfin could survive the shear, pressure and BS stressors expected within the PSH facility, but impacts varied among life stages. Juvenile survival was >70% across all shear strain rates, while the survival of eggs and larvae declined markedly as strain rate increased. All life stages had high survival when exposed to rapid compression and BS. The high survival of redfin to the stressors tested suggests the PSH facility could facilitate the passage of redfin during the pumping phase from the lower to the higher elevation reservoir. This outcome would be welcomed in situations where the species is native, but could have adverse implications for the conservation of native biota where the species is considered a pest.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Design of High-Deflection Foils MHK Applications - FEA models

The Ocean Renewable Power Company's (ORPC's) goal is to design, develop, and test hydrofoils with large deflections. The effects of the deflections on cross-flow turbine performance would be evaluated in order to inform design considerations for full-scale water turbines and other marine hydrokinetic devices. Finite element models - NASTRAN files Model scale turbines tested in UNH tow tank Model loads from CFD models

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Resistance to fracture in the glassy solid electrolyte Lipon

We report on the mechanical behavior of a solid Li-ion conductor, lithium phosphorous oxynitride (Lipon), for solid-state batteries. In particular, the purpose of this investigation was to quantify the resistance to cracking (fracture toughness) of this material by nanoindentation. We observed surprising ductility and the ability to recover in Lipon. We were unsuccessful in inducing cracks in Lipon and observed accommodation of stress via pile-up and densification rather than by cracking at various strain rates. Simulations demonstrate that both deformation and densification depend on the alkali content. Densification appears to be recoverable at room temperature. We discuss the findings in comparison with nanoindentation-induced cracking in other inorganic solid electrolyte materials and provide possible explanations for high resistance of Lipon to Li filament propagation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Stress reduction in an isotropic plate with a hole by applied induced strains

Recently there has been much interest in adaptive structures that can respond to a varying environment by changing their properties. Shape memory alloys and piezoelectric materials can be used as induced strain actuators to reduce stresses in the regions of stress concentration. The objective of the work was to find the maximum possible reduction in the stress concentration factor in an isotropic plate with a hole by applying induced strains in a small area near the hole. Induced strains were simulated by thermal expansion.

Sensharma, Pradeep K.↗

A Numerical Investigation of the Extinction of Low Strain Rate Diffusion Flames by an Agent in Microgravity

Our goal has been to investigate the influence of both dilution and radiation on the extinction process of nonpremixed flames at low strain rates. Simulations have been performed by using a counterflow code and three radiation models have been included in it, namely, the optically thin, the narrowband, and discrete ordinate models. The counterflow flame code OPPDIFF was modified to account for heat transfer losses by radiation from the hot gases. The discrete ordinate method (DOM) approximation was first suggested by Chandrasekhar for solving problems in interstellar atmospheres. Carlson and Lathrop developed the method for solving multi-dimensional problem in neutron transport. Only recently has the method received attention in the field of heat transfer. Due to the applicability of the discrete ordinate method for thermal radiation problems involving flames, the narrowband code RADCAL was modified to calculate the radiative properties of the gases. A non-premixed counterflow flame was simulated with the discrete ordinate method for radiative emissions. In comparison with two other models, it was found that the heat losses were comparable with the optically thin and simple narrowband model. The optically thin model had the highest heat losses followed by the DOM model and the narrow-band model.

Puri, Ishwar K.↗

Testing Bacteria Resistance Polymers Onboard The ISS

Student Payload Opportunity with Citizen Science (SPOCS) is a program funded by NASA to inspire the Artemis generation Scientific Question: How does microgravity impact the efficacy of bacteria resistant polymers? Experimental apparatus to be sent to ISS with 2 polymer chemistry candidates coated on Al 6061 alloy coupons Staphylococcus Epidermidis bacteria strain to simulate growth of superficial dermal bacteria.

bacteria↗

Role of grain boundary crystallography on void growth in FCC metals

The growth of an isolated spherical void at and near a grain boundary or a triple junction is studied by means of full-field crystal plasticity simulations with explicit representation of the void. To examine the fundamental aspects of void/grain boundary interactions in these cases, a three-dimensional large-strain elasto-viscoplastic fast-Fourier transform (LS-EVP-FFT) model with axisymmetric tensile periodic boundary conditions was developed. We employ this model to reveal the role of crystallography (grain orientations, grain boundary misorientation and inclination angle with respect to the largest component of the applied stress) and type of loading on void growth. It was found that grain orientation was the primary crystallographic feature governing void growth in strain-rate controlled simulations. For strains small enough to not significantly alter the local geometry, the overall growth of the void in bicrystal boundaries was not strongly affected by grain boundary inclination angle. The relative amount of void growth experienced within each grain in a bicrystal or tri-crystal was strongly dependent on the grain boundary inclination angle. We found a subset of orientations that exhibit faster void growth in bicrystal boundaries than inside the constituent single crystals. Last, we show that when placed primarily in one grain but near the grain boundary, void growth was similar to void growth when placed at the grain boundary. Furthermore, the growing void remained in the original grain and did not grow into the other grain, regardless of crystallographic character.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On testing models for the pressure-strain correlation of turbulence using direct simulations

Direct simulations of homogeneous turbulence have, in recent years, come into widespread use for the evaluation of models for the pressure-strain correlation of turbulence. While work in this area has been beneficial, the increasingly common practice of testing the slow and rapid parts of these models separately in uniformly strained turbulent flows is shown in this paper to be unsound. For such flows, the decomposition of models for the total pressure-strain correlation into slow and rapid parts is ambiguous. Consequently, when tested in this manner, misleading conclusions can be drawn about the performance of pressure-strain models. This point is amplified by illustrative calculations of homogeneous shear flow where other pitfalls in the evaluation of models are also uncovered. More meaningful measures for testing the performance of pressure-strain models in uniformly strained turbulent flows are proposed and the implications for turbulence modeling are discussed.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

Sensitivity Analysis of Tunable Equation of State Material Model In Pulsed Mercury Target Simulation

A pulsed neutron spallation target is subjected to very short but intense loads from repeated proton pulses. Approximately 60% of the energy from each proton pulse is deposited into the mercury target material and the stainless-steel target structure, leading to a high-pressure region in both the stationary target structure and the flowing mercury. The high-pressure region propagates and leads to fluid-structure interaction. The resultant loading on the target structure containing liquid mercury is difficult to predict, although various simulation approaches and material models for the mercury have been tried. To date, the best match of simulation to experimental data is obtained by using an equation of state (EOS) material model with a specified tensile cutoff pressure, which simulates the cavitation threshold. The inclusion of a threshold to represent cavitation is key to the successful predictions of stress waves triggered by the high-energy pulse striking the mercury and vessel. However, recent measurements of target structure strain show that significant discrepancies remain between the measured and simulated strain values in the EOS mercury model. These differences grow when noncondensable helium gas is intentionally injected into the flowing mercury to reduce the loading on the structure. An EOS-based proportional–integral–derivative (PID) mercury model has been proposed to reduce the gap between the measured and simulated vessel strain responses for targets with gas injection. The conceptual and numerical description and initial investigation of the PID model are presented in previous work. Further studies of this PID model — including the sensitivity of the structure’s strain response to model parameters (the tensile cutoff, PID parameters Kp, Ki, and Kd) — are reported in this article. Results show the strain response is more sensitive to changes in the tensile cutoff value than to changes in the model parameters Kp, Ki, and Kd. These results will aid in future work where the model parameters will be optimized to match simulation data to strain measurements.

Lin, Lianshan↗