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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Sb surfactant mediated growth of InAs/AlAs{sub 0.56}Sb{sub 0.44} strained quantum well for intersubband absorption at 1.55 μm

Surfactant mediated growth of strained InAs/AlAs{sub 0.56}Sb{sub 0.44} quantum wells on InP (001) substrate is investigated. X ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveal that the supply of antimony on InAs surface delays the 2D to 3D growth transition and allows the growth of thick InAs/AlAsSb quantum wells. Quantum well as thick as 7 ML, without defect was achieved by Sb surfactant mediated growth. Further high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurement and geometric phase analysis show that InAs/AlAsSb interfaces are not abrupt. At InAs on AlAsSb interface, the formation of a layer presenting lattice parameter lower than InP leads to a tensile stress. From energetic consideration, the formation of As rich AlAsSb layer at interface is deduced. At AlAsSb on InAs interface, a compressive layer is formed. The impact on optical properties and the chemical composition of this layer are discussed from microscopic analysis and photoluminescence experiments.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effects of quench rate and natural ageing on the age hardening behaviour of aluminium alloy AA6060

Quench sensitivity in Al–Mg–Si alloys has been largely attributed to the solute loss at the heterogeneous nucleation sites, primarily dispersoids, during slow cooling after extrusion. As such, the number density of dispersoids, the solute type and concentration are considered to be the key variables for the quench sensitivity. In this study, quench sensitivity and the influence of natural ageing in a lean Al–Mg–Si alloy, AA6060, which contains few dispersoids, have been investigated by hardness measurement, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). It is shown that the quench sensitivity in this alloy is associated with the degree of supersaturation of vacancies after cooling. Due to vacancy annihilation and clustering during natural ageing, the quench sensitivity is more pronounced after a short natural ageing time (30 min) compared to a longer natural ageing time (24 h). Therefore, prolonged natural ageing not only leads to an increase in hardness, but can also have a positive effect on the quench sensitivity of lean Al–Mg–Si alloys. - Highlights: • Significant quench sensitivity observed in AA6060 alloy after 30 min natural ageing • Prolonged natural ageing increased hardness and reduced QS. • Low dispersoid density leads to insignificant QS from non-hardening precipitates. • Vacancy supersaturation identified as a contributor to QS.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Optically confined polarized resonance Raman studies in identifying crystalline orientation of sub-diffraction limited AlGaN nanostructure

An optical characterization tool of Raman spectroscopy with extremely weak scattering cross section tool is not popular to analyze scattered signal from a single nanostructure in the sub-diffraction regime. In this regard, plasmonic assisted characterization tools are only relevant in spectroscopic studies of nanoscale object in the sub-diffraction limit. We have reported polarized resonance Raman spectroscopic (RRS) studies with strong electron-phonon coupling to understand the crystalline orientation of a single AlGaN nanowire of diameter ∼100 nm. AlGaN nanowire is grown by chemical vapor deposition technique using the catalyst assisted vapor-liquid-solid process. The results are compared with the high resolution transmission electron microscopic analysis. As a matter of fact, optical confinement effect due to the dielectric contrast of nanowire with respect to that of surrounding media assisted with electron-phonon coupling of RRS is useful for the spectroscopic analysis in the sub-diffraction limit of 325 nm (λ/2N.A.) using an excitation wavelength (λ) of 325 nm and near ultraviolet 40× far field objective with a numerical aperture (N.A.) value of 0.50.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1987

Analysis of Martian ionosphere and solar wind electron gas data from the planar retarding potential analyzer on the Viking spacecraft

Approximate expressions for the electron current collected by a planar retarding potential analyzer (RPA) mounted on a moving, conducting, charged spacecraft are derived. They are utilized for the analysis of electron current data obtained by the RPAs on the Viking spacecraft in the ionosphere of Mars and in the disturbed and undisturbed solar wind near this planet. It is shown that contamination currents by photoelectrons emitted from the spacecraft can be distinguished and removed from the signal. Parameters deduced from the analysis of RPA electron sampling data are the multicomponent electron temperatures, the number densities, and the spacecraft potential.

Mantas, G. P.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Electron probe microanalysis of irradiated and 1600 deg. C safety-tested AGR-1 Triso fuel particles with low and high retained {sup 110M}Ag - 18570

Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR)-1 fuel Compact 4-3-3 achieved 18.63% FIMA and was exposed to a safety test at 1600 deg. C. Two particles, AGR1-433-003 and AGR1-433-007, with measured-to-calculated {sup 110m}Ag inventories of <22% and 100%, respectively, were selected for electron microprobe analysis to determine whether the distribution or abundance of fission products differed proximally and distally from the deformed kernel in AGR1-433-003 and how this compared to fission product distribution in AGR1-433-007. On the deformed side of AGR1-433-003, xenon, cesium, iodine, europium, strontium, and tellurium concentrations in the kernel buffer interface near the protruded kernel were up to six times higher than on the opposite, non-deformed side. At the silicon carbide (SiC)-inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) interface proximal to the deformed kernel, palladium and silver concentrations were 1.2 and 0.04 wt% respectively. On the SiC-IPyC interface distal from the kernel deformation, those elements measured 0.4 and 0.01 wt%, respectively. Palladium and silver concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were 2.05 and 0.05 wt.%, respectively. Rare earth element concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were ten times higher than at the SiC-IPyC interfaces measured in AGR1-433-003. Palladium permeated the SiC layer of AGR1-433-007 and the SiC layer of the non-deformed side of AGR1-433-003. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Experimental energy resolution of a paracentric hemispherical deflector analyzer for different entry positions and bias

A specially designed hemispherical deflector analyzer (HDA) with 5-element input lens having a movable entry position R{sub 0} suitable for electron energy analysis in atomic collisions was constructed and tested. The energy resolution of the HDA was experimentally determined for three different entry positions R{sub 0}= 84, 100, 112 mm as a function of the nominal entry potential V(R{sub 0}) under pre-retardation conditions. The resolution for the (conventional) entry at the mean radius R{sub 0}= 100 mm was found to be a factor of 1.6-2 times worse than the resolution for the two (paracentric) positions R{sub 0}= 84 and 112 mm at particular values of V(R{sub 0}). These results provide the first experimental verification and a proof of principle of the utility of such a paracentric HDA, while demonstrating its advantages over the conventional HDA: greater dispersion with reduced angular aberrations resulting in better energy resolution without the use of any additional fringing field correction electrodes. Supporting simulations of the entire lens plus HDA spectrometer are also provided and mostly found to be within 20%-30% of experimental values. The paracentric HDA is expected to provide a lower cost and/or more compact alternative to the conventional HDA particularly useful in modern applications utilizing a position sensitive detector.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

New high pressure rare earth tantalates RE{sub x}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5+1.5x} (RE=La, Eu, Yb)

Rare earth tantalates La{sub 0.075}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.113}, Eu{sub 0.089}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.134} and Yb{sub 0.051}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.077} have been prepared by solid state reaction at P=7.0 GPa and T=1050–1100 °C and studied by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and electron microscopy. Low hydrated amorphous tantalum, lanthanum, europium and ytterbium hydroxides were used as starting materials. Aqueous as well as anhydrous compounds were obtained. Title tantalates are crystallized in the structure type of F–Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} [Zibrov et al. Russ. J. Inorg. Chem. 48 (2003) 464–471] [5]. The structure was refined by the Rietveld method from X-ray powder diffractometer data: La{sub 0.075}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.113}, a=10.5099(2), b=7.2679(1), c=6.9765(1) Å, V=532.90(1) Å{sup 3}, Z=6, space group Ibam; Eu{sub 0.089}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.134}, a=10.4182(3), b=7.2685(1), c=6.9832(1) Å, V=528.80(2) Å{sup 3}, Z=6, space group Ibam; Yb{sub 0.051}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5.077}, a=10.4557(2), b=7.3853(1), c=6.8923(1) Å, V=532.21(1) Å{sup 3}, Z=6, space group Ibam. RE atoms do not replace the tantalum in its positions but the only water in the channels of the structure. Highly charged cations RE{sup +3} compress the unit cell so that its volume becomes less than that of F–Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5}. Significant decrease of the unit cell volume after water removal from the structure is possible due to the puckering of pentagonal bipyramid layers and change of the corrugation angle in the layer. - Graphical abstract: The structure of RE{sub x}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5+1.5x} and its HRTEM image (“A” arrows show empty channel, “B” arrows show filled channel). - Highlights: • We synthesized new tantalates of RE under high pressure high temperature conditions. • RE atoms replace water molecules in the channels of the structure. • Aqueous as well as anhydrous tantalates were obtained. • Highly charged cations RE{sup +3} compress the unit cell decreasing RE–O distances.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Phase relations and crystal structures in the system Ce-Ni-Zn at 800 Degree-Sign C

Phase relations have been established for the system Ce-Ni-Zn in the isothermal section at 800 Degree-Sign C using electron microprobe analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Phase equilibria at 800 Degree-Sign C are characterized by a large region for the liquid phase covering most of the Ce-rich part of the diagram, whereas a Zn-rich liquid is confined to a small region near the Zn-corner of the Gibbs triangle. Whereas solubility of Ce in the binary Ni-Zn phases is negligible, mutual solubilities of Ni and Zn at a constant Ce content are large at 800 Degree-Sign C for most Ce-Zn and Ce-Ni compounds. The solid solution Ce(Ni{sub 1-x}Zn{sub x}){sub 5} with the CaCu{sub 5}-type is continuous throughout the entire section and for the full temperature region from 400 to 800 Degree-Sign C. Substitution of Zn by Ni is found to stabilize the structure of CeZn{sub 11} to higher temperatures. At 800 Degree-Sign C Ce(Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}){sub 11} (0.03{<=}x{<=}0.22) appears as a ternary solution phase. Similarly, a rather extended solution forms for Ce{sub 2}(Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}){sub 17} (0{<=}x{<=}0.53). Detailed data on atom site occupation and atom parameters were derived from X-ray structure analyses for single crystals of Ce{sub 2+y}(Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}){sub 17}, y=0.02, x=0.49 (a=0.87541(3), c=1.25410(4) nm; Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17} type with space group R3{sup Macron }m,R{sub F{sup 2}}=0.018) and Ce(Ni{sub 0.18}Zn{sub 0.82}){sub 11} (a=1.04302(2), c=0.67624(3)nm, BaCd{sub 11} type with space group I4{sub 1}/amd, R{sub F{sup 2}}=0.049). - Graphical abstract: Ce-Ni-Zn isothermal section at 800 Degree-Sign C. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phase relations were determined for the system Ce-Ni-Zn in the section at 800 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A continuous solid solution Ce(Ni{sub 1-x}Zn{sub x}){sub 5}, 0{<=}x{<=}1, forms between 400 and 800 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Zn/Ni substitution stabilizes the ternary phase Ce(Zn{sub 1-x}Ni{sub x}){sub 11}, 0.03{<=}x{<=}0.22, 800 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer An extended solution forms for Ce{sub 2}(Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}){sub 17} (0{<=}x{<=}0.53). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crystal data are given: Ce{sub 2+y}(Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}){sub 17} (Th{sub 2}Zn{sub 17}), Ce(Ni{sub 0.18}Zn{sub 0.82}){sub 11} (BaCd{sub 11}).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

A green degumming approach for lignocellulosic kenaf bast using ethanolamine deep eutectic solvent

Traditional chemical degumming methods for lignocellulosic bast fibers pose substantial challenges, especially when dealing with kenaf bast, which has a high lignin content. Here, these challenges include severe pollution and low efficiency, etc. Therefore, this study developed a novel, green, and efficient degumming approach for lignocellulosic kenaf bast, leveraging choline chloride-ethanolamine (ChCl-ETA) alkaline deep eutectic solvent (DES). The efficacy of the ChCl-ETA DES based degumming method was validated through comprehensive chemical composition analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Subsequently, the optimal degumming conditions, with a choline chloride to ethanolamine ratio of 1:6 and a degumming temperature of 120 °C, were determined based on the results of the residual gum content. Significantly, the recycled ChCl-ETA DES mixtures could maintain a degumming capacity (revealed by the residual gum content of degummed fibers) comparable to that of the conventional double-boiling method for at least five degumming cycles without purification. Given its low-pollution process and high efficiency, this developed method holds great potential for industrial-scale applications of lignocellulosic bast fibers.

Choline chloride↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microwave synthesis of nanostructured oxide sorbents doped with lanthanides

A number of nanostructured mesoporous oxide systems based on aluminum oxide, doped with lanthanide ions have been obtained in this study. Structure and morphology of oxides obtained have been examined by X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy. The surface area of the samples was determined by the BET method. The dependence of the adsorption of insulin on synthesized oxides from the concentration was investigated. The containing of insulin in solutions after adsorption was determined by the Bradford method. The isotherms of adsorption of insulin on resulting oxide sorbents were plotted, the dependence capacity of the sorption of insulin from the lanthanide dopant was determined.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Fast, High-Resolution X-ray Microfluorescence Imaging

X-ray micro fluorescence imaging refers to the use of an x-ray beam as a probe to excite XRF in a specimen and produce a spatially resolved image of the element distribution. The advantages of high sensitivity and low background, together with the nondestructive nature of the measurement, have lead to applications of x-ray microfluorescence analysis in biology, geology, materials science, as well as in the area of nondestructive evaluation. Previous reports have described the development of an x-ray microprobe which uses a conventional source of x-rays to produce a 10-μm beam. This paper describes improvements to the microprobe which have increased the beam power and the solid angle of detection. The data collection and display software have also been enhanced.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2003

New Method Developed To Purify Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes for Aerospace Applications

Single wall carbon nanotubes have attracted considerable attention because of their remarkable mechanical properties and electrical and thermal conductivities. Use of these materials as primary or secondary reinforcements in polymers or ceramics could lead to new materials with significantly enhanced mechanical strength and electrical and thermal conductivity. Use of carbon-nanotube-reinforced materials in aerospace components will enable substantial reductions in component weight and improvements in durability and safety. Potential applications for single wall carbon nanotubes include lightweight components for vehicle structures and propulsion systems, fuel cell components (bipolar plates and electrodes) and battery electrodes, and ultra-lightweight materials for use in solar sails. A major barrier to the successful use of carbon nanotubes in these components is the need for methods to economically produce pure carbon nanotubes in large enough quantities to not only evaluate their suitability for certain applications but also produce actual components. Most carbon nanotube synthesis methods, including the HiPCO (high pressure carbon monoxide) method developed by Smalley and others, employ metal catalysts that remain trapped in the final product. These catalyst impurities can affect nanotube properties and accelerate their decomposition. The development of techniques to remove most, if not all, of these impurities is essential to their successful use in practical applications. A new method has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to purify gram-scale quantities of single wall carbon nanotubes. This method, a modification of a gas phase purification technique previously reported by Smalley and others, uses a combination of high-temperature oxidations and repeated extractions with nitric and hydrochloric acid. This improved procedure significantly reduces the amount of impurities (catalyst and nonnanotube forms of carbon) within the nanotubes, increasing their stability significantly. The onset of decomposition of the purified nanotubes (determined by thermal gravimetric analysis in air) is more than 300 C higher than that of the crude nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of nanotubes purified by this method reveals near complete removal of iron catalyst particles. Analysis of the nanotubes using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy revealed that the iron content of the nanotubes was reduced from 22.7 wt% in the crude nanotubes to less than 0.02 wt%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a decrease in iron content after purification as well as an increase in oxygen content due to the formation of carboxylic acid groups on the surface of the nanotubes. Nanotubes purified by this improved method can be readily dispersed in common organic solvents, in particular N,N-dimethylformamide, using prolonged ultrasonic treatment. These dispersions can then be used to incorporate single wall carbon nanotubes into polymer films.

Lebron, Marisabel↗
NASA NTRS2016

Nongyrotropic Electrons in Guide Field Reconnection

We apply a scalar measure of nongyrotropy to the electron pressure tensor in a 2D particle-in-cell simulation of guide field reconnection and assess the corresponding electron distributions and the forces that account for the nongyrotropy. The scalar measure reveals that the nongyrotropy lies in bands that straddle the electron diffusion region and the separatrices, in the same regions where there are parallel electric fields. Analysis of electron distributions and fields shows that the nongyrotropy along the inflow and outflow separatrices emerges as a result of multiple populations of electrons influenced differently by large and small-scale parallel electric fields and by gradients in the electric field. The relevant parallel electric fields include large-scale potential ramps emanating from the x-line and sub-ion inertial scale bipolar electron holes. Gradients in the perpendicular electric field modify electrons differently depending on their phase, thus producing nongyrotropy. Magnetic flux violation occurs along portions of the separatrices that coincide with the parallel electric fields. An inductive electric field in the electron EB drift frame thus develops, which has the effect of enhancing nongyrotropies already produced by other mechanisms and under certain conditions producing their own nongyrotropy. Particle tracing of electrons from nongyrotropic populations along the inflows and outflows shows that the striated structure of nongyrotropy corresponds to electrons arriving from different source regions. We also show that the relevant parallel electric fields receive important contributions not only from the nongyrotropic portion of the electron pressure tensor but from electron spatial and temporal inertial terms as well.

Parallel Electric Fields↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electron impact excitation of the electronic states of N2. III - Transitions in the 12.5-14.2-eV energy-loss region at incident energies of 40 and 60 eV

Analysis of electron energy-loss data at incident electron energies of 40 and 60 eV has led to the determination of normalized absolute differential cross sections for electron-impact excitation of five optically-allowed singlet states, two known triplet states, and two unknown triplet-like states of N2, lying in the energy-loss range 12.5-14.2 eV. The range of scattering angles was 5 to 138 deg. The optically allowed transitions and the known triplet excitations are identified. Cross sections for excitation to two unidentified triplet-like states at 13.155 and 13.395 eV were also obtained. The relationship of the generalized oscillator strength for the dipole-allowed states obtained from the described data to known optical oscillator strengths is discussed.

Chutjian, A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A fundamental approach to adhesion: Synthesis, surface analysis, thermodynamics and mechanics

Adherend surfaces and fractography were studied using electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. In addition, Auger Electron Spectroscopy with depth profiling capability was used. It is shown that contamination of adhesion systems plays an important role not only in determining initial bond strengths but also in the durability of adhesive bonds. It is concluded that the analytical techniques used to characterize and monitor such contamination.

Chen, W.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Electronic structure and pair potential energy analysis of 4-n-methoxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl: A nematic liquid crystal

Electronic structure properties of 4-n-methoxy-4′-cyanobiphenyl, a pure nematic liquid crystal have been examined using an ab‒initio, HF/6‒31G(d,p) technique with GAMESS program. Conformational and charge distribution analysis have been carried out. MEP, HOMO and LUMO surfaces have been scanned. Ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, global hardness and softness of the liquid crystal molecule have been calculated. Further, stacking, side by side and end to end interactions between a molecular pair have been evaluated. Results have been used to elucidate the physico-chemical and liquid crystalline properties of the system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗