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At least 199 records · Page 11

Encoding multistate charge order and chirality in endotaxial heterostructures

Abstract High-density phase change memory (PCM) storage is proposed for materials with multiple intermediate resistance states, which have been observed in 1 T -TaS 2 due to charge density wave (CDW) phase transitions. However, the metastability responsible for this behavior makes the presence of multistate switching unpredictable in TaS 2 devices. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanothick verti-lateral H -TaS 2 /1 T -TaS 2 heterostructures in which the number of endotaxial metallic H -TaS 2 monolayers dictates the number of resistance transitions in 1 T -TaS 2 lamellae near room temperature. Further, we also observe optically active heterochirality in the CDW superlattice structure, which is modulated in concert with the resistivity steps, and we show how strain engineering can be used to nucleate these polytype conversions. This work positions the principle of endotaxial heterostructures as a promising conceptual framework for reliable, non-volatile, and multi-level switching of structure, chirality, and resistance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Stability and control characteristics for the inner mold line configuration of the space shuttle orbiter (OA110)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted on a sting mounted 0.0405-scale representation of the -140A/B inner mold line (IML) space shuttle orbiter in 7.75 x 11 foot low speed wind tunnel, during the time period from 18 March 1974 to 20 March 1974. The primary test objectives were to establish basic longitudinal and lateral-directional stability and control characteristics for the IML orbiter. Additional configurations investigated were sealed elevon hingeline gaps, sealed rudder split line and hingeline gaps, larger radius leading edge on the vertical tail, and sealed speedbrake base. Aerodynamic force and moment data for the orbiter were measured in the body-axis system by an internally mounted, six-component strain gage balance. The model was sting mounted with the center of rotation located at approximately the wing trailing edge. The nominal angle of attack range was from -4 to +30 degrees. Yaw polars were recorded over a nominal yaw angle range from -14 to +14 degrees at constant angles of attack of 0, + or - 5, 10, 15 and 20 degrees.

Hughes, T.↗

Demonstration of mechanical connections between integrins, cytoskeletal filaments, and nucleoplasm that stabilize nuclear structure

We report here that living cells and nuclei are hard-wired such that a mechanical tug on cell surface receptors can immediately change the organization of molecular assemblies in the cytoplasm and nucleus. When integrins were pulled by micromanipulating bound microbeads or micropipettes, cytoskeletal filaments reoriented, nuclei distorted, and nucleoli redistributed along the axis of the applied tension field. These effects were specific for integrins, independent of cortical membrane distortion, and were mediated by direct linkages between the cytoskeleton and nucleus. Actin microfilaments mediated force transfer to the nucleus at low strain; however, tearing of the actin gel resulted with greater distortion. In contrast, intermediate filaments effectively mediated force transfer to the nucleus under both conditions. These filament systems also acted as molecular guy wires to mechanically stiffen the nucleus and anchor it in place, whereas microtubules acted to hold open the intermediate filament lattice and to stabilize the nucleus against lateral compression. Molecular connections between integrins, cytoskeletal filaments, and nuclear scaffolds may therefore provide a discrete path for mechanical signal transfer through cells as well as a mechanism for producing integrated changes in cell and nuclear structure in response to changes in extracellular matrix adhesivity or mechanics.

NASA Discipline Cell Biology↗

Buffer Layer Effects on Tandem InGaAs TPV Devices

Single junction indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) based TPV devices have demonstrated efficiencies in excess of 20% at radiator temperatures of 1058 C. Modeling suggests that efficiency improvements in single bandgap devices should continue although they will eventually plateau. One approach for extending efficiencies beyond the single bandgap limit is to follow the technique taken in the solar cell field, namely tandem TPV cells. Tandem photovoltaic devices are traditionally composed of cells of decreasing bandgap, connected electrically and optically in series. The incident light impinges upon the highest bandgap first. This device acts as a sieve, absorbing the high-energy photons, while allowing the remainder to pass through to the underlying cell(s), and so on. Tandem devices reduce the energy lost to overexcitation as well as reducing the current density (Jsc). Reduced Jsc results in lower resistive losses and enables the use of thinner and lower doped lateral current conducting layers as well as a higher pitch grid design. Fabricating TPV tandem devices utilizing InGaAs for all of the component cells in a two cell tandem necessitates the inclusion of a buffer layer in-between the high bandgap device (In0.53 Ga0.47As - 0.74eV) and the low bandgap device (In0.66Ga0.34As - 0.63eV) to accommodate the approximately 1% lattice strain generated due to the change in InGaAs composition. To incorporate only a single buffer layer structure, we have investigated the use of the indium phosphide (InP) substrate as a superstrate. Thus the high-bandgap, lattice- matched device is deposited first, followed by the buffer structure and the low-bandgap cell. The near perfect transparency of the high bandgap (1.35eV) iron-doped InP permits the device to be oriented such that the light enters through the substrate. In this paper we examine the impact of the buffer layer on the underlying lattice-matched InGaAs device. 0.74eV InGaAs devices were produced in a variety of configurations both with and without buffer layers. All structures were characterized by reciprocal space x-ray diffraction to determine epilayer composition and residual strain. Electrical characterization of the devices was performed to examine the effect of the buffer on the device performance. The effect of the buffer structure depends upon where it is positioned. When near the emitter region, a 2.6x increase in dark current was measured, whereas no change in dark current was observed when it was near the base region.

Wilt, David M.↗

On the isolation of halophilic microorganisms from salt deposits of great geological age

From salt sediments of Triassic or Permian age from various locations in the world halophilic microorganisms were isolated. Molecular characteristics of several of the isolates suggested they belong to the archaebacteria. One group appears to represent novel strains; several properties of one such isolate, strain BIp, are described here. The existence of viable microorganisms in ancient sediment would have great implications with respect to our notions on evolution, the research for life in extraterrestrial environments, and the longterm survival of functional biological structures. Of crucial importance is thus the question if these microorganisms existed in the salt since the time of deposition or invaded at some later date. Some suggestions to address these issues experimentally are discussed.

Stan-Lotter, Helga↗

Teredinibacter haidensis sp. nov., Teredinibacter purpureus sp. nov. and Teredinibacter franksiae sp. nov., marine, cellulolytic endosymbiotic bacteria isolated from the gills of the wood-boring mollusc Bankia setacea (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) and emended description of the genus Teredinibacter

Here, we describe three endosymbiotic bacterial strains isolated from the gills of the shipworm, Bankia setacea (Teredinidae: Bivalvia). These strains, designated as Bs08 T , Bs12 T and Bsc2 T , are Gram-stain-negative, microaerobic, gammaproteobacteria that grow on cellulose and a variety of substrates derived from lignocellulose. Phenotypic characterization, phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequence data, amino acid identity and percentage of conserved proteins analyses, show that these strains are novel and may be assigned to the genus Teredinibacter. The three strains may be differentiated and distinguished from other previously described Teredinibacter species based on a combination of four characteristics: colony colour (Bs12 T , purple; others beige to brown), marine salt requirement (Bs12 T , Bsc2 T and Teredinibacter turnerae strains), the capacity for nitrogen fixation (Bs08 T and T. turnerae strains) and the ability to respire nitrate (Bs08 T ). Based on these findings, we propose the names Teredinibacter haidensis sp. nov. (type strain Bs08 T =ATCC TSD-121 T =KCTC 62964 T ), Teredinibacter purpureus sp. nov. (type strain Bs12 T =ATCC TSD-122 T =KCTC 62965 T ) and Teredinibacter franksiae sp. nov. (type strain Bsc2 T =ATCC TSD-123 T =KCTC 62966 T ).

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A geometric analysis of surface deformation - Implications for the tectonic evolution of Ganymede

The identification of various types of surface deformation of Ganymede by a geometric study of the furrow system and an analysis of circularity of impact craters is addressed. The hypothesis that the furrow system was initially concentric and that the present configuration of the furrows provides a measure of lateral motion of dark terrain is tested by determining the present centers of the furrow system in several dark terrain blocks and observing the amount of deformation in bright terrain regions which separate these blocks. An upper scale limit is placed on the amount of extension associated with bright terrain formation by using the deviation from circularity of impact craters to calculate the strain field around wedge-shaped regions of bright terrain. Penetrative deformation in Ganymede's lithosphere is identified by examining the circularity of impact craters in dark terrain.

Zuber, M. T.↗

On the Isolation of Halophilic Microorganisms from Salt Deposits of Great Geological Age

From salt sediments of Triassic or Permian ace from various locations in the world halophilic microorganisms were isolated. Molecular characteristics of several of the isolates suggested they belong to the archaebacteriae. One group appears to represent novel strains; several properties or one such isolate, strain BIp, are described here. The existence of viable microorganisms in ancient sediments would have great implications with respect to our notions on evolution, the search for life in extraterrestrial environments and the long- term survival of functional biological structures. Of crucial importance is thus the question if these microorganisms existed in the salt since the time of deposition or invaded at some later date. Some suggestions to address these issues experimentally are discussed.

Stan-Lotter, Helga↗

Turbulence theories and statistical closure approaches

When discussing research in physics and in science more generally, it is common to ascribe equal importance to the three components of the scientific trinity: theoretical, experimental, and computational studies. This review will explore the future of modern turbulence theory by tracing its history, which began in earnest with Kolmogorov’s 1941 analysis of turbulence cascade and inertial range [A.N. Kolmogorov, Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR, 30, 299, (1941); 32, 19, (1941)]. The 80th Anniversary of Kolmogorov’s landmark study is a welcome opportunity to survey the achievements and evaluate the future of the theoretical approach of turbulence research. Over the years, turbulence theories have been critically important in laying the foundation of our understanding of the nature of turbulent flows. In particular, the Direct Interaction Approximation (DIA) [R.H. Kraichnan, J. Fluid Mech., 5, 497 (1959)] and its subsequent development, known as the statistical closure approach, can be identified as perhaps the most profound single advancement. The remarkable success of the statistical closure has furnished a platform to study such essential concepts as the energy transfer process and interacting scales, and the roles of the straining and sweeping motions. More recently, the quasi-Lagrangian formulation of V. L’vov & I. Procaccia and Kraichnan’s solvable passive scalar model provided powerful ways to explore another fundamental aspect of turbulent flows, the phenomena of intermittency, and the associated anomalous scaling exponents. In the meantime, the theory of fluid equilibria has been developed to describe the large-scale structures that can emerge from turbulent cascades of two-dimensional and geophysical flows at a later time. And yet, despite all these successes, analytical treatments suffer from mathematical complexities. As a result, the utility of theoretical approaches has been limited to relatively idealized flows. On the other hand, in recent decades, computational abilities and experimental facilities have reached an unprecedented scale. Looking beyond the horizon, the imminent deployment of exascale supercomputers will generate complete datasets of the entire flow field of key benchmark flows, allowing researchers to extract additional measurements concerning fully developed, complex turbulent flow fields far beyond those available from the statistical closure theories. Some other developments that could potentially influence the future course of turbulence theories include the advancement of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science; likely disruptions arising from the advent of quantum computation; and the increasingly prominent role of turbulence research in providing more accurate climate scientific data. Finally, turbulence theorists can leverage these developments by asking the right questions and developing advanced, sophisticated frameworks that will be able to predict and correlate vast amounts of data from the other two components of the trinity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A low speed wind tunnel test of the 0.050 scale NASA-JSC shuttle orbiter 089B to determine the longitudinal and lateral directional effects of control surface modifications

Wind tunnel tests to determine the longitudinal and lateral-directional effects of control surface modifications on the space shuttle orbiter aerodynamic characteristics are discussed. A total of 103 data runs were made which consisted of pitch runs through a range of zero to 28 degrees at a zero yaw angle and yaw runs from minus 6 to plus 6 degrees at various fixed pitch angles. At each data point, data from an internal strain gage balance was sampled with the digital data system. Also recorded were the model angles of pitch and yaw and the test section static pressure. Results are presented in the form of tabulated aerodynamic coefficient data about the model reference center.

Oldenbuttel, R. H.↗

Strain energy release rate as a function of temperature and preloading history utilizing the edge delamination fatique test method

Static laminate and tension-tension fatigue tests of IM7/8551-7 composite materials was performed. The Edge Delamination Test (EDT) was utilized to evaluate the temperature and preloading history effect on the critical strain energy release rate. Static and fatigue testing was performed at room temperature and 180 F (82 C). Three preloading schemes were used to precondition fatigue test specimens prior to performing the normal tension-tension fatigue EDT testing. Computer software was written to perform all fatigue testing while monitoring the dynamic modulus to detect the onset of delamination and record the test information for later retrieval and reduction.

Zimmerman, Richard S.↗

Unraveling Strain Gradient Induced Electromechanical Coupling in Twisted Double Bilayer Graphene Moiré Superlattices

Moiré superlattices of 2D materials with a small twist angle are thought to exhibit appreciable flexoelectric effect, though unambiguous confirmation of their flexoelectricity is challenging due to artifacts associated with commonly used piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). For example, unexpectedly small phase contrast (≈8°) between opposite flexoelectric polarizations is reported in twisted bilayer graphene (tBG), though theoretically predicted value is 180°. We report a methodology is developed to extract intrinsic moiré flexoelectricity using twisted double bilayer graphene (tDBG) as a model system, probed by lateral PFM. For small twist angle samples, it is found that a vectorial decomposition is essential to recover the small intrinsic flexoelectric response at domain walls from a large background signal. The obtained threefold symmetry of commensurate domains with significant flexoelectric response at domain walls is fully consistent with the theoretical calculations. Incommensurate domains in tDBG with relatively large twist angles can also be observed by this technique. A general strategy is provided here for unraveling intrinsic flexoelectricity in van der Waals moiré superlattices while providing insights into engineered symmetry breaking in centrosymmetric materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal shock resistance of lightweight cements developed for geothermal conditions

Cements are a critical component in well construction, as they act to prevent well fluid and gas escape, prevent corrosion of the casing, and strengthen the wellbore to prevent deformation. Under the high temperature/pressure conditions common in geothermal systems, the injection of cold water for energy production is expected to induce cyclic damage to the borehole cement through the rapid temperature fluctuations. These “thermal shocks” are expected to cause casing shrinkage, annulus formation, and cement tensile stresses. To understand the effect of cold water injection on the wellbore environment, a set of rock-cement-steel samples were created to simulate the structure of a geothermal well. Lightweight thermally-insulating cement blends were tested under thermal shock conditions in this study. In each test, the samples were pressurized to an effective pressure of ~3.5 MPa and placed at high temperatures. Thermal shocks were performed by injecting cold water (~10-15 °C) through the samples at a constant rate while keeping the samples at high temperatures until the sample temperature stopped decreasing and deformation ceased. Eight thermal shock tests were conducted with each sample – two at 100 °C and six at 200 °C. Post-tests analysis was then conducted by cutting open each sample to examine the damage in each component of the simulated wellbore. Experimental results suggest that all samples experienced similar degrees of axial and lateral contraction during cold water injection, but for the most part this contraction is recoverable when injection halts. Post-test analysis revealed that fly ash cenosphere pre-treatment had the best effect on improving thermal shock resistance in the cement blends. Thermomechanical modeling of likely stress paths experienced by the cements during heating/cooling cycles shows that elasto-plastic cement constitutive behavior results in most plastic strain occurring during the initial heating steps, with mostly elastic strain occurring during the thermal shock cycles. In conclusion, this agrees with experimental evidence, suggesting that cement damage from shocking occurs via other mechanisms such as chemical alteration, corrosion, and fatigue.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wing Shape Sensing from Measured Strain

A new two-step theory is investigated for predicting the deflection and slope of an entire structure using strain measurements at discrete locations. In the first step, a measured strain is fitted using a piecewise least-squares curve fitting method together with the cubic spline technique. These fitted strains are integrated twice to obtain deflection data along the fibers. In the second step, computed deflection along the fibers are combined with a finite element model of the structure in order to interpolate and extrapolate the deflection and slope of the entire structure through the use of the System Equivalent Reduction and Expansion Process. The theory is first validated on a computational model, a cantilevered rectangular plate wing. The theory is then applied to test data from a cantilevered swept-plate wing model. Computed results are compared with finite element results, results using another strainbased method, and photogrammetry data. For the computational model under an aeroelastic load, maximum deflection errors in the fore and aft, lateral, and vertical directions are -3.2%, 0.28%, and 0.09%, respectively; and maximum slope errors in roll and pitch directions are 0.28% and -3.2%, respectively. For the experimental model, deflection results at the tip are shown to be accurate to within 3.8% of the photogrammetry data and are accurate to within 2.2% in most cases. In general, excellent matching between target and computed values are accomplished in this study. Future refinement of this theory will allow it to monitor the deflection and health of an entire aircraft in real time, allowing for aerodynamic load computation, active flexible motion control, and active induced drag reduction.

shape sensing↗

Long-Length SiC/SiC Tube Irradiation Experiment at LWR Temperatures Inserted into HFIR

This report describes the pre-irradiation characterization and successful assembly of a High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) irradiation experiment designed to assess radiation-induced lateral bowing of silicon carbide fiber–reinforced, silicon carbide matrix composite (SiC/SiC) components under a radial fast neutron flux gradient at representative light-water reactor (LWR) temperatures of approximately 300 °C. The over-arching goal of this work is to validate thermomechanical models of SiC/SiC composite fuel assembly distortion used to predict the extent of lateral bowing and dose at which bowing reaches a maximum value. Ultimately, these models are used to ensure that fuel assembly distortion does not block coolant channels, interfere with control rod/blade movements, and/or impact local reactivity. The experiment contains six cladding tube specimens that are approximately 558.5 mm long with representative pressurized water reactor (PWR) outer and inner diameters of 9.5 mm and 7.5 mm, respectively. The specimens were thoroughly characterized prior to irradiation using traditional dimensional inspection and surface profilometry so that these measurements can later be compared with similar measurements that will be made post-irradiation to determine radiation-induced deformations. Furthermore, fine engraving markers were inscribed along the outer surfaces of the specimen and mapped using analytic photography and a three-dimensional stage. This technique allowed for accurate measurements of the marker spacings, which can be compared with similar measurements that will be made post-irradiation to provide local radiation-induced strain mapping. A light curtain optical micrometer was also employed to measure the pre-irradiation bowing of each specimen. The experiment was successfully assembled and inserted into position VXF-19 for HFIR cycle 516, which began May 12, 2026. The experiment will be removed after cycle 519, which is currently scheduled to end in December 2026.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

HFIR SiC Bowing Test Ready to Insert

This report describes the successful assembly of a High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) irradiation experiment designed to assess radiation-induced lateral bowing of silicon carbide fiber–reinforced, silicon carbide matrix composite (SiC/SiC) components under a radial fast neutron flux gradient. Excessive bowing of a SiC/SiC channel box in a boiling water reactor could potentially interfere with control blade movements. Similar concerns exist for SiC/SiC fuel cladding in light water reactors. The experiment described herein will provide experimental validation of the structural response of a miniature SiC/SiC channel box and tube specimens with pressurized water reactor diameters during irradiation. The significant radial fast neutron flux gradients that exist in the permanent reflector of HFIR were characterized using detailed three-dimensional neutronic calculations. The three-dimensional displacement damage dose rate profile and the resulting volumetric swelling in SiC were used as inputs to structural analyses that predicted the deformation and stresses in the channel box specimen. The specimens were thoroughly characterized prior to irradiation using traditional dimensional inspection and surface profilometry so that these measurements can later be compared with similar measurements that will be made post-irradiation to determine radiation-induced deformations. Furthermore, fine engraving markers were inscribed along all outer surfaces of the specimen and mapped using a digital microscope and a three-dimensional stage. This technique allowed for accurate measurements of the marker spacings, which can be compared with similar measurements that will be made post-irradiation to provide local radiation-induced strain mapping. The experiment was successfully assembled and is scheduled for insertion during HFIR cycle 492, which is currently scheduled to run from May 25, 2021 to June 18, 2021.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Mission load dynamic tests of two undensified Space shuttle thermal protection system tiles

Two tests of undensified Space Shuttle thermal protection tiles under combined static and dynamic loads were conducted. The tiles had a density of approximately 144 Kg/cum (LI900 tiles) and were mounted on a strain isolation pad which was 0.41 cm (.160 inch) thick. A combined static and dynamic mission stress histogram representative of the W-3 area of the wing of the orbiter vehicle was applied. The stress histogram was provided by the space shuttle project. Results presented include: tabulation of measured peak and root-mean-square (RMS) accelerations in both compression and tension; peak SIP stress in compression and tension, peak and RMS amplitude response ratios; lateral to vertical response ratios; response time histories; peak stress distributions (histograms), and SIP extension measured both with and without static tension at various mission times.

Leatherwood, J. D.↗

Dose, LET, time and strain dependence of radiation-induced 53BP1 foci in 15 mouse strains ex vivo and associations to in vivo radiation susceptibility

We present a comparative analysis on the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage ex vivo in 15 strains of mice, including 5 inbred reference strains and 10 collaborative-cross strains, of both sexes. Non-immortalized primary skin fibroblasts derived from 76 mice were subjected to both low- and high-LET radiation (0.1, 1 and 4 Gy of X rays; 1.1 and 3 particles/100μm2 of 350 MeV/n 40Ar and 600 MeV/n 56Fe). Automated image quantification of 53BP1 radiation-induced foci (RIF) during the first 4-48 h post-irradiation was performed as a function of dose and LET. Similarly to what we had previously reported for immortalized human cell lines [1], we observed a saturation of RIF number with dose at 4h post-irradiation, with more RIF/Gy for lower LET (X rays and 40Ar) compared to 56Fe. However at later time points (24h and above), the trend was inverted with more RIF/Gy for higher LET. Our data suggest that multiple DSBs cluster into RIF: as the linear density of DSBs increases with LET, so does the probability of having more DSBs per RIF, which makes it more difficult for cells to fully resolve high-LET-induced RIF, explaining the hypersensitivity to high-LET radiation despite a low number of RIF. Taking into account the amount of clustering at a given dose and LET, but also the kinetics of DNA damage repair, we introduced a novel mathematical formalism to evaluate the number of remaining RIF over time. We showed that the newly introduced kinetic metrics can be used as surrogate biomarkers for in vivo radiation toxicity, with potential applications in radiotherapy and human space exploration. In particular, we observed an association between the repairable fraction of RIF measured in vitro and survival levels of immune cells collected from irradiated mice. Moreover, the speed of DNA damage repair correlated with spontaneous cancer incidence data collected from the Mouse Tumor Biology database, suggesting a relationship between the efficiency of DSB repair after irradiation and cancer risk. In addition to the efficacy of repair and persistent RIF levels, even the amount of spontaneous foci without irradiation was shown to be strain dependent, indicating that these phenotypes are at least partially driven by genetics, and supporting their potential as indicators of individual radiation sensitivity. [1] Neumaier, T., et al., PNAS, 2012 (8) 109:443

Radiation, DNA damage, repair kinetics↗