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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

Crystal Structure of Moganite and Its Anisotropic Atomic Displacement Parameters Determined by Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction and X-ray/Neutron Pair Distribution Function Analyses

The crystal structure of moganite from the Mogán formation on Gran Canaria has been re-investigated using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray/neutron pair distribution function (PDF) analyses. Our study for the first time reports the anisotropic atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) of a natural moganite. Rietveld analysis of synchrotron XRD data determined the crystal structure of moganite with the space group I2/a. The refined unit-cell parameters are a = 8.7363(8), b = 4.8688(5), c = 10.7203(9) Å, and β = 90.212(4)°. The ADPs of Si and O in moganite were obtained from X-ray and neutron PDF analyses. The shapes and orientations of the anisotropic ellipsoids determined from X-ray and neutron measurements are similar. The anisotropic ellipsoids for O extend along planes perpendicular to the Si-Si axis of corner-sharing SiO4 tetrahedra, suggesting precession-like movement. Neutron PDF result confirms the occurrence of OH over some of the tetrahedral sites. We postulate that moganite nanomineral is stable with respect to quartz in hypersaline water. The ADPs of moganite show a similar trend as those of quartz determined by single-crystal XRD. In short, the combined methods can provide high-quality structural parameters of moganite nanomineral, including its ADPs and extra OH position at the surface. This approach can be used as an alternative means for solving the structures of crystals that are not large enough for single-crystal XRD measurements, such as fine-grained and nanocrystalline minerals formed in various geological environments.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Solar Cell Short Circuit Current Errors and Uncertainties During High Altitude Calibrations

High altitude balloon based facilities can make solar cell calibration measurements above 99.5% of the atmosphere to use for adjusting laboratory solar simulators. While close to on-orbit illumination, the small attenuation to the spectra may result in under measurements of solar cell parameters. Variations of stratospheric weather, may produce flight-to-flight measurement variations. To support the NSCAP effort, this work quantifies some of the effects on solar cell short circuit current (Isc) measurements on triple junction sub-cells. This work looks at several types of high altitude methods, direct high altitude meas urements near 120 kft, and lower stratospheric Langley plots from aircraft. It also looks at Langley extrapolation from altitudes above most of the ozone, for potential small balloon payloads. A convolution of the sub-cell spectral response with the standard solar spectrum modified by several absorption processes is used to determine the relative change from AMO, lscllsc(AMO). Rayleigh scattering, molecular scatterin g from uniformly mixed gases, Ozone, and water vapor, are included in this analysis. A range of atmosph eric pressures are examined, from 0. 05 to 0.25 Atm to cover the range of atmospheric altitudes where solar cell calibrations a reperformed. Generally these errors and uncertainties are less than 0.2%

Snyder, David D.↗

High efficiency low cost solar cell power

A concept for generating high-efficiency, low-cost, solar-cell power is outlined with reference to solar cell parameters, optical concentrators, and thermal control procedures. A design for a 12.5-kw power module for space operation is discussed noting the optical system, spectrum splitter, light conversion system, cell cooling, power conditioner, and tracking mechanism. It is found that for an unconcentrated array, efficiency approaches 60% when ten or more bandgaps are used. For a 12-band system, a computer program distributed bandgaps for maximum efficiency and equal cell currents. Rigid materials and thin films have been proposed for optical components and prisms, gratings, and dichroic mirrors have been recommended for spectrum splitting. Various radiator concepts are noted including that of Weatherston and Smith (1960) and Hedgepeth and Knapp (1978). The concept may be suitable for the Solar Power Satellite.

Bekey, I.↗

Hematologic parameters of astrorats flown on SL-3

Hematologic studies were performed on a group of large and small rats which were sacrificed after flying in life sciences shuttle engineering flight SL-3. The results are presented on flight (F) and control (C) 200 gm rats. The small flight animals demonstrated a significant increase in hematocrits, red blood cell counts, hemoglobins and peripheral blood percentages of neutrophils as well as a decrease in percentage of lymphocytes. Erythropoietin (Ep) determinations were similar for the two groups as were the bone marrow an spleen differential counts. In vitro cultures for erythroid colonies of bone marrow showed that in response to different doses of Ep, in all cases where differnces were statistically significant, the F rats had increased colony counts. The changes in red cell parameters could be caused by a decrease in plasma volume. However, no isotopic studies were possible on this flight and this lack points up the need for such studies to determine the red cell mass and plasma volume.

Lange, R. D.↗

ATM Quality of Service Parameters at 45 Mbps Using a Satellite Emulator: Laboratory Measurements

Results of 45-Mbps DS3 intermediate-frequency loopback measurements of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) quality of service parameters (cell error ratio and cell loss ratio) are presented. These tests, which were conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center in support of satellite-ATM interoperability research, represent initial efforts to quantify the minimum parameters for stringent ATM applications, such as MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video transmission. Portions of these results were originally presented to the International Telecommunications Union's ITU-R Working Party 4B in February 1996 in support of their Draft Preliminary Recommendation on the Transmission of ATM Traffic via Satellite.

Ivancic, William D.↗

Time-Resolved X-ray Operando Observations of Lithiation Gradients across the Cathode Matrix and Individual Oxide Particles during Fast Cycling of a Li-Ion Cell

Lithiated transition metal oxides serve as active materials in the positive electrode (cathode) of lithium-ion cells. During electrochemical cycling, lithium ions intercalate and deintercalate into these oxide particles. This behavior causes two types of lithiation gradients to emerge: (i) a bulk gradient across the depth of the cathode matrix (averaged over individual oxide particles) and (ii) a microscopic gradient across the particles themselves, which also depends on their location in the electrode. Here we show how both gradients can be studied using operando X-ray diffraction during 4C charge and 4C discharge. The oxide (de)lithiation is estimated from the unit cell parameters by indexing the X-ray diffraction spectra. By fitting the lithiation profiles with orthogonal polynomials, the bulk gradients across the electrode thickness are quantified. These gradients develop as the current flows through the cell and dissipate during open-circuit and potentiostatic-hold periods. Further details of lithiation dynamics can be obtained through shape analysis of the Bragg peaks. In particular, from electrochemical model simulations, we show that the width and skewness of the (003) peak track (de)lithiation fronts moving across the individual oxide particles.

(003) peak↗

Deep Discharge Reconditioning and Shorted Storage of Batteries

The identification and measurement of hydrogen recombination in sealed nickel-cadium cells makes deep reconditioning on a battery basis safe and feasible. Deep reconditioning improves performance and increases life of nickel-cadium batteries in geosynchronous orbit applications. The hydrogen mechanism and supporting data are presented. Parameter cell design experiments are described which led to the definition of nickel-cadium cells capable of high rate overdischarge without detriment to specific energy. Nickel-cadium calls of identical optimum design were successfully cycled for 7 seasons in simulation of geosynchronous orbit at 75 percent depth-of-discharge with extensive midseason and end-of-season overdischarge at rates varying from C/20 to C/4. Destructive physical analysis and cyclin data indicated no deterioration or the development of dangerous pressures as a result of the cycling with overdischarge.

Ritterman, P. F.↗

Crystal structures and comparisons of huntite aluminum borates RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 ( RE = Tb, Dy and Ho)

Three huntite-type aluminoborates of stoichiometry RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 ( RE = Tb, Dy and Ho), namely, terbium/dysprosium/holmium trialuminium tetrakis(borate), were synthesized by slow cooling within a K 2 Mo 3 O 10 flux with spontaneous crystallization. The crystal structures were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data. The synthesized borates are isostructural to the huntite [CaMg 3 (CO 3 ) 4 ] structure and crystallized within the trigonal R 32 space group. The structural parameters were compared to literature data of other huntite RE Al 3 (BO 3 ) 4 crystals within the R 32 space group. All three borates fit well into the trends calculated from the literature data. The unit-cell parameters and volumes increase linearly with larger RE cations whereas the densities decrease. All of the crystals studied were refined as inversion twins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Conformal Pressure and Fast-Charging Li-Ion Batteries

Batteries capable of extreme fast-charging (XFC) are a necessity for the deployment of electric vehicles. Material properties of electrodes and electrolytes along with cell parameters such as stack pressure and temperature have coupled, synergistic, and sometimes deleterious effects on fast-charging performance. We develop a new experimental testbed that allows precise and conformal application of electrode stack pressure. We focus on cell capacity degradation using single-layer pouch cells with graphite anodes, LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.3 Co 0.2 O 2 (NMC532) cathodes, and carbonate-based electrolyte. In the tested range (10–125 psi), cells cycled at higher pressure show higher capacity and less capacity fading. Additionally, Li plating decreases with increasing pressure as observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical imaging. While the loss of Li inventory from Li plating is the largest contributor to capacity fade, electrochemical and SEM examination of the NMC cathodes after XFC experiments show increased secondary particle damage at lower pressure. We infer that the better performance at higher pressure is due to more homogeneous reactions of active materials across the electrode and less polarization through the electrode thickness. Our study emphasizes the importance of electrode stack pressure in XFC batteries and highlights its subtle role in cell conditions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

An empirical study of the performance of APMOVPE AM0 InP homojunction solar cells as a function of emitter thickness and doping, and base doping

Their excellent radiation resistance and conversion efficiencies greater than 20 percent, measured under global conditions, make InP shallow-homojunction solar cells very attractive for space or terrestrial application. In addition, modeling studies show that, for optimized design, efficiencies of these devices should exceed 20 percent even under AM0 conditions. However, a systematic experimental investigation of the influence of the various cell design parameters on cell performance has not as yet been made. For the n+/p/p+ structures investigated in the previous modeling study, the design parameters include the impurity concentrations and thicknesses of the emitter and base layers. In the work reported here, researchers discuss an experimental investigation of the effects on cell performance of varying the impurity concentrations of the emitter and base and thickness of the emitter.

Wanlass, M. W.↗

Effect of solvothermal synthesis parameters on the crystallite size and atomic structure of cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles

We here investigate how the synthesis method affects the crystallite size and atomic structure of cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles. By using a simple solvothermal method, we first synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles of ca. 2 and 7 nm, characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Small Angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray and neutron total scattering. The smallest particle size corresponds to only a few spinel unit cells. Nevertheless, Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis of X-ray and neutron total scattering data shows that the atomic structure, even in the smallest nanoparticles, is well described by the spinel structure, although with significant disorder and a contraction of the unit cell parameter. These effects can be explained by the surface oxidation of the small nanoparticles, which is confirmed by X-ray near edge absorption spectroscopy (XANES). Neutron total scattering data and PDF analysis reveal a higher degree of inversion in the spinel structure of the smallest nanoparticles. Neutron total scattering data also allow magnetic PDF (mPDF) analysis, which shows that the ferrimagnetic domains correspond to ca. 80% of the crystallite size in the larger particles. A similar but less well-defined magnetic ordering was observed for the smallest nanoparticles. Finally, we used a co-precipitation synthesis method at room temperature to synthesize ferrite nanoparticles similar in size to the smallest crystallites synthesized by the solvothermal method. Structural analysis with PDF demonstrates that the ferrite nanoparticles synthesized via this method exhibit a significantly more defective structure compared to those synthesized via a solvothermal method.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Dose and dose rate effects of whole-body proton-irradiation on lymphocyte blastogenesis and hematological variables: part II

The goal of part II of this study was to evaluate functional characteristics of leukocytes and circulating blood cell parameters after whole-body proton irradiation at varying doses and at low- and high-dose-rates (LDR and HDR, respectively). C57BL/6 mice (n=51) were irradiated and euthanized at 4 days post-exposure for assay. Significant radiation dose- (but not dose-rate-) dependent decreases were observed in splenocyte responses to T and B cell mitogens when compared to sham-irradiated controls (P<0.001). Spontaneous blastogenesis, also significantly dose-dependent, was increased in both blood and spleen (P<0.001). Red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), whereas thrombocyte numbers were only slightly affected. Comparison of proton- and gamma-irradiated groups (both receiving 3 Gy at HDR) showed a higher level of spontaneous blastogenesis in blood leukocytes and a lower splenocyte response to concanavalin A following proton irradiation (P<0.05). There were no dose rate effects. Collectively, the data demonstrate that the measurements in blood and spleen were largely dependent upon the total dose of proton radiation and that an 80-fold difference in the dose rate was not a significant factor. A difference, however, was found between protons and gamma-rays in the degree of change induced in some of the measurements.

Non-NASA Center↗

Numerical investigation of gas-filled multipass cells in the enhanced dispersion regime for clean spectral broadening and pulse compression

We show via numerical simulations that the regime of enhanced frequency chirp can be achieved in gas-filled multipass cells. Our results demonstrate that there exists a region of pulse and cell parameters for which a broad and flat spectrum with a smooth parabolic-like phase can be generated. This spectrum is compatible with clean ultrashort pulses, whose secondary structures are always below the 0.5% of its peak intensity such that the energy ratio (the energy contained within the main peak of the pulse) is above 98%. This regime makes multipass cell post-compression one of the most versatile schemes to sculpt a clean intense ultrashort optical pulse.

Segundo Staels, V. W. (ORCID:0000000200056157)↗

Impact of battery cell imbalance on electric vehicle range

Due to manufacturing variation, battery cells often possess heterogeneous characteristics, leading to battery state-of-charge variation in real-time. Since the lowest cell state-of-charge determines the useful life of battery pack, such variation can negatively impact the battery performance and electric vehicles range. Existing research has been focused on control design to mitigate cell imbalance. However, it is yet unclear how much impacts the cell imbalance can have on electric vehicle range. This paper closes this knowledge gap by using a simulation environment consisting of real-world driving speed data, vehicle longitudinal control, propulsion and vehicle dynamics, and cell level battery modeling. In particular, each battery cell is modeled as an equivalent circuit model, and variations among cell parameters are introduced to assess their impact on electric vehicles range and to identify the most influential parameter variations. Simulation results and analysis can be used to assist balancing control design and to benchmark control performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Electrophoretic separator for purifying biologicals

Mathematical expressions were developed to describe the interrelationships between operating requirements (capabilities), cell parameters, and system constraints in terms of design criteria definition. The mathematical model was programmed for computer solution. The model was exercised to identify performance-limiting characteristics, and analyses were conducted to predict operation in space of an experiment involving separation of four components. An engineering model of a flowing electrophoretic separator was constructed. The design is directed toward verifying improvements in resolution and throughput of a thicker cell than can be used on earth.

Source record↗

Using Complementary Methods of Synchrotron Radiation Powder Diffraction and Pair Distribution Function to Refine Crystal Structures with High Quality Parameters—A Review

Determination of the atomic-scale structures of certain fine-grained minerals using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been challenging because they commonly occur as submicron and nanocrystals in the geological environment. Synchrotron powder diffraction and scattering techniques are useful complementary methods for studying this type of minerals. In this review, we discussed three example studies investigated by combined methods of synchrotron radiation XRD and pair distribution function (PDF) techniques: (1) low-temperature cristobalite; (2) kaolinite; and (3) vernadite. Powder XRD is useful to determine the average structure including unit-cell parameters, fractional atomic coordinates, occupancies and isotropic atomic displacement parameters. X-ray/Neutron PDF methods are sensitive to study the local structure with anisotropic atomic displacement parameters (ADP). The results and case studies suggest that the crystal structure and high-quality ADP values can be obtained using the combined methods. The method can be useful to characterize crystals and minerals that are not suitable for single-crystal XRD.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Preliminary results: Root cause investigation of orbital anomalies and failures in NASA standard 50 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium batteries

Two lots of NASA standard 50 A.H. Ni-Cd battery cells, manufactured by Gates Aerospace Batteries and built into batteries by McDonnell Douglas, have experienced significant performance problems. The two lots were used on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite. Both of these satellites are Low Earth Orbital (LEO) satellites containing batteries on a parallel bus charged to NASA standard V/T curves using a NASA standard power regulator. The following preliminary conclusions were reached: (1) several plate and cell parameters have migrated within their spec limits over the years (in some cases, from one extreme to the other); (2) several parametric relationships, not generally monitored and therefore not under specification control, have also migrated over the years; (3) many of these changes appear to have taken place as a natural consequence of changes in GE/GAB materials and processes; (4) several of these factors may be 'conspiring' to aggravate known cell failure mechanisms (factors such as heavier plate, less teflon and/or less-uniform teflon, and less electrolyte) but all are still in spec (where specs exist); (5) the weight of the evidence collected to characterize the anomalies and to characterize the negative electrode itself, strongly suggests that alterations to the structure, composition, uniformity, and efficiency of the negative electrode are at the heart of the battery performance problems currently being experienced; and (6) further investigation at all levels (plate, cell, battery, and system) continues to be warranted.

Toft, Mark R.↗

Investigation of the stability and 1.0 MeV proton radiation resistance of commercially produced hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloy solar cells

The radiation resistance of commercial solar cells fabricated from hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys is reported. A number of different device structures were irradiated with 1.0 MeV protons. The cells were annealing at 200 C. The annealing time was dependent on proton fluence. Annealing devices for one hour restores cell parameters or fluences below 1(exp 14) cm(exp -2); fluences above 1(exp 14) cm(exp -2) require longer annealing times. A parametric fitting model was used to characterize current mechanisms observed in dark I-V measurements. The current mechanisms were explored with irradiation fluence, and voltage and light soaking times. The thermal generation current density and quality factor increased with proton fluence. Device simulation shows the degradation in cell characteristics may be explained by the reduction of the electric field in the intrinsic layer.

Lord, Kenneth R., II↗