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At least 487 records · Page 27

The interstellar C-H stretching band near 3.4 microns - Constraints on the composition of organic material in the diffuse interstellar medium

The composition and history of dust in the diffuse ISM was studied using 3600-2700/cm absorption spectra of objects which have widely varying amounts of visual extinctions along different lines of sight. The 3300/cm and 2950/cm features are attributed to O-H and C-H stretching vibrations, respectively. The O-H feature in OH 32.8-0.3 is suggestive of circumstellar water ice and is probably not due to material in the diffuse ISM. The features in the 3100-2700/cm region are attributed either to C-H vibrations or to M stars. The spectra of the latter show a series of narrow features in this region that are identified with photospheric OH. Objects in which these bands are seen include OH 01-477, T629-5, and the Galactic center source IRS 7. The C-H stretch feature of diffuse ISM dust has subpeaks which fall within 5/cm of C-H stretching vibrations in the -CH2- and -CH3 groups of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Sandford, S. A.↗

Self-accelerated corrosion of nuclear waste forms at material interfaces

The US plan for high-level nuclear waste includes the immobilization of long-lived radionuclides in glass or ceramic waste forms in stainless-steel canisters for disposal in deep geological repositories. Here we report that, under simulated repository conditions, corrosion could be significantly accelerated at the interfaces of different barrier materials, which has not been considered in the current safety and performance assessment models. Severe localized corrosion was found at the interfaces between stainless steel and a model nuclear waste glass and between stainless steel and a ceramic waste form. The accelerated corrosion can be attributed to changes of solution chemistry and local acidity/alkalinity within a confined space, which significantly alter the corrosion of both the waste-form materials and the metallic canisters. The corrosion that is accelerated by the interface interaction between dissimilar materials could profoundly impact the service life of the nuclear waste packages, which, therefore, should be carefully considered when evaluating the performance of waste forms and their packages. Moreover, compatible barriers should be selected to further optimize the performance of the geological repository system.

Guo, Xiaolei↗

3D printing of calcined clay-limestone-based cementitious materials

This paper aims to investigate the influences of high Portland cement substitutions (>60 wt%) by low-grade calcined clay (CC) and limestone (LF) on 3D concrete printability, stiffness evolution and early-age hydration. Results show that, with the same dosage of admixtures (superplasticizer and viscosity modifier), increasing LF and CC content reduced the slump, flowability and initial material flow rate, and significantly improved the buildability of fresh mixtures, which can be attributed to the reduced water film thickness (WFT). Furthermore, the stiffness evolution and SSA{sub total} development up to the first 3 h were accelerated by increasing CC content, which can also be linked to the change of WFT, and consumption of superplasticizer for the dispersion induced by hydration products. Additionally, the dilution effect on compressive strength and hydration caused by the high cement replacement was observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of 10-ft. Diameter Aluminum Alloy 2219 Integrally Stiffened Cylinders

The integrally stiffened cylinder (ISC) process, pioneered by NASA Langley Research Center, offers significant savings for launch vehicle structures. The ISC process is a near net shape, advanced manufacturing method for fabrication of single-piece, thin-walled barrels with internal longitudinal stiffeners, eliminating the need for longitudinal welding and machining. A cost-benefit analysis of the ISC process estimated a 50 % reduction in manufacturing costs and a 10% weight savings over the current multi-piece, machined and welded construction approach for stiffened barrels. In 2017, commercial-scale manufacturing trials were pursued, leading to a successful manufacturing demonstration of 10-ft. diameter ISC barrels fabricated from Al alloy 2219. Some cracking was observed in the stiffeners during fabrication. Optical metallography was performed to evaluate the as-formed microstructures to identify potential causes of cracking, along with mechanical testing to evaluate formability. Results revealed that cracking in the stiffeners was attributed to three likely causes: 1) large Al-Cu stringer particles, 2) stick-slip friction between the mandrel and ISC due to non-optimized lubrication, and 3) differences in material flow rate between the wall and stiffener locations. Testing to gauge formability revealed a significant decrease in ductility in the longitudinal directional for the as-formed condition, attributed to reduced ductility due to the large Al-Cu stringer particles. These results provide guidance toward materials and processing modifications for future ISC forming trials.

Tayon, Wesley A.↗

Space station needs, attributes and architectural options study. Volume 2: Mission analysis

Space environment studies, astrophysics, Earth environment, life sciences, and material sciences are discussed. Commercial communication, materials processing, and Earth observation missions are addressed. Technology development, space operations, scenarios of operational capability, mission requirements, and benefits analysis results for space-produced gallium arsenide crystals, direct broadcasting satellite systems, and a high inclination space station are covered.

Source record↗

A recyclable self-healing composite with advanced sensing property

Polymer-based composites frequently encounter damage, often lurking beneath the surface and proving challenges to their early detection and repair. While material-based sensors show promise for encoding self-sensing properties within these composites, their in situ healing and reprocessability remain significant challenges. Therefore, the overarching goal of this study is the creation of a reprocessable polymeric composite encoded with self-healing attributes and the ability to autonomously sense damage. At the core of this innovation are vitrimers, a polymeric material characterized by a covalently adaptive dynamic network responsive to external factors such as heat. They combine thermoset-like resilience with thermoplastic-like flowability on demand under external stimuli. We nanoengineer a polyester-based vitrimeric polymer by incorporating piezoresistive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcing elements that not only enhance its mechanical strength but also create a percolation network within the composite, thereby enabling piezoresistive self-sensing properties, all the while preserving the intrinsic self-healing capabilities offered by the vitrimeric matrix. The fabrication process of the composite involves a solvent-free in situ polymerization method that combines epoxy and anhydride-containing monomers with ~ 0.1 wt.% of CNTs. Once it was established that the introduction of CNTs into the polymeric matrix did not compromise the mechanical properties of the composite, their strain-sensing properties were characterized by applying cyclic loading while measuring their electrical resistance. Strikingly, CNT-enhanced vitrimer composite consistently retains its mechanical and sensing properties through repeated cycles of reshaping and reprocessing, underscoring its potential as a robust distributed strain sensor. This polyester-based vitrimeric composite is also easily recyclable without harsh chemical treatments. Preliminary findings from this study conclusively demonstrate that the bulk composite boasts both self-sensing capabilities and in situ detect healing properties, charting a promising course towards the development of a mechanically resilient multifunctional composite that seamlessly integrates selfsensing and healing capabilities.

Rohewal, Sargun Singh↗

Effects of fiber motion on the acoustic behavior of an anisotropic, flexible fibrous material

The acoustic behavior of a flexible fibrous material was studied experimentally. The material consisted of cylindrically shaped fibers arranged in a batting with the fibers primarily aligned parallel to the face of the batting. This type of material was considered anisotropic, with the acoustic propagation constant depending on whether the dirction of sound propagation was parallel or normal to the fiber arrangement. Normal incidence sound absorption measurements were taken for both fiber orientations over the frequency range 140 to 1500 Hz and with bulk densities ranging from 4.6 to 67 kg/cu m. When the sound propagated in a direction normal to the fiber alignment, the measured sound absorption showed the occurrence of a strong resonance, which increased absorption above that attributed to viscous and thermal effects. When the sound propagated in a direction parallel to the fiber alignment, indications of strong resonances in the data were not present. The resonance in the data for fibers normal to the direction of sound propagation is attributed to fiber motion. An analytical model was developed for the acoustic behavior of the material displaying the same fiber motion characteristics shown in the measurements.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Effects of fiber motion on the acoustic behavior of an anisotropic, flexible fibrous material

The acoustic behavior of a flexible fibrous material was studied experimentally. The material consisted of cylindrically shaped fibers arranged in a batting with the fibers primarily aligned parallel to the face of the batting. This type of material was considered anisotropic, with the acoustic propagation constant depending on whether the direction of sound propagation was parallel or normal to the fiber arrangement. Normal incidence sound absorption measurements were taken for both fiber orientations over the frequency range 140 to 1500 Hz and with bulk densities ranging from 4.6 to 67 kg/cu m. When the sound propagated in a direction normal to the fiber alignment, the measured sound absorption showed the occurrence of a strong resonance, which increased absorption above that attributed to viscous and thermal effects. When the sound propagated in a direction parallel to the fiber alignment, indications of strong resonances in the data were not present. The resonance in the data for fibers normal to the direction of sound propagation is attributed to fiber motion. An analytical model was developed for the acoustic behavior of the material displaying the same fiber motion characteristics shown in the measurements.

Dahl, Milo D.↗

Multistage Condensation Pathway Minimizes Hysteresis in Water Harvesting with Large-Pore Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH). Large-pore MOFs provide high water capacity, but their significant hysteresis between sorption and desorption makes them unsuitable for AWH. Co2Cl2(BTDD) is a noteworthy exception. This MOF has large, 2.2 nm diameter one-dimensional pores, and combines both record-high water capacity and minimal hysteresis, making it an excellent material for water capture in arid areas. Sorption reversibility in Co2Cl2(BTDD) has been attributed to continuous water uptake. However, the sharp adsorption/desorption in the isotherms supports a discontinuous first-order transition. Here we use molecular simulations to compute the water adsorption and desorption pathways and isotherms in a Co2Cl2(BTDD) model, to elucidate how does this MOF achieve reversibility despite its large pore size. The simulations reveal a multi-stage mechanism of discontinuous water uptake facilitated by spatial segregation of rows of hydrophilic metal sites bridged by ~1 nm hydrophobic ligands. The multi-stage mechanism breaks the barrier of capillary condensation into smaller, easier to surmount ones, resulting in a facile process despite the sharp density discontinuity between confined liquid and vapor. Our results explain why exchanging Co2+ for Ni2+ or Clfor F- in the MOF have minimal impact on the condensation and desorption pressures. On the other hand, we predict that a decrease in hydrophilicity of the MOF vertices would strongly increase the hysteresis. We expect that the relationships between spatial distribution of hydrophilic sites and hysteresis unraveled in this study assist the design of water harvesting materials with maximal capacity and reversibility.

Zaragoza, Alberto↗

Tilted stripes origin in La 1.88 Sr 0.12 CuO 4 revealed by anisotropic next-nearest neighbor hopping

Spin- and charge- stripe order has been extensively studied in the superconducting cuprates, among which underdoped La 2–x Sr x CuO 4 (LSCO) is an archetype with static spin stripes at low temperatures. An intriguing, but not completely understood, phenomenon in LSCO is that the stripes are tilted away from the high-symmetry Cu-Cu directions. Using high-resolution neutron scattering on LSCO with x = 0.12, we find two coexisting phases at low temperatures, one with static spin stripes and the other with fluctuating ones, both sharing the same tilt angle. Our numerical calculations using the doped Hubbard model elucidate the tilting’s origin, attributing it to anisotropic next-nearest neighbor hopping t', consistent with the material’s slight orthorhombicity. Our results underscore the model’s success in describing specific details of the ground state of this real material and highlight the role of t' in the Hamiltonian, revealing the delicate interplay between stripes and superconductivity across theoretical and experimental contexts.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Disentangling electronic, lattice, and spin dynamics in the chiral helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS 2

We investigate the static and ultrafast magneto-optical response of the hexagonal chiral helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS 2 above and below the helimagnetic ordering temperature. The presence of a magnetic easy plane contained within the crystallographic $ab$-plane is confirmed, while degenerate optical pump-probe experiments reveal significant differences in the dynamic between the parent, NbS 2 , and Cr-intercalated compounds. Time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements show a two-step demagnetization process, where an initial, subpicosecond relaxation and subsequent buildup (τ > 50ps) in the demagnetization dynamic scale similarly with increasing pump fluence. Despite theoretical evidence for partial gapping of the minority spin channel, suggestive of possible half-metallicity in Cr 1/3 NbS 2 , such a long demagnetization dynamic likely results from spin-lattice relaxation as opposed to minority state blocking. However, comparison of the two-step demagnetization process in Cr 1/3 NbS 2 with other 3d intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides reveals a behavior that is unexpected from conventional spin-lattice relaxation, and may be attributed to the complicated interaction of local moments with itinerant electrons in this material system.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnetic properties of a spin-orbit entangled $J_{eff}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$ honeycomb lattice

The interplay between spin-orbit coupling, anisotropic magnetic interaction, frustration-induced quantum fluctuations, and spin correlations can lead to novel quantum states with exotic excitations in rare-earth-based quantum magnets. Herein, we present the crystal structure, magnetization, electron spin resonance (ESR), specific heat, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments on the polycrystalline samples of $\mathrm{Ba_9}$$\mathrm{Yb_2}$$\mathrm{Si_6}$$\mathrm{O_{24}}$, in which $\mathrm{Yb^{3+}}$ ions form a perfect honeycomb lattice without detectable antisite disorder. The magnetization data reveal antiferromagnetically coupled spin-orbit entangled $J_{eff}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$ degrees of freedom of $\mathrm{Yb^{3+}}$ ions in the Kramers doublet state. The ESR measurements reveal that the first excited Kramers doublet is 32.3(7) meV above the ground state. The specific heat results suggest the absence of any long-range magnetic order in the measured temperature range. Furthermore, the $\mathrm{^{29}Si}$ NMR results do not indicate any signature of magnetic ordering down to 1.6 K, and the spin-lattice relaxation rate reveals the presence of a field-induced gap that is attributed to the Zeeman splitting of the Kramers doublet state in this quantum material. Here, our experiments detect neither spin freezing nor long-range magnetic ordering down to 1.6 K. The current results suggest the presence of short-range spin correlations in this spin-orbit entangled $J_{eff}$ = $\frac{1}{2}$ rare-earth magnet on a honeycomb lattice.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Purines and triazines in the Murchison meteorite

Two samples of the Murchinson C2 chondrite were analyzed for organic nitrogen compounds, using mass spectrometry in combination with paper and thin-layer chromatography. Under mild extraction conditions (water or formic acid), only alphatic amines and some alkylpyridines were seen. Drastic extraction conditions (hot 3-6 M HCL) a variety of nitrogen compounds appeared, including adenine (15 ppm), guanine (5ppm), melamine (20 ppm), cyanuric acid (20 to 30 ppm), guanylurea (30 to 45 ppm), and urea (25 ppm). It appears that these compounds are present mainly in macromolecular material. Failure of other investigators to identify these compounds in carboneceous chondrites is attributed to inadequate extraction conditions (water and formic acid rather than HCl).

Hayatsu, R.↗

The Apollo 15 regolith - Comparative petrology of drive tube 15010/15011 and drill core section 15003

Two Apollo 15 regolith cores - double drive-tube 15010/15011 and deep drill core section 15003 - were compared. The drive tube was taken from near the edge of Hadley Rille within the mare region and the drill core was taken from the landing site, approximately the same distance as the drive tube from the Apennine Front. Optical modes were done on the two cores, each of which was divided into three stratigraphic units defined by minor differences in grain size and modal abundances. Electron microprobe data were collected on the mineral and glass fragments within each unit. Fused-soil-free bulk chemistries were calculated for each unit by modal recombination, using our modal data and average compositional and density data for soil components. It is found that the drive tube and drill core section are fairly homogeneous units both chemically and modally. Both soils are submature to immature. There are, however, significant differences between the cores. The drill core shows significant enrichments of highland lithic-fragments and highland-derived minerals and glasses relative to the drive tube. These differences are attributed to the fresh nature of the drive tube soil whose major source material is mare basalt ejecta from the shallow bedrock.

Walker, R. J.↗

Development of the NASA/FLAGRO computer program for analysis of airframe structures

The NASA/FLAGRO (NASGRO) computer program was developed for fracture control analysis of space hardware and is currently the standard computer code in NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the European Agency (ESA) for this purpose. The significant attributes of the NASGRO program are the numerous crack case solutions, the large materials file, the improved growth rate equation based on crack closure theory, and the user-friendly promptive input features. In support of the National Aging Aircraft Research Program (NAARP); NASGRO is being further developed to provide advanced state-of-the-art capability for damage tolerance and crack growth analysis of aircraft structural problems, including mechanical systems and engines. The project currently involves a cooperative development effort by NASA, FAA, and ESA. The primary tasks underway are the incorporation of advanced methodology for crack growth rate retardation resulting from spectrum loading and improved analysis for determining crack instability. Also, the current weight function solutions in NASGRO or nonlinear stress gradient problems are being extended to more crack cases, and the 2-d boundary integral routine for stress analysis and stress-intensity factor solutions is being extended to 3-d problems. Lastly, effort is underway to enhance the program to operate on personal computers and work stations in a Windows environment. Because of the increasing and already wide usage of NASGRO, the code offers an excellent mechanism for technology transfer for new fatigue and fracture mechanics capabilities developed within NAARP.

Forman, R. G.↗

The origin of variations in the 2175 A extinction bump

In this paper, small graphite grains are assumed to produce the 2175 A interstellar extinction bump. The principal observational characteristic of the bump in the invariance of its central wavelength (2174 +/- 9 A) among various lines of sight through diverse environments. On the other hand, its Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) varies from about 0.80/micrometer to 1.2/micrometer among the same lines of sight. In this paper, the variations in bump width among different sight lines is attributed to coatings on the graphite grains. The necessary properties of the coating material are investigated. Simple neutral polycycli aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have measured laboratory absorptions remarkably similar to those required to explain the broadening of the bump. Only 1.5% of cosmic carbon in PAHs is required to produce very broad bumps. Alternatively, about 2%-4% of the combined abundances of the refractory elements Fe and Mg, more highly depleted onto grains in dense regions than in the diffuse interstellar medium, could explain the mantles if their absorption rises rapidly with energy, as it does for MgO. Coatings of amorphous carbon, hydrogenated or not, diamond-like bonded carbon, or water ice do not have published optical constants that vary rapidly enough in wavenumber to produce the variations.

Mathis, John S.↗

An Analytical Model for Non-Uniform Magnetic Field Effects on Two-Dimensional Laminar Jet Diffusion Flames

In 1846, Michael Faraday found that permanent magnets could cause candle flames to deform into equatorial disks. He believed that the change in flame shape was caused by the presence of charged particles within the flames interacting with the magnetic fields. Later researchers found that the interaction between the flame ions and the magnetic fields were much too small to cause the flame deflection. Through a force analysis, von Engel and Cozens showed that the change in the flame shape could be attributed to the diamagnetic flame gases in the paramagnetic atmosphere. Paramagnetism occurs in materials composed of atoms with permanent magnetic dipole moments. In the presence of magnetic field gradients, the atoms align with the magnetic field and are drawn into the direction of increasing magnetic field. Diamagnetism occurs when atoms have no net magnetic dipole moment. In the presence of magnetic gradient fields, diamagnetic substances are repelled towards areas of decreasing magnetism. Oxygen is an example of a paramagnetic substance. Nitrogen, carbon monoxide and dioxide, and most hydrocarbon fuels are examples of diamagnetic substances. In order to evaluate the usefulness of these magnets in altering flame behavior, a study has been undertaken to develop an analytical model to describe the change in the flame length of a laminar diffusion jet in the presence of a nonuniform magnetic field.

Calvert, M. E.↗

Development of a Prototype Low-Voltage Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication System

NASA's Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are developing a solid freeform fabrication system utilizing an electron beam energy source and wire feedstock. This system will serve as a testbed for exploring the influence of gravitational acceleration on the deposition process and will be a simplified prototype for future systems that may be deployed during long-duration space missions for assembly, fabrication, and production of structural and mechanical replacement components. Critical attributes for this system are compactness, minimal mass, efficiency in use of feedstock material, energy use efficiency, and safety. The use of a low-voltage (less than 15kV) electron beam energy source will reduce radiation so that massive shielding is not required to protect adjacent personnel. Feedstock efficiency will be optimized by use of wire, and energy use efficiency will be achieved by use of the electron beam energy source. This system will be evaluated in a microgravity environment using the NASA KC-135A aircraft.

Watson, J. K.↗