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At least 955 records · Page 53
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

A Geometric Measure Theory Approach to Identify Complex Structural Features on Soft Matter Surfaces

The structural features that protrude above or below a soft matter interface are well-known to be related to interfacially mediated chemical reactivity and transport processes. It is a challenge to develop a robust algorithm for identifying these organized surface structures, as the morphology can be highly varied and they may exist on top of an interface containing significant interfacial roughness. A new algorithm that employs concepts from geometric measure theory, algebraic topology, and optimization is developed to identify candidate structures at a soft matter surface, and then, using a probabilistic approach, to rank their likelihood of being a complex structural feature. The algorithm is tested for a surfactant laden water/oil interface, where it is robust to identifying protrusions responsible for water transport against a set identified by visual inspection. To our knowledge, this is the first example of applying geometric measure theory to analyze the properties of a chemical/materials science system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Role of Wadsley Defects and Cation Disorder to Enhance MoNb 12 O 33 Diffusion

Wadsley-Roth (WR) niobates have emerged as high-rate anode materials that can combine rapid ionic diffusion with good electronic conductivity. WR compounds have been defect-enhanced by limited annealing, however, such materials often contain multiple types of defects. In particular, both Wadsley defects (variable block size) and transition metal disorder have the potential to modify transport rates, however the corresponding effects are not well understood mechanistically. Here, MoNb 12 O 33 (MNO) was calcined at two different temperatures to compare a defect-rich condition (MNO-800) with a proximal order-rich condition (MNO-900) as assessed through XRD, XANES, EXAFS, and STEM characterizations. Galvanostatically cycled lithium half cells of MNO-800 exhibited additional capacity (307 mAhg −1 at 0.1C, 4.66% higher) and improved high-rate capacity of 200 mAhg −1 at 10C. ICI-based overpotential analysis identified solid state diffusion as the dominant rate limiting process where MNO-800 correspondingly exhibited ∼3X faster capacity-weighted diffusivity. A machine-learning interatomic potential was trained to density functional theory and then applied with molecular dynamics (MLIP-MD) to examine the possible roles of Wadsley defects and transition metal disorder. For both defect-types, Li was found to populate and activate fast diffusion paths from window sites at lower extents of lithiation as compared to the order-rich model.

defect↗
DOE OSTI2026

Determining the extent of potential fugitive fluid migration from geologic carbon storage in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs: Insights from one-dimensional numerical modeling

Numerical modeling of Geologic Carbon Sequestration in permeable reservoirs initially containing hydrocarbons is conducted using the multi-phase, multi-component thermohydrologic simulator TOGA (TOUGH Oil, Gas, Aqueous; TOUGH stands for Transport Of Unsaturated Groundwater and Heat), to determine how phase and composition of the original fluids influence the extent of the zone where upward fugitive fluid migration could potentially occur, denoted R f . The area within R f comprises regions of substantially elevated pressure and free-phase CO 2 saturation, where a breach in reservoir sealing capacity would lead to upward fugitive fluid migration. The model examines the conditions within the storage reservoir that could lead to fugitive flow, but does not model the fugitive flow itself. A one-dimensional radial model of the storage reservoir is used, and three initial phase conditions are considered: single-phase aqueous, two-phase gas-aqueous, and three-phase oil-gas-aqueous. Components that may be present are H 2 O, CO 2 , CH 4 , C 4 H 10 , and C 10 H 22 . The most important factors controlling Rf are (1) the initial gas-phase saturation within the reservoir, and (2) the lateral extent of multi-phase initial conditions, particularly CO 2 . The composition of liquid and gas phases has a secondary effect. The impact of reservoir depth, thickness, injection rate, and hydrologic properties are also briefly examined, with thickness (or equivalently injection rate) having the biggest effect. These results can help to understand important trends in potential response of CO 2 -EOR fields being considered for dedicated CO 2 storage.

CO₂ plume migration↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigation of neutron noise in a micro-scale, natural circulation molten salt fission battery system

The Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) concept is a rapidly evolving Generation IV design that has recently attracted favorable attention due to the potential for reducing waste generation, realizing passive safety features, and seizing on the opportunity for cost effective economics. A specific novel micro-MSR, natural circulation, battery design concept involves placing all primary components within a single reactor vessel containment without the need of primary forced pumping. This small modular, integral design presents potential cost savings while producing safety, reliable, and transportable carbon-free power for decades. This investigation evaluates the neutron noise induced by density and flow fluctuations in a natural circulation MSR battery concept being developed at the University of Idaho. This study finds numerical solutions to the one-dimensional, one-group, coupled diffusion equations for a bare, homogeneous core, and evaluates neutron flux and delayed neutron precursor concentration noise due to core flow and fuel salt density perturbation sources. Noise analysis shows both point kinetic and space-dependent behavior is present despite the small size, low-flow, closely-coupled nature of the natural circulation MSR concept. Analysis shows that the low flow of the convective system results in noise behavior typically representative of a larger forced-circulation MSR system. Finally, noise techniques may also be useful in MSR core diagnostics as a non-invasive, low-cost radiological option to traditional monitoring schemes.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lowering the Activation Barriers for Lithium-Ion Conductivity through Orientational Disorder in the Cyanide Argyrodite Li6PS5CN

Rapid advancements in safe and high-energy-density energy storage are predicated on identifying new solid-state ion conductors with low activation energies and high ionic conductivities for all-solid-state battery technologies. Halide argyrodites are among some of the top candidates for solid-state electrolytes, as they can achieve ionic conductivities that approach liquid electrolytes. Incorporating dynamic pseudohalide species in argyrodite solid electrolytes presents an exciting opportunity to exploit lattice dynamics as a design principle to modulate the ion conduction properties of solid-state ion conductors. In the present study, we have prepared the new argyrodite Li 6 PS 5 CN containing orientationally disordered cyanide ions. The new cyanide argyrodite Li 6 PS 5 CN exhibits an activation barrier to Li-ion transport of 471 ± 25 meV and a room-temperature ionic conductivity of 6(2) × 10 –5 S cm –1 in comparison to the activation barrier of 502 ± 16 meV and an ionic conductivity of 2.3(1) × 10 –4 S cm –1 measured for the bromide analogue Li 6 PS 5 Br. Structural studies of both compounds by high-resolution X-ray diffraction indicate that Li 6 PS 5 CN and Li 6 PS 5 Br adopt nearly identical crystal structures with similar lattice parameters, which indicates that lower activation barriers in Li 6 PS 5 CN arise due to the cyanide ion itself rather than due to changes in the geometry of conduction pathways in the local lithium environment. The orientational disorder of the quadrupolar cyanide ion in Li 6 PS 5 CN points to a complex interplay of lattice polarizability and molecular dynamics that lower the activation barrier for lithium-ion conductivity in the cyanide argyrodite.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Modeling and Analysis for Spent Nuclear Fuel Seismic Testing

Note: This is the final public release version of PNNL-31671 Draft, which was previously released to the sponsor for review. The intent is the public release version will be PNNL-31671. There are no significant changes from the earlier draft version. This unlimited distribution report is the deliverable for M3SF-21PN010202014: Modeling and Analysis for Spent Nuclear Fuel Seismic Testing. This report summarizes the modeling, analysis, and test plan support completed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the spent nuclear fuel dry storage system seismic test plan through May of 2021. Test plan preparation is planned to continue until the seismic test is completed in July of 2022. This report covers preliminary structural dynamic model development and computer-aided design of test hardware. Based on preliminary modeling, the strongest earthquakes under consideration in this test program provide mechanical loading on the spent nuclear fuel that is comparable to the 30 cm cask drop scenario, although the loads do not appear to be strong enough to cause significant permanent deformation of the fuel assembly spacer grids. The potential for grid deformation during the test will be assessed when the proposed shake table motion becomes available. The weakest earthquakes considered in this test are expected to be comparable to the mechanical loads witnessed in the multimodal transportation test of 2017. The horizontal canister system is predicted to provide nearly-uniform loading condition on the fuel assemblies it contains, while the vertical cask system is predicted to cause non-uniform dynamic loads on the fuel assemblies. In the horizontal case, gravity keeps the fuel assemblies in contact with one basket wall surface unless the loads are strong enough to cause a separation. In the vertical case, the fuel assemblies are relatively long and slender, and seismic motion in the anticipated test range is predicted to cause the assemblies to lean, tilt, and impact the basket walls throughout the seismic event. These gap closures are a nonlinear force transmission condition, so the vertical system is expected to have more variation and variability than the horizontal system. While the horizontal system is expected to have a relatively more linear response than the vertical system, there is still the potential for nonlinear behavior in the horizontal system because the fuel assemblies are free to slide, bounce, and impact the basket walls if the seismic loads are strong enough. One major conclusion of this study is that the use of mixed fuel assemblies in the canister will be acceptable. There are differences in overall system response when the mass, center of gravity, or gaps are changed, but the changes in response are within the bounds of a system that contains completely homogeneous fuel assemblies. One important observation is that the loading for each individual fuel assembly within the vertical canister is expected to be different from that of the others because of nonlinearities in the system. The horizontal canister system is expected to have a more uniform and more predictable response than the vertical canister, making variations in fuel assembly characteristics easier to account for. One important recommendation that comes from this modeling work is to repeat some of the strongest shake tests at different angles, particularly for the vertical cask system. Modeling predicts that strong seismic motion will cause the fuel assemblies to close initial gaps and impact the fuel basket walls when the canister is in the vertical cask configuration. Each shake test will impose a pre-defined three-dimensional time history on the cask system.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1981

Advanced Aerodynamics. Selected NASA Research

This Conference Publication contains selected NASA papers that were presented at the Fifth Annual Status Review of the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) Energy Efficient Transport (EET) Program held at Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on September 14 to 15, 1981. These papers describe the status of several NASA in-house research activities in the areas of advanced turboprops, natural laminar flow, oscillating control surfaces, high-Reynolds-number airfoil tests, high-lift technology, and theoretical design techniques.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Convection and bulk transport

Progress in the theoretical understanding of transport phenomena for materials processing systems in a microgravity environment is assessed. Fluid experiments and processing in space may be performed without containers. Processes that are secondary on the earth may become significant in space, e.g., the natural oscillation of a fluid. Results are summarized from experiments on oscillatory behavior, the effects of electrical charge, and nonaxisymmetric disturbances in suspended drops in a microgravity environment.

Brown, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The link between tidal interaction and nuclear activity in galaxies

It is considered how nuclear activity in galaxies may be induced by the tidal perturbation of companion galaxies. It is suggested that if the central regions of the galaxies contain marginally self-gravitating disks of gas, trailing spiral density waves, triggered by nonaxisymmetric gravitational instability, lead to efficient angular momentum transport. If the net effect of the external perturbation is to increase the effect of self-gravity in the gas, then the result is to induce a considerable increase in the mass accretion rate into the central region on a relatively short time scale. With a simple prescription, the evolution of self-gravitating accretion disks is examined in this context. These results are discussed in the context of the frequent occurrence of nuclear activity in interacting galaxies.

Lin, D. N. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Evaluation of EDR-3 vibration, shock, temperature, and humidity recording unit

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine if the self-contained, off-the-shelf, Environmental Data Recorder 3 (EDR-3) could be qualified to monitor shock, vibration, and temperature during rail transportation of space shuttle solid rocket components. The evaluation testing started in November 1989 and continued until June 1990. Two EDR-3 units were used to monitor both on- and off-plant shipments of shuttle components. In addition, extensive testing was performed at Thiokol's Vibration Test facility, T-53. Testing demonstrated that the EDR-3 is capable of successfully monitoring actual shipments of solid rocket hardware. Thiokol metrology has verified the accuracy of temperature monitoring. In addition, calibrated shock/vibration testing demonstrated that the EDR-3 does accurately record acceleration. It is recommended that the vendor modify the EDR-3 data recovery system to allow remote communication via a 30-foot cable. This would permit communication with the unit mounted on a case segment after a rail car cover is installed. The vendor will make this change and produce a new model, designated EDR-3-10. It is further recommended that Thiokol qualify the EDR-3-10 for transportation monitoring of redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) components.

Rees, Kevin G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Control algorithm implementation for a redundant degree of freedom manipulator

This project's purpose is to develop and implement control algorithms for a kinematically redundant robotic manipulator. The manipulator is being developed concurrently by Odetics Inc., under internal research and development funding. This SBIR contract supports algorithm conception, development, and simulation, as well as software implementation and integration with the manipulator hardware. The Odetics Dexterous Manipulator is a lightweight, high strength, modular manipulator being developed for space and commercial applications. It has seven fully active degrees of freedom, is electrically powered, and is fully operational in 1 G. The manipulator consists of five self-contained modules. These modules join via simple quick-disconnect couplings and self-mating connectors which allow rapid assembly/disassembly for reconfiguration, transport, or servicing. Each joint incorporates a unique drive train design which provides zero backlash operation, is insensitive to wear, and is single fault tolerant to motor or servo amplifier failure. The sensing system is also designed to be single fault tolerant. Although the initial prototype is not space qualified, the design is well-suited to meeting space qualification requirements. The control algorithm design approach is to develop a hierarchical system with well defined access and interfaces at each level. The high level endpoint/configuration control algorithm transforms manipulator endpoint position/orientation commands to joint angle commands, providing task space motion. At the same time, the kinematic redundancy is resolved by controlling the configuration (pose) of the manipulator, using several different optimizing criteria. The center level of the hierarchy servos the joints to their commanded trajectories using both linear feedback and model-based nonlinear control techniques. The lowest control level uses sensed joint torque to close torque servo loops, with the goal of improving the manipulator dynamic behavior. The control algorithms are subjected to a dynamic simulation before implementation.

Cohan, Steve↗
NASA NTRS1992

Structural testing of the technology integration box beam

A full scale section of a transport aircraft wing box was designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested. The wing box section, which was called the technology integration box beam, contained blade stiffened covers and T-stiffened channel spars constructed using graphite-epoxy materials. Covers, spars, and the aluminum ribs were assembled using mechanical fasteners. The box beam was statically tested for several loading conditions to verify the stiffness and strength characteristics of the composite wing design. Failure of the box beam occurred at 125 pct. of design limit load during the combined unbending and torsion ultimate design load test. It appears that the failure initiated at a stiffener runout location in the upper cover which resulted in rupture of the upper cover and portions of both spars.

Griffin, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Structural testing of the technology integration box beam

A full-scale section of a transport aircraft wing box was designed, analyzed, fabricated, and tested. The wing box section, which was called the technology integration box beam, contained blade stiffened covers and T-stiffened channel spars constructed using graphite/epoxy materials. Covers, spars, and the aluminum ribs were assembled using mechanical fasteners. The box beam was statically tested for several loading conditions to verify the stiffness and strength characteristics of the composite wing design. Failure of the box beam occurred at 125 percent of design limit load during the combined upbending and torsion ultimate design load test. It appears that the failure initiated at a stiffener runout location in the upper cover which resulted in rupture of the upper cover and portions of both spars.

Griffin, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Predictions for Radiation Shielding Materials

Radiation from galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events (SPE) is a serious hazard to humans and electronic instruments during space travel, particularly on prolonged missions outside the Earth s magnetic fields. Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is composed of approx. 98% nucleons and approx. 2% electrons and positrons. Although cosmic ray heavy ions are 1-2% of the fluence, these energetic heavy nuclei (HZE) contribute 50% of the long-term dose. These unusually high specific ionizations pose a significant health hazard acting as carcinogens and also causing microelectronics damage inside spacecraft and high-flying aircraft. These HZE ions are of concern for radiation protection and radiation shielding technology, because gross rearrangements and mutations and deletions in DNA are expected. Calculations have shown that HZE particles have a strong preference for interaction with light nuclei. The best shield for this radiation would be liquid hydrogen, which is totally impractical. For this reason, hydrogen-containing polymers make the most effective practical shields. Shielding is required during missions in Earth orbit and possibly for frequent flying at high altitude because of the broad GCR spectrum and during a passage into deep space and LunarMars habitation because of the protracted exposure encountered on a long space mission. An additional hazard comes from solar particle events (SPEs) which are mostly energetic protons that can produce heavy ion secondaries as well as neutrons in materials. These events occur at unpredictable times and can deliver a potentially lethal dose within several hours to an unshielded human. Radiation protection for humans requires safety in short-term missions and maintaining career exposure limits within acceptable levels on future long-term exploration missions. The selection of shield materials can alter the protection of humans by an order of magnitude. If improperly selected, shielding materials can actually increase radiation damage due to penetration properties and nuclear fragmentation. Protecting space-borne microelectronics from single event upsets (SEUs) by transmitted radiation will benefit system reliability and system design cost by using optimal shield materials. Long-term missions on the surface of the Moon or Mars will require the construction of habitats to protect humans during their stay. One approach to the construction is to make structural materials from lunar or Martian regolith using a polymeric material as a binder. The hydrogen-containing polymers are considerably more effective for radiation protection than the regolith, but the combination minimizes the amount of polymer to be transported. We have made composites of simulated lunar regolith with two different polymers, LaRC-SI, a high-performance polyimide thermoset, and polyethylene, a thermoplastic.

Kiefer, Richard L.↗
NASA NTRS2008

MISSE 6-Testing Materials in Space

The objective of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) is to study the performance of novel materials when subjected to the synergistic effects of the harsh space environment by placing them in space environment for several months. In this paper, a few materials and components from NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) that have been flown on MISSE 6 mission will be discussed. These include laser and optical elements for photonic devices. The pre-characterized MISSE 6 materials were packed inside a ruggedized Passive Experiment Container (PEC) that resembles a suitcase. The PEC was tested for survivability due to launch conditions. Subsequently, the MISSE 6 PEC was transported by the STS-123 mission to International Space Station (ISS) on March 11, 2008. The astronauts successfully attached the PEC to external handrails and opened the PEC for long term exposure to the space environment.

Prasad, Narasimha S↗
NASA NTRS2009

Some Activities of MISSE 6 Mission

The objective of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) is to study the performance of novel materials when subjected to the synergistic effects of the harsh space environment for several months. In this paper, a few laser and optical elements from NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) that have been flown on MISSE 6 mission will be discussed. These items were characterized and packed inside a ruggedized Passive Experiment Container (PEC) that resembles a suitcase. The PEC was tested for survivability due to launch conditions. Subsequently, the MISSE 6 PEC was transported by the STS-123 mission to International Space Station (ISS) on March 11, 2008. The astronauts successfully attached the PEC to external handrails and opened the PEC for long term exposure to the space environment. The plan is to retrieve the MISSE 6 PEC by STS-128 mission in August 2009.

Prasad, Narasimha S.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Microwave Extraction of Volatiles for Mars Science and ISRU

The greatest advantage of microwave heating for volatiles extraction is that excavation can be greatly reduced. Surface support operations would be simple consisting of rovers with drilling capability for insertion of microwaves down bore holes to heat at desired depths. The rovers would also provide support to scientific instruments for volatiles analysis and for volatiles collection and storage. The process has the potential for a much lower mass and a less complex system than other in-situ processes. Microwave energy penetrates the surface heating within with subsequent sublimation of water or decomposition of volatile containing minerals. On Mars the volatiles should migrate to the surface to be captured with a cold trap. The water extraction and transport process coupled with atmospheric CO2 collection could readily lead to a propellant production process, H2O + CO2 yields CH4 + O2.

Ethridge, Edwin C.↗
NASA NTRS2012

The Role of (Delta)C-13 in the Search for Reduced Organics on the Surface of Mars

The capabilities of the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) to detect trace amounts of organic carbon compounds are unprecedented, and MSL may be the first mission to reveal the presence of organic carbon on Mars. The search for reduced organic carbon on Mars is inextricably tied to: a) the preservation potential of the environment from which we take a solid sample, and b) the evolved gas analysis (EGA) techniques used by SAM to release volatiles from this solid sample. Several prospective targets have been identified for sample analysis at Gale Crater. Stratigraphic sequences of phyllosilicates and sulfates at Gale are thought to represent a period of global climate transition from a moderate pH lacustrine environment to an evaporitic environment, both of which could sequester organic carbon (Thomson et al. 2011). The sediment mound in Gale Crater contains a range of lithologies suggesting changes in redox conditions, and evidence of both lacustrine and fluvial depositional processes, which may have transported organic carbon from the layer in which it formed and resulted in its preservation elsewhere within the crater (Anderson and Bell, 2010). Inverted channel fills suggest erosion resistant material that could serve to preserve organics originally deposited in a low energy aqueous environment. The lithology sampled will affect not only the preservation of organics, but also our ability to detect organics during our evolved gas analysis, based on the sample matrix. For example, reduced organics may be trapped in the mineral structure, and thermal evolution of these organics will occur during thermal decomposition of the host mineral. If organics are occluded in minerals that have very high thermal decomposition temperatures, they may be, in effect, "too well preserved," and difficult to detect during EGA. Alternatively, the possible presence of perchlorate, or other strong oxidants in surface regolith, may result in destruction of structural information identifying organic molecules before reaching the QMS on SAM via oxidation to C02 during heating. If this is the case, the stable carbon isotopic composition (delta 13C) of the C02 evolved and measured by the Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS) on SAM may help identify the presence of organics. On Earth, biological activity can cause large fractionations of 13C/12C, which can preserved in sedimentary deposits and distinguish the organic products of biotic processes from inorganic atmospheric and geological reservoirs. It is plausible that similar fractionations could occur on Mars and be preserved in reduced organic matter in sediments. Bulk delta 13C measurements alone may not reveal a signature of trace organic carbon that may be present along with inorganic carbon. If both organic and inorganic carbon compounds are present, it may be possible to detect the organic carbon by comparing the 013C of pyrolysis and combustion experiments. The TLS on SAM is capable of obtaining high precision measurements of delta13C from C02 evolved during pyrolysis and combustion of solid regolith samples. Because carbonates are expected to be present at abundances of 0.1-1 % in Martian soil, and organics in the ppb range (Webster and Mahaffy, 2011), analog samples must represent this mix of reduced organic carbon and carbonate. The work presented here will examine the use of delta13C of C02 produced during combustion of bulk Mars analog samples as a proxy for detection of reduced organic carbon.

Stern, J. C.↗