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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 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Scaling relationships for the elastic moduli and viscosity of mixed lipid membranes

The elastic and viscous properties of biological membranes play a vital role in controlling cell functions that require local reorganization of the membrane components as well as dramatic shape changes such as endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, and cell division. These properties are widely acknowledged to depend on the unique composition of lipids within the membrane, yet the effects of lipid mixing on the membrane biophysical properties remain poorly understood. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the structural, elastic, and viscous properties of fluid membranes composed of binary mixtures of lipids with different tail lengths. We show that the mixed lipid membrane properties are not simply additive quantities of the single-component analogs. Instead, the mixed membranes are more dynamic than either of their constituents, quantified as a decrease in their bending modulus, area compressibility modulus, and viscosity. While the enhanced dynamics are seemingly unexpected, we show that the measured moduli and viscosity for both the mixed and single-component bilayers all scale with the area per lipid and collapse onto respective master curves. This scaling links the increase in dynamics to mixing-induced changes in the lipid packing and membrane structure. More importantly, the results show that the membrane properties can be manipulated through lipid composition the same way bimodal blends of surfactants, liquid crystals, and polymers are used to engineer the mechanical properties of soft materials, with broad implications for understanding how lipid diversity relates to biomembrane function.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Three-mode coupling interference patterns in the dynamic structure factor of a relaxor ferroelectric

A long-standing controversy for relaxor ferroelectrics has been the origin of the waterfall effect in the phonon dispersion curves, in which low-energy transverse phonons cascade into vertical columns. Originally interpreted as phonons interacting with polar nanoregions (PNRs), it was later explained as an interference effect of coupling damped optic and acoustic phonons. In light of a recently discovered PNR vibrational mode near the waterfall wavevector [M. E. Manley, J. W. Lynn, D. L. Abernathy, E. D. Specht, O. Delaire, A. R. Bishop, R. Sahul, and J. D. Budai, Nat. Commun. 5, 3683 (2014)] we have reexamined this feature using neutron scattering on [100]-poled PMN-30%PT (0.6Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 0.3PbTiO 3 ). In addition, we find that the PNR mode couples to both optic and acoustic phonons, and that this results in complex patterns in the dynamic structure factor, including intensity pockets and peaks localized in momentum-energy space. These features are fully explained by extending the mode-coupling model to include three coupled damped harmonic oscillators representing the transverse optic, acoustic, and PNR modes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2025

Initial Design Curves for Alloy 709 for an Improved Creep-fatigue Design Method

Creep-fatigue (CF) interaction damage is the primary damage mode for high-temperature structural components subjected to cyclic loading. Over the past several decades, researchers within the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section III, Division 5, have focused on developing elevated temperature code rules to ensure conservative structural designs that mitigate CF failure in high-temperature reactors. The existing CF evaluation methodologies in the Code are based on the creep and fatigue damage diagram approach, which is complex and often excessively conservative. The alternative CF evaluation approach proposed here is intended to significantly simplify the evaluation procedure while reducing conservatism in high-temperature component design analysis. This alternative CF evaluation method integrates the elastic–perfectly plastic (EPP) analysis approach with the simplified model test (SMT) CF design concept, leveraging the advantages of both methods. This report presents the preliminary analysis and the approach for developing CF design curves for Alloy 709, utilizing fatigue and CF data generated for the 100,000-hr Code Case to support its qualification to ASME Section III, Division 5 for Class A construction of high temperature reactors. This study is to support the incorporation of Alloy 709 in this alternative CF evaluation method. Recommendations for the remaining work needed to complete the effort are also provided.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Type-II vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser with Watt level output powers at 1.2 μ m

Semiconductor laser characteristics based on type-II band-aligned quantum well heterostructures for the emission at 1.2 μm are presented. Ten “W”-quantum wells consisting of GaAs/(GaIn)As/Ga(AsSb)/(GaIn)As/GaAs are arranged as resonant periodic gain in a vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser. Its structure is analyzed by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and reflectance measurements. The laser's power curves and spectra are investigated. Output powers at Watt level are achieved, with a maximum output power of 4 W. It is confirmed that laser operation only involves the type-II transition. A blue shift of the material gain is observed while the modal gain exhibits a red shift.

Möller, C.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Study of dark-matter admixed neutron stars using the equation of state from the rotational curves of galaxies

In this work, we employ the dark matter equations of state (DMEOSs) obtained from the rotational curves of galaxies as well as the fermionic DMEOS with m=1.0 GeV to study the structure of dark-matter admixed neutron stars (DMANSs). Applying the equation of state in the Skyrme framework for the neutron matter (NM), we calculate the mass–radius relation for different DMANSs with various DMEOSs and central pressure of dark matter (DM) to NM ratios. Our results show that for some DMEOSs, the mass–radius relations are in agreement with new observations, e.g., EXO 1745-248, 4U 1608-52, and 4U 1820-30, which are inconsistent with normal neutron stars. We conclude that both DMEOSs and central pressure ratios of DM to NM affect the slope of the mass–radius relation of DMANSs. This is because of the interaction between DM and NM, which leads to gravitationally or self-bound DMANSs. We study the radius of the NM sphere as well as the radius of the DM halo for different DMANSs. The results confirm that, in some cases, a NM sphere with a small radius is surrounded by a halo of DM with a larger radius. Our calculations verify that, due to the different degrees of DM domination in DMANSs, with a value of the visible radius of a star two possible DMANSs with different masses can exist. The gravitational redshift is also calculated for DMANSs with different DMEOSs and central pressure ratios. The results explain that the existence of DM in a DMANS leads to higher values of gravitational redshift of the star.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Slow spin dynamics and quantum tunneling of magnetization in the dipolar antiferromagnet DyScO 3

Here, we present a comprehensive study of static and dynamic magnetic properties in the Ising-like dipolar antiferromagnet (AFM) DyScO 3 by means of DC and AC magnetization measurements supported by classical Monte Carlo calculations. Our AC-susceptibility data show that the magnetic dynamics exhibit a clear crossover from an Arrhenius-like regime to quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) at T*=10K. Below T N =3.2K, DyScO 3 orders in an antiferromagnetic GxAy-type magnetic structure and the magnetization dynamics slow down to the minute timescale. The low-temperature magnetization curves exhibit complex hysteretic behavior, which depends strongly on the magnetic field sweep rate. We demonstrate that the low-field anomalies on the magnetization curve are related to the metamagnetic transition, while the hysteresis at higher fields is induced by a strong magnetocaloric effect. Our theoretical calculations, which take into account dipolar interaction between Dy 3+ moments, reproduce essential features of the magnetic behavior of DyScO 3 . We demonstrate that DyScO 3 represents a rare example of an inorganic compound, which exhibits QTM at a single-ion level and magnetic order due to classical dipolar interaction.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Study of the Reactivity of Ni Nanotubes in Media with Different рН

Nickel nanotubes have been synthesized by electrochemical deposition, and their reactivity in aggressive media has been investigated. Kinetic curves of the variation in the atomic ratio between Ni and O in the nanotube crystal structure as a function of the medium acidity are built.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Dynamics of Magnetic Skyrmions in Nanodots

Bloch and Neel magnetic skyrmions have been studied in systems of confined geometry (nanodots, a linear array of nanodots). The spectra of low- and high-frequency excitation modes of a skyrmion state have been calculated. It has been shown that skyrmion spectrum asymmetry, namely, the characteristic difference between the frequencies of the azimuthal modes of the azimuthal skyrmion modes rotating clockwise and counterclockwise, is associated with asymmetry in the magnetization profiles of high-frequency spin waves propagating on the background of a skyrmion state in a nanodot. The low-frequency spectrum contains the only gyrotropic mode localized near the center of a nanodot. The gyrotropic frequency depends on the material parameters of a nanodot and the size of a skyrmion. The eigenfrequency of the gyrotropic mode of an isolated skyrmion in a nanodot in ultrathin films (L ~ 1 nm) does not depend on the internal structure of a skyrmion and is the same for Bloch and Neel skyrmions. The interaction of skyrmions, in particular, in a linear chain of nanodots with the ground skyrmion state, leads to distinctions in low-frequency spectra. The structure of a skyrmion (of Bloch or Neel type) is exhibited as a shift of dispersion curves and a difference between the frequencies of ferromagnetic resonance in a system of interacting skyrmions.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Determining Exoplanetary Oblateness Using Transit Depth Variations

The measurement of an exoplanet’s oblateness and obliquity provides insights into the planet’s internal structure and formation history. Previous work using small differences in the shape of the transit light curve has been moderately successful, but was hampered by the small signal and extreme photometric precision required. The measurement of changes in transit depth, caused by the spin precession of an oblate planet, was proposed as an alternative method. Here, we present the first attempt to measure these changes. Using Kepler photometry, we examined the brown dwarf Kepler-39b and the warm Saturn Kepler-427b. We could not reliably constrain the oblateness of Kepler-39b. We find transit depth variations for Kepler-427b at 90.1% significance (1.65σ) consistent with a precession period of P{sub prec}=5.45{sub −0.37}{sup +0.46} years and an oblateness of f=0.19{sub −0.16}{sup +0.32}. This oblateness is comparable to solar system gas giants and would raise questions about the dynamics and tidal synchronization of Kepler-427b.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1978

Sun tracking solar energy collector

A parabolic reflector is supported so that it can track the sun. The support for this reflector comprises an azimuth frame supported on two wheels and a central pivotal point which are positioned in a substantially triangular configuration. On top of the azimuth frame, there is provided an elevation frame. The reflector rides on wheels captured within curved rails. The wheels of the azimuth frame are driven by an azimuth actuator. The reflector structure is counterbalanced about its elevation axis by a pendulum cable system which is driven by a motor. At the focal point of the parabolic reflector, a heat engine or receiver is mounted independently on the reflector. Suitable means are provided for moving the reflector about its two axes.

Perkins, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Study of polyphenyl ether fluid /5P4E/ in operating elastohydrodynamic contacts by infrared emission spectroscopy

Infrared emission spectra of 5P4E polyphenyl ether were obtained from an operating elastohydrodynamic sliding contact at different speeds and loads by Fourier emission microspectrophotometry. The spectra were found to be polarized with respect to the direction of the conjunction line, especially at high shear rates. Film and metal surface temperatures were calculated from the spectra, and film thicknesses were determined under various operating conditions. Changes of polarized band structure above a critical shear rate, at which the slope of the film temperature versus shear curve changes abruptly and at which the film thickness assumes a minimum value, are consistent with a transition of the lubricant from a viscous liquid to a viscoelastic liquid or to an elastic solid.

Lauer, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Photovoltaic module encapsulation design and materials section, volume 2

Tests for chemical structure, material properties, water absorption, aging and curing agent of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and UV absorption studies are carried out. A computer model was developed for thermal optical modeling, to investigate dependence between module operating temperature and solar insolation, and heat dissapation behavior. Structural analyses were performed in order to determine the stress distribution under wind and heat conditions. Curves are shown for thermal loading conditions. An electrical isolation was carried out to investigate electrical stress aging of non-metallic encapsulation materials and limiting material flaws, and to develop a computer model of electrical fields and stresses in encapsulation materials. In addition, a mathematical model was developed and tests were conducted to predict hygroscopic and thermal expansion and contraction on a plastic coated wooden substrate. Thermal cycle and humidity freezing cycle tests, partial discharge tests, and hail impact tests were also carried out. Finally, the effects of soiling on the surface of photovoltaic modules were investigated. Two antisoiling coatings, a fluorinated silane and perflourodecanoic acid were considered.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Anisotropy and shear-velocity heterogeneities in the upper mantle

Long-period surface waves are used to map lateral heterogeneities of velocity and anisotropy in the upper mantle. The dispersion curves are expanded in spherical harmonics up to degree 6 and inverted to find the depth structure. The data are corrected for the effect of surface layers and both Love and Rayleigh waves are used. Shear wave velocity and shear polarization anisotropy can be resolved down to a depth of about 450 km. The shear wave velocity distribution to 200 km depth correlates with surface tectonics, except in a few anomalous regions. Below that depth the correlation vanishes. Cold subducted material shows up weakly at 350 km as fast S-wave anomalies. In the transition region a large scale pattern appears with fast mantle in the South-Atlantic. S-anisotropy at 200 km can resolve uprising or downwelling currents under some ridges and subduction zones. The Pacific shows a NW-SE fabric.

Nataf, H.-C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High-resolution ultraviolet observations of interstellar lines toward Zeta Persei observed with the balloon-borne ultraviolet stellar spectrometer

The balloon-borne ultraviolet stellar spectrometer payload has been used to obtain high-resolution data on interstellar absorption lines toward Zeta Per. The only lines clearly present in the 2150-2450 region were several Fe II features, which show double structure. The two velocity components were sufficiently well separated that it was possible to construct separate curves of growth to derive the Fe II column densities for the individual components. These column densities and the component velocity separation were then used to compute a realistic two-component curve of growth for the line of sight to Zeta Per, which was then used to reanalyze existing ultraviolet data from Copernicus. The results were generally similar to an earlier two-component analysis of the Copernicus data, with the important exception that the silicon depletion increased from near zero to about 1 dex. This makes the Zeta Per depletion pattern quite similar to those derived for other reddened lines of sight, supporting the viewpoint that the general diffuse interstellar medium has a nearly constant pattern of depletions.

Snow, Theodore P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ginga observations of dipping low mass X ray binaries

Ginga observations of several low mass X ray binaries displaying pronounced dips of variable depth and duration in their X ray light curves are analyzed. The periodic occultation of the central X ray source by azimuthal accretion disk structure is considered. A series of spectra selected by intensity from the dip data from XB1916-053, are presented. The effects of a rapidly changing column density upon the spectral fitting results are modeled. EXO0748-676 was observed in March 1989 for three days. The source was found to be in a bright state with a 1 to 20 keV flux of 8.8 x 10 (exp -10) erg/sqcms. The data include two eclipses, observed with high time resolution.

Smale, Alan P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ice haze, snow, and the Mars water cycle

Light curves and extinction profiles derived from Martian limb observations are used to constrain the atmospheric temperature structure in regions of the atmosphere with thin haze and to analyze the haze particle properties and atmospheric eddy mixing. Temperature between 170 and 190 K are obtained for three cases at levels in the atmosphere ranging from 20 to 50 km. Eddy diffusion coefficients around 100,000 sq cm/s, typical of a nonconvecting atmosphere, are derived in the haze regions at times when the atmosphere is relatively clear of dust. This parameter apparently changes by more than three orders of magnitude with season and local conditions. The derived particle size parameter varies systematically by more than an order of magnitude with condensation level, in such a way that the characteristic fall time is always about one Martian day. Ice hazes provide a mechanism for scavenging water vapor in the thin Mars atmosphere and may play a key role in the seasonal cycle of water on Mars.

Kahn, Ralph↗
NASA NTRS1991

Properties of the SN 1987A circumstellar ring and the distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud

The distance to SN 1987A was determined by comparing the angular size of its circumstellar ring, measured from an HST image obtained in a narrow forbidden O III 5007 A filter, with its absolute size derived from an analysis of the light curves of narrow UV lines measured with the IUE. The analysis confirms that the observed elliptical structure is a circular ring seen at a mean inclination of i = 42.8 + or - 2.6 deg and provides a determination of its absolute diameter of (1.27 + or - 0.07) x 10 to the 18th cm. Its ratio to the angular diameter of 1.66 + or - 0.03 arcsec gives an accurate determination of the distance to SN 1987A, i.e., d(1987A) = 51.2 + or - 3.1 kpc.

Panagia, N.↗