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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 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Probing Microstructure-induced Swelling & Thermal Property Changes in Ion-Irradiated Oxide Fuels using Laser-generated Surface Acoustic Waves

Radiation of fuel rods with neutrons during a fission reaction in a nuclear reactor is known to affect the material microstructure of the fuel as a result of fission fragment damage, and lead to the formation of atomic-level defects such as voids, dislocation loops, and lattice swelling from fission-gas release. A consequence of the radiation-induced damage in nuclear fuels is the drastic alteration of material properties, in particular, the reduction of the thermal conductivity – a key parameter that governs the transport of thermal energy released from fissile fuel atoms to the surrounding coolant. Swelling can induce high stresses and ultimate failure of the cladding. A fundamental understanding of the role of radiation-induced damage on the thermal transport and mechanical properties of nuclear fuels is therefore critical for efficient, reliable and safe operation of a nuclear power plant. As opposed to conventional post-irradiation examination techniques that are often time-consuming and require significant sample preparation, laser-based characterization methods have emerged as promising non-contact, non-destructive tools to measure the evolution of microstructure-induced material property changes. Moreover, laser methods offer the promise of in-situ characterization while the material is being irradiated. This project aims to develop an improved understanding of the impact of radiation-induced changes to material microstructure on the thermal and elastic properties of nuclear materials. A laser ultrasonic technique, known as the transient grating (TG) spectroscopy method, is used to simultaneously measure thermal diffusivity and elastic properties in unirradiated and ion-irradiated oxide nuclear fuel samples. The results will complement on-going investigations on electron- and phonon-mediated thermal transport in nuclear materials and will provide foundational work for incorporating the influence of defects in fuel performance codes.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Growth, microstructure, structural and optical properties of PVP-capped CdS nanoflowers for efficient photocatalytic activity of Rhodamine B

Highlights: • Synthesis of un-capped and PVP-capped CdS microstructures by Hydrothermal. • Growth of both the flower and dendrite microstructures controlled by the growth time. • Phase transition of CdS from cubic zinc blend to hexagonal by the growth time. • CdS flowers enhanced the photocatalytic performance of RhB under visible light. • PVP-capped CdS showed the highest degradation of 95% of RhB within 120 min. - Abstract: Size and structure tunability of polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) capped cadmium sulfide (PVP-capped CdS) flowers were synthesized by controlling the reaction time. XRD pattern indicated a phase transition from the cubic zinc blend to the hexagonal phase of CdS powder as the reaction time increased. As per the microstructure analysis with respect to the reaction time, the spherical nanoparticles were transformed in to the flower like morphology consisting of sword like nanorods and confirmed by the bright field images of TEM, while, HR-TEM images showed the uniform lattice spacing. UV-spectra exhibited a red shift due to the excitations of CdS nanoparticles. The near band edge (NBE) peak of PVP-capped CdS was completely diminished which indicated to sulphur vacancies on the surface of flowers. The photocatalytic activity of PVP-capped CdS flowers was detected the fast degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye (95% for 120 min) by irradiation of visible light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties on an ARB processed IF steel studied by X-ray diffraction and EBSD

Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) is one of the so-called severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes, allowing the production of metals and alloys with ultrafine (micro-nano) structures. Materials with ultrafine grains present attractive properties like the simultaneous increase in strength and ductility. Our interest in these materials is focused on their microstructural evolution during ARB processing, eventually responsible for the enhancement of those mechanical properties. In the current work we follow the evolution of the microstructure in an interstitial-free (IF) steel deformed by ARB after consecutive processing cycles, by means of Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particularly, we present results related to texture, grain (GS) and domain sizes, grain boundary character, density of Geometrically Necessary Dislocations (GND), Grain Orientation Spread (GOS), lattice parameters, microstrain, dislocation density and their spatial arrangement. After 5 ARB cycles the system shows a microstructure constituted mainly by submicrometric grains with high angle boundaries and low presence of dislocations inside the grains. - Highlights: •The evolution of microstructure is followed simultaneously by using GAM, GOS and GND (EBSD) and XRD. •LAGBs and subgrains disappear after few cycles SSDs and HAGBs persist at the end. •Dynamic recrystallization counterbalances dislocation arrays and diminishes hardening rate. •Grain size stabilization is revealed as a mechanism for increasing ductility after few ARB cycles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Y/Zr Ratio on Inclusions and Mechanical Properties of 9Cr-RAFM Steel Fabricated by Vacuum Melting

This study investigates the inclusions, microstructures, tensile properties, and impact toughness of reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels with different Y/Zr ratio contents. An optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to determine the size and number of inclusions, and SEM and transmission electron microscope were employed to examine the inclusion types. The increase in Y/Zr ratio influenced the prior austenite grain size owing to the pinning effect of the inclusions. The result of this examination showed that the mechanical properties of the steel are closely related to the refinement of prior austenite grain size and as well as the fine submicron-sized inclusions. The average prior austenite grain sizes of the alloys were 14.5, 13.5, and 13.4 μm for the steels with different Y/Zr ratio contents (i.e., 1/2, 5/3, and 11/2, respectively). Moreover, the submicron-sized inclusions in the alloys achieved densities of 4.71 × 10{sup 16}, 4.49 × 10{sup 16}, and 3.84 × 10{sup 16}/m{sup 3}. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) decreases when the Y/Zr ratio increases to 5/3. However, the DBTT increases when the Y/Zr ratio reaches 11/2 owing to inclusion coarsening. The RAFM steel with Y content of approximately 0.005 wt.% and Zr content of 0.002 wt.% was verified to exhibit an optimized combination of microstructures, tensile properties, and impact toughness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Studies on phase formation, microstructure development and elastic properties of reduced NiO-8YSZ anode supported bi-layer half-cell structures of solid oxide fuel cells

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Detailed study on the development of microstructure and phase in NiO-8YSZ anodes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Detailed study on elastic properties at high temperatures in air/reducing atmosphere. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Effects of initial porosity, composition and other issues are evaluated in detail. -- Abstract: Half-cell structures of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with a thin and dense electrolyte layer of 8YSZ supported by a thick and porous NiO-8YSZ anode precursor structure were reduced in a gas mixture of 5% H{sub 2}-95% Ar at 800 Degree-Sign C for selected time periods in order to fabricate cermets with desired microstructure and composition, and to study their effects on the elastic properties at ambient and reactive atmospheres. It appears that 2 h of exposure to the reducing conditions is enough to reduce {approx}80% of NiO with an enhanced porosity value of 35%. The Ni-8YSZ cermet phase formation in the anode was analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) in correlation with its microstructure. The elastic properties were determined after the reduction, at room and elevated temperatures using the impulse excitation technique. At room temperature the decrease in the Young's modulus was about 44% (after 8 h of reduction) and can be attributed mainly to the changes in the microstructure, particularly the increase in porosity from {approx}12% to 37%. Young's moduli of the as-received precursor and reduced anodes were evaluated as a function of temperature in air and reducing atmosphere. The results were explained in correlation to the initial porosity, composition and oxidation of Ni at the elevated temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of Welding Combined Plastic Forming on Microstructure Stability and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir-Welded Al-Cu Alloy

A new tailor-welded process, which combines stages of welding, plastic forming, and heat treatment strengthening, was developed to produce a friction stir-welded (FSW) Al-alloy joint. The Al-Cu sheets were FSW under different welding parameters and then were plastic-deformed. The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the FSW joint were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and tensile tests. It was found that high heat input during FSW and low solution temperature suppress the abnormal grain growth (AGG) of the joint due to the differential in grain size and grain boundary energy. The microstructure heterogeneity of the FSW joint is effectively improved, as no AGG occurs. The retention of fine equiaxed grains and the increase in the density of precipitates result in excellent mechanical properties. The increase in the strength and micro-hardness of the joint mainly depends on the plastic deformation prior to aging treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

An additively manufactured AlCuMnZr alloy microstructure and tensile mechanical properties

In this study, selective laser melting (SLM) was used to fabricate an AlCuMnZr alloy. The microstructural features that resulted from additive manufacturing (AM) were significantly refined compared to the corresponding cast alloy features. A combination of fine equiaxed and columnar grains along with in-situ formation of θ' precipitates during AM leads to enhanced yield strength (up to 300°C) in the as-fabricated AM alloy. The refinement of brittle intermetallics and a bimodal grain size distribution leads to improved tensile elongation in the AM alloy. The results illustrate the microstructural advantages that can result from additive processing over conventionally processed microstructures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Self-Pierce Riveting Through 3 Sheet Metal Combinations

One way to reduce the CO{sub 2} emissions in automotives is to reduce the weight of the Body-In-White. One easy to achieve the weight reduction is to replace steel sheet materials with Al alloys, which is 3 times lighter. One issue is the joining process, especially with combinations between steel grades and AL alloys. Example of combination of mixed material combinations (Al-steel) might be found in the door structure. The reason is because of the AL alloys worthier crash performance so the automotive manufacturer might want to use crash impact beams made by high strength steels in a AL intensive door structure. The joining process between aluminum and steel are problematic due it's not possible to use traditional spot-welding technologies due to the materials total difference in microstructure characteristics as well thermal properties. To overcome this issue then mechanical as well adhesion joining are frequently used. This paper describes a development process and subsequently analysis of a self-pierce rivet (SPR) process between 3 sheet metal combinations. The multi-material combinations in this study were a combination of ultra high strength steels sheets (DP1000) and a Al-alloy (AA 6014). The analysis of the SPR process, in sense of mechanical strengths, has been done by peel- and shear tests. To reduce the amount of future physical tests a virtual FE-model has been developed for the process. This FE model of the process has been subsequently used to analyze the mechanical strength during plastic deformation. By using inverse analysis a correct contact algorithm has been evaluated that would predict the binding force between the rivet and sheet under a deformation process. With this new virtual model it will not only possible to analyze and develop the SPR process but also to achieve the final strength of the joint.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Theoretical Correlation of Elemental Distribution of Nd and Pr in Ce-Fe-B Microstructure With Hard Magnetic Properties

Relatively resource-rich but property inferior-Ce-Fe-B magnet can be improved by partial replacement of Ce by Nd and/or Pr. In addition to the amount of Nd/Pr, their distribution profile in microstructure plays an important role. From our first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the substitution energy of Ce by Pr/Nd is negative in Ce 2 Fe 14 B (2:14:1) while that for laves phase, CeFe 2 is positive, implying that Nd/Pr stabilize 2:14:1 and suppress the formation of the CeFe 2 phase. Further, micromagnetic simulation indicates that homogenized distribution of Nd/Pr improves squareness of demagnetization curve, while core (Ce-rich)-shell (Nd/Pr-rich) 2:14:1 grain structure enhances coercivity. Magnetic properties of Ce-Fe-B can be optimized by manipulating distribution profile of chemical element in microstructure based on their subtle difference in thermodynamic property, which is an effective pathway to design optimized chemical composition and processing route for high-performance magnet.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Optical properties of grooved silicon microstructures: Theory and experiment

The reflection spectra of grooved silicon structures consisting of alternating silicon walls and grooves (air channels) with a period of a = 4-6 {mu}m are studied experimentally and theoretically in the mid-IR spectral range (2-25 {mu}m) upon irradiation of samples by normally incident light polarized along and perpendicular to silicon layers. The calculation is performed by the scattering matrix method taking into account Rayleigh scattering losses in a grooved layer by adding imaginary parts to the refractive indices of silicon and air in grooved regions. The experimental and calculated reflection spectra are in good agreement in the entire spectral range studied. The analysis of experimental and calculated spectra gave close values of the effective refractive indices and birefringence of the studied structures in the long-wavelength spectral region. The values calculated in the effective medium model in the long-wavelength approximation ({lambda} Much-Greater-Than a) gave considerably understated values. The obtained results confirm the efficiency of the scattering matrix method for describing the optical properties of silicon microstructures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Effect of Prestrain Temperature on Kinetics of Static Recrystallization, Microstructure Evolution, and Mechanical Properties of Low Carbon Steel

In this research, the samples of a low carbon steel sheet were rolled up to a thickness prestrain of 67% at three different temperatures consisted of room, blue brittleness, and subzero temperature. Microhardness, SEM, and tensile tests were carried out to evaluate the static recrystallization kinetics defined by the Avrami equation, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties. It was found that the Avrami exponent is altered with change in prestrain temperature and it achieves the value of 1 to 1. 5. Moreover, it was indicated that prestraining at subzero temperature followed by annealing at 600 °C leads to considerable enhancement in tensile properties and kinetics of static recrystallization compared to room and blue brittleness temperatures. The prestraining at blue brittleness temperature followed by annealing treatment caused, however, a higher strength and faster kinetics compared with that at room temperature. It was concluded that although from the steel ductility point of view, the blue brittleness temperature is called an unsuitable temperature, but it can be used as prestraining temperature to develop noticeable combination of strength and ductility in low carbon steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Impact of microstructure on the thermoelectric properties of the ternary compound Ce{sub 3}Cu{sub 3}Sb{sub 4}

We present detailed structural and thermoelectric studies of the ternary compound Ce{sub 3}Cu{sub 3}Sb{sub 4}. This material is of interest due to previously reported considerable thermopower above room temperature (∼ 100 μV/K) and low thermal conductivity (2 W/(m K)). Here, we present detailed studies concerning microstructural and thermoelectric data, their variation across the samples and possible explanations for the observed behaviour. We have used X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) for microstructural analysis. The thermoelectric properties were examined using a physical property measurement system (PPMS). We analyse the impact of the sample quality on the thermoelectric properties. The most unstable parameter is the material resistivity which varies between 1.5 and 15 mΩ cm at room temperature. The properties variability is mainly due to structural defects caused by stresses during material preparation and also due to formation of foreign phases CeCuSb{sub 2} and CeSb. The figure of merit ZT is also strongly dependent on the quality of the sample. The largest value ZT ≈ 0.15 at 400 K is determined for the almost stoichiometric sample with small amounts of a impurity phases. - Highlights: •The Ce{sub 3}Cu{sub 3}Sb{sub 4} has considerable thermoelectric properties and potential for further chemical and/or structural modification. •The control over foreign phases formation is challenging. •The defects arising during arc melting process highly deteriorate ZT of material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of a novel TiC-based cermet bonded with Ni3(Al,Ti) and NiAl duplexalloy

A novel TiC/Ni{sub 3}(Al,Ti)-NiAl composite has been designed and synthesized by in-situ reactive hot-pressing a mixture of Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} and Ni powders. After hot-press sintering at 1500 °C and 30 MPa, almost fully dense composite was obtained and the in-situ formed TiC grains were well-bonded with Ni{sub 3}(Al,Ti) and NiAl alloys. Due to the nanolaminated structure in Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} materials that weakly bonded Al layers are more prone to be out-diffused from Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} lattice than that of Ti atoms. The deintercalated AlTi atoms would react with Ni to give rise to the formation of Ni{sub 3}(Al,Ti) and NiAl alloys, and meanwhile a crystal lattice structure transformation happened from hexagonal Ti{sub 3}AlC{sub 2} to cubic lattice TiC. The formation of phases, grains morphologies, sintering behavior and mechanical properties were associated with sintering temperature. The as prepared TiC/Ni{sub 3}(Al,Ti)-NiAl composite under 1500 °C exhibited superior mechanical properties comparing with the counterparts fabricated under 1350 °C and 1400 °C because of the enhanced microstructures and eliminations of pores. Hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness of the TiC/Ni{sub 3}(Al,Ti)-NiAl composite at room temperature were determined as 9.9 ± 0.35 GPa, 665 ± 26 MPa and 10.23 ± 0.4 MPa·m{sup 1/2}, respectively. Interestingly, the flexural strength and fracture toughness increases with temperature rising from 600 to 800 °C, the maximum of flexural strength and fracture toughness could reach 775 ± 25 MPa and 11.6 ± 0.4 MPa·m{sup 1/2} at 800 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of Ni content in Cu 1-x Ni x coating on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of W/Mo joint via low-temperature diffusion bonding

The 93W and Mo1 refractory metals were bonded with different Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayers of various Ni content using plasma-activated sintering at 700 °C. The effects of the Ni content in the Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayer on the interfacial microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the W/Mo joints were studied. The maximum average shear strength of the W/Mo joint was 316.5 MPa when the Ni content of the Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayer was 25 %. When the Ni content of the Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayer was below 50 %, the atomic diffusion at the W/Mo joint interface was adequate without the formation of intermetallic compounds, as demonstrated by the High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope analyses of the joints. The presence of Ni in Cu 1- x Ni x promoted diffusion bonding at the interface, which contributed to the high mechanical properties of the W/Mo joint. With an increase in the Ni content of the Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayer, the MoNi intermetallic compound (IMC) nucleated and grew at the Cu 1- x Ni x coating/Mo1 interface. When the Ni content of the Cu 1- x Ni x coating interlayer was above 50 %, the generation of a brittle MoNi IMC weakened the shear strength of the W/Mo joint dramatically.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural, Microstructural, Magnetic, and Ferroelectric Properties of Ba{sup 2+}-Doped BiFeO{sub 3} Nanocrystalline Multifferroic Material

Multiferroic barium-substituted nanocrystalline samples having the general formula Bi{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}FeO{sub 3} (where x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) were prepared by cost-effective sol–gel method using metal nitrates as oxidants. The prepared samples were annealed at 650 {sup ∘}C for 4 h using a muffle furnace. The influence of Ba{sup 2+} doping on the structural, microstructural, magnetic, and ferroelectric properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) was studied systematically by standard techniques. All the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, and the average crystallite size was calculated using Scherrer’s formula. The surface morphology of the prepared nanocrystalline samples was studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) technique. FTIR spectra were obtained to confirm the formation of the perovskite structures. The elemental compositional details obtained were confirmed by energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis. Room temperature magnetic measurements were carried out up to a field of 15 kOe, and the parent sample (BFO) shows weak ferromagnetism. Further on, Ba{sup 2+} substitution in BFO shows an increase in magnetization. P–E loops were obtained to study the ferroelectric properties of all the samples. Obtained enhancement in magnetic and ferroelectric properties at room temperature is of great interest within the research community due to its wide range of applications in memory storage, spintronics, sensors, and multi-functional devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Microstructure and 77K mechanical properties of electron beam welded Cu101- Inconel 625 joints

In developing large-scale next-generation superconducting radio frequency (SRF) linear accelerators using superconducting films on Cu, the design and development of dissimilar welding and joining metals, such as Cu to Inconel, stainless steel, and Nb, are essential. In this talk, we present the development of procedures for electron-beam welding of Cu¿Inconel 625 and evaluation of the microstructure and 77K mechanical properties of the weld and base material in the welded condition and heat treatments in the 750°C ¿950°C heat treatment range. The results will be presented in the context of developing joining techniques for low-temperature applications where high conductivity and strength, vacuum hygiene, and magnetic properties of the material need consideration. The methods presented here are being deployed to thin film SRF Cu cavities at Jefferson Lab. Acknowledgment: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear

Khanal, Bashu↗
DOE OSTI2012

The microstructure network and thermoelectric properties of bulk (Bi,Sb){sub 2}Te{sub 3}

We report small-angle neutron scattering studies on the microstructure network in bulk (Bi,Sb){sub 2}Te{sub 3} synthesized by the melt-spinning (MS) and the spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) process. We find that rough interfaces of multiscale microstructures generated by the MS are responsible for the large reduction of both lattice thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Our study also finds that subsequent SPS forms a microstructure network of {approx}10 nm thick lamellae and smooth interfaces between them. This nanoscale microstructure network with smooth interfaces increases electrical conductivity while keeping a low thermal conductivity, making it an ideal microstructure for high thermoelectric efficiency.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of alloying element Zn on the microstructural, mechanical and corrosion properties of binary Mg-Zn alloys after severe plastic deformation

Highlights: • Mg-Zn alloys are processed by equal channel angular pressing with back-pressure. • The α-Mg matrix consists of highly deformed and partially recrystallized areas. • Zn concentration varies in the α-Mg matrix by up to 2 at.%. • The alloys exhibit mechanical anisotropy and a significant increase in strength. • Equal channel angular pressing increases corrosion rate of Mg-Zn alloys. - Abstract: This work presents an analysis of the microstructural, mechanical and corrosion properties of two binary Mg-Zn alloys. Mg-6 wt%Zn and Mg-12 wt%Zn cast alloys were subjected to annealing followed by quenching and processed via equal channel angular pressing with applied back-pressure (ECAP-BP). After ECAP-BP, both alloys were thoroughly examined and showed partially recrystallized and highly deformed areas. High-angle annular dark-field imaging revealed a difference in Zn content across the α-Mg matrix of the Mg-12 wt%Zn after ECAP-BP due to the growth of MgZn{sub 2} nanoparticles. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) was carried out to qualify an average Zn content in these areas, and a variation in Zn content up to 2 at.% was found. Compression tests revealed mechanical anisotropy and a significant increase in the strength of both alloys after ECAP-BP. The yield strength, σ{sub 02}, was in the range from 269 to 385 MPa depending on the composition and compression axis. The initial state alloys showed yield strengths, σ{sub 02}, of only 75–150 MPa but improved ductility. The corrosion rates of the Mg-Zn alloys in the initial state, evaluated using a hydrogen evolution method in NaCl solution, were higher for Mg-12 wt%Zn. The corrosion rates of both alloys after ECAP-BP were higher than those of the initial state. Light microscopy observations did not reveal any preference for corrosion propagation, including transcrystalline, intercrystalline or interphase corrosion, in any of the materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗