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At least 991 records · Page 55
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Ultrasonic stress wave characterization of composite materials

The work reported covers three simultaneous projects. The first project was concerned with: (1) establishing the sensitivity of the acousto-ultrasonic method for evaluating subtle forms of damage development in cyclically loaded composite materials, (2) establishing the ability of the acousto-ultrasonic method for detecting initial material imperfections that lead to localized damage growth and final specimen failure, and (3) characteristics of the NBS/Proctor sensor/receiver for acousto-ultrasonic evaluation of laminated composite materials. The second project was concerned with examining the nature of the wave propagation that occurs during acoustic-ultrasonic evaluation of composite laminates and demonstrating the role of Lamb or plate wave modes and their utilization for characterizing composite laminates. The third project was concerned with the replacement of contact-type receiving piezotransducers with noncontacting laser-optical sensors for acousto-ultrasonic signal acquisition.

Duke, J. C., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A new experimental method for the accelerated characterization of composite materials

A method which permits the prediction of long-term properties of graphite/epoxy laminates on the basis of short-term (15 min) laboratory tests is described. Demonstration of delayed viscoelastic fracture in one laminate configuration, and data on the time and temperature response of a matrix-dominated unidirectional laminate contributed to a characterization of the viscoelastic process in the graphite/epoxy composites. Master curves from short-term tests of certain laminate configurations can be employed to generate long-term master curves. In addition, analytical predictions from short-term results can be used to predict long-term (25-hour) laminate properties.

Brinson, H. F.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reduced diffusion and enhanced retention of multiple radionuclides from pore structure characterization of barrier materials for enhanced repository performance

Fluid flow and chemical transport in porous media are the macroscopic consequences of pore structure, which integrates geometry (e.g., pore size and surface area, pore-size distribution) and topology (e.g., pore connectivity). Low-permeability geological media whose pores are poorly interconnected will exhibit the characteristics of anomalous diffusion and sample size-dependent effective porosity, which will strongly impact long-term net diffusion and retention of radionuclides in geological repository settings involving different host rocks and barrier materials. A suite of innovative and complementary experimental approaches is utilized to study the microscopic pore structure and macroscopic fluid flow & chemical transport for a range of host rocks and barrier materials, in addition to standard clay minerals and reference rocks. With a particular focus on quantifying the presence and magnitude of “isolated” pores for a reduced effective porosity in low-permeability geomedia, the integrated methodologies for basic properties and pore structure characterization of these geomedia include X-ray diffraction, thin section petrography, grain size distribution, water immersion porosimetry after vacuum-pulling for full saturation, mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen physisorption, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray computed tomography, and (ultra-)small angle neutron (X-ray) scattering. In addition, custom-designed gas diffusion, tracer recipe involving a range of anionic and cationic chemicals with subsequent analyses by laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, along with batch sorption, column transport, and imbibition tests were conducted for coupled effects of pore structure and chemical retention/transport. From the perspectives of pore structure in conjunction with multiple and complementary approaches to examining a range of sample sizes under different observational scales, we find that the poor pore connectivity is prevalent in low-permeability media (mudstone and crystalline rock) that is related to geological processes (e.g., compaction, diagenesis and thermal maturation). For example, the deep and organic matter-rich mudstones have a much smaller effective porosity than the total porosity (as a result of poor pore connectivity) and associated diffusion coefficient, and the effective porosity & diffusion coefficients are also dependent upon the sample sizes used in the measurement. Similarly, most of the pore space in the shallow mudstone is also controlled by pore-throat diameters in the 5-50 nm range of intergranular pore types from its fine-grained nature, but with an overall good pore connectivity. However, the nm-sized pore space (physically pore-network architecture) and strong sorption capacities (chemical retention from clay minerals) of both shallow and deep mudstones lead to the synergistic retention of cationic radionuclides and their utilities as effective host rocks and barrier materials. Our unique approaches of studying how the micro-scale pore structure affect macro-scale fluid flow, diffusion & retention, and chemical transport produce improved mechanistic understanding, and realistic quantification, of diffusion and retention of typical radionuclides in a range of generic host rocks and barrier materials (clay/shale, salt, crystalline rock, and tuff), with the overall results leading to scientifically-based understanding of enhanced isolation (from both diffusion and retention) of radionuclides and improved confidence on the long-term performance of geological repository to store high-level radioactive wastes. In addition to the training of 25 undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs of UTA, the scientists (organizations) involved in performing this work (e.g., discussion, sample sharing, and operation of SANS and SAXS instruments) include Ed Matteo, Yifeng Wang, and Kristopher Kuhlman (Sandia National Laboratories), Jens Birkholzer, Liange Zheng, Tim Kneafsey, and Sharon Borglin (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), Mavrik Zavarin (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), Yukio Tachi and Yuta Fukatsu (Japan Atomic Energy Agency), Mieke de Craen (Euridice, Belgium), Markus Bleuel (NIST), Wei-Ren Chen, Gergely Nagy, Changwoo Do, William Heller, Larry Anovitz, and Kenneth Littrell (ORNL), as well as Jan Illvsky, Ivan Kuzmenko, Ju-Sang Park and Jon Almers (ANL). Key deliverables include a total of 13 peer-reviewed journal articles (nine published and three under review), 23 presentations at scientific conferences (AAPG, AAPG Southwest Section, AGU, Asian Clay Conference, GSA, GSA South-Central Section, IHLRWM, InterPore, International Conference on Chemistry and Migration Behavior of Actinides and Fission Products in the Geosphere, International Conference on Coupled Processes in Fractured Geological Media: Observation, Modeling and Application), and academic institutions (UTA, New Mexico State University; University of Poitiers, France; University of Helsinki, Finland; Uppsala University, Sweden; Istanbul Technical University, Turkey) and other organizations (Andra, France; Posiva Oy, Finland).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS2012

Spectral Characterization of Bright Materials on Vesta

The surface of Vesta, as observed by the camera and imaging spectrometer onboard the Dawn spacecraft, displays large surface diversity in terms of its geology and mineralogy with noticeably dark and bright areas on the surface often associated with various geological features and showing remarkably different forms. Here we report our initial attempt to spectrally characterize the areas that are distinctively brighter than their surroundings.

Capaccioni, Fabrizio↗
DOE OSTI2024

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver-Modified Nanoporous Silica Materials for Enhanced Iodine Removal

In aquatic environments, the presence of iodine species, including radioactive isotopes like 129 I and I 2 , poses significant environmental and health concerns. Iodine can enter water resources from various sources, including nuclear accidents, medical procedures, and natural occurrences. To address this issue, the use of natural occurring nanoporous minerals, such as zeolitic materials, for iodine removal will be explored. This study focuses on the adsorption of iodine by silver-modified zeolites (13X-Ag, 5A-Ag, Chabazite-Ag, and Clinoptilolite-Ag) and evaluates their performance under different conditions. All materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopey (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powdered X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption studies. The results indicate that Chabazite-Ag exhibited the highest iodine adsorption capacity, with an impressive 769 mg/g, making it a viable option for iodine removal applications. 13X-Ag and 5A-Ag also demonstrated substantial adsorption capacities of 714 mg/g and 556 mg/g, respectively, though their behavior varied according to different models. In contrast, Clinoptilolite-Ag exhibited strong pH-dependent behavior, rendering it less suitable for neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of ionic strength on iodine adsorption, revealing that Chabazite-Ag is efficient in low-salinity environments with an iodine adsorption capacity of 51.80 mg/g but less effective in saline conditions. 5A-Ag proved to be a versatile option for various water treatments, maintaining its iodine adsorption capacity across different salinity levels. In contrast, Clinoptilolite-Ag exhibited high sensitivity to ionic competition, virtually losing its iodine adsorption ability at a NaCl concentration of 0.1 M. Kinetic studies indicated that the pseudo-second-order model best describes the adsorption process, suggesting chemisorption mechanisms dominate iodine removal. Chabazite-Ag exhibited the highest initial adsorption rate with a k 2 value of 0.002 mg g -1 h -1 , emphasizing its superior adsorption capabilities. Chabazite and Clinoptilolite, naturally occurring minerals, provide eco-friendly solutions for iodine adsorption. Chabazite superior iodine removal highlights its value in critical applications and its potential for addressing pressing environmental challenges.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2003

Preliminary Results of a Microgravity Investigation to Measure Net Charge on Granular Materials

Accurate characterization of the electrostatic charge on granular materials has typically been limited to materials with diameters on the order of 10 microns and below due to high settling velocities of larger particles. High settling velocities limit both the time and the acceptable uncertainty with which a measurement can be made. A prototype device has been developed at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to measure coulombic charge on individual particles of granular materials that are 50 to 500 microns in diameter. This device, a novel extension of Millikan's classic oil drop experiment, utilizes the NASA GRC 2.2 second drop tower to extend the range of electrostatic charge measurements to accommodate moderate size granular materials. A dielectric material with a nominal grain diameter between 1.06 and 250 microns was tribocharged using a dry gas jet, suspended in a 5x10x10 cm enclosure during a 2.2 second period of microgravity and exposed to a known electric field. The response was recorded on video and post processed to allow tracking of individual particles. By determining the particle trajectory and velocity, estimates of the coulombic charge were made. Over 30 drops were performed using this technique and the analysis showed that first order approximations of coulombic charge could successfully be obtained, with the mean charge of 3.4E-14 coulombs measured for F-75 Ottawa quartz sand. Additionally, the measured charge showed a near-Gaussian distribution, with a standard deviation of 2.14E -14 coulombs.

Green, Robert D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterization of advanced nuclear materials under extreme environments

The performance of materials under extreme environments poses important fundamental questions about the behavior of condensed matter under far-from-equilibrium conditions. These conditions create challenges in materials design, testing and evaluation. One important aspect of advancing nuclear power is the discovery and investigation of new classes of materials able to withstand the harsh environments in nuclear reactors. However, investigating and understanding the performance of these materials requires sophisticated tools and characterization techniques and skills. Furthermore, the goal of this special issue is to present recent research on the characterization of the response of candidate advanced nuclear materials to extreme environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Presence of aromatic-rich organic matter and its characterization in grout materials: Implications for radionuclide immobilization

Grout materials are commonly used to immobilize low-level radioactive waste. Organic moieties can be unintentionally present in common ingredients used to make these grout waste forms, which may result in the formation of organo-radionuclide species. These species can positively or negatively affect the immobilization efficiency. However, the presence of organic carbon compounds is rarely considered in models or characterized chemically. Here, we quantify the organic pool of grout formulations with and without slag, as well as the individual dry ingredients used to make the grout samples (ordinary Portland cement (OPC), slag and fly ash), including total organic carbon (TOC) and black carbon, followed by aromaticity evaluation and molecular characterization via Electro Spray Ionization Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (ESI-FTICRMS). All dry grout ingredients contained significant amounts of organic carbon, ranging from 550 mg/kg to 6250 mg/kg for the TOC pool, with an averaged abundance of 2933 ± 2537 mg/kg, of which 60 ± 29% was composed of black carbon. The significant abundance of a black carbon pool implies the presence of the aromatic-like compounds, which was further identified by both phosphate buffer-assisted aromaticity evaluation (e.g., >1000 mg-C/kg as aromatic-like carbon in the OPC) and dichloromethane (DCM) extraction with ESIFTICRMS analysis. Besides aromatic-like compounds, other organic moieties were also detected in the OPC, such as carboxyl-containing aliphatic molecules. While the organic compound only consists of minor fractions of the grout materials investigated, our observations of the presence of various radionuclide-binding organic moieties suggests the potential formation of organo-radionuclides, such as radioiodine, which might be present at lower molar concentrations than TOC. Here, evaluating the role of organic carbon complexation in controlling the disposed radionuclides, especially for those radionuclides with strong association with organic carbon, has important implications for the long-term immobilization of radioactive waste in grout systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Physical interpretation and development of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation techniques applied to the quantitative characterization of textile composite materials

The development and implementation of advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation methods applied to the characterization of composite materials requires a better understanding of the physics underlying the interaction of ultrasound with the material. The purpose of this investigation is to identify and characterize the features of complex, three dimensional materials that limit the ability of ultrasound to detect flaws in this broad class of emerging materials. In order to explore the interaction of ultrasound with such complex media, we investigate the characteristics of ultrasonic fields which have propagated through samples with complex geometries and/or internal architecture. We focus on the physics that underlies the detection of flaws in such materials.

Miller, James G.↗
DOE OSTI2023

High-Throughput Electric-Field-Assisted Sintering and Characterization Techniques for Materials Discovery

Despite improvements in computing and modeling capabilities, the performance of new materials, particularly those which deviate greatly in composition from well-studied materials (e.g., high-entropy alloys), can be difficult to simulate given the lack of available experimental property data. While some modeling techniques may attempt to predict the properties of these exotic materials, most are forced to make extrapolations from more traditional materials. To fulfill the need for accelerated material synthesis and property measurement, a high-throughput methodology has been developed. Utilizing electric-field-assisted sintering (EFAS), also known as spark plasma sintering (SPS), equipped with custom tooling, samples of differing alloy compositions can be produced simultaneously as a single alloy array. Several arrays have been produced with compositions spanning the Co-Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni alloy family, including many high-entropy alloys, while the novel array geometry has enabled the samples to be polished and characterized in parallel, using X-ray diffraction, scanning-electron microscopy, and laser-based thermal diffusivity measurements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1978

Computer modeling of dendritic web growth processes and characterization of the material

High area throughput rate will be required for the economical production of silicon dendritic web for solar cells. Web width depends largely on the temperature distribution on the melt surface while growth speed is controlled by the dissipation of the latent heat of fusion. Thermal models were developed to investigate each of these aspects, and were used to engineer the design of laboratory equipment capable of producing crystals over 4 cm wide; growth speeds up to 10 cm/min were achieved. The web crystals were characterized by resistivity, lifetime and etch pit density data as well as by detailed solar cell I-V data. Solar cells ranged in efficiency from about 10 to 14.5% (AM-1) depending on growth conditions. Cells with lower efficiency displayed lowered bulk lifetime believed to be due to surface contamination.

Seidensticker, R. G.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization of biological materials with soft X-ray scattering

The complex structure of biological assemblies is crucial for function yet challenging to discern given the chemical similarities between constituent components. Hard X-ray techniques, for example, rely on small density differences between domains that lead to modest scattering intensities. Resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSoXS) uses X-rays below 2 keV to access absorption edges of low-Z elements. In this way, RSoXS can enhance scattering contrast between domains of different chemical compositions or bonding motifs, thus providing structural information about specific chemical motifs. RSoXS is emerging as a technique applicable for biological systems, having been used to characterize protein structure in solution and polysaccharide organization in plant cell walls. Sample environment instrumentation, however, is challenging in the current state of the art, particularly with liquid samples. Here, this chapter contains a brief introduction to RSoXS and current beamline capabilities, and provides methods to prepare, store, and mount biological samples for RSoXS characterization. Furthermore, key details during RSoXS and X-ray absorption data acquisition are highlighted and some future opportunities in RSoXS instrumentation for biological systems are discussed.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Addressing Critical Problems in Materials Science Through Multiscale and Multimode Characterization (Project 1); Characterization and Optimization of Novel Triple-Conducting Oxide Materials for Energy Applications (Project 2) (CRADA Final Report)

PROJECT 1: Address critical problems in materials science and simultaneously advance the state-of-the-art in multiscale and multimode characterization using the combined advanced analytical capabilities and expertise of Colorado School of Mines (CSM) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The primary effort of the Phase I of this CRADA is to establish the International Center for Multiscale Characterization using shared resources at both NREL and CSM. Phase II will focus on capability development and marketing, choosing candidate materials science issues in the areas of structure imaging, chemical composition mapping, and correlating properties and performance of materials for impact in energy-related, environmental and critical materials areas. The CRADA will be modified to include specific topics of concern in materials science to industry member partners. Advanced analytical capabilities and expertise at CSM and NREL will be used to advance materials understanding and performance through characterization of multiscale phenomena including structural imaging, chemical composition mapping, and other techniques correlating properties and performance of materials. PROJECT 2: As part of the International Center for Materials Characterization, work under Modification #1 will be led by Colorado School of Mines (CSM), working in collaboration with NREL staff to mentor and advise CSM postdoctoral researchers on set up of diffusion annealing experiments. The purpose of the modification is to provide for NREL staff to mentor and advise CSM postdoctoral researchers on set up of diffusion annealing experiments, including mentoring and advising the CSM-NREL team on proper Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) data analysis as needed. SIMS measurements of 10-20 samples will be performed at NREL during the project duration.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2022

MULTI-TECHNIQUE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPERCONDUCTING MATERIALS FOR PARTICLE ACCELERATOR APPLICATIONS

We investigated the performance limitations of superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities and materials using multiple experimental techniques. In particular, this study focuses on understanding the surface properties of nitrogen-doped Nb cavities and super?conducting thin films with higher Tc such as Nb3Sn. The main goal of this work is to use different techniques to better understand each aspect of the complex loss mechanism in superconductors to further improve the already highly efficient SRF cavities. Nitrogen doping applied to a Nb SRF cavity significantly improves the quality factor Q0 compared to a conventional Nb cavity, at an expense of reduced maximum accelerating gradient. The early quench mechanism was analyzed by using temperature maps before and during the quenching. The temperature maps revealed insignificant heating before the quench, and we concluded that nitrogen doping reduces critical magnetic fields in local regions, leading to premature quenching. To understand the origin of the increasing Q0 with the rf field, the density of states (DOS) of cold spots from nitrogen-doped and standard cavities were measured and analyzed using scanning tunneling microscopy. The results suggested that nitrogen doping reduces the spatial inhomogeneity of superconducting properties and shrinks the metallic suboxide layers, which tunes the DOS in such a way as to produce the field-induced reduction in the surface resistance. To characterize SRF thin films, an experimental setup for measuring a coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonator was developed and tested. A surface impedance measurement of the Nb film showed good agreement with the BCS calculation. The preliminary results from measurements of Nb3Sn and NbTiN films are also presented here. The nonlinear Meissner effect was investigated in Nb3Sn film CPW resonators by mea?suring the resonant frequency as a function of a parallel magnetic field. Contrary to a conventional quadratic dependence of the penetration depth ?(B) on the applied magnetic field B, as expected in s-wave superconductors, nearly a linear increase of ?(B) with B was observed. It was concluded that this behavior of ?(B) is due to weakly linked grain bound?aries on the polycrystalline Nb3Sn films, which can mimic the NLME expected in a clean d-wave superconductor.

Makita, Junki↗
DOE OSTI2020

Transporting Non-Compliant TRU Wastes in the OPTIMUS{sup TM} Packages - 20493

The OPTIMUS{sup TM} product line of packages was developed with the purpose of providing a versatile and modular packaging option for shipping problematic wastes and fissile material contents. The product line includes a high-activity design in the OPTIMUS-H and a low activity design in the OPTIMUS-L. The two variants utilize a singular containment vessel design, that is enclosed in different protective components that offer different levels of shielding along with thermal and impact protection. The thick shielding provided by the OPTIMUS-H packaging allows for higher activity contents than the OPTIMUS-L to be transported. But the lightweight design of the OPTIMUS-L packaging allows for more packages to be transported in a single shipment. The containment vessel design shared between the two packages provides leak-tight containment of all radioactive contents along with the capabilities to easily leak test and the option to inert and backfill the contents, as necessary, prior to each shipment of the package. Together the OPTIMUS package designs offer significant flexibility and are capable of handling a wide variety of waste materials and other radioactive contents. One of the primary contents covered in the initial design effort for these packages is TRU waste contents beyond the standard waste materials that are compliant with the WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria. More specifically, the initial content of interest is TRU Waste drums containing sealed containers with potentially flammable gases. While there are multiple other packaging options available for transporting standard WIPP compliant TRU wastes, the goal of the OPTIMUS packages is to offer a superior option for transporting both standard TRU wastes as well as the more problematic non-compliant wastes, among other contents. The non-compliant TRU waste contents explicitly included for the OPTIMUS packages are standard aerosol cans and DOT 3E lecture bottles. However, the methods applied for the package containment can be easily adjusted to cover other sealed container types with potentially flammable gases. The primary challenges with including these items are both the obvious issue of potential for flammable gases (e.g. aerosol propellants) in the package, but also the uncertainty in the exact state of the contents. Because these desired contents are waste materials, the characterization of the materials present in the waste may include some uncertainties. For example, though it may be known that there are one or more aerosol cans in a TRU waste drum, it may not be known if this can is full, spent, or anywhere in between. Also there may be equal uncertainty in the contents of the aerosol can, specifically in the potentially flammable propellant remaining in the can. To include these types of non-compliant items as acceptable contents for the package, the methods utilized in the safety analyses of the OPTIMUS packages must consider all of the uncertainties in the characterization of the waste. The methods utilized cover a range of concerns with transporting contents of this nature including pressure buildup, gas generation, and gaseous combustion for demonstrating the containment of the package. The ability to transport these problematic contents in the OPTIMUS packages gives TRU waste generating sites the option to relocate these drums to an offsite location where the non-compliant items can be properly managed through removal or destruction. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1982

Contaminant characterization of five satellite materials

An extensive laboratory test program was performed to characterize outgassing of five satellite materials. The materials were Chemglaze Z-306 over 9922 primer, M-773 adhesive, multilayer insulation, polyurethane foam, and silverized Teflon. The souces were prepared to the specifications of a typical satellite program. Dynamic thermogravimetric mass loss characteristics of these five materials were obtained in vacuum with a beam microbalance. The temperature of the material was linearly raised from 25 C to over 650 C while monitoring the mass loss, rate of mass loss, temperature, and the composition of the outgassed material by residual gas analysis. Isothermal source emission/capture coefficients/reemission parameters were obtained with an array of quartz crystal microbalances (QCM). A detailed test matrix in which the temperatures of the QCMs (-160 C, - 100 C, -40 C, and +10 C) and the source material (125 C, and 90 C, and 50 C) were varied was performed. The array of QCMs was also used to measure the spatial distribution of the source emission. The effects of vacuum ultraviolet radiation on the deposition and reemission parameters was determined.

Muscari, J. A.↗