Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Process Sample Analysis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of nano-dispersive modified additive on cement activity

In the work the influence of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on the cement activity and the processes of structure formation of the hardened cement paste in different periods of hydration are studied. The changes in the kinetic curves of the sample strength growth modified with SWCNT in amount of 0.01 and 0.0005 % are stipulated by the results of differential scanning colorimetry, scanning electronic and ionic microscopy, X-ray-phase analysis. It was found that the nano-modified additive may increase in the axis compressive strength of the system by 1.4–6.3 fold relatively to the reference samples and may reach 179.6 MPa. It may intensify the hydration process of calcium silicates as well as influence on the matrix of hardened cement paste. The studies are conducted on the structural changes in the hardened cement paste, the time periods of increase and decrease of the compressive strength of the samples, the amount of the calcium hydroxide and tobermorite-like gel as well as the degree of hydration C{sub 3}S and β-C{sub 2}S.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

What’s Driving Uncertainty? The Model or the Model Parameters (What’s Driving Uncertainty? The influences of model and model parameters in data analysis)

Here, one of the substantial improvements to the practice of data analysis in recent decades is the change from reporting just a point estimate for a parameter or characteristic, to now including a summary of uncertainty for that estimate. Understanding the precision of the estimate for the quantity of interest provides better understanding of what to expect and how well we are able to predict future behavior from the process. For example, when we report a sample average as an estimate of the population mean, it is good practice to also provide a confidence interval (or credible interval, if you are doing a Bayesian analysis) to accompany that summary. This helps to calibrate what ranges of values are reasonable given the variability observed in the sample and the amount of data that were included in producing the summary.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Global patterns of diversity and metabolism of microbial communities in deep-sea hydrothermal vent deposits

When deep-sea hydrothermal fluids mix with cold oxygenated fluids, minerals precipitate out of solution and form hydrothermal deposits. These actively venting deep-sea hydrothermal deposits support a rich diversity of thermophilic microorganisms which are involved in a range of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen metabolisms. Global patterns of thermophilic microbial diversity in deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems have illustrated the strong connectivity between geological processes and microbial colonization, but little is known about the genomic diversity and physiological potential of these novel taxa. Here we explore this genomic diversity in 42 metagenomes from four deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields and a deep-sea volcano collected from 2004 to 2018 and document their potential implications in biogeochemical cycles. Our dataset represents 3635 metagenome-assembled genomes encompassing 511 novel and recently identified genera from deep-sea hydrothermal settings. Some of the novel bacterial (107) and archaeal genera (30) that were recently reported from the deep-sea Brothers volcano were also detected at the deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields, while 99 bacterial and 54 archaeal genera were endemic to the deep-sea Brothers volcano deposits. We report some of the first examples of medium- (≥ 50% complete, ≤ 10% contaminated) to high-quality (> 90% complete, < 5% contaminated) MAGs from phyla and families never previously identified, or poorly sampled, from deep-sea hydrothermal environments. We greatly expand the novel diversity of Thermoproteia, Patescibacteria (Candidate Phyla Radiation, CPR), and Chloroflexota found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and identify a small sampling of two potentially novel phyla, designated JALSQH01 and JALWCF01. Metabolic pathway analysis of metagenomes provides insights into the prevalent carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen metabolic processes across all sites and illustrates sulfur and nitrogen metabolic “handoffs” in community interactions. We confirm that Campylobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria occupy similar ecological guilds but their prevalence in a particular site is driven by shifts in the geochemical environment. Our study of globally distributed hydrothermal vent deposits provides a significant expansion of microbial genomic diversity associated with hydrothermal vent deposits and highlights the metabolic adaptation of taxonomic guilds. Collectively, our results illustrate the importance of comparative biodiversity studies in establishing patterns of shared phylogenetic diversity and physiological ecology, while providing many targets for enrichment and cultivation of novel and endemic taxa.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Bias Voltage-Dependent Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis of Hydrothermally Synthesized ZnS Nanoparticles

In this report, bias voltage-dependent dielectric and electron transport properties of ZnS nanoparticles were discussed. ZnS nanoparticles were synthesized by introducing a modified hydrothermal process. The powder XRD pattern indicates the phase purity, and field emission scanning electron microscope image demonstrates the morphology of the synthesized sample. The optical band gap energy (E{sub g }= 4.2 eV) from UV measurement explores semiconductor behavior of the synthesized material. The electrical properties were performed at room temperature using complex impedance spectroscopy (CIS) technique as a function of frequency (40 Hz-10 MHz) under different forward dc bias voltages (0-1 V). The CIS analysis demonstrates the contribution of bulk resistance in conduction mechanism and its dependency on forward dc bias voltages. The imaginary part of the impedance versus frequency curve exhibits the existence of relaxation peak which shifts with increasing dc forward bias voltages. The dc bias voltage-dependent ac and dc conductivity of the synthesized ZnS was studied on thin film structure. A possible hopping mechanism for electrical transport processes in the system was investigated. Finally, it is worth to mention that this analysis of bias voltage-dependent dielectric and transport properties of as-synthesized ZnS showed excellent properties for emerging energy applications.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2015

Magnetic Properties of Electroformed Ni and Ni-Fe for Micromagnetic MEMS Applications

This paper reports a new technique which is based on electroforming process for high permeability Ni and Ni-Fe alloy. The magnetic properties of Ni and Ni-Fe alloy are investigated as a function of plating current density via scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Concentration-dependent kinetics is used to formulate the deposition rate and also the same is verified by using finite element analysis tool COMSOL Multiphysics. Several experiments are performed to derive the relation between electroplating parameters and magnetic properties. The process conditions are optimized to develop high permeability (∼16000) Ni-Fe alloy (85.71–14.29 %). The higher current density shows a monotonically increasing behavior of relative permeability (μ{sub r}). In addition, the B-H curves indicate that the saturation magnetization (B{sub sat}) increases and coercivity decreases with increasing plating current density. Our experimental data confirms that the higher current density increase the softness of Ni. The observed properties of Ni and Ni-Fe based on experimental results can be used to study the magnetic behavior of micromagnetic sensors and large force actuators.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Conversion kinetics of container glass batch melting

Abstract Understanding the batch‐to‐glass conversion process is fundamental to optimizing the performance of glass‐melting furnaces and ensuring that furnace modeling can correctly predict the observed outcome when batch materials or furnace conditions change. To investigate the kinetics of silica dissolution, gas evolution, and primary foam formation and collapse, we performed X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetry, feed expansion tests, and evolved gas analysis of batch samples heated at several constant heating rates. We found that gas evolving reactions, foaming, and silica dissolution depend on the thermal history of the batch in a similar manner: the kinetic parameters of each process were linear functions of the square root of the heating rate. This kinetic similarity reflects the stronger‐than‐expected interdependence of these processes. On the basis of our results, we suggest that changes in furnace operating conditions, such as firing or boosting, influence the melting rate less than what one would expect without consideration of batch conversion kinetics.

Ueda, Nanako↗
DOE OSTI2018

Application of X-ray computed tomography for the characterization of graphite morphology in compact-graphite iron

Highlights: • X-ray Tomography is a powerful technique for graphite morphology characterization. • 3D characterization reveals true nodularity and spatial connectivity of graphite. • Tri-modal distribution of SG suggests a multi-stage graphite nucleation process. - Abstract: In the present study, high-energy X-ray tomography technique was used to characterize the graphite morphology of compact graphite iron. The size, shape, spatial connectivity and structure of different graphite morphologies were examined in 3D using computer-aided image analysis. In addition, nodularity analysis was performed in 3D and the results are compared to the traditional 2D technique. It is found that the variation of nodularity within 2 × 2 × 1.2 mm{sup 3} of the sample can be as high as 20 (%) from 2D analysis and the averaged nodularity (2D) is higher than that from 3D analysis. The size distribution of spheroidal graphite shows a tri-modal distribution, which suggests a multi-step nucleation process during solidification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measuring Muon Antineutrino Charged-Current Interactions Without Mesons in the Final State, in the NOvA Near Detector

NOvA is a long-baseline neutrino experiment based at Fermilab in the US, with the primary aim of measuring neutrino and antineutrino oscillations. This will enhance our understanding of electroweak interactions by measuring the neutrino mixing angles, CP-violating phase and neutrino mass ordering. To measure these oscillations, we first need to have a deep understanding of how neutrinos and antineutrinos interact with matter. Antineutrino interaction cross sections are, at present, particularly poorly constrained, and processes such as meson exchange currents are not well understood in the antineutrino sector. This analysis will develop a cross-section measurement of muon antineutrino interactions without mesons (e.g. pions or kaons) in the final state, in the NOvA near detector. A high-statistics, high-purity sample is obtained through a cut-based selection process implementing machine learning techniques. The sample is dominated by quasi-elastic and meson exchange current interactions which are sensitive to nuclear effects such as Final-State Interactions. The cross section will be extracted as a function of the incoming neutrino energy and the kinematics of the outgoing particles.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Sludge batch 9 (SB9) acceptance evaluation. Radionuclide concentrations in tank 51 SB9 qualification sample prepared at SRNL

Presented in this report are radionuclide concentrations required as part of the program of qualifying Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) for processing in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF). The SB9 material is currently in Tank 51 and has been washed and prepared for transfer to Tank 40. The acceptance evaluation needs to be completed prior to the transfer of the material in Tank 51 to Tank 40. The sludge slurry in Tank 40 has already been qualified for DWPF processing and is currently being processed as Sludge Batch 8 (SB8). The radionuclide concentrations were measured or estimated in the Tank 51 SB9 Washed Qualification Sample prepared at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This sample was prepared from a three liter sample of Tank 51 sludge slurry (HTF-51-15-81) taken on July 23, 2015. The sample was delivered to SRNL where it was initially characterized in the Shielded Cells. Under the direction of Savannah River Remediation (SRR) it was then adjusted per the Tank Farm washing strategy as of October 20, 2015. This final slurry now has a composition expected to be similar to that of the slurry in Tank 51 after final preparations have been made for transfer of that slurry to Tank 40.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

Managing Sn-Supply to Tune Surface Characteristics of Vapor-Diffusion Coating of Nb₃Sn

Nb₃Sn promises better RF performance (Q and E_{acc}) than niobium at any given temperature because of superior superconducting properties. Nb₃Sn-coated SRF cavities are now produced routinely by growing a few microns thick Nb₃Sn films inside Nb cavities via the tin vapor diffusion technique. Sn evaporation and consumption during the growth process notably affect the quality of the coating. Aiming at favorable surface characteristics that could enhance the RF performance, many coatings were produced by varying Sn sources and temperature profiles. Coupon samples were examined using different material characterization techniques, and a selected few sets of coating parameters were used to coat 1.3 GHz single-cell cavities for RF testing. The Sn supply’s careful tuning is essential to manage the microstructure, roughness, and overall surface characteristics of the coating. We summarize the material analysis of witness samples and discuss the performance of several Nb₃Sn-coated single-cell cavities linked to Sn-source characteristics and observed Sn consumption during the film growth process.

Pudasaini, U.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Managing Sn-supply to tune surface characteristics of vapor-diffusion coating of Nb3Sn

Nb₃Sn promises better RF performance (Q and E_{acc}) than niobium at any given temperature because of superior superconducting properties. Nb₃Sn-coated SRF cavities are now produced routinely by growing a few microns thick Nb₃Sn films inside Nb cavities via the tin vapor diffusion technique. Sn evaporation and consumption during the growth process notably affect the quality of the coating. Aiming at favorable surface characteristics that could enhance the RF performance, many coatings were produced by varying Sn sources and temperature profiles. Coupon samples were examined using different material characterization techniques, and a selected few sets of coating parameters were used to coat 1.3 GHz single-cell cavities for RF testing. The Sn supply’s careful tuning is essential to manage the microstructure, roughness, and overall surface characteristics of the coating. We summarize the material analysis of witness samples and discuss the performance of several Nb₃Sn-coated single-cell cavities linked to Sn-source characteristics and observed Sn consumption during the film growth process.

Pudasaini, U.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Microstructure and thermomechanical properties relationship of segmented thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) are important polymeric materials for seals. In competition with Acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers (NBR), TPU exhibits higher strength and a considerable better abrasion resistance. The advantage of NBR over TPU is a smaller compression set but however TPU excels in its much shorter processing cycle times. Generally a TPU is a block copolymer composed of hard and soft segments, which plays an important role in determining the material properties. TPU can be processed either to ready moulded parts or can be incorporated by multi component moulding, in both cases it shows decent mechanical properties. In the present work, the relationship between melt-process induced TPU morphology and resultant thermo mechanical properties were examined and determined by means of quasi-static tensile test, creep experiment, tension test and dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA). Scanning electron beam microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used to study the morphology of the samples. A significant mathematical description of the stress-strain behaviour of TPU was found using a 3 term approach. Moreover it became evident that processing conditions such as processing temperature have crucial influence on morphology as well as short and long-term performance. To be more precise, samples processed at higher temperatures showed a lack of large hard segment agglomerates, a smaller strength for strains up to 250% and higher creep compliance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural and photocatalytic examination of CoMoO4 nanopowders synthesized by GNP method

Highlights: • Synthesis of CoMoO{sub 4} nanoparticles in a simple, quick, and inexpensive way, by using a glycine nitrate procedure (GNP). • Two different crystal structures of CoMoO{sub 4}, α and β, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. • BET analysis confirmed significant specific surface areas of CoMoO{sub 4} nanopowder. • CoMoO{sub 4} nanopowders can be promising solutions in photocatalytic processes toward green chemistry and sustainable development. - Abstract: The synthesis route by solution combustion, a glycine nitrate procedure (GNP) of CoMoO{sub 4} nanopowders by a glycine as a fuel and as a complexant was examined concerning the photocatalytic aspects and powder characteristics. The synthesized samples were investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption method. In this work, we presented a simple and effective method for controlling the composition and morphology of CoMoO{sub 4}. A single-phase α and β crystalline form of CoMoO{sub 4} compound was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity of CoMoO{sub 4} nanopowders was estimated by the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet in aqueous solution. In addition, the obtained specific CoMoO{sub 4} nanopowder demonstrated acceptable specific surface area, which can be of particular importance for the photocatalytic processes.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multiscale Characterization of Additive Manufacturing Components with Computed Tomography, 3D X-ray Microscopy, and Deep Learning

Additive manufacturing (AM) facilitates the creation of complex-geometry parts, driving advancements in lightweight aerospace components, high-efficiency engine cooling channels, and customized medical implants. However, ensuring the quality and reliability of AM parts remains challenging due to internal defects, surface irregularities, porosity, and residual trapped powder, which are often inaccessible to traditional inspection methods. Recent developments in X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM), particularly systems equipped with resolution-at-a-distance (RaaD™) capabilities, enable high-resolution, non-destructive evaluation of AM components across multiple scales, from sub-micrometer to macroscopic levels. This paper explores modern XCT and XRM techniques for multiscale characterization of AM parts, focusing on their ability to detect and analyze defects such as porosity, cracks, inclusions, and surface roughness, while offering insights into defect formation mechanisms, material properties, and process-induced variations. The integration of deep learning (DL) frameworks, including Simurgh, DeepRecon, and DeepScout, enhances XCT/XRM workflows by reducing scan times, improving resolution recovery, and enabling accurate defect detection even with limited projection data. These DL-based methods overcome limitations of traditional reconstruction techniques, enabling faster, more reliable characterization of dense materials like Inconel 718 and novel alloys such as AlCe. Applications include process parameter optimization, high-throughput quality control, and multistage AM process evaluation, with DL-enhanced workflows accelerating analysis times from weeks to days. Correlative imaging approaches further validate XCT and XRM data against scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of physically sectioned samples, confirming the accuracy of DL-based reconstructions and enabling comprehensive defect analysis. While challenges remain in generalizing DL models to diverse materials and imaging conditions, improvements in resolution, noise reduction, and defect detection highlight the transformative potential of these methods. This multiscale and correlative approach enables precise identification and correlation of microstructural features with the overall performance of AM components. By integrating advanced XCT, XRM, and DL techniques, this paper demonstrates a significant leap forward in AM characterization, offering valuable insights into the relationships between processing parameters, microstructure, and part performance, and driving innovations that enhance the quality and reliability of AM products for demanding industrial applications.

Additive manufacturing↗
DOE OSTI2026

Data and scripts associated with “Moisture content modulates DOM thermodynamic regulation of oxygen consumption in drying streambed sediments”

This data package is associated with the publication “Moisture content modulates DOM thermodynamic regulation of oxygen consumption in drying streambed sediments” published in Scientific Reports (Garayburu-Caruso et al., 2026). The package contains processed data products and scripts used to quantify how drying and re-inundation of riverbed sediments influence dissolved organic matter (DOM) thermodynamic properties and their relationship with sediment oxygen (O₂) consumption across 33 stream sites in the contiguous United States. The data package contains DOM thermodynamic metrics (e.g., Gibbs free energy of carbon oxidation and thermodynamic efficiency), and O₂ consumption along with watershed-scale climate and land-cover metrics used as explanatory variables in the analyses. Underlying unprocessed and processed ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry data, oxygen consumption rates from laboratory moisture-manipulation experiments, within-sample environmental properties, sediment moisture content and contextual field measurements are archived separately at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/2428003 (Laan et al., 2024) and https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1923689 (Forbes et al.,2023). A preliminary version of this data package was published in February 2026 at the time of manuscript submission. It was updated in June 2026, at the time of manuscript acceptance, to include the finalized data and additional metadata (readme, data dictionary, and file level metadata). For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. In addition to a readme, this data package also includes a file-level metadata (FLMD) file that describes each file and a data dictionary (DD) that describes all column/row headers and variable definitions. At the top level, the data package is organized into five main folders: (1) Data, (2)Figures, (3) Map, (4) GAM_Reulsts, and (5) src. The Data folder contains analysis-ready tabular files with oxygen consumption rates, DOM thermodynamic properties by site and treatment, site-level environmental variables, watershed-scale metrics, and other derived variables referenced in the manuscript. The Figures folder contains static image files associated with the main text and supplemental figures, while the Map folder includes spatial data and map-layer files used to create the sampling-location map. The GAM results folder contains the results for each of the general additive model (GAM).The src folder contains R scripts used to perform data processing, statistical analyses (including clustering, generalized additive models, and threshold analysis), and figure generation. This data package is associated with a GitHub repository found at https://github.com/WHONDRS-Hub/ECA_DOM_Thermodynamics.

Dissolved organic matter↗
DOE OSTI2018

Stable-carbon isotope ratios for sourcing the nerve-agent precursor methylphosphonic dichloride and its products

The ability to connect a chemical threat agent to a specific batch of a synthetic precursor can provide a fingerprint to contribute to effective forensic investigations. Stable isotope analysis can leverage intrinsic, natural isotopic variability within the molecules of a threat agent to unlock embedded chemical fingerprints in the material. Methylphosphonic dichloride (DC) is a chemical precursor to the nerve agent sarin. It is converted to methylphosphonic difluoride (DF) as part of the sarin synthesis process. We used a suite of commercially available DC stocks to both evaluate the potential for δ13C analysis to be used as a fingerprinting tool in sarin-related investigations and to develop sample preparation techniques (using chemical hydrolysis) that can simplify isotopic analysis of DC and its synthetic products. We demonstrate that natural isotopic variability in DC results in at least three distinct, isotope-resolved clusters within the thirteen stocks we analyzed. Isotopic variability in the carbon feedstock (i.e., methanol) used for DC synthesis is likely inherited by the DC samples we measured. We demonstrate that the hydrolysis of DC and DF to methylphosphonic acid (MPA) can be used as a preparative step for isotopic analysis because the reaction does not impart a measureable isotopic fractionation. MPA is more chemically stable, less toxic, and easier to handle than DC or DF. Further, the hydrolysis method we demonstrated can be applied to a suite of other precursors or to sarin itself, thereby providing a potentially valuable forensic tool.

Moran, James J.↗
DOE OSTI2013

BENCHMARK TESTS FOR MARKOV CHAIN MONTE CARLO FITTING OF EXOPLANET ECLIPSE OBSERVATIONS

Ground-based observations of exoplanet eclipses provide important clues to the planets' atmospheric physics, yet systematics in light curve analyses are not fully understood. It is unknown if measurements suggesting near-infrared flux densities brighter than models predict are real, or artifacts of the analysis processes. We created a large suite of model light curves, using both synthetic and real noise, and tested the common process of light curve modeling and parameter optimization with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. With synthetic white noise models, we find that input eclipse signals are generally recovered within 10% accuracy for eclipse depths greater than the noise amplitude, and to smaller depths for higher sampling rates and longer baselines. Red noise models see greater discrepancies between input and measured eclipse signals, often biased in one direction. Finally, we find that in real data, systematic biases result even with a complex model to account for trends, and significant false eclipse signals may appear in a non-Gaussian distribution. To quantify the bias and validate an eclipse measurement, we compare both the planet-hosting star and several of its neighbors to a separately chosen control sample of field stars. Re-examining the Rogers et al. Ks-band measurement of CoRoT-1b finds an eclipse 3190{sup +370}{sub -440} ppm deep centered at {phi}{sub me} = 0.50418{sup +0.00197}{sub -0.00203}. Finally, we provide and recommend the use of selected data sets we generated as a benchmark test for eclipse modeling and analysis routines, and propose criteria to verify eclipse detections.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗