Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “defect engineering”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Evaluation of flawed composite structure under static and cyclic loading

This paper presents the results of a program investigating the effects of initial defects on the fatigue and fracture response of composite laminates. The structural laminates investigated were a typical angle-ply laminate, a polar/hoop-wound pressure vessel laminate, and a typical engine fan blade laminate. Defects investigated were full- and half-penetration circular holes, full- and half-penetration slits, and countersink holes. Results are presented showing the effects of the defect size and type on the static fracture strength, fatigue performance, and residual static strength. The results of inspection procedures are shown, describing the effect of cyclic and static loadings on damage propagation in composite laminates. The data in this study were used to define proof test levels as a qualification procedure in composite structure subjected to cyclic loading.

Porter, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Evaluation of flawed composite structural components under static and cyclic loading

The effects of initial defects on the fatigue and fracture response of graphite-epoxy composite laminates are presented. The structural laminates investigated were a typical angle ply laminate, a polar/hoop wound pressure vessel laminate, and a typical engine fan blade laminate. Defects investigated were full and half penetration circular holes, full and half penetration slits, and countersink holes. The effects of the defect size and type on the static fracture strength, fatigue performance, and residual static strength are shown as well as the results of loadings on damage propagation in composite laminates. The data obtained were used to define proof test levels as a qualification procedure in composite structure subjected to cyclic loading.

Porter, T. R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Atomic-scale visualization of defect-induced localized vibrations in GaN

Phonon engineering is crucial for thermal management in GaN-based power devices, where phonon-defect interactions limit performance. However, detecting nanoscale phonon transport constrained by III-nitride defects is challenging due to limited spatial resolution. Here, we used advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy to examine vibrational modes in a prismatic stacking fault in GaN. By comparing experimental results with ab initio calculations, we identified three types of defect-derived modes: localized defect modes, a confined bulk mode, and a fully extended mode. Additionally, the PSF exhibits a smaller phonon energy gap and lower acoustic sound speeds than defect-free GaN, suggesting reduced thermal conductivity. Our study elucidates the vibrational behavior of a GaN defect via advanced characterization methods and highlights properties that may affect thermal behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Mechanochemical topological defects in an active nematic

We propose a reaction-diffusion system that converts topological information of an active nematic into chemical signals. We show that a curvature-activated reaction dipole is sufficient for creating a system that dynamically senses topology by producing a concentration field possessing local extrema coinciding with ±$\frac{1}{2}$ defects. The enabling term is analogous to polarization charge density seen in dielectric materials. We demonstrate the ability of this system to identify defects in both passive and active nematics. Our results illustrate that a relatively simple feedback scheme, expressed as a system of partial differential equations, is capable of producing chemical signals in response to inherently nonlocal structures in anisotropic media. Here, we posit that such coarse-grained systems can help generate testable hypotheses for regulated processes in biological systems, such as morphogenesis, and motivate the creation of bio-inspired materials that utilize dynamic coupling between nematic structure and biochemistry.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of threading dislocations on the V-defect assisted lateral carrier injection and recombination in InGaN quantum well LEDs

The nonuniform hole distribution between InGaN quantum wells (QWs) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) has a negative impact on LED efficiency. The uniformity can be increased by using lateral hole injection through sidewalls of V-defects, which form at threading dislocations. However, the inherent coupling between the V-defects and dislocations might affect efficiency of the hole injection and nonradiative recombination. In this work, we have tested the possible impact of the dislocations on the injection and recombination by means of scanning near-field electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectroscopy on single green-emitting InGaN QW LEDs containing large (∼0.5 μm) V-defects. The measurements have not provided any evidence of a lower hole injection efficiency or enhanced nonradiative recombination at the dislocations located at the V-defect facets or their apexes. This shows that large V-defects are excellent volumetric injectors for long wavelength InGaN LEDs. Furthermore, it was established that V-defects are preferential hole injectors even in single quantum well devices. Compared to vertical injection, the V-defect injection allows lowering the operating voltage, which should contribute to an enhanced wall plug efficiency.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Modifications in the charge trap landscape in Hf 0.5 Zr 0.5 O 2 as a function of oxygen vacancy concentration observed with photoemission electron microscopy

Oxygen vacancies in Hf x Zr (1-x) O 2 (HZO) both contribute to stabilization of the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase and promote leakage pathways that limit the endurance of devices based on the material. Here, for this reason, the defect states of oxygen vacancies were investigated using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), as their concentration was varied via ex situ laser exposure. Following a controlled oxygen vacancy reduction via visible (2.54 eV) laser dosing of HZO, deep-ultraviolet (DUV, 5.82 eV) PEEM was used to spatially probe the resulting mid-gap defect states and work function. Work function was found to increase monotonically with the laser-induced reduction in oxygen vacancy concentration culminating in a total increase near 70 meV. The change implies a Fermi level shift toward the valence band as the total available electron-filled charge states are reduced with the removal of oxygen vacancies. A reduction in charge states is corroborated by the observed lessening of both photoemission and photoluminescence intensities after laser dosing. The deduced position of the Fermi level is within a band of near-conduction band defect states produced by oxygen vacancies that are linked to endurance limiting leakage currents. Together, these results directly identify the primary role of oxygen vacancies on the defect states in HZO while demonstrating that laser exposure can be used for their modification.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Defect Chemistry in High‐Voltage Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

High-voltage cathodes (HVCs) have emerged as a paramount role for the next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the pursuit of HVCs comes with inherent challenges related to defective structures, which significantly impact the electrochemical performance of LIBs. The current obstacle lies in the lack of a comprehensive understanding of defects and their precise effects. This perspective aims to provide insights into defect chemistry for governing HVCs. The classifications, formation mechanisms, and evolution of defects are outlined to explore the intricate relationship between defects and electrochemical behavior. The pressing need for cutting-edge characterization techniques that comprehensively investigate defects across various temporal and spatial scales is emphasized. Building on these fundamental understandings, engineering strategies such as composition tailoring, morphology design, interface modification, and structural control to mitigate or utilize defects are thoroughly discussed for enhanced HVCs performance. Furthermore, these insights are expected to provide vital guidelines for developing high-performance HVCs for next-generation high-energy lithium-ion batteries.

cross-scale characterization↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tailoring MoS 2 for Small-Molecule Electroreduction: The Role of Metal Doping and Heterostructures

The electrification of chemical transformations central to sustainable fuel production and waste valorization, such as overall water splitting (OWS), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and electrochemical reduction of CO 2 (CO 2 R), presents a powerful opportunity to advance carbon-neutral energy technologies. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), particularly MoS 2 , have emerged as promising electrocatalyst candidates, owing to their abundance, tunable active sites, and defect-rich structures. This review highlights recent progress in leveraging metal doping and heterostructure engineering of MoS 2 to enhance the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity. By compiling insights from experimental studies and density functional theory (DFT) predictions, we examine how defect creation, electronic structure modification, and interface design contribute to improved charge transport and catalytic efficiency. Particular emphasis is placed on rational design principles, synthetic strategies, and operando characterization methods that provide a pathway to understanding and optimizing MoS 2 -based materials. We also discuss the challenges of stability, mechanistic ambiguity, and scaling while outlining opportunities to bridge theory and experiment. Collectively, this review underscores how defect and heterostructure engineering of MoS 2 can accelerate the development of efficient, sustainable electrocatalysts for both fuel generation and waste-to-value generation.

CO2 reduction↗
DOE OSTI2026

Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence to Predict Perovskite Solar Cell Electrical Metastability from Operando Photoluminescence Images in Accelerated Stress Testing

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells exhibit a metastable response to bias governed by coupled ionic–electronic processes, complicating the conventional reciprocity relation between luminescence intensity and device open-circuit voltage (V oc ). This limits the use of luminescence as a diagnostic for device screening or accelerated stress testing, motivating new approaches that can interpret photoluminescence (PL) signals under nonequilibrium conditions. From the artificial intelligence perspective, we develop an explainable deep learning framework that integrates convolutional neural networks (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM) layers, and an attention mechanism to learn spatiotemporal features from operando photoluminescence PL image sequences. The model achieves a mean absolute error of ±0.027 V in predicting open-circuit voltage transients and reduces extreme-tail errors by up to 78% compared to physics-based reciprocity calculations. Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) provides interpretability by highlighting physically meaningful regions such as electrode edges and emergent defect features. From the engineering application perspective, this framework enables accurate, contactless prediction of device V oc and identification of degradation-relevant features during accelerated aging of perovskite solar cells. This approach demonstrates how explainable AI can enhance operando diagnostics and reliability analysis in photovoltaic devices under nonequilibrium conditions.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Picosecond Ultrasonics in Magnetic Topological Insulator MnBi 2 Te 4

MnBi 2 Te 4 is a magnetic topological insulator with layered A-type antiferromagnetic order. It exhibits a rich layer- and magnetic-state dependent topological phase diagram; however, much about the coupling between spin, charge, and lattice remains to be explored. Here, in this work, we report that MnBi 2 Te 4 is an excellent acoustic phonon cavity by realizing phonon frequency combs using picosecond ultrasonics. With the generated acoustic phonon wavepackets, we demonstrate that the timing and phase of acoustic echoes can be used to detect the presence of stacking faults between van der Waals layers buried deep within the crystal. Furthermore, by implementing this nondestructive ultrafast optical measurement in conjunction with time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect experiments, we uncover that out-of-plane vibrations in MnBi 2 Te 4 do not couple to the magnetic order, i.e. there is no appreciable magnetostriction. Our work points out how a well-developed technique can probe the structural defects and phonon pulse engineering in layered topological insulators.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2010

Portable Handheld Optical Window Inspection Device

The Portable Handheld Optical Window Inspection Device (PHOWID) is a measurement system for imaging small defects (scratches, pits, micrometeor impacts, and the like) in the field. Designed primarily for window inspection, PHOWID attaches to a smooth surface with suction cups, and raster scans a small area with an optical pen in order to provide a three-dimensional image of the defect. PHOWID consists of a graphical user interface, motor control subsystem, scanning head, and interface electronics, as well as an integrated camera and user display that allows a user to locate minute defects before scanning. Noise levels are on the order of 60 in. (1.5 m). PHOWID allows field measurement of defects that are usually done in the lab. It is small, light, and attaches directly to the test article in any orientation up to vertical. An operator can scan a defect and get useful engineering data in a matter of minutes. There is no need to make a mold impression for later lab analysis.

Ihlefeld, Curtis↗
DOE OSTI2026

Towards dislocation-driven quantum interconnects

A central problem in the deployment of quantum technologies is the realization of robust architectures for quantum interconnects. We propose to engineer interconnects in semiconductors and insulators by patterning spin qubits at dislocations, thus forming quasi one-dimensional lines of entangled point defects. To gain insight into the feasibility and control of dislocation-driven interconnects, we investigate the optical cycle and coherence properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, in proximity of dislocations, using a combination of advanced first-principles calculations. We show that one can engineer spin defects with properties similar to those of their bulk counterparts, including charge stability and a favorable optical cycle, and that NV centers close to dislocations have much improved coherence properties. Finally, we predict optically detected magnetic resonance spectra that may facilitate the experimental identification of specific defect configurations. Our results provide a theoretical foundation for the engineering of one-dimensional arrays of spin defects in the solid state.

Materials science↗
NASA NTRS2002

Evolutionary Design of a Robotic Material Defect Detection System

During the post-flight inspection of SSME engines, several inaccessible regions must be disassembled to inspect for defects such as cracks, scratches, gouges, etc. An improvement to the inspection process would be the design and development of very small robots capable of penetrating these inaccessible regions and detecting the defects. The goal of this research was to utilize an evolutionary design approach for the robotic detection of these types of defects. A simulation and visualization tool was developed prior to receiving the hardware as a development test bed. A small, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) robot was selected from several candidates as the proof of concept robot. The basic approach to detect the defects was to utilize Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) sensors to detect changes in contrast of an illuminated surface. A neural network, optimally designed utilizing a genetic algorithm, was employed to detect the presence of the defects (cracks). By utilization of the COTS robot and US sensors, the research successfully demonstrated that an evolutionarily designed neural network can detect the presence of surface defects.

Ballard, Gary↗
DOE OSTI2026

Enhanced Water Interaction at Dual Cu Sites Within the Defects on a Copper Sulfide Layer

Electrochemical transformations of stable molecules and water into fuels and value-added chemicals require efficient catalyst surfaces. Introducing controlled defects at atomic scales can offer promising routes to enhance catalyst performance. In this study, we found novel dual copper site (-Cu-Cu-) defects within a copper sulfide (Cu-S) layer supported on Cu(111). Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT), we found these dual copper sites enhance molecular adsorption strength, specifically for water molecules, compared to intact Cu-S layer or pristine copper surfaces. This discovery highlights the potential of engineered dual-site copper defects to advance electrochemical catalytic materials, particularly for reactions involving water activation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2005

Very Tough, Erosion-Resistant Turbine Airfoil Thermal Barrier Coatings Developed

Ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are receiving increased attention for advanced gas turbine engine applications. These coatings are considered to be technologically important because of their ability to further increase engine operating temperatures and reduce cooling requirements, thus achieving higher engine efficiency, lower emissions, and increased performance goals. To take full advantage of the capabilities of these coatings, researchers need to use an aggressive design approach whenever possible--one that allows greater temperature reductions through the coating systems and less cooling air to the components. Advanced TBCs that have significantly lower thermal conductivity and better thermal stability than current coatings have been developed for future ultra-efficient, low-emission engine systems. Multicomponent-doped, defect-clustered TBCs have been shown to offer the low conductivity and high stability required for future high-temperature engine applications.

Zhu, Dong-Ming↗
NASA NTRS1998

MoSi2-Base Hybrid Composite Passed Engine Test

The intermetallics compound molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) is an attractive high-temperature structural material for advanced engine applications. It has excellent oxidation resistance, a high melting point, relatively low density, and high thermal conductivity, and it is easily machined. Past research'at the NASA Lewis Research Center has resulted in the development of a hybrid composite consisting of a MoSi2 matrix reinforced with silicon nitride (Si3N4) Particulate and silicon carbide (SiC) fibers. This composite has demonstrated attractive strength, toughness, thermal fatigue, and oxidation resistance, including resistance to "pest" oxidation. These properties attracted the interest of the Office of Naval Research and Pratt & Whitney, and a joint NASA/Navy/Pratt & Whitney effort was developed to continue to mature the MoSi2 Composite technology. A turbine blade outer air seal, which was part of the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) program, was chosen as a first component on which to focus. The first tasks of the materials development effort were to develop improved processing methods to reduce costs and to use fine-diameter fibers that enable the manufacturing of complex shapes. Tape-casting methods were developed to fully infiltrate the fine SiC fibers with matrix powders. The resulting composites were hot pressed to 100-percent density. Composites with cross-plied fiber architectures with 30 vol. % hi-nicalon SiC fibers and 30 vol. % nitride particles are now made routinely and demonstrate a good balance of properties. The next task entailed the measurement of a wide variety of mechanical properties to confirm the suitability of this composite in engines. In particular, participants in this effort demonstrated that composites made with Hi-Nicalon fibers had strength and toughness properties equal to or better than those of the composites made with the large-diameter fibers that had been used previously. Another critically important property measured was impact resistance. Aircraft engine components require sufficient toughness to resist manufacturing defects, assembly damage, stress concentrations at notches, and foreign object damage. Engine company designers indicated that impact resistance would have to be measured before they would seriously consider these types of composites. The Charpy V-notch test was chosen to assess impact resistance, and both monolithic and composite versions Of MOSi2 were tested from -300 to 1400 C. The results (see the following graphs) show that nitride-particulate-reinforced MoSi2 exhibited impact resistance higher than that of many monolithic ceramics and intermetallics, and that the fiber-reinforced composites had even higher values, approaching that of cast superalloys.

Keith, Theo G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Advanced Multi-Component Defect Cluster Oxide Doped Zirconia-Yttria Thermal Barrier Coatings

The advantages of using ceramic thermal barrier coatings in gas turbine engine hot sections include increased fuel efficiency and improved engine reliability. However, current thermal barrier coatings will not have the low thermal conductivity and necessary sintering resistance under higher operating temperatures and thermal gradients required by future advanced ultra efficient and low emission aircraft engines. In this paper, a novel oxide defect cluster design approach is described for achieving low thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability of the thermal barrier coating systems. This approach utilizes multi-component rare earth and other metal cluster oxide dopants that are incorporated in the zirconia-yttna based systems, thus significantly reducing coating thermal conductivity and sintering resistance by effectively promoting the formation of thermodynamically stable, essentially immobile defect clusters and/or nanoscale phases. The performance of selected plasma-sprayed cluster oxide thermal barrier coating systems has been evaluated. The advanced multi-component thermal barrier coating systems were found to have significantly lower initial and long-term thermal conductivities, and better high temperature stability. The effect of oxide cluster dopants on coating thermal conductivity, sintering resistance, oxide grain growth behavior and durability will be discussed.

Zhu, Dongming↗
NASA NTRS1990

Advanced Multi-Component Defect Cluster Oxide Doped Zirconia-Yttria Thermal Barrier Coatings

The advantages of using ceramic thermal barrier coatings in gas turbine engine hot sections include increased fuel efficiency and improved engine reliability. However, current thermal barrier coatings will not have the low thermal conductivity and necessary sintering resistance under higher operating temperatures and thermal gradients required by future advanced ultra-efficient and low-emission aircraft engines. In this paper, a novel oxide defect cluster design approach is described for achieving low thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability of the thermal barrier coating systems. This approach utilizes multi-component rare earth and other metal cluster oxide dopants that are incorporated in the zirconia-yttria based systems, thus significantly reducing coating thermal conductivity and sintering resistance by effectively promoting the formation of thermodynamically stable, essentially immobile defect clusters and/or nanoscale phases. The performance of selected plasma-sprayed cluster oxide thermal barrier coating systems has been evaluated. The advanced multi-component thermal barrier coating systems were found to have significantly lower initial and long-term thermal conductivities, and better high temperature stability. The effect of oxide cluster dopants on coating thermal conductivity, sintering resistance, oxide grain growth behavior and durability will be discussed.

Zhu, Dongming↗