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DOE OSTI2025

Sustained strain applied at high rates drives dynamic tensioning in epithelial cells

Epithelial cells experience long lasting loads of different magnitudes and rates. How they adapt to these loads strongly impacts tissue health. Yet, much remains unknown about the evolution of cellular stress in response to sustained strain. Here, by subjecting cell pairs to sustained strain, we report a bimodal stress response, where in addition to the typically observed stress relaxation, a subset of cells exhibits a dynamic tensioning process with significant elevation in stress within 100 s, resembling active pulling-back in muscle fibers. Strikingly, the fraction of cells exhibiting tensioning increases with increasing strain rate. The tensioning response is accompanied by actin remodeling, and perturbation to actin abrogates it, supporting cell contractility’s role in the response. Collectively, our data show that epithelial cells adjust their tensional states over short timescales in a strain-rate dependent manner to adapt to sustained strains, demonstrating that the active pulling-back behavior could be a common protective mechanism against environmental stress.

bioinformatics↗

DOE OSTI2024

Colloquium : Sliding and pinning in structurally lubric 2D material interfaces

A plethora of two-dimensional (2D) materials have been introduced in physics and engineering in the past two decades. Their robust, membranelike sheets permit (mostly require) deposition, giving rise to solid-solid dry interfaces whose mobility, pinning, and general tribological properties under shear stress are currently being understood and controlled, both experimentally and theoretically. Here, in this Colloquium simulated case studies of twisted graphene systems are used as a prototype workhorse tool to demonstrate and discuss the general picture of 2D material interface sliding. First highlighted is the crucial mechanical difference, often overlooked, between small and large incommensurabilities, which corresponds to, for example, small and large twist angles in graphene interfaces. In both cases, focusing on flat, structurally lubric or “superlubric” geometries, the generally separate scalings with the area of static friction in pinned states and of kinetic friction during sliding are elucidated and reviewed, tangled as they are with the effects of velocity, temperature, load, and defects. The roles of island boundaries and elasticity are also discussed, and compared when possible to results in the literature for systems other than graphene. It is proposed that the resulting picture of pinning and sliding should be applicable to interfaces in generic 2D materials that are of importance for the physics and technology of existing and future bilayer and multilayer systems.

2-dimensional systems↗

DOE OSTI2021

Multimodal 3D characterization of voids in shock-loaded tantalum: Implications for ductile spallation mechanisms

Predicting the failure of crystalline materials at high strain rates requires knowledge of the underlying failure mechanisms and their dependence on microstructure. However, little experimental consensus exists on the underlying micromechanics of spallation. In this study, a 3D-EBSD characterization experiment is performed on tantalum prior to and after partial spallation by plate impact, which allowed for the statistical assessment of the microstructural neighborhoods surrounding incipient voids. In analyzing the resulting dataset containing 5884 grains and 467 voids, it is observed that the voids were roughly spherical and consistent in size throughout the spalled material. The voids mostly resided at quadruple points, at triple junctions, at grain boundaries, and within grains, in decreasing order of prevalence. Moreover, voids tended to form at grain boundaries with high degrees of plastic incompatibility, growing into the plastically soft grain but orienting primarily with or perpendicular to the loading direction. Here, the statistics from these analyses of 3D microstructural data support dynamic cavitation models for ductile spallation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Slat-gap and Slat-cove Filler Treatments for Noise Reduction Assessment on the High Lift Common Research Model in the NASA LaRC 14x22

Airframe noise is an important issue during the approach and landing phases of flight because engines are throttled back, and airframe sources become an equal or greater contributor to environmental noise. The leading-edge slat component of the high-lift system for transport aircraft has been identified as a prominent source of airframe noise. Noise production mechanisms and potential treatments to mitigate airframe noise have been areas of active research for nearly three decades. Two promising technologies for slat noise reduction are the slat-gap filler (SGF) and slat-cove filler (SCF). Previous work was done using a 2D section of a transport class aircraft wing to demonstrate their feasibility via benchtop and computational models. A wind tunnel test campaign was recently undertaken to test the SGF and SCF technologies in a flight-like environment by installing dynamically scaled treatments on the 10%-scale High-Lift Common Research Model (CRM-HL), which is representative of a commercial twin-aisle transport aircraft. Advancement of the SGF and SCF technologies to overcome challenges of integration with 3D airframe structures, computational simulations of the CRM-HL predicting the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance and structural loads, and design of wind tunnel model hardware with features accommodating noise treatments were conducted in parallel. Details of innovations in the SGF and SCF technologies for 3D airframe feasibility will be described. The loads the treatments must sustain in flight and the influence of those loads on the design is also discussed. Finally, the design of wing leading-edge assemblies to treat the 10% CRM-HL with dynamically scaled SGF and SCF components is presented. The treatments were successfully tested in 2020/2021 providing a demonstration of leading-edge noise reduction using components that would allow slat articulation.

airframe noise reduction↗

DOE OSTI2022

The Schwarz alternating method for transient solid dynamics

Abstract In our earlier work, we formulated the Schwarz alternating method as a means for concurrent multiscale coupling in finite deformation solid mechanics for quasi‐static problems. Herein, we advance this method for the study of transient dynamic multiscale solid mechanics problems where information is exchanged back and forth between small and large scales. The extension to dynamics relies on the notion of a global time stepper. Within each global time step, the subdomains are coupled by the standard Schwarz iterative process. Remarkably, each subdomain can use its own time step or even its own time integrator to advance its solution in time, provided that they synchronize at each global time step. We study the performance of the Schwarz method on several examples designed for this purpose. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the method is capable of coupling regions with different mesh resolutions, different element types, and different time integration schemes (e.g., implicit and explicit), all without introducing any artifacts that afflict other coupling methods for transient dynamics. Finally, we apply the dynamic Schwarz alternating method to the simulation of a bolted joint subjected to dynamic loading, as a demonstration of the performance of the method in a realistic scenario.

Mota, Alejandro↗

DOE OSTI2025

Active Site Dynamics in Molybdenum-Based Silica-Supported Olefin Metathesis Catalysts: Site Renewal and Decay Beyond the Chauvin Cycle

Heterogeneous olefin metathesis catalysts exhibit low active site densities and unpredictable kinetics due to dynamic active site formation and decay processes. Here, in this study, we establish a quantitative framework that captures active site generation, renewal, and decay in olefin metathesis over silica-supported molybdenum oxide catalysts, enabling a mechanistic explanation of catalytic behavior and strategies to achieve high, stable activity. Steady-state active site titrations reveal that 2,3-dimethyl-butene isomers (4MEs) cofeeding increases active site density by up to 4.3-fold, directly correlating with enhanced metathesis rates. Spectroscopic studies demonstrate that 4MEs facilitate Mo(VI) reduction to Mo(IV) and interact strongly with surface Si–OH groups, generating labile protons that promote active site formation via a 1,2-proton shift mechanism. Kinetic modeling indicates that ethylene acts as a decay promoter, shifting kinetic control away from the Chauvin cycle and suppressing metathesis activity. Comparative studies on catalysts with varying Mo loading reveal that promotion is most effective for dispersed molybdate species, with a decline at higher Mo loadings. These findings provide a unified mechanistic framework for heterogeneous olefin metathesis, offering new strategies to enhance active site accessibility, mitigate deactivation, and optimize catalyst design.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1991

Dynamic response of a hammerhead launch vehicle wind-tunnel model

A wind-tunnel test of a 1/10th-scale Atlas-Centaur I large payload fairing launch vehicle model was conducted in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The wind tunnel model was an aeroelastically-scaled version of the flight vehicle and was capable of simulating either of the first two bending vibration modes of the full-scale vehicle by a partial mode technique. The primary purpose of the test was to gather data concerning buffet response which could be used to clear the vehicle for flight. Additionally, angle-of-attack studies were conducted and several payload fairing configurations were tested to assess the buffet response and dynamic stability of off-design flight conditions and geometric parameters. No dynamic instabilities were found for any of the configurations tested. The buffet response data for the nominal flight configuration indicate that the unsteady buffet loads represent 5 to 10 percent of the total design load; therefore, the buffet loads are not a large factor affecting the overall vehicle design. Payload fairing length-to-diameter ratio variations were found to have small effects on the buffet response of the model, except in the case of the smallest length-to-diameter models for the second bending mode simulation. The effects of angle of attack on buffet response were found to be small. The model was more sensitive to Mach number changes than to angle of attack. The buffet response results from this wind tunnel test were influenced by the tunnel facility vibration levels. An attempt was made to experimentally reduce the effect of the facility mechanical vibration for the nominal flight configuration by testing with vertical rods used to stiffen the sting support. The first flight of the Atlas-Centaur I vehicle successfully occurred on July 25, 1990, and a comparison of flight measurements with wind tunnel data is presented. The flight data was found to be well within the 3 sigma level of the wind tunnel data.

Cole, Stanley R.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Assessment of Dynamic Fracture in Ultra-High Performance Concrete Using Synchrotron X-ray Source

Ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs) retain higher ultimate (compressive) strengths and greater durability relative to traditional concrete materials. As a result, they are enabling construction materials for blast resistant structures, where a higher capacity for energy absorption is required. In past investigations, the strength of UHPCs was shown to retain a dependency on strain rate. Still, the failure mechanisms which govern this rate dependency have yet to be completely elucidated. In the current study, the dynamic fracture behavior of Cor-tuf UHPC was assessed, in-situ, using a Synchrotron X-ray source in phase contrast imaging (PCI) mode. Prior to testing, the material’s morphology was characterized using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A polychromatic pulsed X-ray source, high-speed camera and Kolsky bar apparatus were used in tandem, to observe the transient failure modes. A pin was placed at the end of the incident bar to control the location of damage initiation, and tests were performed at a constant velocity of ~6 m/s. These test conditions were observed to yield cracks with median and/or cone like geometries. Despite the variation in the crack paths, a significant difference in peak load was not observed. The failure mode was also observed to depend on the microstructure of the concrete samples.

Kolsky bar↗

NASA NTRS1978

Crack extension from flaws in a brittle material subjected to compression

The mechanisms by which cracks extend from flaws in brittle materials subjected to compressive loads are presented. Although it is recognized that most geological materials are neither dense nor single-phase, this experimental study and analysis are restricted to single-phase, dense materials in order to provide a model amenable to analysis and experimental confirmation. The flaws which occur in dense, single-phase materials are divided into three types, each type having different characteristics of crack extension. Experimental studies of crack extension from flaws introduced into blocks of polymethylmethacrylate plastic are described. The studies show that crack extension from three dimensional flaws is more complex than two-dimensional theories predict. The extension of secondary cracks may result in more damage than that which would be predicted by considering only the primary crack extension treated by current theories. The importance of the dynamic behavior of flaws which stick and then suddenly slip is shown.

Adams, M.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Seasonal Water Transport in the Atmosphere of Mars: Applications of a Mars General Circulation Model Using Mars Global Surveyor Data

This is a Final Report for a Joint Research Interchange (JRI) between NASA Ames Research Center and San Jose State University, Department of Meteorology. We present below a summary of progress made during the duration of this JRI. The focus of this JRI has been to investigate seasonal water vapor transport in the atmosphere of Mars and its effects on the planet's present climate. To this end, the primary task has been to adapt a new dynamical processor for the adiabatic tendencies of the atmospheric circulation into the NASA Ames Mars general circulation model (MGCM). Using identical boundary and initial conditions, several comparative tests between the new and old MGCMs have been performed and the nature of the simulated circulations have been diagnosed. With confidence that the updated version of the Ames MGCM produces quite similar mean and eddy circulation statistics, the new climate model is well poised as a tool to pursue fundamental questions related to the spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric water vapor on Mars, and to explore exchanges of water with non-atmospheric reservoirs and transport within its atmosphere. In particular, the role of surface sources and sinks can be explored, the range of water-vapor saturation altitudes can be investigated, and plausible precipitation mechanisms can be studied, for a range of atmospheric dust loadings, such future investigations can contribute to a comprehensive study of surface inventories, exchange mechanisms, and the relative importance of atmospheric transport Mars' water cycle. A listing of presentations made and manuscripts submitted during the course of this project is provided.

Hollingsworth, Jeffery L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Seasonal Water Transport in the Atmosphere of Mars: Applications of a Mars General Circulation Model Using Mars Global Surveyor Data

This is a Final Report for a Joint Research Interchange (JRI) between NASA Ames Research Center and San Jose State University, Department of Meteorology. We present below a summary of progress made during the duration of this JRI. The focus of this JRI has been to investigate seasonal water vapor transport in the atmosphere of Mars and its effects on the planet's present climate. To this end, the primary task has been to adapt a new dynamical processor for the adiabatic tendencies of the atmospheric circulation into the NASA Ames Mars general circulation model (MGCM). Using identical boundary and initial conditions, several comparative tests between the new and old MGCMs have been performed and the nature of the simulated circulations have been diagnosed. With confidence that the updated version of the Ames MGCM produces quite similar mean and eddy circulation statistics, the new climate model is well poised as a tool to pursue fundamental questions related to the spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric water vapor on Mars, and to explore exchanges of water with non-atmospheric reservoirs and transport within its atmosphere. In particular, the role of surface sources and sinks can be explored, the range of water-vapor saturation altitudes can be investigated, and plausible precipitation mechanisms can be studied, for a range of atmospheric dust loadings. Such future investigations can contribute to a comprehensive study of surface inventories, exchange mechanisms, and the relative importance of atmospheric transport Mars' water cycle. A listing of presentations made and manuscripts submitted during the course of this project is provided.

Hollingsworth, Jeffery L.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Thermal interfaces in dynamic compression experiments

Temperature is a difficult thermodynamic variable to measure in dynamic compression experiments. Optical pyrometry is a general-purpose technique for measuring temperature from a radiant surface, but that surface is often the interface between distinct materials with temperatures that vary spatially along the loading direction. This leads to a fundamental problem: how does the measured interface temperature relate to this temperature profile along the compression axis? Numerical analysis of loading history and thermal diffusion at these interfaces shows that seemingly subtle changes in experiment geometry can lead to very different temperature profiles. We compare these results to laboratory temperature measurements of shock-compressed tin.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA NTRS1997

Videometric Applications in Wind Tunnels

Videometric measurements in wind tunnels can be very challenging due to the limited optical access, model dynamics, optical path variability during testing, large range of temperature and pressure, hostile environment, and the requirements for high productivity and large amounts of data on a daily basis. Other complications for wind tunnel testing include the model support mechanism and stringent surface finish requirements for the models in order to maintain aerodynamic fidelity. For these reasons nontraditional photogrammetric techniques and procedures sometimes must be employed. In this paper several such applications are discussed for wind tunnels which include test conditions with Mach number from low speed to hypersonic, pressures from less than an atmosphere to nearly seven atmospheres, and temperatures from cryogenic to above room temperature. Several of the wind tunnel facilities are continuous flow while one is a short duration blowdown facility. Videometric techniques and calibration procedures developed to measure angle of attack, the change in wing twist and bending induced by aerodynamic load, and the effects of varying model injection rates are described. Some advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are given and comparisons are made with non-optical and more traditional video photogrammetric techniques.

Burner, A. W.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Analysis of thermal and mechanical properties with inventory level of the molten salt storage tank in central receiver concentrating solar power plants

Molten salt thermal energy storage (TES) tanks ensure steady power output of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants; however, recent tank failures have highlighted the need for further analysis. Current studies primarily focus on analyzing the molten salt flow, heat transfer, and thermal efficiency. Additionally, research on the latest tank structures is limited and lacks newest experimental validation. This study measures temperature and molten salt inventory levels in the high-temperature tank at a 50 MW central receiver CSP plant, connected to the power grid in 2019. A multi-physics model was developed to evaluate thermal and mechanical properties of TES tanks by combining computational fluid dynamics and finite element modeling using real plant data. Heat loss, temperature, displacement, and stress distribution of the tank at different inventory levels were investigated. Results show that ambient air velocity near the tank roof reaches 2.14 m/s, much higher than 0.2 m/s near the wall. The temperatures of inventory fluid and tank are close, varying slightly at different levels due to thermal conduction and radiation. Because the heat loss strongly depends on temperature, the total tank loss remains nearly constant across inventory levels. Larger temperature gradients and thermal stresses are primarily localized along the tank floor edge and the air-salt interface. Notably, the maximum thermal stress at the tank edge is three times higher than that at the interface. The magnitude of total stress changes by less than 5 MPa with and without thermal load, indicating that high temperatures exert only a minor impact on tank stress. In contrast, thermal load significantly affects tank deformation, particularly at the roof edge, where values exceed 150 mm. Despite the large variation in molten salt levels, tank wall temperatures and displacements present a minor change, suggesting a weak correlation with inventory levels. In conclusion, the findings obtained in this study provide important insights on the TES tank that could be used to optimize tank design and operation strategies.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1932

Dynamic and Flight Tests on Rubber-Cord and Oleo-Rubber-Disk Landing Gears for an F6C-4 Airplane

The investigation described in this report was conducted for the purpose of comparing an oleo-rubber-disk and a rubber-cord landing gear, built for use on an F6C-4 airplane. The investigation consisted of drop tests under various loading conditions and flight tests on an F6C-4 airplane. In the drop tests the total work done on each gear and the work done on each of the shock-absorbing units were determined. For both drop tests and flight tests the maximum loads and accelerations were determined. The comparative results showed that the oleo gear was slightly superior in reducing the ordinary landing shocks, that it had a greater capacity for work, and that it was very superior in the reduction of the rebound. The results further showed that for drops comparable to very severe landings, the rubber-cord gear was potentially more effective as a shock-reducing mechanism. However, due to the construction of this chassis, which limited the maximum elongation of the cords, this gear was incapable of withstanding as severe tests as the oleo gear. The action of the oleo gear was greatly inferior to the action of an ideal gear. The maximum accelerations encountered during the flight tests for severe landings were 3.64g for the rubber-cord gear and 2.27g for the oleo gear. These were less than those experienced in free drops of 7 inches on either gear.

Peck, William C↗

DOE OSTI2025

Interface‐Controlled Redox Chemistry in Aqueous Mn 2 ⁺/MnO₂ Batteries

Manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) deposition/dissolution (Mn 2+ /MnO 2 ) chemistry, involving a two-electron-transfer process, holds promise for safe and eco-friendly large-scale energy storage. However, challenges like electrode/electrolyte interface environment fluctuations (H + and H 2 O activity), irreversible Mn degradation, and limited understanding of degradation mechanisms hinder the reversibility of the Mn 2+ /MnO 2 conversion. This study demonstrates a vanadyl/pervanadyl (VO 2+ /VO 2 + ) redox-mediated interface designed for high-energy Mn 2+ /MnO 2 batteries. Unlike flow systems, this work uncovers, for the first time, the mechanism of a static redox-mediated interface in regulating interfacial H + and H 2 O activities. Significantly, the VO 2+ /VO 2 + chemical redox mediation targets Mn 3+ intermediates, suppressing their hydrolysis and enabling 100% Mn 2+ /MnO 2 conversion. The redox-mediated interface enhances the Mn redox electron transfer process, achieving a stable ≈95% coulombic efficiency and ultrahigh capacity of 100 mAh cm −2 with an areal energy density of 111 mWh cm −2 , outperforming flow systems. The electrode also exhibits an average specific capacity of 593 mAh g −1 , approaching the theoretical limit of 616 mAh g −1 , and a specific energy density of 721 Wh kg −1 at high MnO 2 loadings (50–150 mg cm −2 ). Furthermore, the findings highlight the critical role of interfacial redox mediation in regulating H + and H 2 O activities and underscore the significance of interface dynamics.

Xue, Xinzhe [University of California, Santa Cruz,↗

DOE OSTI2025

Scalable Solution-Processed Electrolyte Membranes with Optimized Microstructure for High-Performance Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells

Proton-conducting electrochemical cells (PCECs) are promising for efficient hydrogen production, but achieving dense, uniform, thin electrolyte layers remains a key challenge, particularly for scalable fabrication. Here, we present a solution-processed deposition approach with a mechanistically optimized slurry for uniform electrolyte formation. By tailoring particle size distribution, solid loading, and solvent/additive balance, we regulated wetting behavior and evaporation kinetics of the electrolyte slurry to promote homogeneous electrolyte particle packing. These features facilitate tight grain boundary contact and early stage neck growth during sintering, eliminating residual porosity, and improving mechanical integrity. The resulting ∼15 μm thick electrolyte shows high density, strong electrode adhesion, and stable interfaces outperforming the previously reported spray-based fabricated electrolyte by about 31% at 600 °C in FC mode. Single cells deliver 0.962 W cm –2 at 600 °C in fuel cell mode and 1.31 A cm –2 at 1.3 V in electrolysis mode, maintaining robust performance over 100 h with negligible degradation (≤0.02% h –1 ) in each mode. Scale-up to 2.5 cm diameter substrates confirmed reproducible densification and geometric stability. This work demonstrates a cost-effective, scalable route where control over particle-fluid interactions and drying dynamics enables a superior electrolyte microstructure and high PCEC performance.

dense microstructure↗

DOE OSTI2023

Efficacy of vibro-impact energy harvesting absorbers on controlling dynamical systems under vortex-induced vibrations and base excitation

Here this study investigates improving the efficacy of an energy harvesting absorber's ability to control a structure under vortex-induced vibrations, base excitation, and a combination of the two by including mechanical amplitude stoppers. The nonlinear reduced-order model is developed through modifying trilinear spring models to represent the impact forces, a modified van der Pol oscillator to represent the forcing due to the vortex-induced vibrations and using the Euler-Lagrange principle to express the equations of motion. It is seen that a soft stopper stiffness and a 5mm gap performs the most effectively of increasing the power generated from the absorber while still greatly reducing the primary structure's amplitude. By changing the stopper's location towards the middle of the energy harvesting absorber, the large effects of the impact forces are reduced and improves the efficacy of medium and hard stopper stiffnesses to generate near the amount of power the soft stopper does, while greatly improving the control of the primary structure. When the system is under combined loadings, the large oscillations of the synchronization region cause the effective configuration to be that of a 27.5 mm gap with soft stiffnesses. The results shows that medium stiffness stoppers with small gaps generate large aperiodic regions due to the high impact force. When the oscillations are close to the stoppers, the beating phenomenon is observed and is not overpowered by the vibro-impact force.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗