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At least 1,063 records · Page 59

Variation in Biomass Yield and Cell Wall Composition in Switchgrass Natural Variants Under Two Nitrogen Regimes

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a promising lignocellulosic biofuel crop for which biomass and processing quality are important. Inherent plant variability across genotypes and environments challenges uniformity and product quality. In this study, the impact of nitrogen (N) application on switchgrass yield and quality was examined under field conditions using a highly diverse switchgrass panel over a 4-year period at Knoxville, TN. Overall, biomass production was correlated between low (0 kg of added N/ha) and moderate (135 kg of added N/ha) nitrogen treatments, suggesting that the N impact is largely uniform across the genotypes. Nonetheless, high biomass genotypes were identified with high nitrogen-use efficiency ; biomass was congruent or even higher (up to 9-fold) in the low N treatment. Genotypes were also identified with up to 94% nitrogen-remobilization efficiency. Furthermore, nitrogen application appeared to impact lignin content in whole tillers but was neutral to lignin monomer syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratio. The same panel grown under natural conditions in Watkinsville, GA, produced significantly more biomass than the Tennessee panel in the first 3 years, but biomass was similar across both sites and treatments in year 4. Top performing genotypes overlapped between sites by 20-37%. There were low correlations in lignin content in whole tillers across the two field sites, but moderate correlations were observed for S/G ratios. The high yielding genotypes from the low N plot identified in this study can be used in breeding programs and management strategies in switchgrass to evade adverse environmental and economic effects.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Production of 75–150 µm and <75 µm of cerium dioxide microspheres in high yield and throughput using the internal gelation process

Hundreds of grams of calcined cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) microspheres were produced in this paper using the internal gelation process with a focus on 75–150 µm and <75 µm diameter sizes. To achieve these small sizes, a modified internal gelation system was employed, which utilized a two-fluid nozzle, two static mixers for turbulent flow, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol as the medium for gel formation at 333–338 K. This effort generated over 400 g of 75–150 µm and 300 g of <75 µm CeO 2 microspheres. The typical product yields for the 75–150 µm and <75 µm microspheres that were collected and processed were 72 and 99%, respectively, with a typical throughput of 66–73 g of CeO 2 microspheres per test, which could generate a maximum of 78.6 g of CeO 2 . The higher yield of very small cerium spheres led to challenges and modifications, which are discussed in detail. Finally, as expected, when the <75 µm microspheres were targeted, losses to the system increased significantly.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Stochastic optimization of cellulosic biofuel supply chain incorporating feedstock yield uncertainty

The global goal to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in research focused on environment friendly and socio-economically sustainable renewable energy sources. However, commercial production of bio-energy is constrained by biomass supply uncertainty and associated costs. This study presents an integrated approach to determining the optimal biofuel supply chain considering biomass yield uncertainty. A two-stage stochastic mixed integer linear programming is utilized to minimize the expected system cost while incorporating yield uncertainty in the strategic level decisions related to biomass production and biorefinery investment. Applicability of the stochastic model is illustrated through a case study of switchgrass-based biofuel in west Tennessee.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

The roles of yield strength mismatch, interface strength, and plastic strain gradients in fatigue crack growth across interfaces

An irreversible cohesive zone model was used to understand how plastic strain gradients and yield strength mismatches affect fatigue crack growth across bi-material and multilayer interfaces for a range of interface strengths. Parametric studies identified regimes of penetration through the interface, deflection into the interface, and a transition where cracks extend on both paths. Plastic strain gradients strongly influence the transition regime, and a yield strength mismatch is necessary to cause deflection. For crack growth across an interlayer, interactions between the interfaces occur when the crack-tip plastic zone spans the interlayer. Plastic strain gradients promote penetration through the interlayer.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Solid face sheets enable lattice metamaterials to withstand high-amplitude impulsive loading without yielding

Owing to their ability to provide tunable mechanical responses, lattice materials are frequently studied to elucidate their response to static and dynamic loads. However, these roles are typically in opposition: static loads must be supported sufficiently far away from the onset of buckling or yielding, whereas dynamic loads are typically ameliorated by crushing of the lattice, which provides excellent energy-absorption due to the large plastic deformation accompanying densification. In contrast, this work considers the octet truss as an exemplar topology, in a structural role where it must simultaneously support static loads while enduring high-amplitude impulsive loads. This study focuses on the ability to withstand impulsive loads without yielding, an essential prerequisite to enduring dual loading. Computational studies using the ALE3D hydrocode were performed to examine the response of the octet truss under a short temporal width impulse shape associated with laser-driven shocks. A key finding was that covering the lattice with a solid face sheet and treating this face sheet thickness as a design variable allows the Taylor-like pulse to be attenuated prior to entering the weaker lattice, at the cost of added mass up front. Experimental validation was accomplished by laser-driven shock testing, using octet trusses printed out of Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr. The results show that for a given quantity of mass, the attenuation is maximized when as much mass as possible is moved into the face sheet, leaving a more slender lattice structure. The effect of placing mass in the face sheet rather than lattice beams dominates the effect of relative density, to the point where a low-mass structure with most of the mass concentrated in the face sheet can outperform a high-mass structure with most of the mass in the lattice. Finally, by further understanding the propagation of short pulse width waves within under-dense structures, this study expand the domain of applicability of such structures, including lattice materials, to challenging dual-loading regimes spanning decades of strain rates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modelling yield cap evolution in sandstone based on brittle creep experiments

The Zenifim Formation is being considered as a potential disposal formation for a deep borehole nuclear repository concept in Israel. Site selection and repository construction are intended to ensure that waste is separated from circulating groundwater, but long-term deformation of the wellbore could potentially create fluid flow pathways. To understand how time-dependent rock strength could affect wellbore stability, here we conducted creep tests under low to moderate confining pressures on retrieved core from the Zenifim formation. During creep, samples strain slowly as gradual damage accumulation progressively weakens the samples. Failure eventually occurred through the near-instantaneous formation of a shear fracture. Experimental results were used to calibrate a continuum damage poro-elastic model for sandstones. The calibrated damage-poro-elastic model successfully simulates different types of loading experiments including quasi-static and creep. The state of strain in experiments is close to yield during loading as the yield cap continuously evolves with damage accumulation. For creep tests, most damage occurs during triaxial loading. Minor damage accumulation occurs under constant load until the final stage of creep, where damage accelerates and promotes unstable fracturing.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Effect of the fictive temperature on the modulus, hardness, yield strength, dynamic mechanical and creep response of Zr 44 Ti 11 Cu 10 Ni 10 Be 25 metallic glasses

Characterizing the dependence of the mechanical properties and structure of metallic glasses on processing parameters and thermal history is of significant importance to understand the nature of glass. One way of defining a specific structural state of a glass is by means of its fictive temperature T f at which the supercooled liquid falls out of a metastable equilibrium and forms a glass. Since the metastable equilibrium state before quenching is assumed to be well defined, T f is ultimately thought of as a quantity that describes a specific, reproducibly obtainable structural state. In this research, the effect of systematic variations of an alloy’s structural state, achieved through purposefully setting its T f , on a range of mechanical properties like modulus, hardness, yield strength, and creep response is studied. Towards this end, amorphous Zr 44 Ti 11 Cu 10 Ni 10 Be 25 samples with different T f ’s were produced and subsequently examined using nanoindentation, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and density measurements. It is observed that the lower fictive temperatures directly result in a higher the packing efficiency, i.e., a lower available (‘free’) volume in the glass. The resulting denser atomic packing manifests in increased values for hardness, modulus, and yield strength. These effects were found to be substantial despite the fact that all samples featured the exact same chemical composition and phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Zero- and one-dimensional thioindates synthesized under solvothermal conditions yielding {alpha}-In{sub 2}S{sub 3}, {beta}-In{sub 2}S{sub 3} or MgIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} as thermal decomposition products

The first cationic thioindate with composition [In(en){sub 2}S]{sub 2}.2Cl (zero-dimensional) (1) and the first thioindate being charge compensated by a main group metal complex with composition [Mg(en){sub 3}][In{sub 2}S{sub 4}] (one-dimensional) (2) have been prepared with ethylenediamine under solvothermal conditions. The main structural motif of [In(en){sub 2}S]{sub 2}.2Cl is the centro-symmetric rhomboidal [In(en){sub 2}S]{sub 2}{sup 2+} ring which is formed by S-S edge-sharing of two symmetry related [InN{sub 4}S{sub 2}] octahedra. The structure of [Mg(en){sub 3}][In{sub 2}S{sub 4}] is composed of a straight one-dimensional {l_brace}[InS{sub 2}]{sup -{r_brace}}{sub {infinity}} chain surrounded by [Mg(en){sub 3}]{sup 2+} complexes. Both compounds are wide band-gap semiconductors. The thermal decomposition reaction of [In(en){sub 2}S]{sub 2}.2Cl stopped at 500 {sup o}C yielded cubic {alpha}-In{sub 2}S{sub 3} and reflections of {beta}-In{sub 2}S{sub 3} are seen in the X-ray powder pattern of the residue obtained at 900 {sup o}C. In the case of [Mg(en){sub 3}][In{sub 2}S{sub 4}] the thiospinel MgIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} was identified as decomposition product. The size of the MgIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} crystals are in the nanometer range as evidenced by a pronounced broadening of the reflections in the powder pattern and with transmission electron microscopy. -- Graphical abstract: The structure of [In(en){sub 2}S]{sub 2}.2Cl contains a cationic core and [Mg(en){sub 3}][In{sub 2}S{sub 4}] is the first thioindate with a charge compensating Mg{sup 2+} complex. Thermal decomposition yields {alpha}- or {beta}-In{sub 2}S{sub 3} resp. spinel-type nanocrystalline MgIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Deformation-induced {alpha}{sub 2} {yields} {gamma} phase transformation in TiAl alloys

Deformation-induced {alpha}{sub 2} {yields} {gamma} phase transformation in high Nb containing TiAl alloys was investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The dislocations appearing at the tip of deformation-induced {gamma} plate (DI-{gamma}) and the stacking sequence change of the {alpha}{sub 2} matrix were two key evidences for determining the occurrence of the deformation-induced {alpha}{sub 2} {yields} {gamma} phase transformation. Compositional analysis revealed that the product phase of the room-temperature transformation was not standard {gamma} phase; on the contrary, the product phase of the high-temperature transformation was standard {gamma} phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-yield synthesis of SnO{sub 2} nanobelts by water-assisted chemical vapor deposition for sensor applications

Highlights: ► The well crystalline and structurally uniform SnO{sub 2} nanobelts were prepared. ► Au-modified small Sn particle was used as source material to ensure the high yield. ► The SnO{sub 2} nanobelt exhibited better gas sensing property to NO{sub 2} than nanoparticle. ► The SnO{sub 2} nanobelt showed obvious sensing selectivity towards NO{sub 2} over CO and CH{sub 4}. -- Abstract: Well-crystallized one-dimensional (1D) SnO{sub 2} nanobelts were in situ prepared using a simple water-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The small Sn particles with Au-modifications were used as source materials instead of big size Sn grains to ensure the high yield of SnO{sub 2} belts. The Au layer was modified on the small Sn particles by treating Sn powders in HAuCl{sub 4} solution combined with the UV irradiation. The as-prepared SnO{sub 2} nanobelts were characterized by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, EDS and XPS. These results indicate that the growth temperature plays an important role in controlling the length-to-width ratio of nanobelts. The length-to-width ratio decreases with the growth temperature from 850 °C to 1000 °C. The nanobelts prepared at 850 °C shows a single-crystalline tetragonal rutile phase with a high length-to-width ratio (approximately tens of microns in length and 40–70 nm in width). However, below 850 °C, nanobelts cannot be formed. The as-prepared nanobelts exhibited excellent sensing properties compared with SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles and high sensing selectivity towards NO{sub 2}. The high sensing selectivity to NO{sub 2} is attributed to the oxygen vacancies presenting in the as-prepared nanobelts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structure and scintillation yield of Ce-doped Al–Ga substituted yttrium garnet

Highlights: ► Range of Y{sub 3}(Al{sub 1−x}Ga{sub x}){sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce solid solution crystals are grown from melt by the Czochralski method. ► Light yield of mixed crystals reaches 130% of the YAG:Ce value at x ∼ 0.4. ► ∼1% of antisite defects is formed in YGG:Ce, but no evidence of this is obtained for the rest of crystals. -- Abstract: Structure and scintillation yield of Y{sub 3}(Al{sub 1−x}Ga{sub x}){sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce solid solution crystals are studied. Crystals are grown from melt by the Czochralski method. Distribution of host cations in crystal lattice is determined. Quantity of antisite defects in crystals is evaluated using XRD and atomic emission spectroscopy data. Trend of light output at Al/Ga substitution in Y{sub 3}(Al{sub 1−x}Ga{sub x}){sub 5}O{sub 12}:Ce is determined for the first time. Light output in mixed crystals reaches 130% comparative to Ce-doped yttrium–aluminum garnet. Luminescence properties at Al/Ga substitution are evaluated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Energy dependence of chain fission product yields from neutron-induced fission of 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu

The lack of completeness and systematic studies of cumulative fission product yield (FPY) from the three major actinides of 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu, over a broad energy range, was the primary motivation for the LLNL-LANL-TUNL collaboration. Given the focus on resolving FPY behavior around fission spectrum neutron energies, our 2016 data provides FPY measurements in fine energy steps in the range of 0.5–5.5 MeV and an additional anchor point at 14.8 MeV. Recently, our collaboration filled the gap between second chance fission and 14.8 MeV, providing a comprehensive study at eleven incident neutron energies from 0.5 to 14.8 MeV. However, during the course of the last measurements, it was found that the reported masses of the actinide deposits in the fission ionization chambers, which were used to measure the number of fissions, were not consistent with the complementary tests. Therefore, some corrections to the old data are needed. The purpose of this paper is to summarize all of the high-yield FPY data obtained for 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu isotopes using quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams at 11 incident energies ranging from E n = 0.5 to 14.8 MeV.

Tonchev, A. P. [Lawrence Livermore National Labora↗

The SPIDER fission fragment spectrometer for fission product yield measurements

We developed the SPectrometer for Ion DEtermination in fission Research (SPIDER) for measuring mass yield distributions of fission products from spontaneous and neutron-induced fission. The 2E–2v method of measuring the kinetic energy (E) and velocity (v) of both outgoing fission products has been utilized, with the goal of measuring the mass of the fission products with an average resolution of 1 atomic mass unit (amu). Moreover, the SPIDER instrument, consisting of detector components for time-of-flight, trajectory, and energy measurements, has been assembled and tested using 229 Th and 252 Cf radioactive decay sources. For commissioning, the fully assembled system measured fission products from spontaneous fission of 252 Cf. Individual measurement resolutions were met for time-of-flight (250 ps FWHM), spacial resolution (2 mm FHWM), and energy (92 keV FWHM for 8.376 MeV). Finally, these mass yield results measured from 252 Cf spontaneous fission products are reported from an E–v measurement.

252Cf↗

Yield and failure criteria for composite materials under static and dynamic loading

To facilitate and accelerate the process of introducing, evaluating and adopting of new material systems, it is important to develop/establish comprehensive and effective procedures of characterization, modeling and failure prediction of structural laminates based on the properties of the constituent materials, e. g., fibers, matrix, and the single ply or lamina. A new failure theory, the Northwestern (NU-Daniel) theory, has been proposed for predicting lamina yielding and failure under multi-axial states of stress including strain rate effects. It is primarily applicable to matrix-dominated interfiber/interlaminar failures. It is based on micromechanical failure mechanisms but is expressed in terms of easily measured macroscopic lamina stiffness and strength properties. It is presented in the form of a master failure envelope incorporating strain rate effects. The theory was further adapted and extended to the prediction of in situ first ply yielding and failure (FPY and FPF) and progressive failure of multi-directional laminates under static and dynamic loadings. The significance of this theory is that it allows for rapid screening of new composite materials without very extensive testing and offers easily implemented design tools.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Observation of B$^0_s$ mesons and measurement of the B$^0_s$/B$^+$ yield ratio in PbPb collisions at $\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$ = 5.02 TeV

The B$^0_s$ and B$^+$ production yields are measured in PbPb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of 5.02 TeV. The data sample, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.7 nb$^{-1}$. The mesons are reconstructed in the exclusive decay channels B$^0_s$$\to$ J/$\psi(\mu^+\mu^-)\phi($K$^+$K$^-)$ and B$^+$$\to$ J/$\psi(\mu^+\mu^-)$K$^+$. The B$^0_s$ meson is observed with a statistical significance in excess of five standard deviations for the first time in nucleus-nucleus collisions. The measurements are performed as functions of the transverse momentum of the B mesons and of the PbPb collision centrality. The ratio of production yields of B$^0_s$ and B$^+$ is measured and compared to theoretical models that include quark recombination effects.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Neutral to charged kaon yield fluctuations in Pb – Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV

We present the first measurement of event-by-event fluctuations in the kaon sector in Pb – Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}$ = 2.76 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The robust fluctuation correlator νdyn is used to evaluate the magnitude of fluctuations of the relative yields of neutral and charged kaons, as well as the relative yields of charged kaons, as a function of collision centrality and selected kinematic ranges. While the correlator $ν_{dyn}[K^+, K^–]$ exhibits a scaling approximately in inverse proportion of the charged particle multiplicity, $ν_{dyn}[K^0_S, K^±]$ features a significant deviation from such scaling. Within uncertainties, the value of $ν_{dyn}[K^0_S, K^±]$ is independent of the selected transverse momentum interval, while it exhibits a pseudorapidity dependence. The results are compared with HIJING, AMPT and EPOS–LHC predictions, and are further discussed in the context of the possible production of disoriented chiral condensates in central Pb – Pb collisions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Evidence for a genetic basis in functional trait tradeoffs with microbial growth rate but not growth yield

Tradeoffs in microbial functional traits have been a focus of recently described ecological frameworks and of mathematical models of microbial community functioning. Tradeoffs in key traits such as growth rate, growth yield, resource acquisition, and stress tolerance may have either a genetic basis or a physiological basis, and the type of tradeoff can inform how traits are modeled and measured. Here we provide evidence that growth rate/decomposition and growth rate/stress tolerance tradeoffs have a primarily genetic basis in a phylogenetically diverse suite of ten leaf litter-inhabiting fungi. In contrast, growth yield tradeoffs with functional traits are more likely to have a physiological basis. Consideration of the type of tradeoff, genetic or physiological, should help to inform efforts to model microbial contributions to ecosystem processes, especially when considering different scales. Consideration of physiological tradeoffs may be important for understanding short-term variability (e.g., pulse events) and fine spatial scales, whereas genetic tradeoffs are likely to be useful for understanding regional- to continental-scale and medium- to long-term contributions of microbes to ecosystem processes.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Pyrolysis of polyolefins for increasing the yield of monomers' recovery

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of mixed polyolefins in fluidized bed has been studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We tested applicability of a commercial Ziegler-Natta catalyst (Z-N: TiCl{sub 4}/MgCl{sub 2}). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The catalyst has a strong influence on product distribution, increasing gas fraction. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer At 650 Degree-Sign C the monomer generation increased by 55% when the catalyst was used. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We showed the concept of treatment of mixed polyolefins without a need of separation. - Abstract: Pyrolysis of plastic waste is an alternative way of plastic recovery and could be a potential solution for the increasing stream of solid waste. The objective of this work was to increase the yield the gaseous olefins (monomers) as feedstock for polymerization process and to test the applicability of a commercial Ziegler-Natta (Z-N): TiCl{sub 4}/MgCl{sub 2} for cracking a mixture of polyolefins consisted of 46% wt. of low density polyethylene (LDPE), 30% wt. of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and 24% wt. of polypropylene (PP). Two sets of experiments have been carried out at 500 and 650 Degree-Sign C via catalytic pyrolysis (1% of Z-N catalyst) and at 650 and 730 Degree-Sign C via only-thermal pyrolysis. These experiments have been conducted in a lab-scale, fluidized quartz-bed reactor of a capacity of 1-3 kg/h at Hamburg University. The results revealed a strong influence of temperature and presence of catalyst on the product distribution. The ratios of gas/liquid/solid mass fractions via thermal pyrolysis were: 36.9/48.4/15.7% wt. and 42.4/44.7/13.9% wt. at 650 and 730 Degree-Sign C while via catalytic pyrolysis were: 6.5/89.0/4.5% wt. and 54.3/41.9/3.8% wt. at 500 and 650 Degree-Sign C, respectively. At 650 Degree-Sign C the monomer generation increased by 55% up to 23.6% wt. of total pyrolysis products distribution while the catalyst was added. Obtained yields of olefins were compared with the naphtha steam cracking process and other potentially attractive processes for feedstock generation. The concept of closed cycle material flow for polyolefins has been discussed, showing the potential benefits of feedstock recycling in a plastic waste management.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗