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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Percolation theory and quantum critical systems: A new description of the critical behavior in Ce(Ru{sub 0.24}Fe{sub 0.76}){sub 2}Ge{sub 2}

The onset of ordering in quantum critical systems is characterized by a competition between the Kondo shielding of magnetic moments and the ordering of these moments. We show how a distribution of Kondo shielding temperatures—resulting from chemical doping—leads to critical behavior whose main characteristics are given by percolation physics. With the aid of Monte Carlo computer simulations, we are able to infer the low temperature part of the distribution of shielding temperatures in heavily doped quantum critical Ce(Ru{sub 0.24}Fe{sub 0.76}){sub 2}Ge{sub 2}. Based on this distribution, we show that the ordering dynamics—such as the growth of the correlation length upon cooling—can be understood by the spawning of magnetic clusters. Our findings explain why the search for universal exponents in quantum critical systems has been unsuccessful: the underlying percolation network associated with the chemical doping of quantum critical systems has to be incorporated in the modeling of these quantum critical systems.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

The APOGEE Spectroscopic Survey of Kepler planet hosts: Feasibility, efficiency, and first results

The Kepler mission has yielded a large number of planet candidates from among the Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs), but spectroscopic follow-up of these relatively faint stars is a serious bottleneck in confirming and characterizing these systems. We present motivation and survey design for an ongoing project with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III multiplexed Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) near-infrared spectrograph to monitor hundreds of KOI host stars. We report some of our first results using representative targets from our sample, which include current planet candidates that we find to be false positives, as well as candidates listed as false positives that we do not find to be spectroscopic binaries. With this survey, KOI hosts are observed over ∼20 epochs at a radial velocity (RV) precision of 100–200 m s{sup −1}. These observations can easily identify a majority of false positives caused by physically associated stellar or substellar binaries, and in many cases, fully characterize their orbits. We demonstrate that APOGEE is capable of achieving RV precision at the 100–200 m s{sup −1} level over long time baselines, and that APOGEE’s multiplexing capability makes it substantially more efficient at identifying false positives due to binaries than other single-object spectrographs working to confirm KOIs as planets. These APOGEE RVs enable ancillary science projects, such as studies of fundamental stellar astrophysics or intrinsically rare substellar companions. The coadded APOGEE spectra can be used to derive stellar properties (T{sub eff}, logg) and chemical abundances of over a dozen elements to probe correlations of planet properties with individual elemental abundances.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Expanding the role of reactive transport models in critical zone processes

We report that models test our understanding of processes and can reach beyond the spatial and temporal scales of measurements. Multi-component Reactive Transport Models (RTMs), initially developed more than three decades ago, have been used extensively to explore the interactions of geothermal, hydrologic, geochemical, and geobiological processes in subsurface systems. Driven by extensive data sets now available from intensive measurement efforts, there is a pressing need to couple RTMs with other community models to explore non-linear interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Here we briefly review the history of RTM development, summarize the current state of RTM approaches, and identify new research directions, opportunities, and infrastructure needs to broaden the use of RTMs. In particular, we envision the expanded use of RTMs in advancing process understanding in the Critical Zone, the veneer of the Earth that extends from the top of vegetation to the bottom of groundwater. We argue that, although parsimonious models are essential at larger scales, process-based models offer tools to explore the highly nonlinear coupling that characterizes natural systems. We present seven testable hypotheses that emphasize the unique capabilities of process-based RTMs for (1) elucidating chemical weathering and its physical and biogeochemical drivers; (2) understanding the interactions among roots, micro-organisms, carbon, water, and minerals in the rhizosphere; (3) assessing the effects of heterogeneity across spatial and temporal scales; and (4) integrating the vast quantity of novel data, including “omics” data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), elemental concentration and speciation data, and isotope data into our understanding of complex earth surface systems. In conclusion, with strong support from data-driven sciences, we are now in an exciting era where integration of RTM framework into other community models will facilitate process understanding across disciplines and across scales.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Modification of rGO by B(C6F5)3 to generated single-site Lewis Acid rGO-O-B(C6F5)2 as coactivator of nickel complex, to produce highly disperse rGO-PE nanocomposite

We investigated the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into branched polyethylene, achieving nanocomposites with different rGO contents. The strategy included the direct reaction between B(C6F5)(3) (BCF) with rGO (reduced graphene oxide) and demonstrated by XPS, B-11, F-1(9) -MAS NMR, FT-IR the efficient modification of the rGO. The resulting solid contains sites -O-B(C6F5)(2 )capable of acting as co-catalysts in the activation of an (alpha-iminocarboxamidate)nickel (II) complex. The results show the efficient activation of this nickel catalyst through an exocyclic Lewis acid-base interaction and the subsequent ethylene polymerization. We achieved with this heterogeneous catalytic system activity greater than those previously reported for the BCF-Ni, homogenous system, while the characterization of the black colored polymer generated in situ, showed a complete delamination of the rGO. It became the first rGO-B(C6F5)(2) -Ni system fully characterized and capable of delaminate the rGO support by producing a nanocomposite rGO-LLDPE without loss of activity, compared to the homogeneous system. In addition, the polymer contains about 70% of methyl branches and a melting point higher than 125 degrees C.

In situ activation↗
DOE OSTI2024

EVs@Scale NextGen Profiles: High Level Analysis and Procedures Report

As part of the U.S. DOE EVs@Scale consortium, the NextGen Profiles (NGP) project presents analysis and results from the study of High Power Charging Electric Vehicles and Battery Charging Infrastructure. High Power Charging equipment is capable of recharging electric vehicle traction batteries at power levels of 200KW and above. The NextGen Profiles project has three pillars of investigation: Electric Vehicle Charging Profile Capture, Electric Vehicle Service Equipment Performance Characterization and Fleet Utilization analysis. All NextGen Profiles project testing was conducted under test conditions that comprise a diverse range of realistic real-world operating conditions including nominal conditions that should transfer the maximum allowable energy in the minimum time possible and off-nominal conditions that typify charging performance under suboptimal charging conditions. Results from 13 unique EVs, eight EVSEs and four electrified fleets are included in the NextGen Profiles project analysis.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
NASA NTRS2010

The Landsat Data Continuity Mission Operational Land Imager (OLI) Radiometric Calibration

The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) has a comprehensive radiometric characterization and calibration program beginning with the instrument design, and extending through integration and test, on-orbit operations and science data processing. Key instrument design features for radiometric calibration include dual solar diffusers and multi-lamped on-board calibrators. The radiometric calibration transfer procedure from NIST standards has multiple checks on the radiometric scale throughout the process and uses a heliostat as part of the transfer to orbit of the radiometric calibration. On-orbit lunar imaging will be used to track the instruments stability and side slither maneuvers will be used in addition to the solar diffuser to flat field across the thousands of detectors per band. A Calibration Validation Team is continuously involved in the process from design to operations. This team uses an Image Assessment System (IAS), part of the ground system to characterize and calibrate the on-orbit data.

Markham, Brian L.↗
DOE OSTI2013

QCD as a topologically ordered system

We argue that QCD belongs to a topologically ordered phase similar to many well-known condensed matter systems with a gap such as topological insulators or superconductors. Our arguments are based on an analysis of the so-called “deformed QCD” which is a weakly coupled gauge theory, but nevertheless preserves all the crucial elements of strongly interacting QCD, including confinement, nontrivial θ dependence, degeneracy of the topological sectors, etc. Specifically, we construct the so-called topological “BF” action which reproduces the well known infrared features of the theory such as non-dispersive contribution to the topological susceptibility which cannot be associated with any propagating degrees of freedom. Furthermore, we interpret the well known resolution of the celebrated U(1){sub A} problem where the would be η{sup ′} Goldstone boson generates its mass as a result of mixing of the Goldstone field with a topological auxiliary field characterizing the system. We then identify the non-propagating auxiliary topological field of the BF formulation in deformed QCD with the Veneziano ghost (which plays the crucial role in resolution of the U(1){sub A} problem). Finally, we elaborate on relation between “string-net” condensation in topologically ordered condensed matter systems and long range coherent configurations, the “skeletons”, studied in QCD lattice simulations. -- Highlights: •QCD may belong to a topologically ordered phase similar to condensed matter (CM) systems. •We identify the non-propagating topological field in deformed QCD with the Veneziano ghost. •Relation between “string-net” condensates in CM systems and the “skeletons” in QCD lattice simulations is studied.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Chandra X-ray spectroscopy of the focused wind in the Cygnus X-1 system: III. Dipping in the low/hard state

We present an analysis of three Chandra High Energy Transmission Gratings observations of the black hole binary Cyg X-1/HDE 226868 at different orbital phases. The stellar wind that is powering the accretion in this system is characterized by temperature and density inhomogeneities including structures, or “clumps”, of colder, more dense material embedded in the photoionized gas. As these clumps pass our line of sight, absorption dips appear in the light curve. We characterize the properties of the clumps through spectral changes during various dip stages. Comparing the silicon and sulfur absorption line regions (1.6–2.7 keV ≡ 7.7–4.6 Å) in four levels of varying column depth reveals the presence of lower ionization stages, i.e., colder or denser material, in the deeper dip phases. The Doppler velocities of the lines are roughly consistent within each observation, varying with the respective orbital phase. This is consistent with the picture of a structure that consists of differently ionized material, in which shells of material facing the black hole shield the inner and back shells from the ionizing radiation. The variation of the Doppler velocities compared to a toy model of the stellar wind, however, does not allow us to pin down an exact location of the clump region in the system. This result, as well as the asymmetric shape of the observed lines, point at a picture of a complex wind structure.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2019

Chandra X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Focused Wind in the Cygnus X-1 System III. Dipping in the Low/Hard State

We present an analysis of three Chandra High Energy Transmission Gratings observations of the black hole binary CygX-1/HDE 226868 at different orbital phases. The stellar wind that is powering the accretion in this system is characterized by temperature and density in homogeneities including structures, or “clumps”, of colder, more dense material embedded in the photoionized gas. As these clumps pass our line of sight, absorption dips appear in the light curve. We characterize the properties of the clumps through spectral changes during various dip stages. Comparing the silicon and sulfur absorption line regions (1.6–2.7 keV Ξ 7.7–4.6 Å) in four levels of varying column depth reveals the presence of lower ionization stages, i.e., colder or denser material, in the deeper dip phases. The Doppler velocities of the lines are roughly consistent within each observation, varying with the respective orbital phase. This is consistent with the picture of a structure that consists of differently ionized material, in which shells of material facing the black hole shield the inner and back shells from the ionizing radiation. The variation of the Doppler velocities compared to a toy model of the stellar wind, however, does not allow us to pin down an exact location of the clump region in the system. This result, as well as the asymmetric shape of the observed lines, point at a picture of a complex wind structure.

Cyg X-1↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Power Systems Measurements: A Literature Review

In 2020, a literature survey was performed as part of a project aimed at producing guidance for the Department of Energy in the form of a Roadmap. The topic of the Roadmap was measurement. That was viewed as being generally underrepresented in consideration of sensing and measurement or instrumentation and measurement. Sensing is just the beginning of a process, and the instrument is just the container for the process. Measurement, the experimental process, has acquired a considerable body of theory over the last few decades, theory that is not widely taught and disseminated. The results of the survey can be said broadly to reflect that lack of appreciation. Specifically, the review found that there is support for the development of a more “capable” PMU. New algorithms and new documentary standards will be needed. Some of the findings are: (1) Point-on-wave technology adds new capability to the existing suite of measurements, and could allow for improved operation and protection (2) Power quality analysis has historically been concerned with assessment of how non-sinusoidal the delivered voltage shows promise in signature recognition, a departure from the modeling that has historically characterized power system measurements. (3) The PMU is assed as being a remarkable measurement system, but its performance is held back by the lack of understanding of the measurement theory underpinning its operation. (4) The PMU is being considered for application in the distribution system. There is a danger that it will be seen only in the light of the successful PMU implementation in transmission, and the two have different requirements. These various expansions of measurements will no doubt benefit from a better appreciation of the theoretical aspects of measurement. In this, and other, regards, our survey of the literature has identified gaps as well as possibilities.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2020

High Fidelity Simulations of a Methane-Oxygen Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine

The rotating detonation combustor (RDC) is an important realization of pressure gain combustion for practical applications. The RDC system is characterized by a highly unsteady flow field, with multiple reflected pressure waves following the strong detonations and the existence of partially-burnt gases entrained within the detonation annulus during the injector recovery process. While experimental efforts have provided macroscopic properties of an RDC with a given fuel-oxidizer mixture and geometry, limited optical access and reduced lifespan of flow-field diagnostic equipment constrain understanding of the mechanisms that lend to wave stability, controllability, and sustainability. To this end, high-fidelity numerical simulations of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) methane-oxygen rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) are performed to provide detailed insight into the detonation physics and anomalous behavior within the combustor. The results highlight the merit of high-fidelity numerical studies in analyzing the combustion processes and injector dynamics of a complex combustion system. The simulations capture the general wave behavior observed within the experimental studies. Three different operating conditions, with varying global equivalence ratio and system mass flow rate, are considered: (1) baseline configuration, (2) high equivalence ratio, and (3) high mass flow rate. The high mass flow rate case results in increased detonation wave strength whereas the high equivalence ratio results in increased deflagrative heat release. The high equivalence ratio case results in chaotic behavior with two pairs of counter-rotating detonation waves, whereas a single pair of co-rotating waves is observed in the baseline and high mass flow rate cases. Further, parasitic combustion of the reactant mixture ahead of the detonation wave diminishes its strength and reduces propagation speed to approximately 50-60\% of the Chapman-Jouguet (CJ) condition. In this work, a detailed analysis of the detonation wave behavior, injector dynamics, and the statistics of combustion parameters are presented.

Prakash, Supraj↗
DOE OSTI2012

New CeMgCo{sub 4} and Ce{sub 2}MgCo{sub 9} compounds: Hydrogenation properties and crystal structure of hydrides

Two new ternary intermetallic compounds, CeMgCo{sub 4} (C15b pseudo-Laves phase, MgCu{sub 4}Sn type) and Ce{sub 2}MgCo{sub 9} (substitution derivative of PuNi{sub 3} type) were synthesized by mechanical alloying method. The structural and hydrogenation properties of these compounds were studied by X-ray diffraction and Pressure-Composition-Temperature measurements. Both compounds absorb hydrogen at room temperature and pressures below 10 MPa forming hydrides with maximum compositions CeMgCo{sub 4}H{sub 6} and Ce{sub 2}MgCo{sub 9}H{sub 12}. Single plateau behavior was observed in P-C isotherm during hydrogen absorption/desorption by Ce{sub 2}MgCo{sub 9} alloy. The CeMgCo{sub 4}-H{sub 2} system is characterized by the presence of two absorption/desorption plateaus corresponding to formation of {beta}-CeMgCo{sub 4}H{sub 4} and {gamma}-CeMgCo{sub 4}H{sub 6} hydride phases. The structure of {beta}-hydride CeMgCo{sub 4}H(D){sub 4} was determined from X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. In this structure initial cubic symmetry of CeMgCo{sub 4} is preserved and hydrogen atoms fill only one type of interstitial sites, triangular MgCo{sub 2} faces. These positions are occupied by 70% and form octahedron around Mg atom with Mg-D bond distances 1.84 A. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure of the {beta}-CeMgCo{sub 4}D{sub 4.2} deuteride. Octahedra of D-sites around Mg atoms are shown. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Two new ternary compounds have been synthesized in the Ce-Mg-Co system. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Below 100 bar H{sub 2} CeMgCo{sub 4} and Ce{sub 2}MgCo{sub 9} reversibly absorb hydrogen at room temperature. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystal structure of cubic CeMgCo{sub 4}D{sub 4.2} deuteride has been determined.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

RESOLVING THE GALAXIES WITHIN A GIANT Ly{alpha} NEBULA: WITNESSING THE FORMATION OF A GALAXY GROUP?

Detailed analysis of the substructure of Ly{alpha} nebulae can put important constraints on the physical mechanisms at work and the properties of galaxies forming within them. Using high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging of a Ly{alpha} nebula at z Almost-Equal-To 2.656, we have taken a census of the compact galaxies in the vicinity, used optical/near-infrared colors to select system members, and put constraints on the morphology of the spatially extended emission. The system is characterized by (1) a population of compact, low-luminosity ({approx}0.1 L*) sources-17 primarily young, small (R{sub e} Almost-Equal-To 1-2 kpc), disky galaxies including an obscured active galactic nucleus-that are all substantially offset ({approx}>20 kpc) from the line-emitting nebula; (2) the lack of a central galaxy at or near the peak of the Ly{alpha} emission; and (3) several nearly coincident, spatially extended emission components-Ly{alpha}, He II, and UV continuum-that are extremely smooth. These morphological findings are difficult to reconcile with theoretical models that invoke outflows, cold flows, or resonant scattering, suggesting that while all of these physical phenomena may be occurring, they are not sufficient to explain the powering and large extent of Ly{alpha} nebulae. In addition, although the compact galaxies within the system are irrelevant as power sources, the region is significantly overdense relative to the field galaxy population (by at least a factor of four). These observations provide the first estimate of the luminosity function of galaxies within an individual Ly{alpha} nebula system and suggest that large Ly{alpha} nebulae may be the seeds of galaxy groups or low-mass clusters.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Technical Note: Experimental results from a prototype high-field inline MRI-linac

Purpose: The pursuit of real-time image guided radiotherapy using optimal tissue contrast has seen the development of several hybrid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-treatment systems, high field and low field, and inline and perpendicular configurations. As part of a new MRI-linac program, an MRI scanner was integrated with a linear accelerator to enable investigations of a coupled inline MRI-linac system. This work describes results from a prototype experimental system to demonstrate the feasibility of a high field inline MR-linac. Methods: The magnet is a 1.5 T MRI system (Sonata, Siemens Healthcare) was located in a purpose built radiofrequency (RF) cage enabling shielding from and close proximity to a linear accelerator with inline (and future perpendicular) orientation. A portable linear accelerator (Linatron, Varian) was installed together with a multileaf collimator (Millennium, Varian) to provide dynamic field collimation and the whole assembly built onto a stainless-steel rail system. A series of MRI-linac experiments was performed to investigate (1) image quality with beam on measured using a macropodine (kangaroo) ex vivo phantom; (2) the noise as a function of beam state measured using a 6-channel surface coil array; and (3) electron contamination effects measured using Gafchromic film and an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Results: (1) Image quality was unaffected by the radiation beam with the macropodine phantom image with the beam on being almost identical to the image with the beam off. (2) Noise measured with a surface RF coil produced a 25% elevation of background intensity when the radiation beam was on. (3) Film and EPID measurements demonstrated electron focusing occurring along the centerline of the magnet axis. Conclusions: A proof-of-concept high-field MRI-linac has been built and experimentally characterized. This system has allowed us to establish the efficacy of a high field inline MRI-linac and study a number of the technical challenges and solutions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1996

Satellite Particle Collection During Active States of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS)

The reflight of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS-1R) was carried aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on February 22, 1996. After deploying a day later than planned, the satellite almost reached its full deployed distance before the tether broke. Data was collected for over 5 hours during deployment out to a distance of 19.7 km. Maximum emf attained during deployment was 3700 V while the maximum current achieved was just under 0.5 A. The current collected was factors of 2 to 4 greater than the predictions of the conventional Parker-Murphy theory. The microscopic view of the collection process at the satellite showed exotic behavior with the existence of 100 - 200 eV suprathermal electrons and significant spin phase modulation of the electron fluxes. Although the data set acquired from TSS- 1R was considerably less than planned, the quality of the data allows one of the main goals of the mission to be met--characterizing the system I-V response. A "quick look" assessment of the data has already shown that an understanding of the TSS-1R electrodynamic behavior will require modification of the standard picture of current collection in space plasmas

Wright, K. H., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Phase diagrams of the Tb-Ag-In and Dy-Ag-In systems at 870 K

The phase equilibria of Tb-Ag-In and Dy-Ag-In ternary systems have been studied at 870 K in the whole concentration range by means of X-ray powder, single crystal X-ray diffraction and EDX analyses. Isothermal sections of Tb-Ag-In and Dy-Ag-In phase diagrams at this temperature have been constructed. Both systems are characterized by formation of three ternary compounds: REAg{sub 3}In{sub 3} (YbAg{sub 2}In{sub 4}-type, space group Im-3), REAg{sub 2}In (MnCu{sub 2}Al-type, space group Fm-3m) and RE{sub 2}AgIn{sub 3} (CaIn{sub 2}-type, space group P6{sub 3}/mmc) RE=Tb, Dy. Homogeneity ranges of the ternary phases with CaIn{sub 2} structure type lies from 35 to 60 at% of In for Tb-containing phase and from 39 to 50 at% of In for Dy-containing phase. The existence of solid solutions based on REAg (CsCl-type, space group Pm-3m) binary compounds up to 30 at% of In and REIn{sub 3} (AuCu{sub 3}-type, space group Pm-3 m) binary compounds up to 5 at% of Ag has been found. - Graphical Abstract: Phase relations in the ternary systems Tb-Ag-In and Dy-Ag-In have been established for the isothermal section at T=870 K based on X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction analyses. The existence of three ternary compounds in each system were observed. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Isothermal section of Tb-Ag-In system at T=870 K was constructed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Isothermal section of Dy-Ag-In system at T=870 K was constructed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three ternary compounds and two solid solutions in each system were detected.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Characterizing Wet Season Precipitation in the Central Amazon Using a Mesoscale Convective System Tracking Algorithm

To comprehensively characterize convective precipitation in the central Amazon region, we utilize the Python FLEXible object TRacKeR (PyFLEXTRKR) to track mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) observed through satellite measurements and simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting model at a convection-permitting resolution. This study spans a 2-month period during the wet seasons of 2014 and 2015. We observe a strong correlation between the MCS track density and accumulated precipitation in the Amazon basin. Key factors contributing to precipitation, such as MCS properties (number, size, rainfall intensity, and movement), are thoroughly examined. Our analysis reveals that while the overall model produces fewer MCSs with smaller mean sizes compared to observations, it tends to overpredict total precipitation due to excessive rainfall intensity for heavy rainfall events (≥10 mm hr –1 ). These biases in simulated MCS properties could vary with the constraints on the convective background environment. Moreover, while the wet bias from heavy (convective) rainfall outweighs the dry bias in light (stratiform) rainfall, the latter can be crucial, particularly when MCS cloud cover is significantly underestimated. A case study for 1 April 2014 highlights the influence of environmental conditions on the MCS lifecycle and identifies an unrealistic model representation in both stratiform and convective precipitation features.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

The fragile-to-strong dynamical crossover and the system viscoelasticity in attractive glass forming colloids

The dynamical arrest phenomena of an adhesive hard-sphere (AHS) colloid, L64-D 2O system has been investigated by using calorimetry and the complex shear modulus. This system is characterized by a rich temperature (T) and volume fraction ($\phi$) phase diagram with a percolation line (PT). According to the mode-coupling theory (MCT), a cusp-like singularity and two glassy phases, one attractive (AG) and one repulsive (RG), are supposed to coexist in the phase diagram. The MCT scaling laws used to study the shear viscosity with $\phi$ and T as control parameters propose the existence of fragile-to-strong dynamic crossover (FSDC) analogous to that observed in molecular supercooled liquid glass formers. The measured critical values of the control parameters, coincident with the PT line, where the clustering process generates the AG phase, define the FSDC locus. This is in agreement with the extended mode-coupling theory that takes into account both cage and inter-cluster hopping effects. Here, we demonstrate, by considering the frequency dependence of the complex moduli, that there is the onset of a system viscoelasticity as an effect of the clustering accompanying the FSDC. We will reveal as the measured frequency-dependent complex moduli satisfy the scaling relations predicted by the scalar elasticity percolation theory and well account for the system evolution toward the glass transition process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗