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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Fractionating and Purifying Softwood Kraft Lignin with Aqueous Renewable Solvents: Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium for the Lignin–Ethanol–Water System

Hot ethanol–water solutions can be used to simultaneously fractionate and purify softwood Kraft lignin through the Aqueous Lignin Purification with Hot Agents (ALPHA) process, using the regions of liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) that form at selected temperatures and solvent-to-lignin feed (S/F) ratios. Lignin, ethanol, and water compositions are measured for the solvent-rich (SR) and lignin-rich (LR) liquid phases in mutual equilibrium, as well as the lignin and metals mass distributions between the two phases. As depicted in quasi-ternary diagrams for clarity, both temperature and S/F ratio can be used to grow, merge, and even split the regions of LLE, giving significant control over both molecular weight (MW) and lignin purity. For example, a solvent comprising 45:55 EtOH/H 2 O at 75 °C and an S/F ratio of 6:1 enables recovery of an ultrapure (95 % of Na removed), higher MW (M n =8400 Da) lignin fraction in the LR phase. On the other hand, 95:5 EtOH/H 2 O at 45 °C and S/F=3:1 enables recovery of an ultrapure, low MW (1500 Da) lignin in the SR phase.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Long‐term changes in soil carbon and nitrogen fractions in switchgrass, native grasses, and no‐till corn bioenergy production systems

Cellulosic bioenergy is a primary land-based climate mitigation strategy, with soil carbon (C) storage and nitrogen (N) conservation as important mitigation elements. Here, we present 13 years of soil C and N change under three cellulosic cropping systems: monoculture switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a five native grasses polyculture, and no-till corn (Zea mays L.). Soil C and N fractions were measured four times over 12 years. Bulk soil C in the 0–25 cm depth at the end of the study period ranged from 28.4 (± 1.4 se) Mg C ha −1 in no-till corn, to 30.8 (± 1.4) Mg C ha −1 in switchgrass, and to 34.8 (± 1.4) Mg C ha −1 in native grasses. Mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) ranged from 60% to 90% and particulate organic matter (POM) from 10% to 40% of total soil C. Over 12 years, total C as well as both C fractions persisted under no-till corn and switchgrass and increased under native grasses. In contrast, POM N stocks decreased 33% to 45% across systems, whereas MAOM N decreased only in no-till corn and by less than 13%. Declining POM N stocks likely reflect pre-establishment land use, which included alfalfa and manure in earlier rotations. Root production and large soil aggregate formation explained 69% (p < 0.001) and 36% (p = 0.024) of total soil C change, respectively, and 60% (p = 0.020) and 41% (p = 0.023) of soil N change, demonstrating the importance of belowground productivity and soil aggregates for producing and protecting soil C and conserving soil N. Differences between switchgrass and native grasses also indicate a dependence on plant diversity. Soil C and N benefits of bioenergy crops depend strongly on root productivity and pre-establishment land use.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of absolute branching fractions of $$ {\textrm{D}}_{\textrm{s}}^{+} $$ hadronic decays

Abstract Usinge + e − collision data collected at the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb −1 , we determine the absolute branching fractions of fifteen hadronic$$ {D}_s^{+} $$ D s + decays with a double-tag technique. In particular, we make precise measurements of the branching fractions$$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}^{+}{K}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right)=\left(5.49\pm 0.04\pm 0.07\right)\% $$ B D s + → K + K − π + = 5.49 ± 0.04 ± 0.07 % ,$$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}_S^0{K}^{+}\right)=\left(1.50\pm 0.01\pm 0.01\right)\% $$ B D s + → K S 0 K + = 1.50 ± 0.01 ± 0.01 % and$$ \mathcal{B}\left({D}_s^{+}\to {K}^{+}{K}^{-}{\pi}^{+}{\pi}^0\right)=\left(5.50\pm 0.05\pm 0.11\right)\% $$ B D s + → K + K − π + π 0 = 5.50 ± 0.05 ± 0.11 % , where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones are systematic. TheCPasymmetries in these decays are also measured and all are found to be compatible with zero.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of the branching fractions of $$ \overline{B} $$ → D(*)K−$$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ and $$ \overline{B} $$ → D(*)$$ {D}_s^{-} $$ decays at Belle II

Abstract We present measurements of the branching fractions of eight$$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ B ¯ 0 →D (*)+ K − $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ K S ∗ 0 ,B − →D (*)0 K − $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ K S ∗ 0 decay channels. The results are based on data from SuperKEKB electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance collected with the Belle II detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 362 fb −1 . The event yields are extracted from fits to the distributions of the difference between expected and observedBmeson energy, and are efficiency-corrected as a function ofm(K − $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ K S ∗ 0 ) andm(D (*) $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ K S ∗ 0 ) in order to avoid dependence on the decay model. These results include the first observation of$$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ B ¯ 0 →D + K − $$ {K}_S^0 $$ K S 0 ,B − →D* 0 K − $$ {K}_S^0 $$ K S 0 , and$$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ B ¯ 0 →D* + K − $$ {K}_S^0 $$ K S 0 decays and a significant improvement in the precision of the other channels compared to previous measurements. The helicity-angle distributions and the invariant mass distributions of theK − $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ K S ∗ 0 systems are compatible with quasi-two-body decays via a resonant transition with spin-parityJ P = 1 − for theK − $$ {K}_S^0 $$ K S 0 systems andJ P = 1 + for theK − K* 0 systems. We also present measurements of the branching fractions of four$$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ B ¯ 0 →D (*)+ $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ D s − ,B − →D (*)0 $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ D s − decay channels with a precision compatible to the current world averages.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of the branching fraction of ${\textrm{D}}_{\textrm{s}}^{+}$ → τ + ν τ via τ + → μ+ν μ $\overline{\nu}$τ

Utilizing 7 . 33 fb - 1 of e + e - collision data taken at the center-of-mass energies of 4.128, 4.157, 4.178, 4.189, 4.199, 4.209, 4.219, and 4.226 GeV with the BESIII detector, the branching fraction of the leptonic decay ${D}_s^{+}$ → τ + ν τ via τ + → μ + ν μ $\overline{\nu}$ τ is measured to be ${\mathcal{B}}_{D_s^{+}\to {\tau}^{+}{\nu}_{\tau }}$ = (5 . 37 ± 0 . 17 stat ± 0 . 15 syst )%. Combining this branching fraction with the world averages of the measurements of the masses of τ + and ${D}_s^{+}$ as well as the lifetime of ${D}_s^{+}$, we extract the product of the decay constant of ${D}_s^{+}$ and the c → s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element to be ${f}_{D_s^{+}}$ |V cs | = (246 . 7 ± 3 . 9 stat ± 3 . 6 syst ) MeV. Taking |V cs | from a global fit in the standard model we obtain ${f}_{D_s^{+}}$ = (253 . 4 ± 4 . 0 stat ± 3 . 7 syst ) MeV. Conversely, taking ${f}_{D_s^{+}}$ from lattice quantum chromodynamics calculations, we obtain |V cs | = 0 . 987 ± 0 . 016 stat ± 0 . 014 syst .

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of the non-prompt D-meson fraction as a function of multiplicity in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV

The fractions of non-prompt (i.e. originating from beauty-hadron decays) D 0 and D + mesons with respect to the inclusive yield are measured as a function of the charged-particle multiplicity in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}$ = 13 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are reported in intervals of transverse momentum (pT) and integrated in the range 1 < p T < 24 GeV/c. The fraction of non-prompt D 0 and D + mesons is found to increase slightly as a function of p T in all the measured multiplicity intervals, while no significant dependence on the charged-particle multiplicity is observed. In order to investigate the production and hadronisation mechanisms of charm and beauty quarks, the results are compared to PYTHIA 8 as well as EPOS 3 and EPOS 4 Monte Carlo simulations, and to calculations based on the colour glass condensate including three-pomeron fusion.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of the branching fractions of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays $$ {\Lambda}_{\textrm{c}}^{+}\to \textrm{p}\eta $$ and $$ {\Lambda}_{\textrm{c}}^{+}\to \textrm{p}\omega $$

Abstract Based on 4.5 fb −1 e + e − collision data collected with BESIII detector at seven energy points between 4.600 and 4.699 GeV, the branching fractions for$$ {\Lambda}_c^{+}\to p\eta $$ Λ c + → pη and$$ {\Lambda}_c^{+}\to p\omega $$ Λ c + → pω were measured by means of single-tag method. The branching fractions of$$ {\Lambda}_c^{+}\to p\eta $$ Λ c + → pη and$$ {\Lambda}_c^{+}\to p\omega $$ Λ c + → pω are determined to be (1.57±0.11 stat ±0.04 syst )×10 −3 and (1.11±0.20 stat ±0.07 syst )×10 −3 , with a statistical significance of greater than 10σand 5.7σ, respectively. These results are consistent with the previous measurements by BESIII, LHCb and Belle, and the result of$$ {\Lambda}_c^{+}\to p\eta $$ Λ c + → pη is the most precise to date.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Isolation and characterization of lignocellulosic nanofibers from four kinds of organosolv-fractionated lignocellulosic materials

The objective of this research was to investigate the presence of residual lignin in cellulose fibers on the efficiency and energy consumption during nanofibers processing. Four kinds of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) from switchgrass, yellow poplar, hybrid poplar, and pine, respectively, were isolated via organosolv fractionation coupling mechanical grinding. Nanofibrils were observed after organosolv fractionation. The details of their morphological features, chemical structures, water retention value (WRV), and thermal degradation characteristics were revealed and compared. Mean diameters of nanofibers separated from switchgrass, yellow poplar, hybrid poplar, and pine were 27.9 nm, 25.4 nm, 24.6 nm, and 21.5 nm, respectively. The presence of lignin for the four types of LCNFs led to a decrease in energy consumption and an increase in WRV, among which pine nanofibers show the best with an average energy consumption of 0.511 kWh/kg and a WRV of 537%. It was also demonstrated that increasing lignin content for LCNFs could contribute to the sample’s thermal stability. In conclusion, exact benefits of residual lignin for nanofiber will facilitate its preparation process and extend its application.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of limited-view tomography for measurement of Spray G plume direction and liquid volume fraction

Abstract The method for direct injection of fuel in the cylinder of an IC engines is important to high-efficiency and low-emission performance. Optical spray diagnostics plays an important role in understanding plume movement and interaction for multi-hole injectors, and providing baseline understanding used for computational optimization of fuel delivery. Traditional planar or line-of-sight diagnostics fail to capture the liquid distribution because of optical thickness concerns. This work proposes a high-speed (67 kHz) extinction imaging technique at various injector rotations coupled to computed tomography (CT) for time-resolved reconstruction of liquid volume fraction in three dimensions. The number of views selected and processing were based on synthetic (modeled) liquid volume fraction data where extinction and CT adequately reconstructed each plume. The exercise showed that for an 8-hole, symmetric-design injector (ECN Spray G), only three different views are enough to reproduce the direction of each plume, and particularly the mean plume direction. Therefore, the number of views was minimized for experiments to save expense. Measurements applying this limited-view technique confirm plume–plume variations also detected with mechanical patternation, while providing better spatial and temporal resolution than achieved previously. Uncertainties due to the limited view within pressurized spray chambers, the droplet size, and optically thick regions are discussed. Graphic abstract

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Fractionation of UF6 and daughter progeny in storage cylinders from external heating

Abstract Uranium hexafluoride (UF 6 ) is a significant concern for material accountancy and verification in the international safeguards community. Verification of the contents of UF 6 cylinders is generally attempted with gamma spectroscopy but the current methods assume a uniform, homogeneous UF 6 mass distribution within the cylinder. In this work, it was found experimentally and confirmed via modeling, that under an external heat load (the sun), the UF 6 and its daughter products undergo fractionation in the cylinder. This fractionation of the UF 6 and daughter products can cause an errant measurement of the enrichment of the cylinder when using the current verification methods.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2023

Manipulating Retained Austenite Fraction and Stability With Controlled Chemical Heterogeneities in Q&P Steels

Advanced high-strength steels go through complex heat treatment processes with the goal of retaining austenite to enhance the mechanical properties. Martensite start temperature predictions are generally based on bulk composition when designing heat treatments, so compositional heterogeneities are not considered. Here, the effects of compositional heterogeneities on retained austenite fractions in a quenching and partitioning steel are investigated. In conclusion, the results show that Mn banding from solidification can be used to change retained austenite fractions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Biocompatible organosolv fractionation via a novel alkaline lignin-first strategy towards lignocellulose valorization

Simultaneous valorization of both carbohydrate and lignin fractions in lignocellulose remains a great challenge. Herein, a novel lignin-first strategy using triethylene glycol (TEG) under alkaline conditions for effective biomass fractionation producing highly digestible carbohydrates and reactive lignin was developed. Delignification was over 80% and fermentable sugar yields were close to 90% after pretreatment at 90°C. The biocompatibility of TEG allowed direct enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid residue without washing, thus minimizing wastewater generation. Furthermore, the obtained lignin (TEGL) had an uncondensed structure with well-preserved β-O-4 linkage, leading to near-equal aromatic monomer yields compared to cellulolytic enzyme lignin after catalytic-free pyrolysis, demonstrating high valorization potential. Finally, the proposed TEG solvent system is promising for a green and sustainable biorefinery process to achieve the complete utilization of lignocellulose.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

tapir: A tool for topologies, amplitudes, partial fraction decomposition and input for reductions

The demand for precision predictions in the field of high energy physics has dramatically increased over recent years. Experiments conducted at the LHC, as well as precision measurements at the intensity frontier such as Belle II require equally precise theoretical predictions to make full use of the acquired data. To match the experimental precision, second-, third- and, for certain quantities, even higher-order calculations in perturbative quantum field theory are required. To facilitate such calculations, computer software automating as many steps as possible is required. Yet, each calculation poses different challenges and thus, a high level of configurability is required. In this context we present tapir: a tool for identification, manipulation and minimization of Feynman integral families. It is designed to integrate in toolchains based on the computer algebra system FORM, the use of which is common practice in the field. tapir can be used to reduce the complexity of multi-loop problems with cut-filters, topology mapping, partial fraction decomposition and alike. Program Title:tapir CPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/ptc9t46xyn.1 Developer's repository link:https://gitlab.com/tapir-devs/tapir Licensing provisions: GPLv3 Programming language:python 3, C++ Nature of problem: Multi-loop computations require the automatization of a large number of different tasks related to Feynman integral topologies. Among them are the identification and minimization of integral topologies, partial fraction decomposition of topologies in the case of linearly dependent propagators as well as mapping scalar products of loop momenta to scalar functions. Solution method: The minimization of topologies is performed by comparison of their respective Nickel indices [1], even further minimization utilizes Pak's algorithm [2]. To efficiently map scalar products of loop momenta to scalar functions FORM [3] code is generated. Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: Minimization based on Pak's algorithm slows down for many lines and scales. A coarser minimization using the Nickel indices, however, is still possible. [1]B. Nickel, D. Meiron, G.A.J. Baker, Compilation of 2-pt and 4-pt graphs for continuous spin model, Report, University of Guelph, 1977.[2]A. Pak, J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 368 (2012) 012049, https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/368/1/012049, arXiv:1111.0868.[3]B. Ruijl, T. Ueda, J. Vermaseren, FORM version 4.2, arXiv:1707.06453, 7 2017.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Computing material volume fractions on a superimposed mesh as applied to Monte Carlo particle transport simulations

Here, we present a newly implemented ray tracing algorithm in OpenMC for efficiently computing material volume fractions on superimposed meshes in complex geometries. By firing rays along each coordinate direction through the geometry, the approach accumulates track-length data in each mesh element, thereby determining the fractional composition of each material. Scaling studies on three different models—a random tetrahedra configuration, the Frascati Neutron Generator ITER dose rate benchmark, and a stellarator design—show excellent parallel performance, with nearly linear speedup on modern multi-threaded and distributed-memory systems. An analysis of the residual error relative to high-resolution reference solutions demonstrated that under optimal conditions it decreases as 1/R, where R is the number of rays fired, making it straightforward to achieve user-prescribed accuracy. This new functionality enables practical, mesh-based approaches for detailed nuclear analyses in production Monte Carlo workflows without resorting to expensive, fully conformal or unstructured meshing.

Monte Carlo↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elucidating the modes of incorporation of the ferulic acid amides feruloyltyramine and feruloyloctopamine into the lignin-suberin fraction of potato periderms

Ferulic acid amides are naturally present in the cell walls of potato (Solanum tuberosum) periderms. In this study, we investigated their modes of incorporation into the periderm cell wall polymers. A lignin/suberin-enriched fraction was isolated and analyzed by GPC, DFRC, and 2D-NMR. The analyses revealed that the lignin domain of this fraction was predominantly composed of G-lignin units, with an H:G:S ratio of 2:70:28 (S/G ratio of 0.40). More importantly, the data also indicated the presence of two ferulic acid amides, feruloyltyramine and feruloyloctopamine, that are incorporated into the lignin/suberin structure of potato periderms through a variety of linkages, including 8-O-4' and 4-O-beta' ether linkages, as well as 8-5' linkages forming a phenylcoumaran structure involving the ferulate moiety. Although the phenolic groups of the tyramine and octopamine moieties could theoretically undergo oxidation, potentially creating additional sites for radical coupling, our research indicates that these groups remain predominantly as free phenolic entities that do not participate in radical coupling. On the other hand, all the phenolic groups of the ferulate moieties are bound through ether linkages reinforcing the conclusion that the feruloyltyramine and feruloyloctopamine moieties are linked to lignin/suberin within the cell wall via radical coupling reactions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Behavioral Determinants of Canadian Radiation Oncologists’ Use of Single Fraction Palliative Radiation Therapy for Uncomplicated Bone Metastases

A mainstay therapy for pain relief from uncomplicated bone metastases is external beam radiation therapy. Single fraction radiation therapy (SFRT) is more convenient and cost-effective, causes fewer acute side effects, and is equivalent to multiple fraction radiation therapy for pain relief. Despite these advantages, radiation oncologists seldom prescribe SFRT.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Framework for predicting the fractionation of complex liquid feeds via polymer membranes

The separation of complex liquid hydrocarbon mixtures was recently demonstrated using the glassy polymer SBAD-1, showing that small molecule fractionation is possible by such organic membrane materials. Here, in this work, we develop a framework that will enable workable predictions of permeate flux and composition in complex hydrocarbon liquids through intrinsically porous glassy polymers. The predictions are made by incorporating experimentally-derived unary sorption and diffusion parameters in a Maxwell-Stefan framework coupled with multicomponent sorption models and various distinct diffusion phenomena. Across the range of sorption and diffusion phenomena considered, both the conventional Flory-Huggins model and the proposed Langmuir + Flory-Huggins sorption model combined with a simple average guest diffusivity or a more complex free-volume theory-based transport resulted in the lowest prediction error for three chosen multicomponent separations. The proposed Maxwell-Stefan framework simply requires pure component transport parameters to allow a fast approximation of the separation of multicomponent liquid hydrocarbon feeds that can potentially be extended to more complex feeds such as crude oil fractions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of G-phase volume fraction and number density in duplex stainless steels using transmission electron microscopy

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) have a high toughness and strength due the presence of both austenitic and ferritic phases. These alloys have had limited use in power production applications due to thermal embrittlement caused by spinodal decomposition and development of G-phase precipitates in the ferrite. Lean grade DSS alloys (e.g., 2101, 2003) may offer improved thermal stability due to the reduction of Cr- and Ni-equivalent elements when compared to standard grade compositions (e.g., 2205, 2209). The abundance of the G-phase was measured in five duplex stainless steels, three wrought alloys (2101, 2003, 2205) and their matching filler metals (2101-w, 2209-w), after aging at 427 °C for 1000 h and 10,000 h. The G-phase volume fraction, number density, size, and precipitate spacing were found using quantitative analysis of transmission electron microscopy dark field images and the composition of G-phase precipitates on other clusters were characterized with atom probe tomography (APT). In the welded alloys, the G-phase was found to develop rapidly, relative to the wrought material. A positive correlation was found between the nickel equivalent composition of the alloy and the G-phase volume fraction. The alloys 2205, 2209, and 2101-w, which are higher in Cr and Ni, all showed significant G-phase precipitation, further strengthening the hypothesis that lean grade DSS alloys are more thermally stable against precipitation in the ferrite. Electron diffraction showed a secondary phase present in the 2101 wrought alloy at 10,000 h, but it was not crystallographically consistent with the G-phase; APT showed the presence of nanoclusters rich in both nickel and copper for this alloy. In conclusion, no secondary phases or clusters were found in 2003 after 10,000 h of aging, so it may be a candidate alloy for applications that require long-life times at high operating temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗