Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “progress properties”

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 811 records · Page 45

Saturn's Ring: Pre-Cassini Status and Mission Goals

In November 1980, and again in August 1981, identical Voyager spacecraft flew through the Saturn system, changing forever the way we think about planetary rings. Although Saturn's rings had been the only known ring system for three centuries, a ring system around Uranus had been discovered by stellar occultations from Earth in 1977, and the nearly transparent ring of Jupiter was imaged by Voyager in 1979 (the presence of material there had been inferred from charged particle experiments on Pioneer 10 and 11 several years earlier). While Saturn had thus temporarily lost its uniqueness as having the only ring system, with Voyager it handily recaptured the role of having the most fascinating one. The Voyager breakthroughs included spiral density and bending waves such as cause galactic structure; ubiquitous fine-scale radial 'irregular' structure, with the appearance of record-grooves; regional and local variations in particle color; complex, azimuthally variable ring structure; empty gaps in the rings, some containing very regular, sharp-edged, elliptical rings and one containing both a small moonlet and incomplete arcs of dusty material; and shadowy 'spokes' that flicker across the main rings. One of the paradigm shifts of this period was the realization that many aspects of planetary rings, and even the ring systems themselves, could be 'recent' on geological timescales. These early results are reviewed and summarized in the Arizona Space Science series volumes 'Saturn'. (An excellent review of ring dynamics at a formative stage is by Goldreich and Tremaine.) From the mid 1980's to the time of this writing, progress has been steady, while at a less heady pace, and some of the novel ring properties revealed by Voyager 1 and 2 are beginning to be better understood. It is clearly impossible to cite, much less review, every advance over the last decade; however, below we summarize the main advances in understanding of Saturn's rings since the mid 1980's, in the context of the Cassini Science Objectives.

Cuzzi, Jeff N.↗

The Building Blocks of Materials: Gathering Knowledge at the Molecular Level

Two start-up positions were created within SD46 to pursue developments in the rapidly expanding areas of biomineralization and nano-technology. As envisioned by Dr. Sandor Lehoczy, the new laboratories to be developed must have the capacity to investigate not only processes associated with the self-assembly of molecules but also the examination of self-assembled structures. For these purposes, laboratories capable of performing the intended function, particularly light scattering spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were created. What follows then are recent advances arising from the development of these new laboratories. With the implementation of the Atomic Force Microscopy Facility, examples of investigations that determine a correlation between the molecular structure of materials and their macroscopic physical properties are provided. In addition, examples of investigations with particular emphasis on the physical properties of protein crystals, at the molecular level, and subsequent macroscopic characteristics are as provided. Finally, progress in fabrication of technology at the nano-scale levels at the developmental stage is also presented.

Source record↗

Thermal Expansion of Polyurethane Foam

Closed cell foams are often used for thermal insulation. In the case of the Space Shuttle, the External Tank uses several thermal protection systems to maintain the temperature of the cryogenic fuels. A few of these systems are polyurethane, closed cell foams. In an attempt to better understand the foam behavior on the tank, we are in the process of developing and improving thermal-mechanical models for the foams. These models will start at the microstructural level and progress to the overall structural behavior of the foams on the tank. One of the key properties for model characterization and verification is thermal expansion. Since the foam is not a material, but a structure, the modeling of the expansion is complex. It is also exacerbated by the anisoptropy of the material. During the spraying and foaming process, the cells become elongated in the rise direction and this imparts different properties in the rise direction than in the transverse directions. Our approach is to treat the foam as a two part structure consisting of the polymeric cell structure and the gas inside the cells. The polymeric skeleton has a thermal expansion of its own which is derived from the basic polymer chemistry. However, a major contributor to the thermal expansion is the volume change associated with the gas inside of the closed cells. As this gas expands it exerts pressure on the cell walls and changes the shape and size of the cells. The amount that this occurs depends on the elastic and viscoplastic properties of the polymer skeleton. The more compliant the polymeric skeleton, the more influence the gas pressure has on the expansion. An additional influence on the expansion process is that the polymeric skeleton begins to breakdown at elevated temperatures and releases additional gas species into the cell interiors, adding to the gas pressure. The fact that this is such a complex process makes thermal expansion ideal for testing the models. This report focuses on the thermal expansion tests and the response of the microstructure. A novel optical method is described which is appropriate for measuring thermal expansion at high temperatures without influencing the thermal expansion measurement. Detailed microstructural investigations will also be described which show cell expansion as a function of temperature. Finally, a phenomenological model on thermal expansion will be described.

Lerch, Bradley A.↗

Verification of Numerical Programs: From Real Numbers to Floating Point Numbers

Numerical algorithms lie at the heart of many safety-critical aerospace systems. The complexity and hybrid nature of these systems often requires the use of interactive theorem provers to verify that these algorithms are logically correct. Usually, proofs involving numerical computations are conducted in the infinitely precise realm of the field of real numbers. However, numerical computations in these algorithms are often implemented using floating point numbers. The use of a finite representation of real numbers introduces uncertainties as to whether the properties veri ed in the theoretical setting hold in practice. This short paper describes work in progress aimed at addressing these concerns. Given a formally proven algorithm, written in the Program Verification System (PVS), the Frama-C suite of tools is used to identify sufficient conditions and verify that under such conditions the rounding errors arising in a C implementation of the algorithm do not affect its correctness. The technique is illustrated using an algorithm for detecting loss of separation among aircraft.

Goodloe, Alwyn E.↗

Sample Handling and Instruments for the In-Situ Exploration of Ice-Rich Planets

NASA's key science goals for the exploration of the solar system seek a better understanding of the formation and evolutionary processes that have shaped planetary bodies and emphasize the search for habitable environments. Efforts are also made to detect and quantify resources that could be used for the support of human exploration. These themes call for chemistry and physical property observations that may be best approached by in situ measurements. NASA's planetary missions have progressively evolved from remote reconnaissance to in situ exploration with the ultimate goal to return samples. This chapter focuses on the techniques, available or in development, for advanced geophysical and chemical characterization of icy bodies, especially Mars polar areas, Enceladus, Titan, Europa, and Ceres. These astrobiological targets are the objects of recent or ongoing exploration whose findings are driving the formulation of new missions that involve in situ exploration. After reviewing the overall objectives of icy body exploration (Section 9.1) we describe key techniques used for addressing these objectives from surface platforms via geophysical observations (Section 9.2) and chemical measurements (Section 9.3).

planets↗

NASA Hypersonic Technology Project (HTP) Sic/Sic Research for Hypersonic Airframe Hot Structures

NASA, DoD, and industry have a vision for reusable hypersonic vehicles (Mach > 5). The realization of this vision will require high-specific-strength, high-temperature, reusable structures. In the sub-sonic and super-sonic flight regimes, high-specific-strength structures can be obtained via the use of aluminum, titanium, and composite materials. In the high-temperature environments associated with hypersonic flight, high specific strength is obtained via refractory-composite materials. NASA Langley Research Center has multiple efforts focused on evaluating refractory-composites for use as airframe hot structures for reusable hypersonic vehicles. Current efforts span the entire building-block approach, including coupon, element, subcomponent, and component manufacturing and testing. The coupon level work includes progressive damage testing and analysis, restrained thermal growth testing, stressed oxidation testing, and evaluation of laminate properties for several layup architectures. Element testing includes evaluation of over-temperature capability and co-processed bonding, fastener development, and analysis and testing of beaded (corrugated) panels. Subcomponent level work includes a solid rocket motor booster fin and a portion of a control surface, and component level work includes a control surface static test article. The current presentation will provide an update of work being performed at NASA, which is expected to transition refractory-composite materials to reusable hypersonic vehicles.

Hot structures↗

HHH whitepaper

Abstract We here report on the progress of the HHH Workshop, that took place in Dubrovnik in July 2023. After the discovery of a particle that complies with the properties of the Higgs boson of the Standard Model, all Standard Model (SM) parameters are in principle determined. However, in order to verify or falsify the model, the full form of the potential has to be determined. This includes the measurement of the triple and quartic scalar couplings. We here report on ongoing progress of measurements for multi-scalar final states, with an emphasis on three SM-like scalar bosons at 125$$\,\text {Ge}\hspace{-.08em}\text {V}$$ Ge V , but also mentioning other options. We discuss both experimental progress and challenges as well as theoretical studies and models that can enhance such rates with respect to the SM predictions.

Physics↗

Passive Remote Sensing of Aerosols

Remote sensing of aerosol optical and microphysical properties got a resurgence in the 1970s when John Reagan and Ben Herman initiated a program to develop and implement a surface-based sunphotometer system to monitor spectral aerosol optical thickness at the University of Arizona. In this presentation I will review the state of the technology used to monitor aerosol optical and microphysical properties, including the determination of spectral aerosol optical thickness and total ozone content. This work continued with John Reagan developed a surface-based spectral flux radiometer to implement Ben Herman's idea to determine the imaginary part of the complex refractive index of aerosols using the recently developed diffuse-direct technique. Progress made both in surface-based instrumentation, inversion theory for analyzing such data, and in satellite observations of aerosol optical and microphysical properties will be reviewed to highlight the state of knowledge after 30 years of expanded capability and introduction of novel new capabilities, both from the ground and from spacecraft.

King, Michael D.↗

Roadmap for thermal property measurements of Molten Salt Reactor systems

Thermal properties of molten salts, both with and without fissile and fertile material, are fundamental to modeling and simulation that supports design, construction, operation, and accident progression evaluation of molten salt reactors. This roadmap provides guidance to the research community on the types and amounts of required data for base, or carrier, salt systems, recommends simulated burnup fuel salt compositions to evaluate, and provides a technical foundation for a focused salt property evaluation matrix. The property values generated from both computation and experimental methods are used to develop models that constitute the Molten Salt Thermal Properties Database (MSTDB). While the building blocks of MSTDB are fundamental in nature, its data facilitates constructing engineering models that allow stakeholders to investigate the behavior of specific compositions of interest and supports broader modeling and simulation of MSRs through coupling to multi-physics, multi-scale mass accountancy tools.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Thermomechanical Properties of Hafnium Hydride for Radiation Shielding in Tokamak Devices

The development of effective neutron shielding materials is of paramount importance for the progression of fusion technologies with the aim of producing clean and sustainable energy for future generations. This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of a promising candidate material for shielding applications, hafnium hydride, through the powder metallurgy process. Powder metallurgy fabrication resulted in the production of 91% dense, crack-free, ε-phase HfH 2 pellets with a hydrogen-to-metal ratio of 1.89 to 2.00. Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) was used to measure a Young’s modulus of 34.52 ± 2.70 GPa and a shear modulus of 12.25 ± 0.18 GPa. Nanoindentation techniques have been used to establish a hardness value of 4.45 ± 1.63 GPa, and a Young’s modulus of 47.8 ± 6.4 GPa was determined using Poison’s ratio from RUS. Hydrogen release was measured using thermogravimetric analysis and appeared to occur in three different regimes as the sample transitioned through the ε- and δ-phases. Heat capacity matched literature data up to 600 K, after which a rapid increase was observed due to phase transformations occurring with hydrogen loss.

Hafnium hydride↗

Solving The Long-Standing Problem Of Nuclear Reactions At The Highest Microscopic Level: Annual Continuation And Progress Report

The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive framework that will lead to a fundamental description of both structural properties and reactions of light nuclei in terms of constituent protons and neutrons interacting through nucleon-nucleon (NN) and three-­nucleon (NNN) forces. This project will provide the research community with the theoretical and computational tools that will enable: (1) an accurate prediction for fusion reactions that power stars and Earth-­based fusion facilities; (2) an improved description of the spectroscopy of exotic nuclei, including light Borromean systems; and (3) a fundamental understanding of the three-­nucleon force in nuclear reactions and nuclei at the drip line. To achieve this goal, we build upon a promising technique emerged recently as a candidate to reach a fundamental description of low-­energy binary reactions between light ions, that is the ab initio no-­core shell model combined with the resonating-­group method (NCSM/RGM). This approach has demonstrated the capability to describe binary reactions below the three-­body breakup threshold based, up to now, on similarity-­renormalization-­group (SRG) 5 evolved NN only potentials. To advance the understanding of nuclear reactions at low energies and light exotic nuclei, this project aims at extending the NCSM/RGM approach to include the full range of NNN interactions as well as the treatment of three-­cluster bound and continuum states. Three-­nucleon interactions are unavoidable components of a fundamental nuclear Hamiltonian obtained in a low-­energy effective theory. In addition, three-­nucleon force terms are induced by the SRG procedure and have to be taken into account for such a transformation to be unitary in many-­body calculations. At the same time, the introduction of three-­body cluster states is key to achieve a microscopic description of Borromean systems as well as three-­body breakup reactions. This project will both enhance the fundamentality and enlarge the scope of our microscopic description of nuclear properties. A successful completion of this project will result in improved accuracy of the 3 He( 3 He,2p) 4 He and 3 He(α,γ) 7 Be reaction rates and consequently, in enhancement of the predictive capability of the standard solar model. In addition, we will study also the mirror reactions 3 H( 3 H,2n) 4 He and 3 H(α,γ) 7 Li (a key reaction for the production of 7 Li in the standard big-­bang nucleosynthesis), and the spectroscopy of the 6 He, 6 Be, and 11 Li nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

2015 Progress Report/July 2016: Iron Oxide Redox Transformation Pathways: The Bulk Electrical Conduction Mechanism

Despite decades of research on the reactivity and stable isotope properties of Fe oxides, the ability to describe the redox behavior of Fe oxides in the environment is still quite limited. This is due, in large part, to the analytical and spatial complexities associated with studying microscopic processes at the Fe oxide-water interface. This project had the long-term vision of filling this gap by developing a detailed understanding of the relationship between interfacial ET processes, surface structure and charge, and mineral semiconducting properties. We focused on the Fe(III)-oxides and oxyhydroxides because of their geochemical preponderance, versatility in synthesis of compositionally, structurally, and morphologically tailored phases, and because they are amenable to a wide range of surface and bulk properties characterization. In particular, reductive transformation of phases such as hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) and goethite (α-FeOOH) in aqueous solution can serve as excellent model systems for studies of electron conduction processes, as well as provide valuable insights into effect of nanoscale conductive materials on contaminant fate at DOE sites. More specifically, the goal of the Iowa component of this project was to use stable Fe isotope measurements to simultaneously measure isotope specific oxidation states and concentrations of Fe at the hematite-water and goethite-water interface. This work builds on our previous work where we used an innovative combination of 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and high precision isotope ratio measurements (MC-ICP-MS) to probe the dynamics of the reaction of aqueous Fe(II) with goethite. Mössbauer spectroscopy detects 57 Fe only among all other Fe isotopes and we have capitalized on this to spectroscopically demonstrate Fe(II)-Fe(III) electron transfer between sorbed Fe(II) and Fe(III) oxides (Handler, et al., 2009; Gorski, et al. 2010; Rosso et al., 2010). By combining the Mössbauer spectroscopy and stable isotopes measurements, we have been able to simultaneously track the oxidation state and isotope concentration of the bulk Fe oxide and aqueous Fe. One of our most compelling findings is that despite the apparent stability of the Fe(II)-goethite system, there is actually a tremendous amount of Fe atom cycling occurring between the aqueous phase and the bulk goethite as indicated by the isotopic composition of both phases approaching the mass balance average (Handler et al., 2009). How such extensive re-crystallization and Fe atom exchange can occur with no significant morphological change is a fascinating question. Based on previous work from PI Rosso’s group showing that a potential gradient across hematite crystal faces leads to conduction through hematite and growth and dissolution at separate crystal faces we proposed that a redox-driven recrystallization could be occurring that would explain the extensive mixing observed with the isotope data. From our previous studies utilizing Mössbauer spectroscopy, we know that sorption of Fe(II) onto goethite results in electron transfer between the sorbed Fe(II) and the structural Fe(III) in goethite. Oxidation of the sorbed Fe(II) produces growth of goethite on goethite (i.e., homoepitaxy), as well as injection of an electron into goethite. It is possible that electron transfer from sorbed Fe(II) occurs across a potential gradient, and that Fe(II) atoms are dissolved at a different location on the goethite surface. These newly-reduced Fe(II) atoms could then dissolve into the aqueous phase, exposing fresh Fe(III) goethite to the aqueous phase. Through a repeated series of these five steps of sorption–electron transfer–crystal growth–conduction– dissolution, a redox-driven conveyor belt, could be established that would allow all of the goethite to be eventually exposed to the aqueous phase and exchanged. This surface-mediated recrystallization process would result in similar Fe isotope distributions in the aqueous phase and goethite particle, as we have observed here. It would also result in a stable aqueous Fe(II) concentration, if there were equal rates of goethite growth and dissolution.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Assessment and Validation of Mini-Compact Tension Test Specimen Geometry and Progress in Establishing Technique for Fracture Toughness Master Curves for Reactor Pressure Vessel Steels

Small specimens are playing the key role in evaluating properties of irradiated materials. The use of small specimens provides several advantages. Typically, only a small volume of material can be irradiated in a reactor at desirable conditions in terms of temperature, neutron flux, and neutron dose. A small volume of irradiated material may also allow for easier handling of specimens. Smaller specimens reduce the amount of radioactive material, minimizing personnel exposures and waste disposal. However, use of small specimens imposes a variety of challenges as well. These challenges are associated with proper accounting for size effects and transferability of small specimen data to the real structures of interest. Any fracture toughness specimen that can be made out of the broken halves of standard Charpy specimens may have exceptional utility for evaluation of reactor pressure vessels (RPVs) since it would allow one to determine and monitor directly actual fracture toughness instead of requiring indirect predictions using correlations established with impact data. The Charpy V-notch specimen is the most commonly used specimen geometry in surveillance programs. Assessment and validation of mini-CT specimen geometry has been performed on previously well characterized HSST Plate 13B, an A533B class 1 steel. It was shown that the fracture toughness transition temperature measured by these Mini-CT specimens is within the range of To values that were derived from various large fracture toughness specimens. Moreover, the scatter of the fracture toughness values measured by Mini-CT specimens perfectly follows the Weibull distribution function providing additional proof for validation of this geometry for the Master Curve evaluation of rector pressure vessel steels. Moreover, the International collaborative program has been developed to extend the assessment and validation efforts to irradiated weld metal. The program is underway and involves ORNL, CRIEPI, and EPRI.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Progress Towards a Neutral Current $\pi^0$ Cross Section Analysis in the NOvA Near Detector

The NOvA neutrino experiment is attempting to measure properties of neutrinos in order to figure out information about the universe. To detect the signal neutrino interactions, we must determine methods to identify and isolate background events. Research focused on a specific background interaction called a single prong neutral current $\pi^0$ interaction. To do this, a basic cuts based analysis was performed, followed by feeding data into a multi-variate analysis package using a boosted decision tree (BDT) algorithm. Using the BDT, a a new variable was generated which separates signal and background very efficiently. Further work must still be done in order to continue improving the performance of the BDT. This research is valuable to the field of studying neutrino cross sections as it is a background which will always be present in this type of analysis.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Preparation, Properties, and Application of Lignocellulosic-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots

We report that carbon dots (CDs) are a relatively new type of fluorescent carbon material with excellent performance and widespread application. As the most readily available and widely distributed biomass resource, lignocellulosics are a renewable bioresource with great potential. Research into the preparation of CDs with lignocellulose (LC-CDs) has become the focus of numerous researchers. Compared with other carbon sources, lignocellulose is low cost, rich in structural variety, exhibits excellent biocompatibility, and the structures of CDs prepared by lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose are similar. This Review summarized research progress in the preparation of CDs from lignocellulosics in recent years and reviewed traditional and new preparation methods, physical and chemical properties, optical properties, and applications of LC-CDs, providing guidance for the formation and improvement of LC-CDs. In addition, the challenges of synthesizing LC-CDs were also highlighted, including the interaction of different lignocellulose components on the formation of LC-CDs and the nucleation and growth mechanism of LC-CDs; from this, current trends and opportunities of LC-CDs were examined, and some research methods for future research were put forward.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Force fields for monovalent and divalent metal cations in TIP3P water based on thermodynamic and kinetic properties

Metal cations are essential in many vital processes. In order to capture the role of different cations in all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of biological processes, an accurate parametrization is crucial. Here, we develop force field parameters for the metal cations Li + , Na + , K + , Cs + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Ba 2+ in combination with the TIP3P water model that is frequently used in biomolecular simulations. In progressing toward improved force fields, the approach presented here is an extension of previous efforts and allows us to simultaneously reproduce thermodynamic and kinetic properties of aqueous solutions. We systematically derive the parameters of the 12-6 Lennard-Jones potential which accurately reproduces the experimental solvation free energy, the activity derivative, and the characteristics of water exchange from the first hydration shell of the metal cations. In order to reproduce all experimental properties, a modification of the Lorentz-Berthelot combination rule is required for Mg 2+ . As a result, using a balanced set of solution properties, the optimized force field parameters aim to capture the fine differences between distinct metal cations including specific ion binding affinities and the kinetics of cation binding to biologically important anionic groups.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Interfacial Properties and Design of Functional Energy Materials

The vital importance of energy to society continues to demand a relentless pursuit of energy responsive materials that can bridge fundamental chemical structures at the molecular level and achieve improved functionality, such as efficient energy conversion/storage/transmission, over multiple length scales. This demand can potentially be realized by harnessing the power of self-assembly a spontaneous process where molecules or much larger entities form ordered aggregates as a consequence of predominately non-covalent (weak) interactions. Self-assembly is the key to bottom-up design of molecular devices, because the nearly atomic-level control is very difficult to realize in a top-down, e.g., lithographic approach. However, while function (e.g., charge mobility) in simple systems such as single crystals can often be predicted, predicting the function of the great variety of self-assembled molecular architectures is complicated by the lack of understanding and control over nanoscale interactions, mesoscale architectures, and macroscale (long-range) order. To establish a foundation toward delivering practical solutions, it is critical to develop an understanding of the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for the self-assembly of molecular and hybrid materials on various substrates. Typically molecular self-assembly involves poorly understood non-covalent intermolecular and substrate-molecule interactions compounded by local and/or collective influences from the substrate atomic lattice (symmetry and/or topological features) and electronic structure. Thus, progress towards unraveling the underlying physicochemical processes that control the structure and macroscopic physical, mechanical, electrical, and transport properties of materials increasingly requires tight integration of theory, modeling and simulation with precision synthesis, advanced experimental characterization, and device measurements. In this mode, theory and simulation can greatly accelerate the process of materials discovery by providing atomic level understanding of physicochemical phenomena and for making predictions of trends. In particular, this approach can provide understanding, prediction and exploration of new materials and conditions before they are realized in the lab, to illuminate connections between experimental observations, and help identify new materials for targeted synthesis. Toward this end, Density Functional Theory (DFT) can provide a suitable computational framework for investigating the inter- and intramolecular bonding, molecular conformation, charge and spin configurations that are intrinsic to self-assembly of molecules on substrates. This Account highlights recent advances in using an integrated approach based on DFT and scanning probe microscopy [STM(s), AFM] to study/develop electronic materials formed from the self-assembly of molecules into supramolecular or polymeric architectures on substrates. Here it is the interplay between molecular interactions and surface electrons that is used to control the final architecture and subsequent bulk properties of the two-dimensional patterns/assemblies. Indeed a rich variety of functional energy materials become possible.

Sumpter, Bobby G↗