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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on intensity calibration for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments using low-density polyethylene

We report the results of a Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards interlaboratory study on the intensity scale calibration of x-ray photoelectron spectrometers using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as an alternative material to gold, silver, and copper. An improved set of LDPE reference spectra, corrected for different instrument geometries using a quartz-monochromated Al Kα x-ray source, was developed using data provided by participants in this study. Using these new reference spectra, a transmission function was calculated for each dataset that participants provided. When compared to a similar calibration procedure using the NPL reference spectra for gold, the LDPE intensity calibration method achieves an absolute offset of ~3.0% and a systematic deviation of ±6.5% on average across all participants. For spectra recorded at high pass energies (≥90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ~5.8% and ±5.7%, respectively, whereas for spectra collected at lower pass energies (<90 eV), values of absolute offset and systematic deviation are ~4.9% and ±8.8%, respectively; low pass energy spectra perform worse than the global average, in terms of systematic deviations, due to diminished count rates and signal-to-noise ratio. Differences in absolute offset are attributed to the surface roughness of the LDPE induced by sample preparation. We further assess the usability of LDPE as a secondary reference material and comment on its performance in the presence of issues such as variable dark noise, x-ray warm up times, inaccuracy at low count rates, and underlying spectrometer problems. In response to participant feedback and the results of the study, we provide an updated LDPE intensity calibration protocol to address the issues highlighted in the interlaboratory study. Finally, we also comment on the lack of implementation of a consistent and traceable intensity calibration method across the community of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) users and, therefore, propose a route to achieving this with the assistance of instrument manufacturers, metrology laboratories, and experts leading to an international standard for XPS intensity scale calibration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Unified Software Architecture for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Data Management and Processing: FY 2023 Multidimensional Data Correlation Platform

This report details the various digital manufacturing activities ongoing at ORNL as part of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program. The AMMT program is exploring a data-driven approach to demonstrate the use of AM for the fabrication of components for nuclear applications, with the goal of providing a greater understanding of manufacturing quality outcomes that would pave the way toward the development of standards for certification and qualification. The objective of this work package is to establish a digital manufacturing discipline common to all participants of the AMMT program to improve the performance, reliability, and lifetime of nuclear components. As part of this effort, we will develop a unified software architecture for AMMT data management and processing, deploy the digital platform across AMMT participants’ facilities, and generate pedigreed datasets in a common format across multiple labs and facilities. To this end, the MDDC work package has focused on three activities during FY23. First, the MDF Digital Tool was overhauled to better serve the needs of the AMMT program. Next, multiple laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems at the MDF were upgraded to a common sensor package for collecting comparable in situ data across machines. Finally, various improvements relevant to the AMMT program were implemented in the ORNL-developed software tool, Peregrine. This report marks the completion of FY23 milestone M3CR-22OR0403051: Report Describing the Architecture of the Digital Platform to Support AMMT Activities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enabling Efficient Water Splitting with Advanced Materials Designed for High pH Membrane Interface

This project was focused on developing the durable, high-performance materials and interfaces for advanced water splitting, enabling a clear pathway for achieving <$2/Kg H2 (on scale) with efficiency of 43 kWh/kg H 2 via anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based electrolysis. We aimed to advance these final goals via an improved fundamental understanding of both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) leading to novel platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalyst materials in conjunction with critical improvements in membrane and ionomers and gas evolution electrodes with corresponding characterization and testing. Northeastern University (NU) lead this effort focusing on catalyst development and characterization (both in situ and ex situ) while project partners lead improvements in ionomer and membrane materials and will aid in the development of specialized electrode and membrane electrode assemblies. In addition, close collaboration occured with the HydroGEN Energy Materials Network (EMN) National Laboratory consortium including efforts related to use of advanced ionomers, durability protocols and validation of electrolyzer materials (e.g. NREL), multiscale modeling and computation (e.g. LBNL), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the membrane catalyst interface (e.g. SNL). The interactions with HydroGEN included exchange of data and materials as needed to facilitate project success.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Submerged Fatigue Testing of Marine Energy Advanced Materials: Preprint

Marine energy structures are typically made of advanced composite materials and are subjected to extreme ocean environments in service. In extreme ocean environments, seawater currents and waves load structures repeatedly, which cause two environmental conditions: water intrusion and mechanical fatigue. In prior research, the two environmental conditions were applied sequentially, where composite specimens were aged and then mechanically tested. To understand the combined effects of dynamic loading and water intrusion on composite materials, the present study involves the static and fatigue four-point bend testing of composite coupons in a water tank. The water tank was designed and built to fit either a 100 kN or a 250 kN load frame. Flexural strength value, cycles to failure, and failure mode results from submerged fatigue testing will be used to inform marine energy structure designs. The coupon-scale test method will be used to scale up to and inform methods for subsequent subcomponent testing and standards development. The benefits of designing marine energy structures to informed standards are decreased lifetime costs and increased reliability and energy production, ultimately leading to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system.

composite materials↗
NASA NTRS1994

Synthesis and characterization of advanced materials for Navy applications

The synthesis of ceramics and ceramic coatings through the sol-gel process has extensive application with the United States Navy and a broad range of potential commercial applications as well. This paper surveys seven specific applications for which the Navy is investigating these advanced materials. For each area, the synthetic process is described and the characteristics of the materials are discussed.

Covino, J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

The influence of stacking faults on mechanical behavior of advanced materials

We report there are abundant studies on deformation mechanisms in metallic materials dominated by grain boundaries and twin boundaries. In comparison, the influence of stacking faults on deformation mechanisms of materials remains less well understood. Recent studies have shown that when the density of stacking faults increases sharply, their influence on mechanical behavior of metallic or ceramic materials becomes prominent, and in fact, dominates in some cases. This article reviews recent research progress on how nanoscale stacking faults impact the mechanical behavior of metallic and ceramic materials. We primarily focus on studies that reveal the formation of pre-existing stacking faults, their interactions with dislocations, and phase transformations during plastic deformation as evidenced by experiments and simulations. The aim of this review is to highlight the potential opportunities in using stacking faults to tailor the deformation mechanisms of advanced materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Enabling Efficient Water Splitting with Advanced Materials Designed for High pH Membrane Interface

This research focuses on durable, high-performance materials and interfaces for advanced water splitting, enabling a clear pathway for achieving <$2/KgH2 (on scale) via anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based electrolysis. We aim to advance this goal via an improved fundamental understanding of both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) leading to platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalyst materials. Here, we use NiFeCo and NiMo as OER and HER catalysts, respectively, in a full alkaline electrolysis cell. A thermally stable, multi-cation AEM is used to operate the cell at elevated temperatures thereby lowering the operating potential by increasing the kinetics of the respective catalytic reactions. The transition metal catalysts, paired with this novel AEM, have been used to achieve an operating potential of 1.79 V at 1 A/cm2. This potential is 300 mV lower than similar electrolysis cells equipped with PGM-based catalysts. We have also demonstrated the efficacy of the less caustic potassium carbonate solution as a replacement for potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte. By using a carbonate-based electrolyte, the hydroxide ion required for the anodic reaction is continuously replenished by re-establishing an equilibrium with water. This consideration, coupled with the reduced alkalinity of the carbonate solution, yields an electrolysis cell capable of sustained operation with minimal increase in operating potential.

Kendrick, Ian↗
DOE OSTI2022

Turning Natural Herbaceous Fibers into Advanced Materials for Sustainability

Considering the growing concerns about natural resource depletion, energy inequality, and climate crises, biomass-derived materials—the most abundant organic matter on the planet—have received a lot of attention as a potential alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Herbaceous biomasses and extracted cellulose have recently been extensively used in the development of high-performance and multifunctional materials. Herbaceous biomass has sparked interest due to its species diversity, abundance, low cost, lightweight, and sustainability. This review discusses the structure versus property relationships of various sources of herbaceous biomasses (e.g., sugarcane, straw, and bamboo) and their extracted biomaterials, as well as the latest emerging applications from macro- and microscales to nanoscales. We report, high-strength structural materials, porous carbon materials, multichannel materials, and flexible materials are examples of these applications, which include sustainable electronics, environmentally friendly energy harvesting, smart materials, and biodegradable structural buildings.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Advanced Materials Program Summary

Materials solutions - enabling design, construction, and operation of licensable Advanced Nuclear Material, design, fabrication, installation, examination, testing, overpressure protection, inspection, stamping, and certification

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Designing New Materials for Photovoltaics: Opportunities for Lowering Cost and Increasing Performance through Advanced Material Innovations

Within the framework of IEA PVPS, Task 13 aims to provide support to market actors working to improve the operation, the reliability and the quality of PV components and systems. Operational data from PV systems in different climate zones compiled within the project will help provide the basis for estimates of the current situation regarding PV reliability and performance. The general setting of Task 13 provides a common platform to summarize and report on technical aspects affecting the quality, performance, reliability and lifetime of PV systems in a wide variety of environments and applications. By working together across national boundaries we can all take advantage of research and experience from each member country and combine and integrate this knowledge into valuable summaries of best practices and methods for ensuring PV systems perform at their optimum and continue to provide competitive return on investment. Task 13 has so far managed to create the right framework for the calculations of various parameters that can give an indication of the quality of PV components and systems. The framework is now there and can be used by the industry who has expressed appreciation towards the results included in the high-quality reports. The IEA PVPS countries participating in Task 13 are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States of America.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1976

Cost/benefit analysis of advanced materials technologies for future aircraft turbine engines

The cost/benefits of advance commercial gas turbine materials are described. Development costs, estimated payoffs and probabilities of success are discussed. The materials technologies investigated are: (1) single crystal turbine blades, (2) high strength hot isostatic pressed turbine disk, (3) advanced oxide dispersion strengthened burner liner, (4) bore entry cooled hot isostatic pressed turbine disk, (5) turbine blade tip - outer airseal system, and (6) advance turbine blade alloys.

Bisset, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Role of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing in Future NASA Exploration Missions

Future NASA missions to the Moon and Mars will require significant advances in materials and manufacturing technologies. These missions will likely be constrained in mass and volume. Lightweight, high strength materials will be required to reduce the mass of launch vehicles and spacecraft in order to maximize the amount of supplies and equipment that can be transported to the surface of the planet. Additive manufacturing and advanced in-space assembly methods will be needed to fabricate spare parts and build habitats for the astronauts. Methods to convert resources on the planet and recycle waste into materials, parts, and fuel will also be required. This presentation will discuss some of these needs, potential solutions currently being explored, and research opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers from industry and government to help address these needs.

chemistry↗
NASA NTRS2003

Mechanistic Studies Of Combustion And Structure Formation During Combustion Synthesis Of Advanced Materials: Phase Separation Mechanism For Bio-Alloys

Among all implant materials, Co-Cr-Mo alloys demonstrate perhaps the most useful balance of resistance to corrosion, fatigue and wear, along with strength and biocompatibility [1]. Currently, these widely used alloys are produced by conventional furnace technology. Owing to high melting points of the main alloy elements (e.g. Tm.p.(Co) ~1768 K), high-temperature furnaces and long process times (several hours) are required. Therefore, attempts to develop more efficient and flexible methods for production of such alloys with superior properties are of great interest. The synthesis of materials using combustion phenomena is an advanced approach in powder metallurgy [2]. The process is characterized by unique conditions involving extremely fast heating rates (up to 10(exp 6 K/s), high temperatures (up to 3500 K), and short reaction times (on the order of seconds). As a result, combustion synthesis (CS) offers several attractive advantages over conventional metallurgical processing and alloy development technologies. The foremost is that solely the heat of chemical reaction (instead of an external source) supplies the energy for the synthesis. Also, simple equipment, rather than energy-intensive high-temperature furnaces, is sufficient. This work was devoted to experiments on CS of Co-based alloys by utilizing thermite (metal oxide-reducing metal) reactions, where phase separation subsequently produces materials with tailored compositions and properties. Owing to high reaction exothermicity, the CS process results in a significant increase of temperature (up to 3000 C), which is higher than melting points of all products. Since the products differ in density, phase separation may be a gravitydriven process: the heavy (metallic phase) settles while the light (slag) phase floats. The goal was to determine if buoyancy is indeed the major mechanism that controls phase segregation.

Varma, A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A manufacturing database of advanced materials used in spacecraft structures

Cost savings opportunities over the life cycle of a product are highest in the early exploratory phase when different design alternatives are evaluated not only for their performance characteristics but also their methods of fabrication which really control the ultimate manufacturing costs of the product. In the past, Design-To-Cost methodologies for spacecraft design concentrated on the sizing and weight issues more than anything else at the early so-called 'Vehicle Level' (Ref: DOD/NASA Advanced Composites Design Guide). Given the impact of manufacturing cost, the objective of this study is to identify the principal cost drivers for each materials technology and propose a quantitative approach to incorporating these cost drivers into the family of optimization tools used by the Vehicle Analysis Branch of NASA LaRC to assess various conceptual vehicle designs. The advanced materials being considered include aluminum-lithium alloys, thermoplastic graphite-polyether etherketone composites, graphite-bismaleimide composites, graphite- polyimide composites, and carbon-carbon composites. Two conventional materials are added to the study to serve as baseline materials against which the other materials are compared. These two conventional materials are aircraft aluminum alloys series 2000 and series 7000, and graphite-epoxy composites T-300/934. The following information is available in the database. For each material type, the mechanical, physical, thermal, and environmental properties are first listed. Next the principal manufacturing processes are described. Whenever possible, guidelines for optimum processing conditions for specific applications are provided. Finally, six categories of cost drivers are discussed. They include, design features affecting processing, tooling, materials, fabrication, joining/assembly, and quality assurance issues. It should be emphasized that this database is not an exhaustive database. Its primary use is to make the vehicle designer aware of some of the most important aspects of manufacturing associated with his/her choice of the structural materials. The other objective of this study is to propose a quantitative method to determine a Manufacturing Complexity Factor (MCF) for each material being contemplated. This MCF is derived on the basis of the six cost drivers mentioned above plus a Technology Readiness Factor which is very closely related to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) as defined in the Access To Space final report. Short of any manufacturing information, our MCF is equivalent to the inverse of TRL. As more manufacturing information is available, our MCF is a better representation (than TRL) of the fabrication processes involved. The most likely application for MCF is in cost modeling for trade studies. On-going work is being pursued to expand the potential applications of MCF.

Bao, Han P.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Advanced Materials and Component Development for Lithium-Ion Cells for NASA Missions

Human missions to Near Earth Objects, such as asteroids, planets, moons, liberation points, and orbiting structures, will require safe, high specific energy, high energy density batteries to provide new or extended capabilities than are possible with today s state-of-the-art aerospace batteries. The Enabling Technology Development and Demonstration Program, High Efficiency Space Power Systems Project battery development effort at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is continuing advanced lithium-ion cell development efforts begun under the Exploration Technology Development Program Energy Storage Project. Advanced, high-performing materials are required to provide improved performance at the component-level that contributes to performance at the integrated cell level in order to meet the performance goals for NASA s High Energy and Ultra High Energy cells. NASA s overall approach to advanced cell development and interim progress on materials performance for the High Energy and Ultra High Energy cells after approximately 1 year of development has been summarized in a previous paper. This paper will provide an update on these materials through the completion of 2 years of development. The progress of materials development, remaining challenges, and an outlook for the future of these materials in near term cell products will be discussed.

Reid, Concha M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Performance Optimization of Storable Bipropellant Engines to Fully Exploit Advanced Material Technologies

This paper summarizes the work performed to dale on the NASA Cycle 3A Advanced Chemical Propulsion Technology Program. The primary goals of the program are to design, fabricate, and test high performance bipropellant engines using iridium/rhenium chamber technology to obtain 335 seconds specific impulse with nitrogen tetroxide/hydrazine propellants and 330 seconds specific impulse with nitrogen tetroxide/monomethylhydrazine propellants. Aerojet has successfully completed the Base Period of this program, wherein (1) mission and system studies have been performed to verify system performance benefits and to determine engine physical and operating parameters, (2) preliminary chamber and nozzle designs have been completed and a chamber supplier has been downselected, (3) high temperature, high pressure off-nominal hot fire testing of an existing state-of-the-art high performance bipropellant engine has been completed, and (4) thermal and performance data from the engine test have been correlated with new thermal models to enable design of the new engine injector and injector/chamber interface. In the next phase of the program, Aerojet will complete design, fabrication, and test of the nitrogen tetroxide/hydrazine engine to demonstrate 335 seconds specific impulse, and also investigate improved technologies for iridium/rhenium chamber fabrication. Achievement of the NRA goals will significantly benefit NASA interplanetary missions and other government and commercial opportunities by enabling reduced launch weight and/or increased payload. At the conclusion of the program, the objective is to have an engine ready for final design and qualification for a specific science mission or commercial application. The program also constitutes a stepping stone to future, development, such as higher pressure pump-fed in-space storable engines.

Miller, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Combustion Research Facility for Testing Advanced Materials for Space Applications

The test facility presented herein uses a groundbased rocket combustor to test the durability of new ceramic composite and metallic materials in a rocket engine thermal environment. A gaseous H2/02 rocket combustor (essentially a ground-based rocket engine) is used to generate a high temperature/high heat flux environment to which advanced ceramic and/or metallic materials are exposed. These materials can either be an integral part of the combustor (nozzle, thrust chamber etc) or can be mounted downstream of the combustor in the combustor exhaust plume. The test materials can be uncooled, water cooled or cooled with gaseous hydrogen.

Bur, Michael J.↗