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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 1,207 records · Page 67
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Nontrivial strength of van der Waals epitaxial interaction in soft perovskites

The van der Waals (vdW) bond is traditionally believed to be orders of magnitude lower than the typical chemical bond (i.e., ionic, metallic, or covalent), and hence the effects caused by a vdW interface are thought to be trivial. In this work, by investigating the vdW epitaxial growth of a mechanically soft perovskite on the vdW substrate, we obtained the solid proof of strong non-negligible vdW interaction. The experimental results illustrate the formation of cracks and holes for the relaxation of the vdW strain as well as a lattice-constant-dependent epitaxial angle evolution and a pronounced band-structure change. The first-principles calculations indicate that the contribution of the vdW interaction energy at the epitaxial interface reaches up to more than a quarter of the overall interaction energy far exceeding the traditionally recognized vdW bonding strength. Both the experimental and the theoretical work show that given the appropriate material system, the vdW interaction could be strong enough to significantly manipulate material properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Magnetic Weyl semimetal phase in a Kagomé crystal

Weyl semimetals are crystalline solids that host emergent relativistic Weyl fermions and have characteristic surface Fermi-arcs in their electronic structure. Weyl semimetals with broken time reversal symmetry are difficult to identify unambiguously. In this work, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we visualized the electronic structure of the ferromagnetic crystal Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 and discovered its characteristic surface Fermi-arcs and linear bulk band dispersions across the Weyl points. Here, these results establish Co 3 Sn 2 S 2 as a magnetic Weyl semimetal that may serve as a platform for realizing phenomena such as chiral magnetic effects, unusually large anomalous Hall effect and quantum anomalous Hall effect.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

A Compact, Backscattering Deplolarization Cloud Spectrometer for Ice and Water Discrimination

This project was to develop a compact optical particle spectrometer, small enough for operation on UAVS, that measures the optical diameter of cloud hydrometeors and differentiates their water phase (liquid or solid). To reach this goal, a work plan was laid out that would complete three objectives: 1) Evaluation of designs for an optical particle spectrometer that measures the component of light backscattered at two polarization angles. 2) Testing of selected designs on an optical bench. 3) Construction and preliminary testing of a prototype instrument based on the selected, optimum design. A prototype instrument was developed and tested in an icing wind tunnel where the results showed good measurement of cloud droplets and ice particles.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1974

Supersonic tests of an 0.015 scale space shuttle mated vehicle model (67-OTS) in the LaRC UPWT to obtain aerodynamic force data (IA42A/B)

Wind tunnel tests were conducted of the NASA/Rockwell 0.015 scale configuration 4 mated space shuttle vehicle. Data were obtained for a range of Mach numbers from 1.60 to 4.63 and angles of attack from minus 10 degrees to plus 10 degrees. A complete model build-up was performed. Longitudinal and lateral directional stability and control data were obtained for the tank alone, tank plus solid rocket boosters, and mated configuration of tank plus orbiter plus solid rocket boosters. Single component rudder hinge moment data were obtained at rudder deflections of zero degrees and minus 20 degrees for each Mach number tested.

Hardin, R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Experimental study of the effectiveness of cylindrical plume simulators for predicting jet-on boattail drag at Mach numbers up to 1.30

An investigation has been conducted in a 16-foot transonic tunnel to determine the effectiveness of utilizing solid circular cylinders to simulate the jet exhaust plume for a series of eight nacelle-mounted isolated circular-arc afterbodies. This investigation was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.40 to 1.30 at an angle of attack of 0. Plume simulators with simulator diameter to nozzle-exit diameter ratios of 0.82, 0.88, 0.98, and 1.00 were investigated. Results of this investigation indicate that use of one of the larger diameter simulators at all Mach numbers would generally result in pressure-coefficient distributions and drag coefficients useful for preliminary design work.

Reubush, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Compact, Broadband Infrared Spectrometer

Large-aperture, wide-angle, broad-band infrared spectrometer compact and light in weight. Based on double-pass version of Schmidt optical system that acts as both collimator and camera. Because optical system contained in piece of solid glass, it is mechanically and thermally stable. System made of water-free fused silica to minimize absorption of infrared radiation. Although in principle made from single, solid piece, in practice made in two pieces cemented together. Fabrication easier and simpler if more cemented surfaces used so each optical surface grounded and polished like single lens element.

Page, Norman A.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Next neighbors effect along the Ca–Sr–Ba-åkermanite join: Long-range vs. short-range structural features

An original approach has been developed herein to explore the correlations between short- and long-range structural properties of solid solutions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electronic absorption spectroscopy (EAS) data were combined on a (Ca,Sr,Ba){sub 2}(Mg{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3})Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} join to determine average and local distances, respectively. Instead of varying the EAS-active ion concentration along the join, as has commonly been performed in previous studies, the constant replacement of Mg{sup 2+} by a minimal fraction of a similar size cation (Co{sup 2+}) has been used to assess the effects of varying second-nearest neighbor cations (Ca, Sr, Ba) on the local distances of the first shell. A comparison between doped and un-doped series has shown that, although the overall symmetry of the Co-centered T1-site was retained, greater relaxation occurs at the CoO{sub 4} tetrahedra which become increasingly large and more distorted than the MgO{sub 4} tetrahedra. This is indicated by an increase in both the quadratic elongation (λ{sub T1}) and the bond angle variance (σ{sup 2}{sub T1}) distortion indices, as the whole structure expands due to an increase in size in the second-nearest neighbors. This behavior highlights the effect of the different electronic configurations of Co{sup 2+} (3d{sup 7}) and Mg{sup 2+} (2p{sup 6}) in spite of their very similar ionic size. Furthermore, although the overall symmetry of the Co-centered T1-site is retained, relatively limited (<10 deg) angular variations in O–Co{sup 2+}–O occur along the solid solution series and large changes are found in molar absorption coefficients showing that EAS Co{sup 2+}-bands are highly sensitive to change in the local structure. - Graphical abstract: Average (Mg–O) vs. local (Co–O{sub local}) tetrahedral bond distances in function of the average X cation radius in the (Ca,Sr,Ba){sub 2}(Mg{sub 0.7}Co{sub 0.3})Si{sub 2}O{sub 7} join. - Highlights: • New method to assess short- vs. long-range properties of non-ideal solid solutions. • Constant Co{sup 2+}-for-Mg replacement turns the Ca–Sr–Ba-åkermanite join EAS-active. • Co→Mg substitution does not produce any alteration in the average structure. • Relaxation around Co-tetrahedra scales with second-nearest neighbor cation radius. • Different electronic configurations of Co and Mg cause different local structures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Discovery of Graphene-Water Membrane Structure: Toward High-Quality Graphene Process

It is widely accepted that solid-state membranes are indispensable media for the graphene process, particularly transfer procedures. But these membranes inevitably bring contaminations and residues to the transferred graphene and consequently compromise the material quality. This study reports a newly observed free-standing graphene-water membrane structure, which replaces the conventional solid-state supporting media with liquid film to sustain the graphene integrity and continuity. Experimental observation, theoretical model, and molecular dynamics simulations consistently indicate that the high surface tension of pure water and its large contact angle with graphene are essential factors for forming such a membrane structure. More interestingly, water surface tension ensures the flatness of graphene layers and renders high transfer quality on many types of target substrates. This report enriches the understanding of the interactions on reduced dimensional material while rendering an alternative approach for scalable layered material processing with ensured quality for advanced manufacturing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Line tension induced character angle dependence of dislocation mobility in FCC alloys

Here, we explore the character angle dependence of dislocation-solute interactions in a face-centered cubic random Fe0.70Ni0.11Cr0.19 alloy through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of dislocation mobility. Using the MD mobility data, we determine the phonon and thermally activated solute drag parameters which govern mobility for each dislocation character angle. The resulting parameter set indicates that, surprisingly, the solute energy barrier does not depend on character angle. Instead, only the zero-temperature flow stress—which is dictated by the activation area for thermal activation—is dependent on character angle. By analyzing the line roughness from MD simulations and the geometry of a bowing dislocation line undergoing thermal activation, we conclude that the character angle dependence of the activation area in this alloy is governed by the dislocation line tension, rather than the dislocation-solute interaction itself. Our findings motivate further investigation into the line geometry of dislocations in solid solutions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Tetracyanomethane under Pressure: Extended CN Polymers from Precursors with Built-in sp 3 Centers

Tetracyanomethane, C(CN) 4 , is a tetrahedral molecule containing a central sp 3 carbon that is coordinated by reactive nitrile groups that could potentially transform to an extended CN network with a significant fraction of sp 3 carbon. High-purity C(CN) 4 was synthesized, and its physiochemical behavior was studied using in situ synchrotron angle-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopies in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) up to 21 GPa. The pressure dependence of the fundamental vibrational modes associated with the molecular solid was determined, and some low-frequency Raman modes are reported for the first time. Crystalline molecular C(CN) 4 starts to polymerize above ~7 GPa and transforms into an interconnected disordered network, which is recoverable to ambient conditions. Lastly, the results demonstrate feasibility for the pressure-induced polymerization of molecules with premeditated functionality.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Inverse Temperature Dependence of Charge Carrier Hopping in Quantum Dot Solids

In semiconductors, increasing mobility with decreasing temperature is a signature of charge carrier transport through delocalized bands. We show that this behavior can also occur in nanocrystal solids due to temperature-dependent structural transformations. Using a combination of broadband infrared transient absorption spectroscopy and numerical modeling, we investigate the temperature-dependent charge transport properties of well-ordered PbS quantum dot (QD) solids. Contrary to expectations, we observe that the QD-to-QD charge tunneling rate increases with decreasing temperature, while simultaneously exhibiting thermally activated nearest-neighbor hopping behavior. Using synchrotron grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering, we show that this trend is driven by a temperature-dependent reduction in nearest-neighbor separation that is quantitatively consistent with the measured tunneling rate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of grain dissolution on sloping ground

The static and dynamic stability of natural or constructed slopes can be affected by dissolution or dissolution-like phenomena. Their underlying mechanisms, however, remain unclear. New experimental results and discrete element simulations provide particle-level and macroscale information on the consequences of mineral dissolution on slope behavior. At the microscale, load-carrying grain arches develop around dissolving particles, the porosity increases, and contact force chains evolve to form a honeycomb topology. At the macroscale, while vertical settlements are the prevailing deformation pattern, lateral granular movements that create mass wasting are prominent in sloping ground, even under the quasi-static granular loss. Horizontal grain displacement is maximum at the surface and decreases linearly with the distance from the slope surface to become zero at the bottom boundaries, much like vertical granular displacement along the depth. Sediments with smaller friction angles and steeper slopes experience greater displacement, both vertically and horizontally. Slopes become flatter after dissolution, with the reduction in slope angle directly related to the loss in ground elevation, ΔH/H o . Yet, because of the porous fabric that results from dissolution, vertical shortening is less than the upper bound, estimated from the loss in the solid mass fraction, ΔH/H o ≈SF. Under water-saturated conditions, the post-dissolution fabric may lead to sudden undrained shear and slope slide.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-319: The Impact of Radiation Beam Obliquity and Air Gap Thickness On Optically Stimulated Luminescent in Vivo Dosimetry for Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Optically-stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) are increasingly utilized for in vivo dosimetry of complex radiation delivery techniques. Measured doses, however, underestimate planned doses for plans that utilize thermoplastic mask immobilization. The purpose of this work was to quantify the effect of beam obliquity and air gap span between the mask and backscatter material, on measured-to-planned OSLD dose agreement. Methods: A previously-used thermoplastic mask was cut, reheated, and flattened to form a 33 by 9 cm{sup 2} stage approximately 2 mm thick. Two OSLDs were placed on the stage on 5 cm of solid water, covered with 50 by 50 by 5 mm{sup 3} square of bolus, and scanned in the CT simulator. Plans were created with 10 by 10 cm{sup 2} open fields using 4, 6, 10, and 15 MV photon beams at 0°, 45°, and 90° incidence. The isocenter was placed between the OSLDs at 5 mm depth. Dose was calculated and averaged for two OSLDs. Artificial air gaps of 3, 5, 10, and 20 mm were introduced in the plan and dose was recalculated for each energy/angle/gap combination. The experimental setup was replicated on a linear accelerator and air gaps were introduced by “bridging” the thermoplastic stage across solid water plastic of varying thickness. Fields were delivered as planned. OSLDs were read 12–15 hours after irradiation. Results: Measured-toplanned percent differences were constant with increasing gap thickness for 0° and 45° beam angles. At 90° and 0 cm gap, planned dose underestimated measured dose by 10–23% for all energies. This discrepancy decreased linearly to 0% with a 20 mm gap. OSLD signal did not decrease more than 6% for any gap span and energy. Conclusion: With the exception of parallel beam incidence, beam obliquity and air gap thickness did not have a substantial effect on measured-to-planned dose agreement.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Compact and multi-view solid state neutral particle analyzer arrays on National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade

A compact and multi-view Solid State Neutral Particle Analyzer (SSNPA) diagnostic based on silicon photodiode arrays has been successfully tested on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U). The SSNPA diagnostic provides spatially, temporally, and pitch-angle resolved measurements of fast-ion distribution by detecting fast neutral flux resulting from charge exchange (CX) reactions. The system consists of three 16-channel subsystems: t-SSNPA viewing the plasma mid-radius and neutral beam (NB) line #2 tangentially, r-SSNPA viewing the plasma core and NB line #1 radially and p-SSNPA with no intersection with any NB lines. Due to the setup geometry, the active CX signals of t-SSNPA and r-SSNPA are mainly sensitive to passing and trapped particles respectively. In addition, both t-SSNPA and r-SSNPA utilize three vertically stacked arrays with different filter thickness to obtain coarse energy information. The experimental data show that all channels are operational. The signal to noise ratio is typically larger than 10 and the main noise is x-ray induced signal. The active and passive CX signals are clearly observed on t-SSNPA and r-SSNPA during NB modulation. The SSNPA data also indicate significant losses of passing particles during sawteeth, while trapped particles are weakly affected. Fluctuations up to 120 kHz, have been observed on SSNPA, and they are strongly correlated with magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) instabilities.

Charge exchange neutral particle fast ion distribu↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technologies for Maintaining Animals in Space: Lighting, Air Quality, Noise, Food and Water

In the terrestrial environment multiple time cues exist. Zeitgebers have been identified and studied for their ability to convey temporal information to various physiological systems, In the microgravity experiment it is necessary to define time cues within the flight hardware prior to flight. During flight if changes in the Circadian System (e.g., mean, phase angle, period) occur this would indicate that the gravity vector is important relative to biological timing. This presentation is concerned with the environmental parameters to support rodent experiments in microgravity. The Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) provides solid food bars and water via lixits ad libitum. Flight animals (Sprague-Dawley rats, 60 - 300g) when compared to ground controls show similar growth (mean growth per day, g +/- SD; flight 5.4 +/- 2.0, ground 5.9 +/- 2.1). Current AEMs use incandescent lighting (approx. 5 Lux). Light emitting diode (LED) arrays are being developed that provide a similar light environment as cool-white fluorescent sources (40 Lux). In ground based tests (12L:12D), these arrays show normal circadian entrainment (Tau = 24.0) with respect to the behavioral responses. measured (drinking, eating, gross locomotor activity). A newly developed ultra high efficiency filter system can entrap all feces, urine and odors from 6 rats for 24 days. Maximum sound level exposure limits (per octave band 22 Hz - 179 kHz) have been established. The AEM will effectively support animal experiments in microgravity.

Winget, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technologies For Maintaining Animals In Space: Lighting, Air Quality, Noise, Food And Water

In the terrestrial environment multiple time cues exist. Zeitgebers have been identified and studied for their ability to convey temporal information to various physiological systems. In the microgravity experiment it is necessary to define time cues within the flight hardware prior to flight. During flight if changes in the Circadian System (e.g., mean, phase angle, period) occur this would indicate that the gravity vector is important relative to biological timing. This presentation is concerned with the environmental parameter: to support rodent experiments in microgravity. The Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) provides solid food bars and water via lixits and ad libitum. Flight animals (Sprague-Dawley rats, 60 - 300g) when compared to ground controls show similar growth (mean growth per day g, plus or minus SD; flight 5.4 plus or minus 2.0, ground 5.9 plus or minus 2.1). Current AEMs use incandescent lighting (approx. 5 Lux). Light emitting diode (LED) arrays are being developed that provide a similar light environment as cool-white fluorescent sources (40 Lux). In ground based tests (12L:12D), these arrays show normal circadian entrainment (Tau = 24.0) with respect to the behavioral responses, measured (drinking, eating, gross locomotor activity). A newly developed ultra high efficiency filter system can entrap all feces, urine and odors from 6 rats for 24 days. Maximum sound level exposure limits (per octave band 22 Hz - 179 kHz) have been established. The AEM will effectively support animal experiments in microgravity.

Winget, C. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mechanistic insights into the colloidal assembly of mesoporous silica using in-operando cross-scale X-ray scattering and spectroscopic measurements

Advancing a mechanistic understanding of the colloidal to solid-phase transformations of silica allows us to tune these meso-scale structures. In this study, we probe the structural transformations associated with the formation of mesoporous silica particles, SBA-15 using in-operando Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and Grazing Incidence-Small Angle X-ray Scattering (GI-SAXS). The chemical transformations associated with the hydrolysis and condensation of silica particles is investigated using Attenuated Total Reflection – Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) measurements. Fast polymerization of Si-O-Si species to form mesoporous silica is noted when SBA-15 is synthesized in the presence of nitrate salts, due to the “salting-in” effect or enhanced solubility of polymers. However, aging the silica particles resulted in plate-like morphologies in the absence of the nitrate salt and spherical morphologies in the presence of nitrate salt. Early onset of nucleation of silica particles in the presence of nitrate salts was captured using GI-SAXS measurements. These studies show that the rational basis for developing new synthesis routes for accelerated kinetics or specific meso-scale structures can be informed by detailed characterization of the evolution in chemistry and meso-scale structure of these materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Shear Thickening Electrolyte Built from Sterically Stabilized Colloidal Particles

We present a method to prepare shear thickening electrolytes consisting of silica nanoparticles in conventional liquid electrolytes with limited flocculation. These electrolytes rapidly and reversibly stiffen to solidlike behaviors in the presence of external shear or high impact, which is promising for improved lithium ion battery safety, especially in electric vehicles. However, in initial chemistries the silica nanoparticles aggregate and/or sediment in solution over time. Here, we demonstrate steric stabilization of silica colloids in conventional liquid electrolyte via surface-tethered PMMA brushes, synthesized via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The PMMA increases the magnitude of the shear thickening response, compared to the uncoated particles, from 0.311 to 2.25 Pa s. Ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering revealed a reduction in aggregation of PMMA-coated silica nanoparticles compared to bare silica nanoparticles in solution under shear and at rest, suggesting good stabilization. Conductivity tests of shear thickening electrolytes (30 wt % solids in electrolyte) at rest were performed with interdigitated electrodes positioned near the meniscus of electrolytes over the course of 24 h to track supernatant formation. Conductivity of electrolytes with bare silica increased from 10.1 to 11.6 mS cm –1 over 24 h due to flocculation. In contrast, conductivity of electrolytes with PMMA-coated silica remained stable at 6.1 mS cm –1 over the same time period, suggesting good colloid stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗