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At least 1,261 records · Page 70

Formation and Composition-Dependent Properties of Alloys of Cubic Halide Perovskites

Distinct shortcomings of individual halide perovskites for solar applications, such as restricted range of band gaps, propensity of $ABX_3$ to decompose into $AX + BX_2$, or oxidation of 2$ABX_3$ into $A_2BX_6$, have led to the need to consider alloys of individual perovskites such as [FA,Cs][Pb,Sn][Br,I] 3 . This proposition creates a nontrivial material selection problem associated with a six-component structure, spanning a continuum of three sets of compositions (one for each sublattice) and requiring control of phase separation or ordering in each alloyed subfield. Not surprisingly, material and structure choices were made thus far mostly via trial-and-error explorations among a large number of arrangements. In this work, we use ideas from solid-state theory of semiconductor alloys to analyze the behaviors of the canonical [FA,Cs][Pb,Sn]I 3 alloy system, where FA is formamidinium. Density functional calculations utilizing specially constructed supercells are used to calculate the composition dependence of band gaps, energy of decomposition, and alloy mixing enthalpies. A number of clear trends are observed for A-site alloys [Cs,FA]SnI 3 and [Cs,FA]PbI 3 , as well as for B-site alloys Cs[Sn,Pb]I 3 and FA[Sn,Pb]I 3 . To understand the physical reasons that control these trends, we decompose the alloy properties into distinct physical terms: (i) the energies associated with removing the octahedral deformations (tilting, rotations, B-site displacements) of the individual components, (ii) the energies for compressing the larger component and expanding the smaller one to the alloy volume V(x), (iii) the charge-transfer energies associated with placing the alloyed units onto a common lattice, and finally, (iv) structural relaxation of all bonds within the cells. This analysis clarifies the origin of the observed trends in band gaps, decomposition energies, and mixing enthalpies. Unlike a number of previous calculations, we find that the proper description of alloy physics requires that even the pure, nonalloyed, end-point compounds need to be allowed to develop local environment-dependent octahedral deformation that lowers significantly the total energy and raises their band gaps.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics study of ring polymer melts under shear and elongation flows: A comparison with their linear analogs

We present detailed results for the structural and rheological properties of unknotted and unconcatenated ring polyethylene (PE) melts under shear and elongation flows via direct atomistic nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Short (C{sub 78}H{sub 156}) and long (C{sub 400}H{sub 800}) ring PE melts were subjected to planar Couette flow (PCF) and planar elongational flow (PEF) across a wide range of strain rates from linear to highly nonlinear flow regimes. The results are analyzed in detail through a direct comparison with those of the corresponding linear polymers. We found that, in comparison to their linear analogs, ring melts possess rather compact chain structures at or near the equilibrium state and exhibit a considerably lesser degree of structural deformation with respect to the applied flow strength under both PCF and PEF. The large structural resistance of ring polymers against an external flow field is attributed to the intrinsic closed-loop configuration of the ring and the topological constraint of nonconcatenation between ring chains in the melt. As a result, there appears to be a substantial discrepancy between ring and linear systems in terms of their structural and rheological properties such as chain orientation, the distribution of chain dimensions, viscosity, flow birefringence, hydrostatic pressure, the pair correlation function, and potential interaction energies. The findings and conclusions drawn in this work would be a useful guide in future exploration of the characteristic dynamical and relaxation mechanisms of ring polymers in bulk or confined systems under flowing conditions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Fragmentation of a Filamentary Cloud Permeated by a Perpendicular Magnetic Field

We examine the linear stability of an isothermal filamentary cloud permeated by a perpendicular magnetic field. Our model cloud is assumed to be supported by gas pressure against self-gravity in the unperturbed state. For simplicity, the density distribution is assumed to be symmetric around the axis. Also for simplicity, the initial magnetic field is assumed to be uniform, and turbulence is not taken into account. The perturbation equation is formulated to be an eigenvalue problem. The growth rate is obtained as a function of the wavenumber for fragmentation along the axis and the magnetic field strength. The growth rate depends critically on the outer boundary. If the displacement vanishes in regions very far from the cloud axis (fixed boundary), cloud fragmentation is suppressed by a moderate magnetic field, which means the plasma beta is below 1.67 on the cloud axis. If the displacement is constant along the magnetic field in regions very far from the cloud, the cloud is unstable even when the magnetic field is infinitely strong. The cloud is deformed by circulation in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. The unstable mode is not likely to induce dynamical collapse, since it is excited even when the whole cloud is magnetically subcritical. For both boundary conditions, the magnetic field increases the wavelength of the most unstable mode. We find that the magnetic force suppresses compression perpendicular to the magnetic field especially in regions of low density.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Multiscale formulation of frictional contact mechanics at the pore scale

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) yields the highest fidelity predictions of mechanical deformation at the pore scale, but is prohibitively expensive for analyzing large or many samples. Discrete element methods (DEM) are an efficient alternative, but are limited to granular media and incapable of estimating or controlling prediction errors. We present a pore-level multiscale method (PLMM) that approximates DNS efficiently and with controllable accuracy. We focus on the linear elastic response of a consolidated geologic porous medium with arbitrary microstructure, heterogeneous mineralogy, containing cracks or defects. PLMM decomposes the solid phase into non-overlapping subdomains, on which local basis functions are constructed. The bases are then coupled with a global interface problem that accounts for slip or stick contact conditions between the subdomains. PLMM produces an initial, but accurate, approximation to DNS that can be iteratively improved. It is amenable to parallelism and allows for different mesh, models, and physics in each subdomain. An algebraic interpretation of PLMM as a preconditioner is also presented to allow non-intrusive implementation into existing solvers. Lastly, this work extends previous developments of PLMM in fluid dynamics to solid mechanics and enables future extensions towards modeling coupled flow and mechanics problems.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Three-dimensional explicit finite element formulation for shear localization with global tracking of embedded weak discontinuities

Shear localization is a damage mechanism characterized by the concentration of plastic deformation within thin bands of materials, often observed as a precursor to failure in metals. In this study, we present a three-dimensional explicit finite element formulation with embedded weak discontinuities for the treatment of shear localization under dynamic loading conditions. In this formulation, the onset of localization is detected via a material stability analysis suitable for rate-sensitive materials, and the continuity of propagating shear bands is ensured using a global tracking strategy involving a heat-conduction type boundary value problem, solved for a scalar level set function over the global domain of the problem. In addition, we propose a modified quadrature rule that is used to compute the contribution of an individual element to the global finite element arrays, taking into account the position of the embedded shear band within that element.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Foundations for quantitative microstructural models to track evolution of the metallurgical state during high purity Nb cavity fabrication

The goal of the Materials Science SRF Cavity Group of Michigan State University and the National Superconducting Cyclotron has been (and continues to be) to understand quantitatively the effects of process history on functional properties. These relationships were assessed via studies on Nb samples and cavity parts, which had various combinations of forming processes, welding, heat treatments, and surface preparation. A primary focus was on large-grain cavity building strategies. Effects of processing operations and exposure to hydrogen on the thermal conductivity has been identified in single and bi-crystal samples, showing that the thermal conductivity can be altered by a factor of 5 depending on process history. Characterization of single crystal tensile samples show a strong effect of crystal orientation on deformation resistance and shape changes. Large grain half cells were examined to characterize defect content and surface damage effects, which provided quantitative information about the depth damage layers from forming.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

KAYENTA: Theory and User's Guide

The physical foundations and domain of applicability of the Kayenta constitutive model are presented along with descriptions of the source code and user instructions. Kayenta, which is an outgrowth of the Sandia GeoModel, includes features and fitting functions appropriate to a broad class of materials including rocks, rock-like engineered materials (such as concretes and ceramics), and metals. Fundamentally, Kayenta is a computational framework for generalized plasticity models. As such, it includes a yield surface, but the term (3z(Byield(3y (Bis generalized to include any form of inelastic material response (including microcrack growth and pore collapse) that can result in non-recovered strain upon removal of loads on a material element. Kayenta supports optional anisotropic elasticity associated with joint sets, as well as optional deformation-induced anisotropy through kinematic hardening (in which the initially isotropic yield surface is permitted to translate in deviatoric stress space to model Bauschinger effects). The governing equations are otherwise isotropic. Because Kayenta is a unification and generalization of simpler models, it can be run using as few as 2 parameters (for linear elasticity) to as many as 40 material and control parameters in the exceptionally rare case when all features are used. For high-strain-rate applications, Kayenta supports rate dependence through an overstress model. Isotropic damage is modeled through loss of stiffness and strength.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Stretchable electronic systems with containment chambers

The present invention provides electronic systems, including device arrays, comprising functional device(s) and/or device component(s) at least partially enclosed via one or more containment chambers, such that the device(s) and/or device component(s) are at least partially, and optionally entirely, immersed in a containment fluid. Useful containment fluids for use in containment chambers of electronic devices of the invention include lubricants, electrolytes and/or electronically resistive fluids. In some embodiments, for example, electronic systems of the invention comprise one or more electronic devices and/or device components provided in free-standing and/or tethered configurations that decouple forces originating upon deformation, stretching or compression of a supporting substrate from the free standing or tethered device or device component.

Rogers, John A.↗

Spin Signature of the C 60 Fullerene Anion: A Combined X- and D-Band EPR and DFT Study

Fullerenes attract much attention in various scientific fields, but their electronic properties are still not completely understood. Here we report on a combined EPR and DFT study of the fullerene anion C 60 – in solid glassy environment. DFT calculations were used to characterize its electronic structure through spin density distribution and magnetic resonance parameters. The electron spin density is not uniformly distributed throughout the C 60 – cage but shows a pattern similar to PC 61 BM – . EPR spectroscopy reveals a rhombic g-tensor sensitive to the environment in the frozen glassy solutions, which can be rationalized by deformation of the fullerenes along lowfrequency vibrational modes upon cooling. DFT modeling confirms that these deformations lead to variation in the C 60 – g values. Furthermore, the decrease in g-tensor anisotropy with sample annealing is related to the lessening of g-tensor strain upon temperature relaxation of the most distorted sites in the glassy state.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Extreme matter meets extreme gravity: Ultraheavy neutron stars with phase transitions

The speed of sound of the matter within neutron stars may contain nonsmooth structure related to first- or higher-order phase transitions. Here we investigate what are the observable consequences of structure in the speed of sound, such as bumps, spikes, step functions, plateaus, and kinks. One of the main consequences is the possibility of ultraheavy neutron stars (with masses larger than 2.5 solar masses), mass twins in heavy (with masses larger than 2 solar masses) and ultraheavy neutron stars. These stars pass all observational and theoretical constraints, including those imposed by recent LIGO/Virgo gravitational-wave observations and NICER x-ray observations. Here we thoroughly investigate other consequences of this structure in the speed of sound to develop an understanding of how nonsmooth features affect astrophysical observables, such as stellar radii, tidal deformability, moment of inertia, and Love number. Our results have important implications for future gravitational wave and x-ray observations of neutron stars and their impact in nuclear astrophysics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Design principles for the ultimate gas deliverable capacity material: nonporous to porous deformations without volume change

Understanding the fundamental limits of gas deliverable capacity in porous materials is of critical importance as it informs whether technical targets (e.g., for on-board vehicular storage) are feasible. High-throughput screening studies of rigid materials, for example, have shown they are not able to achieve the original ARPA-E methane storage targets, yet an interesting question remains: what is the upper limit of deliverable capacity in flexible materials? In this work we develop a statistical adsorption model that specifically probes the limit of deliverable capacity in intrinsically flexible materials. The resulting adsorption thermodynamics indicate that a perfectly designed, intrinsically flexible nanoporous material could achieve higher methane deliverable capacity than the best benchmark systems known to date with little to no total volume change. Density functional theory and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations identify a known metal–organic framework (MOF) that validates key features of the model. Therefore, this work (1) motivates a continued, extensive effort to rationally design a porous material analogous to the adsorption model and (2) calls for continued discovery of additional high deliverable capacity materials that remain hidden from rigid structure screening studies due to nominal non-porosity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Chiral algebra, localization, modularity, surface defects, and all that

We study the 2D vertex operator algebra (VOA) construction in 4D N = 2 superconformal field theories on S 3 × S 1 , focusing on both old puzzles and new observations. The VOA lives on a two-torus T 2 ⊂ S 3 × S 1 , it is 1 2 Z -graded, and this torus is equipped with the natural choice of spin structure (1,0) for the Z + 1 2 -graded operators, corresponding to the NS sector vacuum character. By analyzing the possible refinements of the Schur index that preserves the VOA, we find that it admits discrete deformations, which allows access to the remaining spin structures (1,1), (0,1), and (0,0), of which the latter two involve the inclusion of a particular surface defect. For Lagrangian theories, we perform the detailed analysis: we describe the natural supersymmetric background, perform localization, and derive the gauged symplectic boson action on a torus in any spin structure. In the absence of flavor fugacities, the 2D and 4D path integrals precisely match, including the Casimir factors. We further analyze the 2D theory: we identify its integration cycle and the two-point functions and interpret flavor holonomies as screening charges in the VOA. Next, we make some observations about modularity; the T-transformation acts on our four partition functions and lifts to a large diffeomorphism on S 3 × S 1 . More interestingly, we generalize the four partition functions on the torus to an infinite family labeled by both the spin structure and the integration cycle inside the complexified maximal torus of the gauge group. Members of this family transform into one another under the full modular group, and we confirm the recent observation that the S-transform of the Schur index in Lagrangian theories exhibits logarithmic behavior. Finally, we comment on how locally our background reproduces the Ω-background.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Formation of doughnut and super-Gaussian intensity distributions of laser radiation in the far field using a bimorph mirror

We consider the methods for modelling doughnut and super-Gaussian intensity distributions in the far field by means of deformable bimorph mirrors. A method for the rapid formation of a specified intensity distribution using a Shack – Hartmann sensor is proposed, and the results of the modelling of doughnut and super-Gaussian intensity distributions are presented. (laser beams)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Processing and mechanical properties - 2016-0032

Hot extrusion is used within the forming route of cladding tubes to deform the billets into tube hollows, which are then cold-rolled to produce the final tubes with the suitable properties for in-reactor use. The hot extrusion goals are to give the appropriate geometry for cold pilgering (diameter and wall thickness suitable for cold-rolling mills, good concentricity) without surface defects and microstructural heterogeneities, which are detrimental for subsequent rolling. To ensure a good quality of the tube hollows, extrusion parameters (e.g., temperature of the billet, ram speed, extrusion ratio, lubrication) and extrusion tools have to be chosen as a function of the press capacity and mechanical and microstructural properties of the extruded alloy. For this purpose, finite-element and analytical models are used in addition to experimental tests. These models, particularly the former, can take into account the thermomechanical coupling that occurs in the tube and the tools during extrusion and provides a good prediction of the extrusion pressure and thermomechanical history of the extruded product. Together with a microstructural evolution model identified with small-scale extrusion tests, torsion tests, and heat treatments, this last result can also be used to calculate the fragmentation of the microstructure in the die and the meta-dynamic recrystallization after extrusion. Once validated against experimental data, numerical models were used to better understand and master the extrusion loads, the microstructure evolutions at the front end of the extruded tubes, and the temperature and stresses applied to the tools. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Online simulation powered learning modules for materials science

Simulation tools are playing a significant role in materials science and engineering and beyond their well established importance in research and development, these tools have a vital pedagogical potential. We describe a set of online simulation tools and learning modules designed to help students explore important concepts in materials science where hands-on activities with high-fidelity simulations can provide insight not easily acquired otherwise. The online tools, which involve density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations, have been designed with non-expert end-users in mind and only a few clicks are required to perform most simulations, yet they are powered by research-grade codes and expert users can access advanced options. All tools and modules are available for online simulation in nanoHUB.org and access is open and free of charge. Importantly, instructors and students do not need to download or install any software. The learning modules cover a range of topics from electronic structure of crystals and doping, plastic deformation in metals, and physical properties of polymers. These modules have been utilized in several core undergraduate courses at Purdue’s School of Materials Engineering, they are self contained, and are easy to incorporate into existing classes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Liquid Crystal Orientation and Shape Optimization for the Active Response of Liquid Crystal Elastomers

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are responsive materials that can undergo large reversible deformations upon exposure to external stimuli, such as electrical and thermal fields. Controlling the alignment of their liquid crystals mesogens to achieve desired shape changes unlocks a new design paradigm that is unavailable when using traditional materials. While experimental measurements can provide valuable insights into their behavior, computational analysis is essential to exploit their full potential. Accurate simulation is not, however, the end goal; rather, it is the means to achieve their optimal design. Such design optimization problems are best solved with algorithms that require gradients, i.e., sensitivities, of the cost and constraint functions with respect to the design parameters, to efficiently traverse the design space. In this work, a nonlinear LCE model and adjoint sensitivity analysis are implemented in a scalable and flexible finite element-based open source framework and integrated into a gradient-based design optimization tool. To display the versatility of the computational framework, LCE design problems that optimize both the material, i.e., liquid crystal orientation, and structural shape to reach a target actuated shapes or maximize energy absorption are solved. Multiple parameterizations, customized to address fabrication limitations, are investigated in both 2D and 3D. The case studies are followed by a discussion on the simulation and design optimization hurdles, as well as potential avenues for improving the robustness of similar computational frameworks for applications of interest.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Coarse graining atomistic simulations of plastically deforming amorphous solids

The primary mode of failure in disordered solids results from the formation and persistence of highly localized regions of large plastic strains known as shear bands. Continuum-level field theories capable of predicting this mechanical response rely upon an accurate representation of the initial and evolving states of the amorphous structure. We perform molecular dynamics simulations of a metallic glass and propose a methodology for coarse graining discrete, atomistic quantities, such as the potential energies of the elemental constituents. A strain criterion is established and used to distinguish the coarse-grained degrees-of-freedom inside the emerging shear band from those of the surrounding material. A signal-to-noise ratio provides a means of evaluating the strength of the signal of the shear band as a function of the coarse graining. Finally, we investigate the effect of different coarse graining length scales by comparing a two-dimensional, numerical implementation of the effective-temperature description in the shear transformation zone (STZ) theory with direct molecular dynamics simulations. These comparisons indicate the coarse graining length scale has a lower bound, above which there is a high level of agreement between the atomistics and the STZ theory, and below which the concept of effective temperature breaks down.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

TH-CD-202-09: Free-Breathing Proton MRI Functional Lung Avoidance Maps to Guide Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Pulmonary functional MRI using inhaled gas contrast agents was previously investigated as a way to identify well-functioning lung in patients with NSCLC who are clinical candidates for radiotherapy. Hyperpolarized noble-gas ({sup 3}He and {sup 129}Xe) MRI has also been optimized to measure functional lung information, but for a number of reasons, the clinical translation of this approach to guide radiotherapy planning has been limited. As an alternative, free-breathing pulmonary 1H MRI using clinically available MRI systems and pulse sequences provides a non-contrast-enhanced method to generate both ventilation and perfusion maps. Free-breathing {sup 1}H MRI exploits non-rigid registration and Fourier decomposition of MRI signal intensity differences (Bauman et al., MRM, 2009) that may be generated during normal tidal breathing. Here, our objective was to generate free-breathing {sup 1}H MRI ventilation and lung function avoidance maps in patients with NSCLC as a way to guide radiation therapy planning. Methods: Stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC patients (n=8, 68±9yr) provided written informed consent to a randomized controlled clinical trial ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02002052 ) that aimed to compare outcomes related to image-guided versus conventional radiation therapy planning. Hyperpolarized {sup 3}He/{sup 129}Xe and dynamic free tidal-breathing {sup 1}H MRI were acquired as previously described (Capaldi et al., Acad Radiol, 2015). Non-rigid registration was performed using the modality-independent-neighbourhood-descriptor (MIND) deformable approach (Heinrich et al., Med Image Anal, 2012). Ventilation-defect-percent ({sup 3}He:VDP{sub He}, {sup 129}Xe:VDP{sub Xe}, Free-breathing-{sup 1}H:VDP{sub FB}) and the corresponding ventilation maps were compared using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Results: VDP{sub FB} was significantly related to VDP{sub He} (r=.71; p=.04) and VDP{sub Xe} (r=.80; p=.01) and there were also strong spatial relationships (DSC{sub He}/DSC{sub Xe}=89±3%/77±11%). Conclusion: In this proof of concept study in NSCLC patients, free-breathing {sup 1}H MRI ventilation defects were quantitatively and spatially related to inhaled-noble-gas MRI ventilation defects. Free-breathing {sup 1}H MRI measures lung function/ventilation that can be used to optimize radiotherapy planning in NSCLC patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗