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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 37 records · Page 2

In situ Raman spectroscopy of pressure-induced phase transformations in polycrystalline TbPO 4 , DyPO 4 , and Gd x Dy (1– x ) PO 4 [ In situ Raman spectroscopy of pressure-induced phase transformations in DyPO 4 and Gd x Dy (1– x ) PO 4 ]

Xenotime DyPO 4 and Gd x Dy (1–x) PO 4 (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6) (tetragonal I41amd zircon structure) have been studied at ambient temperature under high pressures inside a diamond anvil cell with in situ Raman spectroscopy. The typical Raman–active modes of the xenotime structure were observed at low pressures and the appearance of new Raman peaks at higher pressures indicated a phase transformation to a lower symmetry structure—likely monoclinic. Raman mode softening was observed, resulting in a line crossing at approximately 7–8 GPa for each material and preceding the phase transformation. The onset of phase transformation for DyPO 4 occurred at a pressure of 15.3 GPa. DyPO 4 underwent a reversible phase transformation and returned to the xenotime phase after decompression. The transformation pressures of the solid solutions (Gd x Dy (1–x) PO 4 ) were in the range 10–12 GPa. The GdxDy(1–x)PO 4 solid solutions yielded partially reversible phase transformations, retaining some of the high–pressure phase spectrum while reforming xenotime peaks during decompression. The substitution of Gd into DyPO 4 decreased the transformation pressure relative to pure DyPO 4 . In conclusion, the ability to modify the phase transformation pressures of xenotime rare–earth orthophosphates by chemical variations of solid solutions may provide additional methods to improve the performance of ceramic matrix composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Transition from the twinning induced plasticity to the γ-ε transformation induced plasticity in a high manganese steel

Neutron-diffraction investigation on the deformation of a Fe-18Mn-3Si-0.6C-0.4Al steel reveals that the twinning is mainly dominant at a stress below 900 MPa, above which the twinning behavior is largely outweighed by phase transformation from the face-centered-cubic (FCC) γ-austenite to the hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) ε-martensite. In the deformed grains, the distribution of ε-martensite is parallel with the twin boundary. Both the well-known {111} γ //{0001} ε relationship and an additional {111} γ //{11–21} ε orientation relation were identified. After the phase transformation, both phases deformed further with the lattice rotating around an axis perpendicular to the tensile direction. Transition from the twinning dominant behavior to the phase transformation induced plasticity effect is explained by the grain orientation dependence of the effective stacking fault energy (ESFE). An asymmetric and inverse relationship between the width of stacking faults (SF) and the ESFE is obtained from the density functional theory (DFT). The tensile stress always increases proportionally with the SF width in the twinning favorable grains and thus a decreasing ESFE. The replacement of twinning activities by phase transformation could be due to both the nucleation site of ε-martensite at the SF of the twin boundary and the decrease of the ESFE in grains which originally favors the twinning.

Materials Science↗

Shape-preserving amorphous-to-crystalline transformation of CaCO3 revealed by in situ TEM

Organisms use inorganic ions and macromolecules to regulate crystallization from amorphous- precursors, endowing natural biominerals with complex morphologies and enhanced properties. The mechanisms by which modifiers enable these shape preserving transformations are poorly understood. We used in situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to follow the evolution from amorphous calcium carbonate to calcite in the presence of additives. A combination of contrast analysis and infrared spectroscopy shows that Mg ions, which are widely present in seawater and biological fluids, alter the transformation pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. The ions bring excess (structural) water into the amorphous bulk so that a direct transformation is triggered by dehydration in the absence of morphological changes. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest Mg-incorporated water induces structural fluctuations, allowing transformation without the need to nucleate a separate crystal. Thus, the obtained calcite retains the original morphology of the amorphous state, biomimetically achieving the morphological control of crystals seen in biominerals

crystallization, biomineralization, calcium carbon↗

The Karhunen-Loeve, discrete cosine, and related transforms obtained via the Hadamard transform

A general class of even/odd transforms is presented that includes the Karhunen-Loeve transform, the discrete cosine transform, the Walsh-Hadamard transform, and other familiar transforms. The more complex even/odd transforms can be computed by combining a simpler even/odd transform with a sparse matrix multiplication. A theoretical performance measure is computed for some even/odd transforms, and two image compression experiments are reported.

Jones, H. W.↗

Laplace Transform–Based Quantum Eigenvalue Transformation via Linear Combination of Hamiltonian Simulation

Eigenvalue transformations, which include solving time-dependent differential equations as a special case, have a wide range of applications in scientific and engineering computation. While quantum algorithms for singular value transformations are well studied, eigenvalue transformations are distinct, especially for nonnormal matrices. Here, we propose an efficient quantum algorithm for performing a class of eigenvalue transformations that can be expressed as a certain type of matrix Laplace transformation. This allows us to significantly extend the recently developed linear combination of Hamiltonian simulation method [D. An, J.-P. Liu, and L. Lin, Phys. Rev. Lett., 131 (2023), 150603; D. An, A. M. Childs, and L. Lin, Commun. Math. Phys. 407, 19 (2026)] to represent a wider class of eigenvalue transformations, such as powers of the matrix inverse, 𝐴 −𝑘 , and the exponential of the matrix inverse, 𝑒 −𝐴 −1 . The latter can be interpreted as the solution of a mass-matrix differential equation of the form form 𝐴⁢𝑢′⁡⁡(𝑡) =−𝑢⁡(𝑡). We demonstrate that our eigenvalue transformation approach can solve this problem without explicitly inverting 𝐴, thereby reducing the computational complexity.

Laplace transform↗

Coupled Kinetics of Ferrihydrite Transformation and As(V) Sequestration under the Effect of Humic Acids: A Mechanistic and Quantitative Study

In natural environments, kinetics of As(V) sequestration/release is usually coupled with the dynamic iron mineral transformation, which is further influenced by the presence of the natural organic matter (NOM). However, both quantitative and mechanistic understanding of this process is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the effect of humic acids (HA), a major component of NOM, on the coupled kinetics of ferrihydrite transformation into hematite/goethite and sequestration of As(V) in iron minerals. Time-resolved As(V) and HA interactions with iron minerals were studied in stirred-flow kinetic experiments, using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and X-ray adsorption spectroscopy. Based on the experimental results, we developed a mechanistic kinetics model for As(V) reactions with iron minerals with varying iron mineral compositions and solution chemistry. Our results showed that HA slowed ferrihydrite transformation and the rates of As(V) speciation changes within iron minerals, while HA did not incorporate into iron minerals. Our kinetics model is able to account for the variations of iron mineral compositions, solution chemistry, and As(V) speciation, which has significant environmental implications on predicting the As(V) behavior in the environment.

ferrihydrite, humic acid↗

Shock-induced transformation of nitinol shape memory alloy: Effect of stress state on transformation

Due to its numerous practical applications and intriguing phase transformation behavior, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have garnered significant research and development interests. In the past, most studies on the mechanical behavior of SMAs have been conducted under uniaxial stress loadings. Limited research on SMAs under shock loading has not provided conclusive results regarding their transformation behavior and transformation stress under such loading. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the effects of different stress states on transformation behavior. The main objectives of this study are to address these issues. To achieve these objectives, a series of shock wave experiments were designed and conducted. Additionally, quasi-static and dynamic uniaxial stress experiments were carried out to establish a baseline for comparison. The results revealed that the transformation stress under dynamic uniaxial strain shock loading was approximately 1.92 GPa in contrast to 0.5 GPa (quasi-static) to 0.8 GPa (dynamic) observed in uniaxial stress loading. The transformation behavior exhibited noticeable rate sensitivity for both types of loading. There appeared to be a critical strain rate above which the austenite phase was driven to a metastable state. This estimated critical axial strain rate along the loading direction was approximately 2 × 10 3 /s–4 × 10 3 /s for uniaxial stress loading and approximately 2 × 10 6 /s for uniaxial strain loading. The apparent high transformation stress for uniaxial strain loading can likely be attributed to a combination of high-pressure confinement and high strain rate. Furthermore, determining their relative contributions remains an open issue.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

New Hybrid Model for Evaluating the Frequency-Dependent Leakage Inductance of a Variable Inductance Transformer (VIT)

Skin and proximity effects can cause a significant drop in the effective leakage inductance of a transformer when the operating frequency is increased. Although the magnetic image method-based double-2-D model can calculate the lowfrequency leakage inductance with sufficient accuracy, it is inherently a frequency-independent model. While Dowell’s 1-D model uses frequency-dependent relations to account for both skin and proximity effects, its accuracy is severely affected by the assumed winding geometry. In this paper, a hybrid model is proposed that uses superposition to combine a modified Dowell’s model with the double-2-D model. The proposed model is investigated on a variable inductance transformer (VIT)—a partially-filled transformer whose leakage inductance can be varied by moving one of the windings mechanically. The frequency-dependent leakage inductances of the VIT evaluated using the hybrid model are in excellent agreement with the corresponding finite element method (FEM) simulated and experimentally measured values, thereby validating the proposed hybrid model.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Operation and Control of Soft Switching Solid State Transformer as a Virtual Synchronous Machine for Photovoltaic Application

Possibility for control and operation of a three-phase solid state soft switching transformer based as a virtual synchronous machine or synchronverter has been investigated in this paper. The soft switching solid state transformer is used as an interface between the ac grid and a photovoltaic power generation unit supported by a battery bank. The control architecture investigated in this paper is that of a synchronverter to achieve inertial support to the grid and local loads. The operation of the soft switching solid state transformer has also been investigated as a V S M during unbalanced/distorted grid voltage condition. Control objective to achieve oscillation free power transfer between the ports (photovoltaic, battery and grid) has been achieved. The presented architecture has been verified for several important case studies via numerical simulations based on MATLAB/Simulink domain.

grid current controller↗

Understanding Line Losses and Transformer Losses in Rural Isolated Distribution Systems

Rural, isolated power systems in the mainland U.S. and in states like Alaska and Hawaii are powered by assets like diesel generators. These rural, isolated power systems also cannot operate at the higher band of medium voltage (like 69kV). They are primarily in the 12 to 14 kV range to keep the cost of the distribution investments lower. Because of this mid-band medium voltage range, the line losses and distribution transformers losses consume significant diesel consumption (almost 10 percent of the peak load). This work considers one such power system powering an isolated system and presents key findings online losses, and transformer losses. Understanding and documenting the impacts is critical for these communities operating their power systems and take actions to reduce expensive diesel consumption. In this paper, we will present one such typical grid and model it in electromagnetic transients (EMT) domain. We used the tower structure, under ground cabling installation to develop high fidelity models of lines. We also used high fidelity models of distribution transformers to present the no-load losses and full load loses. We will also present technical solutions available commercially off-the-shelf to reduce these losses and reduce diesel consumption. This work will be a primer for communities to understand the technical challenges and to understand the possible solution available to solve such challenges for rural, isolated power system operators.

blackstart↗

New Modulation and Impact of Transformer Leakage Inductance on Current-Source Solid-State Transformer

This article presents a novel modulation scheme for device voltage stress mitigation and comprehensive analysis of the impact of transformer leakage inductance in a current-source solid-state transformer (SST). Different from dual active bridge (DAB) SST, the operation of the current-source SST is similar to that of a flyback converter. The device bridge on only one side of the transformer is active to store energy into or release energy from the magnetizing inductance which acts as a current-source dc link. Such flyback operation with reverse-blocking switches can lead to additional device voltage stress and incomplete zero-voltage switching (ZVS) on the current-source soft-switching solid-state transformer (S4T) under conventional modulation. A new modulation scheme is proposed to address this issue. Moreover, different from the DAB, the leakage inductance of the medium-frequency transformer (MFT) in the S4T is a parasitic element similar to that in a matrix SST and can cause additional device voltage stress. Though the resonant capacitors, originally added to achieve ZVS, can absorb and recycle the leakage energy in the S4T, these capacitors need to be increased with larger leakage inductances to limit the voltage stress. However, large resonant capacitors can result in more lost duty cycles and reduced efficiency. The impact of such leakage inductance on device voltage stress is analyzed comprehensively, which is critical to guide future research and design of the S4T. Experimental results from S4T prototypes for DC-DC, multiport AC-DC, and AC-AC conversion with 1:1 and 4:1 MFT comprehensively verify the proposed concepts. Lastly, a case study of a three-phase AC-AC S4T over a power range from 1 kVA to 100 kVA each module reveals that the MFT leakage inductance should be less than 1% of the magnetizing inductance for safe operation.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Quantification of High-Temperature Transition Al2O3 and Their Phase Transformations

High temperature exposure of ?-Al2O3 can lead to a series of polymorphic transformations, including the formation of ?-Al2O3 and ?-Al2O3. Quantification of the microstructure in the ?/?-Al2O3 formation range represents a formidable challenge as both phases accommodate a high degree of structural disorder. In this work, we explore the use of XRD recursive stacking formalism for quantification of high temperature transition aluminas. We formulate the recursive stacking methodology for modelling of disorder in ?-Al2O3 and twinning in ?-Al2O3 and show that explicitly accounting for the disorder is necessary to reliably model the XRD patterns of high temperature transition alumina. In the second part, we use the recursive stacking approach to study phase transformation during high temperature (1050 ºC) treatment. We show that the two different intergrowth modes of ?-Al2O3 have different transformation characteristics, and that a significant portion of ?-Al2O3 is stabilized with ?-Al2O3 even after prolonged high-temperature exposures. In discussions, we outline the limitation of the current XRD approach and discuss a possible multimodal XRD and NMR approach which can improve analysis of complex transition aluminas. This work was performed in the Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a national scientific user facility sponsored by DOEs Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at PNNL. The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences.

Kovarik, Libor↗

Topotactic Phase Transformation of Lithiated Spinel to Layered LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2: The Interaction of 3-D and 2-D Li-ion Diffusion

This study investigates the structural evolution of LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries as a function of synthesis temperature and its effect on electrochemical performance. It is demonstrated that, as the synthesis temperature increases from 400 to 900 ?C, a gradual topotactic transformation occurs between a lithiated spinel structure, denoted herein as “lithium-excess spinel” LxS-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 (or LxS-LMNO), and the well-known layered LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 structure prepared at high temperature, HT-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 (HT-LMNO). The electrochemical capacity of the LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 electrodes follows a parabolic trend with increasing synthesis temperature, which is attributed primarily to the gradual transformation of 3-dimensional (3-D) to 2-dimensional (2-D) diffusion pathways for the Li ions. When synthesized at 400 °C, LxS-LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 electrodes perform well, benefitting from the 3-D network of channels within the LxS structure. By contrast, when prepared at 500-700 °C, LiMn0.5Ni0.5O2 electrodes operate poorly, which is attributed to the formation of locally disordered structural arrangements that impede Li-ion diffusion. Such an increase in local disorder in the mid-temperature synthesis range is attributed to the structural frustration between the lithium-excess spinal and layered end-members. The transformation from the locally disordered to more ordered layered components between 700 °C and 900 °C enhances electrochemical performance. The study opens new avenues for designing next-generation Mn-rich cathode materials by fine-tuning the synthesis conditions as well as the composition and structure of LxS-LMNO electrodes.

energy storage↗

Martensitic transformation in superlattices of two non-transforming metals

A number of studies have shown that the coherent integration of a second non-transforming phase in martensitic materials results in unprecedented thermo-mechanical properties. We demonstrate the possibility of martensitic transformation by epitaxially combining two non-transforming materials, Mg (hexagonal closed packed) and MgLi (body centered cubic). Density functional theory calculations predict that MgLi/Mg superlattices undergo a transformation crystallographically equivalent to MgSc alloys and can be expected to result in finite temperature shape memory behavior. We predict the zero-temperature energy of the martensite phase to be 9.3 meV/atom lower than austenite for a 50–50 at. % MgLi/Mg nanolaminate, which is expected to result in a martensitic transformation temperature of approximately 150 K. This energy difference can be tuned between 4.9 and 18.1 meV/atom by varying the fraction of the pure Mg phase in the superlattice, potentially enabling the transformation from cryogenic to room and higher temperatures. While Li diffusion might limit the applications of the systems proposed, this work opens the door to a new approach to create martensitic materials.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗