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NASA NTRS1995

Influence of fiber architecture on the elastic an d inelastic response of metal matrix composites

This three part paper focuses on the effect of fiber architecture (i.e., shape and distribution) on the elastic and inelastic response of metal matrix composites. The first part provides an annotative survey of the literature, presented as a historical perspective, dealing with the effects of fiber shape and distribution on the response of advanced polymeric matrix and metal matrix composites. Previous investigations dealing with both continuously and discontinuously reinforced composites are included. A summary of the state-of-the-art will assist in defining new directions in this quickly reviving area of research. The second part outlines a recently developed analytical micromechanics model that is particularly well suited for studying the influence of these effects on the response of metal matrix composites. This micromechanics model, referred to as the generalized method of cells (GMC), is capable of predicting the overall, inelastic behavior of unidirectional, multi-phased composites given the properties of the constituents. In particular, the model is sufficiently general to predict the response of unidirectional composites reinforced by either continuous or discontinuous fibers with different inclusion shapes and spatial arrangements in the presence of either perfect or imperfect interfaces and/or interfacial layers. Recent developments regarding this promising model, as well as directions for future enhancements of the model's predictive capability, are included. Finally, the third pan provides qualitative results generated using GMC for a representative titanium matix composite system, SCS-6/TlMETAL 21S. Results are presented that correctly demonstrate the relative effects of fiber arrangement and shape on the longitudinal and transverse stress-strain and creep response, with both strong and weak fiber/matrix interfacial bonds. The fiber arrangements include square, square diagonal, hexagonal and rectangular periodic arrays, as well as a random array. The fiber shapes include circular, square and cross-shaped cross sections. The effect of fiber volume fraction on the observed stress-strain response is also discussed, as the thus-far poorly documented strain rate sensitivity effect. In addition to the well documented features of architecture dependent response of continuously reinforced two-phase MMC's, new results involving continuous multi-phase internal architectures are presented. Specifically, stress strain and creep response of composites with different size fibers having different internal arrangements and bond strengths are investigated with the aim of determining the feasibility of using this approach to enhance the transverse toughness and creep resistance of TMC's.

Arnold, Steven M.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Analysis of Hydrology and Interim Measure Performance in the Chromium Plume at Los Alamos National Laboratory - 20498

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is present in the regional aquifer beneath Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) at concentrations greater than the New Mexico groundwater standard (50 ppb). The source of the Cr is blowdown from a power plant where potassium dichromate was used as a corrosion inhibitor from 1956 to 1972. Blowdown comingled with effluent from another source and migrated approximately 3 miles down a canyon, primarily as surface flow, until reaching an alluvial infiltration zone. The infiltrating water moved vertically through a thick (approximately 900 ft), complex stratigraphic sequence of unsaturated tuffs, basalt, and unconsolidated alluvial deposits. Horizontal transport also took place within spatially limited perched groundwater horizons in the vadose zone (VZ). Breakthrough at the regional aquifer water table is thought to have occurred in multiple hydraulic windows or 'drip points' located approximately 3 miles from the initial release site at the power plant. The regional aquifer is highly heterogeneous and anisotropic, and displays unconfined behavior in an upper zone and confined behavior at depth. The Cr(VI) contamination has so far remained confined to the upper approximately 25 m of the aquifer. The ambient hydraulic gradient in the regional aquifer is toward the east/southeast, but the water table is extremely flat in the Cr plume area compared to surrounding areas. There is some local variability in flow direction, potentially related to effects of seasonal pumping from nearby Los Alamos county water-supply wells, which draw from the regional aquifer several hundred feet below the water table. An interim measure (IM) is currently operating at the site to achieve hydraulic control of plume migration using a series of extraction wells, ion-exchange treatment, and injection along the downgradient portion of the plume. The migration of Cr contamination in the aquifer has been previously evaluated using a calibrated probabilistic numerical model, which has also been used to design the spatial configuration of extraction and injection wells for the IM, and to identify locations for monitoring wells. The model is built using the Finite Element Heat and Mass (FEHM) transfer code, and the Model Analysis and Decision Support (MADS) software is used for analyses. To date, the portion of the IM system that has operated in a continuous manner has been very effective at hydraulic control. Modifications to the flow field associated with the influence of IM pumping and injection are evaluated here, with modeling constraints to be provided by recent observations of tracers injected into both monitoring wells and IM injection wells, as well as opportunistic observations of geochemical signatures of treated ion-exchange effluent injected into IM injection wells. The tracer and geochemical data provide insights into modified flow directions within the Cr plume area that cannot be otherwise obtained. Results of the modeling work are being used to inform adaptive management of IM operations and will be a valuable tool for development and refinement of long-term remediation strategies. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRS1998

Comments on the Diffusive Behavior of Two Upwind Schemes

The diffusive characteristics of two upwind schemes, multi-dimensional fluctuation splitting and locally one-dimensional finite volume, are compared for scalar advection-diffusion problems. Algorithms for the two schemes are developed for node-based data representation on median-dual meshes associated with unstructured triangulations in two spatial dimensions. Four model equations are considered: linear advection, non-linear advection, diffusion, and advection-diffusion. Modular coding is employed to isolate the effects of the two approaches for upwind flux evaluation, allowing for head-to-head accuracy and efficiency comparisons. Both the stability of compressive limiters and the amount of artificial diffusion generated by the schemes is found to be grid-orientation dependent, with the fluctuation splitting scheme producing less artificial diffusion than the finite volume scheme. Convergence rates are compared for the combined advection-diffusion problem, with a speedup of 2.5 seen for fluctuation splitting versus finite volume when solved on the same mesh. However, accurate solutions to problems with small diffusion coefficients can be achieved on coarser meshes using fluctuation splitting rather than finite volume, so that when comparing convergence rates to reach a given accuracy, fluctuation splitting shows a speedup of 29 over finite volume.

Wood, William A.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Trends in spatial correlations, two-phase coexistence, and criticality in a class of type-2 Schloegl models for autocatalysis

A class of type-2 Schloegl models is considered for particles on a square lattice with variable-range cooperativity. These models involve: (i) spontaneous particle annihilation at rate p; (ii) autocatalytic particle creation at unoccupied sites (i, j) with n ⩾ 2 particles within a specified neighborhood, Ω 𝑁 (i, j), of sites at rate $k_n$ = $\frac{^{(^n_2)}}{_{(^N_2)}}$ = $\frac{n{(n-1)}}{_{N(N-1)}}$; and (iii) possible spontaneous particle creation at unoccupied sites at “small” rate ɛ ⩾ 0. In some cases, Ω 𝑁 just includes all symmetry-equivalent sites at a single specific distance 𝑑 (in units of lattice constants) from the unoccupied site, e.g., 𝑑 = 1 (nearest-neighbor sites) where 𝑁 = 4, or 𝑑 = √5 (or √13 or…) where 𝑁 = 8. In other cases, Ω 𝑁 includes sites multiple distances from the unoccupied site, e.g., 𝑑 = {1,√2}, where 𝑁 = 8. Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation reveals that these models exhibit a nonequilibrium discontinuous phase transition between high- and low-density states below a critical point, ɛ < ɛ c , with generic two-phase coexistence (2PC) at least for smaller 𝑁. With some exceptions, there is an approach toward mean-field behavior with increasing 𝑁 (so the regime of generic 2PC shrinks, and ɛ c approaches the mean-field value of 1/27). Additional insight into trends is provided by analysis of the exact master equations for the models via hierarchical truncation. These truncations utilize suitably tailored pair approximations which reflect the dominant nonequilibrium spatial correlations. These correlations in turn are shown to reflect the details of the autocatalytic particle creation process. For spatially heterogeneous states, the truncations produce coupled sets of lattice differential equations (LDE) which can describe orientation-dependent propagation of an interface between high- and low-density steady states for ɛ < ɛ c . Pair approximation values of 𝑝 = 𝑝 eq where the interface is stationary, and its orientation-dependence, are in semiquantitative agreement with KMC results. In conclusion, this comparison accounts for propagation failure in the LDE which complicates interpretation.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Forest structural complexity and ignition pattern influence simulated prescribed fire effects

Background: Forest structural characteristics, the burning environment, and the choice of ignition pattern each influence prescribed fire behaviors and resulting fire effects; however, few studies examine the influences and interactions of these factors. Understanding how interactions among these drivers can influence prescribed fire behavior and effects is crucial for executing prescribed fires that can safely and effectively meet management objectives. To analyze the interactions between the fuels complex and ignition patterns, we used FIRETEC, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics fire behavior model, to simulate fire behavior and effects across a range of horizontal and vertical forest structural complexities. For each forest structure, we then simulated three different prescribed fires each with a unique ignition pattern: strip-head, dot, and alternating dot. Results: Forest structural complexity and ignition pattern affected the proportions of simulated crown scorch, consumption, and damage for prescribed fires in a dry, fire-prone ecosystem. Prescribed fires in forests with complex canopy structures resulted in increased crown consumption, scorch, and damage compared to less spatially complex forests. The choice of using a strip-head ignition pattern over either a dot or alternating-dot pattern increased the degree of crown foliage scorched and damaged, though did not affect the proportion of crown consumed. We found no evidence of an interaction between forest structural complexity and ignition pattern on canopy fuel consumption, scorch, or damage. Conclusions: We found that forest structure and ignition pattern, two powerful drivers of fire behavior that forest managers can readily account for or even manipulate, can be leveraged to influence fire behavior and the resultant fire effects of prescribed fire. These simulation findings have critical implications for how managers can plan and perform forest thinning and prescribed burn treatments to meet risk management or ecological objectives.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2020

Experimental investigation of multi-scale strain-field heterogeneity in rocks

Rocks have inherently heterogeneous micro-structures. The mechanical response of these heterogeneous micro-structures primarily governs the overall macroscopic behavior of intact rocks, as these features cause heterogeneity in the distribution of stress and strain within a rock volume. These attributes have generally been studied through numerical tools, but in this study, the stress-induced multi-scale spatial heterogeneity in the strain-field of three types of rocks was analyzed experimentally. The full-field non-contact strain measurement approach of 2D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was employed for real-time evaluation of the progression of strain-field heterogeneity across the surface of the rock specimens when subjected to uniaxial compression. The results show that the strain-field heterogeneity is a characteristic of the inherent heterogeneity of the rock specimens, and that it amplifies with the magnitude of stress applied on the rock specimens. The changes in the strain-field heterogeneity with loading were consistent with established microcrack evolution processes in the rock specimens. The statistical fluctuation in the strain-field heterogeneity of the three rocks at varying gauge lengths (GL) was then analyzed for the determination of the Representative Volume Element (RVE) length-scale at increasing load levels. The evolution of the RVE length-scale with loading facilitates an objective way of determination of the stress at which the strain-field heterogeneity increases and begins to influence the overall global response of the material. The RVE length-scale variation with loading showed that at the RVE length-scale reaches the specimen-scale at load levels well below the peak strength.

2D-digital image correlation↗

DOE OSTI2026

Thermal cycling-driven microstructural changes of eutectic Al–Si phase change materials in SS304 containers revealed by multi-modal imaging

Aluminum-based Al–Si alloys are widely used as phase change materials (PCMs) in thermal energy storage (TES) systems owing to their high volumetric latent heat and superior thermal conductivity. However, their long-term reliability is limited by degradation processes that remain insufficiently understood. In this work, we employ a multimodal, correlative characterization framework to systematically resolve the degradation behavior of eutectic Al–Si PCMs in contact with SS304 containers under repeated thermal cycling. By integrating high-resolution electron microscopy, three-dimensional X-ray fluorescence (3D XRF) imaging, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), we directly link spatially resolved compositional and microstructural evolution to changes in thermophysical properties. The correlative analysis reveals that elemental leaching of Fe, Cr, and Ni from the stainless-steel container into the PCM drives the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) both at the interface and within the bulk PCM, leading to pronounced compositional heterogeneity. These interfacial reactions and diffusion-induced transformations progressively destabilize the Al–Si eutectic, reducing the effective phase-transforming fraction. Consistent with these observations, DSC measurements show a decrease in melting temperature and latent heat of fusion with thermal cycling. These results underscore the critical influence of interfacial reactions and material compatibility on the stability, durability, and overall performance of Al–Si-based TES systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Imaging mechanism for hyperspectral scanning probe microscopy via Gaussian process modelling

We investigate the ability to reconstruct and derive spatial structure from sparsely sampled 3D piezoresponse force microcopy data, captured using the band-excitation (BE) technique, via Gaussian Process (GP) methods. Even for weakly informative priors, GP methods allow unambiguous determination of the characteristic length scales of the imaging process both in spatial and frequency domains. We further show that BE data set tends to be oversampled in the spatial domains, with ~30% of original data set sufficient for high-quality reconstruction, potentially enabling faster BE imaging. At the same time, reliable reconstruction along the frequency domain requires the resonance peak to be within the measured band. This behavior suggests the optimal strategy for the BE imaging on unknown samples. Finally, we discuss how GP can be used for automated experimentation in SPM, by combining GP regression with non-rectangular scans.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2024

Birefringence tests of gravity with multimessenger binaries

Extensions to General Relativity (GR) allow the polarization of gravitational waves (GW) from astrophysical sources to suffer from amplitude and velocity birefringence, which respectively induce changes in the ellipticity and orientation of the polarization tensor. Here, we introduce a multi-messenger approach to test this polarization behavior of GWs during their cosmological propagation using binary sources, for which the initial polarization is determined by the inclination and orientation angles of the orbital angular momentum vector with respect to the line of sight. In particular, we use spatially resolved radio imaging of the jet from a binary neutron star (BNS) merger to constrain the orientation angle and hence the emitted polarization orientation of the GW signal at the site of the merger, and compare to that observed on Earth by GW detectors. For GW170817, using past measurements of the inclination angle, we constrain the deviation from GR due to amplitude birefringence to κ A = $-0.12^{+0.60}_ {-0.61}$, while the velocity birefringence parameter κ V remains unconstrained. The inability to constrain κ V is due to the low amplitude of GW170817 in the Virgo detector, and measurements of the polarization orientation require information from a combination of multiple detectors with different alignments. For this reason, we also mock future BNS mergers with resolved afterglow proper motion and project that κ V could be constrained to a precision of 5 rad (corresponding to an angular shift of the GW polarization of δ φV ≈ 0.2 rad for a BNS at 100 Mpc) by a future network of third-generation ground-based GW detectors such as Cosmic Explorer and the radio High Sensitivity Array. Crucially, this velocity birefringence effect cannot be constrained with dark binary mergers as it requires polarization information at the emission time, which can be provided only by electromagnetic emission.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2023

Activity-induced propulsion and separation of passive chiral particles in liquids

Recent literature shows that chiral particles driven by vorticity gradients of a base Newtonian liquid can separate only in nonlinear or nonstationary flows. Here, we show that a base Newtonian liquid endowed with rotational degrees of freedom, can give rise to chiral particle propulsion and separation even in the Stokes flow approximation. We consider active mechanisms generating spatially inhomogeneous vorticity in the base liquid in a channel such as a magnetic torque, a pressure gradient and a sliding wall. These mechanisms generate regions of spatially inhomogeneous vorticity maintained by the internal angular momentum, propelling the chiral particles according to their handedness. Similar conclusions can be reached when one of the channel walls is replaced by a free surface acted on by surface shear. This behavior is in contrast to the case of standard Newtonian liquids where chiral particle propulsion generated by vorticity gradients is not possible in Stokes flow. Furthermore, this effect can find applications in industry, biology and medicine.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2021

Lattice Clifford fractons and their Chern-Simons-like theory

We use Dirac matrix representations of the Clifford algebra to build fracton models on the lattice and their effective Chern-Simons-like theory. As an example, we build lattice fractons in odd D spatial dimensions and their (D+1) spacetime dimensional effective theory. The model possesses an anti-symmetric K matrix resembling that of hierarchical quantum Hall states. The gauge charges are conserved in sub-dimensional manifolds which ensures the fractonic behavior. The construction extends to any lattice fracton model built from commuting projectors and with tensor products of spin-1/2 degrees of freedom at the sites.

Fontana, Weslei↗

NASA NTRS1972

The F and K components of the solar corona.

Numerical calculations of the F component are conducted for a large range of parameters, particle size distribution, minimum particle size, minimum approach to the sun, albedo, and spatial distribution. Various parametrized functional forms for the electron spatial distribution are assumed, and the parametrical elongation dependence of the K component is calculated. New and old data are analyzed by fitting the theoretical parametrized elongation dependence to observations of the total intensity of the solar corona. The orbital behavior of the dust is estimated together with the temperature and thermal emission.

Calbert, R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Application of finite-element methods to dynamic analysis of flexible spatial and co-planar linkage systems, part 2

An approach is described to modeling the flexibility effects in spatial mechanisms and manipulator systems. The method is based on finite element representations of the individual links in the system. However, it should be noted that conventional finite element methods and software packages will not handle the highly nonlinear dynamic behavior of these systems which results form their changing geometry. In order to design high-performance lightweight systems and their control systems, good models of their dynamic behavior which include the effects of flexibility are required.

Dubowsky, Steven↗

NASA NTRS1992

Compressibility effects on large structures in free shear flows

Space-time correlations were used to study compressibility effects on large structures in mixing layers. Two high-Reynolds number mixing layers with M(c) = 0.51 (case 1) and 0.86 (case 2) were studied. The results indicate that the structures in case 1 are similar to those in the incompressible case, but less organized. The structures in case 2 are highly three-dimensional, with a good spatial but a poor temporal orgnization. The streamwise correlations showed a decay rate four to five times greater for case 2 relative to case 1. While the spanwise correlations for case 1 showed trends similar to incompressible mixing layers, the behavior of case 2 was very different. The pressure fluctuations in the fully developed region of case 2 displayed significant rms variation in the spanwise direction with a well-defined pattern. Based on these measurements, the structures in case 2 seem to be of a horseshoe type, transversely spanning the mixing layer with the head in the low-speed side and the legs inclined in both the x-y and the x-z planes.

Samimy, M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Non-relativistic solar electron events during December 1990 - Results from Ulysses

Several groups of impulsive flare accelerated nonrelativistic solar electron events occurred in November and December 1990. In a total of 18 separate events, most show the characteristic dispersion in arrival times at the Ulysses spacecraft corresponding to travel time for the various particle energy groups. After maximum development, the electron intensities generally decay smoothly with characteristic times of 10 to 15 hours. In a few cases there are marked departures from this 'classic' behavior. On 15 December 1990, these departures are associated with a structure in the interplanetary magnetic field having a width of about 4 x 10 exp 6 km at 1.37 AU. The particle intensities inside this structure varied greatly with spatial position. Some of the changes occurred over distances as small as 3 x 10 exp 4 km. It is believed that this interplanetary structure had its origin in the complex magnetic fields that overlay the solar active region in which the electron accelerating flares occurred, and that it is these fields near the sun that determine access of the flare accelerated electrons to interplanetary field lines. A solar electron event on 11 December 1990 is similar in many respects to the one on 15 December. Neither of these events is directly related to an interplanetary shock wave.

Anderson, K. A.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Desert Dust Properties, Modelling, and Monitoring

This paper is just the three-page introduction to a Special Issue of Advances in Meteorology focusing on desert dust. It provides a paragraph each on 13 accepted papers, most relating to the used of satellite data to assess attributes or distribution of airborne desert dust. As guest Associate Editors of this issue, we organized the papers into a systematic whole, beginning with large-scale transport and seasonal behavior, then to regional dust transport, transport history, and climate impacts, first in the Mediterranean region, then India and central Asia, and finally focusing on transport model assessment and the use of lidar as a technique to constrain dust spatial-temporal distribution.

Kaskaoutis, Dimitris G.↗

NASA NTRS2018

WFIRST CGI Integral Field Spectrograph Performance and Post-Processing in the OS6 Observing Scenario

The WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI) will have an integral field spectrograph (IFS) backend to disperse the entire field of view at once and obtain spatially-resolved, low-resolution spectra of the speckles and science scene. The IFS will be key to understanding the spectral nature of the speckles, obtain science spectra of planets and disks, and will be used for broadband wavefront control. In order to characterize, predict, and optimize the performance of the instrument, we present a detailed model of the IFS in the context of the new OS6 observing scenario. The simulation includes spatial, spectral, and temporal variations of the speckle field on the IFS detector plane, which allows us to explore several post-processing methods and assess what gains can be expected. The simulator includes the latest models of the detector behavior when operating in photon-counting mode.

WFIRST coronagraph instrument (CGI)↗

NASA NTRS2023

A Multi-Pixel Split-Window Approach to Sea Surface Temperature Retrieval from Thermal Imagers with Relatively High Radiometric Noise: Preliminary Studies

In the following decade(s), a set of satellite missions carrying thermal infrared (TIR) imagers with a relatively high noise equivalent differential temperature (NEdT) are expected, e.g., the high resolution TIR imagers flying on the future Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment (TRISHNA), Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) and NASA-JPL/ASI Surface Biology and Geology Thermal (SBG) missions or the secondary payload on board the ESA Earth Explorer 10 Harmony. The instruments on board these missions are expected to be characterized by an NEdT of ⪆0.1 K. In order to reduce the impact of radiometric noise on the retrieved sea surface temperature (SST), this study investigates the possibility of applying a multi-pixel atmospheric correction based on the hypotheses that (i) the spatial variability scales of radiatively active atmospheric variables are, on average, larger than those of the SST and (ii) the effect of atmosphere is accounted for via the split window (SW) difference. Based on 32 Sentinel 3 SLSTR case studies selected in oceanic regions where SST features are mainly driven by meso to sub-mesoscale turbulence (e.g., corresponding to major western boundary currents), this study documents that the local spatial variability of the SW difference term on the scale of ≃3 × 3 km2 is comparable with the noise associated with the SW difference. Similarly, the power spectra of the SW term are shown to have, for small scales, the behavior of white noise spectra. On this basis, we suggest to average the SW term and to use it for the atmospheric correction procedure to reduce the impact of radiometric noise. In principle, this methodology can be applied on proper scales that can be dynamically defined for each pixel. The applicability of our findings to high-resolution TIR missions is discussed and an example of an application to ECOSTRESS data is reported.

sea surface temperature↗