Fatigue behavior of aluminum in vacuum.
Tenfold increase in fatigue life of 1100 aluminum in reverse bending at vacuum level below 10-2 torr due to retardation of crack propagation phase of fatigue process
CRACK PROPAGATION↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “reversible process”
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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Global variation of the para hydrogen fraction in Jupiter's atmosphere and implications for dynamics on the outer planets
A detailed analysis of the Voyager infrared spectrometer measurements on Jupiter's atmosphere is presented, and possible implications of para hydrogen disequilibrium for the energetics and dynamics of that atmosphere are examined. The method of data analysis is described, and results for the large scale latitude variation of the para hydrogen fraction are presented. The Jovian results show pronounced latitude variation, and are compared with other parameters including wind fields, thermal structure, and various indicators of atmospheric clouds. The problem of equilibration rate is reexamined, and it is concluded that on Jupiter the equilibration time is longer than the radiative time constant at the level of emission to space, but that this inequality reverses at greater depths. A model for the interaction of fluid motions with the ortho-para conversion process is presented, and a consistent mixing length theory for the reacting ortho-para mixture is developed. Several implications of the Jovian data for atmospheric energetics and stability on the outer planets are presented.
Conrath, B. J.↗
Spectral identification of chemisorbed CO2 and application to Mars analog materials
The goal of this work is to identify the spectral signature of chemisorbed CO2, to test the efficacy of carbonate formation on Mars-analog materials via CO2 chemisorption, and to identify the surface-chemical characteristics of good chemisorbents, with the intent of assessing the possible geochemical importance of CO2 chemisorption as a quasipermanent CO2 sink in the Martian environment. Our approach is to search for infrared spectral bands that result from chemisorption of CO2 molecules onto chemical reagents and Mars-analog materials, and to identify the salient differences in adsorbents that favor strong, permanent CO2 chemisorption. The total amount of CO2 in the early Martian atmosphere, and consequent surface temperatures, are unknown. A CO2 greenhouse may not have been an adequate mechanism under any circumstances; however, it if were, then most of that CO2 must still be in the near-surface environment; no escape mechanism that could remove it after the decline of channeling has been identified. The only plausible reservoir is carbonate, and there are various remote sensing techniques that can be used to search for it. We are investigating CO2 chemisorption as a permanent CO2 sink, and to aid in interpretation of remotely sensed IR spectra of Mars. A common effect reported in CO2 adsorption studies is the formation of a layer of carbonate or bicarbonate anions on adsorbents that have OH- groups available on their surfaces. Inorganic hydroxyls occur on phyllosilicates, amorphous silicates, metal oxides and hydroxides; it is the most abundant and reactive surface functional group on the surfaces of terrestrial silicates. The process responsible for the reaction is chemisorption. Chemisorption is distinguished from physical adsorption in that there is a transfer of electrons between species, and the formation of a chemical bond. The heat of chemisorption is typically of the same order as heats of chemical reaction (i.e., a few hundred to a few thousand kJ/mole), as opposed to heats of physical adsorption (a few kJ per mole). Chemisorption is an activated process that is promoted by an increase in temperature - quite the opposite of physical adsorption. Chemisorption is not reversible in the sense that physical adsorption is.
Zent, A. P.↗
Numerical simulation of plasma processes driven by transverse ion heating
The plasma processes driven by transverse ion heating in a diverging flux tube are investigated with numerical simulation. The heating is found to drive a host of plasma processes, in addition to the well-known phenomenon of ion conics. The downward electric field near the reverse shock generates a doublestreaming situation consisting of two upflowing ion populations with different average flow velocities. The electric field in the reverse shock region is modulated by the ion-ion instability driven by the multistreaming ions. The oscillating fields in this region have the possibility of heating electrons. These results from the simulations are compared with results from a previous study based on a hydrodynamical model. Effects of spatial resolutions provided by simulations on the evolution of the plasma are discussed.
Singh, Nagendra↗
Modular protein-oligonucleotide signal exchange
Abstract While many methods are available to measure the concentrations of proteins in solution, the development of a method to quantitatively report both increases and decreases in different protein concentrations in real-time using changes in the concentrations of other molecules, such as DNA outputs, has remained a challenge. Here, we present a biomolecular reaction process that reports the concentration of an input protein in situ as the concentration of an output DNA oligonucleotide strand. This method uses DNA oligonucleotide aptamers that bind either to a specific protein selectively or to a complementary DNA oligonucleotide reversibly using toehold-mediated DNA strand-displacement. It is possible to choose the sequence of output strand almost independent of the sensing protein. Using this strategy, we implemented four different exchange processes to report the concentrations of clinically relevant human α-thrombin and vascular endothelial growth factor using changes in concentrations of DNA oligonucleotide outputs. These exchange processes can operate in tandem such that the same or different output signals can indicate changes in concentration of distinct or identical input proteins. The simplicity of our approach suggests a pathway to build devices that can direct diverse output responses in response to changes in concentrations of specific proteins.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Reversible Phase Transformation of Colloidal 2D Lead Halide Perovskite Platelets under Photoirradiation
The photostability of lead halide perovskites is an important criterion for their utilization in light harvesting applications. Colloidal two-dimensional mixed halide perovskites offer a convenient approach to probe photoinduced transformations using spectroscopy tools. We employed suspensions of colloidal 2D methylammonium lead halide perovskite platelets with butylammonium and octylammonium as organic spacer cations. Upon irradiation of the mixed halide perovskite (BAOAMAPb 2 (Br 3.5 I 3.5 )) colloidal platelet suspension, we observe a phase transformation, as seen from the formation of bromide rich domains (BAOAMAPb 2 Br 7 ) and an iodide complex (PbI 3 – ). Unlike in the case of 3D mixed halide films, we did not observe the formation of iodide rich domains as part of the photoinduced phase segregation process. Instead, we observed the dissociation of the BAOAMAPb 2 I 7 to form an iodide complex, PbI 3 – . Interestingly, this photoinduced phase transformation was reversible, as the products which were confined in the colloidal core restored the original mixed halide phase upon storage in dark. The spectroscopic measurements that characterize excited states of different colloidal methylammonium lead halide perovskites and kinetics of photoinduced transformation and their dark recovery are presented. Furthermore, these new phototransformations of colloidal perovskite platelets provide new insights into the processes that dictate their overall photostability.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Control of electron recollision and molecular nonsequential double ionization
Abstract Intense laser pulses lasting a few optical cycles, are able to ionize molecules via different mechanisms. One such mechanism involves a process whereby within one optical period an electron tunnels away from the molecule, and is then accelerated and driven back as the laser field reverses its direction, colliding with the parent molecule and causing correlated non-sequential double ionization (NSDI). Here we report control over NSDI via spectral-phase pulse shaping of femtosecond laser pulses. The measurements are carried out on ethane molecules using shaped pulses. We find that the shaped pulses can enhance or suppress the yield of dications resulting from electron recollision by factors of 3 to 6. This type of shaped pulses is likely to impact all phenomena stemming from electron recollision processes induced by strong laser fields such as above threshold ionization, high harmonic generation, attosecond pulse generation, and laser-induced electron diffraction.
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
Grasping objects by their handles: a necessary interaction between cognition and action
Research has illustrated dissociations between "cognitive" and "action" systems, suggesting that different representations may underlie phenomenal experience and visuomotor behavior. However, these systems also interact. The present studies show a necessary interaction when semantic processing of an object is required for an appropriate action. Experiment 1 demonstrated that a semantic task interfered with grasping objects appropriately by their handles, but a visuospatial task did not. Experiment 2 assessed performance on a visuomotor task that had no semantic component and showed a reversal of the effects of the concurrent tasks. In Experiment 3, variations on concurrent word tasks suggested that retrieval of semantic information was necessary for appropriate grasping. In all, without semantic processing, the visuomotor system can direct the effective grasp of an object, but not in a manner that is appropriate for its use.
NASA Center ARC↗
A simple statistical model for geomagnetic reversals
The diversity of paleomagnetic records of geomagnetic reversals now available indicate that the field configuration during transitions cannot be adequately described by simple zonal or standing field models. A new model described here is based on statistical properties inferred from the present field and is capable of simulating field transitions like those observed. Some insight is obtained into what one can hope to learn from paleomagnetic records. In particular, it is crucial that the effects of smoothing in the remanence acquisition process be separated from true geomagnetic field behavior. This might enable us to determine the time constants associated with the dominant field configuration during a reversal.
Constable, Catherine↗
Basic Gravitational Reflexes in the Larval Frog
This investigation was designed to determine how a primitive vertebrate, the bullfrog tadpole, is able to sense and process gravitational stimuli. Because of the phylogenetic similarities of the vestibular systems in all vertebrates, the understanding of the gravitational reflexes in this relatively simple vertebrate should elucidate a skeletal framework on a elementary level, upon which the more elaborate reflexes of higher vertebrates may be constructed. The purpose of this study was to understand how the nervous system of the larval amphibian processes gravitational information. This study involved predominantly electrophysiological investigations of the isolated, alert (forebrain removed) bullfrog tadpole head. The focus of these experiments is threefold: (1) to understand from whole extraocular nerve recordings the signals sent to the eye following static gravitational tilt of the head; (2) to localize neuronal centers responsible for generating these signals through reversible pharmacological ablation of these centers; and (3) to record intracellularly from neurons within these centers in order to determine the single neuron's role in the overall processing of the center. This study has provided information on the mechanisms by which a primitive vertebrate processes gravitational reflexes.
Cochran, Stephen L.↗
HPLC Characterization of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resole Resin Used in Fabrication of Shuttle Booster Nozzles
A reverse phase High Performance Liquid Chromatographic method was developed to rapidly fingerprint a phenol-formaldehyde resole resin similar to Durite(R) SC-1008. This resin is used in the fabrication of carbon-carbon composite materials from which Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster nozzles are manufactured. A knowledge of resin chemistry is essential to successful composite processing and performance. The results indicate that a high quality separation of over 35 peaks in 25 minutes were obtained using a 15 cm Phenomenex LUNA C8 bonded reverse phase column, a three-way water-acetonitrile-methanol nonlinear gradient, and LTV detection at 280 nm.
Young, Philip R.↗
Guest-Controlled Incommensurate Modulation in a Meta-Rigid Metal–Organic Framework Material
Structural transitions of host systems in response to guest binding dominate many chemical processes. We report an unprecedented type of structural flexibility within a meta-rigid material, MFM-520, which exhibits a reversible periodic-to-aperiodic structural transition resulting from a drastic distortion of a [ZnO 4 N] node controlled by the specific host–guest interactions. The aperiodic crystal structure of MFM-520 has no three-dimensional (3D) lattice periodicity but shows translational symmetry in higher-dimensional (3 + 2)D space. In this work, we have directly visualized the aperiodic state which is induced by incommensurate modulation of the periodic framework of MFM-520·H 2 O upon dehydration to give MFM-520. Filling MFM-520 with CO 2 and SO 2 reveals that, while CO 2 has a minimal structural influence, SO 2 can further modulate the structure incommensurately. MFM-520 shows exceptional selectivity for SO 2 under flue-gas desulfurization conditions, and the facile release of captured SO 2 from MFM-520 enabled the conversion to valuable sulfonamide products. MFM-520 can thus be used as a highly efficient capture and delivery system for SO 2 .
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Biological Mechanisms May Contribute to Soil Carbon Saturation Patterns: Modeling Archive
This Modeling Archive is in support of a TES-SFA publication “Biological Mechanisms May Contribute to Soil Carbon Saturation Patterns” (Craig et al., 2021). We ran and evaluated a multi-assumption soil organic carbon (SOC) model to investigate whether alternative assumptions regarding constraints on soil microbial biomass could lead to soil carbon saturation patterns. We developed this model in the Multi-Assumption Architecture and Testbed (MAAT, https://github.com/walkeranthonyp/MAAT, tag: v1.2.1_Craig2021; Walker et al. 2018). Using MAAT, we embedded three alternative hypotheses in a microbially explicit three-pool SOC model: 1) the efficiency of mineral-associated SOC formation decreases as mineral-associated SOC approaches a maximum value (“Mineral saturation”), 2) the microbial biomass turnover rate increases with increasing microbial biomass (“Density-dependent turnover”), and 3) community carbon use efficiency decreases as microbial biomass increases toward an upper limit (“Density-dependent growth”). We ran a factorial combination of these hypotheses resulting in eight models for three different classes of model (linear decay, Michaelis-Menten decay, or reverse Michaelis-Menten decay), resulting in 24 models, 12 of which are presented or discussed in the related publication. Models were parameterized using values from previous studies with similar models (Wang et al. 2013, Wieder et al. 2014, Li et al. 2014, Georgiou et al. 2017, Hassink and Whitmore 1997) and ran to an approximate steady state (200 years) at six (6) different C input rates corresponding to 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 times the default input value. Further model details are available in the related publication. This archive contains output from three MAAT simulations, and scripts to run these simulations and process and plot the data. Simulations are labeled “lin”, “MM_highKm”, and “RMM_highKm” reflecting factorial runs for linear, Michealis-Menten, and reverse Michaelis-Menten models, respectively. This archive contains: • 3 R scripts prepended with “init_MAAT_” to initialize runs (1 for each simulation), • 1 csv file containing years over which to run simulations (“met_year.csv”), • 1 bash script (.bs) to run MAAT, • 6 XML files that are output from MAAT describing a run (2 for each simulation), • 3 model output csv files prepended by “out_” (1 for each simulation), and • 1 analysis R script for reproducing figures 3 and 4 in Craig et al. 2021. See included user guide (Craig_2021_modeling_archive_20210315.pdf) for file organization details.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
Circularly Polarized Light-Induced Microwave Conductivity Measurement: Rapid Screening Technique of Electronic Conductivity in Chiral Molecular Materials
Here, we developed circularly polarized light-time-resolved microwave conductivity (CPL-TRMC) for investigation of the CPL-dependent photoinduced charge carrier dynamics in chiral materials with chiroptical properties. Chiral R- or S-perylenediimide (PDI) molecular thin films were paired with handedness-sorted (6,5) and (11,-5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films to compose a donor (D)-acceptor (A) system for the spin-dependent charge separation process, and the D-A system was examined through linear and circular polarization-dependent steady-state and time-resolved measurements. The R-PDI-(6,5) film exhibited strong enhancement in circular dichroism (CD) and revealed a reversed transient conductivity signal, relative to the polarity of CD in CPL-TRMC measurement upon excitation of the E 11 state, which is interpreted as arising from a spin-dependent initial charge separation process. Through linear polarization-dependent flash photolysis TRMC and circular polarization-resolved femtosecond transient absorption, we could deduce that sub-picosecond intertubular charge separation upon E 11 excitation in SWCNT was responsible for the spin-dependent photoconductivity transients observed in CPL-TRMC measurements.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Local Explosion Detection and Infrasound Localization by Reverse Time Migration Using 3-D Finite-Difference Wave Propagation
Infrasound data are routinely used to detect and locate volcanic and other explosions, using both arrays and single sensor networks. However, at local distances (< km) topography often complicates acoustic propagation, resulting in inaccurate acoustic travel times leading to biased source locations when assuming straight-line propagation. Here we present a new method, termed Reverse Time Migration-Finite-Difference Time Domain (RTM-FDTD), that integrates numerical modeling into the standard RTM back-projection process. Travel time information is computed across the entire potential source grid via FDTD modeling to incorporate the effects of topography. The waveforms are then back-projected and stacked at each grid point, with the stack maximum corresponding to the likely source. We apply our method to three volcanoes with different network configurations, source-receiver distances, and topography. At Yasur Volcano, Vanuatu, RTM-FDTD locates explosions within ~20 m of the source and differentiates between multiple vents. RTM-FDTD produces a more accurate location for the two Yasur subcraters than standard RTM and doubles the number of detected events. At Sakurajima Volcano, Japan, RTM-FDTD locates the source within 50 m of the active vent despite notable topographic blocking. The RTM-FDTD location is similar to that from the Time Reversal Mirror method, but is more computationally efficient. Lastly, at Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska, RTM and RTM-FDTD both produce realistic source locations (<50 m) for ground-coupled airwaves recorded on a four-station seismic network. We show that RTM is an effective method to detect and locate infrasonic sources across a variety of scenarios, and by integrating numerical modeling, RTM-FDTD produces more accurate source locations and increases the detection capability.
58 GEOSCIENCES↗
Revealing the Defect‐Driven Ferroelectric Mechanisms of Aluminum Nitride
Wurtzite III-nitride compounds are CMOS-compatible with widespread industrial interest to exercise ferroelectricity, despite their polar structure being highly resistant to polarization reversal. Here, we induce and tune ferroelectric properties in w-AlN via direct-write ion-beam processing, using nanoscale patterned defect engineering as a post-growth alternative to conventional cation substitution. Nanometric piezoresponse spectroscopy of the focused He + beam patterned defect concentrations in ferroelectric Al 0.92 B 0.08 N measures a localized 10x enhancement in effective piezoresponse and 40% reduction in switching barrier. The irradiation-induced point defects convert piezoelectric AlN into a ferroelectric system with site-saturated nucleation and raise the dielectric susceptibility, switched polarization, and effective piezoelectric coefficient. Enhanced defect-lattice interactions in AlN increase carrier conduction and phonon scattering loss but preserve long-range crystallinity. Here, based on atomistic analysis of nudged elastic band density functional theory calculations and reactive force field simulations, both nitrogen vacancies and defect complexes disrupt bond ordering, facilitating a line-by-line low-barrier switching of pristine AlN.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Relationship between Sodium Content and Copper Activity for High Voltage Stability in O3-Type Layered Oxide Cathodes
Layered oxides with an O3 framework have attracted attention as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries due to their high discharge capacity. Yet they are hampered for commercialization by poor cyclability due to structural instability during the sodium (de)intercalation process. The introduction of Cu in small fractions to the transition metal layers has been empirically observed to improve reversible specific capacity and cycling stability. Understanding the redox activity of Cu in O3-type Na x TMO 2 materials is crucial, as it could directly influence the charge compensation mechanism, voltage profile, and structural stability. However, the precise role of Cu in O3-type sodium cathodes under high-voltage cycling conditions (>4.1 V) remains insufficiently understood. To close this gap of knowledge, we studied the effect of Cu in two representative layered oxides with the same O3 stacking but different sodium stoichiometry, Na 0.9 Mn 1/2 Fe 1/3 Cu 1/6 O 2 and NaMn 1/2 Fe 1/3 Cu 1/6 O 2 . X-ray spectroscopy reveals that in Na 0.9 Mn 1/2 Fe 1/3 Cu 1/6 O 2 , Cu exhibits dual redox activity, Cu + /Cu 2+ in the pristine state and Cu 2+ /Cu 3+ upon charging in the sodium-deficient material, whereas only the Cu + /Cu 2+ redox couple is observed in the fully stoichiometric layered oxide. Furthermore, the results indicate that even a slight deficiency in sodium can significantly impact the electrochemical performance and material stability and alter the elemental redox activity of Cu.
Batteries↗
Electrochemical carbon dioxide capture to close the carbon cycle
Electrochemical CO 2 capture technologies are gaining attention due to their flexibility, their ability to address decentralized emissions (e.g., ocean and atmosphere) and their fit in an electrified industry. In the present work, recent progress made in electrochemical CO 2 capture is reviewed. The majority of these methods rely on the concept of “pH-swing” and the effect it has on the CO 2 hydration/dehydration equilibrium. Through a pH-swing, CO 2 can be captured and recovered by shifting the pH of a working fluid between acidic and basic pH. Such swing can be applied electrochemically through electrolysis, bipolar membrane electrodialysis, reversible redox reactions and capacitive deionization. In this review, we summarize main parameters governing these electrochemical pH-swing processes and put the concept in the framework of available worldwide capture technologies. We analyse the energy efficiency and consumption of such systems, and provide recommendations for further improvements. Although electrochemical CO 2 capture technologies are rather costly compared to the amine based capture, they can be particularly interesting if more affordable renewable electricity and materials (e.g., electrode and membranes) become widely available. Furthermore, electrochemical methods have the ability to (directly) convert the captured CO 2 to value added chemicals and fuels, and hence prepare for a fully electrified circular carbon economy.
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗