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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 OSTI2011

X-ray nanotomography of SiO{sub 2}-coated Pt{sub 90}Ir{sub 10} tips with sub-micron conducting apex

Hard x-ray nanotomography provides an important three-dimensional view of insulator-coated ''smart tips'' that can be utilized for modern emerging scanning probe techniques. Tips, entirely coated by an insulating SiO{sub 2} film except at the very tip apex, are fabricated by means of electron beam physical vapor deposition, focused ion beam milling and ion beam-stimulated oxide growth. Although x-ray tomography studies confirm the structural integrity of the oxide film, transport measurements suggest the presence of defect-induced states in the SiO{sub 2} film. The development of insulator-coated tips can facilitate nanoscale analysis with electronic, chemical, and magnetic contrast by synchrotron-based scanning probe microscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Epitaxial growth of rock salt MgZrN 2 semiconductors on MgO and GaN

Ternary nitride compound semiconductors have attracted recent attention as electronic materials since their properties can be tuned by cation stoichiometry and ordering. A recently discovered example is MgZrN 2 , a ternary analog to the rock salt semiconductor ScN. MgZrN 2 has a larger bandgap and stronger dielectric response than the binary compound. Polycrystalline thin films of MgZrN 2 have been studied, but demonstration of high-quality growth is still required to establish its suitability for technological applications. Here, we report on epitaxial growth of MgZrN 2 thin films on (100) and (111) MgO substrates and (001) GaN templates. The MgZrN 2 composition is confirmed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, showing no oxygen in the film except for a thin surface oxide layer. Epitaxial growth results in MgZrN 2 with x-ray diffraction rocking curves with a full-width at half-maximum in the range of 0.3–3.0°, depending on the substrate. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the MgZrN 2 film grown on a (111) MgO substrate confirms epitaxial growth and shows a sharp film/substrate interface. In-plane temperature-dependent Hall effect measurements show that the material is an n-type semiconductor with a relatively high concentration ( n 300K ≈ 10 19 –10 20 cm -3 ) of thermally activated electrons. Room-temperature transport measurements show a conductivity of 25 S cm -1 and a Seebeck coefficient of -80 μ V K -1 . Overall, these results provide an important step toward integration of rock salt MgZrN 2 with other technological nitrides for device applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Multi-scale full-orbit analysis on phase-space behavior of runaway electrons in tokamak fields with synchrotron radiation

In this paper, the secular full-orbit simulations of runaway electrons with synchrotron radiation in tokamak fields are carried out using a relativistic volume-preserving algorithm. Detailed phase-space behaviors of runaway electrons are investigated in different dynamical timescales spanning 11 orders. In the small timescale, i.e., the characteristic timescale imposed by Lorentz force, the severely deformed helical trajectory of energetic runaway electron is witnessed. A qualitative analysis of the neoclassical scattering, a kind of collisionless pitch-angle scattering phenomena, is provided when considering the coupling between the rotation of momentum vector and the background magnetic field. In large timescale up to 1 s, it is found that the initial condition of runaway electrons in phase space globally influences the pitch-angle scattering, the momentum evolution, and the loss-gain ratio of runaway energy evidently. However, the initial value has little impact on the synchrotron energy limit. It is also discovered that the parameters of tokamak device, such as the toroidal magnetic field, the loop voltage, the safety factor profile, and the major radius, can modify the synchrotron energy limit and the strength of neoclassical scattering. The maximum runaway energy is also proved to be lower than the synchrotron limit when the magnetic field ripple is considered.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of microstructure on replacement and porosity generation during experimental dolomitization of limestones

Replacement reactions commonly alter the multiscale pore structures of rocks during fluid-rock interactions. Analysis of these processes in various model fluid-rock systems during controlled laboratory experiments provides insights into the origins of microstructures found in natural materials. This study focused on understanding the effects of initial starting material permeability and resultant differences in transport pathways on porosity and mineralogical changes during limestone dolomitization.A series of replacement experiments (32–317 days in duration) have been conducted in which 1.59 cm (5/8 in.) diameter cores of two different limestones were reacted with saturated MgCl2 solutions at 200 °C. The Texas Cream (Austin Chalk) is a high-porosity, high-permeability limestone, whereas both the porosity and permeability of the Carthage Marble (Burlington Limestone) are relatively low. Altered limestones were imaged using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF–SIMS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). A representative grain boundary of the low-porosity limestone was targeted for a focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results were coupled with analyses of radial changes in the porosity distribution of the core derived from X-ray and neutron small- and ultra-small angle scattering ((U)SANS/(U)SAXS).The high-porosity/permeability limestone showed a four times faster bulk replacement rate than the lower-porosity/permeability material, and a different mechanism of porosity development. For the low-porosity limestone, a two-stage replacement occurred, with the reacted region of the core consisting of an inner rim in which the limestone was replaced by two calcite-dolomite solid solutions, and an outer rim in which the dolomite was replaced by magnesite. Elongated pores formed along grain boundaries at the initial limestone/dolomite reaction interface, and additional nanometer-scale porosity was formed at the secondary magnesite replacement rim. Grain boundaries were identified as preferential pathways for transport leading to dolomitization and a grain boundary diffusion rate was calculated based on microstructural characterization. In contrast, replacement in the high-porosity limestone was accompanied by porosity generation through replacement of individual grains by dolomite throughout the sample and, in longer runs, magnesite in outer parts of the core. These observations emphasize that both the mechanisms of the replacement reaction and the microstructure and chemistry of the replaced product are contingent on the initial structure of the starting material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of Zn-doping on structural and magnetic properties of copper ferrite nanoparticles

The nanoparticles of CuFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (CF) and Cu{sub 0.8}Zn{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (CZF) were synthesized using co-precipitation method to study the effect of Zn doping in Cu-ferrite. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were well fitted with two-phase structure using Rietveld analysis as Fd-3 m space group (spinel system) and C12/c1 space group (monoclinic system CuO-phase). The average crystallite size of the CF and CZF nanoparticles for spinel structure are 6 and 7 nm respectively. The spinel phase fraction is increased from 56% to 71% with Zn-doping of 20% in CF. The transmission electron micrograph analysis showed the narrow size distribution for CZF nanoparticles. The magnetization plots as a function of magnetic field (M (H)) of CF and CZF nanoparticles indicate superparamagnetic behavior. The magnetization is increased with Zn-doping in CF. The stable spinel Cu-ferrite can be obtained with Zn-doping in CF.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Shear assisted processing and extrusion of enhanced strength aluminum alloy tubing

Hollow extrusions are used in many industries to make strong, lightweight, and affordable structures. Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) enables the extrusion of many alloys, often with noteworthy properties. In this investigation, ShAPE was used to extrude 1 and 2 mm wall tubes of aluminum alloy 6063 measuring 12 mm in diameter at extrusion speeds up to 3.8 m/min. This speed is 10 and 15 times faster than has been reported for any alloy using ShAPE and friction stir back extrusion, respectively. Increasing the extrusion speed from 0.7 to 3.8 m/s resulted in using 68% less process energy at steady state. Microstructural analysis and tensile testing were performed on as-extruded tubes and tubes with a direct T5 heat treatment. Grain refinement from 65 µm to below 20 µm was observed. Growth of macroscale Mg 2 Si strengthening precipitates was not observed. ShAPE processing resulted in recrystallization, and extrusion speed was shown to influence final extrudate texture. Here, transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the as-extruded microstructure was free of nanoscale ß" strengthening precipitates. Nanoscale ß" was prominent in direct-aged (T5) ShAPE tubes, similar to a slightly over-aged conventional T6 microstructure. As-extruded tubes had ultimate tensile strengths on par with conventional T5 extrusions and approximately double the total elongation. Tubes that underwent a T5 heat treatment had yield and ultimate strengths averaging 198 and 234 MPa, respectively, with an average total elongation of 11%. The tensile test results are comparable to a conventional T6 heat treatment, but without the solutionization heat treatment step. Mechanical properties either remained flat or improved with increased extrusion speed, which suggests that ShAPE can be scaled up to an industrial process to create energy- and economically efficient high-strength extrusions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

eIFiso4G Augments the Synthesis of Specific Plant Proteins Involved in Normal Chloroplast Function

The plant-specific translation initiation complex eIFiso4F is encoded by three genes in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana )—genes encoding the cap binding protein eIFiso4E ( eifiso4e ) and two isoforms of the large subunit scaffolding protein eIFiso4G ( i4g1 and i4g2 ). To quantitate phenotypic changes, a phenomics platform was used to grow wild-type and mutant plants ( i4g1 , i4g2 , i4e , i4g1 x i4g2 , and i4g1 x i4g2 x i4e [ i4f ]) under various light conditions. Mutants lacking both eIFiso4G isoforms showed the most obvious phenotypic differences from the wild type. Two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to identify changes in protein levels in plants lacking eIFiso4G. Four of the proteins identified as measurably decreased and validated by immunoblot analysis were two light harvesting complex binding proteins 1 and 3, Rubisco activase, and carbonic anhydrase. The observed decreased levels for these proteins were not the direct result of decreased transcription or protein instability. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction experiments indicated altered quinone reduction kinetics for the double and triple mutant plants with significant differences observed for absorbance, trapping, and electron transport. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the chloroplasts in mutant plants showed impaired grana stacking and increased accumulation of starch granules consistent with some chloroplast proteins being decreased. Rescue of the i4g1 x i4g2 plant growth phenotype and increased expression of the validated proteins to wild-type levels was obtained by overexpression of eIFiso4G1. These data suggest a direct and specialized role for eIFiso4G in the synthesis of a subset of plant proteins.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental Investigation and Monte Carlo Simulation of Quasielastic Electron Scattering From Helium-3 Clusters in Helium-4

Experiment E04-018 was conducted in Hall A of the Jefferson National Laboratory (JLab) from November 2006 through July 2007. The experiment used the two superconducting, high-resolution magnetic spectrometers of Hall A to detect scattered electrons and recoil nuclei. One goal of this experiment was to provide accurate data on the elastic charge form factor of 4He to high momentum transfers (up to Q2 = 77 fm?2). The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and simulate a very unique and unexpected class of data from this experiment. The work performed involved the analysis of electron scattering data with the 4He target of the JLab E04-018 experiment and Monte Carlo simulation studies of elastic and quasielastic electron scattering from the 4He and 3He few-body nuclear systems. The results of this experiment and the simulations provide insights into the existence of A = 3 clustering in 4He, and possibly in heavier nuclei.

Alahmade, Walaa↗
NASA NTRS1979

Analysis of suspended solids by single-particle scattering

Light scattering by individual particulates is used in a multiple-detector system to categorize the composition of suspended solids in terms of broad particulate categories. The scattering signatures of red clay and taconite tailings, the two primary particulate contaminants in western Lake Superior, along with two types of asbestiform fibers, amphibole and chrysolite, were studied in detail. A method was developed to predict the concentration of asbestiform fibers in filtration plant samples for which electron microscope analysis was done concurrently. Fiber levels as low as 50,000 fibers/liter were optically detectable. The method has application in optical categorization of samples for remote sensing purposes and offers a fast, inexpensive means for analyzing water samples from filtration plants for specific particulate contaminants.

Diehl, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ni partitioning between diopside and silicate melt - A redetermination by ion microprobe and recognition of an experimental complication

The capabilities of and potential problems with ion microprobe analysis are illustrated in the determination of Ni distribution between silicate melt and diopside as a function of concentration. Samples of diopside and a melt in the albite-anorthite-diopside system were doped with Ni to levels of 5.22 and 1.08 wt % and 1060, 138, 42 and 30 ppm, and with 3 ppm of Ni-63, and characterized by both electron and ion microprobe techniques. Measurements of Ni-62 distribution by the ion probe method give a ratio of 1.87 for the ratio of count rates in the diopsides with the glass, which is slightly lower than the value of 2.05 obtained from beta-track mapping. The measurements required the secondary ion signal to be linear with concentration in the range measured, and a calibration to correct for differential secondary ion yields from different phases. It is found, however, that partition coefficients measured for Ni-58 and Ni-60 are not constant with Ni concentration, probably due to Ni migration during crystallization. The results thus show ion microprobe analyses to be feasible for simultaneous measurements of distributions of more than one element, and of elements inappropriate for beta-track mapping or electron probe analysis.

Steele, I. M.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Defect induced d{sup 0} ferromagnetism in a ZnO grain boundary

Several experimental studies have referred to the grain boundary (GB) defect as the origin of ferromagnetism in zinc oxide (ZnO). However, the mechanism of this hypothesis has never been confirmed. Present study investigates the atomic structure and the effect of point defects in a ZnO GB using the generalized gradient approximation+U approximation. The relaxed GB possesses large periodicity and channels with 8 and 10 numbered atoms having 4 and 3 fold coordination. The Zn vacancy (V{sub Zn}) shows a tendency to be attracted to the GB, relative to the bulk-like region. Although no magnetization is obtained from point defect-free GB, V{sub Zn} induces spin polarization as large as 0.68 μ{sub B}/atom to the O sites at the GB. Ferromagnetic exchange energy >150 eV is obtained by increasing the concentration of V{sub Zn} and by the injection of holes into the system. Electronic structure analysis indicates that the spin polarization without external dopants originates from the O 2p orbitals, a common feature of d{sup 0} semiconductors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1989

Closure of field-aligned currents carried by super-Alfvenic auroral electrons

A linear analysis is carried out to investigate how the return current is generated for the field-aligned current carried by a super-Alfvenic auroral electron beam. If the electron beam is a thin sheet with thickness less than or equal to the electron inertia length, the negative space charge of the beam is neutralized by the ion polarization current produced by the beam. The return current in this case is generated on the two outsides of the beam connected to the polarization current to form a closed current loop. This current structure can explain the thin (a few km) current sheets in the auroral arcs observed by satellites.

Nakamura, Tadas↗
DOE OSTI2021

Switchable wetting of oxygen-evolving oxide catalysts

The surface wettability of catalysts is typically controlled via surface treatments that promote catalytic performance. Here we report on potential-regulated hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity at cobalt-based oxide interfaces with an alkaline solution. The switchable wetting of single particles, directly related to their activity and stability towards the oxygen evolution reaction, was revealed by electrochemical liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy. Analysis of the movement of the liquid in real time revealed distinctive wettability behaviour associated with specific potential ranges. At low potentials, an overall reduction of the hydrophobicity of the oxides was probed. Upon reversible reconstruction towards the surface oxyhydroxide phase, electrowetting was found to cause a change in the interfacial capacitance. At high potentials, the evolution of molecular oxygen, confirmed by operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy, was accompanied by a globally thinner liquid layer. This work directly links the physical wetting with the chemical oxygen evolution reaction of single particles, providing fundamental insights into solid–liquid interfacial interactions of oxygen-evolving oxides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

AB INITIO STUDY OF GRAIN BOUNDARY PROPERTIES OF TUNGSTEN ALLOYS

Density functional theory was employed to investigate the grain boundary (GB) property of W-TM alloys (TM: fifth and sixth row transition metals). GB strengthening was found for Hf, Ta, Nb, Ru, Re, Os and Ir for 27{l_brace}525{r_brace} and to a lesser degree for 11{l_brace}323{r_brace}. Lower valence solutes strengthen the GB at certain substitutional sites, while higher valence elements enforce it at other positions. For 3{l_brace}112{r_brace}, the alloys exhibit reduced cleavage energies. Hence, allowing with TMs increases the GB cohesion more effectively for large-angle GBs whose cleavage energy is, in general, inherently lower than the low-angle ones. Electron density analysis elucidates the mechanism of charge addition or depletion of the GB bonding region upon TM substitution at various positions leading to stronger or weaker intergranular cohesion, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Interfacial analysis of the ex-situ reinforced phase of a laser spot welded Zr-based bulk metallic glass composite

To study the interfacial reaction of the ex-situ reinforced phase (Ta) of a Zr-based ((Zr{sub 48}Cu{sub 36}Al{sub 8}Ag{sub 8})Si{sub 0.75} + Ta{sub 5}) bulk metallic glass composite after laser spot welding, the interfacial regions of the reinforced phases located at specific zones in the welds including the parent material, weld fusion zone and heat affected zone were investigated. Specimen preparation from the specific zones for transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed using the focused ion beam technique. The test results showed that the reinforced phases in the parent material, weld fusion zone and heat affected zone were all covered by an interfacial layer. From microstructure analysis, and referring to the phase diagram, it was clear that the thin layers are an intermetallic compound ZrCu phase. However, due to their different formation processes, those layers show the different morphologies or thicknesses. - Highlights: • An ex-situ Zr-based BMG composite was laser spot welded. • The interfacial regions of the RPs located at PM, WFZ and HAZ were investigated. • The RPs in the PM, WFZ and HAZ were all covered by a ZrCu interfacial layer. • Due to different formation processes, those layers show the different morphology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1976

N2O analysis in the atmosphere via electron capture-gas chromatography

The potential of commercially available pulse-modulated electron capture detector (ECD)-equipped gas chromatographs for direct measurement of ambient levels of N2O is assessed. Since the sensitivity of ECD to N2O is directly proportional to the detector operating temperature and detector standing current, it is necessary to use a 'hot' ECD (250-350 C). The method is shown to be very precise with a standard error not exceeding 1% for automated analysis of ambient air samples. The technology is available to permit highly accurate routine direct analysis of N2O in the troposphere and stratosphere. Both captured air samples or direct real-time measurement from research vessels or airborne platforms are possible.

Rasmussen, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interference patterns in the Spacelab 2 plasma wave data - Oblique electrostatic waves generated by the electron beam

During the Spacelab 2 mission the University of Iowa's Plasma Diagnostics Package (PDP) explored the plasma environment around the shuttle. Wideband spectrograms of plasma waves were obtained from the PDP at frequencies of 0-30 kHz and at distances up to 400 m from the shuttle. Strong low-frequency (below 10 kHz) electric field noise was observed in the wideband data during two periods in which an electron beam was ejected from the shuttle. This noise shows clear evidence of interference patterns caused by the finite (3.89 m) antenna length. The low-frequency noise was the most dominant type of noise produced by the ejected electron beam. Analysis of antenna interference patterns generated by these waves permits a determination of the wavelength, the direction of propagation, and the location of the source region. The observed waves have a linear dispersion relation very similar to that of ion acoustic waves. The waves are believed to be oblique ion acoustic or high-order ion cyclotron waves generated by a current of ambient electrons returning to the shuttle in response to the ejected electron beam.

Feng, Wei↗