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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

Numerical Diffusion (Mixing) of Material in Numerical Simulations of Hydrodynamics [Slides]

It is often assumed that a material interface between two materials is spread over a few numerical cells in numerical simulations for hydrodynamics. Also, we have the impression that higher order methods introduce less numerical diffusion (mixing) of material. As we know one of the purposes of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is to resolve interfaces between materials, but we would like to know how effective AMR is to reduce numerical diffusion of material. We will present our investigation about numerical diffusion (mixing) of material in xRage. The result of the investigation indicates that the assumptions mentioned above are not always valid. In this talk, we will also demonstrate the effectiveness of numerical techniques to reduce numerical diffusion of material, including contact discontinuity steepening, isotropic interface steepening, max interface steepening, material interface reconstruct.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1981

Payload carrier systems for conducting sortie mode science

The capabilities and characteristics of the payload carriers developed to provide structural and operational interfaces between the Space Shuttle and the various types of experiments designed to operate in the sortie mode are discussed. The Spacelab is a flexible laboratory system composed of interchangeable elements that can be put together in eight different combinations of pallets and pressurized modules, and provides considerable standard services to users in such areas as equipment installation, power distribution, thermal control, command and data management, software, pointing systems and crew participation. A modular three-axis pointing control system designated the Annular Suspension and Pointing System, is being developed to provide additional pointing capabilities to those payloads that require capabilities not provided by the Spacelab instrument pointing system. Two engineering models of the Spacelab pallet have been designated Orbital Flight Test Pallets which, together with a special experiment support structure, are intended for initial and operational payloads that do not constitute a complete Spacelab mission. The simplest and smallest payload carriers are the Getaway Special cans, intended for small, self-contained, self-sufficient payloads, and the orbiter middeck lockers. In this way, most of the user requirements for Shuttle sortie missions identified to date can be fulfilled.

Jean, O. C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Space Station Biological Research Project Habitat: Incubator

Developed as part of the suite of Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) hardware to support research aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Incubator is a temperature-controlled chamber, for conducting life science research with small animal, plant and microbial specimens. The Incubator is designed for use only on the ISS and is transported to/from the ISS, unpowered and without specimens, in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) of the Shuttle. The Incubator interfaces with the three SSBRP Host Systems; the Habitat Holding Racks (HHR), the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) and the 2.5 m Centrifuge Rotor (CR), providing investigators with the ability to conduct research in microgravity and at variable gravity levels of up to 2-g. The temperature within the Specimen Chamber can be controlled between 4 and 45 C. Cabin air is recirculated within the Specimen Chamber and can be exchanged with the ISS cabin at a rate of approximately equal 50 cc/min. The humidity of the Specimen Chamber is monitored. The Specimen Chamber has a usable volume of approximately equal 19 liters and contains two (2) connectors at 28v dc, (60W) for science equipment; 5 dedicated thermometers for science; ports to support analog and digital signals from experiment unique sensors or other equipment; an Ethernet port; and a video port. It is currently manifested for UF-3 and will be launched integrated within the first SSBRP Habitat Holding Rack.

Nakamura, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Role of SmallSats in Scientific Exploration and Commercialization of Space

Over the past decade, SmallSats have been established as having great potential for science exploration and commercialization of space. The SmallSat revolution aims to decrease the cost of space development, making space exploration accessible to students, educators, and public citizens. These efforts have focused on miniaturization of instruments and space platforms, as well as reducing their cost, mass, and needed power. In addition to enabling scientific exploration, SmallSats provide affordable means for the public to purchase remote sensing and communication products on a global scale. SmallSat mission concepts are particularly powerful when they are deployed in distributed architecture or constellations. For example, the most promising observation techniques for global science measurements of the Earth system and space weather require multi-point distributed observations of the Earth system at a feasible cost. The high cost of access to space has long been a barrier, especially with the prohibitive cost of large satellites. Affordable SmallSat constellations can be game-changers, enabling scientific exploration as well as commercial global data products. In this paper, we highlight investments made by NASA to date (specifically a study in developing and prototyping a SmallSat platform with standard interfaces), along with several example mission concept scenarios in Earth and space science (astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary) applications that can be achieved using this platform.

technology development↗
DOE OSTI2012

Ab-initio molecular modeling of interfaces in tantalum-carbon system

Processing of ultrahigh temperature TaC ceramic material with sintering additives of B{sub 4}C and reinforcement of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) gives rise to possible formation of several interfaces (Ta{sub 2}C-TaC, TaC-CNT, Ta{sub 2}C-CNT, TaB{sub 2}-TaC, and TaB{sub 2}-CNT) that could influence the resultant properties. Current work focuses on interfaces developed during spark plasma sintering of TaC-system and performing ab initio molecular modeling of the interfaces generated during processing of TaC-B{sub 4}C and TaC-CNT composites. The energy of the various interfaces has been evaluated and compared with TaC-Ta{sub 2}C interface. The iso-surface electronic contours are extracted from the calculations eliciting the enhanced stability of TaC-CNT interface by 72.2%. CNTs form stable interfaces with Ta{sub 2}C and TaB{sub 2} phases with a reduction in the energy by 35.8% and 40.4%, respectively. The computed Ta-C-B interfaces are also compared with experimentally observed interfaces in high resolution TEM images.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Simulation of Heterogeneous Atom Probe Tip Shape Evolution during Field Evaporation Using a Level Set Method and Different Evaporation Models

Accurate reconstruction of spatial positions of field evaporated ions from detector patterns depends on a correct understanding of the tip shape evolution and evaporation laws of component atoms. Reconstruction artifacts introduced in the heterogeneous tip can be contributed by the assumption on homogeneous evaporation behavior. A level set method based specimen shape evolution model is developed in this study to simulate the evaporation of synthetic layered-structured atom probe tip. The simulation results of the shape evolution by the present level set model agree well with the literature data using other numerical approaches, i.e. finite difference method. The asymmetric evolving shape predicted by the level set model demonstrates that the complex evaporation behavior of heterogeneous tips and interface curvature can potentially lead to the tip reconstruction distortion. Compared with other shape evaporation methods the new method provides considerably higher resolution and computational efficiency with the aid of the intrinsic subgrid scale accuracy.

atom probe tomography, field evaporation, tip shap↗
DOE OSTI2013

Faceted growth of primary Al{sub 2}Cu crystals during directional solidification in high magnetic field

The high magnetic field is widely used to modify the crystal morphology. In this work, the effect of the magnetic field on growing behavior of faceted crystals in the Al-40 wt. %Cu alloy was investigated using directional solidification technique. It was found that the faceted growth of primary Al{sub 2}Cu phase was degraded and the primary spacing was reduced upon applying the magnetic field. Additionally, the length of the mushy zone first decreased and then increased with increase of the magnetic field intensity. The quantitative analysis reveals that the shear stress induced by the fluid motion is insufficient to break the atom bonds at the solid-liquid interface. However, both of the thermoelectric magnetic convection (TEMC) and the thermoelectric magnetic force (TEMF) cause dendrites to fracture and reduce the primary spacing. The two effects also weaken the faceting growth. Moreover, the instability of the solid-liquid interface is generated by the TEMF, which further leads to degrade the faceted growth. The length of mushy zone was changed by the TEMC and reached the minimum in the magnetic field of 0.5 T, which is in good agreement with the predicted value (0.83 T)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Understanding the deformation mechanism of individual phases of a ZrTi-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite using in situ diffraction and imaging methods

The plasticity of a ZrTi-based bulk metallic glass composite consisting of glassy matrix and crystalline dendritic phase was studied in-situ under identical tensile loading conditions using scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction. A generic procedure was developed to separate the diffraction information of the crystalline phases away from that of the matrix and to precisely calculate the microscopic strains of the two phases at different macroscopic load steps. In this way, the time-evolved quantitative links between shear bands nucleation/propagation and the corresponding microscopic stress fields around them are established, providing more quantitative understanding on (1) how the shear bands are driven by the local stress field, and (2) the critical stresses required for the shear bands to nucleate in the crystalline phase, propagate through the crystalline/matrix interface, and finally into the matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experimental demonstration and analysis of random field effects in ferromagnet/antiferromagnet bilayers

More than 30 years ago, Malozemoff [Phys. Rev. B 35, 3679 (1987)] hypothesized that exchange interaction at the interface between a ferromagnet (F) and an antiferromagnet (AF) can act as an effective random field, which can profoundly affect the magnetic properties of the system. However, until now this hypothesis has not been directly experimentally tested. We utilize magnetoelectronic measurements to analyze the effective exchange fields at permalloy/CoO interface. Our results cannot be explained in terms of quasiuniform effective exchange fields but are in agreement with the random-field hypothesis of Malozemoff. Finally, the presented approach opens a new route for the quantitative analysis of effective exchange fields and anisotropies in magnetic heterostructures for memory, sensing and computing applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Adhesion of ZrN and Al 2 O 3 coatings on U metal from first-principles

To understand the role of alumina layer in the adhesion of ZrN coating on U-Mo surface using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, we investigate the interfaces of ZrN/U, Al 2 O 3 /U, and ZrN/Al 2 O 3 using first-principles density-functional theory calculations. The preferred interfacial plane orientation relationships and terminations for all the interfaces are predicted. Calculations show that both lattice mismatch and interfacial bonding play crucial roles in determining the adhesion strength of ZrN and Al 2 O 3 coatings on U metal surface. The strength of Al 2 O 3 /U and ZrN/Al 2 O 3 interfaces are found to be substantially higher than that of ZrN/U interface. The strong interfacial adhesion of Al 2 O 3 /U and ZrN/Al 2 O 3 interfaces is ascribed to the formation of ionic bonds at the interface, as compared to weak metallic bonds formed in ZrN/U interface. Furthermore, the formation of metal-oxygen ionic bonds at interface explains the role of alumina layer in the improved adhesion of ZrN coating on U-Mo surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Precipitation behavior during aging and creep in 18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N steel

Highlights: • The creep strength of 18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N steel degraded in the long term. • Nb rich MX particles precipitated in grain interior after aging for just one hour at 650 to 800 °C. • The time required for precipitation of modified Z phase was about 2500 h at 650 °C and 1050 h at 700 °C. • Fine Cu particles were detected in grain interior after aging for one hour. • Large Cu particles were located at the interface between the σ phase and the matrix after long-term aging at 650 °C and 700 °C. - Abstract: Microstructural changes during aging and creep were investigated in 18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N steel (KA-SUS304J1HTB, ASME Code Case 2328), focusing on copper phase, MX carbonitride and Z phase. The creep strength of 18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N steel was much higher than that of conventional SUS304 steel in the short term. However, the difference of these two steels was small in the long term, because the creep strength of 18Cr–9Ni–3Cu–Nb–N steel degraded in the long term. Niobium rich MX particles precipitated in grain interior after aging for just one hour at 650 to 800 °C. Modified Z phase [Cr(Nb, V)N] particles were observed after aging accompanied by the disappearance of MX particles. The time required for precipitation of modified Z phase was about 2500 h at 650 °C and 1050 h at 700 °C. Fine copper particles were detected in grain interior after aging for one hour. Large copper particles were located at the interface between the σ phase and the matrix after long-term aging at 650 °C and 700 °C.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1999

Spacecraft Software Maintenance: An Effective Approach to Reducing Costs and Increasing Science Return

Flight software is a mission critical element of spacecraft functionality and performance. When ground operations personnel interface to a spacecraft, they are typically dealing almost entirely with the capabilities of onboard software. This software, even more than critical ground/flight communications systems, is expected to perform perfectly during all phases of spacecraft life. Due to the fact that it can be reprogrammed on-orbit to accommodate degradations or failures in flight hardware, new insights into spacecraft characteristics, new control options which permit enhanced science options, etc., the on- orbit flight software maintenance team is usually significantly responsible for the long term success of a science mission. Failure of flight software to perform as needed can result in very expensive operations work-around costs and lost science opportunities. There are three basic approaches to maintaining spacecraft software--namely using the original developers, using the mission operations personnel, or assembling a center of excellence for multi-spacecraft software maintenance. Not planning properly for flight software maintenance can lead to unnecessarily high on-orbit costs and/or unacceptably long delays, or errors, in patch installations. A common approach for flight software maintenance is to access the original development staff. The argument for utilizing the development staff is that the people who developed the software will be the best people to modify the software on-orbit. However, it can quickly becomes a challenge to obtain the services of these key people. They may no longer be available to the organization. They may have a more urgent job to perform, quite likely on another project under different project management. If they havn't worked on the software for a long time, they may need precious time for refamiliarization to the software, testbeds and tools. Further, a lack of insight into issues related to flight software in its on-orbit environment, may find the developer unprepared for the challenges. The second approach is to train a member of the flight operations team to maintain the spacecraft software. This can prove to be a costly and inflexible solution. The person assigned to this duty may not have enough work to do during a problem free period and may have too much to do when a problem arises. If the person is a talented software engineer, he/she may not enjoy the limited software opportunities available in this position; and may eventually leave for newer technology computer science opportunities. Training replacement flight software personnel can be a difficult and lengthy process. The third approach is to assemble a center of excellence for on-orbit spacecraft software maintenance. Personnel in this specialty center can be managed to support flight software of multiple missions at once. The variety of challenges among a set of on-orbit missions, can result in a dedicated, talented staff which is fully trained and available to support each mission's needs. Such staff are not software developers but are rather spacecraft software systems engineers. The cost to any one mission is extremely low because the software staff works and charges, minimally on missions with no current operations issues; and their professional insight into on-orbit software troubleshooting and maintenance methods ensures low risk, effective and minimal-cost solutions to on-orbit issues.

Shell, Elaine M.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Influence of Rotation Rate on Microstructure and Comprehensive Performance of FSWed Mg Alloy

Die-casting AZ31 Mg alloys were successfully friction stir welded at a constant welding speed and different rotation rates. More uniform and fine grains were obtained at the rotation rate of 1400 rpm due to more suitable temperature for dynamic recrystallization in this welding condition. In addition, the intensity of (0001) texture in stir zone increased with the increasing rotation rate. The results of mechanical property test indicated joint with rotation rate of 1400 rpm had better tensile property, which was associated with fine grains, uniform transition in the interface between thermo-mechanically affected zone and stir zone as well as more favorable Schmidt factor for basal slip and twinning. The corrosion resistance of joints increased with the increasing rotation rate, which is significantly related to the (0001) texture with basal plane parallel to the corroded surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of annealing parameters on phase evolution and recrystallization kinetics of a Mn-Al-Si alloyed duplex steel

Highlights: • Stacking fault energy calculated for Fe-9.8Mn-7.5Al-1.22Si-0.2C steel is 48.4 mJ/m{sup 2} • Austenite stability decreases with increasing temperature due to higher free energy • Mn{sub 5}(Al,Si)C precipitates evolve with concurrent disappearance of austenite at 1273 K • Decrease in austenite fraction stimulates boundary migration for recrystallization • The maximum value of Avrami exponent ~ 1 implies sluggish recrystallization kinetics - Abstract: In this study, the phase transformation and recrystallization behavior of hot-forged Fe-Mn-Al-Si-C alloyed duplex steel has been investigated in wide ranges of annealing temperatures (973-1273 K) and durations (15–150 min). The recrystallization kinetics has been evaluated employing Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov model. A limited extent of phase transformation (i.e. duplex to single phase) has been found to take place during annealing in the range of 973-1173 K. However, during annealing at 1273 K, not only the transformation from duplex to ferritic microstructure accelerates, but also recrystallization is initiated in these ferrite grains. The changes in the free energy of the austenite with the annealing temperature play a pivotal role in dictating the stabilization of the corresponding phase. Moreover, the disappearance of the austenitic phase at 1273 K owing to higher free energy is compensated by the formation of Mn-Al-Si rich carbide precipitates. The phase evolution triggered by annealing at 1273 K affects the recrystallization kinetics of each of the phase constituents. A sharp rise in the Avrami exponent (n) value is noticed following annealing at 1273 K, which clearly denotes that the disappearing austenite-ferrite interfaces facilitate the migration of the ferrite boundaries that stimulate recrystallization. In spite of the increasing values of n with the annealing temperature, its maximum value (at 1273 K) remains close to 1. This is a clear indication of the sluggish nature of the recrystallization process in the developed alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Interfacial morphology evolution in directionally solidified FeCrAl alloys

Highlights: • The variations of cellular/dendritic spacing with different Al contents and velocities were studied by experiments. • The experimental data were compared with the Hunt-Lu model. • The effect of Al content on the interfacial morphology evolution was discussed for the directional solidified FeCrAl alloys. - Abstract: Interfacial morphology evolution in FeCrAl alloys with varying Al content has been investigated by conducting a series of directional solidification experiments. A comparison between the experimental data and the Hunt-Lu model confirms that cellular spacing widens while dendritic spacing narrows as Al content of the alloy increases. The ratio of upper and lower limit cellular/dendritic spacing λ{sub max}/λ{sub min} is only weakly dependent on growth velocity and Al content. Under the experimental conditions in the present study, cell to dendrite transition (CDT) occurs at a growth velocity between 25 μm/s and 50 μm/s, and dendrite to cell transition (DCT) is observed at a growth velocity less than 100 μm/s. Critical spacing of CDT λ{sub cd} and local solidification time (LST) t{sub f} are used to discuss the influence of Al content on CDT and DCT respectively. The transition between non-planar and planar interface of the alloy is investigated based on the interface stabilization theory of Mullins and Sekerka.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗