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All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2023

Anisotropic magneto-resistivity and magnetocaloric effect in DyAl 2

Here, in this study, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the correlation between the anisotropic magnetic resistivity and magnetocaloric effect in DyAl 2 single crystals. DyAl 2 crystallizes in the C15 Laves phase structure with cubic symmetry. While some earlier studies revealed that the isothermal entropy change in dialuminides follows a similar trend as the electrical resistivity change as a function of temperature and magnetic field, the correlation between anisotropic behavior of these two physical parameters is yet to be explored to the best of our knowledge. To address this gap, we measured electrical resistivity of DyAl 2 single crystals along two different directions in zero and applied magnetic fields and compared the experimental results with our theoretical model. For the theoretical analysis, we employed a model Hamiltonian in the mean-field approximation, considering the exchange interaction, Zeeman effect, and crystalline electric field associated with the cubic symmetry. Our findings reveal a significant dependence of DyAl 2 resistivity on the direction of the applied magnetic field, in agreement with our theoretical results. These outcomes emphasize the interplay between magnetocaloric effect and magneto-resistivity, underscoring the potential of the magnetocaloric effect as a valuable tool for gaining deeper insights into basic physical properties including electron transport behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1974

The electrical properties of low-g processed immiscible alloys

When dispersed or mixed immiscibles are solidified on earth, a large amount of separation of the constituents takes place due to differences in densities. However, when the immiscibles are dispersed and solidified in zero-gravity, density separation does not occur, and unique composite solids can be formed with many new and promising electrical properties. By measuring the electrical resistivity and superconducting critical temperature of zero-g processed Ga-Bi samples, it has been found that the electrical properties of such materials are entirely different from the basic constituents and the ground control samples. The finest dispersions are obtained only in a low-gravity environment. Our results indicate that space-processed immiscible materials may form an entirely new class of electronic materials. The interesting electrical properties of directionally solidified Al-Cu eutectic, a two-component alloy consisting of Al and Al2Cu which was processed on Skylab (M566) are briefly reviewed. The electrical resistivity of directionally solidified eutectics with a lamellar structure are highly anisotropic and have been studied both experimentally and theoretically. The local resistivity of the space-processed samples are compared to a ground control sample and to the expected theoretical results.

Otto, G. H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Terrestrial geophysics in the SeaRISE project

Some areas of research in the SeaRISE project are briefly discussed. They are as follows: (1) Radar Sounding serves multiple purposes. The most general and obvious is mapping ice thickness and the surface and bedrock topography of the ice sheet. (2) The purpose of Seismic Shooting, in addition to water depth measurements on floating ice, is to provide information about the internal physical characteristics of the ice sheet, the rock beneath it, and the interface between the two. (3) Passive Seismic monitoring of microearthquakes can be used to study brittle fracture within the ice or the rock beneath it. Common parameters available from these studies are fault location, orientation, and displacement, as well as the size of the rupture area, stress drop, and energy released. (4) There is a large contrast in Electrical Resistivity between ice or permafrost on the one hand and liquid water or wet rock on the other hand. Thus, electrical resistivity profiles have the ability of revealing the depth to the melting point, whether it is found at the base of the ice or in the subglacial rock. (5) Gravity anomalies, especially combined with seismic measurements, are an effective tool for determining deeper crustal structure. Anomalies averaged over extensive areas are useful also for their potential to reveal isostatic imbalance, which is a measure of average glacial change over the last several hundred years.

Bentley, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Elevated temperature strain gages

The objective is to study the electrical resistance of materials that are potentially useful as resistance strain gages at 1000 C. A set of criteria were set and used to select strain gage candidate materials that are electrically stable and reproducible at all temperatures up to 1000 C. For the experimental phase of this research, the electrical resistance change with temperature of three groups of materials (solid solution alloys, transition metal carbides, and semiconductors) were studied with the intention of identifying materials with low temperature coefficient of resistance and low resistance drift rate at 1000 C. A preliminary study of the gage factor on one of the best candidate materials, B sub 4 C, was also undertaken. The results of these investigations are presented.

Lei, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Simulating the Gradually Deteriorating Performance of an RTG

Degra (now in version 3) is a computer program that simulates the performance of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) over its lifetime. Degra is provided with a graphical user interface that is used to edit input parameters that describe the initial state of the RTG and the time-varying loads and environment to which it will be exposed. Performance is computed by modeling the flows of heat from the radioactive source and through the thermocouples, also allowing for losses, to determine the temperature drop across the thermocouples. This temperature drop is used to determine the open-circuit voltage, electrical resistance, and thermal conductance of the thermocouples. Output power can then be computed by relating the open-circuit voltage and the electrical resistance of the thermocouples to a specified time-varying load voltage. Degra accounts for the gradual deterioration of performance attributable primarily to decay of the radioactive source and secondarily to gradual deterioration of the thermoelectric material. To provide guidance to an RTG designer, given a minimum of input, Degra computes the dimensions, masses, and thermal conductances of important internal structures as well as the overall external dimensions and total mass.

Wood, Eric G.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Bench-Scale Development of a Novel Direct Air Capture Technology Using High-Capacity Structured Sorbents

The work performed under this project has resulted into development of a DAC technology utilizing a structured sorbent to capture CO 2 from ambient air with a key innovation of direct Joule heating of the sorbent for CO 2 desorption. A working SMA, fully integrated with an electrically resistive heating layer, high surface area support, and high CO 2 capacity sorbent coated onto a commercial ceramic monolithic substrate, was successfully developed and demonstrated over >200 adsorption-desorption cycles in a high-fidelity bench test unit directly using ambient air. A cordierite-based monolith was selected as a substrate owing to its high surface area, low bulk density, low heat capacity, and commercial availability. Reaction kinetics study conducted during this project led to development of a promoter for the base Na 2 CO 3 sorbent that could be incorporated into the sorbent to enhance to achieve higher CO 2 adsorption/desorption rates, greater working capacity, and reduced regeneration temperature. An accelerated aging study was conducted in a TGA to determine sorbent stability and no degradation in the sorbent performance was observed even after 250 adsorption-desorption cycles. An electrically resistive heating layer was developed with tunable electrical properties. The heating layer was coated onto the selected cordierite substrate. Aging studies performed showed the electrical properties and heating performance was stable after 500 heating and cooling cycles. The collective findings on the selected cordierite substrate, robust heating layer, promoter and sorbent selection were used to synthesize a full, 6”x6” SMA for bench-scale testing. The bench-scale DAC system was constructed to test full size SMAs using real ambient air for adsorption and joule heating for regeneration. After completing shakedown and commissioning of the 1 kg/day of CO 2 capacity DAC bench unit, an extended operation was performed to complete over 230 cycles with the full size SMA. This testing showed no observable degradation in sorbent performance. A detailed process model, TEA and LCA were developed for a conceptual 100,000 TPY CO 2 removal DAC facility. The LCA results show the net CO 2 e emissions from the DAC system are highly dependent on the electricity source. All other factors, including SMA manufacturing, materials for facility enclosure, etc., are minor cost contributors compared to the energy consumption required for CO 2 removal. With the successful development and validation of the SMA for the sustained performance for CO 2 removal from ambient air with joule heated regeneration in this project, a fully integrated 1 TPY bench-scale DAC system is currently in development with the support of DOE/FECM (DE-FE0032243). The project objective is to demonstrate the engineering design of the DAC system to produce a continuous, high purity CO 2 stream from ambient air. This project will address and validate key engineering features of the DAC system including the gas sealing mechanism and panels, enclosure and air contactor design, and automation sequence to achieve continuous CO 2 production.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Development of an ERT‐Based Framework for Bentonite Buffers Monitoring From Laboratory Tests: 1. Characterizing Thermal–Hydrological–Mechanical Processes

Abstract Bentonite clay is widely used in engineered barrier systems for the permanent disposal of high‐level radioactive waste due to its low permeability, high swelling capacity, and thermal stability. However, the complex thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical (THM) processes induced by heating from decaying radioactive waste and hydration from surrounding rock can lead to heterogeneous changes that are difficult to measure and predict. This study develops an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)‐based framework for monitoring THM processes, progressing from sample‐scale to bench‐scale tests, to inform field‐scale applications. Sample‐scale tests analyzed small bentonite samples under controlled variations in water content, temperature, and porosity to establish fundamental resistivity relationships. Bench‐scale tests involved larger bentonite columns subjected to heating (up to 200°C) and hydration under controlled pressure, simulating repository conditions. ERT measurements, complemented by X‐ray CT imaging, temperature monitoring, and tracing sensors, revealed coupled THM processes, such as hydration‐induced compression, swelling, and thermal gradients, leading to complex resistivity patterns. The results demonstrate the potential of ERT for capturing THM‐induced resistivity changes, though challenges remain in upscaling and quantitative analysis. This study evaluates laboratory test capabilities and proposes future improvements for understanding THM‐induced resistivity responses. A conceptual framework for ERT implementation in field‐scale monitoring is presented, synthesizing findings from both scales and exploring how ERT data can inform long‐term modeling and reduce prediction uncertainties. Overall, this ERT‐based framework offers a robust method for monitoring bentonite buffers, aiding in early issue detection and supporting the safe long‐term disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories, while highlighting the need for future development. Plain Language Summary Bentonite clay is crucial in engineered barrier systems (EBS) for containing high‐level radioactive waste due to its ability to absorb water, swell, seal and remain stable under high temperatures. When bentonite absorbs water and heats up from radioactive decay, it experiences complex changes in its physical and mechanical properties. Understanding these changes is important for ensuring the long‐term safety and effectiveness of EBS. This study used Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), a non‐invasive method that measures electrical conductivity to monitor these changes during laboratory experiments. The ERT data revealed significant variations in resistivity corresponding to changes in water content, temperature, and density, providing detailed spatial and temporal insights into the behavior of bentonite. These findings enhance our ability to predict the long‐term performance of bentonite barriers, ensuring the safe containment of radioactive waste. By improving our understanding of bentonite's behavior, this research supports the development of more reliable and effective barrier systems for radioactive waste disposal, protecting the environment and public health. Key Points ERT monitoring was employed to capture resistivity changes in bentonite during controlled heating and hydration experiments, providing insights into THM processes ERT data reveal significant resistivity changes correlated with water content, temperature, and mechanical effects, enhancing the understanding of THM dynamics in bentonite This study explores the potential of the framework for application in field‐scale EBS monitoring, emphasizing the need for integrating additional geophysical methods for comprehensive subsurface imaging

Chen, Hang↗

NASA NTRS1985

Preparation of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilazane precursors

The development of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers (SiC-Si3N4) by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilazane precursors is reviewed. Precursor resin, which was prepared by heating tris(N-methylamino)methylsilane or tris(N-methylamino)phenylsilane to about 520 C, was drawn into fibers from the melt and then made unmeltable by humidity conditioning at 100 C and 95 percent relative humidity. The humidity treated precursor fibers were pyrolyzed to ceramic fibers with good mechanical properties and electrical resistivity. For example, SiC-Si3N4 fibers derived from tris(N-methylamino)methylsilane had a tensile rupture modulus of 29 million psi and electrical resistivity of 6.9 x ten to the 8th power omega-cm, which is ten to the twelfth power times greater than that obtained for graphite fibers.

Penn, B. G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Preparation of silicon carbide-silicon nitride fibers by the pyrolysis of polycarbosilazane precursors - A review

Penn, B. G.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Electronic state and superconductivity of YBa2Cu3-xO7-y (M=Al,Zn and Sn) systems

A series of YBa2Cu(3-x)MxO(7-y) (M=Al,Zn and Sn) single phase samples were prepared, and the measurements of the crystal structure, oxygen content, electric resistivity, thermoelectric power, Mossbauer spectrum, XPS and superconductivity were performed. The experimental results of X ray powder diffraction, Mossbauer spectrum and oxygen content show that the Zn(2+) and the Al(3+) occupy the Cu(2) site in Cu-O planes and the Cu(1) site in Cu-O chains respectively, but the Sn(4+) occupies both the Cu(1) sites. As regards the properties in superconducting state, both the Zn(2+) and the Al(3+) depress T(sub c) strongly, but the Sn(4+) does not. As for the electronic transport properties in normal state, the system doped by Al(3+) displays a rapid increase of resistivity and some electron localization-like effects, and the thermoelectric power enhances obviously; the series contained Zn(2+) almost shows no changes of electric resistivity but the sign of the thermoelectric power is reversed. Other results are given and briefly discussed.

Zhao, Y.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and potential applications of graphite fluoride fibers

Graphite fluoride fibers can be produced by fluorinating pristine or intercalated graphite fibers. The higher the degree of graphitization of the fibers, the higher the temperature needed to reach the same degree of fluorination. Pitched based fibers were fluorinated to flourine-to-carbon atom rations between 0 and 1. The graphite fluoride fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ration near 1 have extensive visible structural damage. On the other hand, fluorination of fibers pretreated with bromine or fluorine and bromine result in fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ratio nearly equal to 0.5 with no visible structural damage. The electrical resistivity of the fibers is dependent upon the fluorine to carbon atom ratio and ranged from .01 to 10 to the 11th ohm/cm. The thermal conductivity of these fibers ranged from 5 to 73 W/m-k, which is much larger than the thermal conductivity of glass, which is the regular filler in epoxy composites. If graphite fluoride fibers are used as a filler in epoxy or PTFE, the resulting composite may be a high thermal conductivity material with an electrical resistivity in either the insulator or semiconductor range. The electrically insulating product may provide heat transfer with lower temperature gradients than many current electrical insulators. Potential applications are presented.

Hung, Ching-Cheh↗

NASA NTRS1993

Dynamic measurements of thermophysical properties of metals and alloys at high temperatures by subsecond pulse heating techniques

Rapid (subsecond) heating techniques developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the measurements of selected thermophysical and related properties of metals and alloys at high temperatures (above 1000 C) are described. The techniques are based on rapid resistive self-heating of the specimen from room temperature to the desired high temperature in short times and measuring the relevant experimental quantities, such as electrical current through the specimen, voltage across the specimen, specimen temperature, length, etc., with appropriate time resolution. The first technique, referred to as the millisecond-resolution technique, is for measurements on solid metals and alloys in the temperature range 1000 C to the melting temperature of the specimen. It utilizes a heavy battery bank for the energy source, and the total heating time of the specimen is typically in the range of 100-1000 ms. Data are recorded digitally every 0.5 ms with a full-scale resolution of about one part in 8000. The properties that can be measured with this system are as follows: specific heat, enthalpy, thermal expansion, electrical resistivity, normal spectral emissivity, hemispherical total emissivity, temperature and energy of solid-solid phase transformations, and melting temperature (solidus). The second technique, referred to as the microsecond-resolution technique, is for measurements on liquid metals and alloys in the temperature range 1200 to 6000 C. It utilizes a capacitor bank for the energy source, and the total heating time of the specimen is typically in the range 50-500 micro-s. Data are recorded digitally every 0.5 micro-s with a full-scale resolution of about one part in 4000. The properties that can be measured with this system are: melting temperature (solidus and liquidus), heat of fusion, specific heat, enthalpy, and electrical resistivity. The third technique is for measurements of the surface tension of liquid metals and alloys at their melting temperature. It utilizes a modified millisecond-resolution heating system designed for use in a microgravity environment.

Cezairliyan, Ared↗

DOE OSTI2020

Clathrate BaNi 2 P 4 : An Interplay of Heat and Charge Transport Due to Strong Host–Guest Interactions

Heat and charge transport properties of the metallic unconventional clathrate BaNi 2 P 4 , hosting Ba cations in oversized Ni 8 P 16 cages, are investigated. A novel method of single-crystal growth was developed, yielding 2–3 mm sized crystals of BaNi 2 P 4 . We also developed a setup to accurately measure thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity of the synthesized single crystals in a wide temperature range avoiding crystal remounting. BaNi 2 P 4 has a metallic temperature dependence of its electrical resistivity (decreasing with decreasing temperature) and manifests an unconventional T 2 power law for 50 K < T < 300 K; below 50 K, the power-law exponent increases gradually such that below 10 K the power law is T 5 , a predicted but extremely rarely experimentally observed dependence for peculiar electron–phonon interactions. Furthermore, electronic band structure calculations, consistent with measurements of de Haas–van Alphen oscillations, show large band dispersions with significant contributions of Ba orbitals to states near the Fermi level, which is atypical for clathrates. The thermal properties of BaNi 2 P 4 were probed using a combination of variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, heat capacity measurements, first-principles phonon dispersion calculations, and inelastic neutron scattering measurements. BaNi 2 P 4 exhibits significant hybridization of the Ba-guest and Ni–P-framework vibrational modes, which may be enhanced via the detected split of the Ba position, which results in strong Ba-framework interactions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Effect of substrate tilt on sputter-deposited AuTa films

Gold-tantalum alloy films are of interest for biomedical and magnetically-assisted inertial confinement fusion applications. However, growth mechanisms of such Au-Ta alloy films are not well understood. Here, we systematically study the effect of substrate tilt on properties of films deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering from a AuTa alloy target. Experimental data is correlated with distributions of landing energies and incident angles of sputtered and backscattered species calculated by Monte Carlo simulations of ballistic collisions and gas phase atomic transport. Results reveal that the deposition rate and film density monotonically decrease with increasing substrate tilt. Properties are similar for films with a tilt of 40° and below: films are amorphous, with an average compressive stress of 0.5 GPa, a density of 16 g/cm 3 , and electrical resistivity of 200 μΩ cm. The critical substrate tilt angle for the onset of porosity, a transition to a reduced stress state, and an increase in electrical resistivity lies between 40 and 60°. Based on Monte Carlo simulations, these changes in film properties are correlated with an increase in the average impact angle of the ballistic component of atomic flux. Implications of these results to deposition onto non-planar substrates are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2022

Novel Processing, Testing and Characterization of Copper/Carbon Nanotube (Cu/CNT) Yarn Composite Conductor

Sustainable electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) is likely to lead to an increase in the electrical wiring contained within a single aircraft. Since the electrical resistance and mass of copper (Cu) conductors are associated with power losses, it is desirable to design high-conductivity lightweight conductor materials, thus reducing the mass of components like motor windings, low-voltage signal cables, and transmission cables for data and power to improve the overall energy efficiency. This paper describes a unique framework for manufacturing metalized carbon nanotube (CNT) composite conductors, measuring their electrical conductivity and strength, and modeling the overall conductivity and current sharing within such composites. Tensile testing was conducted on the processed composite conductor cables with the use of acoustic emission and electrical resistivity to determine stress-dependent-failure mechanisms while monitoring the electrical conductivity. The average of measured electrical conductivities of annealed Cu/CNT samples from batch 5 was greater than theoretical predictions by 9.8 percent and was also greater than the conductivity of pure annealed Cu by 4.8 percent and had comparable ultimate tensile strengths. Additionally, those Cu/CNT samples provide a 13.5% weight saving over current state of the art copper wires. Theories explaining improved intrinsic conductivity are discussed.

Metalized CNT↗

NASA NTRS2000

Thin and Thick Films Materials Based Interconnection Technology for 500 C Operation

Precious metal based thick-film material was used for printed wires, wire bond pads, test lead-attach, and conductive die-attach for high temperature (up to 500 C and beyond) chip level packaging. A SiC Shottky diode with a thin-film coated backside was attached to a ceramic substrate using precious metal based thick-film material as the electrically conductive bonding layer. After a 500-hour soak test in atmospheric oxygen, these basic interconnection elements, including attached test diode survived both electrically and mechanically. The electrical resistance of these interconnections (including thick-film printed wire/pad, bonded wire, and test lead attach) were low and stable at both room and elevated temperatures. The electrical resistance of the die-attach interface estimated by I-V characterization of the attached diode, during and after high temperature heat treatment, remained desirably low over the course of a 500-hour anneal. Further durability testing of this high temperature interconnection technology is also discussed.

Chen, Liang-Yu↗

NASA NTRS1974

The effect of grain boundaries on the resistivity of polycrystalline silicon

The electrical resistivity of polycrystalline silicon films was investigated. The films were grown by the chemical vapor decomposition of silane on oxidized silicon wafers. The resistivity was found to be independent of dopant atom concentration in the lightly doped regions but was a strong function of dopant levels in the more heavily doped regions. A model, based on high dopant atom segregation in the grain boundaries, is proposed to explain the results.

Fripp, A. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Sensor Detects Semiconductor Escaping From Ampoule

Electrical resistance and temperature change upon exposure to semiconductors. Sensor detects breakage of ampoule containing molten semiconductor. Chemical reaction between hot semiconductor material and wire causes step increase in electrical resistance and temperature of wire. Step increase in temperature and resistance of sensor indicates presence of hot GaAs. Sensor used to shut down furnace automatically if ampoule breaks and prevents further release of molton semiconductor, which could quickly breach surrounding thin wall of cartridge, damage furnace, and/or release toxic vapors into surrounding area.

Watring, Dale A.↗