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Results for “in situ imaging”

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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Ultrafast Metal Electrodeposition Revealed by In Situ Optical Imaging and Theoretical Modeling towards Fast–Charging Zn Battery Chemistry

Metallic Zn is a preferred anode material for rechargeable aqueous batteries towards a smart grid and renewable energy storage. Importantly, understanding how the metal nucleates and grows at the aqueous Zn anode is a critical and challenging step to achieve full reversibility of Zn battery chemistry, especially under fast-charging conditions. Here, by combining in situ optical imaging and theoretical modeling, we uncover the critical parameters governing the electrodeposition stability of the metallic Zn electrode, that is, the competition among crystallographic thermodynamics, kinetics, and Zn 2+ -ion diffusion. Moreover, steady-state Zn metal plating/ stripping with Coulombic efficiency above 99 % is achieved at 10-100 mA cm -2 in a reasonably high concentration (3 M) ZnSO 4 electrolyte. Significantly, a long-term cycling-stable Zn metal electrode is realized with a depth of discharge of 66.7% under 50 mA cm -2 in both Zn || Zn symmetrical cells and MnO 2 || Zn full cells.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2000

In-situ chemical imager

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

in-situ instruments scanning probe microscopy lase↗
NASA NTRS1998

Auroral Boundaries: Comparison Between UV Images, In Situ Precipitation, and Groundbased Optical Observations

The location of poleward and equatorward boundaries are used as diagnostics of substorm phase and energy storage in the magnetosphere. Boundaries are estimated from groundbased observations (all sky imagers, meridian scanning photometers, and magnetometers), from in situ particle observations, and from spacebased global auroral observations. Each observational technique has relative advantages. However, recent studies suggest caution when comparing boundaries derived from different methods. in the study, FUV auroral images from the POLAR Ultraviolet Imager are used to estimate auroral boundaries. These boundaries are then compared with similar boundaries derived from DMSP in situ particle precipitation observations and from groundbased meridian scanning photometers. The goal is to see how well the boundaries from these three dissimilar observations correlate, to estimate dependencies on instrumental capabilities, i.e. imager resolution, and to serve as a potential first step to derive an algorithm for finding oval boundaries from groundbased optical data.

Germany, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Auroral Boundaries: Comparison Between UV Images, In Situ Precipitation, and Groundbased Optical Observations

The location of poleward and equatorward boundaries are used as diagnostics of substorm phase and energy storage in the magnetosphere. Boundaries are estimated from groundbased observations (all sky imagers, meridian scanning photometers, and magnetometers), from in situ particle observations, and from spacebased global auroral observations. Each observational technique has relative advantages. Based on recent studies, different observing techniques can give differing boundary locations. Understanding any differences in the boundaries from each observing technique is important when using the data as a diagnostic for the magnetosphere. In this study, FUV auroral images from the POLAR Ultraviolet Imager are used to estimate auroral boundaries. These boundaries are then compared with similar boundaries derived from DMSP in situ particle precipitation observations and from groundbased meridian scanning photometers. The goal is to see how well the boundaries from these three dissimilar observations correlate, to estimate dependences on instrumental capabilities, i.e. imager resolution, and to serve as a potential first step to derive an algorithm for finding oval boundaries from groundbased optical data.

Germany, G. A.↗
DOE OSTI2021

In-situ digital image correlation and thermal monitoring in directed energy deposition additive manufacturing

As in welding, directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) generates complex residual stresses and distortions commensurate with the complexity of the scan pattern used for deposition. To date, measuring DED distortions on complex geometries has only been achieved post process, discarding the complex thermomechanical history that leads to that final material state. In this work, surround stereo digital image correlation (DIC) is used to 3D map surfaces and strain tensors in-situ in a powder-blown laser DED system. Infrared thermography is then projected onto these surfaces to record the full thermomechanical history of printed parts. DIC presents a unique challenge to DED AM, as no part exists at the beginning of deposition, which (a) prevents application of an appropriate speckle pattern and (b) denies the user a zero strain reference frame. Solutions to these problems are proposed and their limitations explored herein. In sum, this work presents a relatively low-cost solution to monitoring and optimizing the unique temporal artifacts induced by complex scan strategies that was previously unobtainable.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Unveiling damage mechanisms of chromium-coated zirconium-based fuel claddings at LWR operating temperature by in-situ digital image correlation

Here, we investigate the coupled thermomechanical fracture mechanisms of coated nuclear fuel claddings at Light Water Reactor (LWR) operating temperatures. These coated claddings are a highly attractive, near-term solution, which addresses the demands for accident-tolerant fuel systems and provide greater oxidation resistance. However, the fracture mechanisms of these coatings, which may create channels for oxidation ingression, must be fully understood prior to implementation. Thus, high-temperature expanding plug experiments were conducted on coated cladding specimens at a temperature of 315 °C, consistent with the operating environment of LWRs. Furthermore, in-situ thermomechanical deformation was measured with stereo digital image correlation during heating and mechanical testing to separately resolve contributions of thermal and mechanical strain. Digital image correlation, supported by acoustic emissions (AE) detection, was also leveraged to track cracking activity during loading. Coating fracture was found to initiate at total hoop strains of 0.34%. The thermal deformation of the coated claddings was investigated via finite element simulations, revealing a bidirectional stress-state within the coating with axial and circumferential strains of 0.026 and 0.031%. This bidirectional stress-state was attributed with the generation of off-axis fracture pattern within the coating as identified via post-experiment scanning electron microscopy. Thus, this study unveiled critical, coupled thermomechanical mechanisms governing the coating fracture of coated claddings at LWR temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hybrid nanocapsules for in situ TEM imaging of gas evolution reactions in confined liquids

Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enables the direct observation of dynamic physical and chemical processes in liquids at the nanoscale. Quantitative investigations into reactions with fast kinetics and/or multiple reagents will benefit from further advances in liquid cell design that facilitate rapid in situ mixing and precise control over reagent volumes and concentrations. This work reports the development of inorganic–organic nanocapsules for high-resolution TEM imaging of nanoscale reactions in liquids with well-defined zeptoliter volumes. These hybrid nanocapsules, with 48 nm average diameter, consist of a thin layer of gold coating a lipid vesicle. As a model reaction, the nucleation, growth, and diffusion of nanobubbles generated by the radiolysis of water is investigated inside the nanocapsules. When the nanobubbles are sufficiently small (10–25 nm diameter), they are mobile in the nanocapsules, but their movement deviates from Brownian motion, which may result from geometric confinement by the nanocapsules. Gases and fluids can be transported between two nanocapsules when they fuse, demonstrating in situ mixing without using complex microfluidic schemes. The ability to synthesize nanocapsules with controlled sizes and to monitor dynamics simultaneously inside multiple nanocapsules provides opportunities to investigate nanoscale processes such as single nanoparticle synthesis in confined volumes and biological processes such as biomineralization and membrane dynamics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Quantifying deformation during Zry-4 burst testing: a comparison of BISON and a combined in-situ digital image correlation and infrared thermography method

The development and verification of nuclear fuel-cladding performance codes require extensive testing to establish empirical correlations, necessitating more accelerated testing methods that can replace large validation studies. Here, in the present work, a technique was developed and implemented to experimentally quantify the relationship between temperature, cladding internal pressure, and strain in-situ during a burst test, with the specific aim of generating data for code validation and model refinement. Digital image correlation was used to measure hoop, axial, and radial strain, and infrared thermography to quantify axial temperature gradients. Several key experimental modifications to traditional LOCA burst testing were necessary, but are shown to effectively have little impact on burst temperatures. The time/temperature dependent pressure and time/spatially dependent thermal gradient data were used with BISON to simulate cladding burst and strain rates. Although the measured DIC strains reach appreciable amounts at slightly lower temperatures than BISON simulated strains, there is good agreement between the measured and simulated strains in terms of magnitude and rates leading up to burst. However, in the few seconds prior to and during burst, the BISON simulated strains are significantly lower than the measured strains, indicating the potential for model improvement. The combined experiment and simulation technique may be applied to any new cladding concept to accelerate fuel qualification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Co-Registered In-Situ and Ex-Situ Dataset from an Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Process (Peregrine v2023-09)

This release contains a co-registered in-situ and ex-situ Peregrine dataset from a single Arcam Q10 Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) Inconel 738 build. These data were collected at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The dataset includes layer-wise Near Infrared (NIR) in-situ imaging data, in-situ temporal sensor data, ex-situ X-Ray Computed Tomography (X-CT) scans, and the target part geometries. Additionally, anomaly detections produced by a trained Dynamic Segmentation Convolutional Neural Network (DSCNN) are provided.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2022

Design of a Low-Cost, Submersible, Digital Holographic Microscope for in Situ Microbial Imaging

The methodologies for studying marine microbiology typically consist of utilizing instrumentation within a laboratory. This typically requires extracting a sample from its place of origin prior to examination, which may be days after collection. Oftentimes, the solution is to bring the lab to the ocean, which may be costly and provide further limitations for a sterile and stable laboratory environment. Here we present a low-cost, submersible, digital holographic microscope (DHM) designed to image marine microorganisms (such as bacteria and plankton) in their natural underwater environment. Our instrument eliminates the need to transport samples and allows for instantaneous data collection of microbes in-situ. The DHM achieves sub-micron spatial resolution and is paired with artificial intelligence for the detection and tracking of specimens to reduce the overall collected data. This instrument also aims to reduce the cost of manufacturing and field expenses relative to marine microbiological research. “Off the shelf” components were selected in the design process of this instrument which allows us to achieve precise results without sacrificing data quality. The DHM itself costs under one thousand dollars and features a low-cost high-resolution camera, the Arducam MT9J001. Included in the design were five main subsystems: optical, mechanical, electrical, power, and machine learning. Our on board computer and artificial intelligence consist of a Raspberry Pi 4 (8 Gb) and Google Coral USB Tensorflow accelerator. Instrument testing has successfully proven our abilities of data acquisition for at least two hours in depths of at least forty meters below sea level. Additionally, our artificial intelligence system is currently capable of tracking up to ten areas of interest in a fraction of a second with over ninety percent confidence via the neural net driven by the tensor cores on the Google Coral. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the versatility of our instrument by mounting it on an ocean-going ROV, the BlueRov2 by BlueRobotics. Our tests on the BlueRov2 exemplified the cost-effective nature of a submersible and reusable instrument that can be implemented in moderate environments and on most vessels.

Wallace, James Kent↗
DOE OSTI2022

Predicting defects in laser powder bed fusion using in-situ thermal imaging data and machine learning

Variation in the local thermal history during the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process in Additive Manufacturing (AM) can cause micropore defects, which add to the uncertainty of the mechanical properties (e.g., fatigue life, tensile strength) of the built materials. In-situ sensing has been proposed for monitoring the AM process to minimize defects, but successful minimization requires establishing a quantitative relationship between the sensing data and the porosity, which is particularly challenging with a large number of variables (e.g., laser speed, power, scan path, powder property). Physics-based modeling can simulate such an in-situ sensing-porosity relationship, but it is computationally costly. In this work, we develop Machine Learning (ML) models that can use in-situ thermographic data to predict the micropore of LPBF stainless steel materials. This work considers two identified key features from the thermal histories: the time above the apparent melting threshold ($\tau$) and the maximum radiance ( T max ). These features are computed, stored for each voxel in the built material, and then used as inputs. The binary state of each voxel, either defective or normal, is the output. Different ML models are trained and tested for the binary classification task. In addition to using the thermal features of each voxel to predict its own state, the thermal features of neighboring voxels are also included as inputs. This is shown to improve the prediction accuracy, which is consistent with thermal transport physics around each voxel contributing to its final state. Among the models trained, the F1 scores on test sets reach above 0.96 for Random Forests. Feature importance analysis based on the ML models shows that T max is more important to the voxel state than $\tau$ . The analysis also finds that the thermal history of the voxels above the present voxel is more influential than those beneath it. Our study significantly extends the capability of using in-situ thermographic data to predict porosity in LPBF materials. Finally, since ML models are fast, they may play integral roles in the optimization and control of such AM technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

In-Situ Luminescence Imaging of Perovskite Solar Cells Demonstrates Increasing Spatial Nonuniformity Upon Light-Soaking Degradation

In this work we investigate degradation rates of triplecation mixed-halide perovskite p-i-n solar cells. We present an accelerated stress testing procedure using periodic blue light-soaking at elevated temperatures until devices reach ~80% of their initial efficiency. We track light-induced degradation via in-situ: photoluminescence (PL), current-voltage (I-V) curves, and transient photovoltage. Devices underwent 165 hours of light bias at 65degrees C. Results suggest that spatial uniformity in PL intensity decreases as device degradation increases. This investigation lays the groundwork to address the current gap in understanding the interplay between device performance and the evolution of macroscopic features in perovskite solar cells. Thus, we believe spatial characterization techniques will play a crucial role in the commercialization of perovskite solar cells.

imaging↗
NASA NTRS2007

The Potential for Imaging in Situ Damage in Inflatable Space Structures

NASA is investigating the use of inflatable habitat structures for orbital transfer and planetary applications. Since space structures are vulnerable to damage from micrometeoroid and orbital debris, it is important to investigate means of detecting such damage. This study is an investigation into methods for performing non-destructive evaluation (NDE) on inflatable habitat modules. Results of this work showed that various electromagnetic imaging modalities from microwaves to terahertz imaging have the greatest potential for a viable, portable, NDE tool which could possibly be deployed aboard an inflatable habitat module.

Madaras, Eric I.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Revealing the Structural Evolution of Green Rust Synthesized in Ionic Liquids by In Situ Molecular Imaging

Abstract Ionic liquids are green solvents that have wide applications in material synthesis, catalysis, and separation. A model switchable ionic liquid (SWIL) consisting of 1,8‐diazabicycloundec‐7‐ene (DBU) and 1‐hexanol with carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as the trigger gas is chosen to synthesize nanocrystalline green rust. Under anoxic conditions, by adding iron (II) acetate (Fe(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 ) and methanol to the degassed SWIL, a nanoparticulate green rust with carbonate (nano‐GR) is synthesized. More importantly, the molecular structural change of the ionic liquid resulting in green rust crystallines is first characterized using in situ liquid using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) coupled with the system for analysis at the liquid vacuum interface (SALVI), a vacuum compatible microfluidic reactor in this work. Dimers and ionic clusters consisting ferric and ferrous ions are identified in liquid ToF‐SIMS spectra. Spectral principal component analysis is used to confirm that these ion pairs including dimers and cluster ions are different from nonionic liquids. The results show that liquid ToF‐SIMS can be a useful tool to study complex liquids at the molecular level providing insights into predicative synthesis of nanomaterials using environmentally friendly green solvents and giving unique visualization of the evolving material interface due to nucleation.

Shen, Yanjie↗
DOE OSTI2020

In situ multimodal imaging for nanoscale visualization of tribofilm formation

A third of the energy from fuel combustion in passenger car gasoline engines is lost due to friction. Carefully designed engine lubricants can recover some of these losses by reducing friction and wear by forming a nanometer-scale chemico-physico tribofilm between surfaces. Accordingly, attention has focused on developing oil formulations that form low-friction tribofilms. However, analyses of resultant tribofilms are typically conducted after tribo-tests with conventional characterization tools and do not offer insights into tribofilm formation and evolution, precluding information critical to tuning tribofilm properties. In this work, we developed a unique multimodal methodology based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with local probe heating for in situ tribological studies that activates friction modifiers and simultaneously captures the evolution of friction and surface roughness, with nanometer resolution. As a platform to demonstrate the ability of this methodology to visualize dynamics of tribofilm formation in situ, we apply it to molybdenum-based friction modifiers to distinguish key factors in their functionality and correlate nanoscale AFM and Friction Force Microscopy data to bench tribo-tests used in the industry. To decode the formation mechanisms observed in situ and underlying chemistry of tribofilms, we performed ab initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulations at comparable conditions. AIMD simulations confirmed both nanoscale and bench tribo-test results and showed deviations in molecular organization in tribofilms that are formed from different molybdenum-based friction modifiers that corroborates with surface functionality. With this innovative methodology, we demonstrate proof-of-principle in situ formation of molybdenum-based tribofilms directly on steel surfaces that could be applied generally to studying tribofilm formation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Atomic dynamics of electrified solid–liquid interfaces in liquid-cell TEM

Electrified solid–liquid interfaces (ESLIs) play a key role in various electrochemical processes relevant to energy, biology and geochemistry. The electron and mass transport at the electrified interfaces may result in structural modifications that markedly influence the reaction pathways. For example, electrocatalyst surface restructuring during reactions can substantially affect the catalysis mechanisms and reaction products. Despite its importance, direct probing the atomic dynamics of solid–liquid interfaces under electric biasing is challenging owing to the nature of being buried in liquid electrolytes and the limited spatial resolution of current techniques for in situ imaging through liquids. Here, with our development of advanced polymer electrochemical liquid cells for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we are able to directly monitor the atomic dynamics of ESLIs during copper (Cu)-catalysed CO 2 electroreduction reactions (CO 2 ERs). Our observation reveals a fluctuating liquid-like amorphous interphase. It undergoes reversible crystalline–amorphous structural transformations and flows along the electrified Cu surface, thus mediating the crystalline Cu surface restructuring and mass loss through the interphase layer. Furthermore, the combination of real-time observation and theoretical calculations unveils an amorphization-mediated restructuring mechanism resulting from charge-activated surface reactions with the electrolyte. Our results open many opportunities to explore the atomic dynamics and its impact in broad systems involving ESLIs by taking advantage of the in situ imaging capability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗