SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Structured packing”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 1,783 records · Page 99

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2017

Aquanitrilotris(methylenephosphonato)dirubidium [Rb{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){μ"1"2-NH(CH_2PO_3H)_3}]: Synthesis and structure

Aquanitrilotris(methylenephosphonato)dirubidium is a 3D coordination polymer with a layer structure. Space group P1̄, Z = 2; a = 8.0380(3) Å, b = 9.0522(4) Å, and c = 10.7837(4) Å; α = 113.252(4)°, β = 105.391(3)°, and γ = 96.182(3)°. Rb atoms populate two symmetrically inequivalent positions with c.n. = 8 and 10; significant difference in O–Rb–O angles in the coordination polyhedra is indicative of the ionic type of Rb–O bonds. In the crystal packing, molecules are connected by not only coordination bonds but hydrogen bonds as well.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2002

Nanostructured Composites: Effective Mechanical Property Determination of Nanotube Bundles

Carbon nanotubes naturally tend to form crystals in the form of hexagonally packed bundles or ropes that should exhibit a transversely isotropic constitutive behavior. Although the intratube axial stiffness is on the order of 1 TPa due to a strong network of delocalized bonds, the intertube cohesive strength is orders of magnitude less controlled by weak, nonbonding van der Waals interactions. An accurate determination of the effective mechanical properties of nanotube bundles is important to assess potential structural applications such as reinforcement in future composite material systems. A direct method for calculating effective material constants is developed in the present study. The Lennard-Jones potential is used to model the nonbonding cohesive forces. A complete set of transverse moduli are obtained and compared with existing data.

Saether, E.↗

DOE OSTI2019

Self-assembly of highly asymmetric, poly(ionic liquid)-rich diblock copolymers and the effects of simple structural modification on phase behaviour

A series of thermally processable, phase-separating diblock copolymers made via sequential ATRP of styrene and styrenic ionic liquid (IL) monomers with various alkyl imidazolium substituents were synthesized to cover a wide range of volume fractions, most notably those on the IL-rich side of the phase diagram. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis was used to confirm melt-state (and glassy state) phase behavior in which all four classic equilibrium diblock copolymer morphologies – body-centered cubic spheres (S BCC ), hexagonally packed cylinders (Hex), lamellae (Lam), and notably, bicontinuous gyroid (Gyr) – were observed. These PS-PIL diblock copolymers were found to have a high degree of conformational asymmetry and/or electrostatic cohesion within the PIL block, highlighted by the shift of the Lam phase window with boundaries falling between f PIL = 0.31 and 0.55. Finally, variation of the alkyl group appeared to influence the strength of the Flory-like interaction parameter of the system, χ PS/PIL , such that simple substitution of methyl by n-butyl on the imidazolium IL substituent resulted in the emergence of the (notoriously segregation-sensitive) Gyr phase, superseding the persistent coexistence of Lam and Hex in the methyl-substituted imidazolium diblock copolymer phase diagram.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Chiral-structured heterointerfaces enable durable perovskite solar cells

Mechanical failure and chemical degradation of device heterointerfaces can strongly influence the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under thermal cycling and damp heat conditions. Here, we report chirality-mediated interfaces based on R-/S-methylbenzyl-ammonium between the perovskite absorber and electron-transport layer to create an elastic yet strong heterointerface with increased mechanical reliability. This interface harnesses enantiomer-controlled entropy to enhance tolerance to thermal cycling–induced fatigue and material degradation, and a heterochiral arrangement of organic cations leads to closer packing of benzene rings, which enhances chemical stability and charge transfer. The encapsulated PSCs showed retentions of 92% of power-conversion efficiency under a thermal cycling test (-40°C to 85°C; 200 cycles over 1200 hours) and 92% under a damp heat test (85% relative humidity; 85°C; 600 hours).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Structural Elucidation of a Polypeptoid Chain in a Crystalline Lattice Reveals Key Morphology-Directing Role of the N-Terminus

Not Available

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2019

Magnetic and Mechanical Design of a 15-T Large Aperture Dipole Magnet for Cable Testing

© 2019 IEEE. A large aperture Nb 3 Sn dipole is proposed to replace the magnet assembly of EDIPO, which was irreversibly damaged in 2016. The goal is to generate a background field of 15 T at 4.2 K in a clear aperture of approximately 100×150 mm 2 and over a uniform length of 1000 mm in order to test superconducting cables for both fusion and high-energy physics applications. The magnet features a block-type coil design wound with wide Rutherford cable (two alternative coil cross sections are considered) and supported by a mechanical structure based on keys-and-bladders technology. In the end regions, the coils tilt up (flare) through a hard-way bend of the cables to provide room for the test well, following a layout already adopted in the LBNL HD2 and CERN-CEA FRESCA2 magnets. The two considered coil design alternatives aim at minimizing the mechanical stress in the coil windings. One coil pack design makes the use of two double pancake coils per pole, whereas the other alternative features three double pancakes per pole. Both design options are presented focusing on the results of numerical computations carried out with finite-element models to investigate peak stresses in the coils during room-temperature pre-loading, cool down, and powering.

Sarasola, Xabier (ORCID:0000000324306939)↗

DOE OSTI2014

Physics and Engineering Assessmetns of the K-DEMO Magnet Configuration

Increased attention is being given now to studies of next-step fusion facilities with nuclear missions. Among these, South Korea's K DEMO is unique in its focus on a high toroidal magnetic field, large major radius, steady-state tokamak design for the core of a facility to test fusion nuclear components in Phase I and, after upgrades, produce 500 MW of electricity in a Phase II. Innovative features of the K DEMO magnet set include the use of two toroidal field (TF) coil winding packs with conductor grading and a machine configuration designed for vertical maintenance. The magnet arrangement features large TF coils and widely spaced poloidal field (PF) coils to accommodate removal of in-vessel components as large modules. Physics and engineering assessments of the pre-conceptual K-DEMO magnet configuration are reported, including: 1) design point and operating space assessment, 2) conductor assessment, and 3) structural assessment. It is found that a reference design point at 6.8 m major radius and 7.4 T toroidal field provides sufficient operating margins for the 500 MWe Phase II mission. Analyses of candidate cable-in-conduit conductors provide predictions of critical current degradation, both in the initial load cycle and an additionally with cyclic loading. A first-pass global analysis of the magnet system found minimal out-of-plane deformations of the TF coil, but an overstress condition in the inner leg of the TF coil. However an analysis taking into account elastic-plastic behavior, frictional sliding, and displacement shows that the structure can safely carry the load. Although the design evolution is still at an early stage, these assessments support the design point choices to date and the expectation that a feasible solution for the high-field K DEMO magnet system can be found.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2025

Unraveling the Atomic Mechanism of the Crystalline Phase‐Dependent Structural Features and Special Spectral Design of α‐, β‐, and Ɛ‐Ga₂O₃

Atomic‐scale phase transformations profoundly influence the functional properties of Ga₂O₃ polymorphs. By combining irradiation experiments with microstructure characterization and theoretical approaches, phase‐specific energy‐dissipation pathways in α‐, β‐, and ε‐Ga₂O₃ are uncovered and strategies for targeted property design are outlined. Competing antiphase boundaries (APBs) and twin domain boundaries (TDBs) promote irreversible α→ε interconversion through domain fragmentation. In β‐Ga₂O₃, defect‐induced stress gradients drive two distinct local transformations: surface Ga‐aggregated β→δ that stabilizes transient states, and latent‐track‐confined β→κ phase transition with recoverable distortions via cation reordering. Under electronic excitation, β‐Ga₂O₃ forms nanohillocks via robust GaO₆ octahedra (high density/strong Ga─O bonds), while α/ε‐Ga₂O₃ generates nanopores from tetrahedral Ga looseness (low bonding energy), highlighting phase‐dependent surface dynamics shaped by atomic packing and bonding anisotropy. Defect‐regulated recombination suppresses visible photoluminescence in α/β‐Ga₂O₃, whereas in ε‐Ga₂O₃ bandgap narrowing of ΔE: 0.30 eV is observed, enhancing emission. Linking phase‐dependent defect‐carrier interactions and metastable‐phase engineering in Ga₂O₃ enables property optimization for power‐electronics and optoelectronics devices.

electronic state configuration↗

DOE OSTI2015

Microphase separation in thin films of lamellar forming polydisperse di-block copolymers

Despite the ubiquity of polydispersity in chain lengths of di-block copolymers, its effects on microphase separation in thin films have eluded a clear understanding. In this paper, we have studied effects of polydispersity on the microphase separation in thin films of lamellar forming di-block copolymers using self-consistent field theory (SCFT) and neutron reflectivity experiments. Di-block copolymers containing a polydisperse block of poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (PGMA) connected to a near-monodisperse block poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-d 6 azlactone) (PVDMA-d 6 ) are considered in this work. Effects of chain length polydispersity, film thickness, substrate–monomer and monomer–monomer interactions on the microphase segregation are studied using SCFT. The theoretical study reveals that in comparison to a film created with monodisperse di-block copolymers, an increase in polydispersity tends to decrease the number of lamellar strata that can be packed in a film of given thickness. This is a direct consequence of an increase in lamellar domain spacing with an increase in polydispersity index. Furthermore, it is shown that polydispersity induces conformational asymmetry and an increase in the polydispersity index leads to an increase in the effective Kuhn segment length of the polydisperse blocks. It is shown that the conformational asymmetry effects, which are entropic in origin and of increasing importance as film thickness decreases, drive the polydisperse blocks to the middle of the films despite favorable substrate interactions. These predictions are verified by results from neutron reflectivity experiments on thin films made from moderately polydisperse PGMA-PVDMA-d 6 di-block copolymer deposited on silicon substrates. In conclusion, results from SCFT are used to predict neutron reflectivity profiles, providing a facile and robust route to obtain useful physical insights into the structure of polydisperse diblock copolymers at interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Two‐Dimensional (2D) or Quasi‐2D Superstructures from DNA‐Coated Colloidal Particles

Abstract This contribution describes the synthesis of colloidal di‐patch particles functionalized with DNA on the patches and their assembly into colloidal superstructures via cooperative depletion and DNA‐mediated interactions. The assembly into flower‐like Kagome, brick‐wall like monolayer, orthogonal packed single or double layers, wrinkled monolayer, and colloidal honeycomb superstructures can be controlled by tuning the particles’ patch sizes and assembly conditions. Based on these experimental results, we generate an empirical phase diagram. The principles revealed by the phase diagram provide guidance in the design of two‐dimensional (2D) materials with desired superstructures. Our strategy might be translatable to the assembly of three‐dimensional (3D) colloidal structures.

Liu, Mingzhu↗

DOE OSTI2021

Two‐Dimensional (2D) or Quasi‐2D Superstructures from DNA‐Coated Colloidal Particles

Liu, Mingzhu↗

DOE OSTI2012

Magnetic behaviour of the MTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbates (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba)

Neutron powder diffraction has been performed on the MTbF{sub 6} fluorides (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba). Four of these fluorides (Cd, Ca, Sr, {beta}-Ba) are built of a (pseudo-) tetragonal packing of [TbF{sub 6}]{sup 2-} chains and only differs by the chains relative orientations. Thus this series represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the Tb{sup 4+}-Tb{sup 4+} magnetic interactions. All the compounds displayed antiferromagnetic order (T{sub N}=2.70 K (Cd), 2.15 K (Ca), 2.60 K (Sr), 2.10 K ({beta}-Ba)), except for the {alpha} form of BaTbF{sub 6}. The crystal structure of this latter fluoroterbate has also been investigated by means of high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. From Neutron Powder Diffraction data, CdTbF{sub 6} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} magnetic structures were determined, together with the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} as a function of an external magnetic field. A tentative phase diagram is then given for {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Advantage was taken of the polymorphism of the BaTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbate to analyse, on the basis of topological parameters such as bond distances and angles, the magnetic behaviour of its {alpha} and {beta} forms. It was shown that superexchange interactions are present in {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}, and that these interactions may also rule the magnetic behaviour of the other MTbF{sub 6} (M=Ca, Sr, Cd) tetravalent terbium fluorides. - Graphical abstract: Powder neutron diffraction revealed magnetic order in four of the five investigated fluoroterbates, while crystal chemical analyses of {alpha} and {beta} forms of BaTbF{sub 6} evidenced the existence of superexchange interactions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Five fluoroterbates are investigated by Powder Neutron Diffraction (PND). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Four of them are antiferromagnetically ordered at 1.4 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetic structures of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} and CdTbF{sub 6} are determined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PND under magnetic field emphasises the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Comparison of {alpha} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} evidences superexchange interactions in fluoroterbates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2015

Computational Design of Self-Assembling Protein Nanomaterials with Atomic Level Accuracy

We describe a general computational method for designing proteins that self-assemble to a desired symmetric architecture. Protein building blocks are docked together symmetrically to identify complementary packing arrangements, and low-energy protein-protein interfaces are then designed between the building blocks in order to drive self-assembly. We used trimeric protein building blocks to design a 24-subunit, 13-nm diameter complex with octahedral symmetry and a 12-subunit, 11-nm diameter complex with tetrahedral symmetry. The designed proteins assembled to the desired oligomeric states in solution, and the crystal structures of the complexes revealed that the resulting materials closely match the design models. The method can be used to design a wide variety of self-assembling protein nanomaterials.

King, Neil P.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Cosmopolitan distribution of the large composite microbial mat spirochete, Spirosymplokos deltaeiberi

Inocula from organic-rich black muds immediately underlying intertidal laminated microbial mats dominated by Microcoleus chthonoplastes yielded large, variable diameter spirochetes. These unusual spirochetes, previously reported only from the Alfacs Peninsula at the delta of the Ebro river in northeast Spain, contain striking arrays of cytoplasmic granules packed into their protoplasmic cylinders. On several occasions, both in summer and winter, the huge spirochetes were recognized in samples from mats growing in the Sippewissett salt marsh at Woods Hole Massachusetts. They were also seen in similar samples from microbial mats at North Pond, Laguna Figueroa, Baja California Norte, Mexico. The identity of these spirochetes was confirmed by electron microscopy: number and disposition of flagella, composite structure, measurements of their distinctive cytoplasmic granules. The granules, larger, more conspicuous and present in addition to ribosomes, are hypothesized to contain ATPases. As culture conditions worsen, these spirochetes retract into membrane-bounded round bodies in which they form refractile inclusions. From morphology and behavior we conclude the North American spirochetes from both Atlantic and Pacific intertidal microbial mats are indistinguishable from those at the delta of the Ebro river. We conclude a cosmopolitan distribution for Spirosymplokos deltaeiberi.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

THE INFLUENCE OF A GRANULAR TARGET'S PACKING DENSITY ON CRATER MORPHOMETRY AND EJECTA KINEMATICS: EXPLORATORY EXPERIMENTATION

With current orbital cameras providing images of planetary surfaces at ever increasing fidelity, it is now possible to resolve meter-scale craters (e.g. [1]). As the morphology and morphometry of small craters have been demonstrated to be sensitive to the physical properties of the impactor and target in both laboratory-based [2,3] and modeling studies [4,5],these newly resolvable features offer an opportunity to probe the near-surface properties of impacted planetary surfaces. In order to robustly infer near-surface structure from craters formed on complex surfaces with poorly known physical properties, it is imperative to understand how small changes in target properties are manifested in the final morphometry of an impact crater. Here, we present early experimental results on the effects of changes in bulk density of granular tar-gets(inclusive of porosity) on crater morphology and the cratering process.

C J Cline↗

DOE OSTI2024

Nanoconfinement-induced shift in photooxidative degradation pathway of polystyrene

Polymer nanocomposites with high concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs) possess exceptional mechanical, transport, and thermal properties. To enable their widespread use in structural applications and functional coatings, it is crucial to understand how nanoconfinement and the polymer-NP interface influence polymer degradation under various environmental conditions, including prolonged UV exposure. In this study, we investigate the photooxidative degradation of polystyrene (PS)-confined in the interstices of SiO 2 NP films. These nanocomposite films are prepared by the capillary rise infiltration (CaRI) of PS into interstices of SiO 2 NP packings, and subsequently subjected to UV irradiation. Our investigation reveals that PS degradation progresses uniformly across the thickness, with degradation initiating from the center of the NP interstitial pores and extending towards the NP surface. We rationalize this degradation mechanism based on the disparity in the surface energies of PS and the NP surface, as well as slow oxygen diffusion through confined PS. Here, we also demonstrate that packing smaller NPs at a given thickness or thicker packing of a specific NP size facilitates photooxidative degradation, highlighting the critical role of the number of interstitial pores in influencing degradation processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Effect of Al content on structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys

In present study, structure and mechanical properties of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) high-entropy alloys after arc melting and annealing at 1200 °C for 24 h are investigated. The CrNbTiVZr alloy is composed of body centered cubic (bcc) and C15 (face centered cubic) Laves phases while the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys consist of bcc and two C14 (hexagonal close packed) Laves phases with different chemical compositions. Thermodynamic modeling predicts existence of two phases – bcc and C15 Laves phase and broadening of single bcc phase field due to Al addition. The density of the alloys decreases with the increase of Al content. The alloys are found to be extremely brittle at room temperature and 600 °C. The alloys have high strength at temperatures of 800–1000 °C. For example, yield strength at 800 °C increases from 440 MPa for the CrNbTiVZr alloy to 1250 MPa for the AlCrNbTiVZr alloy. The experimental phase composition of the Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr alloys is compared with predicted equilibrium phases and the factors governing the transformation of C15 to C14 Laves phases due to Al addition to the CrNbTiVZr alloy analyzed. Specific properties of the alloys are compared with other high-entropy alloys and commercial Ni-based superalloys. - Highlights: •Al{sub x}CrNbTiVZr (x = 0; 0.25; 0.5; 1) alloys are arc melted and annealed at 1200 °C. •The CrNbTiVZr alloy has bcc and C15 Laves phases. •The Al-containing alloys are composed of bcc and two C14 Laves phases. •The alloys demonstrate high specific strength at temperatures of 800 °C and 1000 °C. •The strength of the alloys increases in proportion with increase of Al content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2016

Engineering lipid structure for recognition of the liquid ordered membrane phase

The selective partitioning of lipid components in phase-separated membranes is essential for domain formation involved in cellular processes. Identifying and tracking the movement of lipids in cellular systems would be improved if we understood how to achieve selective affinity between fluorophore-labeled lipids and membrane assemblies. Furthermore, we investigated the structure and chemistry of membrane lipids to evaluate lipid designs that partition to the liquid ordered (L o ) phase. A range of fluorophores at the headgroup position and lengths of PEG spacer between the lipid backbone and fluorophore were examined. On a lipid body with saturated palmityl or palmitoyl tails, we found that although the lipid tails can direct selective partitioning to the L o phase through favorable packing interactions, headgroup hydrophobicity can override the partitioning behavior and direct the lipid to the disordered membrane phase (L d ). The PEG spacer can serve as a buffer to mute headgroup–membrane interactions and thus improve L o phase partitioning, but its effect is limited with strongly hydrophobic fluorophore headgroups. We present a series of lipid designs leading to the development of novel fluorescently labeled lipids with selective affinity for the L o phase.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗