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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 1,171 records · Page 65
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Spatial variations in ac susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Roth, Don J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Spatial variations in a.c. susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu30(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Roth, Don J.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Three-dimensional Reconstruction and Homogenization of Heterogeneous Materials Using Statistical Correlation Functions and FEM

In this study, a previously developed reconstruction methodology is extended to three-dimensional reconstruction of a three-phase microstructure, based on two-point correlation functions and two-point cluster functions. The reconstruction process has been implemented based on hybrid stochastic methodology for simulating the virtual microstructure. While different phases of the heterogeneous medium are represented by different cells, growth of these cells is controlled by optimizing parameters such as rotation, shrinkage, translation, distribution and growth rates of the cells. Based on the reconstructed microstructure, finite element method (FEM) was used to compute the effective elastic modulus and effective thermal conductivity. A statistical approach, based on two-point correlation functions, was also used to directly estimate the effective properties of the developed microstructures. Good agreement between the predicted results from FEM analysis and statistical methods was found confirming the efficiency of the statistical methods for prediction of thermo-mechanical properties of three-phase composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Modelling deformation and fracture in confectionery wafers

The aim of this research is to model the deformation and fracture behaviour of brittle wafers often used in chocolate confectionary products. Three point bending and compression experiments were performed on beam and circular disc samples respectively to determine the 'apparent' stress-strain curves in bending and compression. The deformation of the wafer for both these testing types was observed in-situ within an SEM. The wafer is modeled analytically and numerically as a composite material with a core which is more porous than the skins. X-ray tomography was used to generate a three dimensional volume of the wafer microstructure which was then meshed and used for quantitative analysis. A linear elastic material model, with a damage function and element deletion, was used and the XMT generated architecture was loaded in compression. The output from the FE simulations correlates closely to the load-deflection deformation observed experimentally.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2002

Higher-Order Theory: Structural/MicroAnalysis Code (HOTSMAC) Developed

The full utilization of advanced materials (be they composite or functionally graded materials) in lightweight aerospace components requires the availability of accurate analysis, design, and life-prediction tools that enable the assessment of component and material performance and reliability. Recently, a new commercially available software product called HOTSMAC (Higher-Order Theory--Structural/MicroAnalysis Code) was jointly developed by Collier Research Corporation, Engineered Materials Concepts LLC, and the NASA Glenn Research Center under funding provided by Glenn's Commercial Technology Office. The analytical framework for HOTSMAC is based on almost a decade of research into the coupled micromacrostructural analysis of heterogeneous materials. Consequently, HOTSMAC offers a comprehensive approach for analyzing/designing the response of components with various microstructural details, including certain advantages not always available in standard displacement-based finite element analysis techniques. The capabilities of HOTSMAC include combined thermal and mechanical analysis, time-independent and time-dependent material behavior, and internal boundary cells (e.g., those that can be used to represent internal cooling passages, see the preceding figure) to name a few. In HOTSMAC problems, materials can be randomly distributed and/or functionally graded (as shown in the figure, wherein the inclusions are distributed linearly), or broken down by strata, such as in the case of thermal barrier coatings or composite laminates.

Arnold, Steven M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

The effects of microstructure on deformation twinning in Mg WE43

The interplay between microstructure and deformation twinning in a WE43-T6 Mg alloy under uniaxial compression was investigated using a combination of scanning electron microscopy with digital image correlation (SEM-DIC) and crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulation. To improve understanding of the statistical characteristics of deformation twin formation, microstructural effects were characterized in over 1000 grains through metrics including the nominal Schmid Factor, grain size, geometric compatibility factor (m'), residual Burgers vector, and the strain accommodated by neighboring grains. There was a strong correlation between the nominal Schmid Factor and both twin activation and variant selection, but this was not fully deterministic. Deformation twinning also exhibited a strong dependence on existing slip and twinning in the neighboring grain and on the m' value. Within the range of grain sizes present in this condition, grain size was determined to have minimal effect on deformation twinning. Finally, statistical analysis of CPFE simulations was used to further investigate microstructural effects on twinning, and qualitatively captured the effect of the nominal Schmid Factor.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Micro-tensile characteristics of As-fabricated and irradiated AGR-2 TRISO fuel particle buffer, IPyC, and buffer-IPyC interlayer regions

A recently developed micro-tensile sample preparation technique was implemented to evaluate the tensile strengths of the buffer, IPyC, and buffer-IPyC interlayer regions of the unirradiated and irradiated AGR-2 TRISO fuel particles. Understanding the mechanical properties of the buffer-IPyC interlayer is essential for developing thermomechanical models of buffer-IPyC separation, yet there is a lack of experimental data on its micro-tensile properties. TEM analysis was conducted on these regions to determine the microstructural changes relevant to the samples' tensile properties. In the unirradiated TRISO particle samples, the buffer layer demonstrated the weakest tensile strength, while the IPyC layer exhibited the highest. Conversely, in the irradiated TRISO particle samples, the buffer-IPyC interlayer region showed the lowest tensile strength, with the IPyC layer being the strongest. Fractures in the samples from the buffer-IPyC region predominantly occurred either in the buffer layer or at the buffer-IPyC interface. However, some buffer-IPyC interlayer samples displayed stress-strain and fracture behaviors more akin to the IPyC layer than the buffer layer. Analysis of diffraction patterns suggests that irradiation may have increased anisotropy in the three regions tested. Despite this suggested increase in anisotropy, there was no evidence that it affected the measured strengths. The irradiated TRISO particles demonstrated a considerable increase in void space and a decrease in ultimate tensile strength within the buffer-IPyC interlayer region due to the densification and contraction of the buffer layer. Minor variations in diffraction ring patterns were also observed. These changes, coupled with a significant reduction in the Weibull modulus/shape parameter, imply that irradiation-induced densification leads to tearing between the buffer and IPyC layers at locations of elevated porosity in the buffer-IPyC interlayer region.

Tristructural isotropic (TRISO)↗
DOE OSTI2014

Combining nanocalorimetry and dynamic transmission electron microscopy for in situ characterization of materials processes under rapid heating and cooling

Nanocalorimetry is a chip-based thermal analysis technique capable of analyzing endothermic and exothermic reactions at very high heating and cooling rates. Here, we couple a nanocalorimeter with an extremely fast in situ microstructural characterization tool to identify the physical origin of rapid enthalpic signals. More specifically, we describe the development of a system to enable in situ nanocalorimetry experiments in the dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM), a time-resolved TEM capable of generating images and electron diffraction patterns with exposure times of 30 ns–500 ns. The full experimental system consists of a modified nanocalorimeter sensor, a custom-built in situ nanocalorimetry holder, a data acquisition system, and the DTEM itself, and is capable of thermodynamic and microstructural characterization of reactions over a range of heating rates (10{sup 2} K/s–10{sup 5} K/s) accessible by conventional (DC) nanocalorimetry. To establish its ability to capture synchronized calorimetric and microstructural data during rapid transformations, this work describes measurements on the melting of an aluminum thin film. We were able to identify the phase transformation in both the nanocalorimetry traces and in electron diffraction patterns taken by the DTEM. Potential applications for the newly developed system are described and future system improvements are discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2008

Microstructure Modeling of 3rd Generation Disk Alloy

The objective of this initiative, funded by NASA's Aviation Safety Program, is to model, validate, and predict, with high fidelity, the microstructural evolution of third-generation high-refractory Ni-based disc superalloys during heat treating and service conditions. This initiative is a natural extension of the DARPA-AIM (Accelerated Insertion of Materials) initiative with GE/Pratt-Whitney and with other process simulation tools. Strong collaboration with the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is a key component of this initiative and the focus of this program is on industrially relevant disk alloys and heat treatment processes identified by GRC. Employing QuesTek s Computational Materials Dynamics technology and PrecipiCalc precipitation simulator, physics-based models are being used to achieve high predictive accuracy and precision. Combining these models with experimental data and probabilistic analysis, "virtual alloy design" can be performed. The predicted microstructures can be optimized to promote desirable features and concurrently eliminate nondesirable phases that can limit the reliability and durability of the alloys. The well-calibrated and well-integrated software tools that are being applied under the proposed program will help gas turbine disk alloy manufacturers, processing facilities, and NASA, to efficiently and effectively improve the performance of current and future disk materials.

Jou, Herng-Jeng↗
DOE OSTI2018

Extensive Aging and Evaluation of Nonmetallic Components in the Waste Transfer System at Hanford - 18371

Nonmetallic materials are used in the United States Department of Energy's Hanford Site Tank Farm waste transfer system. These materials include the inner primary hoses in the hose-in-hose transfer lines (HIHTLs), Garlock{sup R} gaskets, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) O-rings, and other nonmetallic materials. These nonmetallic materials are exposed to β and γ radiation, caustic solutions as well as high temperature and pressure stressors. How the nonmetallic components react to each of these stressors individually has been well established. However, simultaneous exposure of these stressors has not been evaluated and is of great concern to Hanford Site engineers. FIU-ARC engineers worked closely with key Hanford HLW personnel to develop an experimental test plan that determines how these nonmetallic components react to various simultaneous stressor exposures. In this paper, data obtained from experimental testing of the hose-in-hose transfer lines, Garlock{sup R} gaskets and EPDM O-rings used in the Hanford tank farm waste transfer system under simultaneous stressor exposures is presented. The stressor exposure experiments consisted of combinations of simultaneous stressor exposure of caustic solution and elevated temperature stressors. Evaluation of materials that have been conditioned with the various stressors for duration of 6-months was conducted and compared with baseline unexposed materials. Evaluations included burst pressure tests of the EPDM hose-in-hose transfer lines, leak pressure tests of the EPDM O-rings and Garlock{sup R} gaskets, material tensile strength test of EPDM and Garlock{sup R} coupons. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was conducted on aged and un-aged baseline coupons to determine if there was any change in the surface microstructure and to see how far the NaOH penetrated analysis is continuing. Conclusions from the 6-month testing indicates that the specimens did not see a significant in the pressure tests, but the material properties of both the EPDM and Garlock{sup R} coupons did see changes. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2012

Spatially resolved quantitative in-situ phase analysis of a self-leveling compound

The development of the crystalline microstructure of a hydrating self-leveling compound (SLC) was analyzed using a two-dimensional XRD (GADDS). The application of non-destructive micro-diffraction with the GADDS, combined with a custom-made sample holder, made it possible to carry out position-sensitive in-situ measurements of a Calcium-Aluminate-Cement-(CAC)-dominated SLC. Different substrates were used in the measurement procedures so as to acquire data regarding the influence of the properties of the ground surface on the process of hydration. The results show that the crystalline microstructure is strongly affected by the availability of free water. The strongly vertically-fluctuating water-content of the hydrating mortar, which is mainly influenced by outside conditions, has a very significant effect upon the resulting ettringite content. This fact is also reflected in the resulting microstructure of the cured SLC.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Multiscale Modeling of Accident Tolerant Fuels under the NEAMS ATF Program

The U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program has been developing computational analysis tools for nuclear fuel simulation. These codes include BISON and Marmot for investigation of fuel behavior at the continuum and microstructural scales, respectively. In 2014, NEAMS introduced what it calls High Impact Problems (HIPs) into its development plan. These HIPs are intended to make significant advancements in a particular area of nuclear power research in a short period of time (3 years or less). NEAMS has chosen an accident tolerant fuel (ATF) project, which emphasizes utilizing BISON and Marmot to model proposed materials, as its first HIP. Since the events that occurred at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy accelerated research in nuclear fuel concepts with enhanced accident tolerance as part of its Fuel Cycle Research and Development (FCRD) Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC). Accident tolerant fuels are expected to perform at least as well as conventional fuel during normal conditions and provide significantly increased response time in the event of an accident. Given the many unknowns associated with proposed ATF concepts, the research and development being undertaken by AFC in this area is a challenge, particularly considering the desire to have a lead test rod or assembly in a commercial plant by 2022. With the AFC as its primary stakeholder, the NEAMS ATF HIP is developing material models (using a multi-scale approach) for multiple candidate materials. Through a variety of analyses employing these models, the ATF HIP is providing insight and support to the AFC as it strives to understand these materials and prioritize further development. Use of computational tools such as BISON and Marmot are a vital component of the AFC's strategy since experimental data will not be available broadly and quickly enough to understand the proposed materials fully by the time the AFC must make further development decisions. This summary reviews the overall approach of the NEAMS ATF HIP. First, we give an overview of the current materials chosen for investigation. We also review the overall multi-scale approach to model development. We briefly review the work underway at multiple national laboratories to develop mechanistic engineering scale models based on lower length scale insight. Note that coordinated work is also underway at multiple universities, but those efforts are not detailed here. The NEAMS ATF HIP is assisting the AFC in assessing two accident tolerant materials, uranium silicide fuel and FeCrAl cladding. A multi-scale material model development approach is being undertaken to formulate the models necessary to investigate the materials over a range of normal and off-normal scenarios. This approach includes molecular dynamics, density functional theory, mesoscale modeling, and engineering scale modeling. Sensitivity studies are underway to understand the most critical scenarios and material model input parameters. The information generated is being given to the AFC for their use in selecting promising ATF concepts. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Cement substitution by a combination of metakaolin and limestone

This study investigates the coupled substitution of metakaolin and limestone in Portland cement (PC). The mechanical properties were studied in mortars and the microstructural development in pastes by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry and isothermal calorimetry. We show that 45% of substitution by 30% of metakaolin and 15% of limestone gives better mechanical properties at 7 and 28 days than the 100% PC reference. Our results show that calcium carbonate reacts with alumina from the metakaolin, forming supplementary AFm phases and stabilizing ettringite. Using simple mass balance calculations derived from thermogravimetry results, we also present the thermodynamic simulation for the system, which agrees fairly well with the experimental observations. It is shown that gypsum addition should be carefully balanced when using calcined clays because it considerably influences the early age strength by controlling the very rapid reaction of aluminates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Elaborating the phases and mechanical properties of multiphase alloy: Experimental two-dimensional mapping combined with theoretical calculations

Highlights: • Mechanical modulus and hardness distribution mapping is obtained for the first time by NanoBlitz 3D. • Phases mapping and exact element ratio are characterized for the nano multielement carbides by EPMA. • Carbides types are confirmed by acid etching and XRD refinement. • Young's modulus of multiple carbides is verified by DFT calculations and Voigt-Reuss-Hill model. - Abstract: The relationship between types of phases, microstructure and mechanical properties is always a critical challenge for the research and application of multiphase alloys. We report for the first time that NanoBlitz 3D method implemented in iNano is used to investigate the distribution of micro mechanical modulus and hardness for the entire complex multiphase alloy Fe-6.0W-5.0Mo-4.0Cr-2.0V-0.83C by constructing the two-dimensional mapping. In order to build the correlation between the microstructure and properties, the carbides in this tempering state steel are confirmed to be Fe{sub 3}(W, Mo){sub 3}C, Cr{sub 15.58}Fe{sub 7.42}C{sub 6} and V{sub 8}C{sub 7} by acid etching and XRD refinement. The phases mapping is obtained by electron probe micro-analysis. Exact element ratio is characterized for the nano-scale multielement carbides precipitates. The Young's modulus and hardness of the precipitated carbides are up to 330 GPa and 22 GPa, respectively. The distribution range of Young's modulus and hardness is during 150 to 250 GPa and 2.5 to 7.0 GPa for the matrix phases, respectively. The experimental Young's modulus and hardness results are verified by first-principles calculations combined with Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. In fact, this work provides a successful demonstration to three-dimensionally characterize the micro mechanical properties for all the ceramics and alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

A data-driven approach to construct a quantitative relationship between microstructural features of fatigue cracks and contact acoustic nonlinearity

This study demonstrates the feasibility of a data-driven approach to construct a quantitative relationship between nonlinear acoustic parameters and microstructural features of contact interfaces. The near-surface nonlinearity is measured using dynamic acousto-elastic testing (DAET) with a surface wave probe, while the microstructural features are extracted from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fatigue cracks. Four aluminum alloy samples, each having a fatigue crack are prepared. Six local nonlinearity parameters are measured at different locations along the crack propagation direction. A total of 40 local measurements are acquired. A principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that all six nonlinearity parameters are correlated and hence can be replaced by one principal component (PC). Fifteen crack micro-geometrical features at each measurement point were extracted from the SEM images. Regression analysis is used to relate the PC of the nonlinearity parameters to the microstructural features at the crack interface. We compare three regression models that take variable selection into account: stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR), stepwise principal component regression (PCR), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Despite having different principles, the three predictive models identify two features as the most significant in predicting the interface nonlinearity: the crack aperture (opening) distribution and the distance to the crack tip. The differences between the three models and the physical interpretation of the data-driven predictions are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Data Analytics for Alloy Qualification

9-12% Cr-steels are used as structural material in boiler and turbine (rotor/casing) applications, with a power plant designed to operate for at least 30 years at either sub- or supercritical conditions (high pressure and temperature). In high-efficiency power plants, some components must withstand high stress and temperature for 100,000 h of operation without failure (Abe, 2011; Abe, et al., 2008; Coleman & Newell Jr., 2007; Viswanathan, 1989; Viswanathan & Bakker, 2001; Viswanathan & Bakker, 2001; Masuyama, 2001). Motivation for this project came from the need for rigorous and time-consuming alloy qualification (standardization) process, for crucial applications. Material scientists have traditionally manipulated alloying element composition and thermomechanical processing to achieve specific mechanical properties in alloys. The goals of this work were to develop a systematic and data-centric framework for analysis and characterization of materials information, to explore new alloy compositions and/or processing, and to better predict stress-rupture lifetime and other mechanical properties. A small subset of carbon steels with similar ferritic or martensitic lath microstructure (and average prior austenite grain size) was chosen for this analysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Limiting spectral and angular characteristics of multilayer relief – phase diffraction microstructures

Methods for estimating the parameters of relief – phase diffraction microstructures (local and integral Q-factors) are extended to the case of multilayer double-relief sawtooth microstructures, which makes it possible to select the best combinations of optical materials for multilayer microstructures at a very low computational burden. An approach to the study of multilayer microstructures is proposed, based on the combined use of Q-factors and the method of rigorous analysis of coupled waves, which allows one to estimate the limiting spectral and angular characteristics of multilayer microstructures of various types. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗