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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2019

Six Quaternary Chalcogenides of the Pavonite Homologous Series with Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity

Six new quaternary chalcogenides belonging to the pavonite sulfosalt mineral family with the general formula M n+1 (Bi/ Sb) 2 Q n+5 (n = 2-7) were synthesized by direct reactions of the elements at high temperatures. The compounds include InPbBi 3 S 7 (n = 2), In 0.5 Mn 2 Bi 3.5 Se 8 (n = 3), CdPb 2 Bi 4 S 9 (n = 4), Ag 1.5 CdBi 5.5 Se 10 (n = 5), Ag 2 CdBi 6 Se 11 (n = 6), and Ag 2.5 CdSb 6.5 Se 12 (n = 7) and crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/m. The pavonite structure consists of two alternating slabs, a thinner slab composed of pairs of monocapped trigonal prisms separated by octahedra and a thicker slab with a galena-like structure motif. In the general formula, n corresponds to the number of octahedra along the diagonal direction of the galena-like slab. The complex compositions, mixed occupancies of the cations, and quasi-two-dimensional structures endow compounds of this family with extremely low thermal conductivity. Here, the charge and thermal transport properties of CdPb 2 Bi 4 S 9 and CdAg 2 Bi 6 Se 11 were characterized from 300 to 810 K, and both materials exhibited n-type semiconductor behaviors and ultralow lattice thermal conductivities of less than 0.35 W·m –1 ·K –1 for CdAg 2 Bi 6 Se 11 and 0.73 W·m –1 ·K –1 for CdPb 2 Bi 4 S 9 in the measured temperature range. Density functional theory calculations revealed the origins of this low lattice thermal conductivity to be a combination of the low Debye temperature, small phonon velocities, and large Grüneisen parameters. Thermoelectric properties were measured, and the highest ZT values of 0.53 and 0.95 for undoped CdPb 2 Bi 4 S 9 and CdAg 2 Bi 6 Se 11 , respectively, were attained at 775 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Effect of dislocation density on thermal boundary conductance across GaSb/GaAs interfaces

We report on the thermal boundary conductance across structurally-variant GaSb/GaAs interfaces characterized by different dislocations densities, as well as variably-rough Al/GaSb interfaces. The GaSb/GaAs structures are epitaxially grown using both interfacial misfit (IMF) and non-IMF techniques. We measure the thermal boundary conductance from 100 to 450 K with time-domain thermoreflectance. The thermal boundary conductance across the GaSb/GaAs interfaces decreases with increasing strain dislocation density. We develop a model for interfacial transport at structurally-variant interfaces in which phonon propagation and scattering parallels photon attenuation. We find that this model describes the measured thermal boundary conductances well.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Lightweight Mechanical Metamaterials with Tunable Negative Thermal Expansion

Ice floating on water is a great manifestation of negative thermal expansion (NTE) in nature. The limited examples of natural materials possessing NTE have stimulated research on engineered structures. Previous studies on NTE structures were mostly focused on theoretical design with limited experimental demonstration in two-dimensional planar geometries. Here, in this work, aided with multimaterial projection microstereolithography, we experimentally fabricate lightweight multimaterial lattices that exhibit significant negative thermal expansion in three directions and over a temperature range of 170 degrees. Such NTE is induced by the structural interaction of material components with distinct thermal expansion coefficients. The NTE can be tuned over a large range by varying the thermal expansion coefficient difference between constituent beams and geometrical arrangements. Our experimental results match qualitatively with a simple scaling law and quantitatively with computational models.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Cooling Design and Thermal Analysis for Thermal Shields of a Cryocooler-Cooled Superconducting ECR Ion Source MARS-D Magnet

Here, a demonstrative NbTi based Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS-D) is being developed for a next-Generation Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Source (ECRIS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBL), which employs a novel closed-loop coil design scheme that more efficiently utilizes conductor fields and extend the application of NbTi for high frequency (up to 45 GHz) ECR operation. The NbTi MARS-D magnet consists of a single hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. A cryostat for cooling the MARS-D magnet is under design at LBL. The MARS-D magnet working around 4.2 K will be bath-cooled in liquid helium using multiple two-stage cryocoolers. An intermediate temperature thermal radiation shield is adopted to reduce the heat leakage imposed on 4.2 K coil cold mass from room temperature. The thermal shield is conduction-cooled by the first-stage cold heads of four two-stage cryocoolers and the cold head of a single-stage cryocooler shared with nine binary leads. The temperature in the area of the shield that warm ends of HTS leads are mounted on is expected no higher than 60 K, which is limited by maximum allowable working temperature of HTS leads. The paper presents thermal analysis on the thermal radiation shield including heat loads and effects of eddy current induced during quench on its material selection.

ECRIS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Data Testing of Polyethylene Thermal Scattering Law with New Thermal Epithermal eXperiments (TEX) Plutonium Baseline Benchmark, PU-MET-MIXED-002

Five plutonium baseline experiments completed in September of 2018 from the Thermal Epithermal eXperiments (TEX) program have been accepted by the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project as PU-MET-MIXED-002 and will be included in the 2020 version of the handbook. The experiments were made up of stacked layers of plutonium Zero Power Physics Reactor (ZPPR) plates moderated by polyethylene (PE, chemical formula C2H4) to varying degrees to create configurations with five different neutron spectra, including one fast configuration, one thermal configuration, and three mixed configurations. Calculations of the benchmark show overprediction of k eff when using the most recent release of the Evaluated Nuclear Data File Version B (ENDF/B) library release (VIII.0) cross sections, particularly when compared to the previous ENDF/B-VII.1 results. One potential source of overprediction was hypothesized to be the new Molecular Dynamics (MD) generated PE Thermal Scattering Law (TSL). The overprediction was shown via calculation to not be caused by the new ENDF/B-VIII.0 thermal scattering law, and in fact the overprediction was mitigated by the new PE TSL.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Interrelationship of Thermal Effects on Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate Casts Containing Borax and Kaolin: Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Contact Dilatometry

The core composition of gypsum wallboard is calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O) with varying impurities, additives, or both. This study compares here two commercially calcined sources of hemihydrate (CaSO 4 ·½H 2 O) from a natural source and a synthetic by-product of flue gas desulfurization and neutralization to reagent grade hemihydrate. Two common ingredients, borax and kaolin, are mixed into a slurry with distilled water. The analysis supports the hypothesis that minor components in the cast have an effect on the high temperature performance of gypsum casts. The analysis is enhanced when the differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and dilatometry data are combined to study the changes in density versus heat flow. Specifically, the thermal performance is affected by (1) the impurities found in hemihydrate sources; (2) during the fluidization phase, the reaction of borax with free Ca ++ ions to form new borate salts that melt at lower temperatures; and (3) the intercalation of these and other ions with kaolin, providing thermal stability by reducing the formation of thermally active salts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Thermal properties for the thermal-hydraulics analyses of the BR2 maximum nominal heat flux.

This memo describes the assumptions and references used in determining the thermal properties for the various materials used in the BR2 HEU (93% enriched in {sup 235}U) to LEU (19.75% enriched in {sup 235}U) conversion feasibility analysis. More specifically, this memo focuses on the materials contained within the pressure vessel (PV), i.e., the materials that are most relevant to the study of impact of the change of fuel from HEU to LEU. This section is regrouping all of the thermal property tables. Section 2 provides a summary of the thermal properties in form of tables while the following sections present the justification of these values. Section 3 presents a brief background on the approach used to evaluate the thermal properties of the dispersion fuel meat and specific heat capacity. Sections 4 to 7 discuss the material properties for the following materials: (i) aluminum, (ii) dispersion fuel meat (UAlx-Al and U-7Mo-Al), (iii) beryllium, and (iv) stainless steel. Section 8 discusses the impact of irradiation on material properties. Section 9 summarizes the material properties for typical operating temperatures. Appendix A elaborates on how to calculate dispersed phase's volume fraction. Appendix B shows the evolution of the BR2 maximum heat flux with burnup.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal Process Intensification: Transforming the Way Industry Uses Thermal Process Energy

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Manufacturing Office held the virtual workshop entitled “Thermal Process Intensification: Transforming the Way Industry Uses Thermal Process Energy” in November and December 2020. The workshop brought together participants from universities/laboratories, industries, equipment manufacturers, technology vendors, nongovernmental organizations, and subject-matter experts to discuss transformative technologies and strategies to substantially improve the performance (e.g., energy productivity, thermal efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, reduced number of process steps) of thermal processing systems in the industrial sector.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Integrated Steady-State System Package for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Analysis Using Multi-Dimensional Thermal Hydraulics and Dimensionless Turbopump Treatment

Nuclear thermal propulsion is an evolving technology that can be utilized for long-distance space travel. This technology yields the advantage of a high thrust and specific impulse, but requires an examination of the potential design adjustments necessary to enhance its feasibility. The development of nuclear thermal propulsion requires a comprehensive understanding of the system-level behavior during transient and steady-state operation. This paper extends our previous research by including the proper handling of turbomachinery with multi-channel thermal hydraulic simulations only for steady-state solutions. The system-level approach presented here enables the treatment of the turbopump components through non-dimensional analysis that eliminates the assumption of constant efficiencies. All the other components within the system (e.g., reflector and core) can be discretized to multiple channels and layers, in which the full thermal hydraulic solution is established. The approach chosen here enables the realistic modeling of the propellant flow within the expander cycle by capturing the pressure losses, mass flow rate splits, and enthalpy gain for various operational conditions. The verification of the package is completed through point comparisons of previous investigations into similar system designs. Furthermore, sensitivity studies are used to benchmark the capabilities of the package and investigate solution variations due to the perturbation of operational conditions and regimes. The sensitivity studies performed here are important to capture variation in flow characteristics (e.g., temperature, pressure, mass flow rates) for different design objectives such as the thrust and specific impulse. This work demonstrates that system-level simulations lacking multi-channel capability and proper turbomachinery treatment may yield higher uncertainties in understanding the engine’s response and characteristics to changing various requirements. This is extremely important when screening the design space of such propulsion systems and when transient simulations are required.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2014

Calcium-Magnesium-Aluminosilicate (CMAS) Infiltration and Cyclic Degradations of Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings in Thermal Gradients

In a continuing effort to develop higher temperature capable turbine thermal barrier and environmental barrier coating systems, Calcium-Magnesium-Aluminosilicate (CMAS) resistance of the advanced coating systems needs to be evaluated and improved. This paper highlights some of NASA past high heat flux testing approaches for turbine thermal and environmental barrier coatings assessments in CMAS environments. One of our current emphases has been focused on the thermal barrier - environmental barrier coating composition and testing developments. The effort has included the CMAS infiltrations in high temperature and high heat flux turbine engine like conditions using advanced laser high heat flux rigs, and subsequently degradation studies in laser heat flux thermal gradient cyclic and isothermal furnace cyclic testing conditions. These heat flux CMAS infiltration and related coating durability testing are essential where appropriate CMAS melting, infiltration and coating-substrate temperature exposure temperature controls can be achieved, thus helping quantify the CMAS-coating interaction and degradation mechanisms. The CMAS work is also playing a critical role in advanced coating developments, by developing laboratory coating durability assessment methodologies in simulated turbine engine conditions and helping establish CMAS test standards in laboratory environments.

Thermal Barrier Coatings↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Vacuum Testing Strategy and Thermal Desktop Model Correlation for the Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technologies (MMPACT) Robotic Terrestrial Arm

This paper discusses the initial thermal vacuum testing of the MMPACT robotic terrestrial arm. The robotic arm is part of a construction system designed for the lunar south pole surface. The first thermal vacuum test was a risk mitigation test to ensure the arm could operate in vacuum, with all other data collection as secondary priorities. 44 thermocouples (TCs) were attached to the arm. Installation was done with additional care to account for both the extra wiring harness weight on the arm with the TC wires and increased focus on stabilizing the TC attachments to the moving components. Thermal steady state of <= 0.01°C/hour was reached for the hot set of testing conditions. This data was used to correlate the Thermal Desktop (TD) model to the test results within +/- 5°C.

Thermal analysis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Vacuum Testing Strategy and Thermal Desktop Model Correlation for the Moon to Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technologies (MMPACT) Robotic Terrestrial Arm

This paper discusses the initial thermal vacuum testing of the MMPACT robotic terrestrial arm. The robotic arm is part of a construction system designed for the lunar south pole surface. The first thermal vacuum test was a risk mitigation test to ensure the arm could operate in vacuum, with all other data collection as secondary priorities. 44 thermocouples (TCs) were attached to the arm. Installation was done with additional care to account for both the extra wiring harness weight on the arm with the TC wires and increased focus on stabilizing the TC attachments to the moving components. Thermal steady state of <= 0.01°C/hour was reached for the hot set of testing conditions. This data was used to correlate the Thermal Desktop (TD) model to the test results within +/- 5°C.

Thermal analysis↗
DOE OSTI2011

Advanced Metal-Hydrides-Based Thermal Battery: A New Generation of High Density Thermal Battery Based on Advanced Metal Hydrides

HEATS Project: The University of Utah is developing a compact hot-and-cold thermal battery using advanced metal hydrides that could offer efficient climate control system for EVs. The team’s innovative designs of heating and cooling systems for EVs with high energy density, low-cost thermal batteries could significantly reduce the weight and eliminate the space constraint in automobiles. The thermal battery can be charged by plugging it into an electrical outlet while charging the electric battery and it produces heat and cold through a heat exchanger when discharging. The ultimate goal of the project is a climate-controlling thermal battery that can last up to 5,000 charge and discharge cycles while substantially increasing the driving range of EVs, thus reducing the drain on electric batteries.

ARPA-E↗
DOE OSTI2022

Investigating Performance of Geothermal Reservoirs With Bi-Directional Heat Transfer for Seasonal Thermal Storage Using Thermal-Hydraulic Reservoir Simulations

This paper presents initial simulation results of deep subsurface seasonal thermal storage of waste heat from a natural gas-fired power plant during the summer months for providing heating during winter months at the Cornell University main campus in Ithaca, New York. An injection temperature profile is calculated with the MEnU tool and numerical reservoir simulations are conducted with the simulator FALCON. Both a porous medium and large single fracture geothermal reservoir are considered at about 3 km depth with initial reservoir temperature of 75 degrees C. Simulations indicate that a much smaller reservoir - which is technically easier and less risky to develop - is sufficient when operating the reservoir for seasonal thermal storage instead of for continuous heat production. For example, storing 13 GWh of heat seasonally in a 100 m thick porous medium based on the Galway formation requires about 65 m of well spacing to limit the yearly variation in production temperature to 10 degrees C. Operating this reservoir for continuous heat production would require a well spacing of 365 m to limit the thermal decline to 10 degrees C after 10 years. Neglecting wellbore heat losses and assuming uniform and homogeneous properties, a round-trip thermal efficiency of 100% can be obtained if the yearly averaged injection temperature matches the initial reservoir temperature.

district heating↗
DOE OSTI2011

Thermal and electronic charge transport in bulk nanostructured Zr{sub 0.25}Hf{sub 0.75}NiSn composites with full-Heusler inclusions

Bulk Zr{sub 0.25}Hf{sub 075}NiSn half-Heusler (HH) nanocomposites containing various mole fractions of full-Heusler (FH) inclusions were prepared by solid state reaction of pre-synthesized HH alloy with elemental Ni at 1073 K. The microstructures of spark plasma sintered specimens of the HH/FH nanocomposites were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and their thermoelectric properties were measured from 300 K to 775 K. The formation of coherent FH inclusions into the HH matrix arises from solid-state Ni diffusion into vacant sites of the HH structure. HH(1-y)/FH(y) composites with mole fraction of FH inclusions below the percolation threshold, y{approx}0.2, show increased electrical conductivity, reduced Seebeck coefficient and increased total thermal conductivity arising from gradual increase in the carrier concentration for composites. A drastic reduction ({approx}55%) in {kappa}{sub l} was observed for the composite with y=0.6 and is attributed to enhanced phonon scattering due to mass fluctuations between FH and HH, and high density of HH/FH interfaces. - Graphical abstract: Large reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity of bulk nanostructured half-Heusler/full-Heusler (Zr{sub 0.25}Hf{sub 075}NiSn/ Zr{sub 0.25}Hf{sub 075}Ni{sub 2}Sn) composites, obtained by solid-state diffusion at 1073 K of elemental Ni into vacant sites of the half-Heusler structure, arising from the formation of regions of spinodally decomposed HH and FH phases with a spatial composition modulation of {approx}2 nm. Highlights: > Bulk composites from solid state transformation of half-Heusler matrix through Ni diffusion. > Formation of coherent phase boundaries between half-Heusler matrix and full-Heusler inclusion. > Alteration of thermal and electronic transports with increasing full-Heusler inclusion. > Enhanced phonon scattering at half-Heusler/ full-Heusler phase boundaries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗