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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

POLARRIS: A POLArimetric Radar Retrieval and Instrument Simulator

This paper introduces a synthetic polarimetric radar simulator and retrieval package, POLArimetric Radar Retrieval and Instrument Simulator (POLARRIS), for evaluating cloud-resolving models (CRMs). POLARRIS is composed of forward (POLARRIS-f) and inverse (retrieval and diagnostic) components (iPOLARRIS) to generate not only polarimetric radar observables ($Z_h, Z_{dr}, K_{dp}, ρ_{hv})$ but also radar-consistent geophysical parameters such as hydrometeor identification, vertical velocity, and rainfall rates retrieved from CRM data. To demonstrate its application and uncertainties, POLARRIS is applied to simulations of a mesoscale convective system over the Southern Great Plains on 23 May 2011, using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with both spectral bin microphysics (SBM) and the Goddard single-moment bulk 4ICE microphysics. Statistical composites reveal a significant dependence of simulated polarimetric observables $(Z_{dr}, K_{dp})$ on the assumptions of the particle axis ratio (oblateness) and orientation angle distributions. We note the simulated polarimetric variables differ considerably between the SBM and 4ICE microphysics in part due to the differences in their ice particle size distributions as revealed by comparisons with aircraft measurements. Regardless of these uncertainties, simulated hydrometeor identification distributions overestimate graupel and hail fractions, especially from the simulation with SBM. To minimize uncertainties in forward model, the particle shape and orientation angle distributions of frozen particles should be predicted in a microphysics scheme in addition to the size distributions and particle densities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Simulating the optical properties of soot using a stochastic soot model

KL extinction measurements are common in literature concerning soot producing sprays because of their nonintrusiveness. Unfortunately, these measurements often rely on bold assumptions of uniform and monodisperse spherical particles. In this work, a Spray A case is simulated using a highly detailed 3D stochastic soot model and the measured and simulated soot volume fraction are compared. Although the simulated volume fraction magnitude is approximately correct, features are much sharper than in the measured data. Optical models based on particle shape are applied to the simulated soot particles to nd the local optical thickness. The modeled optical thickness aligns with the measured volume fraction much more closely than the simulated volume fraction indicating KL extinction measurements are not simply related to soot volume fraction.

Strickland, Tyler↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding Biases in Sample Preparation Techniques for Coupled Scanning Electron Microscopy and MAMA PuO 2 Morphological Analysis

In this project, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) sampling method used during the statistical design study (SDS) was investigated to determine if any sampling biases were present in the analyzed data. Using standard particle size distribution powders from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST 1984 standard reference material) with the origin wet dispersion method, it was determined that a bias to smaller particles was present. This was supported by theoretical calculations using Stokes’ law to determine the settling rate of spherical particles of roughly the same size and mass as those found in the SDS. Based on the theoretical calculations, it was determined that the settling rate for each of the 76 powder sets in the SDS could be unique based on specific particle shape and mass distributions, making a universal correction factor/formula not applicable. Therefore, priority shifted to developing an improved wet dispersion method that significantly reduced the particle settling rate for all particle size and shapes. This was achieved by replacing the original solvent (isopropyl alcohol) with a heavy liquid (lithium heteropolytungstates), which dramatically slowed the settling rate and allowed for the capture of a suitable homogeneous aliquot. SEM imaging and Morphological Analysis for Material Attribution (MAMA) software analysis were conducted on the NIST standard, and the SEM/MAMA data were compared to data captured by a dynamic image analysis particle size analyzer. The resulting data confirmed that the new wet dispersion method does indeed deliver an improved representative aliquot to the SEM stub. For instance, in the NIST certificate, the average particle size is ~17.1 µm ± 2.2 µm with a normal distribution. The initial wet dispersion method resulted in a drastically reduced average particle size of 6.1 µm in addition to a non-representative heavy bi-modal distribution whereas the improved LST wet dispersion method resulting in an average particle size that was much closer to the NIST certificate (12.7 µm) with a similar normal distribution. Although the improved method was still short of the NIST certificate average, atomic force microscopy analysis determined that the resulting ~20-25% reduction in size was due to particles sinking into the carbon sticky tape used for SEM imaging. It is believed that that this bias can be calibrated in a much more predicable manner than the original settling rate bias. In addition, the matching normal distribution curves between the NIST certificate and the heavy liquid method indicate a much-improved representative aliquot has been sampled and imaged. A surrogate CeO 2 powder was used to reflect PuO 2 more accurately and to aid in implementing radiological controls and shielding. The resulting data sets from the SEM/MAMA method and the particle size analyzer give almost identical average particle sizes and particle distribution statistics. Future work will re-analyze several select runs from the SDS to determine if morphological signatures can be found with the improved sampling method.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Experimental Testing of Particle Erosion and Attrition in CSP Systems

In CSP systems using solid particles for heat transfer, erosion from the falling particles can damage the system components upon impact, and from sliding against the component walls. Furthermore, the resulting attrition of particles can change the thermal performance due to alterations in particle morphology. The research on these issues has been limited to industrial applications, and don’t necessarily coincide with the operating conditions in CSP systems. In this work, we investigated the durability of the particles selected as the heat transfer media, as well as special substrate materials that are of interest as lining materials to the particle storage tanks and hoppers. Three different erosion phenomena were studied: impact, abrasion, and attrition erosion. The low-temperature experiments revealed negligible losses from attrition and abrasion erosion. Although the substrates indicated visible surface damage from impact erosion, the actual material mass loss was small even after a throughput of 500kg of particles 63 days of 1MW CSP plant operation assuming 14 hours per day of operation. Erosion is typically classified as impact, abrasion, or attrition erosion. For example, the CSP systems utilizing solid particles as heat transfer media will likely experience impact erosion on the receiver hopper and heat exchanger walls as the solid particles fall from the reservoir. Additionally, there will be sliding erosion along the receiver walls as particles move through the hopper, and lastly, there will also be attrition erosion as the particles rub against each other. The extent of erosion depends on many factors including but not limited to particle shape and size, material hardness/brittleness and ductility, and particle impact speed and angle. Mechanistic erosion equations that are available in the literature are mostly derived from data pertaining to specific experiments and therefore can’t be applied to all applications without suitable adjustments. Survey of the literature relating to particle-based receivers revealed that the most prevalent approach has been to choose low velocities to limit erosion, but to our knowledge, little effort has been put in to fully characterize erosion at the expected operating conditions. A relatively recent work investigated the erosion of wire mesh proposed for use in a particle receiver, where the results actually showed an increase in mass as oxidation occurred on the mesh surface but the work did not investigate the particle attrition rate, and the erosion rate of a solid substrate. The end goal of this work is to develop a comprehensive particle and substrate durability model that will allow a comprehensive understanding of particle-based CSP operating conditions on component durability.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Size, shape and flow characterization of ground wood chip and ground wood pellet particles

Size, shape and density of biomass particles influence their transportation, fluidization, rates of drying and thermal decomposition. Pelleting wood particles increases the particle density and reduces the variability of physical properties among biomass particles. In this study, pine chips prepared for pulping and commercially produced pine pellets were ground in a hammer mill using grinder screens of 3.2, 6.3, 12.7 and 25.4mmperforations. Pellets consumed about 7 times lower specific grinding energy than chips to produce the same size of particles. Grinding pellets produced the smaller particles with narrower size distribution than grinding chips. Derived shape factors in digital image analysis showed that chip particles were rectangular and had the aspect ratios about one third of pellet particles. Pellet particles were more circular shape. The mechanical sieving underestimated the actual particle size and did not represent the size of particles correctly. Instead, digital imaging is preferred. Angle of repose and compressibility tests represented the flow properties of ground particles. Pellet particles made a less compacted bulk, had lower cohesion and did flow easier in a pile of particles. In conclusion, particle shape affected the flow properties more than particle size

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effect of hydrothermal synthesis conditions on up-conversion luminescence intensity of β-NaYF{sub 4} : Er{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+} submicron particles

The differences in the luminescence intensities of up-conversion β-NaYF{sub 4} : Er{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+} particles synthesised by the hydrothermal method under various synthesis conditions are studied. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that in order to achieve the maximum luminescence intensity in such particles, it is necessary to use ammonium fluoride and a medium with pH = 3. In this case, the length of the particles increases, up to the formation of rod-shaped particles. Based on the data on the size of the coherent scattering region and on microstresses, we can assume that the particles are polycrystals. At the same time, limiting the size of the coherent scattering region is possible due to the defective structure. When the nanoparticles are synthesised in a medium with pH = 3, hydrolysed regions containing OH groups are formed on the crystallite surface. The presence of these groups does not affect the intensity of up-conversion luminescence of submicron-size particles. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

Shape memory system with integrated actuation using embedded particles

A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Shape memory system with integrated actuation using embedded particles

A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Phase transformation during mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si alloys

Mechano-synthesis of Fe–32Mn–6Si alloy by mechanical alloying of the elemental powder mixtures was evaluated by running the ball milling process under an inert argon gas atmosphere. In order to characterize the as-milled powders, powder sampling was performed at predetermined intervals from 0.5 to 192 h. X-ray florescence analyzer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and high resolution transmission electron microscope were utilized to investigate the chemical composition, structural evolution, morphological changes, and microstructure of the as-milled powders, respectively. According to the results, the nanocrystalline Fe–Mn–Si alloys were completely synthesized after 48 h of milling. Moreover, the formation of a considerable amount of amorphous phase during the milling process was indicated by quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis as well as high resolution transmission electron microscopy image and its selected area diffraction pattern. It was found that the α-to-γ and subsequently the amorphous-to-crystalline (especially martensite) phase transformation occurred by milling development. - Graphical abstract: Mechano-synthesis of nanocrystalline/amorphous Fe–32Mn–6Si shape memory alloys in the powder form: amorphous phase formation, α-to-γ phase transformation, mechano-crystallization of the amorphous, and martensite phase formation during the process. Highlights: • During MA, the α-to-γ phase transformation and amorphization occurred. • Mechano-crystallization of the amorphous phase occurred at sufficient milling time. • The formation of high amount of ε-martensite was evidenced at high milling times. • The platelet, spherical, and then irregular particle shapes was extended by MA. • By MA, the particles size was increased, then reduced, and afterward re-increased.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Thermal stability of titanate nanorods and titania nanowires formed from titanate nanotubes by heating

The structure of titanate nanowires was studied by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and 3D precession electron diffraction. Titania nanowires and titanate nanorods were prepared by heating of titanate nanotubes. The structure of final product depended on heating conditions. Titanium nanotubes heated in air at a temperature of 850 °C decomposed into three phases — Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} (nanorods) and two phases of TiO{sub 2} — anatase and rutile. At higher temperatures the anatase form of TiO{sub 2} transforms into rutile and the nanorods change into rutile nanoparticles. By contrast, in the vacuum only anatase phases of TiO{sub 2} were obtained by heating at 900 °C. The anatase transformation into rutile began only after a longer time of heating at 1000 °C. For the description of anisotropic XRD line broadening in the total powder pattern fitting by the program MSTRUCT a model of nanorods with elliptical base was included in the software. The model parameters — rod length, axis size of the elliptical base, the ellipse flattening parameter and twist of the base could be refined. Variation of particle shapes with temperature was found. - Highlights: • Titanate nanotubes changed to particles of TiO{sub 2} and nanorods of Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} at 850 °C. • With heating time and temperature nanorods transformed to rutile nanoparticles. • X-ray diffraction powder pattern fitting indicated an elliptical shape of nanorod base. • No transition of titanate nanotubes to Na{sub 2}Ti{sub 6}O{sub 13} was found after heating in vacuum. • Heating of titanate nanotubes in vacuum leads to appearance of anatase nanowires.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Defect and satellite characteristics of additive manufacturing metal powders

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) requires high-quality metal powders to three-dimensionally (3D) print metallic components with complex and customizable geometries. The lack of quantification of AM metal powders creates quality control challenges for 3D printed components, increases the uncertainty of printing reliability and net cost of inspected and certified printed components, and reduces the recyclability of used powders. However, critical characteristics of AM metal powders that are decisive factors for the 3D printing process, such as internal porosity, contamination, and satellite feature, remain ambiguous. In this work, we developed a novel approach to 3D quantify key characteristics of AM metal powders down to individual particles by using high-resolution synchrotron x-ray computed tomography. Empowered by the penetrative capability of high-energy x-ray, internal porosity and contamination within as-atomized metal powders from high-entropy alloys to nickel-based superalloys were evaluated. Additionally, the newly-developed dispersion method enables the homogeneous separation of individual particles, and consequently, results in the implementation of 3D particle shape analysis. To resolve a major challenge of identification and quantification of satellite-feature particles in as-atomized AM metal powders, the satellite features were quantitated by modeling and analyzing the shape parameter of local thickness variance. Furthermore, the 3D analytical methods of particle assessment in this study can be applied to other materials systems like rock, food, and pharmaceutical particles, and provide insights for process optimization across powder metallurgy, concrete, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and AM industries.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Formation of Al/(Al{sub 13}Fe{sub 4} + Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) Nano-composites via Mechanical Alloying and Friction Stir Processing

Combination of mechanical alloying and friction stir processing was used for the fabrication of Al/(Al{sub 13}Fe{sub 4} + Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) nano-composites. Pre-milled hematite + Al powder mixture was introduced into the stir zone generated on 1050 aluminum alloy sheet by friction stir processing. Uniform and active milled powder mixture reacted with plasticized aluminum to produced Al{sub 13}Fe{sub 4} + Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles. Al{sub 13}Fe{sub 4} intermetallic showed elliptical shape with a typical size of ~ 100 nm, while nano-sized Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} exhibited irregular floc-shaped particles that formed clusters with the remnant of iron oxide particles in the fine recrystallized aluminum matrix. As the milling time (1-3 h) of the introduced powder mixture increased, the volume fraction of Al{sub 13}Fe{sub 4} + Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles increased in the fabricated composite. The hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the fabricated nano-composites varied from 54.5 to 75 HV and 139 to 159 MPa, respectively; these are much higher than those of the friction stir processed base alloy (33 HV and 97 UTS). The highest hardness and strength were achieved for the nano-composite fabricated using the 3-h milled powder mixture; hard nano-sized reaction products and fine recrystallized grains of Al matrix had major and minor roles on enhancing these properties, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

The Plasma Simulation Code: A modern particle-in-cell code with patch-based load-balancing

This work describes the Plasma Simulation Code (psc), an explicit, electromagnetic particle-in-cell code with support for different order particle shape functions. We review the basic components of the particle-in-cell method as well as the computational architecture of the psc code that allows support for modular algorithms and data structure in the code. We then describe and analyze in detail a distinguishing feature of psc: patch-based load balancing using space-filling curves which is shown to lead to major efficiency gains over unbalanced methods and a previously used simpler balancing method.

Computer Science↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal Hysteresis and Ordering Behavior of Magnetic Skyrmion Lattices

The physics of phase transitions in two-dimensional (2D) systems underpins research in diverse fields including statistical mechanics, nanomagnetism, and soft condensed matter. However, many aspects of 2D phase transitions are still not well understood, including the effects of interparticle potential, polydispersity, and particle shape. Magnetic skyrmions are chiral spin-structure quasi-particles that form two-dimensional lattices. Here, in this study, we show, by real-space imaging using in situ cryo-Lorentz transmission electron microscopy coupled with machine learning image analysis, the ordering behavior of Néel skyrmion lattices in van der Waals Fe 3 GeTe 2 . We demonstrate a distinct change in the skyrmion size distribution during field-cooling, which leads to a loss of lattice order and an evolution of the skyrmion liquid phase. Remarkably, the lattice order is restored during field heating and demonstrates a thermal hysteresis. This behavior is explained by the skyrmion energy landscape and demonstrates the potential to control the lattice order in 2D phase transitions.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2013

Transmission electron microscope (TEM), BBOP

These transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate representative particle shapes and mixing states collected during the BBOP campaign. Aerosol particles were collected onto lacey-carbon substrates.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

Changes in portlandite morphology with solvent composition: Atomistic simulations and experiment

Experimental work has been done to determine changes in the particle shape of portlandite grown in the presence of different ions. To quantify the experimentally observed changes in morphology a new analysis tool was developed, allowing the calculation of the relative surface energies of the crystal facets. The observed morphology in the presence of chlorides and nitrates was facetted particles of a similar shape, the addition of sulfates leads to hexagonal platelet morphology and the addition of silicates leads to the formation of large irregular aggregates. In addition to the experimental work, the surfaces of portlandite were studied with atomistic simulation techniques. The empirical force field used has first been validated. The equilibrium morphology of portlandite in vacuum and in water was then calculated. The results indicate that the presence of water stabilizes the [20.3] surface and changes the morphology. This is consistent with the experimental observation of [20.3] surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis of manganese spinel nanoparticles at room temperature by coprecipitation

This paper is focused on a new route to synthesize Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles by alkalisation by sodium hydroxide on a manganeous solution at room temperature. The precipitates obtained at different pH values have been characterized by XRD and TEM. Since the first addition of sodium hydroxide, a white Mn(OH){sub 2} precipitate appears. At pH=7, {gamma}-MnOOH phase is predominant with needle like shaped particles. At pH=10, hausmanite nanoparticles, which exhibits well defined cubic shape in the range 50-120 nm are obtained. This new precipitation route is a fast and easy environmentally friendly process to obtain well crystallized hausmanite nanoparticles. - Graphical abstract: TEM image showing Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles after a precipitation at pH=10. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new route to synthesize Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles has been demonstrated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis has been performed by precipitation at room temperature. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The size of the Mn{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles is between 50 and 120 nm.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Nanocatalyst shape and composition during nucleation of single-walled carbon nanotubes

The dynamic evolution of nanocatalyst particle shape and carbon composition during the initial stages of single-walled carbon nanotube growth by chemical vapor deposition synthesis is investigated. Classical reactive and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are used, along with environmental transmission electron microscope video imaging analyses. A clear migration of carbon is detected from the nanocatalyst/substrate interface, leading to a carbon gradient showing enrichment of the nanocatalyst layers in the immediate vicinity of the contact layer. However, as the metal nanocatalyst particle becomes saturated with carbon, a dynamic equilibrium is established, with carbon precipitating on the surface and nucleating a carbon cap that is the precursor of nanotube growth. A carbon composition profile decreasing towards the nanoparticle top is clearly revealed by the computational and experimental results that show a negligible amount of carbon in the nanoparticle region in contact with the nucleating cap. The carbon composition profile inside the nanoparticle is accompanied by a well-defined shape evolution of the nanocatalyst driven by the various opposing forces acting upon it both from the substrate and from the nascent carbon nanostructure. In conclusion, this new understanding suggests that tuning the nanoparticle/substrate interaction would provide unique ways of controlling the nanotube synthesis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗