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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 937 records · Page 52
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of Hydrothermal Aging on Injection Molded Short Jute Fiber Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) Composites

This work focused on the durability of short jute fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites in distilled water at different temperatures (23, 37.8 and 60 °C). Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of jute/PLA composites were investigated before and after aging. Different from traditional synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites, the stability of jute/PLA composites in water was significantly influenced by hydrothermal temperature. The mechanical properties of the composites and molecular weight of PLA matrix declined quickly at 60 °C, however, this process was quite slower at temperatures of 23 and 37.8 °C. Impact properties of the composites were hardly decreased, but the tensile and flexural properties suffered a drop though to various degrees with three degradation stages at 23 and 37.8 °C. The poor interface of composites and the degradation of PLA matrix were the main damage mechanism induced by hydrothermal aging. Furthermore, considering the hydrolysis of PLA matrix, the cleavage of PLA molecular chain in different aging time was quantitatively investigated for the first time to illustrate hydrolysis degree of PLA matrix at different aging time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fabrication of single-crystalline YFeO3 films with large antiferromagnetic domains

The antiferromagnetic orthoferrite YFeO3 possesses fascinating magnetic properties for spintronics, such as terahertz spin dynamics, ultrafast domain wall motion, and long magnon decay length. YFeO3 belongs to a special family of antiferromagnets that show an unusually strong non-trivial Kerr response due to its weak ferromagnetism. The highly stable antiferromagnetic domains without any spontaneous spin rotation transitions below the 645 K Néel temperature may be useful for nanoscale device applications. We report the successful fabrication of high-quality twinning-free (110)-oriented YFeO3 films by pulsed laser deposition. Detailed structural and magnetic characterization revealed that the crystal structure and magnetic properties of the YFeO3 films are comparable to bulk single crystals. We show that the spin rotation under high magnetic fields follows the two-sublattice approximation model. The film surface is atomically flat with step-terrace surface morphology. A longitudinal magneto-optic Kerr (MOKE) rotation of 10 mdeg was observed at room temperature, which is consistent with earlier reports on bulk single crystals. The in-plane anisotropy of the Kerr response corresponds to the obtained magnetic anisotropy from the SQUID measurement. The large MOKE signal enables the imaging of antiferromagnetic domains and their reversal. The domain size was found to be larger than 100 μm. These high-quality YFeO3 thin films facilitate the fabrication of antiferromagnetic spintronic devices and provide a convenient platform for studying various spin-related phenomena in thin films and at interfaces.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2018

Revival of the fittest: exploding core-collapse supernovae from 12 to 25 M⊙

Here, we present results of 2D axisymmetric core-collapse supernova simulations, employing the FORNAX code, of nine progenitor models spanning 12 to 25 M⊙. Four of the models explode with inelastic scattering off electrons and neutrons as well as the many-body correction to neutrino-nucleon scattering opacities. We show that these four models feature sharp Si–O interfaces in their density profiles, and that the corresponding dip in density reduces the accretion rate around the stalled shock and prompts explosion. The non-exploding models lack such a steep feature, highlighting the Si–O interface as one key to explosion. Furthermore, we show that all of the non-exploding models can be nudged to explosion with modest changes to macrophysical inputs, including moderate rotation and perturbations to infall velocities, as well as to microphysical inputs, including reasonable changes to neutrino-nucleon interaction rates, suggesting that all the models are perhaps close to criticality. Exploding models have energies of a few × 10 50 erg at the end of our simulation, and are rising, emphasizing the need to continue these simulations over larger grids and for longer times to reproduce the energies seen in nature. Morphology of the explosion contributes to the explosion energy, with more isotropic ejecta producing larger explosion energies. We do not find evidence for the Lepton-number Emission Self-sustained Asymmetry. Finally, we look at proto-neutron star (PNS) properties and explore the role of dimension in our simulations. We find that convection in the PNS produces larger PNS radii as well as greater ‘ν μ ’ luminosities in 2D compared to 1D.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Investigations of room temperature multiferroic and magneto-electric properties of (1-Φ) PZTFT-Φ CZFMO particulate composites

Multiferroic composites consisting of a single-phase multiferroic [0.6(PbZr 0.53 Ti 0.47 O 3 )-0.4(PbFe 0.5 Ta 0.5 )O 3 ] as a matrix and a magnetostrictive phase (Co 0.6 Zn 0.4 Fe 1.7 Mn 0.3 O 4 ) dispersed in the matrix are fabricated via hybrid synthesis technique. The structure and surface morphology studies using x-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques indicate the formation of 3-0 type particulate composites. Coexistence of soft-magnetic behavior and ferroelectric characteristics are confirmed for composites from magnetization vs magnetic field (M–H) and polarization vs electric field (P–E) measurements, respectively. Magneto-dielectric (MD) measurement shows significant changes in the dielectric properties with the application of a magnetic field, indicating the existence of strong MD behavior. The biquadratic nature of magneto-electric (ME) coupling is described by the Landau free energy equation arising from the strain transfer at the interfaces between the constituent phases. The direct magneto-electric voltage coefficient measurement also confirms very strong coupling between ferroelectricity and magnetism and supports the strain-mediated magneto-electric effect in composites. The Φ = 0.3 composite exhibits the maximum ME coefficient of 20.72 mV/cm Oe with M S = 24.62 emu/g, H C = 59.66 Oe, and piezoelectric coefficient value d 33 = 19 pC/N. In conclusion, the strong magneto-electric effect along with low dielectric loss at room temperature in these composites suggests their suitability for multifunctional magneto-electric device applications such as magnetic sensors, etc.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of CdTe Deposition Temperature and Window Thickness on CdTe Grain Size and Lifetime After CdCl 2 Recrystallization

Grain structure influences both transport and recombination in CdTe solar cells. Larger grains generally are obtained with higher deposition temperatures, but commercially it is important to avoid softening soda-lime glass. Furthermore, depositing at lower temperatures can enable different substrates and reduced cost in the future. We examine how initial deposition temperatures and morphology influence grain size and lifetime after CdCl 2 recrystallization. Techniques are developed to estimate grain distribution quickly with low-cost optical microscopy, which compares well with electron backscatter diffraction data providing corroborative assessments of exposed CdTe grain structures. Average grain size increases as a function of CdCl 2 temperature. For lower temperature close-spaced sublimation CdTe depositions, there can be more stress and grain segregation during recrystallization. However, the resulting lifetimes and grain sizes are similar to high-temperature CdTe depositions. The grain structures and lifetimes are largely independent of the presence and/or interdiffusion of Se at the interface, before and after the CdCl 2 treatment.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1990

Investigation of the asymmetric misfit dislocation morphology in epitaxial layers with the zinc-blende structure

The source of the asymmetry in the dislocation morphology exhibited in the epitaxial growth of compound semiconductors on (100) was investigated. A thickness wedge of p- and n-type GaAs(0.95)P(0.05) was grown on GaAs by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, and the effect of misorientation on the resolved shear stress for each slip system was calculated and eliminated as the source of the asymmetry. Another potential source of asymmetry, the thickness gradient, was also eliminated. Results show that the substrate misorientation and the thickness gradient do not significantly contribute to the asymmetry and that the dominant contributor to the asymmetry of misfit dislocations in the (001) epitaxial interface can be attributed to the differences in the Peierls barriers between the two types of dilocations in GaAsP/GaAs.

Fox, Bradley A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Breaking Simple Scaling Relations through Metal–Oxide Interactions: Understanding Room-Temperature Activation of Methane on M/CeO 2 (M = Pt, Ni, or Co) Interfaces

The clean activation of methane at low temperatures remains an eminent challenge and a field of competitive research. In particular, on late transition metal surfaces such as Pt(111) or Ni(111), higher temperatures are necessary to activate the hydrocarbon molecule, but a massive deposition of carbon makes the metal surface useless for catalytic activity. However, on very low-loaded M/CeO 2 (M = Pt, Ni, or Co) surfaces, the dissociation of methane occurs at room temperature, which is unexpected considering simple linear scaling relationships. This intriguing phenomenon has been studied using a combination of experimental techniques (ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-resolved X-ray diffraction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy) and density functional theory-based calculations. The experimental and theoretical studies show that the size and morphology of the supported nanoparticles together with strong metal–support interactions are behind the deviations from the scaling relations. These findings point toward a possible strategy for circumventing scaling relations, producing active and stable catalysts that can be employed for methane activation and conversion.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of feed-rod tilting on friction surfacing of steel

During the friction surfacing process, the forge-axial force, rotation rate, and traverse speed of the consumable feed-rod play crucial roles in determining the deposition rate and layer morphology. Although some researchers have studied the enhancement of deposition by introducing a backward tilt relative to the traverse direction, there has been limited investigation into the effects of other tilt orientations. Therefore, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of feed-rod tilting in friction surfacing. In this investigation, the consumable feed-rod undergoes tilting in four distinct directions: forward, backward, advancing side, and retreating side, each tested at two different tilt angles (1.5° and 3.0°). The results reveal that the feed-rod tilting can influence the deposition dynamics by altering the location and area of the rubbing interface situated between the feed-rod and the substrate. Moreover, the feed-rod tilting can significantly enhance the bond width, deposition rate, and deposition efficiency. The enhancement in deposition efficiency signifies a successful reduction in flash formation. Furthermore, a distinct layered microstructure is evident within each deposition layer, regardless of tilt conditions, indicating the unique deposition process inherent to friction surfacing. Finally, the innovative approach proposed in this study not only offers a straightforward and feasible means to improve deposition rate and efficiency but also expands the potential for constructing more intricate geometries or authentic surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Vibrational Spectroscopy of Water with High Spatial Resolution

Abstract The ability to examine the vibrational spectra of liquids with nanometer spatial resolution will greatly expand the potential to study liquids and liquid interfaces. In fact, the fundamental properties of water, including complexities in its phase diagram, electrochemistry, and bonding due to nanoscale confinement are current research topics. For any liquid, direct investigation of ordered liquid structures, interfacial double layers, and adsorbed species at liquid–solid interfaces are of interest. Here, a novel way of characterizing the vibrational properties of liquid water with high spatial resolution using transmission electron microscopy is reported. By encapsulating water between two sheets of boron nitride, the ability to capture vibrational spectra to quantify the structure of the liquid, its interaction with the liquid‐cell surfaces, and the ability to identify isotopes including H 2 O and D 2 O using electron energy‐loss spectroscopy is demonstrated. The electron microscope used here, equipped with a high‐energy‐resolution monochromator, is able to record vibrational spectra of liquids and molecules and is sensitive to surface and bulk morphological properties both at the nano‐ and micrometer scales. These results represent an important milestone for liquid and isotope‐labeled materials characterization with high spatial resolution, combining nanoscale imaging with vibrational spectroscopy.

Jokisaari, Jacob R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

The effects of ACRT on melt undercooling during the growth of CZT via the traveling heater method: Ekman versus Taylor-Görtler flows

For the first time, a comprehensive model for the traveling heater method, including detailed species transport and phase-change thermodynamics, is applied to understand the effects of accelerated crucible rotation (ACRT) on the growth of cadmium zinc telluride. Here, a rotation schedule that is designed from classical considerations does not completely mix the melt, rather undercooled regions of localized melt are swept periodically across the growth interface. Even without melt homogenization, these ACRT-driven flows disrupt the persistent undercooling that occurs during THM growth without rotation. An ACRT schedule designed to promote Ekman flows results in lower levels of melt undercooling than a schedule designed to promote Taylor-Görtler flows and greater mixing.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2001

Observations Regarding Small Eolian Dunes and Large Ripples on Mars

Eolian bedforms occur at the interface between a planetary surface and its atmosphere; they present a proxy record of the influence of climate, expressed in sediment transport, over that surface. High resolution images (1.5 - 12 m/pixel) from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera provide glimpses of the most recent events shaping the martian landscape. Thousands of images exhibit small transverse dunes or large eolian ripples that have crest-to-crest spacings of 10 to 60 m, heights of a few to 10 m. Bedforms of the size and patterns seen in the Mars photographs are rarely described among Earth's eolian landforms; in terms of size and morphology, most of these fall between traditional definitions of "ripples" and "dunes". Dunes are composed chiefly of materials transported by saltation, ripples are smaller forms moved along by the impact of saltating grains (traction). The largest reported eolian ripples on Earth (granule ripples, megaripples) are typically smaller than the bedforms observed on Mars; likewise, most dunes are typically larger. The small dunes and large ripples on Mars come in a variety of relative albedos, despite an early MGS impression that they are all of high albedo. Some ripples occur on the surfaces of sand dunes; these are most likely true granule ripples. However, most of these bedforms occur in troughs, pits, craters, and on deflated plains. Despite impressions early in the MGS mission, they do not occur everywhere (e.g., they are rare on the northern plains) but they do occur at a range of elevations from the highest volcanoes to the deepest basins. Where they occur on a hard substrate among larger sand dunes, the big dunes have over-ridden the smaller bedforms, indicating that the smaller features are older and perhaps indurated or very coarse-grained. At other locales, the small bedforms have been mantled by material settled from suspension, in other cases they are being exhumed and may be lithified. Still other examples are peppered with small impact craters, implying considerable age. These bedforms present a complicated record of the geologically-recent past, one that has involved changes in climate, sediment transport capabilities, and sediment sources and sinks over time.

Edgett, Kenneth S.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Thermoelectric Performance Enhancement by Surrounding Crystalline Semiconductors with Metallic Nanoparticles

Direct conversion of thermal energy to electricity by thermoelectric (TE) devices may play a key role in future energy production and utilization. However, relatively poor performance of current TE materials has slowed development of new energy conversion applications. Recent reports have shown that the dimensionless Figure of Merit, ZT, for TE devices can be increased beyond the state-of-the-art level by nanoscale structuring of materials to reduce their thermal conductivity. New morphologically designed TE materials have been fabricated at the NASA Langley Research Center, and their characterization is underway. These newly designed materials are based on semiconductor crystal grains whose surfaces are surrounded by metallic nanoparticles. The nanoscale particles are used to tailor the thermal and electrical conduction properties for TE applications by altering the phonon and electron transport pathways. A sample of bismuth telluride decorated with metallic nanoparticles showed less thermal conductivity and twice the electrical conductivity at room temperature as compared to pure Bi2Te3. Apparently, electrons cross easily between semiconductor crystal grains via the intervening metallic nanoparticle bridges, but phonons are scattered at the interfacing gaps. Hence, if the interfacing gap is larger than the mean free path of the phonon, thermal energy transmission from one grain to others is reduced. Here we describe the design and analysis of these new materials that offer substantial improvements in thermoelectric performance.

Kim, Hyun-Jung↗
NASA NTRS2018

Laser Ablation Surface Treatment of Structural Aerospace Composites and Metal Alloys for Adhesive Bonding

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has been involved over the past decade in the development of laser ablation as a method to surface treat aerospace structural fiber reinforced composites (CFRPs) and metal alloys. [1- 18] Laser surface treatment has been shown to be a rapid, high precision, and reproducible method for surface treatment of these materials, and is amenable to automation. The laser ablation process removes surface contamination such as silicones, creates surface roughness, and chemically activates a surface for bonding. The degree of ablation is controllable by adjusting laser parameters. In the case of CFRPs, ablation can be performed without damage to any underlying carbon fibers. In the case of metal alloys, ablation is possible without surface embrittlement, heat damage or creation of undesirable grain structures or morphologies. The optimum laser treatment conditions are substrate dependent and generally are influenced by laser wavelength and pulse duration (typically fixed for a laser system), and laser power. In the case of metal alloys such as Ti-6Al-4V, the laser ablation process eliminates the need for several steps of the conventional processes, including hydrofluoric (HF) acid and caustic treatment. These steps are often conducted in dip tanks and require costly facilities and environmentally unfriendly liquids. In addition, the laser can create nano-porosity on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface allowing for sol-gel penetration and thereby creating a gradient interface with improved temperature and mechanical performance. NASA LaRC has also been involved with the development of in-line characterization methods compatible with the laser treatment process to rapidly determine the presence of key contaminates such as silicones that, even at very low concentrations, are a threat to adhesive bonding. A spectroscopic technique called micro-laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (u-LIBS) has been developed to rapidly detect silicones at concentrations below those known to cause bonding problems. This technique requires no sample preparation, vacuum or inert atmosphere, has no practical size limitations, and provides nearly instantaneous feedback to the operator. This presentation will give an overview and update of these developments with specific examples highlighted.

Connell, John W.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Transport–Friendly Microstructure in SSC–MEA: Unveiling the SSC Ionomer–Based Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Enhanced Fuel Cell Performance

The significant role of the cathodic binder in modulating mass transport within the catalyst layer (CL) of fuel cells is essential for optimizing cell performance. This investigation focuses on enhancing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) through the utilization of a short-side-chain perfluoro-sulfonic acid (SSC-PFSA) ionomer as the cathode binder, referred to as SSC-MEA. This study meticulously visualizes the distinctive interpenetrating networks of ionomers and catalysts, and explicitly clarifies the triple-phase interface, unveiling the transport-friendly microstructure and transport mechanisms inherent in SSC-MEA. The SSC-MEA exhibits advantageous microstructural features, including a better-connected ionomer network and well-organized hierarchical porous structure, culminating in superior mass transfer properties. Relative to the MEA bonded by long-side-chain perfluoro-sulfonic acid (LSC-PFSA) ionomer, noted as LSC-MEA, SSC-MEA exhibits a notable peak power density (1.23 W cm –2 ), efficient O 2 transport, and remarkable proton conductivity (65% improvement) at 65 °C and 70% relativity humidity (RH). These findings establish crucial insights into the intricate morphology-transport-performance relationship in the CL, thereby providing strategic guidance for developing highly efficient MEA.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

The effects of stress, temperature and facet structure on growth of { 10 1 ¯ 2 } twins in Mg: a molecular dynamics and phase field study

The present study focuses on the roles of structure, stress and temperature on the mobility of facets bounding twin domains and on the overall impact on the growth kinetics of { 10 1 ¯ 2 } twins in Mg. We first use molecular dynamics simulations (MD) to study the relationship between interface structures, stress, temperature and mobility. As facets can exhibit distinct atomic scale structures, we also quantify the effect of stress relaxation mediated by misfit dislocations on the mobility of the basal-prismatic interface. The information gathered for ten different facets is used to calibrate an anisotropic phase field model predicting the effects of temperature and stress on the kinetics and shape of a growing { 10 1 ¯ 2 } 3D twin, by comparison with MD data. The comparative analysis suggests that, as compared to simulations of individual facets, the effective mobility of facets can be significantly different during growth of a 3D twin. This can be attributed to the complex three-dimensional internal stress state of the twin and to coupling in facet motion triggered by facet junctions. As such, by directly fitting both the twin growth kinetics and morphology as predicted by MD for different stresses and temperatures, we can identify a limited set of rate-limiting facets that control twin growth and morphology, and measure their effective mobility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

High-Throughput Microfluidics Platform for Intracellular Delivery and Sampling of Biomolecules from Live Cells

Nondestructive cell membrane permeabilization systems enable the intracellular delivery of exogenous biomolecules for cell engineering tasks as well as the temporal sampling of cytosolic contents from live cells for the analysis of dynamic processes. Here, in this paper, we report a microwell array format live-cell analysis device (LCAD) that can perform localized-electroporation induced membrane permeabilization, for cellular delivery or sampling, and directly interfaces with surface-based biosensors for analyzing the extracted contents. We demonstrate the capabilities of the LCAD via an automated high-throughput workflow for multimodal analysis of live-cell dynamics, consisting of quantitative measurements of enzyme activity using self-assembled monolayers for MALDI mass spectrometry (SAMDI) and deep-learning enhanced imaging and analysis. By combining a fabrication protocol that enables robust assembly and operation of multilayer devices with embedded gold electrodes and an automated imaging workflow, we successfully deliver functional molecules (plasmid and siRNA) into live cells at multiple time-points and track their effect on gene expression and cell morphology temporally. Furthermore, we report sampling performance enhancements, achieving saturation levels of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity measured from as few as 60 cells, and demonstrate control over the amount of sampled contents by optimization of electroporation parameters using a lumped model. Lastly, we investigate the implications of cell morphology on electroporation-induced sampling of fluorescent molecules using a deep-learning enhanced image analysis workflow.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗