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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 775 records · Page 43
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Recent Developments in the Design, Capabilities and Autonomous Operations of a Lightweight Surface Manipulation System and Test-bed

The first generation of a versatile high performance device for performing payload handling and assembly operations on planetary surfaces, the Lightweight Surface Manipulation System (LSMS), has been designed and built. Over the course of its development, conventional crane type payload handling configurations and operations have been successfully demonstrated and the range of motion, types of operations and the versatility greatly expanded. This enhanced set of 1st generation LSMS hardware is now serving as a laboratory test-bed allowing the continuing development of end effectors, operational techniques and remotely controlled and automated operations. This paper describes the most recent LSMS and test-bed development activities, that have focused on two major efforts. The first effort was to complete a preliminary design of the 2nd generation LSMS that has the capability for limited mobility and can reposition itself between lander decks, mobility chassis, and fixed base locations. A major portion of this effort involved conducting a study to establish the feasibility of, and define, the specifications for a lightweight cable-drive waist joint. The second effort was to continue expanding the versatility and autonomy of large planetary surface manipulators using the 1st generation LSMS as a test-bed. This has been accomplished by increasing manipulator capabilities and efficiencies through both design changes and tool and end effector development. A software development effort has expanded the operational capabilities of the LSMS test-bed to include; autonomous operations based on stored paths, use of a vision system for target acquisition and tracking, and remote command and control over a communications bridge.

Dorsey, John T.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fast Reactor Fuel Testing Considerations

The slide deck is to be presented in a public (i.e., no content restrictions) panel session titled "Versatile Test Reactor: Current Developments" at the 2021 ANS Virtual Annual Meeting. The slides will be used for opening remarks and to present to the audience the technical considerations that motivate the experiment capabilities being incorporated into the Versatile Test Reactor. The line plot included on slide is copied directly from a journal publication, as cited. The values use to make the bar chart come from an open document (ANL-NSE-1) available on OSTI.gov, and are from the EBR-II Mark-VA U-Pu-Zr core design, which was never used. They will be described simply as an unused but illustrative EBR-II core design, and for the purpose of making the point that a range of irradiation and in-service conditions need to be addressed when testing and qualifying a new fuel design for a fast reactor.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Additive Manufacturing of Self‐Sensing Carbon Fiber Composites

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have gained substantial attention across various industries owing to their exceptional mechanical properties and lightweight nature. The emergence of additive manufacturing technologies brings new opportunities to the industry, offering advantages such as design freedom, rapid prototyping, and customization. However, the fabrication of CFRP composites through 3D printing techniques poses challenges pertaining to low resolution and limitations in complex geometry realization. This work introduces digital light processing printing as a versatile, high-resolution method ideal for CFRP composite fabrication. Furthermore, the development and characterization of CFRP are focused on and the manipulation of mechanical properties through variations in matrix resins and fiber loadings is investigated, showcasing the versatility of CFRP composites for tailored applications. Additionally, the integration of self-sensing capabilities in CFRP structures is explored, which opens up opportunities for applications in smart components for automotive and structural health monitoring.

carbon fiber composites↗
DOE OSTI2014

Pulsed Laser Deposition of Photoresponsive Two-Dimensional GaSe Nanosheet Networks

Here we explore pulsed laser deposition (PLD), a well known and versatile synthesis method principally used for epitaxial oxide thin film growth, for the synthesis of functional metal chalcogenide (GaSe) nanosheet networks by stoichiometric transfer of laser vaporized material from bulk GaSe targets in Ar background gas. Uniform coverage of interconnected, crystalline, few-layer, photoresponsive GaSe nanosheets in both in-plane and out-of-plane orientations were achieved under different ablation plume conditions over ~1.5 cm2 areas. Plume propagation was characterized by in situ ICCD-imaging. High (1 Torr) Ar background gas pressures were found to be crucial for the stoichiometric growth of GaSe nanosheet networks. Individual 1-3 layer GaSe triangular nanosheets of ~ 200 nm domain size were formed within 30 laser pulses, coalescing to form nanosheet networks in as few as 100 laser pulses. The thickness of the deposited networks increased linearly with pulse number, adding layers in a two-dimensional (2D) growth mode while maintaining a surface roughness of 2 GaSe layers for increasing overall thickness. Field effect transistors using these interconnected crystalline GaSe networks showed p-type semiconducting characteristics with mobilities reaching as high as 0.1 cm2V-1s-1. Spectrally-resolved photoresponsivities and external quantum efficiencies ranged from 0.4 AW-1 and 100% at 700 nm, to 1.4 AW-1 and 600 % at 240 nm, respectively. Pulsed laser deposition under these conditions appears to provide a versatile and rapid approach to stoichiometrically transfer and deposit photoresponsive networks of 2D nanosheets with digital thickness control and substrate-scale uniformity for a variety of applications.

GaSe↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unconventional Spintronics from Chiral Perovskites

Spintronic devices typically employ heterostructures with ferromagnets which break time-reversal symmetry and have non-vanishing magnetization. With the growing class of materials that support spin-polarized carriers, current, and excitations, it is possible to envision emerging spintronic applications that are not limited to magnetoresistance. Here, chiral perovskites with no net magnetization are considered, where the space-inversion and mirror symmetries are broken to induce chiral structure. The known importance of these perovskites is further expanded by the demonstration of the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS). However, the generation of the spin-polarized carriers across the interface with these chiral perovskites remains to be fully understood. These first-principles studies for 2D PbBr4-based chiral perovskites provide their electronic structure and an orbital-based symmetry analysis, which allows to establish an effective Hamiltonian to elucidate the underlying origin of their chirality. The same analysis is used for the Edelstein effect, responsible for electrical generation of the nonequilibrium spin polarization in many materials, which in chiral perovskites can be a mechanism contributing to CISS. Furthermore, by examining optical properties of chiral perovskites and the opportunity to use them to realize tunable altermagnets, another class of zero-magnetization spintronic materials, a versatile materials platform is put forth for unconventional spintronics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Water‐Based Assembly of Polymer–Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Functional Coatings

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention for their porosity, size selectivity, and structural diversity. There is a need for MOF‐based coatings, particularly in applications such as separations, electronics, and energy; yet forming thin, functional, conformal coatings is prohibitive because MOFs exist as a powder. Layer‐by‐layer assembly, a versatile thin film coating approach, offers a unique solution to this problem, but this approach requires MOFs that are water‐dispersible and bear a surface charge. Here, these issues are addressed by examining water‐based dispersions of MIL‐101(Cr) that facilitate the formation of robust polymer–MOF hybrid coatings. Specifically, the substrate to be coated is alternately exposed to an aqueous solution of poly(styrene sulfonate) and nano MIL‐101(Cr) dispersion, yielding linear film growth and coatings with a MOF content as high as 77 wt%. This approach is surface‐agnostic, in which the coating is successfully applied to silicon, glass, flexible plastic, and even cotton fabric, conformally coating individual fibers. By contrast, prior attempts at forming MOF‐coatings are severely limited to a handful of surfaces, require harsh chemical treatment, and are not conformal. The approach presented here unambiguously confirms that MOFs can be conformally coated onto complex and unusual surfaces, opening the door for a wide variety of applications.

De, Souvik↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pareto Optimal Spectrally Selective Emitters for Thermophotovoltaics via Weak Absorber Critical Coupling

Tailoring the emission spectra of a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) emitter away from that of a blackbody has the potential to minimize transmission and thermalization loss in a photovoltaic receiver. Selective TPV emitters can lead to solar energy conversion with efficiency greater than the Shockley-Queisser limit and can facilitate the generation of useful energy from waste heat. A new design is introduced to radically tune thermal emission that leverages the interplay between two resonant phenomena in simple planar nanostructures-absorption in weakly absorbing nanofilms and reflection in multilayer dielectric stacks. A virtual screening approach is employed to identify promising structures for a selective thermal emitter from a search space of millions, several of which approach the ideal values of a step-function selective thermal emitter. One of these structures is experimentally fabricated and evaluated, which includes a weakly absorbing alloy with tailored optical properties fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The versatility of the design and fabrication approach result in an emitter with excellent spectral density (0.8 W cm(-2) sr(-1)) and spectral efficiency (46.8%) at 1373 K. Future experimental challenges to a more accurate realization of the optimal structures calculated are also considered.

atomic layer deposition↗
DOE OSTI2020

Retarded Charge-Carrier Recombination in Photoelectrochemical Cells from Plasmon-Induced Resonance Energy Transfer

N-type metal oxides such as hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) and bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4 ) are promising candidate materials for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting; however, their short minority carrier diffusion length and restricted carrier lifetime result in undesired rapid charge recombination. In this paper, a 2D arranged globular Au nanosphere (NS) monolayer array with a highly ordered hexagonal hole pattern (hereafter, Au array) is introduced onto the surface of photoanodes comprised of metal oxide films via a facile drying and transfer-printing process. Through plasmon-induced resonance energy transfer, the Au array provides a strong electromagnetic field in the near-surface area of the metal oxide film. The near-field coupling interaction and amplification of the electromagnetic field suppress the charge recombination with long-lived photogenerated holes and simultaneously enhance the light harvesting and charge transfer efficiencies. Consequently, an over 3.3-fold higher photocurrent density at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) is achieved for the Au array/α-Fe 2 O 3 . Furthermore, the high versatility of this transfer printing of Au arrays is demonstrated by introducing it on the molybdenum-doped BiVO 4 film, resulting in 1.5-fold higher photocurrent density at 1.23 V versus RHE. The tailored metal film design can provide a potential strategy for the versatile application in various light-mediated energy conversion and optoelectronic devices.

2D pattern array↗
DOE OSTI2015

The role of general nuclear medicine in breast cancer

The rising incidence of breast cancer worldwide has prompted many improvements to current care. Routine nuclear medicine is a major contributor to a full gamut of clinical studies such as early lesion detection and stratification; guiding, monitoring, and predicting response to therapy; and monitoring progression, recurrence or metastases. Developments in instrumentation such as the high-resolution dedicated breast device coupled with the diagnostic versatility of conventional cameras have reinserted nuclear medicine as a valuable tool in the broader clinical setting. This review outlines the role of general nuclear medicine, concluding that targeted radiopharmaceuticals and versatile instrumentation position nuclear medicine as a powerful modality for patients with breast cancer.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Non-destructive, whole-plant phenotyping reveals dynamic changes in water use efficiency, photosynthesis, and rhizosphere acidification of sorghum accessions under osmotic stress

Noninvasive phenotyping can quantify dynamic plant growth processes at higher temporal resolution than destructive phenotyping and can reveal phenomena that would be missed by end-point analysis alone. Additionally, whole-plant phenotyping can identify growth conditions that are optimal for both above- and below-ground tissues. However, noninvasive, whole-plant phenotyping approaches available today are generally expensive, complex, and non-modular. We developed a low-cost and versatile approach to noninvasively measure whole-plant physiology over time by growing plants in isolated hydroponic chambers. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach by measuring whole-plant biomass accumulation, water use, and water use efficiency every two days on unstressed and osmotically stressed sorghum accessions. We identified relationships between root zone acidification and photosynthesis on whole-plant water use efficiency over time. Our system can be implemented using cheap, basic components, requires no specific technical expertise, and should be suitable for any non-aquatic vascular plant species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Molecular basis and biological relevance of bacterial and plant pinoresinol/lariciresinol reductase specificities

A bacterial pinoresinol/lariciresinol reductase (PLR) homolog named NrPinZ was obtained from a Novosphingobium rhizosphaerae sp. LY bacterial strain, with NrPinZ being part of its 5-step biochemical system catabolizing pinoresinol into coniferyl aldehyde and vanillin. Recombinant NrPinZ reduces racemic 8–8′ furanofuran lignans [(±)-pinoresinols, medioresinols, and syringaresinols] with similar overall catalytic efficiencies. In those reductions, only one of the two furan ring systems is reduced. Two other bacterial PLR homologs, NaPinZ and SlPinZ, from N. aromaticivorans F199 and Sphingobium lignivorans SYK-6, respectively, had comparable substrate versatilities and catalytic efficacies. Plant PLR homologs, by comparison, are either enantiospecific, enantioselective, or variants thereof, being able to reduce either one or both furan rings. For example, a recombinant enantioselective PLR (PLR_Tp2) from western red cedar (Thuja plicata) preferentially reduces both (+)-pinoresinol furan rings to afford (−)-secoisolariciresinol. BoltZ-2 modeling of NrPinZ and PLR_Tp2, together with substrate docking of (+)- and (−)-pinoresinols, medioresinols, and syringaresinols, was very instructive. The NrPinZ active site P1/P2 sub-pockets allow for both racemic forms to be catabolized. Conversely, the smaller P1 pocket in PLR_Tp2 preferentially positions (+)-pinoresinol for downstream metabolism into (−)-secoisolariciresinol, thereby providing a biochemical explanation for the different stereochemical outcomes. NrPinZ, NaPinZ, and SlPinZ, catalyzing substrate versatile catabolism of both racemic forms, may have important ramifications for gymnosperm and angiosperm lignin and lignan biodegradation, including its evolutionary significance and potential in enzyme engineering.

Boltz-2 molecular modeling↗
DOE OSTI2021

Global Optimization of Chemical Cluster Structures: Methods, Applications, and Challenges

Chemical clusters are relevant to many applications in catalysis, separations, materials, and energy sciences. Experimentally, the structure of clusters is difficult to determine, but it is very important in understanding their chemistry and properties. Computational methods can be used to examine cluster structure, however finding the most stable structure is not simple, particularly as the cluster size increases. Global optimization techniques have long been used to tackle the problem of the most stable structure, but such approaches would have to look for a global minimum, while sampling local minima over the whole potential energy surface as well. In this review, the state-of-the-art theory of global optimization theory is summarized. First, the definition, significance, relation to experiments, and a brief history of global optimization is presented. We then discuss, in more detail, three versatile global optimization methods: the basin hopping, the artificial bee colony algorithm, and the genetic algorithm. We close with some representative application examples of global optimization of clusters since 2016 and the challenges, open questions and opportunities in this field.

Global optimization, Chemical clusters, Artificial↗
DOE OSTI2024

Direct Exfoliation of Nanoribbons from Bulk van der Waals Crystals

Confinement of monolayers into quasi-1D atomically thin nanoribbons could lead to novel quantum phenomena beyond those achieved in their bulk and monolayer counterparts. However, current experimental availability of nanoribbon species beyond graphene is limited to bottom-up synthesis or lithographic patterning. Here, in this study, a versatile and direct approach is introduced to exfoliate bulk van der Waals crystals as nanoribbons. Akin to the Scotch tape exfoliation method for producing monolayers, this technique provides convenient access to a wide range of nanoribbons derived from their corresponding bulk crystals, including MoS 2 , WS 2 , MoSe 2 , WSe 2 , MoTe 2 , WTe 2 , ReS 2 , and hBN. The nanoribbons are predominantly monolayer, single-crystalline, parallel-aligned, flat, and exhibit high aspect ratios. The role of confinement, strain, and edge configuration of these nanoribbons is observed in their electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. This versatile exfoliation technique provides a universal route for producing a variety of nanoribbon materials and supports the study of their fundamental properties and potential applications.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2026

Physicochemical and Performance Characterization of Six Commercial Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membranes

This work introduces a novel, gradient-free metamaterial design method based on Gaussian process regression to represent the density field of a unit cell. The dimension of the design space is determined by the covariance matrix dimension in the Gaussian process regression. We propose compressing this matrix using an autoencoder, enabling the decoder to generate the density field and effectively reduce the originally large design space to a lower-dimensional subspace. In this compressed space, we employ an active learning method, Bayesian Adaptive Direct Search (BADS), for efficient exploration of the design space. We demonstrate that for simple 2D designs aimed at maximizing unit cell stiffness, our method yields results comparable to those of standard topology optimization. Furthermore, we extend our approach to various mechanical problems, from linear elasticity to hyperelastic large deformation and elasto-plasticity under finite deformation, to 3D metamaterial design. This illustrates the method’s versatility and effectiveness across a range of applications.

Wu, Haoran↗
DOE OSTI2016

Perspective on Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Biomass Pyrolysis Oils: Essential Roles of Fe-Based Catalysts

Catalytic fast pyrolysis is the most promising approach for biofuel production due to its simple process and versatility to handle lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks with varying and complex compositions. Here, compared with in situ catalytic fast pyrolysis, ex situ catalytic pyrolysis has the flexibility of optimizing the pyrolysis step and catalytic process individually to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil (stability, oxygen content, acid number, etc.) and to maximize the carbon efficiency in the conversion of biomass to pyrolysis oil. Hydrodeoxygenation is one of the key catalytic functions in ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis. Recently, Fe-based catalysts have been reported to exhibit superior catalytic properties in the hydrodeoxygenation of model compounds in pyrolysis oil, which potentially makes the ex situ pyrolysis of biomass commercially viable due to the abundance and low cost of Fe. Here, we briefly summarize the recent progress on Fe-based catalysts for the hydrodeoxygenation of biomass, and provide perspectives on how to further improve Fe-based catalysts (activity and stability) for their potential applications in the emerging area of biomass conversion.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Error-Correcting Codes for Code-Division Multiplexed TES Detectors

Transition edge sensors (TESs) have proven to be highly sensitive and versatile X-ray spectrometers. Upcoming missions, including Athena X-IFU, will rely on highly multiplexed focal planes where more than 32 TES pixels are read out using a single SQUID amplifier channel. We have implemented an error correction algorithm for code-division multiplexed TES signals that can compensate for potential failures of individual SQUID readout channels and that is both scalable and easily implemented in hardware. We present this algorithm for error correction and show results of laboratory tests to assess algorithm performance at recovering TES channels after a SQUID failure.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Iodine-Containing Mass-Defect-Tuned Dendrimers for Use as Internal Mass Spectrometry Calibrants

Calibrants based on synthetic dendrimers have been recently proposed as a versatile alternative to peptides and proteins for both MALDI and ESI mass spectrometry calibration. Because of their modular synthetic platform, dendrimer calibrants are particularly amenable to tailoring for specific applications. Utilizing this versatility, a set of dendrimers has been designed as an internal calibrant with a tailored mass defect to differentiate them from the majority of natural peptide analytes. This was achieved by incorporating a tris-iodinated aromatic core as an initiator for the dendrimer synthesis, thereby affording multiple calibration points (m/z range 600–2300) with an optimized mass-defect offset relative to all peptides composed of the 20 most common proteinogenic amino acids. .

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗