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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 649 records · Page 36

A model of heat transfer in immersed man

An equation representing man's thermal balance under water is considered. The equation states that the body thermal loading from metabolic heat production and artificial heat input must be offset by respiratory and environmental heat exchange to maintain a constant body temperature. Critical body regions are affected by cold-water thermal stress. A model of the thermoregulatory system may be divided into the physical-controlled system and the dynamic controlling system. The thermal model is simulated by computer programs.

Montgomery, L. D.↗

Experimental laboratory measurement of thermophysical properties of selected coal types

A number of bituminous coals of moderate to high plasticity were examined, along with portions of their extrudates from the JPL 1.5-inch 850 F screw extruder. Portions of the condensed pyrolysis liquids released during extrusion, and of the gaseous products formed during extrusion were also analyzed. In addition to the traditional determinations, the coals and extrudates were examined in terms of microstructure (especially extractable fractions), thermal analysis (especially that associated with the plastic state), and reactivity towards thermal and catalyzed hydroliquefaction. The process of extrusion increases the fixed carbon content of coals by about 5% and tends to increase the surface area. Coals contaning 25% or more DMF-extractable material show an increase in extractables as a result of extrusion; those initially containing less than 20% extractables show a decrease as a result of extrusion. Both the raw and extruded samples of Kentucky #9 coal are highly reactive towards hydroliquefaction, undergoing conversions of 75 to 80% in 15 min and 85-94% in 60 min in a stirred clave.

Lloyd, W. G.↗

SOFC Prototype System Test

The goal of this U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored project is to test a 200 kWe thermally self-sustaining atmospheric-pressure solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) prototype system at a prominent site. Fuel Cell Energy Inc. (FCE) utilized the state-of-the-art SOFC technology of its wholly-owned subsidiary Versa Power Systems (VPS) to design, fabricate and test the 200 kW prototype system. The specific objectives of this project were to achieve an SOFC stack power degradation rate of ≤1.5% per 1000 hours for the 400 kW stand-alone prototype power system undergoing ≥ 5000 hours of steady state tests at thermally self-sustained normal operating conditions (NOC), and to verify the prospects for a high volume SOFC stack production cost below the DOE target of 225 dollars per kilowatt. Achieving these goals enables commercial natural gas fueled SOFC system deployment in the 2020 timeframe, which will eventually lead to SOFC technology that is viable for large scale central power generation applications.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Equation Of State With Temperature Effects For Solids

Behavior at high temperature predicted from only four parameters. Equations derived to express thermodynamical properties of compressed solids at high temperatures. New equations based on fundamental considerations of thermodynamics, isothermal equation of state, and assumption thermal pressure independent of volume and varies linearly with temperature near and about Debye temperature. Using only four parameters (three are those of isothermal equation of state), new equations describe thermodynamic behavior of material over range of temperatures from approximately Debye temperature to melting point.

Vinet, Pascal↗

Compression behavior of lithium fluoride up to 80 GPa and 2300 K

Here, the high-temperature compression behavior of lithium fluoride (LiF) has been determined to ∼80 GPa and 2300 K by means of high-resolution synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell. The room-temperature Vinet equation of state (EOS) for LiF yields an isothermal room-temperature, ambient-pressure lattice parameter a 0 = 4.028 (±0.003) Å, volume V 0 = 65.35 (±0.03) Å 3 , bulk modulus K 0 = 67.57 (±0.34) GPa, and its pressure derivative K 0 ’ = 4.64 (±0.03). This expanded experimental dataset is in good agreement with the LiF thermal equation of state by Myint et al. (2019) up to ∼2300 K and 25 GPa. At higher pressures and temperatures our data shows reduced thermal expansion compared to the prediction and may be particularly important for experiments at more extreme conditions.

High-pressure behavior↗

Oxidation Dynamics of Supported Catalytic Cu Clusters: Coupling to Fluxionality

Copper oxide nanoclusters have a wide range of catalytic applications, such as the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons. O 2 binding to the catalyst, activation, and release upon reagent oxidation are key events in these catalytic chemistries. Furthermore, these events are expected to be accompanied by significant structural changes of the Cu clusters, because O atoms integrate into the cluster, rather than bind to its surface. Topping the complexity of the problem, partially oxidized Cu clusters are known to exhibit strong fluxionality and feature diverse and interconverting structures and oxygen contents in conditions of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Hence, a significant dynamic coupling between the “hot” O 2 molecule impacting the cluster at reaction temperatures and the cluster fluxionality can be expected. In this work, we focus on the dynamics of dioxygen integration into a partially oxidized Cu cluster supported on hydroxylated amorphous alumina–a system recently reported to be an exceptionally selective catalyst for cyclohexane ODH with very little CO produced, whose mechanistic underpinnings are of utmost interest. The statistics over a swarm of adsorption and scattering trajectories where O 2 hits various sites on the cluster at reaction temperature shows that the O 2 binding does not only follow the minimal energy paths. O 2 also rarely integrates into the cluster in a single step and instead first binds to a single Cu atom via either an η 1 -O 2 or an η 2 -O 2 mode. Surprisingly, this step often has a higher barrier than the subsequent O 2 integration and dissociation, which in turn take multiple steps and complete the oxidation process. Dynamic trajectories starting from the key transition state of integration of the adsorbed O 2 can also lead to different intermediate structures during or right after the dissociation, due to the energy released from the transition state and the thermal intracluster effects. From these activated O 2 chemisorbed structures, O 2 dissociation occurs with moderate barriers (~0.5 eV), producing multiple final oxidized Cu 4 O 4 states. Hence, a diversity of reaction profiles for the attack of supported Cu cluster by O 2 emerges due to the dynamic effects, with implications for mechanisms, kinetic models, and catalyst design principles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Improved Thermal Stability of Oxysulfide Glassy Solid-State Electrolytes

In this study, the crystallization kinetics of (oxy)sulfide 70Li 2 S·(30-x)P 2 S 5 ·xP 2 O 5 (x = 0, 2, 5) solid-state electrolytes are reported. It was found that 5 mol% P 2 O 5 glass co-former slowed the crystallization rate of the Li 7 P 3 S 11−x/4 O x/4 ceramic phase by a factor of 10. After 10 min at 230 °C, a 70Li 2 S·30P 2 S 5 sulfide glass was 92% devitrified whereas a 70Li 2 S·25P 2 S 5 ·5P 2 O 5 oxysulfide glass was only 8% devitrified. The improved thermal stability of oxysulfide glasses was then utilized to demonstrate the fabrication of a standalone, reinforced SSE separator by hot pressing. More importantly, it was recognized that the microstructure of 70Li 2 S·25P 2 S 5 ·5P 2 O 5 oxysulfide SSE separators could be modified by hot pressing without changing ionic conductivity. This result was achieved because the precipitation of a superionically conductive Li 7 P 3 S 11−x/4 O x/4 ceramic phase was limited. A study was then conducted to determine what effect microstructure has on the susceptibility of SSE separators to shorting by lithium metal penetration. Hot-pressed separators were found to be more susceptible to shorting than cold-pressed separators. X-ray Computer Tomography (XCT) of post-mortem samples showed that hot-pressed samples failed by transverse microcrack pathways, which underscores the importance of low defect density in dense SSE separators.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermal coupling measurement method

Heat flow from an embedded heated wire responds to a change in the ambient environment. The wire is part of a self-balancing bridge system, and heat flow is measured directly in watts. Steady-state and transient thermal coupling can be measured directly and is an indication of the thermal resistance and diffusivity for the system under study. The method is applied to an aerospace electroexplosive component.

Rosenthal, L. A.↗

Thermal scattering law for structure-dependent-Doppler broadening in FLASSH

Traditional Doppler broadening methods assume that target nuclei velocities follow a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution which inherently assumes that the atoms are a free gas or that their velocities are independent of each other. This approximation is reasonable at high target temperatures and high neutron energies. However, nuclei are not independent: the lattice temperature and chemical binding will define the atomic motion. The thermal scattering law (i.e., TSL or S(α,β)) is a material property which describes the chemical binding and temperature response in terms of available momentum and energy states. In the thermal energy range, this TSL will define the thermal scattering cross sections. In the resonance region, the TSL offers a first-principles description of the probability distribution function for the velocity of the target nuclei. Using the TSL in Doppler broadening captures the structure of the material consistently from the thermal range into the resonance cross sections. In this work, both traditional free-gas and precise TSL Doppler broadening methods for resonance cross section evaluation have been implemented within the Full Law Analysis Scattering System Hub (FLASSH). This framework provides a generalized formulation for evaluating low-lying resonance data and streamlines nuclear data processing methods. TSL data generated using ab initio lattice dynamics (AILD) can be used to broaden cross section libraries in ENDF format for high-fidelity input into reactor physics calculations. These capabilities are demonstrated for the lowest absorption resonances of {sup 238}U in UO{sub 2}, UC and UN. (authors)

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Reconfigurable self-assembly of porous anisotropic colloids in nematic liquid crystals

Dispersions of anisotropic nanoparticles in liquid crystalline hosts recently yielded new soft condensed matter states, like the thermally reconfigurable monoclinic and orthorhombic biaxial nematic liquid crystals, with a plethora of unusual phases and phase transformations. Our current study shows that the nanoscale porous nature of colloids with micrometer-range overall dimensions also enables highly reconfigurable orientations and assemblies of the microparticles, allowing for realization of condensed matter states with unusual combinations of low-symmetry nematic or smectic order and fluidity. Much like the anisotropic nanoparticles studied previously, these nanoporous anisotropic colloids exhibit thermally reconfigurable oriented alignment with respect to the far-field director, as well as diverse low-symmetry liquid crystalline phase behaviors. Furthermore, our findings open doors to fundamental and applied uses of low-symmetry molecular-colloidal orientationally ordered states of matter with uninhibited fluidity, as well as liquid crystals with partial positional ordering, like low-symmetry smectics, which could lead to applications in metamaterial designs, electro-optics, photonics, etc.

colloidal dispersion↗

Characterization of the high-pressure and high-temperature phase diagram and equation of state of chromium

The high-pressure and high-temperature phase diagram of chromium has been investigated both experimentally (in situ), using a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell technique coupled with synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, and theoretically, using ab initio density-functional theory simulations. In the pressure–temperature range covered experimentally (up to 90 GPa and 4500 K, respectively) only the solid body-centred-cubic and liquid phases of chromium have been observed. Experiments and computer calculations give melting curves in agreement with each other that can both be described by the Simon–Glatzel equation $T_{m}(P) = 2136K (1 + P/25.9)^{0.41}$ In addition, a quasi-hydrostatic equation of state at ambient temperature has been experimentally characterized up to 131 GPa and compared with the present simulations. Both methods give very similar third-order Birch–Murnaghan equations of state with bulk moduli of 182–185 GPa and respective pressure derivatives of 4.74–5.15. According to the present calculations, the obtained melting curve and equation of state are valid up to at least 815 GPa, at which pressure the melting temperature is 9310 K. Finally, from the obtained results, it was possible to determine a thermal equation of state of chromium valid up to 65 GPa and 2100 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nonlinear radiative condensation in a sheared magnetic field

A well-resolved two-dimensional nonlinear numerical simulation of the radiative/thermal instability in a sheared magnetic field is described which leads to filament formation. The condensation is initiated by a linearly unstable mode and widens until it is slowed by thermal conduction parallel to B. During the nonlinear evolution, the minimum temperature falls from 10 to the 6th K to 10 to the 4th K and eventually reaches a state of local thermal equilibrium in about five e-folding times.

Van Hoven, G.↗

Microstructure and properties of a high temperature Al–Ce–Mn alloy produced by additive manufacturing

An Al–10Ce-8Mn (wt%) alloy was designed and fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM). The rapid cooling rates of the AM process produced a refined microstructure with a large fraction of reinforcing intermetallic phases. The tensile properties of the alloy were characterized in the as-fabricated state and following thermal exposure. The properties of the as-fabricated microstructure showed exceptional high-temperature performance and strength retention at elevated temperatures up to 400 °C relative to benchmark wrought Al and AM Al alloy properties. Characterization of the microstructure and thermodynamic modeling of the ternary Al–Ce–Mn system rationalized the solidification and solid-state phase transformations. Finally, analysis of the relevant strengthening mechanisms for both the as-fabricated and thermally exposed conditions was performed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal considerations in the use of solid state power amplifiers on the GOES spacecraft

The use of solid state power amplifiers (SSPA) in satellites has been quite prevalent in several frequency bands. This trend is evidenced by the use of SSPAs at Hughes in the UHF band (Leasat/Syncom IV), S band (GOES), C band (Telstar), and SHF band. The junction temperature of the transistor is the driving requirement which determines the lifetime of the transistor, SSPA, and the payload. This temperature is determined by the transistor characteristics, use of the device, and mounting temperature of the SSPA. The temperature of the spacecraft in the area of the SSPA can be controlled by active or passive means. The various factors and interrelationships used to calculate and control the temperatures of SSPAs are described. The thermal design and calculation of junction temperatures are exemplified with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite spacecraft.

Mallette, L.↗

Accelerating Manufacturing of Powder-Processed Strong, Lightweight and Thermally Stable Bulk Nanocrystalline Al Alloys via Engineered Interface States

The overarching goal of this program is to develop an integrated materials by design framework enabling a simple, scalable, and efficient manufacturing route for thermally stable nanocrystalline Al-based alloys with high specific strength over a range of service temperatures. The central scientific principle underpinning this program is the elucidation, and ultimately implementation in novel alloy design, of unique interfacial structures and chemistries driven by segregation in multi-component systems that give rise to unprecedented processability and properties. This program targeted nanocrystalline Al-based ternary alloys produced by mechanical alloying of powders followed by compaction and sintering with hot pressing, which are inherently scalable and inexpensive manufacturing routes, but when applied to nanocrystalline alloys are usually plagued by low density and/or poor retention of the intended nanostructures during processing. This program successfully demonstrated manufacturing of a bulk (>1 cm 3 ) nanocrystalline Al-based alloy with a combination of thermal stability, high temperature strength retention, and specific strength that exceeds the current-state-of-the-art of Al alloys. It is anticipated that the greatest technological impact will occur by demonstration of rapid and scalable manufacturing of bulk nanocrystalline Al alloys with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical performance, thus enabling increased energy efficiency in high performance power generation systems via: (i) replacement of existing components with lightweight Al-based alloys and (ii) increasing operating temperatures with property retention. The program focused on the development of a simple and efficient manufacturing route for thermally stable nanocrystalline Al-based alloys with high specific strength over a range of service temperatures. The program is expected to have direct impact on scalable and economic manufacturing of bulk nanocrystalline alloys. This program profited from the recent discovery by the project team of segregation-driven amorphous intergranular films in nanocrystalline metallic alloys that can be kinetically frozen-in at sub-solidus temperatures. These interfacial states (also known as amorphous complexions) comprise a large fraction of the total material in nanocrystalline alloys and are responsible for two beneficial characteristics that anchor the proposed work: (1) activated sintering leading to high density and (2) retained nanostructures leading to high strengths that approach a substantial fraction of the theoretical limit. More specifically, these engineered interfaces led to a three-fold benefit: (i) high-throughput materials processing with low energy budget and cost, (ii) exceptional thermal stability, and (iii) high specific strength at both room temperature and intermediate temperatures experienced during service.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Neutron Characterization of 3D Printed Gas Turbine Alloy With Internal Cooling Structure

The objective of this research work is to investigate the residual strains induced by the presence of a exit hole and internal hollow geometry present in a 3D printed IN718 similar to that seen in a gas turbine blade. The specimens were manufactured with an internal hollow structure that ended with an exit hole, and fabricated by direct metal laser sintering additive manufacturing technique. Using this technique, metal powder was melted by a laser source and rapidly cooled to form the part layer by layer. Rapid heating and cooling generate large thermal gradients and residual stresses in the 3D printed material. To be aligned with industry standards, specimens were heat-treated to relieve most of the residual stresses as well as to investigate whether IN718 still preserved a nonhomogeneous stress state after the thermal treatment. Roughness and microstructure analysis was performed to understand the heat-treated sample properties. To investigate the volumetric residual strain, the neutron diffraction technique was used with a definite neutron wavelength. Bragg’s law was used to determine lattice spacing. Interplanar lattice spacing and stress-free state lattice spacings were measured to calculate the strains. Residual strains were measured in the x and y direction to understand the impact of the presence of a exit hole and internal hollow geometry. The results of volumetric residual strain in the x and y directions showed no significant variations in the distribution of the strain due to the presence of a hollow structure as well as the exit hole. Overall, no significant stress concentration was observed in the heat treated sample. Sample geometry, instrumentation for neutron diffraction, and material properties are discussed in detail in this paper.

Raju, Nandhini↗

Thermal Conductivity Change Kinetics of Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coatings Determined by the Steady-State Laser Heat Flux Technique

A steady-state laser heat flux technique has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field to obtain critical thermal conductivity data of ceramic thermal barrier coatings under the temperature and thermal gradients that are realistically expected to be encountered in advanced engine systems. In this study, thermal conductivity change kinetics of a plasma-sprayed, 254-mm-thick ZrO2-8 wt % Y2O3 ceramic coating were obtained at high temperatures. During the testing, the temperature gradients across the coating system were carefully measured by the surface and back pyrometers and an embedded miniature thermocouple in the substrate. The actual heat flux passing through the coating system was determined from the metal substrate temperature drop (measured by the embedded miniature thermocouple and the back pyrometer) combined with one-dimensional heat transfer models.

Zhu, Dongming↗