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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Gradient Technique Theory: Tracing Magnetic Field and Obtaining Magnetic Field Strength

Abstract The gradient technique is a promising tool with theoretical foundations based on the fundamental properties of MHD turbulence and turbulent reconnection. Its various incarnations use spectroscopic, synchrotron, and intensity data to trace the magnetic field and measure the media magnetization in terms of Alfvén Mach number. We provide an analytical theory of gradient measurements and quantify the effects of averaging gradients along the line of sight and over the plane of the sky. We derive analytical expressions that relate the properties of gradient distribution with the Alfvén Mach number M A . We show that these measurements can be combined with measures of sonic Mach number or line broadening to obtain the magnetic field strength. The corresponding technique has advantages to the Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi way of obtaining the magnetic field strength.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Sub-Alfvénic Turbulence: Magnetic-to-kinetic Energy Ratio, Modification of Weak Cascade, and Implications for Magnetic Field Strength Measurements

Abstract We study the properties of sub-Alfvénic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, i.e., turbulence with Alfvén mach number M A = V L / V A < 1, where V L is the velocity at the injection scale and V A is the Alfvén velocity. We demonstrate that MHD turbulence can have different properties, depending on whether it is driven by velocity or magnetic fluctuations. If the turbulence is driven by isotropic bulk forces acting upon the fluid, i.e., is velocity driven, in an incompressible conducting fluid we predict that the kinetic energy is M A − 2 times larger than the energy of magnetic fluctuations. This effect arises from the long parallel wavelength tail of the forcing, which excites modes with k ∥ / k ⊥ < M A . We also predict that as the MHD turbulent cascade reaches the strong regime, the energy of slow modes exceeds the energy of Alfvén modes by a factor M A − 1 . These effects are absent if the turbulence is driven through magnetic fluctuations at the injection scale. We confirm our predictions with numerical simulations. Since the assumption of magnetic and kinetic energy equipartition is at the core of the Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi (DCF) approach to measuring magnetic field strength in sub-Alfvénic turbulence, we conclude that the DCF technique is not universally applicable. In particular, we suggest that the dynamical excitation of long azimuthal wavelength modes in the galactic disk may compromise the use of the DCF technique. We discuss alternative expressions that can be used to obtain magnetic field strength from observations and consider ways of distinguishing the cases of velocity and magnetically driven turbulence using observational data.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

The effect of grain boundary yield and disconnections on grain boundary fracture strength

During high-temperature interfacial strain, e.g., creep or sintering, grain boundaries will sample non-equilibrium states associated with the non-equilibrium disconnections that mediate strain. This work tests the hypothesis that those non-equilibrium states should affect the mechanical properties of the grain boundary. High-temperature bicrystal tensile strain experiments performed on Sc-doped ZrO 2 as a function of strain rate enable the observation of fracture before and after grain boundary yield. Yielded boundaries exhibit a median fracture strength ≈ 50 % lower than those that did not yield. Molecular dynamics simulations performed on boundaries with and without interstitial-type disconnection loops indicate that the presence of those loops reduce the failure stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Single particle impact explorations on the role of powder heat treatments in cold spray: Effects of strength and oxide structure

In cold spray, the optimization of the powder feedstock for improving the final properties of the coating and for improving the process itself are two different objectives. This paper explores the latter, studying the relationship between powder pre-heat treatment and the kinetic bonding between the individual particles and the substrate. Using a laser-induced particle impact test (LIPIT), we investigate the effect of different heat treatments on the critical adhesion velocity of Al 6061. Although heat treatments change the strength of the powders as well as the thickness of the native oxide layer each by as much as ∼50 %, the critical adhesion velocity remains constant to within only ∼10 %. A deeper analysis reveals that these two factors change in somewhat complementary ways for the heat treatments explored here, leading to counteracting effects. By quantitatively evaluating these two microstructural factors in tandem, we find that they are roughly equally important in determining the critical adhesion velocity. These observations thus provide insight for the development of new heat treatment regimens that might lower the adhesion velocity.

Al 6061↗
DOE OSTI2025

Quenching of single-particle strength inferred from nucleon-removal transfer reactions on 15 C

The difference in the proton and neutron separation energies (ΔS) of the weakly bound 15 C ground state is -19.86 MeV, an extreme value. Data from intermediate-energy heavy-ion induced (HI-induced) knockout reactions on nuclei spanning -20 ≲ ΔS ≲ +20 MeV, suggest that the degree to which single-particle strength is quenched, R s , has a negative correlation with ΔS, decreasing from unity around -20 MeV to around 0.2 at +20 MeV. For the 15 C ground state (R s = 0.96 (4) in HI-induced knockout), contrasting results have recently been obtained via the neutron-adding transfer reaction, which reveal a value of R s = 0.64 (15), similar to the value observed at modest and more extreme values of ΔS with reaction probes other than HI knockout. In order to explore the any potential differences between adding and removing processes in transfer reactions at extreme ΔS, single-neutron removal transfer reactions on 15 C were performed at 7.1 MeV/u in inverse kinematics. The removal of a valence neutron in 2s 1/2 orbit using both (p, d) and (d, t) reactions shows consistent quenching factors and agrees with those from the neutron-adding reaction. The present results, which can be compared with neutron knockout reaction, suggest that correlations, represented by the quenching factor, show limited dependence on neutron-proton asymmetry under the most extreme asymmetry conditions so far achieved in transfer reactions.

quenching factor↗
DOE OSTI2024

Strength stability at high temperatures for additively manufactured alumina forming austenitic alloy

Several fast-spectrum nuclear reactors designed to generate high power (~450 MWe) rely on forced convection of media such as supercritical CO 2 , sodium, or liquid lead to cool the nuclear core, operating at temperatures up to 600 °C. Cost-effective, high-strength Fe-based alumina forming austenitic (AFA) alloys are a promising candidate for the fabrication of critical nuclear components. This study investigated laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processing of an AFA alloy composition optimized for improved creep resistance. Electron microscopy revealed an elongated grain structure along the build direction with a fine sub-grain cellular structure decorated with (Cr,Fe,Nb) 23 C 6 carbide precipitates at the intercellular boundaries. Finally, at temperatures of 20–900 °C, the LPBF alloy's superior tensile properties compared to its arc-melted counterpart and other advanced steels (e.g., SS316) were attributed to the distribution of nano-sized carbide precipitates, whereas the high ductility was attributed to the LPBF alloy's elongated grain structure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Integrative path modeling and QTL mapping identify maturity, stem strength, and cell wall composition driving lettuce resistance to Sclerotinia minor

Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa ) is highly vulnerable to Sclerotinia minor , the pathogen causing lettuce drop. Breeding for resistance is the most effective control strategy; however, full resistance has not been achieved, and current partial resistance sources are often linked with undesirable traits, such as early bolting. This study aimed to unravel the genetic basis of partial resistance to S. minor and its relationship with plant maturity (bolting), stem mechanical strength (SMS), and cell wall composition (CWC) using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between the susceptible iceberg cv. ‘Salinas’ and the resistant oil-seed accession PI 251246. Field evaluations indicated that resistance was linked to earlier bolting, stronger stems, and higher pentose content. Path analysis demonstrated that earlier-maturing plants exhibited increased resistance through enhanced SMS and modified CWC, particularly with higher xylose and lower arabinose levels. Further analysis indicated a significant relationship between syringyl lignin content and resistance, especially in plants with varying bolting responses. Three key quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on linkage groups (LG) 2, 6, and 7 were consistently associated with resistance, bolting, and SMS. Importantly, residual QTL analysis revealed that the resistance locus on LG7 acted independently of maturity, suggesting a distinct resistance mechanism. Callose synthase emerged as a key candidate gene within the LG7 resistance QTL, located near - but distinct from - genes associated with plant maturity and flowering. These findings provide valuable insights into decoupling resistance from early bolting, suggesting a pathway for breeding lettuce cultivars with improved disease resistance and delayed bolting.

Lactuca↗
DOE OSTI2024

Photon strength functions and nuclear level densities: invaluable input for nucleosynthesis

The pivotal role of nuclear physics in nucleosynthesis processes is being investigated, in particular the intricate influence of photon strength functions (PSFs) and nuclear level densities (NLDs) on shaping the outcomes of the i-, r- and p-processes. Exploring diverse NLD and PSF model combinations uncovers large uncertainties for (p, γ ), (n, γ ) and ( α , γ ) rates across many regions of the nuclear chart. These lead to potentially significant abundance variations of the nucleosynthesis processes and highlight the importance of accurate experimental nuclear data. Theoretical insights and advanced experimental techniques lay the ground work for profound understanding that can be gained of nucleosynthesis mechanisms and the origin of the elements. Recent results further underscore the effect of PSF and NLD data and its contribution to understanding abundance distributions and refining knowledge of the intricate nucleosynthesis processes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The liminal position of Nuclear Physics: from hadrons to neutron stars’.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2025

On the bulk compaction of brittle granular materials, Part III: Brittle‐to‐ductile transition and yield strength

A new and simple method is presented that enables the estimation of the yield strength (σ y ) of brittle materials (e.g., ceramics, glasses). It results from the combination of sufficiently high-stress compaction of their granular form, postmortem analysis of the crushed particles to identify the critical particle size corresponding to their brittle-to-ductile transition, and the use of a developed and simple analytical expression. Here, this method was an outcome from Part I of this three-paper series. To execute it, a granular brittle material is compacted to a sufficiently high stress, whereby the acting comminution produces both a fraction of particles having a sufficiently small size formed by ductile or plastic-like deformation and a remaining fraction of larger particles formed from brittle fracture. Postmortem microscopy is then used to identify the smallest particle size whose morphology indicates it formed from brittle fracture (d B2D ). The brittle material's σ y can then be estimated using a combination of the d B2D , Kendall's and Griffith's theories, a priori knowledge of the material's fracture toughness (K Ic ), and a fracture mechanics shape factor constant (Y) using σ y = √((32 π K Ic 2 )/(3 Y 2 d B2D )). The method's development and its use to estimate σ y for several vitreous silicates, α-quartzes, and NaCl are provided.

Compaction↗
DOE OSTI2024

On the Onset of Plasticity: Determination of Strength and Ductility

The analysis of the work hardening variation with stress reveals insight to operative stress-strain mechanisms in material systems. The onset of plasticity can be assessed and related to ensuing plastic deformation up to the structural instability using one constitutive relationship that incorporates both behaviors of rapid work hardening (Stage 3) and the asymptotic leveling of stress (Stage 4). Results are presented for the mechanical behavior analysis of Ti-6Al-4V wherein the work hardening variation of Stages 3 and 4 are found to: be dependent through a constitutive relationship; be useful in a Hall-Petch formulation of yield strength; and provide the basis for a two point-slope fit method to model the experimental work hardening and stress-strain behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effect of Particle Size on Raman Signal Strength of Silicate Minerals

Understanding the effects of particle size is necessary for quantifying minerals in mixtures using Raman spectroscopy. Raman signal intensity is evaluated using six common silicate minerals (two olivines, two pyroxenes, and two feldspars) at 10 particle size ranges. For olivines and feldspars, the highest peak intensities are observed in samples with 38–63 and 63–106 μm particle sizes. There is no such consistent trend for the pyroxene samples, although the overall low signal strength complicates those measurements. In conclusion, Raman spectra of samples with varying particle sizes appear to be influenced by two competing effects: scattering from particle boundaries and effective sampling volume.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bulk nanocrystalline Al–Mg–Y alloys with amorphous grain boundary complexions display high strength and compressive plasticity

Although nanocrystalline alloys regularly exhibit high strengths, their use in structural applications often face challenges due to sample size limitations, unstable microstructures, and the limited ability to plastically deform. The incorporation of amorphous grain boundary complexions has been proposed to address these issues, by simultaneously stabilizing nanocrystalline grain structures for scale-up processing and improving alloy toughness. In the present study, the mechanical behavior of bulk nanocrystalline Al–Mg–Y is examined with macroscale compression testing, probing a length scale that is relevant to real-world structural applications. Bulk samples were fabricated via a simple powder metallurgy approach, with different hot-pressing temperatures and durations employed for consolidation in order to investigate microstructural and property evolution. All of the specimens contained primary face-centered cubic Al and secondary Al 4 C 3 and Al 3 Y phases, with the Al 3 Y particles exhibiting two populations of small equiaxed and larger elongated particles. Appreciable plasticity was measured along with high ultimate stresses over 800 MPa due to the presence of amorphous grain boundary complexions. Microstructural characterization of fracture surfaces revealed that the area fraction of dimpled regions increased with longer hot-pressing time. Most importantly, the elongated Al 3 Y particles formed regular cellular patterns with increasing hot-pressing time, delaying shear localization and significantly enhancing plasticity. The hierarchy present in the microstructure of the Al–Mg–Y alloy, from amorphous grain boundary complexions to secondary phases, gives rise to excellent bulk mechanical properties, which are attractive for structural applications.

Bulk nanocrystalline alloy↗
DOE OSTI2026

Aluminum bonded SmCo5 magnets with enhanced mechanical strength

Despite their versatility and easy manufacturability, polymer-bonded magnets find limited application due to their limited mechanical properties and temperature resistance. In this study, we developed mechanically robust, aluminum-bonded SmCo5 magnets by utilizing a low-temperature, shear-assisted friction consolidation technique. Bonded magnets with varying magnetic phase content were fabricated at processing temperature of 500°C, and their microstructures, magnetic, mechanical, and electrical properties were systematically investigated. The resulting bonded-magnets showed effective consolidation with nanocrystalline microstructures. Magnetic properties were found to be tunable through variations in binder phase content, with coercivity reaching values up to 15.3 kOe (1217.5 kA/m) and maximum magnetic energy product up to 3.6 MGOe (28.7 kJ/m3), which are comparable to other bonded magnets. Electrical resistivities were lower than the polymer-bonded magnets, but comparable to the sintered ones. We observed an average flexural strength of 223 MPa for 60 vol.% SmCo5/Al sample, which is nearly two times higher than the reported values for sintered and bonded Sm-Co magnets. Our research demonstrated an effective approach to fabricate metal-bonded permanent magnets with superior magnetic and mechanical properties potentially applicable for high temperature applications.

Poudel Chhetri, Tej Bahadur↗
DOE OSTI2024

Enhanced joining strength in additive-manufactured polylactic-acid structures fused by embedded heated metallic meshes

Additively manufactured thermoplastic polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), hold significant promise for sustainable engineering structures, including wind turbine blades. Upscaling these structures beyond the limitations of 3D printer build volumes is a challenge; fusion joining presents a potential solution. This paper introduces a displacement-controlled resistance welding process for PLA, as an alternative to the typical force-controlled methods. Here, we investigated the bonding quality of resistance-welded and adhesive-bonded PLA beams through three-point bending and measured the surface deformations using digital image correlation. Different metal meshes (30%/0.11 mm Ni—Cu, 34%/0.07 mm Ni—Cu, and 36%/0.25 mm Co—Ni) served as heating elements. The process parameters were varied for the 34%/0.07 mm Ni—Cu mesh to identify an optimum set of parameters. Results showed that this optimized displacement-controlled welding achieved 94% of the original strength of monolithic samples. This indicates that the new welding process not only ensures high-quality bonding and fine surface finishing but also promotes sustainability, recyclability, and economic efficiency in various polymer and composite structural applications.

Additive manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2024

Strength-ductility synergy through microstructural and compositional heterogeneity in directed energy deposition additive manufacturing of face-centered cubic materials

Directed energy deposition (DED) is an additive manufacturing (AM) process based on welding technology and offers the advantages of large build volume, high deposition rate, and ability to fabricate multi-material parts. Epitaxial continuous columnar grain growth is a characteristic microstructural feature of DED processed alloys. In this study, a bamboo-like microstructure (periodic alternation of equiaxed and columnar structure) was produced by adopting an intermittent deposition strategy in 316L stainless steel and Inconel 625. The formation of a bamboo-like alternating microstructure was confirmed through electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Hardness mapping showed that the columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) occurred at the region right below the fusion line. A finite element (FE) model was used to investigate the relationship between the temperature gradient (G) and the solidification rate (R). The FE model showed a low G/R ratio at the region right below the interface promoting the CET. The grain size and material-dependent deformation behaviors are analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC). The lower deformation on the fine-grain regions observed in DIC analysis is attributed to a higher strain hardening rate, which is confirmed through dislocation density analysis on a tensile-interrupted specimen. The periodically alternating grain size coupled with the microstructural changes caused by intermittent deposition strategy result in a better strength-ductility synergy in both single-material and bimetallic specimens.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Impact of supercritical carbon dioxide on the frictional strength of and the transport through thin cracks in shale

Understanding the mechanical and transport behavior of thin (i.e. small aperture) cracks slipping under supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO 2 ) conditions is essential to evaluate the integrity of sealing formations with buoyant sc-CO 2 below and the success of waterless fracturing. The two major items of interest in this work are frictional strength and permeability change of the crack. We used a triaxial cell that permits in situ visualization to conduct and monitor slippage along the faces of narrow cracks subjected to triaxial stresses. Such cracks are analogs to small geological faults. We tested carbonate-rich, 1-inch diameter Wolfcamp shale samples that are saw cut 30° to vertical to create a thin crack. Friction coefficients ranged from about 0.6 to 0.8 consistent with expectations for brittle rocks. The sc-CO 2 generally did not alter friction coefficient over the time scale of experiments. From a transport perspective, saturating cracks with sc-CO 2 substantially decreased permeability of the crack by 26%–52%, while slip resulted in a variety of permeability responses. Overall, the combined impact of sc-CO 2 saturation and slip reduced fault permeability for all tests. Our observations support the notion that the sealing capacity of some caprocks improves when saturated with sc-CO 2 and that some slip of small fractures is not necessarily detrimental to caprock integrity.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Utilizing machine learning to predict tensile ductility and yield strength of CoNiV-based multi-principal elements alloys

This study explores the use of machine learning (ML) as a computational tool to accelerate the design of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) with improved tensile elongation. An ML model was trained using available experimental data from the literature along with theoretically derived features to predict yield strength (YS) and ductility. A subset of ML-predicted compositions—CoNiVFe, CoNiVTi, CoNiVTiFe, and CoCrNiVTi—was synthesized and evaluated through tensile testing. The ML model underpredicted YS by approximately 20–30 % and overpredicted ductility by 60–70 % for Ti-containing alloys. Microstructural analysis revealed that Ti segregation at interdendritic regions contributed to early fracture, leading to discrepancies in ductility predictions. Ti segregation at these regions likely drives the increased YS due to segregation strengthening. In contrast, the CoNiVFe alloy showed good agreement with both experimental YS and elongation, with prediction errors of ∼10.2 % and ∼20.7 %, respectively. Microstructural characterization revealed minimal segregation in this alloy, suggesting that the ML model can reliably predict the properties of alloys with little to no segregation. These findings highlight the capability of ML in predicting YS with good accuracy but underscore its limitations in capturing defect-driven failure mechanisms such as segregation-induced embrittlement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Upcycled high-strength aluminum alloys from scrap through solid-phase alloying

Although recycling secondary aluminum can lead to energy consumption reduction compared to primary aluminum manufacturing, products produced by traditional melt-based recycling processes are inherently limited in terms of alloy composition and microstructure, and thus final properties. To overcome the constraints associated with melting, we have developed a solid-phase recycling and simultaneous alloying method. This innovative process enables the alloying of 6063 aluminum scrap with copper, zinc, and magnesium to form a nanocluster-strengthened high-performance aluminum alloy with a composition and properties akin to 7075 aluminum alloy. The unique nanostructure with a high density of Guinier-Preston zones and uniformly precipitated nanoscale η‘/Mg(CuZn) 2 strengthening phases enhances both yield and ultimate tensile strength by >200%. By delivering high-performance products from scrap that are not just recycled but upcycled , this scalable manufacturing approach provides a model for metal reuse, with the option for on-demand upcycling of a variety of metallic materials from scrap sources.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗