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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 163 records · Page 9

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X(0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Electro optical system to measure strains at high temperature

The goals of this proposal were to develop a prototype of an electro-optics system for the measurement of strains in structures at high temperatures and to perform a test under field conditions. In the research task section, the topics addressed include: (1) correction of the effect of vibrations and thermal currents by means of an active compensation system; (2) reduction of the speckle noise by means of electronic filter and TV signal reconstruction circuit; (4) compensation of the rigid body motions by mounting the camera in a universal motion system; and (5) removal of phase errors left by the active compensation system by dynamic reading. In the design and construction section, the topics addressed include: (1) preliminary design; (2) final design; (3) software development; (4) signal conditioning; (5) data processing; (6) recorrelation of two holograms in the presence of rigid body motions; and (7) phase extraction using a computer generated image. Testing in the high temperature oven is also addressed.

Sciammarella, Cesar A.↗

Dielectric function of InGaAs in the visible

Measurements are reported of the dielectric function of thermodynamically stable In(x)Ga(1-x)As in the composition range 0.3 equal to or less than X = to or less than 0.7. The optically thick samples of InGaAs were made by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) in the range 0.4 = to or less than X = to or less than 0.7 and by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for X = 0.3. The MBE made samples, usually 1 micron thick, were grown on semi-insulating InP and included a strain release structure. The MOCVD sample was grown on GaAs and was 2 microns thick. The dielectric functions were measured by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry in the range 1.55 to 4.4 eV. The data was analyzed assuming an optically thick InGaAs material with an oxide layer on top. The thickness of this layer was estimated by comparing the results for the InP lattice matched material, i.e., X = 0.53, with results published in the literature. The top oxide layer mathematically for X = 0.3 and X = 0.53 was removed to get the dielectric function of the bare InGaAs. In addition, the dielectric function of GaAs in vacuum, after a protective arsenic layer was removed. The dielectric functions for X = 0, 0.3, and 0.53 together with the X = 1 result from the literature to evaluate an algorithm for calculating the dielectric function of InGaAs for an arbitrary value of X (0 = to or less than X = to or less than 1) were used. Results of the dielectric function calculated using the algorithm were compared with experimental data.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

Detailed analysis and test correlation of a stiffened composite wing panel

New finite element analysis methods are examined by application to a complicated composite wing panel from the V-22 rotorcraft. A detailed FEM model with a relatively coarse mesh of 9-node elements was generated, and linear and nonlinear stress analyses, first-ply failure analyses, and buckling analyses were conducted. At low values of applied load, i.e., up to the design ultimate load of the panel, the linear stress analysis accurately predicted the strains and structural response characteristics of the panel.

Davis, D. D., Jr.↗

Direct simulations of premixed turbulent flames with nonunity Lewis numbers

A principal effect of turbulence on premixed flames in the flamelet regime is to wrinkle the flame fronts. For nonunity Lewis numbers, Le is not equal to 1, the local flame structure is altered in curved regions. This effect is examined using direct numerical simulations of 3D isotropic turbulence with constant density, single-step Arrhenius kinetics chemistry. Simulations of Lewis numbers 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 are compared. At the local level, curvature effects dominated changes to the flame structure while strain effects were insignificant. A strong Lewis-number-dependent correlation was found between surface curvature and the local flame speed. The correlation was positive for Le less than 1 and negative for Le greater than 1. At the global level, strain-related effects were more significant than curvature effects. The turbulent flame speed changed significantly with Lewis number, increasing as Le decreased. This was found to be due to strain effects that have a nonzero mean over the flame surface, rather than to curvature effects that have a nearly zero mean. The mean product temperature was also found to vary with Lewis number, being higher for Le greater than 1 and lower for Le less than 1.

Rutland, C. J.↗

Buried Porous Silicon-Germanium Layers in Monocrystalline Silicon Lattices

Monocrystalline semiconductor lattices with a buried porous semiconductor layer having different chemical composition is discussed and monocrystalline semiconductor superlattices with a buried porous semiconductor layers having different chemical composition than that of its monocrystalline semiconductor superlattice are discussed. Lattices of alternating layers of monocrystalline silicon and porous silicon-germanium have been produced. These single crystal lattices have been fabricated by epitaxial growth of Si and Si-Ge layers followed by patterning into mesa structures. The mesa structures are strain etched resulting in porosification of the Si-Ge layers with a minor amount of porosification of the monocrystalline Si layers. Thicker Si-Ge layers produced in a similar manner emitted visible light at room temperature.

Fathauer, Robert W.↗

Subscale Test Methods for Combustion Devices

Stated goals for long-life LRE s have been between 100 and 500 cycles: 1) Inherent technical difficulty of accurately defining the transient and steady state thermochemical environments and structural response (strain); 2) Limited statistical basis on failure mechanisms and effects of design and operational variability; and 3) Very high test costs and budget-driven need to protect test hardware (aversion to test-to-failure). Ambitious goals will require development of new databases: a) Advanced materials, e.g., tailored composites with virtually unlimited property variations; b) Innovative functional designs to exploit full capabilities of advanced materials; and c) Different cycles/operations. Subscale testing is one way to address technical and budget challenges: 1) Prototype subscale combustors exposed to controlled simulated conditions; 2) Complementary to conventional laboratory specimen database development; 3) Instrumented with sensors to measure thermostructural response; and 4) Coupled with analysis

Anderson, W. E.↗

System and Method for Detecting Cracks and their Location

A system and method are provided for detecting cracks and their location in a structure. A circuit coupled to a structure has capacitive strain sensors coupled sequentially and in parallel to one another. When excited by a variable magnetic field, the circuit has a resonant frequency that is different for unstrained and strained states. In terms of strained states, the resonant frequency is indicative of a region of the circuit that is experiencing strain induced by strain in a region of the structure in proximity to the region of the circuit. An inductor is electrically coupled to one end of each circuit. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the variable magnetic field to the inductor and senses the resonant frequency of the circuit so-excited by the variable magnetic field.

Woodward, Stanley E.↗

Wind Tunnel Measurements of the Wake of a Full-Scale UH-60A Rotor in Forward Flight

A full-scale UH-60A rotor was tested in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel in May 2010. The test was designed to acquire a suite of measurements to validate state-of-the-art modeling tools. Measurements include blade airloads (from a single pressure-instrumented blade), blade structural loads (strain gages), rotor performance (rotor balance and torque measurements), blade deformation (stereo-photogrammetry), and rotor wake measurements (Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Retro-reflective Backward Oriented Schlieren (RBOS)). During the test, PIV measurements of flow field velocities were acquired in a stationary cross-flow plane located on the advancing side of the rotor disk at approximately 90 deg rotor azimuth. At each test condition, blade position relative to the measurement plane was varied. The region of interest (ROI) was 4-ft high by 14-ft wide and covered the outer half of the blade radius. Although PIV measurements were acquired in only one plane, much information can be gleaned by studying the rotor wake trajectory in this plane, especially when such measurements are augmented by blade airloads and RBOS data. This paper will provide a comparison between PIV and RBOS measurements of tip vortex position and vortex filament orientation for multiple rotor test conditions. Blade displacement measurements over the complete rotor disk will also be presented documenting blade-to-blade differences in tip-path-plane and providing additional information for correlation with PIV and RBOS measurements of tip vortex location. In addition, PIV measurements of tip vortex core diameter and strength will be presented. Vortex strength will be compared with measurements of maximum bound circulation on the rotor blade determined from pressure distributions obtained from 235 pressure sensors distributed over 9 radial stations.

Wadcock, Alan J.↗

Creep Burst Testing of a Woven Inflatable Module

A woven Vectran inflatable module 88 inches in diameter and 10 feet long was tested at the NASA Johnson Space Center until failure from creep. The module was pressurized pneumatically to an internal pressure of 145 psig, and was held at pressure until burst. The external environment remained at standard atmospheric temperature and pressure. The module burst occurred after 49 minutes at the target pressure. The test article pressure and temperature were monitored, and video footage of the burst was captured at 60 FPS. Photogrammetry was used to obtain strain measurements of some of the webbing. Accelerometers on the test article measured the dynamic response. This paper discusses the test article, test setup, predictions, observations, photogrammetry technique and strain results, structural dynamics methods and quick-look results, and a comparison of the module level creep behavior to the strap level creep behavior.

Selig, Molly M.↗

Pre-Transient Characterization of MLOF-1 Test Pin

This study focuses on the pre-transient characterization of U-10Zr test and sibling fuel pins for the THOR-M-LOF test series. Using neutron radiography, element contact profilometry (ECP), precise gamma scan (PGS), and gas assay, sampling, and recharge (GASR) analysis, it was confirmed that the fuel pins were intact and suitable for testing. Key fuel behaviors quantified include axial elongation, diametral strain, fluff structure geometry, axial isotope distribution, and fission gas release. Any deviations from historically expected behaviors were investigated and attributed to factors other than the irradiation behavior of the fuel pin. These pre-transient measurements establish a baseline for future post-transient analysis, which will be used to inform fuel performance models and safety criteria for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFRs). The results will enhance understanding of transient fuel behavior and expand limited data on LOF scenarios.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Unsupervised Segmentation and Clustering Workflow for Efficient Processing of 4D-STEM and 5D-STEM Data

Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) enables mapping of diffraction information with nanometer-scale spatial resolution, offering detailed insight into local structure, orientation, and strain. However, as data dimensionality and sampling density increase, particularly for in situ scanning diffraction experiments (5D-STEM), robust segmentation of structurally consistent behavior across sequential measurements becomes essential for efficient and physically meaningful analysis. Here, we introduce a clustering framework that identifies crystallographically distinct domains from 4D-STEM datasets. By using local diffraction-pattern similarity as a metric, the method extracts closed contours delineating spatially contiguous regions. This approach produces cluster-averaged diffraction patterns that improve signal quality while reducing data volume by orders of magnitude, enabling rapid and accurate orientation, phase, and strain mapping. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach to in situ liquid-cell 4D-STEM data of gold nanoparticle growth. Our method provides a scalable and generalizable route for spatially coherent segmentation, data compression, and quantitative structure–strain mapping across diverse 4D-STEM modalities. The full analysis code and example workflows are publicly available to support reproducibility and reuse.

4D-STEM↗

Relations between two-point correlations and pressure strain terms

The structure of the two-point spatial correlations (velocity-velocity, velocity-scalar, and scalar-scalar) were studied with a view to improve turbulence closure models. The linear model for the two-point correlations proposed by Naot provides a method of including the information about the turbulence structure in the turbulence models. The assumptions and adequacy of this model were tested against the homogeneous shear flow simulation data base. The model performs poorly in some details and it is suggested how it may be improved. The models were also tested for rapid pressure-strain terms in a variety of flows including axisymmetric expansion and contraction flows, homogeneous shear flow, channel flow, and boundary layer.

Wolfshtein, Micha↗

Effect of impact damage and open holes on the compression strength of tough resin/high strain fiber laminates

Structural damage and design-based inclusions such as cutouts can reduce significantly the strength of graphite-epoxy laminates. One composite mechanics research activity at the Langley Research Center is to assess and improve the performance of composite structures in strength are common to both tension and compression loaded laminates; however, the problem associated with compression performance is the most illusive to solve. Compression failure involves both shear crippling and delamination modes. Several graphite-epoxy material systems proposed for improved damage-tolerance were studied. Material parameters included both tough resin formulations and high strain fibers.

Williams, J. G.↗

Enabling room-temperature ferromagnetism in few-layered MoS 2 films via strain engineering

Strain engineering presents a promising pathway for modulating the physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides materials. Here, in this study, we investigate the strain-induced magnetic behavior of diamagnetic MoS 2 films prepared by the DC magnetron sputtering technique. By applying +1% tensile strain to few-layered MoS 2 films (∼3.5 nm), we observe the emergence of room-temperature ferromagnetism with a magnetization saturation of about ∼130 emu/cm 3 , in stark contrast to bulk films (∼40 nm), which remain diamagnetic under similar conditions. Raman spectroscopy reveals a pronounced reduction in the intensity and the splitting of the E′ mode in 1% strained few-layered films, indicating a possible bond elongation and symmetry breaking under tensile stress. Additionally, x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Mo M 3 edge further confirms a strain-induced electronic structure modification in few-layered films, with no corresponding shift observed in bulk counterparts. Moreover, the strain-induced magnetic and structural changes are largely reversible upon strain release. We attribute the origin of ferromagnetism in few-layered films to the combined influence of tensile strain and defect-assisted bond weakening, which facilitates crystal field transitions within the Mo 4d orbitals. These findings demonstrate that strain engineering can effectively induce and modulate magnetism in 2D materials, providing opportunities for developing strain-controlled spintronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗