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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 685 records · Page 38
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

An empirical approach to predicting long term behavior of metal particle based recording media

Alpha iron particles used for magnetic recording are prepared through a series of dehydration and reduction steps of alpha-Fe2O3-H2O resulting in acicular, polycrystalline, body centered cubic (bcc) alpha-Fe particles that are single magnetic domains. Since fine iron particles are pyrophoric by nature, stabilization processes had to be developed in order for iron particles to be considered as a viable recording medium for long term archival (i.e., 25+ years) information storage. The primary means of establishing stability is through passivation or controlled oxidation of the iron particle's surface. Since iron particles used for magnetic recording are small, additional oxidation has a direct impact on performance especially where archival storage of recorded information for long periods of time is important. Further stabilization chemistry/processes had to be developed to guarantee that iron particles could be considered as a viable long term recording medium. In an effort to retard the diffusion of iron ions through the oxide layer, other elements such as silicon, aluminum, and chromium have been added to the base iron to promote more dense scale formation or to alleviate some of the non-stoichiometric behavior of the oxide or both. The presence of water vapor has been shown to disrupt the passive layer, subsequently increasing the oxidation rate of the iron. A study was undertaken to examine the degradation in magnetic properties as a function of both temperature and humidity on silicon-containing iron particles between 50-120 deg C and 3-89 percent relative humidity. The methodology to which experimental data was collected and analyzed leading to predictive capability is discussed.

Hadad, Allan S.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Influence of Thermally-Grown Oxide (TGO) Layer on the Driving Forces Associated with Failure in Environmental Barrier Coating (EBC) Systems

Environmental barrier coatings (EBC) is an enabling technology for the successful application of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in air-breathing gas turbine engines. Spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC) induced by thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer is a key EBC failure mode. The TGO layer, resulting from steam oxidation, grows either from a silicon bond coat layer (if present) or from the silicon carbide (SiC) based substrate itself. Critical thickness of the TGO layer for failure is in the range of 20-30 microns but it can vary due to exposure temperature, microstructure etc. Current work at NASA Glenn Research Center, under the Revolutionary Tools and Methods (RTM) project is aimed at addressing associated failure modes in EBC systems and developing robust analysis tools to aid in the design/analysis of these systems. The objective of the current work is to conduct a sensitivity study to examine the influence of uniformly and non-uniformly grown oxide layers with or without damage on the associated driving forces leading to spallation of the EBC when subjected to isothermal loading. Initial results indicate that the presence of damage (vertical cracks caused by in-plane stresses) enhances the stresses that are present due to non-uniformity. However, the presence of non-uniformity itself is still the main factor influencing the magnitude of peel and shear stresses in the TGO layer.

Mital, Subodh K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Study of high resistance inorganic coatings on graphite fibers

Coatings made of boron, silicon carbide, silica, and silica-like materials were studied to determine their ability to increase resistance of graphite fibers. The most promising results were attained by chemical vapor depositing silicon carbide on graphite fiber followed by oxidation, and drawing graphite fiber through ethyl silicate followed by appropriate heat treatments. In the silicon carbide coating studies, no degradation of the graphite fibers was observed and resistance values as high as three orders of magnitude higher than that of the uncoated fiber was attained. The strength of a composite fabricated from the coated fiber had a strength which compared favorably with those of composites prepared from uncoated fiber. For the silica-like coated fiber prepared by drawing the graphite fiber through an ethyl silicate solution followed by heating, coated fiber resistances about an order of magnitude greater than that of the uncoated fiber were attained. Composites prepared using these fibers had flexural strengths comparable with those prepared using uncoated fibers, but the shear strengths were lower.

Galasso, F. S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Quantum-Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) Focal Plane Assembly

A paper describes the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), a QWIP-based instrument intended to supplement the Operational Land Imager (OLI) for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The TIRS instrument is a far-infrared imager operating in the pushbroom mode with two IR channels: 10.8 and 12 microns. The focal plane will contain three 640x512 QWIP arrays mounted on a silicon substrate. The silicon substrate is a custom-fabricated carrier board with a single layer of aluminum interconnects. The general fabrication process starts with a 4-in. (approx.10-cm) diameter silicon wafer. The wafer is oxidized, a single substrate contact is etched, and aluminum is deposited, patterned, and alloyed. This technology development is aimed at incorporating three large-format infrared detecting arrays based on GaAs QWIP technology onto a common focal plane with precision alignment of all three arrays. This focal plane must survive the rigors of flight qualification and operate at a temperature of 43 K (-230 C) for five years while orbiting the Earth. The challenges presented include ensuring thermal compatibility among all the components, designing and building a compact, somewhat modular system and ensuring alignment to very tight levels. The multi-array focal plane integrated onto a single silicon substrate is a new application of both QWIP array development and silicon wafer scale integration. The Invar-based assembly has been tested to ensure thermal reliability.

Jhabvala, Murzy↗
NASA NTRS2012

Fabrication of a Cryogenic Terahertz Emitter for Bolometer Focal Plane Calibrations

A fabrication process is reported for prototype emitters of THz radiation, which operate cryogenically, and should provide a fast, stable blackbody source suitable for characterization of THz devices. The fabrication has been demonstrated and, at the time of this reporting, testing was underway. The emitter is similar to a monolithic silicon bolometer in design, using both a low-noise thermometer and a heater element on a thermally isolated stage. An impedance-matched, high-emissivity coat ing is also integrated to tune the blackbody properties. This emitter is designed to emit a precise amount of power as a blackbody spectrum centered on terahertz frequencies. The emission is a function of the blackbody temperature. An integrated resistive heater and thermometer system can control the temperature of the blackbody with greater precision than previous incarnations of calibration sources that relied on blackbody emission. The emitter is fabricated using a silicon- on-insulator substrate wafer. The buried oxide is chosen to be less than 1 micron thick, and the silicon device thickness is 1-2 microns. Layers of phosphorus compensated with boron are implanted into and diffused throughout the full thickness of the silicon device layer to create the thermometer and heater components. Degenerately doped wiring is implanted to connect the devices to wire-bondable contact pads at the edge of the emitter chip. Then the device is micromachined to remove the thick-handle silicon behind the thermometer and heater components, and to thermally isolate it on a silicon membrane. An impedance- matched emissive coating (ion assisted evaporated Bi) is applied to the back of the membrane to enable high-efficiency emission of the blackbody spectrum.

Chervenak, James↗
NASA NTRS2019

Modeling of the Influence of a Damaged Thermally Grown Oxide (TGO) Layer in an Environmental Barrier Coating System

Environmental barrier coatings (EBC) are an enabling technology for the successful application of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in air-breathing gas turbine engines. EBCs are susceptible to a number of failure modes including oxidation/delamination, recessions, chemical attack and dissolution, thermomechanical degradation, erosion, and foreign object impact damage in a combustion environment. Spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC), induced by a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer, is a key EBC failure mode. The TGO layer, resulting from steam oxidation, grows either from a silicon bond coat layer (if present) or from a silicon carbide (SiC) based substrate itself. The TGO layer evolves (i.e., thickness increases with time) as water vapor and oxygen gradually diffuse through the EBC, and the EBC spalls off once the TGO layer reaches some critical thickness. The critical thickness of the TGO layer for failure is in the range of 20-30 microns, but it can vary due to exposure temperature, microstructure etc. Current work at NASA Glenn Research Center, under the Revolutionary Tools and Methods (RTM) subproject is aimed at addressing associated failure modes in EBC systems and developing robust analysis tools to aid in the design/analysis of these systems. The objective of the current work is to conduct a sensitivity study to examine the influence of uniformly and non-uniformly grown oxide layers on the associated driving forces leading to spallation of the EBC when subjected to isothermal loading. The effect of damage in the TGO layer on the resulting stress states is also assessed both in uniform and non-uniform TGO layers.

Mital, Subodh K.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Modeling of the Influence of Thermally Grown Oxide (TGO) Layers on the Driving Forces in Environmental Barrier Coating Systems

Environmental barrier coatings (EBC) are an enabling technology for the successful application of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in air-breathing gas turbine engines. EBCs are susceptible to several failure modes including oxidation/delamination, recession, chemical attack and dissolution, thermomechanical degradation, erosion, and foreign object impact damage in a combustion environment. Spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC), induced by a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer, is a key EBC failure mode. The TGO layer, resulting from steam oxidation, grows either from a silicon bond coat layer (if present) or from a silicon carbide (SiC) based substrate itself. The TGO layer evolves (i.e., thickness increases with time) as water vapor and oxygen gradually diffuse through the EBC, and the EBC spalls off once the TGO layer reaches some critical thickness. The critical thickness of the TGO layer for failure is in the range of 20-30 microns, with the actual value depending upon exposure temperature, microstructure, etc. Current work at NASA Glenn Research Center, under the Transformative Tools and Technology (TTT) subproject is aimed at addressing associated failure modes in EBC systems and developing robust analysis tools to aid in the design/analysis of these systems. The objective of the current work is to conduct a sensitivity study to examine the influence of uniformly and non-uniformly grown oxide layers on the associated driving forces leading to spallation of the EBC when subjected to isothermal loading. The effect of damage in the TGO layer on the resulting stress states is also assessed both in uniform and non-uniform TGO layers.

Coatings↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Multi-Metrics In Situ Aging Detector for SiC Power MOSFET Modules with Full Driver-Integration Capability

In this paper, the concept and prototype of an aging detector for silicon carbide (SiC) power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) are proposed and described. It leverages the resonant peak values of gate-source voltage at different instants during the switching transients to decode the change of multiple aging indicators, such as the increases of on-state resistance and threshold voltage. Modeling-based analysis is conducted to support the idea. The detector can be fully integrated into gate drivers without any additional connection to the power stage and is functional during normal power stage operation. A prototype unit was built, and preliminary tests were conducted to validate the idea and the practicality of the detector.

aging↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Manganese and Iron Mixed Metal Oxides for Thermochemical Energy Storage

Energy storage plays an essential role for sustainable and renewable energy use in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) is a favorable alternative to fossil fuel energy systems and a promising solution to the intermittency problem of renewable energy sources (such as solar energy). TCES stores energy in the form of chemical bonds using reversible redox reactions (such as manganese metal oxides). This study developed manganese oxide (Mn2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) with an inert dispersant of silicon dioxide (SiO2) (Mn-Fe-Si) for potential large scale energy storage application. These metal oxides are nontoxic, cheap, and relatively abundant. The materials were prepared with varying metal oxide content using physical mixing in a ball mill, pressure pelletization and calcination at different temperatures. Redox cycle tests were conducted using differential scanning calorimetry combined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DSC). The Mn-Fe-Si materials had higher cyclability and energy release compared to the pure metal oxides and manganese oxide with SiO2. The calcination temperature had a significant effect on releasable energy due to the interactions between the oxides. The Mn-Fe-Si mixture calcined at high temperature (1000oC) showed the highest average energy storage density.

Wilkinson, Olivia↗
NASA NTRS1974

Strengthening of oxidation resistant materials for gas turbine applications

Silicon nitride and silicon carbide ceramics were treated to form compressive surface layers. On the silicon carbide, quenching and thermal exposure treatments were used, and on the silicon nitride, quenching, carburizing, and a combination of quenching and carburizing were used. In some cases substantial improvements in impact resistance and/or flexural strength were observed. The presence of compressive surface stresses was demonstrated by slotted rod tests.

Kirchner, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Submicron Silicon MOSFET

Process for making metal-oxide/semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET's) results in gate-channel lengths of only few hundred angstroms about 100 times as small as state-of-the-art devices. Gates must be shortened to develop faster MOSFET's; proposed fabrication process used to study effects of size reduction in MOS devices and eventually to build practical threedimensional structures.

Daud, T.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Verilog-A Device Models for Cryogenic Temperature Operation of Bulk Silicon CMOS Devices

Verilog-A based cryogenic bulk CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) compact models are built for state-of-the-art silicon CMOS processes. These models accurately predict device operation at cryogenic temperatures down to 4 K. The models are compatible with commercial circuit simulators. The models extend the standard BSIM4 [Berkeley Short-channel IGFET (insulated-gate field-effect transistor ) Model] type compact models by re-parameterizing existing equations, as well as adding new equations that capture the physics of device operation at cryogenic temperatures. These models will allow circuit designers to create optimized, reliable, and robust circuits operating at cryogenic temperatures.

Akturk, Akin↗
DOE OSTI2024

Phase-field modeling of thermally-grown oxide and damage evolution in environmental barrier coatings

Silicon carbide-based ceramic matrix composites protected by environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) present a promising materials solution for next-generation gas turbines. Developing more robust and efficient EBCs is therefore of significant technological importance. During the service in high-temperature oxidative environments, there is a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer, spontaneously formed in the EBC system. TGO is recognized as a critical factor for the degradation and failure of EBCs, yet the detailed mechanisms of TGO growth and its effect on EBC failure remain unclear. In this study we develop a comprehensive chemo-mechano-phase-field model to simulate growth of the TGO in EBCs, factoring in creep and deformation, and especially the cracking behaviors. The volume expansion due to TGO growth and the resulting large inelastic deformation are addressed by using our recently developed, so-called incremental realization of inelastic deformation (IRID) algorithm, in combination with an adapted Hu-Chen spectral solver for elasticity. Simulations of TGO growth are performed considering different growth modes of TGOs determined mainly by the ratio of oxidant permeability in the topcoat to that in the TGO itself. Large-scale three-dimensional (3D) simulations are performed to model the formation of interconnecting vertical/channel cracks (often called ‘mud cracks’). The simulated crack morphology are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations from the literature. The simulations also provide insights into the cracking of EBCs and its dependence on the structure and constituent properties of the coating system. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the developed damage model can be a useful tool for design of more durable EBCs.

Cracking↗
NASA NTRS1957

Preliminary Investigation of the Effect of Surface Treatment on the Strength of a Titanium Carbide - 30 Percent Nickel Base Cermet

Specimens of a nickel-bonded titanium carbide cermet were given the following surface treatments: (1) grinding, (2) lapping, (3) blast cleaning, (4) acid roughening, (5) oxidizing, and (6) oxidizing and refinishing. Room-temperature modulus-of-rupture and impact strength varied with the different surface treatments. Considerable strength losses resulted from the following treatments: (1) oxidation at 1600 F for 100 hours, (2) acid roughening, and (3) severe grinding with 60-grit silicon carbide abrasive. The strength loss after oxidation was partially recovered by grit blasting or diamond grinding.

MATERIALS, PROPERTIES - FLEXURE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Characterization of SiO 2 Thermally Grown Oxide Stress Evolution of EBCs with Al-Containing Dopants

SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are desired for use in combustion environments to achieve higher turbine operating temperatures. However, CMCs require environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for protection from the gas environment. EBC systems are known to primarily fail through coating delamination via growth of a thermally grown oxide (TGO) at the EBC—silicon bond coating interface when exposed to steam, which accelerates the TGO growth rate. The TGO undergoes a phase transformation during thermal cycling, which results in stresses that may encourage EBC spallation. Yb-silicate EBCs with mullite and yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) dopant additions were deposited on SiC substrates with a Si intermediate bond coating and exposed to thermal cycling in steam at 1350 °C. The impact of Al dopant additions on the TGO growth rate and the SiO 2 phase transformation was assessed. Photo-stimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS) was used to characterize the Al-containing phases and to measure stress evolution in the EBC following exposure using the stress-induced peak shift of the R-lines of mullite. Raman microscopy was used to map the stresses in the Si bond coating following exposure. It was found that the TGO phase transformation upon cooling increased compressive stress in the Si bond coating within 15 µm of the TGO.

Building Materials↗
DOE OSTI2024

Direct-bonded diamond membranes for heterogeneous quantum and electronic technologies

Diamond has superlative material properties for a broad range of quantum and electronic technologies. However, heteroepitaxial growth of single crystal diamond remains limited, impeding integration and evolution of diamond-based technologies. Here, we directly bond single-crystal diamond membranes to a wide variety of materials including silicon, fused silica, sapphire, thermal oxide, and lithium niobate. Our bonding process combines customized membrane synthesis, transfer, and dry surface functionalization, allowing for minimal contamination while providing pathways for near unity yield and scalability. We generate bonded crystalline membranes with thickness as low as 10 nm, sub-nm interfacial regions, and nanometer-scale thickness variability over 200 by 200 μm 2 areas. We measure spin coherence times T 2 for nitrogen vacancy centers in 150 nm-thick bonded membranes of up to 623 ± 21 μs, suitable for advanced quantum applications. We demonstrate multiple methods for integrating high quality factor nanophotonic cavities with the diamond heterostructures, highlighting the platform versatility in quantum photonic applications. Furthermore, we show that our ultra-thin diamond membranes are compatible with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, which enables interfacing coherent diamond quantum sensors with living cells while rejecting unwanted background luminescence. The processes demonstrated herein provide a full toolkit to synthesize heterogeneous diamond-based hybrid systems for quantum and electronic technologies.

color center↗
DOE OSTI2023

Programmable photonic integrated meshes for modular generation of optical entanglement links

Abstract Large-scale generation of quantum entanglement between individually controllable qubits is at the core of quantum computing, communications, and sensing. Modular architectures of remotely-connected quantum technologies have been proposed for a variety of physical qubits, with demonstrations reported in atomic and all-photonic systems. However, an open challenge in these architectures lies in constructing high-speed and high-fidelity reconfigurable photonic networks for optically-heralded entanglement among target qubits. Here we introduce a programmable photonic integrated circuit (PIC), realized in a piezo-actuated silicon nitride (SiN)-in-oxide CMOS-compatible process, that implements an N × N Mach–Zehnder mesh (MZM) capable of high-speed execution of linear optical transformations. The visible-spectrum photonic integrated mesh is programmed to generate optical connectivity on up to N = 8 inputs for a range of optically-heralded entanglement protocols. In particular, we experimentally demonstrated optical connections between 16 independent pairwise mode couplings through the MZM, with optical transformation fidelities averaging 0.991 ± 0.0063. The PIC’s reconfigurable optical connectivity suffices for the production of 8-qubit resource states as building blocks of larger topological cluster states for quantum computing. Our programmable PIC platform enables the fast and scalable optical switching technology necessary for network-based quantum information processors.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗