Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “scattering transform”

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 433 records · Page 24

Constraints on scattering amplitudes in multistate Landau-Zener theory

Here, we derive a set of constraints, which we will call hierarchy constraints, on scattering amplitudes of an arbitrary multistate Landau-Zener model (MLZM). The presence of additional symmetries can transform such constraints into nontrivial relations between elements of the transition probability matrix. This observation can be used to derive complete solutions of some MLZMs or, for models that cannot be solved completely, to reduce the number of independent elements of the transition probability matrix.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Nanoscale magnetic phase competition throughout the Ni 50– x Co x Mn 40 Sn 10 phase diagram: Insights from small-angle neutron scattering

The Ni 2 MnSn-derived Ni 50– x Co x Mn 25+ y Sn 25– y alloys are premier examples of a class of off-stoichiometric Heusler alloys recently discovered to exhibit attractive magnetic properties in tandem with extraordinarily reversible martensitic phase transformations. Multiferroicity, magnetic phase competition and separation, field-induced martensitic transformations, magnetic shape memory behavior, and sizable magneto-, elasto-, and barocaloric effects result, generating substantial interest and application potential. In this work we expand on a prior small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study at a single composition (Ni 44 Co 6 Mn 40 Sn 10 ) by exploring all three main regions of the recently established Ni 50–x Co x Mn 40 Sn 10 phase diagram, i.e., at the representative y = 15 composition. Wide temperature and scattering wave-vector range (20–500K, 0.004–0.2Å –1 ) SANS data on x = 2, 6, and 14 polycrystals provide a detailed picture of the evolution in magnetic order and inhomogeneity. Consistent with recent studies with a variety of techniques, phase separation into short-range coexisting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic regions is deduced below the martensitic transformation at x = 2 and 6, with average ferromagnetic cluster spacing of ~13 nm. Remarkably, at x = 14, where the martensitic transformation is suppressed and ferromagnetic austenite is stabilized to low temperatures, nanoscopic magnetic inhomogeneity nevertheless persists. Further, distinct ferromagnetic clusters (~36-nm average spacing) in a ferromagnetic matrix are observed at intermediate temperatures, homogenizing into a uniform long-range ordered ferromagnet only at low temperatures. This unusual ferromagnet cluster/ferromagnet matrix inhomogeneity, as well as x -dependent subtleties of the superparamagnetic freezing of ferromagnetic clusters, are discussed in light of 55 Mn nuclear magnetic resonance data, and the recent observation of annealing-induced core/shell nanoprecipitates. The origins of nanoscalemagnetic inhomogeneity are discussed in terms of statistical variations in local composition and structure, tendency to chemical phase separation, and other forms of disorder.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

On the Interpretation of Scattering Parameters

This short paper is in response to one that appeared in this journal a few years ago [2]. The article was a comment on a previous paper [1], which presented the transformation equations between the standard two-port parameters. The equations were stated to be valid for complex terminations; which are useful when S-parameters are treated. The authors in [2] made some incorrect conclusions concerning the concept of "generalized scattering parameters", and this paper seeks to clarify the somewhat confusing area of generalized scattering parameters.

Freeman, Jon C.↗

Acquisition and analysis of angle-beam wavefield data

Angle-beam ultrasonic testing is a common practical technique used for nondestructive evaluation to detect, locate, and characterize a variety of material defects and damage. Greater understanding of the both the incident wavefield produced by an angle-beam transducer and the subsequent scattering from a variety of defects and geometrical features is anticipated to increase the reliability of data interpretation. The focus of this paper is on acquiring and analyzing propagating waves from angle-beam transducers in simple, defect-free plates as a first step in the development of methods for flaw characterization. Unlike guided waves, which excite the plate throughout its thickness, angle-beam bulk waves bounce back and forth between the plate surfaces, resulting in the well-known multiple “skips” or “V-paths.” The experimental setup consists of a laser vibrometer mounted on an XYZ scanning stage, which is programmed to move point-to-point on a rectilinear grid to acquire waveform data. Although laser vibrometry is now routinely used to record guided waves for which the frequency content is below 1 MHz, it is more challenging to acquire higher frequency bulk waves in the 1–10 MHz range. Signals are recorded on the surface of an aluminum plate that were generated from a 5 MHz, 65° refracted angle, shear wave transducer-wedge combination. Data are analyzed directly in the x-t domain, via a slant stack Radon transform in the τ-p (offset time-slowness) domain, and via a 2-D Fourier transform in the ω-k domain, thereby enabling identification of specific arrivals and modes. Results compare well to those expected from a simple ray tracing analysis except for the unexpected presence of a strong Rayleigh wave.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Supertranslations from Scattering Amplitudes

On shell methods have found a new application to local observables such as asymptotic radiation fields and gravitational waveforms. While these observables are invariant under small gauge transformations, they are known to depend on a choice of asymptotic gauge; in gravity on asymptotically Minkowski spacetimes, this is a choice of Bondi-Van der Burg-Metzner-Sachs frame. In this Letter, we provide a method for capturing these supertranslations, to all orders in perturbation theory, using the on shell framework of scattering amplitudes.

Classical black holes↗

Neutrino flavor transformation in the lepton-asymmetric universe

We investigate neutrino flavor transformation in the early Universe in the presence of a lepton asymmetry, focusing on a two-flavor system with 1–3 mixing parameters. We identify five distinct regimes that emerge in an approximate treatment neglecting collisions as the initial lepton asymmetry at high temperature is varied from values comparable to current constraints on the lepton number down to values at which the neutrino-neutrino forward-scattering potential is negligible. The characteristic phenomena occurring in these regimes are (1) large synchronized oscillations, (2) minimal flavor transformation, (3) asymmetric (ν- or ν¯-only) MSW, (4) partial MSW, and (5) symmetric MSW. We examine our numerical results in the framework of adiabaticity, and we illustrate how they are modified by collisional damping. Lastly, we point out the existence of matter-neutrino resonances in the early Universe and show that they suffer from nonadiabaticity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Rapid and eco-friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized successfully through chemical reduction method stabilized by PVA along with different stabilizers namely, Kondagogu (Cochlospermum gossypium), Maida Flour and Starch. The resulting copper nanoparticles were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) experiments to study the size and shape of the particles and functional group of the stabilizing agent. The particle sizes were confirmed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) experiment and are found to be around 6.5 nm.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

A conservative spectral method for the Boltzmann equation with anisotropic scattering and the grazing collisions limit

We present the formulation of a conservative spectral method for the Boltzmann collision operator with anisotropic scattering cross-sections. The method is an extension of the conservative spectral method of Gamba and Tharkabhushanam [17,18], which uses the weak form of the collision operator to represent the collisional term as a weighted convolution in Fourier space. The method is tested by computing the collision operator with a suitably cut-off angular cross section and comparing the results with the solution of the Landau equation. We analytically study the convergence rate of the Fourier transformed Boltzmann collision operator in the grazing collisions limit to the Fourier transformed Landau collision operator under the assumption of some regularity and decay conditions of the solution to the Boltzmann equation. Our results show that the angular singularity which corresponds to the Rutherford scattering cross section is the critical singularity for which a grazing collision limit exists for the Boltzmann operator. Additionally, we numerically study the differences between homogeneous solutions of the Boltzmann equation with the Rutherford scattering cross section and an artificial cross section, which give convergence to solutions of the Landau equation at different asymptotic rates. We numerically show the rate of the approximation as well as the consequences for the rate of entropy decay for homogeneous solutions of the Boltzmann equation and Landau equation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Green synthesis of magnesium ion incorporated nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and their mechanical, dielectric and photoluminescence properties

Highlights: • Rapid technique to synthesize nanorods of magnesium ion incorporated hydroxyapatite. • Enhanced electrical and mechanical properties. • Improved photoluminescence and wettability on magnesium incorporation. • Increased in vitro bioactivity. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp-Ca{sub 10}(PO{sub 4}){sub 6}(OH){sub 2,} 35 nm) and magnesium (Mg{sup 2+}) ion incorporated HAp were synthesized by microwave technique. XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FE-HRTEM (Field emission high resolution transmission electron microscopy), DLS (dynamic light scattering), EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry), microhardness, permittivity and alternating current (ac) conductivity, besides the PL (photoluminescence), wettability and in vitro bioactivity of the samples were analysed. EDXRF revealed the Mg{sup 2+} ion incorporation in HAp. The Mg{sup 2+} ion incorporation did not alter the phase but drastically reduced the crystallite size and particle size respectively by 48% and 32%. There was enhanced microhardness (24%) at low level (<13%) and decreased zeta potential of Mg{sup 2+} ion incorporation. The permittivity, ac conductivity, PL, wettability and in vitro bioactivity were enhanced on Mg{sup 2+} ion incorporation. These properties enable them to be a promising candidate for wound healing, bone replacement applications and also as a biosensor.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Influence of Air and Ethanol Dehydration on Structure, Behavior, and Function of Type I Collagen Scaffolds

Ethanol dehydration is a common step in both scaffold manufacturing and tissue processing, yet the influence of ethanol on collagen is not well understood. This study examined the effects of dehydration, via ethanol treatment and air drying, on collagen structure, behavior, mechanics, and rehydration capacity. Multiple material characterization methods were used including Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, small/medium angle x‐ray scattering, volumetric swelling analysis, and tensile testing. Ethanol dehydration removed bulk water from scaffolds, making them stronger and stiffer, but also showed loss of molecular water. This molecular water appears to act as a collagen stabilizer, resulting in less thermally stable scaffolds. The loss of molecular water is also evident in the molecular d‐spacing. Secondary structure of scaffolds was also altered by ethanol, resulting in significantly enhanced rehydration capacity. Bulk water, both before and after rehydration, largely determined mechanical properties, which did not correlate with other structural measures such as FTIR. While rehydration largely returned collagen spacing to pre‐ethanol treated state, structural alterations seen in FTIR cannot be recovered. These results have implications for not only collagen scaffolds, but in many tissue engineering and processing applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

A dual-layer structure with record-high solar reflectance for daytime radiative cooling

We demonstrate a diffusive solar reflector with record high reflectance when integrated over the wavelength region from 0.28-4.0 μm. The reflector has a dual-layer structure consisting of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet on top of a silver film. The thickness of the PTFE varies from 0.25 mm to 1 mm. Spectral reflectance and transmittance of the PTFE sheets (with and without a silver film) were measured using a monochromator and a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, with integrating spheres, at wavelengths from 0.28 μm to 15 μm. The scattering and absorption coefficients of the PTFE samples were obtained by fitting the reflectance and transmittance spectra. Integration over the solar irradiation spectrum (AM1.5) reveals that the total solar reflectance is approximately 0.99 for the reflector. This is the highest solar reflectance reported to date. A Monte Carlo ray-tracing method and a modified two-flux model were used to calculate the reflectance and compare with the experiments to shed light on mechanisms for the high reflectance. Our measurements also suggest that PTFE has a high emittance around 0.9 in the mid-infrared region. Therefore, we conclude the proposed structure holds promise for passive daytime radiative cooling.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

The Role of the Organic Solvent Polarity in Isolating Uranyl Peroxide Capsule Fragments

Uranyl peroxide capsules are a fascinating class of polyoxometalates (POMs), discovered only in the 21st century. Understanding the reactivity between peroxide, alkali cations, and uranyl in alkaline solutions is important in nuclear science disciplines including mineralogy, nuclear energy, and legacy nuclear wastes. In this work, we have developed a general procedure to isolate different fragments of the uranyl-peroxide POM capsules, using organic solvents to partially remove K + salts from crude solids of the monomer building block UO 2 (O 2 ) 3 4– (K–U 1 ), leading to stabilization of these reactive fragments. Higher polarity organic solvents remove more K + salts from the crude solid, owed to higher solubility, resulting in more extensive linking of uranyl peroxide building units. By this strategy we have isolated and structurally characterized a dimer K 6 [(UO 2 ) 2 (O 2 ) 4 (OH) 2 ]·7H 2 O (K–U 2 ) and a hexamer face frequently observed in the capsules, K 12 [(UO 2 ) 6 (O 2 ) 9 (OH) 6 ]$·x$H 2 O(K–U 6 ). Comparing experimental and computed Raman spectra shows that these intermediates crystallize by a solid-to-solid transformation, via polymerization of the monomer building block. By small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we track the conversion of the fragments to POM capsules; the reaction rate increases from K–U 1 (days) < K–U 2 (hours) < K–U 6 (instantaneous). This study provides a general synthetic procedure to isolate metastable uranyl peroxide oligomers and control the oligomerization, which will be later applied to systems with the heavier alkalis that are even less stable.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Resolution of a Few Problems in the Application of Quasilinear Theory to Calculating Diffusion Coefficients in Heliophysics

A theory of quasilinear diffusion for obliquely propagating electromagnetic waves was developed in the 1960's and applied in the 1970's to model scattering of relativistic electrons by a prescribed distribution of waves. In the latter work, a transformation of variables, from wavevector space to the temporal frequency and tangent of the wave normal angle, was used so that simple Gaussian functions of frequency and tangent of the wave normal angle could be multiplied together to define the distribution of wave power, although arbitrary distributions of power in these two variables is also permitted. Finally, in 2005, previous work was consolidated and has been widely used in heliophysics studies that require computation of quasilinear diffusion coefficients. Here it is shown that this transformation is inppropriate when the precise wave vector distribution is known. The correct transformation is derived and used to produce diffusion coefficients that can differ by orders of magnitude from those computed using the inappropriate transformation. The differences are largest when the distribution of wave power extends to wave normal angles near the resonance cone. When the ratio of the plasma frequency to the gyrofrequency is large, only low energies (keV) are affected, but as the ratio decreases higher energies (MeV) also show differences. It is also shown that the derivation from the 1960's uses a notation that results in the diffusion coefficients depending on the distribution of wave power with respect to the wave azimuthal angle whereas there should be no such dependence.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Strain heterogeneity in sheared colloids revealed by neutron scattering

Recent computational and theoretical studies have shown that the deformation of colloidal suspensions under a steady shear is highly heterogeneous at the particle level and demonstrate a critical influence on the macroscopic deformation behavior. Despite its relevance to a wide variety of industrial applications of colloidal suspensions, scattering studies focusing on addressing the heterogeneity of the non-equilibrium colloidal structure are scarce thus far. Here in this paper, we report the first experimental result using small-angle neutron scattering. From the evolution of strain heterogeneity, we conclude that the shear-induced deformation transforms from nearly affine behavior at low shear rates, to plastic rearrangements when the shear rate is high.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical pulse-induced ultrafast antiferrodistortive transition in SrTiO 3

The ultrafast dynamics of the antiferrodistortive phase transition in perovskite SrTiO 3 is monitored via time-domain Brillouin scattering. Using femtosecond optical pulses, we initiate a thermally driven tetragonal-to-cubic structural transformation and detect the crystal phase through changes in the frequency of Brillouin oscillations (BO) induced by propagating acoustic phonons. Coupling the measured BO frequency with a spatiotemporal heat diffusion model, we demonstrate that, for a sample kept in the tetragonal phase, deposition of sufficient thermal energy induces a rapid transformation of the heat-affected region to the cubic phase. The initial phase change is followed by a slower reverse cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation occurring on a timescale of hundreds of picoseconds. Here, we attribute this ultrafast phase transformation in the perovskite to a structural resemblance between atomic displacements of the R-point soft optic mode of the cubic phase and the tetragonal phase, both characterized by anti-phase rotation of oxygen octahedra. The structural relaxation time exhibits a strong temperature dependence consistent with the prediction of the equation of motion describing collective oxygen octahedra rotation based on the energy landscape of the phenomenological Landau theory of phase transitions. Evidence of such a fast structural transition in perovskites can open up new avenues in information processing and energy storage sectors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Formation of Non-Doped Cubic Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide Nanofibers: Insights from In Situ Synchrotron X-Ray Scattering

This study investigates the formation mechanism of non-doped cubic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (c-LLZO) nanofibers using in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques. Electrospun polymer precursor nanofibers were annealed at temperatures up to 800 °C, enabling real-time tracking of phase transitions via simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and evolved CO 2 gas analysis. The results reveal a three-step transformation pathway: polymer decomposition, formation of La 2 Zr 2 O 7 (LZO), and direct conversion of LZO to c-LLZO without intermediate tetragonal phases detected within the sensitivity of our in situ WAXS measurement. Cryo-electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) further elucidates the role of lithium diffusion, showing Li enrichment at fiber surfaces and Li deficiency in the interior, which stabilizes the cubic phase. This Li segregation effect in nanostructured LLZO materials extends beyond the previously reported size effect. This work advances the understanding of c-LLZO formation mechanisms and provides practical insights for optimizing synthesis routes to achieve phase-pure c-LLZO for solid-state battery applications.

LLZO phase stability↗

Monodeuterated methane in the outer solar system. II - Its detection on Uranus at 1.6 microns

The 3 nu 2 band of CH3D has been detected in the spectrum of Uranus recorded with the Fourier Transform Spectrometer at the 4 m Mayall telescope of Kitt Peak National Observatory. A scattering-model atmosphere and spectral synthesis techniques are used to derive a bulk CH3D/CH4 mixing ratio of 3.6 + 3.6 or - 2.8 x 10 to the -4th from these observations that suggests a deuterium enhancement in methane relative to that observed on Jupiter and Saturn.

De Bergh, C.↗

Analysis of microstrip dipoles and slots transversely coupled to a microstrip line using the FDTD method

Printed dipole elements and their complement, linear slots, are elementary radiators that have found use in low-profile antenna arrays. Low-profile antenna arrays, in addition to their small size and low weight characteristics, offer the potential advantage of low-cost, high-volume production with easy integration with active integrated circuit components. The design of such arrays requires that the radiation and impedance characteristics of the radiating elements be known. The FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) method is a general, straight-forward implementation of Maxwell's equations and offers a relatively simple way of analyzing both printed dipole and slot elements. Investigated in this work is the application of the FDTD method to the analysis of printed dipole and slot elements transversely coupled to an infinite transmission line in a multilayered configuration. Such dipole and slot elements may be used in dipole and slot series-fed-type linear arrays, where element offsets and interelement line lengths are used to obtain the desired amplitude distribution and beam direction, respectively. The design of such arrays is achieved using transmission line theory with equivalent circuit models for the radiating elements. In an equivalent circuit model, the dipole represents a shunt impedance to the transmission line, where the impedance is a function of dipole offset, length, and width. Similarly, the slot represents a series impedance to the transmission line. The FDTD method is applied to single dipole and slot elements transversely coupled to an infinite microstrip line using a fixed rectangular grid with Mur's second order absorbing boundary conditions. Frequency-dependent circuit and scattering parameters are obtained by saving desired time-domain quantities and using the Fourier transform. A Gaussian pulse excitation is applied to the microstrip transmission line, where the resulting reflected signal due to the presence of the radiating element is used to determine the equivalent element impedance.

Tulintseff, A. N.↗