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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 1,693 records · Page 94
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2017

Influence of electron saturation of Tamm levels on the field-emission properties of silicon crystals

It has been shown that the plasma-chemical modification of the morphology and composition of the surface phase influences the emissivity of silicon crystals. It has been found that the saturation of Tamm states with electrons during the preparation of atomically clean silicon surfaces, along with stabilizing passivation of surface atoms in a highly ionized microwave plasma using Halon 14, decreases a threshold electric field at which field emission begins more than twofold and increases the maximal density of the field emission current by more than an order of magnitude compared with wafers covered by native oxide or subjected to ion physical etching in argon. Physicochemical mechanisms responsible for the modification of the silicon surface and the field-emission properties of silicon have been considered.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Emission Properties of Metal Porous Cathodes Modified by Nanocarbon

The results of studying the emissive ability, structure, and elemental composition of the surface of an impregnated cathode with a fine-grained tungsten matrix with addition of polyhedral multilayer carbon nanostructures of the fulleroid type (0.2−0.7 wt %), impregnated with barium-calcium aluminate with addition of sulfoadduct of carbon nanoclusters (0.1−0.2 wt %), are presented. The tests in diode prototypes showed that these cathodes provide a current density of 20 A/cm{sup 2}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Development and characterization of a polypropylene matrix composite and aluminum hybrid material

Hybridizing different materials, such as metals and polymer matrix composites, has recently drawn attention as it can produce a unique material that offers advantages from both the metals and the composites. Yet, the strict surface preparation required, a relatively low production rate, and the resultant weak interface have been the hurdles for this technology. The low surface energy of some polymeric materials, such as polypropylene (PP) and their composites, has posed even more challenges when bonding with metals. This work aims to develop a hybridized PP matrix composite and aluminum with through thickness reinforcements (TTRs) at a high production rate and with minimal treatment. Long glass fiber PP matrix composite (LFT glass/PP) is mixed with aluminum sheet using an extrusion–compression molding process at a rate of 2 minutes per plate. The bonding between these two materials is achieved using the TTRs on the aluminum sheet that provide mechanical locking at the interface. The hybridized aluminum and glass/PP LFT material is evaluated on its performance in lap shear, short beam shear, flexure, and tension. It is concluded that the mechanical locking at the interface provides a lap shear bonding strength of 6.8 MPa, and the hybridized material has significantly improved tensile and flexural modulus as well as strength compared to the glass/PP LFT only. The same method can be readily extended to hybridizing other polymer matrix composites with metallic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Utah FORGE: Well 16B(78)-32 Drill Core Fracture Analysis Images and Data

This dataset contains drilling core data from well 16B(78)-32, including PDF documents with flattened core images annotated by feature type and core interval, as well as spreadsheets detailing feature morphologies by depth, planar feature measurements, and planar feature orientations rotated to in situ conditions. Core was recovered from three intervals, one per stimulation stage, in the crystalline rocks affected by the stimulation of well 16A(78)-32. Seven core runs were conducted, yielding 135.8 feet of recovered core. Features in the core were categorized into planar fractures, semi-planar fractures, unbroken mineralized fractures, rough fractures, curviplanar fractures, concave-convex surfaces, and planar compositional features such as mylonite or dike-like structures. Planar features were measured while the core was positioned horizontally, with the core axis aligned to a downhole azimuth of 42 degrees. Planar core measurements from stimulations 2 and 3 that could be confidently correlated with FMI data were rotated to in situ orientations. This was done by rotating the planes along vertical and horizontal axes to match the azimuth and inclination data recorded in the directional survey of well 16B(78)-32, as well as applying an axial rotation to resemble the fracture orientations observed in the FMI log at corresponding depths. Coherent sets of planar fracture measurements were made by aligning the core within each 3-foot section of the dissected core barrel, and between adjacent 3-foot sections within a core run by matching rock fabrics, saw cuts and/or tool marks. Where coherent fracture measurements could not be made within a core run, data sets are denoted by a subscript (i.e. 2-Ta and 2-Tb both come from tangent core run number 2).

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Low Cost High Performance Nanostructured Spectrally Selective Coating

Sunlight absorbing coating is a key enabling technology to achieve high-temperature high-efficiency concentrating solar power operation. A high-performance solar absorbing material must simultaneously meet all the following three stringent requirements: high thermal efficiency (usually measured by figure of merit), high-temperature durability, and oxidation resistance. The objective of this research is to employ a highly scalable process to fabricate and coat black oxide nanoparticles onto solar absorber surface to achieve ultra-high thermal efficiency. Black oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using a facile process and coated onto absorber metal surface. The material composition, size distribution and morphology of the nanoparticle are guided by numeric modeling. Optical and thermal properties have been both modeled and measured. High temperature durability has been achieved by using nanocomposites and high temperature annealing. Mechanical durability on thermal cycling have also been investigated and optimized. This technology is promising for commercial applications in next-generation high-temperature concentration solar power (CSP) plants.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

2017 Report for New LANL Physical Vapor Deposition Capability

There is an urgent need at LANL to achieve uniform, thin film actinide targets that are essential for nuclear physics experiments. The target preparation work is currently performed externally by Professor Walter Loveland at Oregon State University, who has made various evaporated actinide targets such as Th and U for use on several nuclear physics measurements at LANSCE. We are developing a vapor deposition capability, with the goal of evaporating Th and U in the Actinide Research Facility (ARF) at TA-48. In the future we plan to expand this work to evaporating transuranic elements, such as Pu. The ARF is the optimal location for evaporating actinides because this lab is specifically dedicated to actinide research. There are numerous instruments in the ARF that can be used to provide detailed characterization of the evaporated thin films such as: Table top Scanning Electron Microscope, In-situ X-Ray Diffraction, and 3D Raman spectroscopy. These techniques have the ability to determine the uniformity, surface characterization, and composition of the deposits.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

EERE Silicon Electrolyte Interface Stabilization (SIESta) FY19 Q2 Report

This quarter, we have focused on characterizing the electrochemical of native oxide and "pristine' silicon surfaces by electrochemical cycling for various conditions, starting with either a freshly etched Si surface, or varying amounts of oxide on the surface (either native grown or deposited). These changes can be used to determine if the pristine surface evolves differently than those that have been modified (Q1 milestone). We are also developing new diagnostics (microcalorimetry and stress measurement in-situ) to determine how the nature of the silicon surface affects the composition, function, and thickness of the SEI (Q2 milestone).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Progress Report on Graphite-Salt Interaction Studies (FY21)

This report summarizes the activities performed in FY21 to investigate the interactions between nuclear graphite and molten salts, such as FLiNaK. First, building on last year’s achievements, the team improved the procedure for measurements on pressurized salt intrusion in nuclear graphite and performed new experiments at variable pressures with specimens of different sizes and shapes. Additionally, the team actively provided suggestions and comments for ASTM D8091, Standard Guide for Impregnation of Graphite with Molten Salts , which came up for periodic revision in 2021. Second, the team expanded its capabilities to further characterize salt-impregnated graphite by procuring and installing a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument capable of producing a 3D chemical composition of a surface and subsurface region of specimens. A methodology for accurately analyzing information was developed, and a manuscript was submitted for publication. The LIBS instrument sample cell is sealed in controlled inert atmosphere, which is an advantage for using humidity-sensitive samples and Be-contaminated samples. This aligns with the team’s effort to expand the capabilities of handling FLiBe and Becontaining materials in two newly installed glovebox units. Third, the team performed preliminary tribology tests for pebble graphite wear in contact with stainless steel in dry state and in molten salt at high temperature. These tests are needed to establish the baseline for the wear of pebble graphite by friction against metallic walls. The friction and wear of pebbles in the fluoride salt-cooled hightemperature reactor are expected to generate dust, which is a concern for other components’ properties and safe reactor operation.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Factors that Impact the Redox Kinetics Associated with Sr1-xAxFeO3 (A = Ca, Ba) in Air Separations Technologies

Perovskite oxides, including SrFeO3-δ, have garnered significant interest for their impressive oxygen storage thermodynamics and kinetics. While traditional oxygen production is performed through cryogenic separation methods at the industrial scale, oxygen carrier-based separations have offered an attractive alternative at the modular scale. Perovskites are considered ideal oxygen carriers, with their structural flexibility minimizing both the thermodynamic barrier and the structural strain related to the oxygen uptake/release cycle. Our latest work has identified a few major factors that directly impact the oxygen release thermodynamics and kinetics for Sr1-xAxFeO3-δ (A = Ca, Ba) materials including elemental composition, crystallographic symmetry, surface area, and pretreatment conditions. This presentation will discuss these factors using Sr1¬-xCaxFeO3 and Ba1-xSrxFeO3 to illustrate their individual and collective impacts on the design of high-performance oxygen carriers when operating at 300-700 °C. Additionally, we will discuss how each of these factors can be leveraged for the numerous catalytic applications also dependent on the redox properties of mixed metal oxides.

Popczun, Eric↗
DOE OSTI2025

Review of Layered Transition Metal Oxide Materials for Cathodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries

The growing interest in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) is driven by scarcity and the rising costs of lithium, coupled with the urgent need for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions. Among various cathode materials, layered transition metal oxides have emerged as promising candidates due to their structural similarity to lithium-ion battery (LIB) counterparts and their potential to deliver high energy density at reduced costs. However, significant challenges remain, including limited capacity at high charge/discharge rates and structural instability during extended cycling. Addressing these issues is critical for advancing SIB technology toward industrial applications, particularly for large-scale energy storage systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of layered sodium transition metal oxides, focusing on their structural properties, electrochemical performance, and degradation mechanisms. Special attention is given to the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to their instability, such as structural phase transitions, and cationic/anionic redox behavior. Additionally, recent advancements in material design strategies, including doping, surface modifications, and composite formation, are discussed to highlight the progress toward enhancing the stability and performance of these materials. This work aims to bridge the knowledge gaps and inspire further innovations in the development of high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries.

Ahangari, Mehdi (ORCID:0000000345803969)↗
NASA NTRS1968

Principal science results from Surveyor 5.

Surveyor 5 Mare Tranquillitatis landing site similarity to Oceanus Procellarum sites, discussing surface material elemental composition and lunar structure

Batterson, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Fundamental problems of the solar system.

Boundary conditions for theory of solar system origin, discussing planetary atmospheres, surfaces, magnetic fields, composition and early solar wind

Cameron, A. G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Six-color photometry of Iapetus, Titan, Rhea, Dione and Tethys

The extensive photometric observations of Titan, Iapetus, Rhea, Dione and Tethys have made it possible to separate the solar phase and orbital phase contributions to the observed light variations of these satellites. For Titan, the wavelength dependence of its solar phase coefficient has been obtained. This dependence should prove useful in constructing future model atmospheres. The other four satellites show a surprising array of different photometric behaviors. Despite these differences, all four satellites have similar spectral reflectivities. Clearly Iapetus, Rhea, Dione and Tethys are complex objects, varying substantially from one another in surface structure and/or composition.

Noland, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Thermal fatigue and oxidation data on TAZ-8A, MAR-M 200, and Udimet 700 superalloys

The fluidized bed technique was used to determine the relative thermal fatigue and oxidation resistance of three superalloys: TAZ-8A, Mar-M 200, and Udimet 700. The alloys TAZ-8A and MAR-M 200 were also tested in the directionally-solidified form. For the 13 combinations of composition, solidification method, surface protection, and specimen geometry, the cycles to cracking varied from 1250 to 15,000. The alloy/coating having the best resistance to thermal fatigue cracking was coated directionally-solidified NASA TAZ-8A. This combination also had excellent oxidation resistance.

Howes, M. A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Fretting in aircraft turbine engines

Fretting usually produces both polished and pitted areas. Fretting occurs in connection with the relative motion between contacting surface elements. Particular attention is given to fretting in seals, splines, fans, compressors, and turbine blades. Recommended approaches to mitigate fretting problems include a reduction of the adhesion between two surfaces. Approaches for doing this may include the development of alloys which spontaneously generate a self-healing surface film, different in composition from the bulk alloy. Other fundamental adhesion studies have shown that surface crystal structure and crystallographic orientation significantly affect the adhesion properties of alloys.

Johnson, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Testing the Shuttle heat-protection armor

The article deals with the thermal protection system (TPS) designed to keep Space Shuttle structures at 350 F ratings over a wide range of temperatures encountered in orbit, but also during prelaunch, launch, deorbit and re-entry, landing and turnaround. The structure, function, fabrication, and bonding of various types of reusable surface insulation and composite materials are described. Test programs are developed for insulation, seals, and adhesion bonds; leak tests and acoustic fatigue tests are mentioned. Test facilities include arc jets, radiant heaters, furnaces, and heated tunnels. The certification tests to demonstrate TPS reusability, structural integrity, thermal performance, and endurance will include full-scale assembly tests and initial orbital flight tests.

Strouhal, G.↗
NASA NTRS1976

General constraints on the Viking biology investigation

The paper discusses some of the constraints pertaining to the Viking mission for detection of life on Mars, within which the Viking experiments were conceived, designed, and developed. The most important limitation to the entire study is the complete information about the nature of Mars, such as the chemical composition of the surface material of Mars and the exact identification of the constituents of that planet. Ways in which celestial mechanics places severe limitations on the Viking biology investigation are discussed. Major engineering constraints are examined relative to the accomodation of biology instrument inside the Viking lander and to the design of the instrument itself. Other constraints discussed concern the operational aspects of the mission and the testing program.

Klein, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Mutual phenomena of Jupiter's five inner satellites in 1979

In this paper, we first predict eclipses and occultations of the Galilean satellites in 1979 and find that, although circumstances are generally poor, about 75 events are observable. We have then made a special point of including 40 eclipses of J5 (Amalthea) by the Galilean satellites in the hope that both visual and far-infrared light curves can be obtained - the former giving accurate astrometric information for J5, and the latter possible bearing on its surface structure or composition.

Aksnes, K.↗