Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “density modification”

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.

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

At least 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Model Predictive Control for Urban Traffic Signals with Stability Guarantees

Traditional traffic signal control focuses more on the optimization aspects whereas the stability and robustness of the closed-loop system are less studied. This paper aims to establish the stability properties of traffic signal control systems through the analysis of a practical model predictive control (MPC) scheme, which models the traffic network with the conservation of vehicles based on a store-and forward model and attempts to balance the traffic densities. More precisely, this scheme guarantees the exponential stability of the closed-loop system under state and input constraints when the inflow is feasible and traffic demand can be fully accessed. Practical exponential stability is achieved in case of small uncertain traffic demand by a modification of the previous scheme. Simulation results of a small-scale traffic network validate the theoretical analysis.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,MATHEMATICS AND COMPUT↗
DOE OSTI2020

Formation energy puzzle in intermetallic alloys: Random phase approximation fails to predict accurate formation energies

We performed density functional calculations to estimate the formation energies of intermetallic alloys. We used two semilocal approximations, the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) by Perdew-Burke- Ernzerhof (PBE) and the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) meta-GGA. In addition, we utilized two nonlocal DFT functionals, the hybrid HSE06, and the state-of-the-art random phase approximation (RPA). The nonlocal functionals such as HSE06 and RPA yield accurate formation energies of binary alloys with completely-filled d-band metals, where semilocal functionals underperform. The accuracy at the nonlocal functionals is greatly reduced when a partially-filled d-band metal is present in an alloy, while PBE-GGA outperforms in these cases. We show that the accurate prediction of formation energies by any DFT method depends on its ability to predict the accurate electronic properties, e.g., valence d-band contribution to the density of states (DOS). The SCAN meta-GGA often corrects the PBE-DOS, however, it does not provide accurate formation energies compared to PBE. This is assumed to be due to the lack of proper error cancellation that should be expected due to the similar bulk nature of both alloys and their constituents, which may improve with the modification of meta-GGA ingredients. RPA yields too negative formation energies of alloys with partially-filled d-band metals. RPA results can be corrected by restoring the exchange-correlation kernel, thereby improving the short-range electron-electron correlation in metallic densities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Following O and OH in He/O 2 and He/H 2 O gas mixtures—from the gas phase through the liquid phase to modifications on a biological sample

Abstract Applied cold atmospheric plasma allows for the controlled delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species tailored for specific applications. Through the manipulation of the plasma parameters, feed gases, and careful consideration of the environment surrounding the treatment target, selective chemistries that preferentially influence the target can be produced and delivered. To demonstrate this, the COST reference microscale atmospheric pressure plasma jet is used to study the generation and transport of O and ⋅ OH from the gas phase through the liquid to the biological model target cysteine. Relative and absolute species densities of ⋅ OH and O are measured in the gas phase through laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and two-photon absorption LIF respectively. The transport of these species is followed into the liquid phase by hydrogen peroxide quantification and visualized by a fluorescence assay. Modifications to the model biological sample cysteine exposed to ⋅ OH and H 2 O 2 dominated chemistry (He/H 2 O (0.25%)) and O dominated chemistry (He/O 2 (0.6%)) is measured by FTIR spectroscopy. The origin of these species that modify cysteine is considered through the use of heavy water (H 2 18 O) and mass spectrometry. It is found that the reaction pathways differ significantly for He/O 2 and He/H 2 O. Hydrogen peroxide is formed mainly in the liquid phase in the presence of a substrate for He/O 2 whereas for He/H 2 O it forms in the gas phase. The liquid chemistry resulting from the He/O 2 admixture mainly targets the sulfur moiety of cysteine for oxidation up to irreversible oxidation states, while He/H 2 O treatment leads preferentially to reversible oxidation products. The more O or OH/H 2 O 2 dominated chemistry produced by the two gas admixtures studied offers the possibility to select species for target modification.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Portable diagnostic package for Thomson scattering and optical emission spectroscopy on Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC 2)

An Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy funded diagnostic system has been deployed to the Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC-2) device, located at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The Portable Diagnostic Package (PDP), designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for the measurement of Thomson Scattering (TS) for electron density and temperature and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) for ion temperature, impurity density, and ion velocity. A tunable spectrometer on the PDP with three gratings provides the flexibility to measure low (1 eV) and high (1000 eV) electron temperature ranges from TS. Additionally, using a second spectrometer, the OES diagnostic can survey light emission from various ion excitation levels for wide wavelength ranges. The electron density (<2 × 10 19 m –3 ) of plasmas generated in PFRC-2 has been below the PDP TS discrimination threshold, which has made TS signal detection challenging against a high-background of laser stray light. The laser stray light was iteratively reduced by making modifications to the entrance and exit geometry on PFRC-2. Rayleigh scattering experiments on PFRC have yielded the TS discrimination sensitivity to be >1 × 10 20 m –3 for the PDP. A recently implemented narrow-band notch spectral filter that masks the second harmonic 532 nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength has increased the system’s TS light discrimination sensitivity 65 times compared to the instance when the notch filter was not implemented. The hardware implementation including design changes to the flight tubes and Brewster windows will be discussed, along with results from Rayleigh and rotational Raman scattering sensitivity analyses, which were used to establish a quantitative figure of merit on the system performance. Further, the Raman scattering calibration with the notch filter has improved the PDP electron density threshold to 1 ± 0.5 × 10 18 m –3 .

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chemistry and Interfacial Structure Promoting Quasi-van der Waals Epitaxial Growth of WS 2 Nanosheets on Sapphire for Prospective Application in Field-Effect Transistors

How do chemical and structural modifications to the supporting crystal surface affect the subsequent van der Waals (vdW) or quasi(Q)-vdW epitaxial growth of 2D nanocrystals? Developing an atomic-scale picture of such an interfacial system is crucial for understanding its impact on the physical and chemical properties of the supported 2D materials. The elucidation of the interfacial structure and chemistry needed to promote the Q-vdW epitaxial growth of 2D tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) nanocrystals contributes to the growth mechanism understanding, thus pushing forward the integration of such atomically thin semiconductors toward real field-effect transistor applications. In addition to an atomic-force microscopy top view, we showcase a combination of X-ray techniques for a top-to-bottom investigation of the complexities of the buried interface structures. Furthermore, this approach uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray standing wave excited X-ray fluorescence, and crystal truncation rod scattering to produce a highly resolved chemical-state-specific 3D atomic map for the extended interface structure of WS 2 /α-Al 2 O 3 (001). Employing these detailed analysis methods, along with density functional theory to further refine the picoscale structure, we demonstrate how two different types of interface engineering during the pregrowth stage lead to significant differences in the chemical and structural modifications to the terminal surface of c-face sapphire, which in turn leads to substantial differences in the submonolayer growth of supported WS 2 2D nanocrystals in terms of lateral domain sizes, epitaxial registry, vdW gaps, and stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solution-Deposited and Patternable Conductive Polymer Thin-Film Electrodes for Microbial Bioelectronics

Microbial bioelectronic devices integrate naturally occurring or synthetically engineered electroactive microbes with microelectronics. These devices have a broad range of potential applications, but engineering the biotic–abiotic interface for biocompatibility, adhesion, electron transfer, and maximum surface area remains a challenge. Prior approaches to interface modification lack simple processability, the ability to pattern the materials, and/or a significant enhancement in currents. We report a novel conductive polymer coating that significantly enhances current densities relative to unmodified electrodes in microbial bioelectronics is reported. The coating is based on a blend of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) crosslinked with poly(2-hydroxyethylacrylate) (PHEA) along with a thin polydopamine (PDA) layer for adhesion to an underlying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. When used as an interface layer with the current-producing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, this material produces a 178-fold increase in the current density compared to unmodified electrodes, a current gain that is higher than previously reported thin-film 2D coatings and 3D conductive polymer coatings. The chemistry, morphology, and electronic properties of the coatings are characterized and the implementation of these coated electrodes for use in microbial fuel cells, multiplexed bioelectronic devices, and organic electrochemical transistor based microbial sensors are demonstrated. It is envisioned that this simple coating will advance the development of microbial bioelectronic devices.

patterned bioelectronics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Acid Etching‐Driven Self‐Assembly of Mn‐Shell Inducing Rock‐Salt Phase for Enhanced Single‐Crystal Ni‐Rich Cathodes

With the wide adoption of Li‐ion batteries, Ni‐rich cathode is considered as one of the most promising candidates of cathodes due to its high energy density and low cost. However, stability decreased with increasing Ni content in the Ni‐rich cathode. To solve this bottleneck, many strategies, such as coating, doping, surface modification, and special morphologies, have been developed. Herein, we introduce a groundbreaking approach for enhancing Ni‐rich cathode through an innovative acid etching process that promotes Mn shell self‐assembly, inducing a rock‐salt phase on the surface. This method not only simplifies the Ni‐rich cathode modification process, but also significantly improves the structural stability and electrochemical performance of Ni‐rich cathode. Our findings demonstrate that developed single‐crystal Ni‐rich cathode shows 3–34 % better stability compared to both commercial modified Ni‐rich cathode and unmodified counterparts. The unique Mn shell effectively mitigates reversible phase shifts during cycling, contributing to a remarkable enhancement in cycling stability. Additionally, this novel fabrication technique paves the way for cost‐effective production of high‐performance cathode materials, offering substantial benefits for lithium‐ion battery technology. And this study proves the potential of this method in advancing the design and development of durable, high‐capacity cathode materials for next‐generation batteries.

Ni-rich cathode↗
DOE OSTI2023

Evidence of plasma‐driven decomposition of common plastics exposed to an atmospheric nonthermal discharge

Abstract A nonthermal, pulsed spark discharge is applied to three polymer powders in Ar and Ar– gas mixtures. Hydrogen is introduced to assess plasma‐driven decomposition. Gaseous decomposition products, including methane, acetylene, and ethylene, are observed with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Surface modifications are observed on the residual polymer via attenuated total internal reflection‐FTIR. Time‐averaged rotational, vibrational, and excitation temperatures are characterized in the discharge. The plasma density is found to be around , with rotational and vibrational temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2200 K and an excitation temperature of 1–2 eV. While spark properties did not change with either gas composition or polymer composition, it was determined that the addition of hydrogen promoted higher concentrations of gaseous phase products (promoting hydrogenolysis).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Rechargeable Alkaline Zinc/Copper Oxide Batteries

Resurrecting a battery chemistry thought to be only primary, we demonstrate the first example of a rechargeable alkaline zinc/copper oxide battery. With the incorporation of a Bi 2 O 3 additive to stabilize the copper oxide-based conversion cathode, Zn/(CuO–Bi 2 O 3 ) cells are capable of cycling over 100 times at >124 W h/L, with capacities from 674 mA h/g (cycle 1) to 362 mA h/g (cycle 150). The crucial role of Bi 2 O 3 in facilitating the electrochemical reversibility of Cu 2 O, Cu(OH) 2 , and Cu o was supported by scanning and transmission electrochemical microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and rotating ring-disc electrode voltammetry and monitored via operando energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction measurements. Bismuth was identified as serving two roles, decreasing the cell resistance and promoting Cu(I) and Cu(II) reduction. Additionally, to mitigate the capacity losses of long-term cycling CuO cells, we demonstrate two limited depth of discharge (DOD) strategies. First, a 30% DOD (202 mA h/g) retains 99.9% capacity over 250 cycles. Second, the modification of the CuO cathode by the inclusion of additional Cu metal enables performance at very high areal capacities of ~40 mA h/cm 2 and unprecedented energy densities of ~260 W h/L, with near 100% Coulombic efficiency. This work revitalizes a historically primary battery chemistry and opens opportunity to future works in developing copper-based conversion cathode chemistries for the realization of low-cost, safe, and energy-dense secondary batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fluorine-Tuned Carbon-Based Nickel Single-Atom Catalysts for Scalable and Highly Efficient CO 2 Electrocatalytic Reduction

Electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction is garnering significant interest due to its potential applications in mitigating CO 2 and producing fuel. However, the scaling up of related catalysis is still hindered by several challenges, including the cost of the catalytic materials, low selectivity, small current densities to maintain desirable selectivity. In this study, Fluorine (F) atoms were introduced into an N-doped carbon-supported single nickel (Ni) atom catalyst via facile polymer-assisted pyrolysis. This method not only maintains the high atom utilization efficiency of Ni in a cost-effective and sustainable manner but also effectively manipulates the electronic structure of the active Ni-N 4 site through F doping. The catalyst has also been further optimized by controlling the F states, including convalent and semi-ionic states, by adjusting the fluorine sources involved. Consequently, this catalyst with unique structure exhibited comparable electrocatalytic performance for CO 2 -to-CO conversion, achieving a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of over 99% across a wide potential range and an exceptional CO evolution rate of 9.5 x 10 4 h -1 at -1.16 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). It also delivered a practical current of 400 mA cm -2 while maintaining more than 95% CO FE. Experimental analysis combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations have also shown that F-doping modifies the electron configuration at the central Ni-N 4 sites. In conclusion, this modification lowers the energy barrier for CO 2 activation, thereby facilitating the production of the crucial *COOH intermediate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Converting dark matter to dark radiation does not solve cosmological tensions

Tensions between cosmological parameters (in particular the local expansion rate H 0 and the amplitude of matter clustering S8) inferred from low-redshift data and data from the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and large-scale structure (LSS) experiments have inspired many extensions to the standard cosmological model, LCDM. Models which simultaneously lessen both tensions are of particular interest. We consider one scenario with the potential for such a resolution, in which some fraction of the dark matter has converted into dark radiation since the release of the CMB. Such a scenario encompasses and generalizes the more standard "decaying dark matter" model, allowing additional flexibility in the rate and time at which the dark matter converts into dark radiation. In this paper, we constrain this scenario with a focus on exploring whether it can solve (or reduce) these tensions. We find that such a model is effectively ruled out by CMB data, in particular by the reduced peak-smearing due to CMB lensing on the power spectrum and the excess integrated Sachs--Wolfe (ISW) signal caused by the additional dark energy density required to preserve flatness after dark matter conversion into dark radiation. Thus, such a model does not have the power to reduce these tensions without further modifications. This conclusion extends and generalizes related conclusions derived for the standard decaying dark matter model.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1975

Thermal/acoustical aircraft insulation material

Attempts made to improve the acoustical properties of low density Fiberfrax foam, an aircraft insulation material, are reported. Characterizations were also made of the physical and thermal properties. Two methods, optimization of fiber blend composition and modification of the foam fabrication process, were examined as possible means of improving foam acoustics. Flame impingement tests were also made; results show performance was satisfactory.

Struzik, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Io - A surface evaporite deposit

A model is suggested for Io's surface composition involving evaporite salt deposits, rich in sodium and sulfur. According to this model, these deposits were produced as a result of the migration of salt-saturated aqueous solutions to Io's surface from a warm or hot interior followed by loss of the water to space. This model satisfies cosmochemical constraints based on Io's initial composition, current density, and thermal history. Salt-rich assemblages are easily derivable from the leaching of carbonaceous chondritic material. The chemical and optical properties of such deposits, after modification by irradiation, can be used to explain Io's overall albedo and spectral reflectance, its dark reddish poles, and the observed sodium emission as well as or better than other currently suggested materials.

Fanale, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Density models for the upper atmosphere

Consideration is given to three contemporary atmospheric density models which have been selected as the best candidates to meet the requirements of satellite missions. The models considered are the Analytic Jacchia-Roberts Model, the Modified Harris-Priester Model, and the U.S.S.R. Cosmos Satellite Derived Density Model. Each of the models and their respective variations is discussed separately, and a comparison of the computational characteristics of the models is presented. Finally, recommended modifications for improving both the computation speed and accuracy are presented.

Dowd, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A test of ecological optimality for semiarid vegetation

Three ecological optimality hypotheses which have utility in parameter reduction and estimation in a climate-soil-vegetation water balance model are reviewed and tested. The first hypothesis involves short term optimization of vegetative canopy density through equilibrium soil moisture maximization. The second hypothesis involves vegetation type selection again through soil moisture maximization, and the third involves soil genesis through plant induced modification of soil hydraulic properties to values which result in a maximum rate of biomass productivity.

Salvucci, Guido D.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Improved Anode for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell

A modified chemical composition has been devised to improve the performance of the anode of a direct methanol fuel cell. The main feature of the modified composition is the incorporation of hydrous ruthenium oxide into the anode structure. This modification can reduce the internal electrical resistance of the cell and increase the degree of utilization of the anode catalyst. As a result, a higher anode current density can be sustained with a smaller amount of anode catalyst. These improvements can translate into a smaller fuel-cell system and higher efficiency of conversion. Some background information is helpful for understanding the benefit afforded by the addition of hydrous ruthenium oxide. The anode of a direct methanol fuel cell sustains the electro-oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide in the reaction CH3OH + H2O--->CO2 + 6H(+) + 6e(-). An electrocatalyst is needed to enable this reaction to occur. The catalyst that offers the highest activity is an alloy of approximately equal numbers of atoms of the noble metals platinum and ruthenium. The anode is made of a composite material that includes high-surface-area Pt/Ru alloy particles and a proton-conducting ionomeric material. This composite is usually deposited onto a polymer-electrolyte (proton-conducting) membrane and onto an anode gas-diffusion/current-collector sheet that is subsequently bonded to the proton-conducting membrane by hot pressing. Heretofore, the areal density of noble-metal catalyst typically needed for high performance has been about 8 mg/cm2. However, not all of the catalyst has been utilized in the catalyzed electro-oxidation reaction. Increasing the degree of utilization of the catalyst would make it possible to improve the performance of the cell for a given catalyst loading and/or reduce the catalyst loading (thereby reducing the cost of the cell). The use of carbon and possibly other electronic conductors in the catalyst layer has been proposed for increasing the utilization of the catalyst by increasing electrical connectivity between catalyst particles. However, the relatively low density of carbon results in thick catalyst layers that impede the mass transport of methanol to the catalytic sites. Also, the electrical conductivity of carbon is less than 1/300th of typical metals. Furthermore, the polymer-electrolyte membrane material is acidic and most metals are not chemically stable in contact with it. Finally, a material that conducts electrons (but not protons) does not contribute to the needed transport of protons produced in the electro-oxidation reaction.

Valdez, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS2019

Structural and Functional Adaptation of the Vestibular Otolith to Altered Gravity from Microgravity to Hypergravity

Inertial acceleration and a change in head orientation with respect to gravity are sensed by mechanosensitive receptors in the inner ear otolith organs. These structures consist of calcium carbonate grains called otoconia that mechanically load the hair cell bundles and distribute the tangential shear force during movement, and changes in their density can alter hair cell sensitivity. A possible adaptive response to a chronic gravity change is a change in weight-lending otoconia. Another mechanism is a modification of the strength and number of synapses coupling the hair cells to nerve afferents that convey the signals into the brain. Here, we present the results obtained in 2 species exposed both to µG (microgravity) and hyper-gravity (HG). Adult toadfish, Opsanus tau, were exposed to µG (microgravity) in 2 shuttle missions and to 1.12-2.24G (force of gravity) [resultant] centrifugation for 1-32 days; readaptation was studied following 1-8 days after return to 1G. Results show a biphasic pattern in response to 2.24G: initial hypersensitivity, similar to that observed after µG (microgravity) exposure, followed by transition to a significant decrease at 16-32 days. Recovery from HG exposure is approximately 4-8 days. Two major pieces of information are still needed: vertebrate hair cell response to altered gravity and impact of longer duration exposures on sensory plasticity. To address the latter we applied electron microscopic techniques to image otoconia mass obtained from 1) mice subjected to 91-days of µG (microgravity) in the Mouse Drawer System (MDS) flown on International Space Station, 2) mice subjected to 91-days of 1.24G centrifugation on ground, and 3) mice flown on 2 shuttle missions. Images from MDS mice indicate a clear restructuring of individual otoconia, suggesting deposition to the outer shell. Images from their HG ground counterparts indicate the converse - an ablation of the otoconia mass. For 13-day exposures to µG (microgravity) mice otoconia appear normal. Despite the permanence of gravity in evolution the animal senses exposure to a novel, non-1G, environment and adaptive mechanisms are initiated - in the short term compensation is likely confined to the peripheral sensory receptors, the brain or both. For longer exposures structural modifications of the otolith mass may also result.

Otoconia↗
NASA NTRS1995

Pressure updating methods for the steady-state fluid equations

We consider the steady state equations for a compressible fluid. Since we wish to solve for a range of speeds we must consider the equations in conservation form. For transonic speeds these equations are of mixed type. Hence, the usual approach is to add time derivatives to the steady state equations and then march these equations in time. One then adds a time derivative of the density to the continuity equation, a derivative of the momentum to the momentum equation and a derivative of the total energy to the energy equation. This choice is dictated by the time consistent equations. However, since we are only interested in the steady state this is not necessary. Thus we shall consider the possibility of adding a time derivative of the pressure to the continuity equation and similar modifications for the energy equation. This can then be generalized to adding combinations of time derivatives to each equation since these vanish in the steady state. When using acceleration techniques such as residual smoothing, multigrid, etc. these are applied to the pressure rather than the density. Hence, the code duplicates the behavior of the incompressible equations for low speeds.

Fiterman, A.↗