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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 415 records · Page 23

Advanced Wear-resistant Nanocomposites for Increased Energy Efficiency (Final Technical Report)

This report summarizes the work performed by an Ames-led project team under a 4-year DOE-ITP sponsored project titled, "Advanced Wear-resistant Nanocomposites for Increased Energy Efficiency." The Report serves as the project deliverable for the CPS agreement number 15015. The purpose of this project was to develop and commercialize a family of lightweight, bulk composite materials that are highly resistant to degradation by erosive and abrasive wear. These materials, based on AlMgB 14 , are projected to save over 30 TBtu of energy per year when fully implemented in industrial applications, with the associated environmental benefits of eliminating the burning of 1.5 M tons/yr of coal and averting the release of 4.2 M tons/yr of CO 2 into the air. This program targeted applications in the mining, drilling, machining, and dry erosion applications as key platforms for initial commercialization, which includes some of the most severe wear conditions in industry. Production-scale manufacturing of this technology has begun through a start-up company, NewTech Ceramics (NTC). This project included providing technical support to NTC in order to facilitate cost-effective mass production of the wear-resistant boride components. Resolution of issues related to processing scale-up, reduction in energy intensity during processing, and improving the quality and performance of the composites, without adding to the cost of processing were among the primary technical focus areas of this program. Compositional refinements were also investigated in order to achieve the maximum wear resistance. In addition, synthesis of large-scale, single-phase AlMgB 14 powder was conducted for use as PVD sputtering targets for nanocoating applications.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Identification of Critical Process Parameters for Knife Milling and Alternative Communication Strategies

An assessment of knife milling operations was performed to identify parameters that require consideration to model wear and degradation of knife blades. A quality-by-design (QbD) paradigm was followed to identify material and feedstock attributes, and processing parameters that impact the quality attributes of the blades used in the comminution of biomass into forms compatible with downstream operations. Based on analytical and experimental observations of knife and tool wear, a QbD model is proposed that considers three wear mechanisms (erosion, abrasion, and gouging) to predict volumetric wear of knife blades and sharpness. These factors, if properly applied, provide a science-based approach to predict the mechanical efficiency of the mill as a function of feedstock properties, knife blade material properties, and processing parameters (feed rate, speed, and design parameters).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Epoxy / Silicone Potting Material Removal for Greater Recovery of Circuit Boards

This report documents an exploratory research project, “Epoxy/Silicone Potting Material Removal for Greater Recovery of Circuit Boards,” that investigated micro abrasion and laser ablation as potential cost effective methods for removal of epoxy and silicone potting material from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to expose components for testing and repair. The ability to cost effectively remove such PCB potting materials will improve PCB repair, remanufacture, and reuse opportunities with potential for sizable reductions in material use, E-waste, and energy. Laser ablation was identified as a method potentially warranting further investigation, in particular for epoxy based potting materials.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

R&D to Ensure a Scientific Basis for Qualification Tests and Standards (Final Report)

Project return on investment in a photovoltaic (PV) system depends increasingly on maintaining high energy yields, and the system lifetime is a major factor in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Thus, the rate of PV deployment and the success of these assets depends upon reliable long-term power generation. The overarching objective of this program is to improve photovoltaic (PV) module reliability via development of tests and standards. Where reliability problems or risk are discovered, we can design tests to ensure that these liabilities don't affect future generations of products. Customers can use these tests to understand which products are susceptible to certain degradation mechanisms, and manufacturers can use the tests to design unwanted characteristics out of their products. The work under this program identifies PV reliability needs, performs characterization that provides scientific understanding of targeted degradation mechanisms, and translates those data into practical and predictive test protocols and standards. Major accomplishments include: A model for polarization-type potential induced degradation (PID-p) was developed and validated against experimental data. NREL is currently leading a new edition of IEC 62804-1 for PID detection. PID-p can cause large losses in current and voltage for some module designs on cloudy days. Finite element modeling (FEM) and experiment was used to determine when cells crack in a module. It was shown that cells in landscape orientation are much more likely to crack than those on portrait orientation. Shortly thereafter, the first products with portrait-oriented cells were introduced. Studies of how to test for light and elevated temperature degradation (LeTID) culminated with the publication of IEC TS 63342. Software to predict the progression of LeTID was developed, validated, and made publicly available. Field validated tests and international standards for durability of PV module coatings abrasion, backsheets, and encapsulants were developed. Examples are IEC 62788-1-1, IEC 62788-2 ED2, IEC TS 62788-7-2, IEC 62788-7-3 ED1, IEC 63209-2. NREL led the development a high-temperature testing technical specification, and published guidelines that enable installers to determine whether higher-temperature testing is needed, simply based on location and mounting configuration. In a number of our case studies, variations in the bills of materials or workmanship have been associated with variations in reliability. These observations emphasize the importance of quality assurance to reliability. A framework for criticality (i.e. Pareto) analysis was developed and published. The framework helps us and other researchers determine what problems should be addressed for reliability research to have the biggest industry impact. NREL continues to participate actively in international standards development and stakeholder engagement activities, including organizing an annual PV Reliability Workshop. These activities are important for ensuring we address issues that are relevant and timely, and that we convey our results to those who may benefit.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

More efficient grinding of hard-to-cut materials

The use of an impregnated abrasive tool in grinding stainless steel (12X18H10T) is investigated. The roughness of the machined surface and the grinding ratio are considerably better than when a traditional tool is employed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Grinding Forces in the Presence of Ultrasound

Formulas are derived for calculation of the grinding force in the presence of ultrasound whose amplitude changes the microcutting kinematics of the abrasive grains. The formulas are verified experimentally.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optimal Tool Design for Grinding Operations

An algorithm is outlined for the design of abrasive tools of optimal structure for a specific grinding operation, ensuring maximum productivity and minimum cost. Systems analysis is employed. Mathematical models for the design calculation are presented, and an example is given to illustrate the optimization of grinding tools.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cutting Methods for Thick Titanium-Alloy Slabs

Methods of cutting thick titanium-alloy plates and slabs are considered. The surface quality of the cut and the productivity are estimated. Abrasive cutting by means of water jets is the most universal method and yields satisfactory surface quality at moderate cost.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Influence of Alternating Stress on the Life of Metal-Cutting Tools

Abstract—The failure of cutting tools is investigated. A generalized approach to describing failure is proposed, on the basis of the theory of random point processes. Two mechanisms by which the abrasive particles act on the tool’s cutting edge are considered. The corresponding dynamics of damage accumulation is described.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Software for Simulating the Surface Wear of Tools

Software for recording machining tracks in abrasive lapping is described. The software permits prediction of the shape and magnitude of the tool’s surface wear at the stage of process design, on the basis of the dimensions of the workpiece and the lap, their relative velocity, and the machining trajectory.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Friction and Wear

From the practical point of view, this analysis shows that each problem of friction or wear requires its particular solution. There is no universal solution; one or other of the factors predominates and defines the choice of the solution. In certain cases, copper alloys of great thermal conductivity are preferred; in others, plastics abundantly supplied with water. Sometimes, soft antifriction metals are desirable to distribute the load; at other times, hard metals with high resistance to abrasion or heat.

HEAT TRANSMISSION - FLUIDS AND SOLIDS↗

Bio-inspired Surface Structures to Mitigate Interfacial Particle Adhesion and Erosion - A Review

Lunar dust known as regolith is a huge challenge for lunar exploration missions. Formed over millennia by a complex process involving impacts of meteoroids and micrometeoroids on the lunar surface, lunar dust is porous, highly abrasive with sharp jagged edges, chemically reactive, electrostatically charged and sometimes magnetic. The chemical composition and thickness of the dust layer also varies in different regions of the lunar surface. From samples obtained by previous lunar missions, the average particle size is below 100 microns. This dust has the tendency to strongly adhere to any exposed surfaces, and often degrades the material functionality to eventually cause failure. Any material on the lunar surface is also subject to harsh temperature cycles ranging from -178 ̊C to + 123 ̊C and extreme ultraviolet radiation. While on the lunar surface, different classes of materials would be required for different applications. Advanced materials have been and will be used throughout the lunar lander, habitat, and mission equipment. Examples include: polymeric materials for astronaut protective clothing; metals and ceramics for the lunar lander legs and habitats, and excavating equipment; and semiconductors for solar panels and on-board electronics. In all these applications, the surfaces of the materials are expected or understood to be exposed to the extreme lunar environment condition that includes the regolith dust. During the Apollo missions, the dust clung to and abraded the astronaut’s suits, degraded seals, optics, clogged sensors and reduced performance of thermal radiators. The lunar dust adheres to the surface by various mechanisms, which include electrostatic and Coulombic interactions, Van-der-Waals forces, magnetic forces, mechanical interlocking, chemical bonding and donor-acceptor interactions. There are three primary strategies for developing technologies to minimize the lunar dust adhesion: active, passive and a combination of active and passive. In the active approach, an external energy is needed to prevent or remove particles from collecting on the surface. Mechanically powered brushes and electrodynamic dust screens are two examples. In the passive approach, no external power is needed, and the material surface properties are able to mitigate dust adhesion. A well-known example of this strategy is the low work function coatings for non-stick surfaces. In most cases a combination of active and passive methods might be needed to optimally manage the lunar regolith. The passive method is significantly more attractive as it does not require any external power or an additional control subsystem. These approaches optimize the mission payload and reduce risk. Surface modification to minimize the dust adhesion is thus very important to lunar missions. Here, naturally evolved surface structures might provide guidance for solutions. There are several factors that have to be considered for minimizing particle adhesion to a surface. These include the substrate material properties, surface topography, chemistry, and the characteristics of the adhering particles. When engineering a surface, the substrate material chosen would be dependent on the needs of the application. Tailoring the surface microstructure or chemistry opens up more possibilities for its optimal utilization

Lunar Dust↗

Materials for Extreme Environments: Paving the Way for Lunar Exploration

As humanity expands its ventures into lunar and planetary exploration, the demand intensifies for resilient materials capable of enduring extreme environmental and service conditions. The Moon’s surface presents numerous challenges, including ultra-high vacuum exposure, temperature extremes and intense radiation. Additionally, lunar regolith poses a significant threat to component durability and reusability due to its abrasive nature. Lunar dust particles scoring, adhering, or embedding into surfaces and within device-confined geometries, such as bearings, drive mechanisms and connectors, can cause premature component wear or failure. Furthermore, the interaction between the rocket plume and the surface during vehicle landings and ascents creates severe erosive conditions near critical vehicle components and adjacent infrastructure. A key barrier hindering materials discovery for lunar dust tolerant applications is a lack of standard laboratory methods to evaluate material properties and performance under representative operating conditions. A case will be presented for research activities supporting identification, processing and characterization of candidate materials in conjunction with innovations in standardized testing and qualification. Results will highlight current and emerging test methods for simulating lunar dust exposure and component degradation, paving the way for a new generation of robust materials and coatings for space exploration.

Lunar dust↗

Dust-Proofing the Future: Materials Challenges for Lunar Exploration

As humanity expands its ventures into lunar exploration, the demand intensifies for materials capable of enduring extreme environmental and service conditions. The Moon’s surface presents numerous challenges, including ultra-high vacuum exposure, temperature extremes and intense radiation. Additionally, lunar regolith threatens component durability and reusability due to its abrasive nature. Lunar dust particles scoring, adhering or embedding into surfaces and within device-confined geometries, such as bearings, drive mechanisms and connectors, can cause premature component wear or failure. Furthermore, the interaction between the rocket plume and surface during vehicle landings and ascents creates severe erosive conditions near critical vehicle components and adjacent infrastructure. A key barrier hindering materials discovery for lunar dust tolerant applications is a lack of standard laboratory methods to evaluate material properties and performance under representative operating conditions. A case will be presented for research activities supporting identification, processing and characterization of candidate materials in conjunction with innovations in standardized testing and qualification. Results will highlight current and emerging test methods for simulating lunar dust exposure and component degradation, paving the way for a new generation of robust materials and coatings for space exploration.

lunar dust↗

NREL's Effort Toward Predicting Soiling

The aim of this works is sharing the research conducted by NREL in the past three years on photovoltaic soiling. Soiling is an issue affecting PV systems worldwide and causing reduction in performance and increase in O&M costs. NREL has been working closing with he community to (i) develop models to predict soiling, in order to help PV owners to better plan optimal cleaning schedules, and identify soiling trends from PV performance data, without the need of expensive soiling detectors, (ii) understand the abrasive effects of soiling and cleanings on PV glasses, (iii) investigate the effectiveness of different cleaning methods. The most important results and some of the resources made available by the NREL research team will be presented.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Leak Testing with Simulated Waste of Hanford Tank Farm Valves Utilized for Double Valve Isolation - 16108

The existing Hanford Tank Farms Waste Transfer System has several models of ball valves used for double valve isolation (DVI) that have been installed for 10 or more years. The safety function of the safety-significant valves is to limit leakage of waste past the valves in order to decrease the consequences of a fine spray release due to a transfer misroute. While previous leak testing of the valves has been conducted, the testing did not address concerns in the Documented Safety Analysis concerns about the impact on valve operation and service life of the potential abrasive/erosive properties of the tank waste on the valves when cycled. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) conducted DVI tests at their Multi-Phase Transport Evaluation Loop Facility. Testing evaluated the leak rate of safety-significant isolation valves for DVI as a function of simulated operating cycles. PNNL developed a performance-based simulant specifically for this test program. The test environment simulated the abrasive characteristics of the Hanford Tank Farms Waste Transfer System during single-shell tank retrieval and waste feed delivery to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The testing consisted of periodically measuring leak rates and maximum operational torques on the DVI valves after prescribed numbers of valve operational cycles (open and close). The test results from the simulant cycle tests provide Washington River Protection Solutions with performance characteristics that can be used to verify compliance with the Documented Safety Analysis limits for valve seat leakage. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗