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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Finite-Element Simulations of Elastoplastic Flow during Compression of a Sample in a Diamond Anvil Cell under Extremely High Pressure: Effects of Geometry and Material Properties

Finite-element simulations are conducted to investigate large elastoplastic deformations of rhenium under multimegabar pressures in a diamond anvil cell (DAC), with an emphasis on the effects of geometric and material properties. The following published experimental phenomena are reproduced: (1) the pressure distribution at the sample or diamond contact surface and the final sample thickness at pressure up to 300 GPa; (2) the cupping (i.e., appearance of a cuplike concave shape of the contact diamond-sample surface) and double cupping phenomena at megabar pressures; (3) three stages at the curve of the maximum pressure versus compressive force; (4) stages of material flow with increasing load; (5) pressure drop at the periphery after cupping in that region; and (6) change in direction of material flow to the center without change in the sign of the pressure gradient. The effects of the culet geometry, bevel angle, sample thickness, and sample or gasket system are analyzed in detail. The obtained results improve the understanding of the material mechanical response under extreme pressures and large elastoplastic deformations and are beneficial for the optimum design of a DAC with the goal of reaching the high and record high pressures once or multiple times.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1974

Radiation damage and structure recorded at high resolution in grains from fine fractions of Luna 16 surface material

Samples returned to earth by Luna 16, were studied with a high voltage electron microscope for ultramicroscopic features. The following amazing features were noted in particles of surface material returned in all the lunar trips: A very high density of tracks of nuclear particles, ultrathin amorphous shells, highly rounded forms, and amazingly good ordering of crystal lattice. These features were used along with calibration experiments in solving the following problems: (1) determining the energy spectrum and chemical abundances of the very heavy nuclei in the solar wind and in the solar cosmic rays; (2) studying the past activity of the sun; (3) obtaining data on lunar dynamic processes affecting dust particles; (4) analyzing composite effects caused by penetration of solar wind into the lunar surface material; and (5) establishing the existence of the ancient lunar atmosphere and magnetic field.

Durrieu, L.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Influence of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} Nanoparticles on the Soil Elements

The behavior of nanoparticles released to the soil has been extensively studied in recent years; however, the effects of nanoparticles on the distribution of soil elements and on sowing are still unknown. To this end, to examine the distribution of selected elements in soil, soil samples were treated weekly with 1.0 mg and 20.0 mg of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles for 3 weeks. Additionally, different types of plants (including taproot, fibrous root and ornamental bulbous plants) were sowed in the soil samples. After each treatment, surface soil samples were collected and digested with acid digestion. The concentrations of selected elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Cu, Co, Ni) were determined using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} treatment for 3 weeks, both low and high doses, had no effect on the Al content in soil samples when compared to the controls. Additionally, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} showed desorption properties on the analyte elements.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Nano Pattern on n-Si (100) Surface by Ion Irradiation

Nano structuring of silicon surface by low energy ion irradiation is reported. Semi insulating n-Si (100) has been irradiated by 50 keV Ar{sup +} ion beam at an angle of 50 deg. with respect to surface normal. The irradiated sample's surfaces were analyzed by Atomic Force Microscopy. Irradiation caused formation of nano-sized elliptical dots aligned in rows perpendicular to ion beam direction at fluence of 1x10{sup 17} ions/cm{sup 2}. At higher fluences of 3x10{sup 17} ions/cm{sup 2} and 7x10{sup 17} ions/cm{sup 2} self organized ripples were developed on the surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

A low energy muon spin rotation and point contact tunneling study of niobium films prepared for superconducting cavities

Point contact tunneling and low energy muon spin rotation are used to probe, on the same samples, the surface superconducting properties of micrometer thick niobium films deposited onto copper substrates using different sputtering techniques: diode, dc magnetron and HIPIMS. The combined results are compared to radio-frequency tests performances of RF cavities made with the same processes. Degraded surface superconducting properties are found to correlate to lower quality factors and stronger Q-slope. In addition, both techniques find evidence for surface paramagnetism on all samples and particularly on Nb films prepared by HIPIMS.

LE-mu SR↗
NASA NTRS1986

Quantitative flaw characterization with scanning laser acoustic microscopy

Surface roughness and diffraction are two factors that have been observed to affect the accuracy of flaw characterization with scanning laser acoustic microscopy. In accuracies can arise when the surface of the test sample is acoustically rough. It is shown that, in this case, Snell's law is no longer valid for determining the direction of sound propagation within the sample. The relationship between the direction of sound propagation within the sample, the apparent flaw depth, and the sample's surface roughness is investigated. Diffraction effects can mask the acoustic images of minute flaws and make it difficult to establish their size, depth, and other characteristics. It is shown that for Fraunhofer diffraction conditions the acoustic image of a subsurface defect corresponds to a two-dimensional Fourier transform. Transforms based on simulated flaws are used to infer the size and shape of the actual flaw.

Generazio, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Quantitative flaw characterization with scanning laser acoustic microscopy

Surface roughness and diffraction are two factors that have been observed to affect the accuracy of flaw characterization with scanning laser acoustic microscopy. Inaccuracies can arise when the surface of the test sample is acoustically rough. It is shown that, in this case, Snell's law is no longer valid for determining the direction of sound propagation within the sample. The relationship between the direction of sound propagation within the sample, the apparent flaw depth, and the sample's surface roughness is investigated. Diffraction effects can mask the acoustic images of minute flaws and make it difficult to establish their size, depth, and other characteristics. It is shown that for Fraunhofer diffraction conditions the acoustic image of a subsurface defect corresponds to a two-dimensional Fourier transform. Transforms based on simulated flaws are used to infer the size and shape of the actual flaw.

Generazio, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS2010

GeoLab in NASA's Pressurized Excursion Module: First Results from the 2010 Field Trials

Before humans explore other planets, NASA must develop advanced techniques for collection, preservation and return of unique extraterrestrial samples. To help evaluate hardware requirements and operational concepts for future sample-return missions, we designed and built GeoLab our first generation lab for geological samples into NASA s Habitat Demonstration Unit in the Pressurized Excursion Module (HDU1-PEM). The center of GeoLab is a glovebox for the examination of samples in a shirt-sleeve environment. As part of a deployable habitat, GeoLab can participate in NASA s analog missions that simulate planetary exploration activities and support the testing of relevant technologies for collecting and handling geological samples. Over time, these tests will evaluate sample handling environments (field and lab), sampling tools and analytical instruments, and different scenarios involving both robotic and human procedures. The GeoLab design supports evolving tests and configurations. The glovebox is mounted on the habitat bulkhead, with three sample pass-though chambers that allow for direct sample transfer into the glovebox from the outside. The glovebox design and construction (low-particle shedding, minimally off-gassing materials) provides a clean environment to reduce sample contamination; in the future, we will integrate a positive pressure, enriched nitrogen atmosphere. The glovebox is equipped with configurable instrument ports. The 2010 test included a mass balance, a stereomicroscope with a HD camera for detailed imaging of samples, and a handheld XRF analyzer for preliminary geochemical characterization of samples. Network cameras provided context imagery and sample handling activities. We present early results from the initial field trial of GeoLab during the 2010 Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) planetary analog test near Flagstaff AZ. The 2010 D-RATS mission involved two rovers, the habitat with GeoLab, four crew members, and a team of scientists and flight controllers. The crewed rovers conducted geological traverses and collected samples on the planetary surface. Selected samples were transferred into GeoLab for detailed examination and initial analysis, providing critical data to the science team for evaluation and prioritization of samples.

Evans, Cynthia A.↗
DOE OSTI2018

AN INNOVATIVE Nb3Sn FILM APPROACH AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR SRF APPLICATIONS

A novel electro-chemical technique to produce Nb3Sn films on Nb substrates was developed and optimized at Fermilab. The Nb3Sn phase is obtained in a two-electrode cell, by electrodeposition from aqueous solutions of Sn lay-ers and Cu intermediate layers onto Nb substrates. Subse-quent thermal treatments in inert atmosphere are realized at a maximum temperature of 700°C to obtain the Nb3Sn superconducting phase. Several superconducting Nb3Sn films were obtained on Nb substrates by studying and op-timizing most parameters of the electro-plating process. Samples were characterized at Fermilab, NIMS, KEK and JLab, including SEM/EPMA analyses, DC and inductive tests of critical temperature Tc0, and lower critical field Hc1(4.2 K) by SQUID. In parallel to sample development and fabrication at FNAL, at JLab and KEK effort was put into etching and electro-polishing techniques adequate to remove the Cu and bronze phases from the samples’ outer surface. This is necessary prior to measurements at JLab of the surface impedance of flat samples in a setup that make use of an RF host cavity.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

False-negative rate, limit of detection and recovery efficiency performance of a validated macrofoam-swab sampling method for low surface concentrations of Bacillus anthracis Sterne and Bacillus atrophaeus spores

The performance of a macrofoam-swab sampling method was evaluated using Bacillus anthracis Sterne (BAS) and Bacillus atrophaeus Nakamura (BG) spores applied at nine low target amounts (2-500 spores) to positive-control plates and test coupons (2 in × 2 in) of four surface materials (glass, stainless steel, vinyl tile, and plastic). Test results from cultured samples were used to evaluate the effects of surrogate, surface concentration, and surface material on recovery efficiency (RE), false negative rate (FNR), and limit of detection. For RE, surrogate and surface material had statistically significant effects, but concentration did not. Mean REs were the lowest for vinyl tile (50.8% with BAS and 40.2% with BG) and the highest for glass (92.8% with BAS and 71.4% with BG). FNR values ranged from 0 to 0.833 for BAS and 0 to 0.806 for BG; values increased as concentration decreased in the range tested (0.078 to 19.375 CFU/cm2). Surface material also had a statistically significant effect. A FNR-concentration curve was fit for each combination of surrogate and surface material. For both surrogates, the FNR curves tended to be the lowest for glass and highest for vinyl title. The FNR curves for BG tended to be higher than for BAS at lower concentrations, especially for glass. Results using a modified Rapid Viability-Polymerase Chain Reaction (mRV-PCR) analysis method were also obtained. The mRV-PCR results and comparisons to the culture results will be discussed in a subsequent article.

Bacillus anthracis↗
NASA NTRS1979

Lunar sample analysis

The surface composition of two samples from the highly shocked, glass-coated lunar basalt (12054) and from four glass-coated fragments from the 1-2 mm (14161) fines were examined by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy to determine whether the agglutination process itself is responsible for the difference between their surface and bulk compositions. Auger electron spectroscopy of glass balls from the 15425 and 74001 fines were analyzed to understand the nature, extent, and behavior of volatile phases associated with lunar volcanism. Initial results indicate that (1) volatiles, in the outer few atomic layers sampled, vary considerably from ball to ball; (2) variability over the surface of individual balls is smaller; (3) the dominant volatiles on the balls are S and Zn; and (4) other volatiles commonly observed are P, Cl, and K.

Housley, R. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

In-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry for real-time characterization of the effects of high-flux helium plasmas on tungsten surfaces

Tungsten samples were exposed to He plasmas generated by an RF source (Γ i = 3.5 x 10 16 He cm -2 s -1 , ion energy = 92 eV.) The range of exposure conditions selected here is conducive to the growth of nearsurface He bubbles, and at higher fluence, the formation of W nanotendrils ranging between 50 — 100 nm in diameter. The evolution of these surface features was probed using a fixed-angle ellipsometer (280 — 1000 nm wavelength range) with direct line-of-sight to the sample. Over the parameter space explored here, changes in the two angles (p, S) that define the polarization of the reflected light followed a distinct trajectory with increasing plasma fluence. Ex-situ ellipsometry of 22 additional tungsten specimens tested at a wide range of plasma fluences and temperatures mapped onto these in-situ results well. We used helium ion microscopy and focused ion beam profiling to provide a direct calibration of the ellipsometry measurements. Our results indicate that for a reproducible process such as the growth helium-induced surface morphologies, ellipsometry is a practical in-situ diagnostic to study how fusion plasmas modify materials. To study more general effects of plasmas on surfaces, including co-deposition and sputtering, different approaches to modelling the optical properties of the exposed surfaces are also considered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Surface studies of plasma processed Nb samples

Contaminants present at top surface of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities can act as field emitters and restrict the cavity accelerating gradient. A room temperature in-situ plasma processing technology for SRF cavities aiming to clean hydrocarbons from inner surface of cavities has been recently developed at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Surface studies of the plasma-processed Nb samples by Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) showed that the NeO 2 plasma processing is very effective to remove carbonaceous contaminants from top surface and improves the surface work function by 0.5 to 1.0 eV.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1977

The search for organic substances and inorganic volatile compounds in the surface of Mars

A total of four Martian samples, one surface and one subsurface sample at each of the two Viking landing sites, Chryse Planitia and Utopia Planitia, have been analyzed for organic compounds by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. In none of these experiments could organic material of Martian origin be detected at detection limits generally of the order of parts per billion and for a few substances closer to parts per million. The evolution of water and carbon dioxide, but not of other inorganic gases, was observed upon heating the sample to temperatures of up to 500 C. The absence of organic compounds seems to preclude their production on the planet at rates that exceed the rate of their destruction. It also makes it unlikely that living systems that behave in a manner similar to terrestrial biota exist, at least at the two Viking landing sites.

Biemann, K.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Importance of Sample Handling and Preparation for Surface Analysis: A Summary of ISO Standard 20579 Part 1, Documenting and Reporting the Handling of Specimens Prior to Analysis

Reliable and reproducible analysis of surfaces is critically dependent on how samples have been collected, handled, and prepared before analysis. Although there are important, well-established general guidelines to minimize unintended alteration of the surfaces to be analyzed, specific handling steps depend on the nature of the samples and information desired. Assessments of the validity and reliability of the results require adequate information about sampling, handling, and processing. ISO standard 20579 part 1 describes the information to be recorded and reported for samples that are prepared or submitted for surface analysis. This paper summarizes elements of the standard, which includes annexes that justify and inform the sample handling processes. Also included is a checklist of information that needs to be recorded and reported and an appendix containing an example of a form that might be used to report the information.

AES↗
NASA NTRS1980

Tissue response to peritoneal implants

Peritoneal implants were fabricated from poly 2-OH, ethyl methacrylate (HEMA), polyetherurethane (polytetramethylene glycol 1000 MW, 1,4 methylene disocynate, and ethyl diamine), and untreated and sputter treated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The sputter treated PTFE implants were produced by an 8 cm diameter argon ion source. The treated samples consisted of ion beam sputter polished samples, sputter etched samples (to produce a microscopic surface cone texture) and surface pitted samples (produced by ion beam sputtering to result in 50 microns wide by 100 microns deep square pits). These materials were implanted in rats for periods ranging from 30 minutes to 14 days. The results were evaluated with regard to cell type and attachment kinetics onto the different materials. Scanning electron microscopy and histological sections were also evaluated. In general the smooth hydrophobic surfaces attracted less cells than the ion etched PTFE or the HEMA samples. The ion etching was observed to enhance cell attachment, multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) formation, cell to cell contact, and fibrous capsule formation. The cell responsed in the case of ion etched PTFE to an altered surface morphology. However, equally interesting was the similar attachment kinetics of HEMA verses the ion etched PTFE. However, HEMA resulted in a markedly different response with no MNGC's formation, minimal to no capsule formation, and sample coverage by a uniform cell layer.

Picha, G. J.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Analysis of Tank 38H (HTF-38-14-150, 151) and Tank 43H (HTF- 43-14-152, 53) Surface and Subsurface Supernatant Samples in Support of Enrichment Control, Corrosion Control and Sodium Aluminosilicate Formation Potential Programs

This report provides the results of analyses on Tanks 38H and 43H surface and subsurface supernatant liquid samples in support of the Enrichment Control Program (ECP), the Corrosion Control Program and Sodium Aluminosilicate Formation Potential in the Evaporator.

2H evaporator system↗