Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “phase mapping”

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 73 records · Page 4

Global Maps of Lunar Neutron Fluxes from the LEND Instrument

The latest neutron spectrometer measurements with the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) are presented. It covers more than 1 year of mapping phase starting on 15 September 2009. In our analyses we have created global maps showing regional variations in the flux of thermal (energy range < 0.015 eV) and fast neutrons (>0.5 MeV), and compared these fluxes to variances in soil elemental composition, and with previous results obtained by the Lunar Prospector Neutron Spectrometer (LPNS). We also processed data from LEND collimated detectors and derived a value for the collimated signal of epithermal neutrons based on the comparative analysis with the LEND omnidirectional detectors. Finally, we have compared our final (after the data reduction) global epithermal neutron map with LPNS data.

Epithermal neutrons↗

Vesta Mineralogy after Dawn Global Observations

The Dawn mission has completed its mapping phases at Vesta and millions of spectra have been acquired by the Visible and InfraRed Mapping Spectrometer, VIR(1). VIR characterizes and maps the mineral distribution on Vesta -strengthening the Vesta HED linkage- and provides new insights into Vesta s formation and evolution(2,3). VIR spectra are dominated by pyroxene absorptions near 0.9 and 2.0 m and large thermal emission beyond 3.5 m. Although almost all surface materials exhibit howardite-like spectra, some large regions can be interpreted to be richer in eucritic (basaltic) material and others richer in diogenititic (Mg-orthopyroxenitic) material. The Rheasilvia basin contains Mg-pyroxene-rich terrains for example. Vesta' s surface shows considerable diversity at local scales. Many bright and dark areas(3,4) are associated with various geological features and show remarkably different morphology. Moreover, VIR detected statistically significant, but weak, variations at 2.8 m that have been interpreted as indicating the presence of OH-bearing phases on the surface(5). The OH distribution is uneven with large regions lacking this absorption feature. Associations of 2.8 m band with morphological structures indicate complex process responsible for OH. Vesta exhibits large spectral variations that often correlate with geological structures, indicating a complex geological and evolutionary history, more similar to that of the terrestrial planets than to other asteroids visited by spacecrafts.

ChristinaDeSanctis, Maria↗

Rapid Phase Transitions of Thermotropic Glycolipid Quasicrystal and Frank‐Kasper Mesophases: A Mechanistic Rosetta Stone

Abstract Experimental results are presented that serve to lower the barrier for developing the science and technology of non‐classical thermotropic glycolipid mesophases, which now include dodecagonal quasicrystal (DDQC) and Frank–Kasper (FK) A15 and σ mesophases that can be produced under mild conditions from a versatile class of sugar‐polyolefin conjugates. By employing “alloys” comprised of mono‐ and disaccharide‐polyolefin conjugates, and optionally with vitamin E as a small molecule phase modulator, we report the spontaneous formation of stable A15 mesophases at ambient temperature. We further document a rich thermotropic phase map that includes DDQC, A15, and σ mesophases of tunable periodicity that are connected through rapid thermotropic phase transitions as a function of increasing temperature in the order: liquid‐like packing (LLP)→DDQC → A15→σ→ disorder. This first direct observation of a rapid thermotropic A15→σ phase transition provides support for a diffusionless martensitic process proceeding through strain‐induced introduction of planar defects into the A15 lattice.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Rapid Phase Transitions of Thermotropic Glycolipid Quasicrystal and Frank‐Kasper Mesophases: A Mechanistic Rosetta Stone

Abstract Experimental results are presented that serve to lower the barrier for developing the science and technology of non‐classical thermotropic glycolipid mesophases, which now include dodecagonal quasicrystal (DDQC) and Frank–Kasper (FK) A15 and σ mesophases that can be produced under mild conditions from a versatile class of sugar‐polyolefin conjugates. By employing “alloys” comprised of mono‐ and disaccharide‐polyolefin conjugates, and optionally with vitamin E as a small molecule phase modulator, we report the spontaneous formation of stable A15 mesophases at ambient temperature. We further document a rich thermotropic phase map that includes DDQC, A15, and σ mesophases of tunable periodicity that are connected through rapid thermotropic phase transitions as a function of increasing temperature in the order: liquid‐like packing (LLP)→DDQC → A15→σ→ disorder. This first direct observation of a rapid thermotropic A15→σ phase transition provides support for a diffusionless martensitic process proceeding through strain‐induced introduction of planar defects into the A15 lattice.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Materials structure–property factorization for identification of synergistic phase interactions in complex solar fuels photoanodes

Abstract Properties can be tailored by tuning composition in high-order composition spaces. For spaces with complex phase behavior, modeling the properties as a function of composition and phase distribution remains a formidable challenge. We present materials structure–property factorization (MSPF) as an approach to automate modeling of such data and identify synergistic phase interactions. MSPF is an interpretable machine learning algorithm that couples phase mapping via Deep Reasoning Networks (DRNets) to matrix factorization-based modeling of the representative properties of each phase in a dataset. MSPF is demonstrated for Bi–Cu–V oxide photoanodes for solar fuel generation, which contains 25 different phase combinations and correspondingly exhibits complex composition-structure-photoactivity relationships. Comparing the measured photoactivity to a learned model for non-interacting phases, synergistic phase interactions are identified to guide further photoactivity optimization and understanding. MSPF identifies synergistic interactions of a BiVO 4 -like phase with both Cu 2 V 2 O 7 -like and CuV 2 O 6 -like phases, creating avenues for understanding complex photoelectrocatalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Combinatorial Synthesis and High-Throughput Characterization of Microstructure and Phase Transformation in Ni–Ti–Cu–V Quaternary Thin-Film Library

Ni–Ti–based shape memory alloys (SMAs) have found widespread use in the last 70 years, but improving their functional stability remains a key quest for more robust and advanced applications. Named for their ability to retain their processed shape as a result of a reversible martensitic transformation, SMAs are highly sensitive to compositional variations. Alloying with ternary and quaternary elements to fine-tune the lattice parameters and the thermal hysteresis of an SMA, therefore, becomes a challenge in materials exploration. Combinatorial materials science allows streamlining of the synthesis process and data management from multiple characterization techniques. In this study, a composition spread of Ni–Ti–Cu–V thin-film library was synthesized by magnetron co-sputtering on a thermally oxidized Si wafer. Composition-dependent phase transformation temperature and microstructure were investigated and determined using high-throughput wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and temperature-dependent resistance measurements. Of the 177 compositions in the materials library, 32 were observed to have shape memory effect, of which five had zero or near-zero thermal hysteresis. These compositions provide flexibility in the operating temperature regimes that they can be used in. A phase map for the quaternary system and correlations of functional properties are discussed with respect to the local microstructure and composition of the thin-film library.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Two-step deformation-induced martensitic transformation in additively manufactured High-Si stainless steel

Deformation-induced phase transformation in the additively manufactured (AM) Fe–18Cr–8Ni-5.5Si (in wt.%) alloy was analyzed using the in-situ electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) record during uniaxial tensile testing in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Analysis of EBSD data was focused to investigate phase transformation behavior during deformation with consideration of mechanical interactions among phases and grains in the ultrafine AM microstructure. The initial EBSD phase map illustrated that the as-built microstructure was a duplex structure consisting of major austenite (γ) and minor ferrite phases, some of which showed non-traditional orientation relationship since the rapid solidification in the AM process has produced non-equilibrium state in phase formation. In the deformed as-built AM alloy, the two-step martensitic transformation (γ→ε→α´) was identified as the main deformation-induced transformation mechanism. Martensitic transformation steps were found to be associated with glides of Shockley partial dislocations on closed packed (111) planes under the influence of atomic disturbance in the γ and ε phases, respectively. Using the closed-packed plane pole figures and unit cell orientations, their evolutions and mechanisms accompanying with the transformation were analyzed. Finally, the results indicate that one variant of ε-martensite forms from their parent γ phase, while two variants of α´ form from their parent ε phase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Space Weathering on 4 Vesta: Processes and Products

The bulk properties of Vesta have previously been linked directly to the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorites through remote mineral characterization of its surface from Earth-based spectroscopy [e.g., 1]. A long-standing enigma has been why does Vesta s surface appear to have suffered so little alteration from the space environment, whereas materials exposed on the Moon and some S-type asteroids are significantly changed (grains develop rims containing nano-phase opaques [e.g. 2]). The Dawn spacecraft is well suited to address this issue and is half through its extended mapping phase of this remarkable proto-planet [3]. On a local scale Dawn sees evidence of recent exposures at craters, but distinctive surface materials blend into background at older craters. The presence of space weathering processes are thus evident at Vesta, but the character and form are controlled by the unique environment and geologic history of this small body.

Pieters, C. M.↗

Superconducting phase diagram in Bi x Ni 1 – x thin films: The effects of Bi stoichiometry on superconductivity

The Bi-Ni binary system has been of interest due to possible unconventional superconductivity aroused therein, such as time-reversal symmetry breaking in Bi/Ni bilayers or the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in Bi 3 ⁢Ni crystals. While Ni acts as a ferromagnetic element in such systems, the role of the strong spin-orbit coupling element Bi in superconductivity has remained unexplored. In this work, we systematically studied the effects of Bi stoichiometry on the superconductivity of Bi x ⁢Ni 1–x thin films (x ≈ 0.5–0.9) fabricated via a composition-spread approach. Here, the superconducting phase map of Bi x ⁢Ni 1–x thin films exhibited a superconducting composition region attributable to the intermetallic Bi 3 ⁢Ni phase with different amounts of excess Bi, revealed by synchrotron x-ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, the mixed-phase region with Bi 3 ⁢Ni and Bi showed unusual increases in the superconducting transition temperature and residual resistance ratio as more Bi impurities were included, with the maximum T c (=4.2K) observed at x ≈ 0.79. A correlation analysis of structural, electrical, and magneto-transport characteristics across the composition variation revealed that the unusual superconducting “dome” is due to two competing roles of Bi: impurity scattering and carrier doping. We found that the carrier doping effect is dominant in the mild doping regime (0.74 ≤ x ≤ 0.79), while impurity scattering becomes more pronounced at larger Bi stoichiometry.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A 405-MHz, 5-beam phased array antenna

The Wave Propagation Lab. has completed the design and construction of a phased array antenna for use at 405.25 MHz for atmospheric wind profiling. The steering geometry of the sequentially switched beam is shown. The Yagi-Uda antenna elements are arranged on a square grid whose axes are 45 deg with respect to the cardinal directions. By constraining the phase difference between rows of identically phased elements to an even, integral submultiple of 360 deg, symmetries appear in the phasing maps which reduce the switching hardware. The vertical beam is generated by switching around the four beam circuitry which results in identical phasing on all of the elements. After the 18 signals are synthesized they are split and distributed about the array while maintaining proper phasing because of the symmetries. Computer simulations were employed in the design process.

Law, D. C.↗

Microstructural characterization and assessment of mechanical properties of concrete based on combined elemental analysis techniques and Fast-Fourier transform-based simulations

This paper presents a pixel-based modeling approach of concrete which combines an experimental characterization of concrete and the Fast-Fourier transform simulations. High-resolution phase maps created from experimental characterization by micro X-ray fluorescence, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction contain 9 different phases, including 22.17 vol.% of hydrated cement paste, 54.21 vol.% of minerals, and 23.62 vol.% of interfaces. These phases provide the input for determining the effective elastic properties, coupled with Fast-Fourier transform-based simulation. The simulation results show that the effective range of Young’s modulus of concrete is comparable with the range of experimental values ~ 37 ± 4 GPa with the assumption of realistic properties of interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-resolution mapping of phase-matching conditions in second-order nonlinear crystals

We demonstrate the spatial mapping of phase-matching conditions in nonlinear crystals using detuned second-harmonic generation. A beam-stabilization system cancels out the angular wobbling of the translation stages that scan the crystal under test in front of the static probe beam at the fundamental frequency. A submillimeter resolution over the full scanned aperture, 50 × 50 mm 2 , is demonstrated. The mapping of several partially deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate (DKDP) crystals reveals the spatially nonuniform phase-matching conditions due to internal variations in crystal properties and high-frequency surface variations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Venus Radar Mapper orbit accuracy analysis

Spacecraft orbital accuracies during the mapping phase of the Venus Radar Mapper Mission are the subject of this paper. The analysis presented describes the navigational strategy for the prime mission in support of mapping the planet Venus using a spacecraft deployed Synthetic Aperture Radar. Achievable orbital accuracies are shown to be limited by accuracy of interferometric data to be used. Implications of tracking system configurations and of expected degradation in data accuracy towards the end of the mission in the proximity of superior solar conjunction are examined.

Mohan, S. N.↗

Vertical Roughness of the Polar Regions of Mars from Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter Pulse-Width Measurements

The sub-kilometer scale vertical roughness of the martian surface in the polar regions can be investigated using calibrated, optical pulse width data provided by the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA). Garvin and others have previously discussed initial observations of what we have called "total vertical roughness" or TVR, as derived from MOLA optical pulse width observations acquired during the pre-mapping phases of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission. Here we present the first assessment of the Mars polar region properties of the TVR parameter from more than nine months of continuous mapping by MOLA as part of the MGS mapping mission. Other than meter-scale surface properties directly inferred from Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) images, MOLA measurements of footprint-scale TVR represent the only direct measurements of the local vertical structure of the martian surface at approx. 150 m length scales. These types of data have previously been shown to correlate with geologic process histories for terrestrial desert surfaces on the basis of Shuttle Laser Altimeter (SLA) observations. Additional information is obtained in the original extended abstract.

Garvin, J. B.↗

A computer software system for integration and analysis of grid-based remote sensing data with other natural resource data. Remote Sensing Project

A computer-based information system is described designed to assist in the integration of commonly available spatial data for regional planning and resource analysis. The Resource Analysis Program (RAP) provides a variety of analytical and mapping phases for single factor or multi-factor analyses. The unique analytical and graphic capabilities of RAP are demonstrated with a study conducted in Windsor Township, Eaton County, Michigan. Soil, land cover/use, topographic and geological maps were used as a data base to develope an eleven map portfolio. The major themes of the portfolio are land cover/use, non-point water pollution, waste disposal, and ground water recharge.

Tilmann, S. E.↗

A Novel Approach to Simulate Realistic Concrete Microstructures under Irradiation

The concrete biological shield of light water reactors is exposed to high neutron and gamma irradiation doses in the long term. Irradiation deteriorates the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. Such effects need to be investigated to predict the concrete’s performance in the event of a lifetime extension of a nuclear power plant. This work combines high-resolution characterization techniques with fast-Fourier transform (FFT)-based 2-D simulations to evaluate the radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE) and damage in concrete microstructures under neutron irradiation. Two concrete microstructures from samples provided by the Japan Concrete Aging Management Program (JCAMP) were characterized using micro x-ray fluorescence (mXRF) to obtain elemental intensity maps, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy to complement mXRF with local elemental information for Na. Minerals and cement paste are then identified based on the elemental composition to produce high-resolution phase maps, resulting in a more accurate representation of the microstructures compared to previous work. Simulations of radiation-induced volumetric expansion (RIVE), creep, and damage in JCAMP concrete use the fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based code Microstructure Oriented Scientific Analysis of Irradiated Concrete (MOSAIC) combined with the irradiated minerals, aggregates, and concrete (IMAC) database, which contains mineral-specific RIVE models. Overall, the simulation results are in fair agreement with experimental data.

Cheniour, Amani↗

A computer software system for integration and analysis of grid-based remote sensing data with other natural resource data

This report describes a computer-based information system designed to assist in the integration of commonly available spatial data for regional planning and resource analysis. The Resource Analysis Program (RAP) provides a variety of analytical and mapping phases for single factor or multi-factor analyses. The unique analytical and graphic capabilities of RAP are demonstrated with a study conducted in Windsor Township, Eaton County, Michigan. For this study, soil, land cover/use, topographic and geological maps were used as a data base to develop an eleven map portfolio. The major themes of the portfolio are land cover/use, nonpoint water pollution, waste disposal, and ground water recharge.

Tilmann, S. E.↗

Thermal Emission Spectrometer Results: Mars Atmospheric Thermal Structure and Aerosol Distribution

Infrared spectra returned by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) are well suited for retrieval of the thermal structure and the distribution of aerosols in the Martian atmosphere. Combined nadir- and limb-viewing spectra allow global monitoring of the atmosphere up to 0.01 mbar (65 km). We report here on the atmospheric thermal structure and the distribution of aerosols as observed thus far during the mapping phase of the Mars Global Surveyor mission. Zonal and temporal mean cross sections are used to examine the seasonal evolution of atmospheric temperatures and zonal winds during a period extending from northern hemisphere mid-summer through vernal equinox (L(sub s) = 104-360 deg). Temperature maps at selected pressure levels provide a characterization of planetary-scale waves. Retrieved atmospheric infrared dust opacity maps show the formation and evolution of regional dust storms during southern hemisphere summer. Response of the atmospheric thermal structure to the changing dust loading is observed. Maps of water-ice clouds as viewed in the thermal infrared are presented along with seasonal trends of infrared water-ice opacity. Uses of these observations for diagnostic studies of the dynamics of the atmosphere are discussed.

Smith, Michael D.↗