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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Droplet destabilization during Bi catalyzed vapor-liquuid-solid growth of GaAs

GaAs nanodiscs are grown in a molecular beam epitaxy chamber via the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism with liquid Bi as the catalyst. Each nanostructure consists of a series of increasingly larger overlapping discs. The structure forms during deposition due to the fact that the catalyst grows until reaching a critical size whereupon it destabilizes, dropping off the disc onto the substrate, where it catalyzes the growth of a new disc of larger radius. It is shown that critical size is limited by the sidewall wetting with a contact angle significantly smaller than the Gibb's criterion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Thermal island destabilization and the Greenwald limit

Magnetic reconnection is ubiquitous in the magnetosphere, the solar corona, and in toroidal fusion research discharges. A magnetic island saturates at a width which produces a minimum in the magnetic energy of the configuration is evident in a fusion device. At saturation, the modified current density profile, a function of the flux in the island, is essentially flat, the growth rate proportional to the difference in the current at the O-point and the X-point. Furthermore, modification of the current density profile in the island interior causes a change in the island stability and additional growth or contraction of the saturated island. Because field lines in an island are isolated from the outside plasma, an island can heat or cool preferentially depending on the balance of Ohmic heating and radiation loss in the interior, changing the resistivity and hence the current in the island. A simple model of island destabilization due to radiation cooling of the island is constructed, and the effect of modification of the current within an island is calculated. In addition destabilization effect is described, and it is shown that a small imbalance of heating can lead to exponential growth of the island. A destabilized magnetic island near the plasma edge can lead to plasma loss, and because the radiation is proportional to plasma density and charge, this effect can cause an impurity dependent density limit.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Non-resonant destabilization of (1/1) internal kink mode by suprathermal electron pressure

New experimental observations are reported on the structure and dynamics of short-lived periodic (1, 1) “fishbone”-like oscillations that appear during radio frequency heating and current-drive experiments in tokamak plasmas. For the first time, measurements can directly relate changes in the high energy electrons to the mode onset, saturation, and damping. In the relatively high collisionality of Alcator C-Mod with lower hybrid current drive, the instability appears to be destabilized by the non-resonant suprathermal electron pressure—rather than by wave-particle resonance, rotates toroidally with the plasma and grows independently of the (1, 1) sawtooth crash driven by the thermal plasma pressure.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

What do we know about soil carbon destabilization?

Abstract Most empirical and modeling research on soil carbon (C) dynamics has focused on those processes that control and promote C stabilization. However, we lack a strong, generalizable understanding of the mechanisms through which soil organic carbon (SOC) is destabilized in soils. Yet a clear understanding of C destabilization processes in soil is needed to quantify the feedbacks of the soil C cycle to the Earth system. Destabilization includes processes that occur along a spectrum through which SOC shifts from a ‘protected’ state to an ‘available’ state to microbial cells where it can be mineralized to gaseous forms or to soluble forms that are then lost from the soil system. These processes fall into three general categories: (1) release from physical occlusion through processes such as tillage, bioturbation, or freeze-thaw and wetting-drying cycles; (2) C desorption from soil solids and colloids; and (3) increased C metabolism. Many processes that stabilize soil C can also destabilize C, and C gain or loss depends on the balance between competing reactions. For example, earthworms may both destabilize C through aggregate destruction, but may also create new aggregates and redistribute C into mineral horizon. Similarly, mycorrhizae and roots form new soil C but may also destabilize old soil C through priming and promoting microbial mining; labile C inputs cause C stabilization through increased carbon use efficiency or may fuel priming. Changes to the soil environment that affect the solubility of minerals or change the relative surfaces charges of minerals can destabilize SOC, including increased pH or in the reductive dissolution of Fe-bearing minerals. By considering these different physical, chemical, and biological controls as processes that contribute to soil C destabilization, we can develop thoughtful new hypotheses about the persistence and vulnerability of C in soils and make more accurate and robust predictions of soil C cycling in a changing environment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data from a four-day long microcosm experiment addressing the destabilization of artificial mineral-associated organic matter by model root exudates embedded in a soil matrix from the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (Gothic, CO, USA), 2019

This dataset provides data collected during a four-day long laboratory soil microcosm experiment testing the efficacy of root exudate-driven mineral-associated organic matter destabilization. This dataset contains four data files in comma-separate values (*.csv). The files provide the metadata and the experimental results on microbial respiration, MAOM-derived respiration, and sequential mineral-extractions. This data was used to produce the figures in Bölscher et al., 2026. The results of the experiment can be found in the open access article Bölscher et al., 2026 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2026.110276). Abstract: Mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is often considered stable, but root exudates can destabilize MAOM via various pathways. Theory and model system studies suggest that direct MAOM destabilization by strong ligands, like oxalic acid, or reducing agents, like catechol, is more effective than indirect, microbial-mediated MAOM destabilization, stimulated by less reactive compounds like glucose. Here, we demonstrate that the presence of a soil matrix alters the efficacy of exudate-driven MAOM destabilization pathways. Glucose and catechol destabilized significantly greater amounts of MAOM from ferrihydrite and aluminum hydroxide (Al (OH)3) embedded in a soil matrix than oxalic acid. Our findings indicate that indirect, microbial-mediated MAOM destabilization may play a larger role than direct MAOM destabilization in soil environments.

Destabilization↗
DOE OSTI2024

Cooperative Effects Drive Water Oxidation Catalysis in Cobalt Electrocatalysts through the Destabilization of Intermediates

A barrier to understanding the factors driving catalysis in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is understanding multiple over- lapping redox transitions in the OER catalysts. The complexity of these transitions obscure the relationship between the coverage of adsorbates and OER kinetics, leading to an experimental challenge in measuring activity descriptors, such as binding energies, as well as adsorbate interactions, which may destabilize intermediates and modulate their binding energies. Herein, we utilize a newly designed optical spectroelectrochemistry system to measure these phenomena in order to contrast the behavior of two electrocatalysts, cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) and cobalt-iron hexacyanoferrate (cobalt-iron Prussian blue, CoFe-PB). Three distinct optical spectra are observed in each catalyst, corresponding to three separate redox transitions, the last of which we show to be active for the OER using time-resolved spectroscopy and electrochemical mass spectroscopy. By combining predictions from density functional theory with parameters obtained from electroadsorption isotherms, we demonstrate that a destabilization of catalytic intermediates occurs with increasing coverage. In CoOOH, a strong (~0.34 eV/ monolayer) destabilization of a strongly bound catalytic intermediate is observed, leading to a potential offset between the accumulation of the intermediate and measurable O 2 evolution. We contrast these data to CoFe-PB, where catalytic intermediate generation and O 2 evolution onset coincide due to weaker binding and destabilization (~0.19 eV/monolayer). By considering a correlation between activation energy and binding strength, we suggest that such adsorbate driven destabilization may account for a significant fraction of the observed OER catalytic activity in both materials. Finally, we disentangle the effects of adsorbate interactions on state coverages and kinetics to show how adsorbate interactions determine the observed Tafel slopes. Crucially, the case of CoFe-PB shows that, even where interactions are weaker, adsorption remains non-Nernstian, which strongly influences the observed Tafel slope.

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

Techno-Economic Assessment of Destabilized Li Hydride Systems for High Temperature Thermal Energy Storage

A comprehensive techno-economic analysis of destabilized Li hydrides, used as thermal energy storage systems in concentrating solar power plants, is presented and discussed. Two systems, operating at temperatures on the order of 550–650 °C, are selected as thermal energy storage units for steam power plants, namely the Si-destabilized Li hydride (LiSi) and the Al-destabilized Li hydride (LiAl). Two thermal energy storage systems, operating at temperatures on the order of 700–750 °C, are selected for integration in supercritical CO2 power plants, namely the Si-destabilized Li hydride (LiSi) and the Sn-destabilized Li hydride (LiSn). Each storage system demonstrates excellent volumetric capacity, achieving values between 100 and 250 kWhth/m3. The LiSi-based thermal energy storage systems can be integrated with steam and supercritical CO2 plants at a specific cost between 107 US$/kWhth and 109 US$/kWhth, with potential to achieve costs on the order of 74 US$/kWhth under enhanced configurations and scenarios. The LiAl-based storage system has the highest potential for large scale applications. The specific cost of the LiAl system, integrated in solar steam power plants, is equal to approximately 74 US$/kWhth, with potential to reach values on the order of 51 US$/kWhth under enhanced performance configurations and scenarios.

Corgnale, Claudio↗
DOE OSTI2017

Submarine landslides triggered by destabilization of high-saturation hydrate anomalies: LANDSLIDES CAUSED BY HYDRATE ANOMALIES

Submarine landslides occur along continental margins at depths that often intersect the gas hydrate stability zone, prompting suggestions that slope stability may be affected by perturbations that arise from changes in hydrate stability. Here we develop a numerical model to identify the conditions under which the destabilization of hydrates results in slope failure. Specifically, we focus on high-saturation hydrate anomalies at fine-grained to coarse-grained stratigraphic boundaries that can transmit bridging stresses that decrease the effective stress at sediment contacts and disrupt normal sediment consolidation. We evaluate slope stability before and after hydrate destabilization. Hydrate anomalies act to significantly increase the overall slope stability due to large increases in effective cohesion. However, when hydrate anomalies destabilize there is a loss of cohesion and increase in effective stress that causes the sediment grains to rapidly consolidate and generate pore pressures that can either trigger immediate slope failure or weaken the surrounding sediment until the pore pressure diffuses away. In cases where failure does not occur, the sediment can remain weakened for months. In cases where failure does occur, we quantify landslide dynamics using a rate and state frictional model and find that landslides can display either slow or dynamic (i.e., catastrophic) motion depending on the rate-dependent properties, size of the stress perturbation, and the size of the slip patch relative to a critical nucleation length scale. Our results illustrate the fundamental mechanisms through which the destabilization of gas hydrates can pose a significant geohazard.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2017

Analysis of Alfvén eigenmode destabilization by energetic particles in Large Helical Device using a Landau-closure model

Here, energetic particle populations in nuclear fusion experiments can destabilize the Alfvén Eigenmodes through inverse Landau damping and couplings with gap modes in the shear Alfvén continua. We use the reduced MHD equations to describe the linear evolution of the poloidal flux and the toroidal component of the vorticity in a full 3D system, coupled with equations of density and parallel velocity moments for the energetic particles. We add the Landau damping and resonant destabilization effects using a closure relation. We apply the model to study the Alfvén mode stability in the inward-shifted configurations of the Large Helical Device (LHD), performing a parametric analysis of the energetic particle β (${{\beta}_{f}}$ ) in a range of realistic values, the ratios of the energetic particle thermal/Alfvén velocities (${{V}_{\text{th}}}/{{V}_{A0}}$ ), the magnetic Lundquist numbers (S) and the toroidal modes (n). The n = 1 and n = 2 TAEs are destabilized, although the n = 3 and n = 4 TAEs are weakly perturbed. The most unstable configurations are associated with the density gradients of energetic particles in the plasma core: the TAEs are destabilized, even for small energetic particle populations, if their thermal velocity is lower than 0.4 times the Alfvén velocity. The frequency range of MHD bursts measured in the LHD are 50–70 kHz for the n = 1 and 60–80 kHz for the n = 2 TAE, which is consistent with the model predictions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Analysis of Alfven eigenmodes destabilization by energetic particles in TJ-II using a Landau-closure model

Alfvén Eigenmodes (AE) can be destabilized by energetic particles in neutral beam injection (NBI) heated plasmas through inverse Landau damping and couplings with gap modes in the shear Alfvén continua. In this paper, we describe the linear evolution of the poloidal flux and the toroidal component of the vorticity in a full 3D system using the reduced MHD equations, density and parallel velocity moments for the energetic particles as well as the geodesic acoustic wave dynamics. A closure relation adds the Landau damping and resonant destabilization effects in the model. We apply the model to study the Alfvén modes stability in TJ-II, performing a parametric analysis in a range of realistic values of energetic particle β ($\beta_{f}$ ), ratios of thermal/Alfvén velocities ($V_{\rm th}/V_{\rm A0}$ ), energetic particle density profiles and toroidal modes (n) including toroidal and helical couplings. The study predicts a large helical coupling between different toroidal modes and the destabilization of helical Alfvén eigenmodes (HAE) with frequencies similar to the AE activity measured in TJ-II, between 50–400 kHz. The analysis has also revealed the destabilization of GAE (global Alfvén eigenmodes), TAE (toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes) and EPM (energetic particle modes). For the modes considered here, optimized TJ-II operations require a $\rlap{-} \iota$ profile in the range of $[0.845, 0.979]$ to stabilize AEs in the inner and middle plasma. AEs in the plasma periphery cannot be fully stabilized, although for a configuration with $\rlap{-} \iota = [0.945, 1.079]$ , only $n=7, 11, 15$ AE are unstable with a growth rate 4 times smaller compared to the standard $\rlap{-} \iota = [1.54, 1.68]$ case and a frequency of 100 kHz. Finally, we reproduce the frequency sweeping evolution of the AE frequency observed in TJ-II as the $\rlap{-} \iota$ profile is varied. The AE frequency sweeping is caused by consecutive changes of the instability dominant modes between different helical families.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Analysis of Alfven eigenmode destabilization in ITER using a Landau closure model

Alfvén eigenmodes (AE) can be destabilized during ITER discharges driven by neutral beam injection (NBI) energetic particles (EP) and alpha particles. The aim of the present study is to analyze the AE stability of different ITER operation scenarios considering multiple energetic particle species. We use the reduced magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) equations to describe the linear evolution of the poloidal flux and the toroidal component of the vorticity in a full 3D system, coupled with equations of density and parallel velocity moments for the EP species including the effect of the acoustic modes. Furthermore, the AEs driven by the NBI EP and alpha particles are stable in the configurations analyzed, only MHD-like modes with large toroidal couplings are unstable, although both can be destabilized if the EP increases above a threshold. The threshold is two times the model value for the NBI EP and alpha particles in the reverse shear (RS) case, leading to the destabilization of Beta induced AE (BAE) near the magnetic axis with a frequency of kHz and toroidal or elliptical AE (TAE/EAE) in the RS region with a frequency of kHz, respectively. On the other hand, the hybrid and steady state configurations show a threshold 3 times larger with respect to the model for the alpha particle and 40 times for the NBI EP, also destabilizing BAE and TAE between the inner and middle plasma region. In addition, a extended analysis of the RS scenario where the of both alpha particles and NBI EP are above the AE threshold, multiple EP damping effects are also identified as well as optimization trends regarding the resonance properties of the alpha particle and NBI EP with the bulk plasma.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Destabilizing high-capacity high entropy hydrides via earth abundant substitutions: From predictions to experimental validation

The vast chemical space of high entropy alloys (HEAs) makes trial-and-error experimental approaches for materials discovery intractable and often necessitates data-driven and/or first principles computational insights to successfully target materials with desired properties. In the context of materials discovery for hydrogen storage applications, a theoretical prediction-experimental validation approach can vastly accelerate the search for substitution strategies to destabilize high-capacity hydrides based on benchmark HEAs, e.g. TiVNbCr alloys. Here, in this study, machine learning predictions, corroborated by density functional theory calculations, predict substantial hydride destabilization with increasing substitution of earth-abundant Fe content in the (TiVNb) 75 Cr 25-x Fe x system. The as-prepared alloys crystallize in a single-phase bcc lattice for limited Fe content x < 7, while larger Fe content favors the formation of a secondary C14 Laves phase intermetallic. Short range order for alloys with x < 7 can be well described by a random distribution of atoms within the bcc lattice without lattice distortion. Hydrogen absorption experiments performed on selected alloys validate the predicted thermodynamic destabilization of the corresponding fcc hydrides and demonstrate promising lifecycle performance through reversible absorption/desorption. This demonstrates the potential of computationally expedited hydride discovery and points to further opportunities for optimizing bcc alloy ↔ fcc hydrides for practical hydrogen storage applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Momentum transfer and plasma rotation caused by destabilized eigenmodes in tokamaks

In this work, the influence of magnetohydrodynamic eigenmodes destabilized by energetic ions on the momentum of these ions and concomitant sheared plasma rotation are studied. Two mechanisms affecting rotation are revealed: (i) spatial channelling (SC) – radially separated emission and absorption of the momentum; (ii) mode induced redistribution (MIR) across the magnetic field of the momentum of energetic ions. Forces arising during SC and MIR produce both toroidal and poloidal rotations. In addition, the momentum emission during SC leads to a radial flux of fast ions and generation of a radial electric field. Using the developed theory, estimates were made for the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) 15 MA baseline scenario. They show that a global toroidicity-induced Alfvén eigenmode destabilized by alpha particles and neutral beam injection can result in significant radial electric field and forces applied to plasma. However, available data are not sufficient for a reliable prediction of the effects of SC and MIR in ITER. In general, one can expect that sheared rotation arising after destabilization of Alfvén modes and fast magnetoacoustic modes by energetic ions will tend to suppress the turbulence and improve plasma performance. The importance of plasma rotation is supported, in particular, by the fact that during the JET DTE1 experimental campaign the best parameters were achieved in a deuterium–tritium discharge where the rotation frequency was largest.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Probing Alkylpolyglycoside Hydrogen Bonding and Its Destabilization by Sulfonate Hydrotropes with X‑ray and Vibrational Spectroscopy

It has been proposed that intersurfactant H-bonding networks can produce highly stable foams, specifically those generated from solutions containing alkylpolyglycoside surfactants. In this work, we aim to characterize the presence and destabilization of these networks by introducing a hydrotrope (sodium p-toluene sulfate) at various concentrations into an alkylpolyglycoside (Glucopon 225 DK) surfactant containing solution. Solution surface properties are probed by using aerosol velocity map imaging X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (A-VMI-XPS) and tensiometer measurements. Bulk properties below the surface are probed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and C-edge near-edge X-ray fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). The surface measurements provide the framework to describe the destabilization of the solution H-bonding network, while the bulk solution measurements provide hints about the disruption of the hydrogen bonding network upon hydrotrope addition. The collected data support the hypothesis that the destabilization of the intersurfactant H-bonding network frees surfactant molecules from the bulk, increasing surfactant population at the air/water interface. This was quantified through an increase in peak area and width in XPS measurements as well as a decrease in surfactant critical micelle concentration. Three regimes with increasing amounts of hydrotrope addition are suggested, described as (1) a hydrotrope affecting only surfactant surface properties, (2) a hydrotrope affecting surfactant surface and bulk properties, and (3) hydrotrope-dominated surface and bulk properties. Future studies will characterize foam stability across the hydrotrope concentration regimes to better define correlations between intersurfactant H-bonding networks and foam stability.

Molecules↗
DOE OSTI2023

Large Destabilization of (TiVNb)-Based Hydrides via (Al, Mo) Addition: Insights from Experiments and Data-Driven Models

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent an interesting alloying strategy that can yield exceptional performance properties needed across a variety of technology applications, including hydrogen storage. Examples include ultrahigh volumetric capacity materials (BCC alloys → FCC dihydrides) with improved thermodynamics relative to conventional high-capacity metal hydrides (like MgH 2 ), but still further destabilization is needed to reduce operating temperature and increase system-level capacity. Here, in this work, we demonstrate efficient hydride destabilization strategies by synthesizing two new Al 0.05 (TiVNb) 0.95–x Mo x (x = 0.05, 0.10) compositions. We specifically evaluate the effect of molybdenum (Mo) addition on the phase structure, microstructure, hydrogen absorption, and desorption properties. Both alloys crystallize in a bcc structure with decreasing lattice parameters as the Mo content increases. The alloys can rapidly absorb hydrogen at 25 °C with capacities of 1.78 H/M (2.79 wt %) and 1.79 H/M (2.75 wt %) with increasing Mo content. Pressure-composition isotherms suggest a two-step reaction for hydrogen absorption to a final fcc dihydride phase. The experiments demonstrate that increasing Mo content results in a significant hydride destabilization, which is consistent with predictions from a gradient boosting tree data-driven model for metal hydride thermodynamics. Furthermore, improved desorption properties with increasing Mo content and reversibility were observed by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, in situ neutron diffraction, and thermal desorption spectroscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1985

Prediction of destabilizing blade tip forces for shrouded and unshrouded turbines

The effect of a nonuniform flow field on the Alford force calculation is investigated. The ideas used here are based on those developed by Horlock and Greitzer. It is shown that the nonuniformity of the flow field does contribute to the Alford force calculation. An attempt is also made to include the effect of whirl speed. The values predicted by the model are compared with those obtained experimentally by Urlicks and Wohlrab. The possibility of using existing turbine tip loss correlations to predict beta is also exploited. The nonuniform flow field induced by the tip clearnance variation tends to increase the resultant destabilizing force over and above what would be predicted on the basis of the local variation of efficiency. On the one hand, the pressure force due to the nonuniform inlet and exit pressure also plays a part even for unshrouded blades, and this counteracts the flow field effects, so that the simple Alford prediction remains a reasonable approximation. Once the efficiency variation with clearance is known, the presented model gives a slightly overpredicted, but reasonably accurate destabilizing force. In the absence of efficiency vs. clearance data, an empirical tip loss coefficient can be used to give a reasonable prediction of destabilizing force. To a first approximation, the whirl does have a damping effect, but only of small magnitude, and thus it can be ignored for some purposes.

Qiu, Y. J.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Design, synthesis and anticancer activities of halogenated Phenstatin analogs as microtubule destabilizing agent

A series of halogenated Phenstatin analogs were designed as microtubule destabilizing agent by docking study. It was synthesized within three steps starting from 2-chloro-5-iodobenzoic acid and substituted benzene. All the products were characterized by {sup 1}H NMR and {sup 13}C NMR spectral analysis, and the stereochemical structure was also confirmed by a single crystal X-ray diffraction crystallographic analysis. The microtubule destabilizing activities were evaluated in vitro with human liver cancer Huh-7 cell line and human lung cancer A549 cell line. Some of the HPAs were achieved IC{sub 50} about 5.0 μM against human liver cancer Huh-7 cells. .

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

High Chromium Cast Irons: Destabilized-Subcritical Secondary Carbide Precipitation and Its Effect on Hardness and Wear Properties

This work evaluates the effect of a destabilization treatment combined with a subcritical diffusion (SCD) and a subsequent quenching (Q) steps on precipitation of secondary carbides and their influence on the wear properties of HCCI (16%Cr). The destabilization of the austenite at high temperature leads to a final microstructure composed of eutectic and secondary carbides, with an M{sub 7}C{sub 3} nature, embedded in a martensitic matrix. An improved wear resistance was observed in the SCD + Q samples in comparison with the Q one, which was attributed to the size of secondary carbides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗