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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 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Evidence of non-isentropic release from high residual temperatures in shocked metals measured with ultrafast x-ray diffraction

Shock experiments are widely used to understand the mechanical and electronic properties of matter under extreme conditions. However, after shock loading to a Hugoniot state, a clear description of the post-shock thermal state and its impacts on materials is still lacking. We used diffraction patterns from 100-fs x-ray pulses to investigate the temperature evolution of laser-shocked Al–Zr metal film composites at time delays ranging from 5 to 75 ns driven by a 120-ps short-pulse laser. We found significant heating of both Al and Zr after shock release, which can be attributed to heat generated by inelastic deformation. A conventional hydrodynamic model that employs (i) typical descriptions of Al and Zr mechanical strength and (ii) elevated strength responses (which might be attributed to an unknown strain rate dependence) did not fully account for the measured temperature increase, which suggests that other strength-related mechanisms (such as fine-scale void growth) could play an important role in thermal responses under shock wave loading/unloading cycles. Our results suggest that a significant portion of the total shock energy delivered by lasers becomes heat due to defect-facilitated plastic work, leaving less converted to kinetic energy. This heating effect may be common in laser-shocked experiments but has not been well acknowledged. High post-shock temperatures may induce phase transformation of materials during shock release. Another implication for the study is the preservability of magnetic records from planetary surfaces that have a shock history from frequent impact events.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Measurements of the inert Hugoniot and observation of mechanical ignition in Ni(V) + Al reactive multilayers via x-ray diffraction

This study investigates the inert Hugoniot response, mechanical ignition, and reaction dynamics of Ni(V)+Al multilayers during longitudinal, laser-driven shock compression experiments. Ni(V)+Al multilayers, known for their self-propagating exothermic reactions, were subjected to longitudinal stresses exceeding 50 GPa using the laser shock facility within the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). In situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that Ni(V) and Al were not in equilibrium during compression, with stress discrepancies attributed to twinning, grain structure effects, and/or dislocation density. However, the measured inert Hugoniot closely matched prior experimental and computational studies, confirming the utility of XRD for measuring the equation of state of thin, complex materials. Additionally, reaction was observed at significantly higher stresses than reported previously using laser-launched flyers. This discrepancy suggests a strong influence of externally imposed shear stress on reaction thresholds, which likely arose from deviations in flyer planarity during past experiments. Full reaction of the multilayer occurred within 40 ns after shock-wave passage, evidenced by complete melting of the constituents. Eulerian hydrocode simulations replicated experimental conditions, providing insights into equilibrium dynamics and experimental artifacts. The results highlight how even small shear forces facilitate ignition in Ni(V)+Al multilayers at lower stresses.

Crystallography↗
DOE OSTI2016

Generation of Hermite–Gaussian modes of high-power femtosecond laser radiation using binary-phase diffractive optical elements

We present the results of experiments on generation of Hermite–Gaussian modes up to the third order inclusive using binary-phase diffractive optical elements (DOEs) illuminated by subterawatt femtosecond laser pulses. We perform a compariosn of the mode formation using DOEs designed by the kinoform method and the fractional coding technique, when the DOEs are illuminated by both femtosecond radiation and cw laser radiation at close wavelengths. (laser beams)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Selection of a two-dimensional image edge using polarisation-independent acousto-optic diffraction

A method for filtering two-dimensional distributions of light-wave spatial frequencies, based on the use of polarisation-independent acousto-optic (AO) Bragg diffraction, is proposed. This method provides a maximally possible transmission bandwidth of spatial frequencies and a minimum size of the resolved AO element. A selection of a two-dimensional edge in the zero Bragg order is demonstrated. The main theoretical conclusions are experimentally confirmed using a paratellurite AO filter.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Nonlinear diffraction of light on near-surface microdomain structures

The nonlinear diffraction on periodic microdomain structures with different orientations of the spontaneous polarisation axis relative to the surface is theoretically considered. The possibility of reliable non-destructive diagnostics of the period, duty cycle and depth of domain structures, as well as of the shape of the domain walls under the crystalline surface is shown. (nonlinear optical phenomena)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Method for manufacturing a fibre reflection interferometer based on a metal-dielectric diffraction structure

A new method for manufacturing a two-mirror reflection fibre interferometer in a single-mode fibre consisting of an input mirror with an asymmetric reflection coefficients and a highly reflective end mirror is presented and experimentally demonstrated. The input mirror is based on a metal-dielectric diffraction structure in the form of an aperture in an aluminium film and a dielectric multilayer coating, which provides asymmetry of the reflection coefficient. The method includes the calculation of the energy coefficients of the aluminium film with a hole, the determination of the optimal diameter of the hole, as well as making of the hole, the entrance mirror and the resonator with a short fibre base. A sample interferometer is demonstrated that has an increased (at least by two orders of magnitude) radiation resistance compared to variants based on a continuous metal film, namely, at least 100 mW of radiation in a single-mode SMF-28e fibre at a wavelength of 1550 nm. (fibre optics)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Phase locking of a diode bar using a phase diffraction mirror

A method for synchronising the emission of a laser diode bar using a phase diffraction mirror is proposed. It is confirmed experimentally that this method makes it possible to phase the bar emission, but its selective properties are insufficient to ensure stable single-mode lasing. (control of laser radiation parameters)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detection of coherent optical phonons in a thin bismuth film by ultrafast electron diffraction

Coherent dynamics of lattice oscillations in a ∼20-nm-thick film obtained by thermal sputtering of bismuth is studied using ultrashort electron bunches synchronised with femtosecond laser pulses irradiating the sample. The Fourier analysis of ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) data shows that the observed modulation of the signal is due to the ensemble of modes corresponding to optical phonons with frequencies of approximately 3, 6 and 9 THz. A conclusion is made that these peaks correspond to the manifestation of the bismuth A{sub 1g} mode (three-terahertz peak), as well as its first and second overtones, which is probably due to quantum confinement in a 20-nm Bi nanostructure. The possibility of a detailed study of the quantum-size effect in bismuth with the help of a transmission UED is analysed. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2020

Limiting spectral and angular characteristics of multilayer relief – phase diffraction microstructures

Methods for estimating the parameters of relief – phase diffraction microstructures (local and integral Q-factors) are extended to the case of multilayer double-relief sawtooth microstructures, which makes it possible to select the best combinations of optical materials for multilayer microstructures at a very low computational burden. An approach to the study of multilayer microstructures is proposed, based on the combined use of Q-factors and the method of rigorous analysis of coupled waves, which allows one to estimate the limiting spectral and angular characteristics of multilayer microstructures of various types. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

An operando X-ray diffraction study of chloroaluminate anion-graphite intercalation in aluminum batteries

We researched rechargeable aluminum (Al) batteries composed of an Al negative electrode, a graphite positive electrode, and an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte at temperatures down to –40 °C. The reversible battery discharge capacity at low temperatures could be superior to that at room temperature. In situ/operando electrochemical and synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments combined with theoretical modeling revealed stable AlCl 4 – /graphite intercalation up to stage 3 at low temperatures, whereas intercalation was reversible up to stage 4 at room temperature (RT). The higher-degree anion/graphite intercalation at low temperatures affords rechargeable Al battery with higher discharge voltage (up to 2.5 V, a record for Al battery) and energy density. A remarkable cycle life of >20,000 cycles at a rate of 6C (10 minutes charge time) was achievable for Al battery operating at low temperatures, relating to a >50-year battery life if charged/discharged once daily.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Multiscale wavelet decomposition of time-resolved X-ray diffraction signals in cyclohexadiene

We demonstrate how the wavelet transform, which is a powerful tool for compression, filtering, and scaling analysis of signals, may be used to separate large- and short-scale electron density features in X-ray diffraction patterns. Wavelets can isolate the electron density associated with delocalized bonds from the much stronger background of highly localized core electrons. The wavelet-processed signals clearly reveal the bond formation and breaking in the early steps of the photoinduced pericyclic ring opening reaction of 1,3-cyclohexadiene, which are not resolved in the bare signal.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magnetic ordering in rare earth metal dysprosium revealed by neutron diffraction studies in a large-volume diamond anvil cell

A high-pressure low-temperature neutron diffraction study has been carried out on rare earth metal Dysprosium (Dy) to 10.8 GPa and 8 K in a large-volume diamond anvil cell using a spallation neutron source. Dy crystallizes in an ambient pressure hexagonal close packed phase and forms an incommensurate helical antiferromagnetic phase, marked by the appearance of superlattice magnetic peaks below 176 K with a turn-angle between the hexagonal layers that increases both with increasing temperature and pressure. The ferromagnetic transition below 87 K is marked by an increase in intensity of nuclear peaks with disappearance of magnetic superlattice reflections. Dy transforms to an alpha-Samarium ( α-Sm ) phase at 7 GPa and only ferromagnetic ordering is observed for this high pressure phase. Here, the ferromagnetic transition is observed at 59 K in the α-Sm phase at 10.8 GPa in close agreement with the magnetic ordering temperature obtained from electrical transport measurements. In the entire pressure-temperature range of this study, Dy shows a negative thermal expansion coefficient of as much as -2.5 % in the magnetically ordered phases between 200 K and 8 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

High pressure neutron diffraction on WAND 2 with a Paris-Edinburgh press

The Paris-Edinburgh press is a widely available, highly adaptable pressure cell commonly used while collecting neutron scattering data. Here, we detail the use of the VX3 and VX5 Paris-Edinburgh presses on the Wide-Angle Neutron Diffractometer (WAND 2 ) at the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We first give a detailed overview of the instrument setup and alignment capabilities used at WAND 2 . We then demonstrate the high pressure capabilities through three examples. In this work, the first example focuses on diffraction data obtained from a lithium-diamond mixture to 10 GPa with the use of single toroidal cubic boron nitride anvils. Other examples include the room temperature compressions of germanium (up to 16 GPa) and the mineral malachite with double toroidal sintered diamond anvils. This work thereby represents the first studies above 10 GPa at the High Flux Isotope Reactor and opens the door for future user experiments at these elevated pressures.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Chemical disorder determines the deviation of the Slater–Pauling rule for Fe 2 MnSi-based Heusler alloys: evidences from neutron diffraction and density functional theory

Fe 2 MnSi fails to follow the Slater–Pauling rule. This phenomenon is thought to originate from either: (i) an antiferromagnetic arrangement of Mn ions at low temperature and/or (ii) chemical disorder. An important insight on this issue could be achieved by considering Fe 2 MnSi 1-x Ga x compounds, thoroughly studied here by means of magnetization, neutron diffraction and density functional calculations (DFT). Our results indicate that chemical disorder (and not the antiferromagnetic arrangement) is responsible for the deviation of the Slater–Pauling rule on Fe 2 MnSi-based Heusler alloys. Furthermore, evidences suggest that Ga substitution into Si site favors the Fe/Mn disorder, further enhancing the observed deviation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tracking dissociation pathways of nitrobenzene via mega-electron-volt ultrafast electron diffraction

As the simplest nitroaromatic compound, nitrobenzene is an interesting model system to explore the rich photochemistry of nitroaromatic compounds. Previous investigations of nitrobenzene's photochemical dynamics have probed structural and electronic properties. These investigations paint, at times, a convoluted and sometimes contradictory description of the photochemical landscape. Here, we investigate the ultrafast dynamics of nitrobenzene triggered by photoexcitation at 267 nm for the first time using a structural probe with femtosecond time resolution. Our probe complements previous measurements of nitrobenzene's electronic structure evolution and aids in determining the photochemical dynamics with less ambiguity. We employ megaelectronvolt ultrafast electron diffraction to follow nitrobenzene's structural evolution within the first 5 ps after photoexcitation. We observe ground state recovery within 160 ± 60 fs through nonadiabatic dynamics. Based on comparisons of the experimental signal with molecular dynamics simulations, we exclude a significant population of the triplet manifold. Furthermore, we do not observe fragmentation of nitrobenzene within the investigated time window, which indicates that previously observed photofragmentation reactions take place in the vibrationally 'hot' ground state on timescales considerably beyond 5 ps.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structural dynamics of laser-ionized cis-stilbene studied by ultrafast electron diffraction

Stilbene has been a model system for studying photoisomerization upon absorption of a UV photon. Although the dynamics of the first excited state have been investigated in great detail, the structural dynamics of cationic states remains largely experimentally unexplored. In this study, the dynamics following ionization via absorption of two UV photons was captured using ultrafast electron diffraction. cis-stilbene (CS) was optically pumped with 267 nm ultraviolet light with two different pump fluences and probed with 3.7 MeV electrons. We compare our experimental results to ab-initio multiple spawning simulations for single-photon excitation and molecular dynamics simulations for ionization in order to separate the contributions from the two channels. We found that with a fluence of 170 mJ cm −2 both the single and two-photon channels are present, while with higher fluence of 280 mJ cm −2 the two-photon channel dominates. We did not observe isomerization of the CS cation and found the main structural motion a to be a vibration of the phenyl rings about the central C–C bond.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Utilizing integrated neutron diffraction and elastoplastic self-consistent crystal plasticity model to quantitatively assess the strengthening mechanism in Al–12.5Ce and Al–12.5Ce–0.4Mg alloys

An integrated in-situ neutron diffraction and elastic plastic self-consistent crystal plasticity (EPSC-CP) modeling scheme is performed on a binary Al–12Ce alloy and a ternary Al–12Ce–0.4Mg alloys. Using this scheme, the constitutive parameters, i.e. elastic constants and slip system parameters of individual phases can be calibrated which can be used in microstructure-based CP models to predict materials performance. From this study, it is shown that the elastic constants of Al 11 Ce 3 intermetallics calculated from density function theory calculation in the literature are rather accurate. When applied to the EPSC-CP model, the lattice strains of both the binary and ternary alloys are correctly predicted as compared with experiments, and large lattice strain differences between Al (100) plane and Al 11 Ce 3 (010) plane are demonstrated. The slip system parameters calibrated by the scheme shows that the addition of 0.4 wt% Mg in the alloy has little influence on the critical resolved shear stress of initial dislocation glide in the Al matrix which caused plastic yield in the material. This can be explained by the very dilute Mg solute content in the Al solid solution, causing large spacing of Al–Mg lattice misfit sites and little impact on resistance of dislocation glide at initial yield. The 0.4 wt% Mg addition, on the other hand, has a large influence on the hardening term in the slip system parameters, indicating those Al–Mg misfit sites do help dislocation accumulation during the deformation. The impact of dilute Mg addition on the Al slip system parameters is also reflected in the flow behavior of the ternary alloy: little impact on the yield stress, but a large impact on working hardening and tensile strength of the materials which is consistent with the literature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗