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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 829 records · Page 46
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

The F-t-Pj-RG method: An adjacent-rolling-windows based steady-state detection technique for application to kinetic Monte Carlo simulations

A window-based steady-state detection algorithm has been developed for application to kinetic Monte Carlo simulation data. The algorithm, termed F-t-Pj-RG sequentially applies an F-test, a t-test, and a projection test on adjacent windows of the data while rolling (or shifting) and growing the windows when any of the tests fail. In aggregate, the algorithm is able to (a) automatically reject the warm-up period as not being at steady-state, as well as (b) determine an appropriate window size for converged statistics when sampling the data, which is necessary for detection of steady-state, and (c) detect steady-state within a particular tolerance. The last step, the projection test, is actually an oscillating-slope projection test, and is performed on j sequential data windows (i.e., more than two adjacent windows). It requires more than simply being within the user defined tolerance: the oscillating-slope projection test includes a condition that the slope must oscillate around zero when 2, which is an additional indication of steady-state. When all three tests are passed, the F-t-Pj test is passed, indicating that the prerequisites of steady-state detection have been met and also that conditions consistent with the definition of steady-state have been realized. This algorithm is applied to a variety of data sets that correspond to the diverse type of data trends that can be produced by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. The algorithm is shown to be robust in its ability to handle differing functional forms, and is able to detect steady-state with low computational cost. Finally, the low computational cost of this method and its robustness towards varied data trends make it suitable for on-the-fly use in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2026

Optimizing district energy systems by integrating Borehole Thermal Energy Storage Using a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming g-function framework with a Multi-Timescale Rolling Horizon method

Shallow geothermal has gained increasing attention in recent years; however, a reliable framework for its accurate incorporation into large-scale energy system optimization remains lacking. This study proposes a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) framework combined with the g-function approach to integrate Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) technology into energy system optimization. Validation against a Modelica-based reservoir network simulation demonstrates that the proposed framework effectively captures the ground thermal response under varying energy loads and accurately estimates the borefield energy supply. To enhance scalability, a Rolling Horizon with Multi-Timescale (RH-MTS) method is further introduced, reducing computational time by 73 % for the 1-year optimization model with only minor loss of optimality. The framework is demonstrated through the case study of the UC Berkeley campus. Results indicate that BTES is a cost-effective and low-carbon solution: two borefields comprising 382 boreholes can meet 8.0 % and 6.6 % of the total campus heating and cooling demand, respectively, at an average energy rate of 0.70–0.77 USD/kWh and carbon intensity of 0.54 kg-CO2/kWh. Short-term analysis reveals a 35%–65% decline in BTES energy flow after 3–6 months of continuous heating/cooling operation, while long-term simulation shows that annual energy production of BTES can vary by up to 12.0 % after four years before stabilizing. Overall, this study develops a novel optimization framework that couples physics-based g-function method with MILP optimization framework, thereby advancing methodological development for shallow-geothermal integration and providing actionable guidance for BTES deployment in district-energy systems.

Yang, Jiahui↗
DOE OSTI2014

Rolling hills on the core-mantle boundary

Recent results suggest that an iron-rich oxide may have fractionally crystallized from a primordial magma ocean and settled on the core–mantle boundary (CMB). Based on experimental results, the presence of only a few percent of Fe-rich oxide could slow seismic waves down by several percent. This heavy layer can become highly undulating as predicted from dynamic modeling but can remain as a distinct structure with uniform velocity reductions. Here, we use the large USArray seismic network to search for such structures. Strong constraints on D" are provided by the core-phase SKS where it bifurcates, containing a short segment of P-wave diffractions (P d ) when crossing the CMB, called SKS d . Synthetics from models with moderate velocity drops (less than 10%) involving a layer with variable thickness, perhaps a composite of sharp small structures, with strong variation in thickness can explain both the observed SKS d waveforms and large scatter in differential times between SKKS and SKS. A smooth 3D image is obtained from inverting SKS d waveforms displaying rolling-hills with elongated dome-like structures sitting on the CMB. The most prominent one has an 80-km height, ~8° length, and ~4° width, thus adding still more structural complexity to the lower mantle. We suggest that these results can be explained by a dynamically-stabilized material containing small amounts (~5%) iron-rich (Mg,Fe)O providing a self-consistent physical interpretation.

Sun, Daoyuan↗
DOE OSTI2015

Stress and strain relaxation in magnesium AZ31 rolled plate: In-situ neutron measurement and elastic viscoplastic polycrystal modeling

Continuous mechanical tests with strain holds (stress relaxation) and with stress holds (strain relaxation) are performed simultaneously with in-situ neutron measurements to analyze the mechanisms of stress and strain relaxation in Mg AZ31 rolled plate. A dislocation activity based constitutive model, accounting for internal stress statistical distributions, is proposed and implemented into an elastic viscoplastic self-consistent (EVPSC) framework to simultaneously describe both stress and strain relaxation. The model captures the experimental data in terms of macroscopic stress strain curves, evolution of stress and strain during holding, as well as evolution of the internal elastic strains. Model results indicate that the magnitude of the stress relaxed during strain holding is dependent on both, the magnitude of the flow stress and the spread of the resolved shear stress distribution. The magnitude of strain accumulated during stress holding is, on the other hand, dependent on the magnitude of the hardening rate and on the spread of the resolved shear stress distribution. Furthermore, the internal elastic strains are directly correlated with the stress state, and hence the stress relaxation during strain holds has a greater influence on the lattice strains than strain relaxation during stress holds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Loading direction dependence of asymmetric response of pyramidal slip in rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy

Textured magnesium alloys usually exhibit anisotropic mechanical behavior due to the asymmetric activation of different twinning and slipping modes. This work focuses on the pyramidal slip responses of rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy under two loading conditions, compressive and tensile loading along the normal direction. Under the condition where the compressive loading direction is closely parallel to the c-axis of the unit cell, tensile twinning and basal slips are prohibited, dislocations then active and tend to accumulate at grain boundaries and form dislocation walls. Meanwhile, these dislocations exhibit zigzag morphologies, which result from the cross-slip from {$10\bar{1}1$} first-order pyramidal plane to {$11\bar{2}2$} second-order pyramidal plane, then back to {$10\bar{1}1$} first-order pyramidal plane. Under the condition where tensile twins are prevalent, {$10\bar{1}1$} first-order and {$11\bar{2}2$} second-order pyramidal dislocations are favorable to be activated. Both types of dislocations behave climb-like dissociations onto the basal plane, forming zigzag dislocations. first-order pyramidal plane to second-order pyramidal plane, then back to first-order pyramidal plane. Under the condition where tensile twins are prevalent, first-order and second-order pyramidal dislocations are favorable to be activated. Both types of dislocations behave climb-like dissociations onto the basal plane, forming zigzag dislocations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2011

Wear characteristics of severely deformed aluminum sheets by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process

Wear behavior of severely deformed aluminum sheets by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) process was characterized using a pin on disc wear machine at different conditions. The sheets were processed up to eight ARB cycles in order to induce a high strain ({approx} 6.4) to the samples. EBSD results showed that after eight cycles of ARB, sheets were found to contain ultrafine grains with high fraction of high angle grain boundaries. Wear experiments were conducted under different loading and operating conditions, including dry and immersion lubrication, and rotation speeds. Wear was continuously monitored by measuring the wear rates and morphologies of worn surfaces by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Contrary to expectation, the wear resistance of the ARBed Al sheets was less than the non-processed sheets. Wear rates of the ARBed Al sheets increased by increasing wear load and rotation speed, while, immersion lubrication decreased the wear rate significantly. Based on the observation and results, a model for the wear of the ARBed Al was proposed. - Research Highlights: {yields}The wear rate of the ARBed Al was higher than that of the non-processed alloy. {yields}This unexpected behavior was related to the low strain hardening capability and evolution of the ARB subsurface microstructure during the wear process. {yields}Sliding wear of the ARBed Al proceeded by surface deformation, and progressed by delamination of the deformed surface layer. {yields}The wear rate of ARBed Al increased by increasing applied load and sliding speed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

3D microband boundary alignments and transitions in a cold rolled commercial purity aluminum alloy

In the study of microband formation during plastic deformation of face centered cubic metals and alloys, two theories have been proposed regarding the orientations of their boundaries: (i) they are aligned parallel to crystallographic planes associated with dislocation glide (i.e. (111) planes in FCC metals), or (ii) they are aligned in accordance with the macroscopic stress state generated during deformation. In this study, high resolution 3D electron backscatter diffraction (3D EBSD) was used to investigate the morphology and crystallographic nature of microband boundaries within a 19 × 9 × 8.6 μm volume of a deformed grain in commercial purity aluminum cold rolled to 22% reduction. It was found that microband boundaries correspond to both theories of orientation. Additionally, a single surface may contain both crystallographic and non-crystallographic alignments. Misorientations across boundaries in the regions of microband triple junctions have been identified for both boundary alignments. - Highlights: ► Reconstruction of a 3D volume of crystallographic orientations from EBSD data ► Subgrain features accurately reconstructed using specially designed strategies. ► Microband boundaries contain crystallographic and non-crystallographic alignments. ► Boundaries form by crystallographic process but rotate to non-crystallographic.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characterization on carbide of a novel steel for cold work roll during solidification process

A novel steel for cold work roll was developed in this work. Its phase structures were determined by X-ray diffraction, and phase transformation temperatures during the cooling process were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimeter. The Fe–C isopleths of the steel were calculated by Thermo-Calc to preliminarily determine the characteristic temperatures of the different phases. Then the specimens were quenched at these characteristic temperatures. The typical microstructures were observed by Optical Microscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Disperse Spectroscopy. The results show that α-Fe, MC, M{sub 2}C and M{sub 7}C{sub 3} precipitate when the specimen is cooled slowly to room temperature. According to the DSC curve and the Fe–C isopleths, the characteristic temperatures of the phase transformation and carbide precipitation are chosen as 1380 °C, 1240 °C, 1200 °C and 1150 °C respectively. Primary austenite precipitates at 1380 °C, then eutectic reaction occurs in residual liquid after quenching and the eutectic microstructures distribute along the crystal grain boundary. The eutectic MC is leaf-like and eutectic M{sub 2}C is fibrous-like. Both of them precipitate in ternary eutectic reaction simultaneously at 1240 °C, grow together in the form of dendrite along the crystal grain boundary. Secondary MC precipitates from the austenitic matrix at 1200 °C and nucleates at the position where eutectic MC located accompanied by the dissolving of eutectic carbides. The mixed secondary M{sub 2}C and M{sub 7}C{sub 3} precipitate at 1150 °C. The secondary M{sub 2}C is strip-like and honeycomb-like, while the M{sub 7}C{sub 3} is chrysanthemum-like and maze-like. - Highlights: • The solidification process was analyzed by Thermo-Calc, DSC, XRD and SEM observation. • Primary and secondary carbides precipitated during solidification were determined. • The three dimensional morphologies of all carbides was observed. • The eutectic MC exhibits the dendritical structure which was not observed before.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Dislocation density of pure copper processed by accumulative roll bonding and equal-channel angular pressing

The dislocation density of pure copper fabricated by two severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes, i.e., accumulative roll bonding and equal-channel angular pressing, was evaluated using scanning transmission electron microscopy/transmission electron microscopy observations. The dislocation density drastically increased from ~ 10{sup 13} m{sup −} {sup 2} to about 5 × 10{sup 14} m{sup −} {sup 2}, and then saturated, for both SPD processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Mechanisms of ultrafine-grained austenite formation under different isochronal conditions in a cold-rolled metastable stainless steel

The primary objective of this work is to obtain fundamental insights on phase transformations, with focus on the reaustenitization process (α′→γ transformation), of a cold-rolled (CR) semi-austenitic metastable stainless steel upon different isochronal conditions (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 °C/s). For this purpose, an exhaustive microstructural characterization has been performed by using complementary experimental such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), micro-hardness Vickers and magnetization measurements. It has been detected that all microstructural changes shift to higher temperatures as the heating rate increases. The reaustenitization occurs in two-steps for all heating rates, which is attributed to the chemical banding present in the CR state. The α′→γ transformation is controlled by the migration of substitutional alloying elements across the austenite/martensite (γ/α′) interface, which finally leads to ultrafine-grained reaustenitized microstructures (440–280 nm). The morphology of the martensite phase in the CR state has been found to be the responsible for such a grain refinement, along with the presence of χ-phase and nanometric Ni{sub 3}(Ti,Al) precipitates that pin the austenite grain growth, especially upon slowly heating at 0.1 °C/s. - Highlights: •Ultrafine-grained austenite structures are obtained isochronally at 0.1–100 °C/s •The α′→γ transformation occurs in two steps due to the initial chemical banding •A diffusional mechanism governs the α′→γ transformation for all heating rates •The dislocation-cell-type of martensite promotes a diffusional mechanism •Precipitates located at α′/γ interfaces hinder the austenite growth.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

The interface character distribution of cold-rolled and annealed duplex stainless steel

The interface character distributions (ICDs) of cold-rolled and annealed duplex stainless steel specimens, previously solid-solution-heated (SHT) at 1573 K and 1323 K, are investigated using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and five-parameter analysis (FPA). For the δ-ferrite phase, high concentrations of low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) are developed, and the boundary planes are predominantly oriented on (111). High angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) with misorientations ranging from 50{sup o} to 60° are mostly pure tilt boundaries, and the boundary planes are primarily located on (112). For the austenite phase, very high density of coherent twin boundaries are introduced, implying that the boundary planes are exactly oriented on (111). The phase boundary character distribution (PBPD) appears to be connected with the K-S and N-W orientation relationships (ORs) terminating on (110) {sub F}‖(111) {sub A} and (110){sub F}‖(hkl){sub A}, respectively. - Highlights: •Five-parameter analysis was used to determine interface character distribution. •ICD results of statistical meaning were achieved. •Initial microstructure has a significant effect on ICD. •Low and high angle GBs in δ phase prefer in (111) and (112) planes, respectively. •K-S phase boundaries terminate on (110){sub F}‖(111){sub A} while N-W ones on (110){sub F}‖(hkl){sub A}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

XRD and EBSD analysis of anisotropic microstructure development in cold rolled F138 stainless steel

The microstructural characteristics of deformation-processed materials highly influence their mechanical properties. For a complete characterization of a microstructure both local and global information must be gathered, which requires the combination of different analysis techniques. X-ray and Electron Backscatter Diffraction were used in the present paper to characterize the deformation induced in a cold rolled F138 austenitic stainless steel sample. The results obtained using laboratory and synchrotron X-ray sources were compared and combined with EBSD quantitative results, allowing the global and local characterization and orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure. A particular behavior was observed in the XRD data corresponding to the planes with < 220 >∥ ND, likely due to a smaller amount of defects accumulated in the crystals with that particular orientation. EBSD was used to separate the scans data into partitions and to calculate misorientation variables and parameters, showing that this behavior can be attributed to a combination of larger grain sizes, lower local boundary misorientations and dislocation densities for crystals having < 220 >∥ ND. Several conclusions, of general validity for the evaluation of microstructure anisotropy, can be extracted from the results. - Highlights: •Combined XRD and EBSD for studying microstructure gave a superb insight on anisotropic accumulation of defects. •W-H and CMWP methods were applied for checking consistency of results. •XRD showed that a smaller accumulation of defects occurred in crystals with < 220 >∥ ND. •High brilliance X-ray beam allowed to study the anisotropy of defect accumulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Experimental quantification of “hardenability” of 2195 and 2050 Al-Li alloys by using cold-rolled sheets

Highlights: • An experimental simulation method for intuitive “hardenability” evaluation. • With increasing the distance from the quenching end, the strength of 2050 alloy lowers more slowly than that of 2195 alloy, indicating its better “hardenability”. • At the location far away from the quenching end, lenticular-shaped phases form within grains, which impede T1 precipitation at the same local location during the following aging process. • More intra-granular lenticular-shaped phases in 2195 Al-Li alloy corresponds to its lower “hardenability”. - Abstract: To effectively and intuitively evaluate the “hardenability” during the design of new heat-treatable Al alloys, an experimental evaluation method by using cold-rolled thin sheets was proposed, which combined end-quenching with tensile test after aging, and eliminated the effect of different original structure of thick plate through-thickness. The “hardenability” of 2050 and 2195 Al-Li alloys was then intuitively characterized by their strength lowering as a function of distance away from the quenching end after T8-aging following end-quenching. As the distance is increased, the strength of the 2050 Al-Li alloy lowers more slowly than that of the 2195 Al-Li alloy, indicating a better “hardenability” of the 2050 Al-Li alloy. At the location with a certain distance away from the quenching end, in addition to the Cu-rich secondary phases at the grain boundary, lenticular-shaped Cu-containing secondary phases also form within grains during the end quenching process, which impede the precipitation of T1 (Al{sub 2}CuLi) phase at the same local location during the following aging process. More importantly, the number of the intra-granular lenticular-shaped phases in the 2195 Al-Li alloy is much more than that in the 2050 Al-Li alloy, which contributes to a less “hardenability” of the 2195 Al-Li alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development and demonstration of a rolling ball viscometer for molten salts with near-minimum liquidus NaCl–KCl

The thermophysical characterization of molten chloride and fluoride salts is a key interest for the development of advanced molten salt nuclear reactors. Viscosity is one thermophysical property of interest; a high-accuracy understanding of this property is necessary for modeling the thermal energy transfer and mass flow rate for a given molten salt system. Only a few methods have consistently been used to measure the viscosity of molten chloride and fluoride salt systems, and large discrepancies have been observed in the literature between independent studies of nearly identical salt systems. As such, exploration of novel measurement methods or implementations may allow for further validation, improved measurement accuracy, and overall improved understanding about optimal approaches for measuring molten salt viscosity. Here, in this study, a novel implementation of the rolling ball viscometry method was used to measure the viscosity of a 44/56 mol % mixture of NaCl–KCl within a temperature range of 714–838 °C, with the intent to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique for molten salt viscosity measurement cross-validation. The purity of this salt was confirmed through laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Measured viscosities were approximately 1.3–1.0 cP within this temperature range, and the overall uncertainty was 10.8%, which was determined through Gaussian error propagation. The results agree reasonably well with measured viscosities of similar NaCl–KCl mixtures in the literature (within 2%–20% depending on the temperature and study), although the experimental error in some of these comparative studies may be significant.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2013

Myosin heavy chain-like localizes at cell contact sites during Drosophila myoblast fusion and interacts in vitro with Rolling pebbles 7

Besides representing the sarcomeric thick filaments, myosins are involved in many cellular transport and motility processes. Myosin heavy chains are grouped into 18 classes. Here we show that in Drosophila, the unconventional group XVIII myosin heavy chain-like (Mhcl) is transcribed in the mesoderm of embryos, most prominently in founder cells (FCs). An ectopically expressed GFP-tagged Mhcl localizes in the growing muscle at cell–cell contacts towards the attached fusion competent myoblast (FCM). We further show that Mhcl interacts in vitro with the essential fusion protein Rolling pebbles 7 (Rols7), which is part of a protein complex established at cell contact sites (Fusion-restricted Myogenic-Adhesive Structure or FuRMAS). Here, branched F-actin is likely needed to widen the fusion pore and to integrate the myoblast into the growing muscle. We show that the localization of Mhcl is dependent on the presence of Rols7, and we postulate that Mhcl acts at the FuRMAS as an actin motor protein. We further show that Mhcl deficient embryos develop a wild-type musculature. We thus propose that Mhcl functions redundantly to other myosin heavy chains in myoblasts. Lastly, we found that the protein is detectable adjacent to the sarcomeric Z-discs, suggesting an additional function in mature muscles. - Highlights: ► The class XVIII myosin encoding gene Mhcl is transcribed in the mesoderm. ► Mhcl localization at contact sites of fusing myoblasts depends on Rols7. ► Mhcl interacts in vitro with Rols7 which is essential for myogenesis. ► Functional redundancy with other myosins is likely as mutants show no muscle defects. ► Mhcl localizes adjacent to Z-discs of sarcomeres and might support muscle integrity.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Compliant rolling-contact architected materials for shape reconfigurability

Architected materials can achieve impressive shape-changing capabilities according to how their microarchitecture is engineered. Here we introduce an approach for dramatically advancing such capabilities by utilizing wrapped flexure straps to guide the rolling motions of tightly packed micro-cams that constitute the material’s microarchitecture. This approach enables high shape-morphing versatility and extreme ranges of deformation without accruing appreciable increases in strain energy or internal stress. Two-dimensional and three dimensional macroscale prototypes are demonstrated, and the analytical theory necessary to design the proposed materials is provided and packaged as a software tool. An approach that combines two-photon stereolithography and scanning holographic optical tweezers is demonstrated to enable the fabrication of the proposed materials at their intended microscale.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Global roll-out of comprehensive policy measures may aid in bridging emissions gap

Closing the emissions gap between Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the global emissions levels needed to achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals will require a comprehensive package of policy measures. National and sectoral policies can help fill the gap, but success stories in one country cannot be automatically replicated in other countries. They need to be adapted to the local context. Here, we develop a new Bridge scenario based on nationally relevant, short-term measures informed by interactions with country experts. These good practice policies are rolled out globally between now and 2030 and combined with carbon pricing thereafter. We implement this scenario with an ensemble of global integrated assessment models. We show that the Bridge scenario closes two-thirds of the emissions gap between NDC and 2°C scenarios by 2030 and enables a pathway in line with the 2 °C goal when combined with the necessary long-term changes, i.e. more comprehensive pricing measures after 2030. The Bridge scenario leads to a scale-up of renewable energy (reaching 52%-88% of global electricity supply by 2050), electrification of end-uses, efficiency improvements in energy demand sectors, and enhanced afforestation and reforestation. Our analysis suggests that early action via good-practice policies is less costly than a delay in global climate cooperation.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Probing flow-induced nanostructure of complex fluids in arbitrary 2D flows using a fluidic four-roll mill (FFoRM)

Abstract Engineering flow processes to direct the microscopic structure of soft materials represents a growing area of materials research. In situ small-angle neutron scattering under flow (flow-SANS) is an attractive probe of fluid microstructure under simulated processing conditions, but current capabilities require many different sample environments to fully interrogate the deformations a fluid experiences in a realistic processing flow. Inspired by recent advances in microfluidics, we present a fluidic four-roll mill (FFoRM) capable of producing tunable 2D flow fields for in situ SANS measurements, that is intended to allow characterization of complex fluid nanostructure under arbitrary complex flows within a single sample environment. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to design a FFoRM that produces spatially homogeneous and sufficiently strong deformation fields. Particle tracking velocimetry experiments are then used to characterize the flows produced in the FFoRM for several classes of non-Newtonian fluids. Finally, a putative FFoRM-SANS workflow is demonstrated and validated through the characterization of flow-induced orientation in a semi-dilute cellulose nanocrystal dispersion under a range of 2D deformations. These novel experiments confirm that, for steady state straining flows at moderate strain rates, the nanocrystals orient along the principal strain-rate axis, in agreement with theories for rigid, rod-like Brownian particles in a homogeneous flow.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗