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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 451 records · Page 25

Targeted Chemical Looping Materials Discovery by an Inverse Design

Chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) materials is actively sought for combustion of carbonaceous materials to achieve complete conversion and capture of carbon dioxide. These materials may play a vital role in reducing atmospheric carbon via negative carbon output. However, there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach as different operating conditions and feedstocks may require different CLOU materials. As a result, the exploration and discovery of high‐performance CLOU materials can be a slow process. To address this challenge, a high‐throughput inverse machine learning workflow that identifies optimum materials from perovskite oxides for a given set of targets is developed—temperature and Gibbs free energy of oxygen formation. The model is trained on high‐throughput density functional theory calculations of CLOU materials and inverts the materials design process using a genetic algorithm to produce realistic substituted SrFeO 3‐δ compositions as output. Using the inverse model, it is able to identify several interesting new families of CLOU materials: Sr 1‐ x A x Fe 1‐ y B y O 3‐δ (e.g., A = Ca or K; B = Mg, Bi, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, or Zn). These materials have shown promising properties, and some of them even outperform the benchmark material in terms of oxygen release kinetics under relevant CLOU operating conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in elemental rhenium

Heat flux sensors compatible with hot environments are critical to advance aerospace, materials, and energy generation technologies that cope with extreme thermal conditions. In this work, we report on the development and characterization of a high-temperature heat flux sensor using the transverse Seebeck effect in rhenium single crystals. The sensor leverages refractory alloys and ceramics compatible with temperatures exceeding 1000 °C. The heat flux sensor was characterized from room temperature to 500 °C using a temperature-controlled calibration facility. At constant temperature, the sensor’s voltage output is linear with respect to the absorbed heat flux. The responsivity of the sensor varies with temperature, from 1.3 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at room temperature to −3.2 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 500 °C, increasing monotonically in magnitude after changing sign from positive to negative at approximately 300 °C. The experimental results are in good agreement with analytical predictions of the sensor’s temperature-dependent responsivity, which suggest a further increase in magnitude up to −7.4 μV/(W/cm 2 ) at 1000 °C. These results highlight the unique characteristics of rhenium as a TSE transducer. The design offers compatibility with a wide range of operating temperatures and yields a measurement sensitivity that increases as the environmental conditions become more challenging.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Advanced electrolytes for fast-charging high-voltage lithium-ion batteries in wide-temperature range

LiNixMnyCo1-x-yO2 (NMC) cathode materials with Ni=0.8 have attracted great interest for application in high energy-density lithium (Li)-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their high specific capacities at high voltages. However, the practical application of Ni-rich NMC in LIBs under high charge voltages (e.g. 4.4 V and above) still faces big challenges due to the severe capacity fading, which is directly related to the instability of the cathode/electrolyte interface. In this work, we develop new localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) based on carbonate solvents, which are compatible with graphite (Gr) anode and have a high oxidation potential over 4.9 V vs. Li/Li+. The optimal LHCE enables the Gr||NMC811 cells with 2.8 mAh cm-2 cathode areal capacity loading to achieve an excellent cycling stability over 600 cycles with a capacity retention of 94.2 % under a charge cut-off voltage of 4.4 V at 25 ?C, good rate capabilities under fast charging or discharging up to 3C rate, and superior low-temperature discharge performance down to -30 ?C with a capacity retention of 85.6% at C/5 rate. The findings in this work shed light a very promising strategy to develop new electrolytes for practical high-energy LIBs with Ni-rich NMC cathodes.

Zhang, Xianhui↗

Integrated Transpiration and Lattice Cooling Systems developed by Additive Manufacturing with Oxide-Dispersion-Strengthened (ODS) Alloys (Final Report)

The primary goal of this research was to develop an innovative approach to provide a significantly improved level of thermal protection for hot-section components, such as turbine airfoils, in modern and future gas turbines. Current and future designs for “air breathing” turbine systems are targeting turbine inlet temperatures of 1700°C or higher, which is well beyond the substrate melting temperature, and a combined cycle energy efficiency of 65%. Meanwhile, targeted cycle efficiency calls for a reduction of the amount of coolant air significantly below the current level. Hence the development of novel internal airfoil designs that provide a satisfactory level of component durability with affordable coolant management is critical to the further advances of today’s turbine technology. This project was a response to this grand challenge with the research efforts primarily focused on the development of integrating transpiration cooling with lattice enhanced internal cooling. The research on these advanced cooling technologies was accompanied with development of anti-oxidation material in the form of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy which also possessed enhanced high temperature strength. A novel approach of fabricating the ODS alloy as powder with high compatibility with state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) process was also developed.

03 NATURAL GAS↗

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques and Compositions of High Entropy Alloys for Nuclear Applications

In line with the objectives of the Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program, this work focuses on new materials development and qualification research and development for next-generation, high-temperature nuclear reactors. High entropy alloys (HEAs) have the potential to serve in these extreme environments of next-generation nuclear reactors because of their unique phase transformation pathways and nanoscale and mesoscale microstructures. The current work focuses on understanding such nuclear-energy-relevant HEAs through a detailed literature survey, selected experimental work, and developing a decision matrix with criteria for the identification of HEAs that may have the most impact and value for further examination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of fracture mechanics data for two hydrazine APU turbine wheel materials

The effects of high temperature, high pressure ammonia were measured on the fracture mechanics and fatigue properties of Astroloy and Rene' 41 turbine wheel materials. Also, the influence of protective coatings on these properties was investigated. Specimens of forged bar stock were subjected to LCF and HCF tests at 950 K (1250 F) and 3.4 MN/sq m (500 psig) pressure, in ammonia containing about 1.5 percent H2O. Aluminized samples (Chromizing Company's Al-870) and gold plated test bars were compared with uncoated specimens. Comparison tests were also run in air at 950 K (1250 F), but at ambient pressures. K sub IE and K sub TH were determined on surface flawed specimens in both the air and ammonia in both uncoated and gold plated conditions. Gold plated specimens exhibited better properties than uncoated samples, and aluminized test bars generally had lower properties. The fatigue properties of specimens tested in ammonia were higher than those tested in air, yet the K sub TH values of ammonia tested samples were lower than those tested in air. However, insufficient specimens were tested to develop significant design data.

Curbishley, G.↗

Polyimide Resins Resist Extreme Temperatures

Spacecraft and aerospace engines share a common threat: high temperature. The temperatures experienced during atmospheric reentry can reach over 2,000 F, and the temperatures in rocket engines can reach well over 5,000 F. To combat the high temperatures in aerospace applications, Dr. Ruth Pater of Langley Research Center developed RP-46, a polyimide resin capable of withstanding the most brutal temperatures. The composite material can push the service temperature to the limits of organic materials. Designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to other high-temperature resins, the RP-46 polyimide resin system was awarded a 1992 "R&D 100" award, named a "2001 NASA Technology of the Year," and later, due to its success as a spinoff technology, "2004 NASA Commercial Invention of the Year." The technology s commercial success also led to its winning the Langley s "Paul F. Holloway Technology Transfer Award" as well as "Richard T. Whitcom Aerospace Technology Transfer Award" both for 2004. RP-46 is relatively inexpensive and it can be readily processed for use as an adhesive, composite, resin molding, coating, foam, or film. Its composite materials can be used in temperatures ranging from minus 150 F to 2,300 F. No other organic materials are known to be capable of such wide range and extreme high-temperature applications. In addition to answering the call for environmentally conscious high-temperature materials, RP-46 provides a slew of additional advantages: It is extremely lightweight (less than half the weight of aluminum), chemical and moisture resistant, strong, and flexible. Pater also developed a similar technology, RP-50, using many of the same methods she used with RP-46, and very similar in composition to RP-46 in terms of its thermal capacity and chemical construction, but it has different applications, as this material is a coating as opposed to a buildable composite. A NASA license for use of this material outside of the Space Agency as well as additional government-funded testing proved that RP-46 is even more exceptional than originally thought.

Source record↗

High-Temperature Creep Test Suite for Grizzly

A recent development in the Grizzly has focused on improving its ability to model the high-temperature response of alloys, enabling its use for predictive modeling of material response for advanced reactor applications. This report documents an effort to expand the example and assessment test suites in Grizzly to include a set of problems that exercise the models for high-temperature response of components relevant to advanced reactors. These problems can be used to assess the accuracy of models, provide examples for users interested in modeling this class of problems, monitoring performance on large-scale problems and as test cases for future feature development.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High temperature acoustic and hybrid microwave/acoustic levitators for materials processing

The physical acoustics group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed a single mode acoustic levitator technique for advanced containerless materials processing. The technique was successfully demonstrated in ground based studies to temperatures of about 1000 C in a uniform temperature furnace environment and to temperatures of about 1500 C using laser beams to locally heat the sample. Researchers are evaluating microwaves as a more efficient means than lasers for locally heating a positioned sample. Recent tests of a prototype single mode hybrid microwave/acoustic levitator successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using microwave power as a heating source. The potential advantages of combining acoustic positioning forces and microwave heating for containerless processing investigations are presented in outline form.

Barmatz, Martin↗

Oxide dispersion hardened mechanically alloyed materials for high temperatures

The procedure of mechanical alloying makes it possible to obtain, with the aid of powder-metallurgy techniques, alloys that consist of a metallic matrix in which very fine oxide particles are dispersed. Mechanically alloyed compound powders can be used for making either forged or hot-rolled semifinished products. For these products, dispersion strengthening and precipitation hardening has been combined. At high temperatures, the strength characteristics of the alloy are determined by both dispersion hardening and by precipitation hardening processes. The effect produced by each process is independent of that due to the other. Attention is given to the principle of mechanical alloying developed by Benjamin (1970, 1976), the strength characteristics of mechanically alloyed materials, the corrosion resistance of mechanically alloyed material at high temperatures, and the preparation and characteristics of the alloy MA 6000 E.

Benjamin, J. S.↗

Improved piston ring materials for 650 deg C service

A program to develop piston ring material systems which will operate at 650C was performed. In this program, two candidate high temperature piston ring substrate materials, Carpenter 709-2 and 440B, were hot formed into the piston ring shape and subsequently evaluated. In a parallel development effort ceramic and metallic piston ring coating materials were applied to cast iron rings by various processing techniques and then subjected to thermal shock and wear evaluation. Finally, promising candidate coatings were applied to the most thermally stable hot formed substrate. The results of evaluation tests of the hot formed substrate show that Carpenter 709-2 has greater thermal stability than 440B. Of the candidate coatings, plasma transferred arc (PTA) applied tungsten carbide and molybdenum based systems exhibit the greatest resistance to thermal shock. For the ceramic based systems, thermal shock resistance was improved by bond coat grading. Wear testing was conducted to 650C (1202F). For ceramic systems, the alumina/titania/zirconia/yttria composition showed highest wear resistance. For the PTA applied systems, the tungsten carbide based system showed highest wear resistance.

Bjorndahl, W. D.↗

Standardization Efforts for Mechanical Testing and Design of Advanced Ceramic Materials and Components

Advanced aerospace systems occasionally require the use of very brittle materials such as sapphire and ultra-high temperature ceramics. Although great progress has been made in the development of methods and standards for machining, testing and design of component from these materials, additional development and dissemination of standard practices is needed. ASTM Committee C28 on Advanced Ceramics and ISO TC 206 have taken a lead role in the standardization of testing for ceramics, and recent efforts and needs in standards development by Committee C28 on Advanced Ceramics will be summarized. In some cases, the engineers, etc. involved are unaware of the latest developments, and traditional approaches applicable to other material systems are applied. Two examples of flight hardware failures that might have been prevented via education and standardization will be presented.

Salem, Jonathan A.↗

Development of interatomic potential and effect of ordering on defect properties in CrMnV

Developing materials that can withstand extreme environments, such as high radiation doses and elevated temperatures, is crucial for next-generation particle accelerators, including the 2.4 MW Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility. High-Entropy Alloys have emerged as promising candidates for beam window materials due to their superior mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and radiation tolerance. In this study, we focus on the Cr–Mn–V alloy system, developing and employing machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to investigate the formation of an ordered phase and its influence on defect properties. Using hybrid Monte Carlo-Molecular Dynamics simulations, we observe the formation of a B2-ordered phase at lower temperatures, consistent with Density Functional Theory (DFT) predictions. Ordered structures display a bimodal distribution of migration energies and reduced mean square displacement values, indicating suppressed vacancy diffusion. Our results also show that the migration energy barrier varies based on the atomic species, with Mn and V exhibiting the highest and lowest average barriers, respectively. These findings suggest that atomic ordering inhibits defect mobility, potentially enhancing the radiation resistance of CrMnV alloys. The validated MLIP provides a reliable framework for simulations that are faster than traditional DFT while maintaining the accuracy required to study defect and ordering properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

HAN-Based Monopropellant Technology Development

NASA Glenn Research Center is sponsoring efforts to develop technology for high-performance, high-density, low-freezing point, low-hazards monopropellant systems. The program is focused on a family of monopropellant formulations composed of an aqueous solution of hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) and a fuel component. HAN-based monopropellants offer significant mass and volume savings to small (less than 100 kg) satellite for orbit raising and on-orbit propulsion applications. The low-hazards characteristics of HAN-based monopropellants make them attractive for applications where ground processing costs are a significant concern. A 1-lbf thruster has been demonstrated to a 20-kg satellite orbit insertion duty cycle, using a formulation compatible with currently available catalysts. To achieve specific impulse levels above those of hydrazine, catalyst materials that can withstand the high-temperature, corrosive combustion environment of HAN-based monopropellants have to be developed. There also needs to be work done to characterize propellant properties, burning behavior, and material compatibility. NASA is coordinating their monopropellant efforts with those of the United States Air Force.

Reed, Brian↗

High Temperature Optocoupler for 3D High Density Power Modules

The goal of this proposed research is to develop a reliable high-temperature optocouplers, which can operate at 250°C with at least ten-year lifetime, and replace isolation transforms as the galvanic isolation solution for the 3D integration of high density power modules. The electrification of future transportations (i.e., electric vehicles) will continuously drive the demand for high density power modules. Optocouplers (i.e., packaged light emitter and detector) as a promising candidate to replace bulky isolation transformers are highly desirable to facilitate the continuous scale-down of gate driver circuitry that will lead to 3D high density power modules and achieve disruptive performance in terms of thermal management, power density, power efficiency, reliability and operating environments. However, regular semiconductor optoelectronic materials and devices have significant difficulty functioning in the harsh environments designated for high density power module usage (such as operation at high temperatures). Ultimately, it is not the intrinsic properties of power devices that prevent their use at higher temperatures, but rather the low voltage electronics needed to drive them and the packaging that surrounds them. The typical operating temperature for optocouplers is only up to 100°C, due to the limitations of light emitting diode (LED) devices inside and packaging materials. A systematic characterization methodology will be developed to analyze the performance, lifetime and reliability of LED devices and distinguish multiple failure mechanisms at high temperatures. An original methodology of “design for reliability” will be developed to design the optoelectronic devices with high reliability and long lifetime at high temperatures. A new architecture of high temperature high reliable optocouplers will be developed, fabricated and demonstrated with continuous operating at 250°C. The development of efficient, reliable high density 3D power modules is the foundation for energy efficiency and energy reliability. Enabled with advanced 3D integration and packaging technologies, high density power module solutions can achieve much more superior performance over the conventional discrete solutions in terms of efficiency, thermal management and power density. The proposed concept of high temperature optocouplers as the galvanic isolation solution for high density power modules will bring together interdisciplinary research involving the wide bandgap materials, optoelectronics, high reliable device design, electronics packaging and power modules. A streamline of skilled personnel would be trained including graduate and undergraduate students, local engineers and scientists which are in great demand to both academia and optoelectronics industry. The proposed research topics, such as, solid state lighting and high temperature device reliability, are currently of major interest at the Department of Energy, in particular, Sandia National Laboratories. This project can enhance collaborations between the University of Arkansas (UA) and Sandia National Laboratories. The findings of the proposed research are expected to be integrated into high density 3-D power modules at the Engineering Research Center for Power Optimization for Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS).

42 ENGINEERING↗

Review of SiC material development for nuclear fusion applications: Cross-cutting research and emerging opportunities

The SiC-based materials, particularly SiC-fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites, show strong potential for structural and functional applications in future fusion power plants because they can operate at high temperatures with a range of coolants and breeders, thereby enabling higher energy conversion efficiency. Here, this paper presents recent advancements in the development of SiC-based materials, focusing on processing techniques and material performance and resistance under fusion-relevant environments. The processing activities have emphasized near-net-shape fabrication and the joining of SiC subcomponents, with processing methods and material compositions informed by previous irradiation experiments on various grades of SiC. Research on irradiation effects has remained focused on degradation mechanisms and the microstructural optimization of SiC/SiC composites irradiated to high neutron damage levels. Analysis of irradiation defects in SiC has advanced via the application of cutting-edge characterization methods, among which Raman spectroscopy is becoming a common tool to assess atomic-scale chemical disorder. Fusion–fission crosscutting irradiation research has explored combined effects in SiC/SiC composites with application-relevant geometries, including bowing of SiC/SiC composite channels under neutron flux gradients, stress evolution in SiC/SiC composite tubes under through-thickness temperature gradients, and irradiation-enhanced corrosion in SiC. Finally, research opportunities for component testing and assessment under fusion-relevant conditions, in support of emerging concepts from the private fusion sector, are discussed.

Advanced manufacturing↗

Oxidation in Ca/K-1144 iron-based superconductors polycrystalline compounds

Iron-based superconductors (IBSCs) are a class of material under investigation for the development of superconducting wires in the low-temperature-high magnetic fields power application. Among the various families of IBSCs, the 1144 CaKFe$_4$As$_4$ compound is a promising material able to achieve outstanding superconducting properties with a cheap and simple chemical composition. Oxidation, in these compounds, is considered an obstacle for high intergranular critical current density, J c,GB . A study devoted to the evaluation of oxidation phenomena and their effects on the superconducting properties is thus needed in order to fully understand the involved mechanisms. From the evaluation of polycrystalline samples obtained by a mechanochemically assisted synthesis route, a degradation of the critical temperature and critical currents has been observed concurrently with oxygen accumulation at grain boundaries in open porosities. However, the crystalline structure at an atomic level seems not affected, as well as intragranular superconducting properties assessed by means of calorimetric methods. These results suggest that loss of superconducting properties in Ca/K-1144 compounds following oxidation is significantly associated with the worsening of grain connectivity.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗