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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Electronic density of states as the descriptor of elastic bond strength, ductility, and local lattice distortion in BCC refractory alloys

Although electronic density of states (DOS) is fundamental to materials properties, its general relationship to mechanical properties of alloys is not well established. In this paper, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the electronic occupancy at the Fermi level, N(E f ), obtained from DOS is a key descriptor of alloy strength and ductility. Our comprehensive analysis of numerous body centered cubic (BCC) refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) shows an overwhelming correlation that low N(E f ) indicates strong bonds that have high stiffness resulting in high elastic constants. High bond stiffness indicates presence of covalent nature of bonds that are directional in nature resulting in resistance to deformation leading to high bulk (B) and shear (G) moduli. Consequently, N(E f ) provides a direct correlation to the tendency of alloy ductility evidenced in the Pugh ratio (G/B). As stiffer bonds result in lower local lattice distortion (LLD), N(E f ) are LLD are also found to be corelated which opens up a correlation to solid solution strengthening and yield strength. Thus, this work unveils fundamental correlations between N(E f ) and (1) elastic bond strength, (2) ductility, and (3) LLD. These correlations open opportunities for the design of high strength high ductile RHEAs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

High strain-rate strength response of single crystal tantalum through in-situ hole closure imaging experiments

The properties of crystalline materials often depend on directionality and operating conditions. Specifically, the strength of materials can depend anisotropically on crystal direction and the loading condition. To probe these effects, a preliminary series of high strain-rate (> 105/s) strength plate-impact hole closure experiments were performed on high purity single crystal Tantalum cubes. The orientation of the single crystals with respect to impact/loading were varied to provide data to inform crystal plasticity modeling efforts. The experiments consist of in-situ high-resolution X-ray radiographic imaging of the hole collapse under dynamic compression conditions to infer the material strength via its resistance to closure at increasing levels of plastic strain. The experiments are compared against hydrocode simulation predictions. Here, a comparison with simple elastic perfectly plastic strength model predictions is presented to elucidate the response of the different crystal orientations at high strain-rate and large plastic strains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Achieving high tensile strength and ductility in refractory alloys by tuning electronic structure

The energy efficiency of heat engines (gas and steam turbines) for electricity production and propulsion is determined by the Carnot cycle and scales with operating temperature. Commercial nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys melt near 1,500 °C and rapidly lose mechanical strength beyond 1,000 °C. Refractory metals melt well above 2,000 °C but have inherent manufacturability challenges that are barriers to adoption, such as high ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures. Using density functional theory-guided design, we demonstrate tailored local lattice distortions that promote phase-stable, non-equiatomic refractory concentrated solid solutions with both high ductility and strength. Here, we exemplify this for single-phase, body-centred cubic Nb 4 Ta 4 V 3 Ti that exhibits castability, excellent room-temperature tensile yield strength (∼1 GPa) and ductility (approaching 20% uniform strain), and exceptional high-temperature tensile strength (500 MPa at 1,000 °C). These findings illustrate a path for designing materials that hold great potential for advancing next-generation technologies such as Generation IV fission reactors, first-generation fusion-plasma reactors, and more efficient gas turbines for electricity generation and propulsion.

DFT↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluation of the interfacial bonding strength between hafnia and silica layers deposited by electron-beam evaporation

Factors contributing to the mechanical strength of multilayer optical coatings involving alternating layers of electron-beam evaporated hafnia and silica is investigated. It is observed that upon rupture resulting from nanosecond laser damage, fragments consisting of layer pairs are produced. These pairs are formed as a result of a strong asymmetry in adhesion strength between interfaces, leading to preferential delamination at interfaces where silica is deposited on hafnia, and not the reverse, despite the fact that both interface types consist of the same pair of materials. The observed disparity in adhesion strength was further studied using nanomechanical scratch tests, revealing loads at which fracture occurs, and fracture morphology, both of which are highly dependent on deposition order. Based on these measurements, along with the morphological analysis of the nanostructure of the coatings, we conclude that the surface microstructure in each coating layer affects its adhesion strength with the succeeding layer. The findings outlined here are particularly relevant to the production of large aperture, high-performance optics designed for use in next-generation lasers.

adhesion strength↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Strength Analysis for Integrating 30 GW of Offshore Wind Generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection

Offshore wind is a key player in the transition to a decarbonized electric gird, and the United States has set ambitious goals of integrating 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. To facilitate this integration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are conducting the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study to assess transmission solutions. To achieve the 110-GW target by 2050, meticulous planning for network expansion and resource allocation is essential; however, meeting the 2030 goals requires integrating offshore wind power with minimal system upgrades, thus necessitating a careful study of grid strength and stability. The study team developed the Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (ASSET) to assess system strength under various operating conditions and contingencies, focusing on the proposed integration of 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. In this paper, we provide a summary of key features of the ASSET software and results of the grid strength analysis for integrating 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection.

Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (AS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Strength of porous α-SiO 2 in a shock loaded environment: Calibration via Richtmyer–Meshkov instability and validation via Mach lens

The strength of brittle porous media is of concern in numerous applications, for example, earth penetration, crater formation, and blast loading. Thus, it is of importance to possess techniques that allow for constitutive model calibration within the laboratory setting. The goal of the current work is to demonstrate an experimental technique allowing for strength assessment of porous media subjected to shock loading, which can be implemented into pressure-dependent yield surfaces within numerical simulation schemes. As a case study, the deviatoric response of distended α-SiO 2 has been captured in a tamped Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) environment at a pressure regime of 4–10 GPa. Hydrocode simulations were used to interpret RMI experimental data, and a resulting pressure-dependent yield surface akin to the often employed modified Drucker–Prager model was calibrated. Simulations indicate that the resulting jet length generated by the RMI is sensitive to the porous media strength, thereby providing a feasible experimental platform capable of capturing the pressurized granular deviatoric response. Furthermore, in efforts to validate the RMI-calibrated strength model, a set of Mach-lens experiments was performed and simulated with the calibrated pressure-dependent yield surface. Excellent agreement between the resulting Mach-lens length in experiment and simulation provides additional confidence to the RMI yield-surface calibration scheme.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Computational prediction of dielectric breakdown strength of a transformer paper in oil with uncertainty quantification

The determination of the dielectric breakdown strengths of microstructurally heterogeneous materials has been a primarily experimental endeavor. We report the development of a microstructure-level model for computationally predicting the breakdown strength and analyzing the interactions between electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and the constituents in a composite of cellulose-based paper and mineral oil found in electrical transformers. The model allows explicit simulation of the material breakdown process by tracking the transition of dielectric constituents from non-conductive to conductive states. The focus is on the electric fields induced in the materials and the overall conditions for dielectric breakdown (defined as the onset of avalanche) caused by the electric field induced in the composite. Responses to three distinct pulse shapes, i.e., Steep Front (SF), Lightning (L), and AC with spectra spanning 60–9 × 105 Hz are considered. It is found that the breakdown strength of the material is significantly affected by microstructure heterogeneities, the spatial variations of the constituent properties, and the pulse shapes. A probabilistic characterization of the breakdown strength is computationally obtained and compared with experimental measurements. Although one particular material is analyzed, the model and approach are applicable to other heterogeneous materials as well.

breakdowns↗
DOE OSTI2022

Dynamic Strength of Iron at High Pressures and Strain Rates

Accurate modeling of meteorite impacts, and deformation of planetary cores require characterization of the flow strength and in-elasticity of iron in its different phases. In this letter, we investigate the flow strength of both the ambient α-phase and high-pressure ϵ-phase of iron at strain-rates of 1 × 10 5 s –1 and pressures up to 42 GPa using high pressure - pressure shear plate impact experiments. We report the strength of the ϵ-iron to be significantly higher than α-phase but consequently one order smaller than the previously reported dynamic strength at high pressures. As a result, the complete stress-strain response of the ϵ-phase is reported for the first time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Existing Methods for Grid Strength Assessment and Role of Hydropower in Future Grids

The power system is undergoing rapid evolution with increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs), large loads, microgrids, and power electronic devices. Ensuring reliable and stable operation of the modern power grid is a multi-faceted challenge that requires detailed understanding of this complex system. Dynamic stability is a major concern in maintaining the security of power grids as the generation mixes and large loads transitions to include high shares of power electronic devices. The operation of IBRs in regions with low system strength and higher grid impedances has been found to be the main reason behind many of the power system instabilities that manifest themselves in various types of oscillations and interactions that, if not properly addressed and damped, can jeopardize the reliable operation of the power system. Weak grid conditions compound such stability problems, particularly when many IBRs operate in proximity to and connect to weak power grids. Therefore, it is important to assess grid strength for planning, integration and operation of IBRs for a given power system. In this report, we aim to understand and classify existing methodologies for grid strength assessment, along with their limitations and future needs. Further, we aim to utilize the huge untapped potential in utilizing hydro energy resources in addressing some of the pertinent challenges of grid strength and reliable operation of modern power systems. Hydropower, historically valued for its flexibility and dispatchability, now faces new constraints due to reduced share of synchronous machines in the generation mix and seasonal variability of available water resources. Yet, these same plants present untapped potential beyond energy generation - notably, as providers of critical grid services. This report explores how hydropower plants, particularly through operation as synchronous condensers, can play a pivotal role in strengthening the grid amid evolving system dynamics.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of Grain Boundary Misorientation on Spall Strength in Ta via Shock-Free Simulations with Relatively Few Atoms

A suite of 37 molecular dynamics simulations is conducted at two system sizes to systematically characterize the role of grain boundary (GB) misorientation on spall strength in pure BCC tantalum (Ta). The systems studied consist of bicrystals with a single [110] symmetric tilt grain boundary. Two loading conditions are compared: (i) homogeneous extension under uniaxial strain simulated in this study and (ii) piston/flyer impact of sample, which induces heterogeneous deformation via shockwave propagation along the length of the sample. The piston/flyer impact is taken from the literature and run on the same set of GB misorientation angles using LAMMPS. The major finding here is that both methods result in similar spall strength predictions, but the homogeneous extension method generally requires two to three orders of magnitude fewer atoms and similar reductions in computational costs. Spall strength results systematically overpredict using this method, by about 10% for the dataset three orders of magnitude smaller than piston/flyer simulations, and 5% for the dataset two orders of magnitude smaller. Lastly, the effect of system size and pre-compression magnitude on spall strength is systematically characterized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1933

Comparison of Three Methods for Calculating the Compressive Strength of Flat and Slightly Curved Sheet and Stiffener Combinations

This report gives a comparison of the accuracy of the three methods for calculating the compressive strength of flat sheet and stiffener combinations such as occur in stressed-skin or monocoque structures for aircraft. Of the three methods based upon various assumptions with regard to the interaction of sheet and stiffener, the method based upon mutual action of the stiffener and an effective width as a column gave the best agreement with the results of the tests. An investigation of the effect of small curvature resulted in the conclusion that the compressive strength of the curved panels is, for all practical purposes, equal to the strength of flat panels except for thick sheet where non-uniform curvature throughout the length may cause the strength of the curved panel to be 10 to 15 percent less than that of a corresponding flat panel.

STRESSED SKIN↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Residual Strength of Hypervelocity Impacted Silica

Windows in the International Space Station are subjected to on-going micrometeoroid and orbital debris damage (MMOD). The reliability of the windows is being ensured by monitoring of damage, life prediction, and measurement of the residual strength of man-made and natural hypervelocity impact damage. The residual strength of man-made craters and MMOD craters harvested from space shuttle windows were used to estimate strength as a function of damage dimensions and thereby derive design allowables for U.S. and Russian fused silicas used in the ISS. US and Russian silica exhibit similar mechanical properties. An effect of impact angle is apparent, with 0o impacts exhibiting the lowest strength for Russian quartz-derived silica. The crater morphology for fused silica consists of a central pit, crush zone, shallow rings and radial cracks dividing petaloids. Morphology of alkaline glass is different from than that of fused silica, with a more distinct pit and pulverized region, and bell and tail-like features below the pit.

Silicia↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Measurement System Analysis of a Novel Phase-Based Ultrasonic NDE Technique for Bond Strength Measurement

Fiber reinforced polymer parts have shown tremendous benefits in aerospace structural applications, but their qualification and certification for use in safety critical areas are currently hindered by the lack of a capable non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method or technique for the inspection of these adhesively bonded parts. Conventional NDE methods and techniques typically detect gross bond defects in a qualitative (Pass/Fail) manner. These techniques struggle to detect weak or kissing bonds. Also, there are no widely adopted NDE methods or techniques for measuring interfacial bond strength or detecting kissing bonds. Bond strength is currently ensured by process control and semi-destructive testing. Results from recent research from other authors, including but not limited to mechanical testing, have shown an excellent correlation between interfacial stiffness of an adhesively bonded joint and the adhesive bond strength of that joint. In this paper, a measurement system analysis (MSA) of a novel phase-based ultrasonic NDE Technique, developed at NASA Langley Research Center, is presented for bond strength measurement to assess at an increased level the measurement process and identify components of variation in that measurement process.

Ultrasound↗
NASA NTRS2024

Residual Strength of Hypervelocity Impacted Silica

Windows in the International Space Station (ISS) are subject to ongoing micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) damage. The reliability of the windows is ensured by monitoring of damage, life prediction, and measurement of the residual strength of man-made and natural hypervelocity impacted window materials. Information on the residual strength of man-made craters and MMOD craters harvested from space shuttle windows was used to estimate strength as a function of damage dimensions and thereby derive design allowables for U.S. and Russian fused silicas used in the ISS. An effect of impact angle is apparent, with 0° impacts exhibiting the lowest strength for Russian quartz-derived silica. The crater morphology for fused silica consists of a central pit, crush zone, shallow rings, and radial cracks dividing shallow, petal-like lateral cracks (petaloids). The morphology of alkaline glass differs from that of fused silica, with a more distinct pit and pulverized region, and bell-shaped and tail-like features below the pit.

International space station,↗
DOE OSTI2023

Grid Strength Analysis for Integrating 30 GW of Offshore Wind Generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection: Preprint

Offshore wind is a key player in the transition to a decarbonized electric gird, and the United States has set ambitious goals of integrating 30 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. To facilitate this integration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are conducting the Atlantic Offshore Wind Transmission Study to assess transmission solutions. To achieve the 110-GW target by 2050, meticulous planning for network expansion and resource allocation is essential; however, meeting the 2030 goals requires integrating offshore wind power with minimal system upgrades, thus necessitating a careful study of grid strength and stability. The study team developed the Grid Strength Analysis Tool (GSAT) to assess system strength under various operating conditions and contingencies, focusing on the proposed integration of 30 GW of offshore wind power by 2030. In this paper, we provide a summary of key features of the GSAT software and results of the grid strength analysis for integrating 30 GW of offshore wind generation by 2030 in the U.S. Eastern Interconnection.

Automated System-wide Strength Evaluation Tool (AS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Lattice-Distortion-Enhanced Yield Strength in a Refractory High-Entropy Alloy

Severe distortion is one of the four core effects in single-phase high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and contributes significantly to the yield strength. However, the connection between the atomic-scale lattice distortion and macro-scale mechanical properties through experimental verification has yet to be fully achieved, owing to two critical challenges: 1) the difficulty in the development of homogeneous single-phase solid-solution HEAs and 2) the ambiguity in describing the lattice distortion and related measurements and calculations. Here, a single-phase body-centered-cubic (BCC) refractory HEA, NbTaTiVZr, using thermodynamic modeling coupled with experimental verifications, is developed. Compared to the previously developed single-phase NbTaTiV HEA, the NbTaTiVZr HEA shows a higher yield strength and comparable plasticity. The increase in yield strength is systematically and quantitatively studied in terms of lattice distortion using a theoretical model, first-principles calculations, synchrotron X-ray/neutron diffraction, atom-probe tomography, and scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques. These results demonstrate that severe lattice distortion is a core factor for developing high strengths in refractory HEAs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Supersoft Norbornene–Based Thermoplastic Elastomers with High Strength and Upper Service Temperature

With over 6 million tons produced annually, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have become ubiquitous in modern society, due to their unique combination of elasticity, toughness, and reprocessability. Nevertheless, industrial TPEs display a tradeoff between softness and strength, along with low upper service temperatures, typically ≤100 °C. This limits their utility, such as in bio-interfacial applications where supersoft deformation is required in tandem with strength, in addition to applications that require thermal stability (e.g., encapsulation of electronics, seals/joints for aeronautics, protective clothing for firefighting, and biomedical devices that can be subjected to steam sterilization). Thus, combining softness, strength, and high thermal resistance into a single versatile TPE has remained an unmet opportunity. Through de novo design and synthesis of novel norbornene-based ABA triblock copolymers, this gap is filled. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization is employed to prepare TPEs with an unprecedented combination of properties, including skin-like moduli (<100 kPa), strength competitive with commercial TPEs (>5 MPa), and upper service temperatures akin to high-performance plastics (≈260 °C). Here, the materials are elastic, tough, reprocessable, and shelf stable (≥2 months) without incorporation of plasticizer. Structure–property relationships identified herein inform development of next-generation TPEs that are both biologically soft yet thermomechanically durable.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Relaxation measurements of an MRI system phantom at low magnetic field strengths

Abstract Objective Temperature controlled T 1 and T 2 relaxation times are measured on NiCl 2 and MnCl 2 solutions from the ISMRM/NIST system phantom at low magnetic field strengths of 6.5 mT, 64 mT and 550 mT. Materials and methods The T 1 and T 2 were measured of five samples with increasing concentrations of NiCl 2 and five samples with increasing concentrations of MnCl 2 . All samples were scanned at 6.5 mT, 64 mT and 550 mT, at sample temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 37 °C. Results The NiCl 2 solutions showed little change in T 1 and T 2 with magnetic field strength, and both relaxation times decreased with increasing temperature. The MnCl 2 solutions showed an increase in T 1 and a decrease in T 2 with increasing magnetic field strength, and both T 1 and T 2 increased with increasing temperature. Discussion The low field relaxation rates of the NiCl 2 and MnCl 2 arrays in the ISMRM/NIST system phantom are investigated and compared to results from clinical field strengths of 1.5 T and 3.0 T. The measurements can be used as a benchmark for MRI system functionality and stability, especially when MRI systems are taken out of the radiology suite or laboratory and into less traditional environments.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗