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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,279 records · Page 71
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Precursor-Derived Nanostructured Silicon Carbide Based Materials for Magnetohydrodynamic Electrode Applications

Development of suitable materials for use in a magneto-hydro-dynamic (MHD) generator is a challenging task. Extremely high temperatures coupled with highly corrosive seed-laden atmosphere limit the choice of materials in contact with the high temperature plasma to just a few materials. These materials are simultaneously subjected to stresses of mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical and high temperature-electromagnetic nature. In this work, a novel class of silicon carbide (SiC) based ceramic composite materials with compositions tailored through a polymer precursor derived synthesis route was developed. SiC has a strong covalent bonding character, resulting in high values of mechanical strength, high hardness and chemical stability while retaining good electrical properties at elevated temperatures. Since a unique feature of the precursor-derived materials was the presence of crystalline SiC domains separated by nanoscale carbon, feasibility of materials for electrodes that need to withstand at extremely high temperatures while maintaining good mechanical and electrical properties was investigated.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1946

The Further Development of Heat-Resistant Materials for Aircraft Engines

The present report deals with the problems involved in the greater utilization and development of aircraft engine materials, and specifically; piston materials, cylinder heads, exhaust valves, and exhaust gas turbine blading. The blades of the exhaust gas turbine are likely to be the highest stressed components of modern power plants from a thermal-mechanical and chemical standpoint, even though the requirements on exhaust valves of engines with gasoline injection are in general no less stringent. For the fire plate in Diesel engines the specifications for mechanical strength and design are not so stringent, and the question of heat resistance, which under these circumstances is easier obtainable, predominates.

Bollenrath, Franz↗
DOE OSTI2019

Particle Flow Solarthermal Redox Process to Split Water

The aim of this project is to develop novel solarthermal water splitting (STWS) materials and a STWS reactor capable of producing hydrogen gas in an economic (<2/gge H 2 ) and efficient manner (>26% solar to hydrogen efficiency) at commercial scales (>50,000 kg of H 2 /day). To meet these targets, new materials must be developed with high intrinsic STWS efficiencies and then fabricated into a robust, long-lived “reactor ready” form. Additionally, scalable novel reactors are necessary to efficiently deliver the solar heat to the reacting materials while minimizing parasitic efficiency losses such as unnecessary heating and cooling, electrical work and heat losses from the reactor (such as radiation, or conduction). In this project we will: 1) develop new materials capable of meeting the targets outlined above; 2) develop particle formulation capable of producing attrition resistant, long lived, “reactor ready” particles; 3) evaluate and refine the individual reactor components of our Particle Flow Solarthermal Reactor design; 4) develop an overall system model to be used for reactor design improvement and economic analysis; and 5) produce at least three liters of H 2 on-sun in an eight hour day using our developed materials and reactor design principles. Overall, we will move our STWS process from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to TRL3.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal Management by Engineering the Alignment of Nanocellulose

One of the grand current research challenges is to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings, which cumulatively consume more than 40% of the energy generated globally. In addition to improving the comfort of the inhabitants and mitigating the growing energy consumption problem, new building materials and technologies could provide a safe strategy for geoengineering to mitigate global climate change. Herein, recent progress in developing such advanced materials from nanocellulose, which is often derived from wood or even dirty feedstocks like waste, is reviewed. By using chemical and bacteria-enabled processing, nanocellulose can be used to fabricate broadband photonic reflectors, thermally super-insulating aerogels, solar gain regulators, and low-emissivity coatings, with potential applications in windows, roofs, walls, and other components of buildings envelopes. These material developments draw inspiration from advanced energy management found in nature, such as the nanoporous photonic structures that evolved in cuticles of beetles. Fabrication of such materials takes advantage of mesoscale liquid crystalline self-assembly, which allows for pre-designed control of cellulose nanoparticle orientations at the mesoscale. Finally, with the potential fully realized, such materials could one day transform the current energy-lossy buildings into energy plants on Earth and possibly even enable extraterrestrial habitats.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2003

Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Composite Materials. MSFC Center Director's Discretionary Fund Final Report, Project No. ED36-18

The purpose of this research effort was to: (1) provide a concise and well-defined property profile of current and developing composite materials using thermal and chemical characterization techniques and (2) optimize analytical testing requirements of materials. This effort applied a diverse array of methodologies to ascertain composite material properties. Often, a single method of technique will provide useful, but nonetheless incomplete, information on material composition and/or behavior. To more completely understand and predict material properties, a broad-based analytical approach is required. By developing a database of information comprised of both thermal and chemical properties, material behavior under varying conditions may be better understood. THis is even more important in the aerospace community, where new composite materials and those in the development stage have little reference data. For example, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectral databases available for identification of vapor phase spectra, such as those generated during experiments, generally refer to well-defined chemical compounds. Because this method renders a unique thermal decomposition spectral pattern, even larger, more diverse databases, such as those found in solid and liquid phase FTIR spectroscopy libraries, cannot be used. By combining this and other available methodologies, a database specifically for new materials and materials being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center can be generated . In addition, characterizing materials using this approach will be extremely useful in the verification of materials and identification of anomalies in NASA-wide investigations.

Stanley, D. C.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of Composite Photocatalyst Materials that are Highly Selective for Solar Hydrogen Production and their Evaluation in Z-Scheme Reactor Designs

The key technology gap preventing a vertically stacked dual-bed particle suspension reactor from achieving the DOE MYRD&D ultimate cost target for H 2 production remains the lack of materials in particle form factor that exhibit ≥10% solar-to-H 2 energy conversion (STH) efficiency as a suspension. Therefore, our project goals centered around strategies to increase the STH efficiency by enhancing photophysical properties of perovskite oxide particles including increased visible-light absorption, increased selectivity for electrocatalysis of the H 2 evolution reaction (HER) and the O 2 evolution reaction (OER) through development of ultrathin oxide coatings, correlating composition and structure to function, and improving understanding of multiscale transport and kinetic processes.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Developing a Database of Bio-based Materials for Building Envelope Applications

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) to help accelerate the introduction of building envelope materials that would reduce the carbon footprint of the buildings sector. The DOE’s Building Technologies Office has historically sought to resolve the knowledge gaps regarding the energy efficiency and moisture durability of building envelope systems and to develop the data, guidance, and tools needed to facilitate rapid industry adoption of high-performance, moisture-managed envelope systems. This project will help accelerate the widespread acceptance of a new generation of building materials developed specifically with the intent of reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. We have produced a database of hygrothermal transport properties on low embodied carbon building materials that can be added to energy and durability simulation tools. Properties that were measured include density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity as a function of temperature and relative humidity, moisture dependent permeance, and sorption isotherms as a function of relative humidity. These data sets were measured following consensus national standards using state-of-the-art facilities. The data has been compiled and is being made available to building designers who require these data to assess these new materials in their designs. We will publish the data and seek its addition to reference databases such as the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2022

In Situ Synthesized Homochiral Spiroborate Ester Metal–Organic Framework with Mono–, Di–, and Trivalent Cations

Here we report here a one–step method for synthesizing multi–component and in–situ–formed homochiral spiroborate–ester–based metal–organic framework CPM–B1. This unique material successfully integrates COF fragment spiroborate ester within the MOF and simultaneously incorporate homochirality and helicity. In addition, CPM–B1 is a rare example of framework materials that results from the cooperative assembly of three charge–complementary cations: +1 (lithium), +2 (cobalt), and +3 (boron). The sophistication of the co–assembly is further highlighted by the three structural roles of lithium ions. This unique structure contributes to its multi–functional properties such as ionic conductivity and catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (by CPM–B1 carbonized material) and provides a new path to develop MOF materials with complex secondary building units and multi–functional applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Preparation and Characterization of NdFeB/PrCo{sub 5} Nanocomposite Magnetic Materials

We first developed NdFeB/PrCo{sub 5} nanocomposite magnetic material by high-energy ball milling, and the influence of the different contents of PrCo{sub 5} on the magnetic properties of NdFeB was studied by means of XRD, DSC, and VSM. The results showed that compared with single-phase NdFeB permanent-magnet material, NdFeB/PrCo{sub 5} nanocomposite magnetic material has superior magnetic properties. When the content of PrCo{sub 5} is 10% and the time of ball milling is 10 h, the magnetic properties for NdFeB/PrCo{sub 5} nanocomposite magnetic material is best: coercivity is 13.2 kOe, which increased by 14.8% over pure NdFeB phase. Remanent magnetization is 96.31 emu/g and the saturation magnetization is 132.29 emu/g. The remanence ratio is 0.728.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling fission product diffusion in TRISO fuel particles with BISON

Diffusion of fission products in intact TRISO particles depends on particle geometry, fission product source rates, time, temperature, and temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients. Simulating this diffusion process requires models for source rates and diffusion coefficients, plus computation of the temperature field if not prescribed. In addition, simulation quality depends on discretization of the geometry, appropriate time stepping, and the accuracy of the solution method. In this paper, we explore the simulation of fission product diffusion in TRISO fuel particles using the finite element method via the fuel performance code Bison. Recent material model development has occurred in Bison for each material present in tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles: the buffer, inner pyrolytic carbon, silicon carbide, and outer pyrolytic carbon layers, as well as the fuel kernel. Also, new mesh generation and fission product release fraction capabilities have been added. Diffusion capabilities are shown to converge to the correct solution via formal verification tests. A large number of code benchmarking problems are also given, with good results, showing that Bison’s computed release fractions closely match those of other software tools. Finally, a significant validation effort is detailed in which fission product release, measured as part of the AGR-1 capsule experiments, is compared to Bison outputs. Bison outputs compare very well to the experimental data and to PARFUME results.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Photocarrier Dynamics in TlGaS 2 Nanoflakes and van der Waals Heterostructures with Hexagonal Boron Nitride and WS 2 Nanoflakes: Implications for Optoelectronic Applications

We present an experimental investigation on photocarrier dynamics in a TlGaS 2 bulk crystal and its heterostructures with hexagonal BN and WS 2 . The samples were obtained by mechanical exfoliation and dry transfer techniques. The photocarrier dynamics was monitored by a transient absorption technique. We observed a direct optical transition of about 555 nm in the TlGaS 2 crystal. By utilizing transient absorption of that transition, we obtained a hot-carrier energy relaxation time of less than 1 ps and a carrier lifetime of about 300 ps in TlGaS 2 at room temperature. In the hexagonal-BN-TlGaS 2 heterostructure, the photocarrier dynamics was similar to that in TlGaS 2 , indicating the type-I band alignment of this structure with both band extremes located in TlGaS 2 . In the monolayer WS 2 -TlGaS 2 heterostructure, we observed charge transfer from TlGaS 2 to WS 2 and an extended lifetime of the transferred carriers in WS 2 . Here, these results introduce TlGaS 2 as a promising layered material for developing two-dimensional van der Waals materials that can be combined with other two-dimensional materials for various optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Next Generation Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries: Thermodynamic Understanding and Abuse Performance

As we develop new materials to increase performance of lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles, the impact of potential safety and reliability issues become increasingly important. In addition to electrochemical performance increases (capacity, energy, cycle life, etc.), there are a variety of materials advancements that can be made to improve lithium-ion battery safety. Issues including energetic thermal runaway, electrolyte decomposition and flammability, anode SEI stability, and cell-level abuse tolerance behavior. Introduction of a next generation materials, such as silicon based anode, requires a full understanding of the abuse response and degradation mechanisms for these anodes. This work aims to understand the breakdown of these materials during abuse conditions in order to develop an inherently safe power source for our next generation electric vehicles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Vinylester and Polyester 3D Printing (CRADA NFE-17-06792 Final Report)

In Phase 2 of the technical collaboration between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Polynt Composites USA, a vinyl ester composite material for extrusion deposition additive manufacturing (AM) of thermoset materials was developed, characterized, and functionality demonstrated. Through this work modeling capability was developed to determine the desired in use material characteristics and refined process parameters. Coupon level testing was performed to validate the end use functionality of printed structures. Finally, the material was printed to evaluate its performance in composites tooling applications. This combined effort led to a commercial product, PRD-1520, for Polynt Composites USA specifically designed for large-scale extrusion deposition additive manufacturing of thermoset materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1978

Development of graphite/polyimide honeycomb core materials

Honeycomb panel constructions consisting entirely of graphite/polyimide composites were developed and evaluated. Graphite/polyimide composites, were used in the honeycomb core webs and in pre-cured sandwich skins. Polyimide adhesives were also developed and evaluated for use in skin-core bonding. The purpose of this program was to develop light weight sandwich constructions for high temperature applications which could provide comparable shear strength and stiffness to metallic honeycomb constructions.

Stone, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Slicing of Silicon into Sheet Material. Silicon Sheet Growth Development for the Large Area Silicon Sheet Task of the Low Cost Solar Array Project

The use of multiblade slurry sawing to produce silicon wafers from ingots was investigated. The commercially available state of the art process was improved by 20% in terms of area of silicon wafers produced from an ingot. The process was improved 34% on an experimental basis. Economic analyses presented show that further improvements are necessary to approach the desired wafer costs, mostly reduction in expendable materials costs. Tests which indicate that such reduction is possible are included, although demonstration of such reduction was not completed. A new, large capacity saw was designed and tested. Performance comparable with current equipment (in terms of number of wafers/cm) was demonstrated.

Fleming, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Metallurgy and properties of plasma spray formed materials

Understanding the fundamental metallurgy of vacuum plasma spray formed materials is the key to enhancing and developing full material properties. Investigations have shown that the microstructure of plasma sprayed materials must evolve from a powder splat morphology to a recrystallized grain structure to assure high strength and ductility. A fully, or near fully, dense material that exhibits a powder splat morphology will perform as a brittle material compared to a recrystallized grain structure for the same amount of porosity. Metallurgy and material properties of nickel, iron, and copper base alloys will be presented and correlated to microstructure.

Mckechnie, T. N.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Real Time Data/Video/Voice Uplink and Downlink for Kuiper Airborne Observatory

LFS was an educational outreach adventure which brought the excitement of astronomical exploration on NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) to a nationwide audience of children, parents and children through live, interactive television, broadcast from the KAO at an altitude of 41,000 feet during an actual scientific observing mission. The project encompassed three KAO flights during the fall of 1995, including a short practice mission, a daytime observing flight between Moffett Field, California to Houston, Texas, and a nighttime mission from Houston back to Moffett Field. The University of Chicago infrared research team participated in planning the program, developing auxiliary materials including background information and lesson plans, developing software which allowed students on the ground to control the telescope and on-board cameras via the Internet from the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and acting as on-camera correspondents to explain and answer questions about the scientific research conducted during the flights.

Harper, Doyal A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Thermoelectric Energy Conversion Technology for High-Altitude Airships

The High Altitude Airship (HAA) has various application potential and mission scenarios that require onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology for HAA maneuverability and mission-oriented applications must come from its surroundings, e.g. solar power. The energy harvesting system considered for HAA is based on the advanced thermoelectric (ATE) materials being developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The materials selected for ATE are silicon germanium (SiGe) and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3), in multiple layers. The layered structure of the advanced TE materials is specifically engineered to provide maximum efficiency for the corresponding range of operational temperatures. For three layers of the advanced TE materials that operate at high, medium, and low temperatures, correspondingly in a tandem mode, the cascaded efficiency is estimated to be greater than 60 percent.

Choi, Sang H.↗