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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 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Linear Complexions: Metastable Phase Formation and Coexistence at Dislocations

The unique three-phase coexistence of metastable B2–FeNi with stable L1 0 –FeNi and L1 2 –FeNi 3 is discovered near edge dislocations in body-centered cubic Fe-Ni alloys using atomistic simulations. Stable nanoscale precipitate arrays, formed along the compression side of dislocation lines and defined as linear complexions, were observed for a wide range of compositions and temperatures. Here, by analyzing the thermodynamics associated with these phase transitions, we are able to explain the metastable phase formation and coexistence, in the process defining new research avenues for theoretical and experimental investigations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1991

Observations of dynamic stall phenomena using liquid crystal coatings

Novel, shear stress-sensitive/temperature-insensitive liquid crystal coatings have been applied to the surface of an oscillating airfoil in order to ascertain the unsteady fluid physics associated with the dynamic-stall process. Surface microtufts and laser sheet/smoke-particle flow visualization were used to compare the liquid-crystal results. Boundary-layer transition and turbulent separation locations were measured as a function of geometric angle of attack. The results obtained are compared with Eppler (1980) aerodynamic design code predictions.

Reda, Daniel C.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Heterodyne efficiency for a coherent laser radar with diffuse or aerosol targets

The performance of a Coherent Laser Radar is determined by the statistics of the coherent Doppler signal. The heterodyne efficiency is an excellent indication of performance because it is an absolute measure of beam alignment and is independent of the transmitter power, the target backscatter coefficient, the atmospheric attenuation, and the detector quantum efficiency and gain. The theoretical calculation of heterodyne efficiency for an optimal monostatic lidar with a circular aperture and Gaussian transmit laser is presented including beam misalignment in the far-field and near-field regimes. The statistical behavior of estimates of the heterodyne efficiency using a calibration hard target are considered. For space based applications, a biased estimate of heterodyne efficiency is proposed that removes the variability due to the random surface return but retains the sensitivity to misalignment. Physical insight is provided by simulation of the fields on the detector surface. The required detector calibration is also discussed.

Frehlich, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Evaluation and Application of Remotely Sensed Soil Moisture Products

Whereas in-situ measurements of soil moisture are very accurate, achieving accurate regional soil moisture estimates derived solely from point measurements is difficult because of the dependence upon the density of the gauge network and the proper upkeep of these instruments, which can be costly. Microwave remote sensing is the only technology capable of providing timely direct measurements of regional soil moisture in areas that are lacking in-situ networks. Soil moisture remote sensing technology is well established has been successfully applied in many fashions to Earth Science applications. Since the microwave emission from the soil surface has such a high dependency upon the moisture content within the soil, we can take advantage of this relationship and combined with physically-based models of the land surface, derive accurate regional estimates of the soil column water content from the microwave brightness temperature observed from satellite-based remote sensing instruments. However, there still remain many questions regarding the most efficient methodology for evaluating and applying satellite-based soil moisture estimates. As discussed below, we to use satellite-based estimates of soil moisture dynamics to improve the predictive capability of an optimized hydrologic model giving more accurate root-zone soil moisture estimates.

Bolten, J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Reactivity of Polyethylene Microplastics in Water under Low Oxygen Conditions Using Radiation Chemistry

Polyethylene (PE) is an intensely utilized polymer, which has consequently led to it becoming a common environmental contaminant. PE and other plastic waste are known to be highly persistent in surface waters; however, chemical and physical changes do take place over time, dependent mostly on highly variable natural conditions, such as oxygen (O2) availability. Gamma radiation was used to generate reactive oxygen species, namely hydroxyl radicals, in initially aerated aqueous solutions to simulate the natural weathering of microplastics in waters where there are fluctuations and often depletions in dissolved O2. The headspace of the irradiated PE-containing solutions was probed for the formation of degradation products using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers in combination with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). The major species detected were n-dodecane, with trace levels of tridecane, 2-dodecanone, and hexadecane, which were believed to be predominately adsorbed in the PE microplastics in excess of their aqueous solubility limits. Surface characterization by Raman spectroscopy and light and dark field microscopy indicated no change in the chemical composition of the irradiated PE microplastics under low O2 to anaerobic conditions. However, morphological changes were observed, indicating radical combination reactions.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ultra diffuse galaxies in the MATLAS low-to-moderate density fields

Recent advances in deep dedicated imaging surveys over the past decade have uncovered a surprisingly large number of extremely faint low surface brightness galaxies with large physical sizes called ultra diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in clusters and, more recently, in lower density environments. As part of the Mass Assembly of early-Type GaLAxies with their fine Structures (MATLAS) survey, a deep imaging large program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), our team has identified 2210 dwarf galaxies, 59 (~3%) of which qualify as UDGs. Averaging over the survey area, we find ~0.4 UDG per square degree. They are found in a range of low to moderate density environments, although 61% of the sample fall within the virial radii of groups. Based on a detailed analysis of their photometric and structural properties, we find that the MATLAS UDGs do not show significant differences from the traditional dwarfs, except from the predefined size and surface brightness cut. Their median color is as red as the one measured in galaxy clusters, albeit with a narrower color range. The majority of the UDGs are visually classified as dwarf ellipticals with log stellar masses of ~6.5 – 8.7. The fraction of nucleated UDGs (~34%) is roughly the same as the nucleated fraction of the traditional dwarfs. Only five (~8%) UDGs show signs of tidal disruption and only two are tidal dwarf galaxy candidates. A study of globular cluster (GC) candidates selected in the CFHT images finds no evidence of a higher GC specific frequency S N for UDGs than for classical dwarfs, contrary to what is found in most clusters. The UDG halo-to-stellar mass ratio distribution, as estimated from the GC counts, peaks at roughly the same value as for the traditional dwarfs, but spans the smaller range of ~10 – 2000. Finally, we interpret these results to mean that the large majority of the field-to-group UDGs do not have a different formation scenario than traditional dwarfs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Self-Organization of Triblock Copolymer Melt Chains Physisorbed on Non-neutral Surfaces

In this study, we report the self-organization process of poly(styrene- b -ethylene/butadiene- b -styrene) (SEBS) triblock copolymer chains physically adsorbed on a non-neutral surface. Spin-cast SEBS thin films were prepared on silicon (Si) substrates and then annealed at a high temperature far above the bulk glass transition temperatures of the two constituent blocks. To reveal the buried interfacial structure, we utilized solvent rinsing processes and a suite of surface-sensitive techniques including ellipsometry, X-ray reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering. We revealed that the SEBS chains form two different chain structures on the substrate simultaneously: (i) “flattened chains” with the average height of 2.5 nm but without forming microdomain structures; (ii) “loosely adsorbed chains” with the average height of 11.0 nm and the formation of perpendicularly oriented cylindrical microdomains to the substrate surface. In addition, the kinetics to form the perpendicular-oriented cylinder was sluggish (~200 h) and proceeded via multistep processes toward the equilibrium state. We also found that the lateral microdomain structures were distorted, and the characteristic lengths of the microdomains were slightly different from the bulk even after reaching “quasiequilibrium” state within the observed time window. Furthermore, we highlight the vital role of the adsorbed chains in the self-assembling process of the entire SEBS thin film: a long-range perturbation associated with the adsorbed chains propagates into the film interior, overwhelming the free surface effect associated with surface segregation of the lower surface tension of polystyrene blocks.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toward a 2D Local Implementation of Quantum Low-Density Parity-Check Codes

Geometric locality is an important theoretical and practical factor for quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) codes that affects code performance and ease of physical realization. For device architectures restricted to two-dimensional (2D) local gates, naively implementing the high-rate codes suitable for low-overhead fault-tolerant quantum computing incurs prohibitive overhead. In this work, we present an error-correction protocol built on a bilayer architecture that aims to reduce operational overheads when restricted to 2D local gates by measuring some generators less frequently than others. We investigate the family of bivariate-bicycle qLDPC codes and show that they are well suited for a parallel syndrome-measurement scheme using fast routing with local operations and classical communication (LOCC). Through circuit-level simulations, we find that in some parameter regimes, bivariate-bicycle codes implemented with this protocol have logical error rates comparable to the surface code while using fewer physical qubits. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Berthusen, Noah (ORCID:0000000275862786)↗
NASA NTRS2002

Problems in Assessment of the UV Penetration into Natural Waters from Space-based Measurements

Satellite instruments currently provide global maps of surface UV (ultraviolet) irradiance by combining backscattered radiance data with radiative transfer models. The models are often limited by uncertainties in physical input parameters of the atmosphere and surface. Global mapping of the underwater UV irradiance creates further challenges for the models. The uncertainties in physical input parameters become more serious because of the presence of absorbing and scattering quantities caused by biological processes within the oceans. In this paper we summarize the problems encountered in the assessment of the underwater UV irradiance from space-based measurements, and propose approaches to resolve the problems. We have developed a radiative transfer scheme for computation of the UV irradiance in the atmosphere-ocean system. The scheme makes use of input parameters derived from satellite instruments such as TOMS (Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer) and SeaWiFS (Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor). The major problem in assessment of the surface UV irradiance is to accurately quantify the effects of clouds. Unlike the standard TOMS UV algorithm, we use the cloud fraction products available from SeaWiFS and MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) to calculate instantaneous surface flux at the ocean surface. Daily UV doses can be calculated by assuming a model of constant cloudiness throughout the day. Both SeaWiFS and MODIS provide some estimates of seawater optical properties in the visible. To calculate the underwater UV flux the seawater optical properties must be extrapolated down to shorter wavelengths. Currently, the problem of accurate extrapolation of visible data down to the UV spectral range is not solved completely, and there are few available measurements. The major difficulty is insufficient correlation between photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments of phytoplankton absorbing in the visible and UV respectively. We propose to empirically parameterize seawater absorption in the UV on a basis of available data sets of bio-optical measurements from a variety of ocean waters. Another problem is the lack of reliable data on pure seawater absorption in the UV. Laboratory measurements of the UV absorption of both pure water and pure seawater are required.

Vasilkov, Alexander P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

How Topological Polymer Loops on the Nanoparticle Surface Control the Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites

Carbon black (CB) and silica (SiO 2 ) filled elastomers are known to be the most successful polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) in industry, where “bound rubber (BR)” (i.e., polymer chains that are physically or chemically adsorbed on the nanofiller surface) plays a critical role in their reinforcement. Here, we report a molecular-scale mechanism underlying the “BR-induced reinforcement” by integrating neutron scattering experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. Simplified non-cross-linked SiO 2 -filled polybutadiene (PB) and CB-filled PB reveal the critical role of topological polymer loops in the BR for the enhanced mechanical performance. The average loop size on the SiO 2 surface modified with a silane coupling agent is much smaller than that on the CB surface and the loops on the SiO 2 surface are densely formed, preventing interdigitation with the matrix chains. On the other hand, the larger, uncrowded loops formed on the CB surface facilitate the interdigitation with the matrix polymer chains even near the filler surface. In this way, a strong connectivity is established between a matrix and a nanofiller, resulting in an adhesive filler–polymer interface. Furthermore, our findings shed light on rich and complex physics and materials design problems in PNCs, where the topological polymer structure on the nanofiller surface directly controls the macroscopic mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quantum oscillations and transport properties of layered single-crystal SrCu 4 ⁢As 2

Here, we report a systematic investigation of the physical properties and Fermi-surface topology of layered single-crystal SrCu 4⁢ As 2 using electrical transport, magnetotransport, and quantum-oscillation experiments plus band-structure calculations. The temperature-dependent electrical resistivity reveals a hysteretic phase transition at 𝑇 𝑃 =59 K, most likely associated with a structural change. Hall resistivity data suggest a marked change in the average hole density resulting from the latter phase transition near 𝑇 𝑃 . A large, linear, and nonsaturating magnetoresistance is observed at low temperatures in SrCu 4 ⁢As 2 , likely attributable to the multipocket Fermi surface. Quantum-oscillation data measured in magnetic fields of up to 60 T show several oscillation frequencies exhibiting low effective masses, indicating the presence of Dirac-like band dispersion in SrCu 4 ⁢As 2 , as suggested by the band structure calculations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1998

Effects of Ambient High Temperature Exposure on Alumina-Titania High Emittance Surfaces for Solar Dynamic Systems

Solar dynamic (SD) space power systems require durable, high emittance surfaces on a number of critical components, such as heat receiver interior surfaces and parasitic load radiator (PLR) elements. To enhance surface characteristics, an alumina-titania coating has been applied to 500 heat receiver thermal energy containment canisters and the PLR of NASA Lewis Research Center's (LeRC) 2 kW SD ground test demonstrator (GTD). The alumina-titania coating was chosen because it had been found to maintain its high emittance under vacuum (less than or equal to 10(exp -6) torr) at high temperatures (1457 F (827 C)) for an extended period (approximately 2,700 hours). However, preflight verification of SD systems components, such as the PLR require operation at ambient pressure and high temperatures. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the durability of the alumina-titania coating at high temperature in air. Fifteen of sixteen alumina-titania coated Incoloy samples were exposed to high temperatures (600 F (316 C) to l500 F (816 C)) for various durations (2 to 32 hours). Samples, were characterized prior to and after heat treatment for reflectance, solar absorptance, room temperature emittance and emittance at 1,200 F (649 C). Samples were also examined to detect physical defects and to determine surface chemistry using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy operated with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) system, and x ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Visual examination of the heat-treated samples showed a whitening of samples exposed to temperatures of 1,000 F (538 C) and above. Correspondingly, the optical properties of these samples had degraded. A sample exposed to 1,500 F (816 C) for 24 hours had whitened and the thermal emittance at 1,200 F (649 C) had decreased from the non-heat treated value of 0.94 to 0.62. The coating on this sample had become embrittled with spalling off the substrate noticeable at several locations. Based on this research it is recommended that preflight testing of SD components with alumina-titania coatings be restricted to temperatures no greater than 600 F (316 C) in air to avoid optical degradation. Moreover, components with the alumina-titania coating are likely to experience optical property degradation with direct atomic oxygen exposure in space.

deGroh, Kim K.↗
NASA NTRS2019

A Preliminary Look at Space Weathering on 101955 Bennu: A Radiative Tranfer Modeling Perspective

The surfaces of airless bodies, such as 101955 Bennu, are vulnerable to micrometeoroids, high-energy particles, and solar wind particles. As a result, material on the surface of these bodies experience physical and chemical changes that are collectively known as space weathering. Space weathering processes result in the production of sub-micronsized particles called submicroscopic particles. There are two types of submicroscopic particles, nanophase (<33 nm in size) and microphase particles (>33 nm in size). Studies of lunar samples show that nanophase particles occur within the glassy rims that surround grains and agglutinates. In contrast, microphase iron particles occur only within agglutinates. Another important difference between these two particles is that nanophase and microphase particles affect visible to near-infrared reflectance spectra differently. From lunar samples, the presence of nanophase particles in a regolith causes the regolith’s reflectance spectrum to darken and redden, whereas the presence of microphase particles in a regolith causes it to only darken. In addition, the reflectance spectra of submicroscopic particle-bearing regolith exhibit weakened absorptions and spectral features. Lantz et al. (2018) found that these particles also affect spectral curvature [8]. By taking advantage of these spectral characteristics, with global spectral data, it is possible to model the nanophase and microphase particle abundances across a planetary surface resulting in the production of global space weathering maps.

Trang, D.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Depletion-Driven Assembly of Polymer-Coated Nanocrystals

Depletion-driven assembly has been widely studied for micron-sized colloids, but questions remain at the nanoscale where the governing physics are impacted by stabilizing surface ligands or wrapping polymers, whose dimensions are similar to those of the colloidal core and the depletant. Here, we probe how wrapping colloidal tin-doped indium oxide nanocrystals with polymers affects their depletion-induced interactions and assembly in solutions of polyethylene glycol. Copolymers of polyacrylic acid grafted with polyethylene oxide provide nanocrystal wrappings with different effective polymer graft densities and molecular weights. (Ultra) small angle X-ray scattering, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, and molecular thermodynamic theory were combined to analyze how depletant size and polymer wrapping characteristics affect depletion interactions, structure, and phase behavior. The results show how depletant molecular weight, as well as surface density and molecular weight of polymer grafts, set thresholds for assembly. These signatures are unique to depletion-driven assembly of nanoscale colloids and mirror phase behaviors of grafted nanoparticle–polymer composites. Optical and rheological responses of depletion-driven assemblies of nanocrystals with different polymer shell architectures were probed to learn how their structural differences impact properties. Finally, we discuss how these wrinkles for depletion-driven assembly at the nanoscale may provide fresh opportunities for designing responsive depletion interactions and dynamically reconfigurable materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1993

An initial comparison of CFD with experiment for a geometrically simplified STOVL model

The transition flight performance of a representative Short Take-Off or Vertical Landing (STOVL) model is investigated using side-by-side experimental and numerical simulations. The model consists of a 60 deg cropped delta wing planform; a simple fuselage shape blended to the wing; and tandem, circular, high-pressure-air lift jets that exit perpendicular to the flat lower surface. The configuration was chosen to minimize the geometric modeling complexity while retaining the important flow physics of the lift-jet/aerodynamic surface interaction. Three-dimensional, turbulent Navier-Stokes computations are made using a multiple, overset grid scheme. Results are presented and compared with the measured forces and pressures for the model at a freestream Mach number of 0.14 and a 10 deg angle-of-attack without lift jets operating. Computed surface flow patterns and particle traces show that the simulation predicts primary and secondary wing leading edge vortices for these conditions.

Roth, Karlin R.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Surface fluctuating hydrodynamics methods for the drift-diffusion dynamics of particles and microstructures within curved fluid interfaces

Here we introduce fluctuating hydrodynamics approaches on surfaces for capturing the drift-diffusion dynamics of particles and microstructures immersed within curved fluid interfaces of spherical shape. We take into account the interfacial hydrodynamic coupling, traction coupling with the surrounding bulk fluid, and thermal fluctuations. For fluid-structure interactions, we introduce Immersed Boundary Methods (IBM) and related Stochastic Eulerian-Lagrangian Methods (SELM) for curved surfaces. We use these approaches to investigate the statistics of surface fluctuating hydrodynamics and microstructures. For velocity autocorrelations, we find characteristic power-law scalings $τ^{-1}, τ^{-2}$, and plateaus can emerge. This depends on the physical regime associated with the geometry, surface viscosity, and bulk viscosity. This differs from the characteristic $τ^{-3/2}$ scaling for bulk three dimensional fluids. We develop theory explaining these observed power-laws associated with time-scales for dissipation within the fluid interface and coupling to the surrounding fluid. We then use our introduced methods to investigate a few example systems and roles of hydrodynamic coupling and thermal fluctuations including for the kinetics of passive particles and active microswimmers in curved fluid interfaces.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
NASA NTRS1981

Scattering of waves from periodic surfaces

In order to study the scattering of waves from periodic surfaces, the basic grating equations are reviewed, and a general approach for scattering from impenetrable and penetrable media is formulated. Three analytical methods for scattering on a conducting sinusoidal surface for both TE and TM polarized waves are compared. In The Masel, Merrill, and Miller (MMM) method for quantum scattering of atoms (1975, 1976), the surface field expansions are expressed in terms of Fourier series. The Modified Physical Optics (MPO) method (DeSanto, 1975; Whitman and Schwering, 1977) uses surface field expansions consisting of a leading term proportional to the physical optics approximation multiplied by a Fourier series expansion. The Waterman's Plane Harmonics (WPH) approach (1975) makes use of basis functions which are downward plane harmonics evaluated on the surface. The MMM method proved to be the most efficient one in terms of rate and range of convergence. For dielectric media with periodic rough surfaces, an improved method is developed for calculating the reflected and transmitted powers, and the results are compared with experimental data obtained at optical frequencies.

Chuang, S.-L.↗