Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “processed”

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

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

At least 1,675 records · Page 93

Unveiling Atomistic Mechanisms Governing Additive Manufacturing Processability and Mechanical Behavior of a Refractory Complex Concentrated Alloy

Extending the concept of complex concentrated alloys (CCAs) to the refractory alloys (solidus temperature over 2000 °C) space potentially facilitates the design of lightweight structural alloys with service temperatures that exceed those of Ni and Co‐based alloys. However, the room and elevated temperature tensile properties of the current refractory‐CCAs (R‐CCAs) are inferior to those of the Ni/Co‐based alloys. Furthermore, the manufacturing scalability of R‐CCAs remains challenging, in that cracks are prevalent in all R‐CCAs when processed using near‐net shape manufacturing processes, such as fusion‐based additive manufacturing (F‐BAM). Still, mechanisms governing the poor F‐BAM processability of R‐CCAs remain unexplored. Here, to this end, this work unveils the atomistic mechanisms underlying F‐BAM process‐induced cracking in a NbTiTaMoHfZrC R‐CCA. The implications of light elements’ presence for intrinsic ductility and grain boundary cohesion, and subsequently for F‐BAM processability and mechanical behavior, are revealed. Leveraging the insights, we accomplish what is, to the best of the knowledge, the first instance of crack‐free F‐BAM processing of any R‐CCA. Additionally, the R‐CCA exhibits over 20% tensile ductility and ≈160 MPa tensile yield strength at 1200 °C. In addition to facilitating the design of lightweight R‐CCAs, findings enable scalable manufacturing of these ultra‐high temperature alloys for structural applications.

Refractory alloys↗

An Ionic Liquid Reaction and Separation Process for Production of Hydroxymethylfurfural from Sugars

There has been world-wide interest to making plastics out of renewable biomass feedstock for recent years. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is viewed as an attractive alternate to terephthalic acid (TPA) for production of polyesters (PET) and polyamides. Conversion of sugars into HMF has been studied in numerous publications. In this work, a complete ionic liquid reaction and separation process is presented for nearly stoichiometric conversion of fructose into HMF. Different adsorbent materials are evaluated and silicalite material is demonstrated effective for isolation of 99% pure HMF from actual ionic liquid reaction mixtures and for recovery of the un-converted sugars and reaction intermediate along with the ionic liquid. Membrane-coated silicalite particles are prepared and studied for a practical adsorption process operated at low pressure drops but with separation performances comparable or better than the powder material. Complete conversion of fresh fructose feed into HMF in the recycled ionic liquid is shown under suitable reaction conditions. Stability of HMF product is characterized. A simplified process flow diagram is proposed based on these research results, and the key equipment such as reactor and adsorbent bed is sized for a plant of 200,000 ton/year of fructose processing capacity. The proposed HMF production process is much simpler than the current paraxylene (PX) manufacturing process from petroleum oil, which suggests substantial reduction to the capital cost and energy consumption be possible. At the equivalent value to PX on the molar basis, there can be a large gross margin for HMF production from fructose and/or sugars.

Liu, Wei↗

Effects of processing on the efficacy and metabolites of Cistanche tubulosa using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Abstract Cistanche tubulosa (CT), a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine, has always been processed with rice wine for the treatment of kidney‐yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) since time immemorial. To explore the effect of processing on the efficacy and metabolites of CT in vivo , a comprehensive method using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was established for the analysis of the altered endogenous metabolites in response to the intervention of the raw and processed CT in KYDS model and the metabolites of the absorbed compounds in rats after gastric perfusion. It was shown that CT could improve KYDS, and the effect of the processed product was more significant. A total of 47 differential metabolites were identified in urine. Pathway analysis proved that purine metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and citrate cycle were the main pathways. Furthermore, 53 prototypes and 48 metabolites have been detected in rats. This was the first systematic research focus on the metabolites of raw and processed CT in vivo , which could provide a scientific basis for explaining the increasing efficiency of the processed CT. Moreover, it provides a valuable strategy for analyzing the chemical components and metabolites of other TCM prescriptions.

Lei, Huibo↗

Reducing Antisolvent Use in the STRAP Process by Enabling a Temperature–Controlled Polymer Dissolution and Precipitation for the Recycling of Multilayer Plastic Films

The recently reported processing strategy called solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP) enables deconstruction of multilayer plastic packaging films into their constituent resins by selective dissolution. It uses a series of solvent washes that are guided by thermodynamic calculations of polymer solubility. In this work, the use of antisolvents in the STRAP process was reduced and solvent mixtures were considered to enable the temperature-controlled dissolution and precipitation of the target polymers in multilayer films. This was considered as a means to further improve the STRAP process and its estimated costs. Two STRAP approaches were compared based on different polymer precipitation techniques: precipitation by the addition of an antisolvent (STRAP-A) and precipitation by decreasing the solvent temperature (STRAP-B). Both approaches were able to separate the constituent polymers in a post-industrial film composed primarily of polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with near 100 % material efficiency. Technoeconomic analysis indicates that the minimum selling price (MSP) of the recycled resins with STRAP-B is 21.0 % lower than that achieved with STRAP-A. This provides evidence that thermally driven polymer precipitation is an option to reduce the use of antisolvents, making the STRAP process more economically and environmentally attractive. A third process, STRAP-C, was demonstrated with another post-industrial multilayer film of a different composition. Here, the results demonstrate that this process can also recover polymers at similar costs to those of virgin resins, indicating that the STRAP technology is flexible and can remain economically competitive as the plastic feed complexity is increased.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

What can we learn from N 2 O isotope data? – Analytics, processes and modelling

The isotopic composition of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) provides useful information for evaluating N 2 O sources and budgets. Due to the co–occurrence of multiple N 2 O transformation pathways, it is, however, challenging to use isotopic information to quantify the contribution of distinct processes across variable spatiotemporal scales. Here, we present an overview of recent progress in N 2 O isotopic studies and provide suggestions for future research, mainly focusing on: analytical techniques; production and consumption processes; and interpretation and modelling approaches. Comparing isotope–ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) with laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS), we conclude that IRMS is a precise technique for laboratory analysis of N 2 O isotopes, while LAS is more suitable for in situ/inline studies and offers advantages for site–specific analyses. When reviewing the link between the N 2 O isotopic composition and underlying mechanisms/processes, we find that, at the molecular scale, the specific enzymes and mechanisms involved determine isotopic fractionation effects. In contrast, at plot–to–global scales, mixing of N 2 O derived from different processes and their isotopic variability must be considered. We also find that dual isotope plots are effective for semi–quantitative attribution of co–occurring N 2 O production and reduction processes. More recently, process–based N 2 O isotopic models have been developed for natural abundance and 15 N–tracing studies, and have been shown to be effective, particularly for data with adequate temporal resolution. Here, despite the significant progress made over the last decade, there is still great need and potential for future work, including development of analytical techniques, reference materials and inter–laboratory comparisons, further exploration of N 2 O formation and destruction mechanisms, more observations across scales, and design and validation of interpretation and modelling approaches. Synthesizing all these efforts, we are confident that the N 2 O isotope community will continue to advance our understanding of N 2 O transformation processes in all spheres of the Earth, and in turn to gain improved constraints on regional and global budgets.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

High‐Loading Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries with Solvent‐Free Dry‐Electrode Processing

Abstract Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, with their high energy density, nontoxicity, and the natural abundance of sulfur, hold immense potential as the next‐generation energy storage technology. To maximize the actual energy density of the Li‐S batteries for practical applications, it is crucial to escalate the areal capacity of the sulfur cathode by fabricating an electrode with high sulfur loading. Herein, ultra‐high sulfur loading (up to 12 mg cm −2 ) cathodes are fabricated through an industrially viable and sustainable solvent‐free dry‐processing method that utilizes a polytetrafluoroethylene binder fibrillation. Due to its low porosity cathode architecture formed by the binder fibrillation process, the dry‐processed electrodes exhibit a relatively lower initial capacity compared to the slurry‐processed electrode. However, its mechanical stability is well maintained throughout the cycling without the formation of electrode cracking, demonstrating significantly superior cycling stability. Additionally, through the optimization of the dry‐processing, a single‐layer pouch cell with a loading of 9 mg cm −2 and a novel multi‐layer pouch cell that uses an aluminum mesh as its current collector with a total loading of 14 mg cm −2 are introduced. To address the reduced initial capacity of dry‐processed electrodes, strategies such as incorporating electrocatalysts or employing prelithiated active materials are suggested.

Chemistry↗

An experimental investigation of the effectiveness of Ar-CO 2 shielding gas mixture for the wire arc additive process

Wire arc additive manufacturing (AM) is the process by which a large, metallic structure is built layer-by-layer using a welding arc to melt a wire feedstock. A novel opportunity exists to alter the shielding gas composition to fabricate distinct geometrical features without altering the other AM parameters. In this paper, shielding gases with varied concentrations of Argon (Ar) and CO 2 was used to deposit three distinct geometric shapes (walls, infill, and overhang) using a wire-based additive manufacturing system utilizing the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) surface tension transfer (STT) process. Computer-aided design (CAD) models were sliced with a custom-built slicer, and the sliced algorithm was converted into optimal robotic toolpaths. A custom virtual instrument (VI) was built in LabVIEW to compare the temperature profiles on the surface during each deposition process. After each deposition, the geometric features were scanned, and the surface waviness value was evaluated. Tensile and Charpy impact coupons were extracted from the wall geometries in the longitudinal and transverse directions and tested. The results indicated that a higher CO 2 content produced higher melt pool temperatures to an extent, while lower contents of CO 2 resulted in a dimensionally accurate geometry. The data also indicated that the 2%/98% CO 2 /Ar blend produced scatter in tensile strength and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows significant difference. However, the intermediate range of CO 2 (5–10%) resulted in uniform tensile properties. Altogether, these results indicate that a 5%/95% CO 2 /Ar blend is the ideal shielding gas for lowering process temperatures and improving mechanical properties in wire arc additive manufacturing using the gas metal arc welding surface tension transfer process. Additionally, varying concentrations of Ar/CO 2 can be used within the same part in order to modify the local properties or process parameters such as strength, toughness, temperature, or dimensional features. This may improve overall manufacturing quality without sacrificing specific properties.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Distributed computing strategies for processing of FT-ICR MS imaging datasets for continuous mode data visualization

High-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry imaging enables the spatial mapping and identification of biomolecules from complex surfaces. The need for long time-domain transients, and thus large raw file sizes, results in a large amount of raw data (“big data”) that must be processed efficiently and rapidly. This can be compounded by largearea imaging and/or high spatial resolution imaging. For FT-ICR, data processing and data reduction must not compromise the high mass resolution afforded by the mass spectrometer. The continuous mode “Mosaic Datacube” approach allows high mass resolution visualization (0.001 Da) of mass spectrometry imaging data, but requires additional processing as compared to featurebased processing. We describe the use of distributed computing for processing of FT-ICR MS imaging datasets with generation of continuous mode Mosaic Datacubes for high mass resolution visualization. An eight-fold improvement in processing time is demonstrated using a Dutch nationally available cloud service.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Building a sustained climate assessment process

The leaders and authors of the Third US National Climate Assessment (NCA3) developed new modes of engaging academia, the private sector, government agencies and civil society to support their needs for usable, rigorous, and timely information and better connect science and decision-making. A strategic vision for assessment activities into the future was built during the NCA3 process, including recommendations on how to establish a sustained assessment process that would integrate evolving scientific understanding into decision making to manage the risks of climate change over time. This vision includes a collaborative assessment process that involves partnerships across a diverse and widely distributed set of non-governmental and governmental entities. The new approach to assessments would produce timely, scientifically sound climate information products and processes, rather than focusing on the production of single quadrennial synthesis reports. If properly implemented, a sustained assessment would be more efficient and cost-effective, avoiding the painful and time-consuming process of beginning the assessment process anew every 4 years. This ongoing assessment would also encourage scientific and social innovations and explore new insights and opportunities, building the capacity to advance the development and delivery of climate information to meet societal requirements and benefit from scientific opportunities.

Buizer, James L.↗

Single-Grain Bulk YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} Superconductors Grown by Infiltration Growth Process Utilizing the YbBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} + Liquid Phase as a Liquid Source

The top-seeded infiltration growth (IG) processed YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} (Y-123) has several advantages compared to the same material produced by other melt process techniques. There is usually no shrinkage, a limited number of pores, and an uniform secondary phase particle dispersion in the Y-123 matrix. These characteristics of the IG process are very attractive for several industrial applications. In this paper, we produced a large single-grain Y-123 by IG and top seeded melt-growth process. Utilizing commercial YbBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} (Yb-123) and a homemade Y{sub 2}BaCuO{sub 5} (Y-211), we produced bulk YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} samples using Yb-123 + liquid (1:1) as a liquid source. Four facet lines on the top surfaces of the as-grown samples indicated a uniform growth from the seed up to sample edges. Magnetization measurements by SQUID magnetometer showed a sharp superconducting transition with T{sub c},{sub onset} at 92.1 K. The critical current density at 77 K and self-field was 39,000 A/cm{sup 2}. Trapped field results confirmed that single grain Y-123 samples were produced utilizing the above process. Our results prove that Yb-123 + liquid (1:1) as a liquid source is effective in producing single grain Y-123 material by IG process.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Scaling Limits and Generic Bounds for Exploration Processes

We consider exploration algorithms of the random sequential adsorption type both for homogeneous random graphs and random geometric graphs based on spatial Poisson processes. At each step, a vertex of the graph becomes active and its neighboring nodes become blocked. Given an initial number of vertices N growing to infinity, we study statistical properties of the proportion of explored (active or blocked) nodes in time using scaling limits. We obtain exact limits for homogeneous graphs and prove an explicit central limit theorem for the final proportion of active nodes, known as the jamming constant, through a diffusion approximation for the exploration process which can be described as a unidimensional process. We then focus on bounding the trajectories of such exploration processes on random geometric graphs, i.e., random sequential adsorption. As opposed to exploration processes on homogeneous random graphs, these do not allow for such a dimensional reduction. Instead we derive a fundamental relationship between the number of explored nodes and the discovered volume in the spatial process, and we obtain generic bounds for the fluid limit and jamming constant: bounds that are independent of the dimension of space and the detailed shape of the volume associated to the discovered node. Lastly, using coupling techinques, we give trajectorial interpretations of the generic bounds.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Discrete Approximations of Determinantal Point Processes on Continuous Spaces: Tree Representations and Tail Triviality

We prove tail triviality of determinantal point processes μ on continuous spaces. Tail triviality has been proved for such processes only on discrete spaces, and hence we have generalized the result to continuous spaces. To do this, we construct tree representations, that is, discrete approximations of determinantal point processes enjoying a determinantal structure. There are many interesting examples of determinantal point processes on continuous spaces such as zero points of the hyperbolic Gaussian analytic function with Bergman kernel, and the thermodynamic limit of eigenvalues of Gaussian random matrices for Sine{sub 2},Airy{sub 2},Bessel{sub 2}, and Ginibre point processes. Our main theorem proves all these point processes are tail trivial.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Foreword: Additive Manufacturing: Interrelationships of Fabrication, Constitutive Relationships Targeting Performance, and Feedback to Process Control

Additive manufacturing (AM) offers distinct advantages over conventional manufacturing processes including the capability to both build and repair complex part shapes; to integrate and consolidate parts and thus overcome joining concerns; and to locally tailor material compositions as well as properties. Moreover, a variety of fields such as aerospace, military, automotive, and biomedical are employing this manufacturing technique as a way to decrease costs, increase manufacturing agility, and explore novel geometry/functionalities. In order to increase acceptance of AM as a viable processing method, pathways for qualifying both the material and the process need to be developed and, perhaps, standardized. This symposium was designed to serve as a venue for the international AM community—including government, academia, and industry—to define the fundamental interrelationships between feedstock, processing, microstructure, shape, mechanical behavior/materials properties, and function/performance. Eventually, insight into the connections between processing, microstructure, property, and performance will be achieved through experimental observations, theoretical advances, and computational modeling of physical processes. Finally, once this insight matures, AM will be able to move from the realm of making parts to making qualified materials that are certified for use with minimal need for post-fabrication characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Numerical Investigation of Novel Oxygen Blast Furnace Ironmaking Processes

Oxygen blast furnace (OBF) ironmaking process has the potential to realize “zero carbon footprint” production, but suffers from the “thermal shortage” problem. This paper presents three novel OBF processes, featured by belly injection of reformed coke oven gas, burden hot-charge operation, and their combination, respectively. These processes were studied by a multifluid process model. The applicability of the model was confirmed by comparing the numerical results against the measured key performance indicators of an experimental OBF operated with or without injection of reformed coke oven gas. Then, these different OBF processes together with a pure OBF were numerically examined in aspects of in-furnace states and global performance, assuming that the burden quality can be maintained during the hot-charge operation. The numerical results show that under the present conditions, belly injection and hot charge, as auxiliary measures, are useful for reducing the fuel rate and increasing the productivity for OBFs but in different manners. Hot charge should be more suitable for OBFs of different sizes because it improves the thermochemical states throughout the dry zone rather than within a narrow region in the case of belly injection. The simultaneous application of belly injection and hot charge leads to the best process performance, at the same time, lowering down hot-charge temperature to achieve the same carbon consumption and hot metal temperature as that achieved when applying the hot charge alone. This feature will be practically beneficial in the application of hot-charge operation. In addition, a systematic study of hot-charge temperature reveals that optimal hot-charge temperatures can be identified according to the utilization efficiency of the sensible heat of hot burden.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of Welding Processes on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Residual Stresses of Plain 9Cr-1Mo Steel Weld Joints

9Cr-1Mo steel designated as P9 is widely used in the construction of power plants and high-temperature applications. It is chosen for fabricating hexcan fuel subassembly wrapper components of fast breeder reactors. Arc welding processes are generally used for fabricating 9Cr-1Mo steel weld joints. A-TIG welding process is increasingly being adopted by the industries. In the present study, shielded metal arc (SMA), tungsten inert gas (TIG) and A-TIG welding processes are used for fabricating the 9Cr-1Mo steel weld joints of 10 mm thickness. Effect of the above welding processes on the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and residual stresses of the weld joints has been studied in detail. All the three weld joints exhibited comparable strength and ductility values. 9Cr-1Mo steel weld joint fabricated by SMAW process exhibited lower impact toughness values caused by coarser grain size and inclusions. 9Cr-1Mo steel weld joint fabricated by TIG welding exhibited higher toughness due to finer grain size, while the weld joint fabricated by A-TIG welding process exhibited adequate toughness values. SMA steel weld joint exhibited compressive residual stresses in the weld metal and HAZ, while TIG and A-TIG weld joint exhibited tensile residual stresses in the weld metal and HAZ.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Processing Parameter Effects on Residual Stress and Mechanical Properties of Selective Laser Melted Ti6Al4V

Selective laser melting (SLM) process is characterized by large temperature gradients resulting in high levels of residual stress within the additively manufactured metallic structure. SLM-processed Ti6Al4V yields a martensitic microstructure due to the rapid solidification and results in a ductility generally lower than a hot working equivalent. Post-process heat treatments can be applied to SLM components to remove in-built residual stress and improve ductility. Residual stress buildup and the mechanical properties of SLM parts can be controlled by varying the SLM process parameters. This investigation studies the effect of layer thickness on residual stress and mechanical properties of SLM Ti6Al4V parts. This is the first-of-its kind study on the effect of varying power and exposure in conjunction with keeping the energy density constant on residual stress and mechanical properties of SLM Ti6Al4V components. It was found that decreasing power and increasing exposure for the same energy density lowered the residual stress and improved the % elongation of SLM Ti6Al4V parts. Increasing layer thickness resulted in lowering the residual stress at the detriment of mechanical properties. The study is based on detailed experimental analysis along with finite element simulation of the process using ABAQUS to understand the underlying physics of the process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Techno-Economic Analysis of Magnesium Extraction from Seawater via a Catalyzed Organo-Metathetical Process

Magnesium (Mg) has many useful applications especially in various Mg alloys which can decrease weight while increasing strength. To increase the affordability and minimize environment consequence, a novel catalyzed organo-metathetical (COMET) process was proposed to extract Mg from seawater aiming to achieve significant reduction in total energy and production cost comparing with the melting salt electrolysis method currently adopted by US Mg LLC. A process flowsheet for a reference COMET process was set-up using Aspen Plus which included five key steps, anhydrous MgCl2 production, transmetallation, dibutyl Mg decomposition, n-BuLi regeneration, and LiCL electrolysis. The energy and production cost and CO2 emission were estimated based on the Aspen modeling using Aspen economic analyzer. Our results showed that it is possible to produce Mg from seawater with a production cost of $2.0/kg-Mg while consuming about 35.3 kWh/kg-Mg and releasing 7.0 kg CO2/kg-Mg. A simplified US Mg manufacturing process was also generated using Aspen and the cost and emission results were estimated for comparison purpose. Under our simulation conditions, the reference COMET process maintain a comparable CO2 emission rate and can save about 40% in production cost and save about 15% energy compared to the simplified US Mg process.

Liu, Jian (ORCID:0000000153297408)↗

Mechanical Characteristics of Additively Manufactured ODS 316L and 316H Alloys with and Without Post-build Processing

This research aims to explore an accelerated development path for oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys by integrating additive manufacturing (AM) technologies with recent advances in ODS materials and traditional manufacturing methods. Novel AM and post-build processing routes have been developed for ODS austenitic alloys, specifically Fe-Cr-Ni alloys like 316L and 316H. Electron microscopy and mechanical characterizations were conducted to evaluate the effects of process variables on microstructure and properties, aiming for an economically feasible route property optimization. Traditionally, ODS alloy production involves multi-day high-energy mechanical milling of alloy powder with yttria (Y 2 O 3 ) followed by powder consolidation via extrusion or other methods and additional thermomechanical processing (TMP) for property control. Here, to address these challenges associated with this complex and costly approach, we propose exploring alternative, cost-effective processing routes focusing on AM and traditional TMP methods. The new ODS alloy processing routes have achieved up to a 400% increase in yield strength and a 60% increase in ultimate tensile strength compared to wrought stainless steels while still maintaining significant ductility and fracture toughness. This paper details the novel and economical AM-based processing routes for ODS austenitic alloys, combined with post-build TMPs, and discusses the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of the developed materials.

Byun, Thak Sang [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗