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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 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Temperature dependent deformation mechanisms in pure amorphous silicon

High temperature nanoindentation has been performed on pure ion-implanted amorphous silicon (unrelaxed a-Si) and structurally relaxed a-Si to investigate the temperature dependence of mechanical deformation, including pressure-induced phase transformations. Along with the indentation load-depth curves, ex situ measurements such as Raman micro-spectroscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy analysis on the residual indents reveal the mode of deformation under the indenter. While unrelaxed a-Si deforms entirely via plastic flow up to 200 °C, a clear transition in the mode of deformation is observed in relaxed a-Si with increasing temperature. Up to 100 °C, pressure-induced phase transformation and the observation of either crystalline (r8/bc8) end phases or pressure-induced a-Si occurs in relaxed a-Si. However, with further increase of temperature, plastic flow rather than phase transformation is the dominant mode of deformation. It is believed that the elevated temperature and pressure together induce bond softening and “defect” formation in structurally relaxed a-Si, leading to the inhibition of phase transformation due to pressure-releasing plastic flow under the indenter.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Characteristics of WN{sub x}C{sub y} films deposited using remote plasma atomic layer deposition with ({sup Me}Cp)W(CO){sub 2}(NO) for Cu diffusion barrier

Diffusion barrier characteristics of tungsten–nitride–carbide (WN{sub x}C{sub y}) thin films interposed between Cu and SiO{sub 2} layers were studied. The WN{sub x}C{sub y} films were deposited by remote plasma atomic layer deposition (RPALD) using a metal organic source, ({sup Me}Cp)W(CO){sub 2}(NO), and ammonia. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis indicated the WN{sub x}C{sub y} films consisted of tungsten, nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the film deposited at 350 °C was nanocrystalline. The resistivity of WN{sub x}C{sub y} film deposited by RPALD was very low compared to that in previous research because of the lower nitrogen content and different crystal structures of the WN{sub x}C{sub y}. To verify the diffusion barrier characteristics of the WN{sub x}C{sub y} film, Cu films were deposited by physical vapor deposition after WN{sub x}C{sub y} film was formed by RPALD on Si substrate. The Cu/WN{sub x}C{sub y}/Si film stack was annealed in a vacuum by rapid thermal annealing at 500 °C. Cu diffusion through the barrier layer was verified by XRD. Stable film properties were observed up to 500 °C, confirming that WN{sub x}C{sub y} film is suitable as a Cu diffusion barrier in microelectronic circuits.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1999

Martian soil component in impact glasses in a Martian meteorite

Chemical compositions of impact melt glass veins, called Lithology C (Lith C) in Martian meteorite EET79001 were determined by electron microprobe analysis. A large enrichment of S, and significant enrichments of Al, Ca, and Na were observed in Lith C glass compared to Lithology A (Lith A). The S enrichment is due to mixing of plagioclase- enriched Lith A material with Martian soil, either prior to or during impact on Mars. A mixture of 87% Lith A, 7% plagioclase, and 6% Martian soil reproduces the average elemental abundances observed in Lith C. Shock melting of such a mixture of plagioclase-enriched, fine-grained Lith A host rock and Martian soil could yield large excesses of S (observed in this study) and Martian atmospheric noble gases (found by Bogard et al., 1983) in Lith C. These mixing proportions can be used to constrain the elemental abundance of phosphorus in Martian soil.

NASA Center JSC↗
DOE OSTI2011

Purification and Characterization of [NiFe]-Hydrogenase of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

The γ-proteobacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 possesses a periplasmic [NiFe]-hydrogenase (MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase) that was implicated in both H2 production and oxidation as well as technetium [Tc(VII)] reduction. To characterize the roles of MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase in these proposed reactions, the genes encoding both subunits of MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase were cloned into a protein expression vector. The resulting plasmid was transformed into a MR-1 mutant deficient in H2 formation. Expression of MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase in trans restored the mutant’s ability to produce H2 at 37% of that for wild type. Following expression, MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase was purified to near homogeneity. The purified MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase could couple H2 oxidation to reduction of Tc(VII) and methyl viologen directly. Change of the buffers used affected MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase-mediated Tc(VII) but not methyl viologen reductions. Under the conditions tested, Tc(VII) reduction was complete in Tris buffer but not in HEPES buffer. The reduced Tc(IV) was soluble in Tris buffer but insoluble in HEPES buffer. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that Tc(IV) precipitates formed in HEPES buffer were packed with crystallites. Although X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy measurements confirmed that the reduction products found in both buffers were Tc(IV), extended X-ray adsorption fine-structure measurements revealed that these products were very different. While the product in Tris buffer could not be determined, the Tc(IV) product in HEPES buffer was very similar to Tc(IV)O2•nH2O. These results shows for the first time that MR-1 [NiFe]-H2ase is a bidirectional enzyme that catalyzes both H2 formation and oxidation as well as Tc(VII) reduction directly by coupling H2 oxidation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Efficient production of platelets from mouse embryonic stem cells by enforced expression of Gata2 in late hemogenic endothelial cells

Platelets are essential for blood circulation and coagulation. Previous study indicated that overexpression of Gata2 in differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) resulted in robust induction of megakaryocytes (Mks). To evaluate platelet production capacity of the Gata2-induced ESC-derived Mks, we generated iGata2-ESC line carrying the doxycycline-inducible Gata2 expression cassette. When doxycycline was added to day 5 hemogenic endothelial cells in the in vitro differentiation culture of iGata2-ESCs, c-Kit{sup −}Tie2{sup −}CD41{sup +} Mks were predominantly generated. These iGata2-ESC-derived Mks efficiently produced CD41{sup +}CD42b{sup +}CD61{sup +} platelets and adhered to fibrinogen-coated glass coverslips in response to thrombin stimulation. Transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the iGata2-ESC-derived platelets were discoid-shaped with α-granules and an open canalicular system, but were larger than peripheral blood platelets in size. These results demonstrated that an enforced expression of Gata2 in late HECs of differentiated ESCs efficiently promotes megakaryopoiesis followed by platelet production. This study provides valuable information for ex vivo platelet production from human pluripotent stem cells in future. -- Highlights: •Megakaryocytes are efficiently induced by Gata2 from ESC-derived day 5 HECs. •Gata2-induced ESC-derived megakaryocytes are c-Kit{sup −}Tie2{sup −}CD41{sup +}. •Gata2-induced ESC-derived megakaryocytes produce larger discoid-shaped platelets. •Gata2-induced ESC-derived platelets bind fibrinogen upon thrombin stimulation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Optical waveguiding properties into porous gallium nitride structures investigated by prism coupling technique

In order to modulate the refractive index and the birefringence of Gallium Nitride (GaN), we have developed a chemical etching method to perform porous structures. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that optical properties of GaN can be tuned by controlling the pores density. GaN films are prepared on sapphire by metal organic chemical vapor deposition and the microstructure is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscope analysis. Optical waveguide experiment is demonstrated here to determine the key properties as the ordinary (n{sub 0}) and extraordinary (n{sub e}) refractive indices of etched structures. We report here the dispersion of refractive index for porous GaN and compare it to the bulk material. We observe that the refractive index decreases when the porous density p is increased: results obtained at 0.975 μm have shown that the ordinary index n{sub 0} is 2.293 for a bulk layer and n{sub 0} is 2.285 for a pores density of 20%. This value corresponds to GaN layer with a pore size of 30 nm and inter-distance of 100 nm. The control of the refractive index into GaN is therefore fundamental for the design of active and passive optical devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Radiosensitizing effect of gold nanoparticles in carbon ion irradiation of human cervical cancer cells

Noble metal nanoparticles have received considerable attention in biotechnology for their role in bio sensing due to surface plasmon resonance, medical diagnostics due to better imaging contrast and therapy. The radiosensitization effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) has been gaining popularity in radiation therapy of cancer cells. The better depth dose profile of energetic ion beam proves its superiority over gamma radiation for fighting against cancer. In the present work, the glucose capped gold nanoparticles (Glu-AuNP) were synthesised and internalized in the HeLa cells. Transmission electron microscopic analysis of ultrathin sections of Glu-AuNP treated HeLa cells confirmed the internalization of Glu-AuNPs. Control HeLa cells and Glu-AuNp treated HeLa cells were irradiated at different doses of 62 MeV 12C ion beam (LET - 290keV/{mu}m) at BIO beam line of using 15UD Pelletron accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, India. The survival fraction was assessed by colony forming assay which revealed that the dose of carbon ion for 90% cell killing in Glu-AuNP treated HeLa cells and control HeLa cells are 2.3 and 3.2 Gy respectively. This observation shows {approx} 28% reduction of {sup 12}C{sup 6+} ion dose for Glu-AuNP treated HeLa cells as compared to control HeLa cells.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Epitaxial columnar growth of strain-free antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn 3 Sn on wurtzite c -plane GaN/Al 2 O 3 (0001)

Weyl semimetal thin films with excellent crystalline quality are of great interest for antiferromagnetic spintronics. Mn 3 Sn is one Weyl semimetal with great properties and promise for exciting science and applications. It has proven very challenging, however, to grow Mn 3 Sn thin films with smooth surfaces, negligible strain, and excellent crystallinity. In this work, we discuss the successful preparation of epitaxial Mn 3 Sn (0001)-oriented thin films via molecular beam epitaxial growth on c -plane wurtzite GaN which was grown by MBE on Al 2 O 3 (0001). We present the reflection high energy electron diffraction analysis along with x-ray diffraction in order to demonstrate the crystalline quality of the film, and we give atomic models to explain the epitaxial orientation relationships between the crystal lattices of the substrate, GaN layer, and Mn 3 Sn layer. Importantly, we discuss the film lattice parameters as compared to expected values, demonstrating negligible strain both in-plane and out-of-plane . Atomic force microscopy reveals an epitaxial columnar growth mode characterized by flat-top-mesa islands, while scanning tunneling microscopy shows the atomically smooth surfaces of the mesa-top structures. Finally, Rutherford backscattering informs the stoichiometry of the film as well as the layer thicknesses.

Chiral antiferromagnetic material↗
DOE OSTI2012

Integrated Multiscale Modeling of Molecular Computing Devices

The main bottleneck in modeling transport in molecular devices is to develop the correct formulation of the problem and efficient algorithms for analyzing the electronic structure and dynamics using, for example, the time-dependent density functional theory. We have divided this task into several steps. The first step is to developing the right mathematical formulation and numerical algorithms for analyzing the electronic structure using density functional theory. The second step is to study time-dependent density functional theory, particularly the far-field boundary conditions. The third step is to study electronic transport in molecular devices. We are now at the end of the first step. Under DOE support, we have made subtantial progress in developing linear scaling and sub-linear scaling algorithms for electronic structure analysis. Although there has been a huge amount of effort in the past on developing linear scaling algorithms, most of the algorithms developed suffer from the lack of robustness and controllable accuracy. We have made the following progress: (1) We have analyzed thoroughly the localization properties of the wave-functions. We have developed a clear understanding of the physical as well as mathematical origin of the decay properties. One important conclusion is that even for metals, one can choose wavefunctions that decay faster than any algebraic power. (2) We have developed algorithms that make use of these localization properties. Our algorithms are based on non-orthogonal formulations of the density functional theory. Our key contribution is to add a localization step into the algorithm. The addition of this localization step makes the algorithm quite robust and much more accurate. Moreover, we can control the accuracy of these algorithms by changing the numerical parameters. (3) We have considerably improved the Fermi operator expansion (FOE) approach. Through pole expansion, we have developed the optimal scaling FOE algorithm.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Cu-doping effect on dielectric properties of organic gel synthesized Ba{sub 4}YMn{sub 3−x}Cu{sub x}O{sub 11.5±δ}

Copper doped-Ba{sub 4}YMn{sub 3−x}Cu{sub x}O{sub 11.5±δ} samples were synthesized by an organic gel assisted citrate process. X-ray diffraction of compositions with x=0.002, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 does not reveal any change of hexagonal perovskite structure on doping. The effects of Cu-doping on the microstructure and dielectric properties were investigated. Cu doping modifies the electrical properties at the level of the impedance characteristics of both grain and grain boundary and to understand these different behaviours, we have carried out high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. Among the Ba{sub 4}YMn{sub 3−x}Cu{sub x}O{sub 11.5±δ} specimens studied, the composition x=0.002 shows a permittivity (ε′{sub r}) higher than the undoped compound and a lower loss tangent (tanδ) over several orders of magnitude of frequency. - Graphical abstract: Highlighting of many stacking faults (intergrowths) in substituted compounds with x>0.01 (right picture), which could explain the different dielectric properties observed in these compounds. However compounds with x>0.01 remain with a better stacking sequence as we can see on the left picture. Display Omitted - Highlights: • High permittivity of the Ba{sub 4}YMn{sub 3−x}Cu{sub x}O{sub 11.5±δ}. • Substitution leads to a mixed oxidation state for manganese: Mn{sup 4+}/Mn{sup 3+}. • Creation of oxygen vacancies which are responsible for stacking faults. • Highlighting relationship between Cu substitution and dielectric properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Giant magnetic anisotropy of Pb atoms in 3 d -based magnets

Electronic structure analysis is performed to study the properties of several Pb-containing 3⁢ d intermetallics. Our study reveals that binary metastable C⁢o 3 ⁢Pb and F⁡e 3 ⁢Pb intermetallic compounds exhibit very attractive intrinsic magnetic properties. We primarily focus on the magnetic anisotropic properties arising from the high spin-orbit coupling of the Pb atom. Decomposing the total anisotropy into intra- and interatomic contributions reveals a significant deviation from single-ion anisotropy model with strong symmetric anisotropic pair interactions present. Furthermore, we consider magnetic properties of ternary Pb-based 3⁢⁢ d intermetallics, which recently have been reported as stable or metastable. Giant magnetic anisotropy is found on Pb atoms in these systems. The origin of such strong anisotropy in L⁢a 18⁢ C⁢o 28 ⁢P⁢b 3 appears from two sources: spin-orbit and interelectronic Breit couplings. Additionally, the significance of Breit interaction for magnetic anisotropy in bulk systems is reported. It is expected that Breit coupling-induced anisotropy is dominating in magnetic Pb-based magnets with lower dimensionality including thin films.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Podocyte-specific deletion of Rac1 leads to aggravation of renal injury in STZ-induced diabetic mice

Rac1, a GTPase of the Rho subfamily, has a crucial role in cytoskeletal architecture, as well as the regulation of cell migration and growth. However, renal injury in mice with podocyte-specific deletion of Rac1 has yet to be elucidated fully due to conflicting findings. Herein, we identified a possible role for Rac1 in podocytes of streptozotocin- (STZ) induced diabetic mice. The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in the knockout (KO) group was significantly higher than that in the wild type (WT) group at any week of age. A more marked ACR increase was observed in STZ/KO group than STZ/WT group, although ACR did increase with weeks of age in both diabetic groups. The kidney sections from diabetic mice revealed a glomerular hypertrophy with mesangial expansion, but there was no appreciable difference in glomerular findings under a light microscope between STZ/WT and STZ/KO mice. However, an electron microscopy analysis revealed that regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes, both KO (KO and STZ/KO) groups had a higher rate of foot process effacement compared with both WT (WT and STZ/WT) groups. The expression levels of the slit diaphragm protein, podocin, was reduced with the induction of diabetes, and the levels in the STZ/KO group experienced a further reduction compared with the STZ/WT group. The number of WT1-positive cells in the STZ/KO group was more significantly decreased than that in the other three groups. In contrast, the numbers of cleaved caspase 3- and TUNEL-positive cells in the glomeruli of the STZ/KO group were more increased than those in the STZ/WT group. Thus, this study provides evidence that podocyte-specific deletion of Rac1 results in morphological alteration in podocytes, and that the induction of apoptosis or decreased expression of the slit diaphragm proteins by hyperglycemic stimuli are associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

Influence of Au nanoparticles on the photoluminescent and electrical properties of Bi{sub 3.6}Eu{sub 0.4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} ferroelectric thin films

Au-doped Bi{sub 3.6}Eu{sub 0.4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BET) thin films were prepared on fused silica and Pt/Ti/SiO{sub 2}/Si substrates by a chemical solution deposition method. The existence of Au nanoparticles (NPs) has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope analysis. Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) of Eu{sup 3+} ions was obtained in a wide range of Au doping level. Role of the Au NPs in the PL enhancement was investigated by means of optical absorption, excitation, and emission spectra, as well as decay lifetime measurements. The results indicated that the intra-4f transition of Eu{sup 3+} ions can be intensively activated by the coupling of the charge transfer band of BET with the {sup 5}D{sub 0} state of Eu{sup 3+} ions. The influence of Au NPs on the PL properties of Eu{sup 3+} ions in the present thin films was attributed to the band bending at Au/BET interface and the localized surface plasma resonance absorption of Au NPs in the visible light region. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of Au-doped BET thin films were investigated as well.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

High-temperature low cycle fatigue behavior of a gray cast iron

The strain controlled low cycle fatigue properties of the studied gray cast iron for engine cylinder blocks were investigated. At the same total strain amplitude, the low cycle fatigue life of the studied material at 523 K was higher than that at 423 K. The fatigue behavior of the studied material was characterized as cyclic softening at any given total strain amplitude (0.12%–0.24%), which was attributed to fatigue crack initiation and propagation. Moreover, this material exhibited asymmetric hysteresis loops due to the presence of the graphite lamellas. Transmission electron microscopy analysis suggested that cyclic softening was also caused by the interactions of dislocations at 423 K, such as cell structure in ferrite, whereas cyclic softening was related to subgrain boundaries and dislocation climbing at 523 K. Micro-analysis of specimen fracture appearance was conducted in order to obtain the fracture characteristics and crack paths for different strain amplitudes. It showed that the higher the temperature, the rougher the crack face of the examined gray cast iron at the same total strain amplitude. Additionally, the microcracks were readily blunted during growth inside the pearlite matrix at 423 K, whereas the microcracks could easily pass through pearlite matrix along with deflection at 523 K. The results of fatigue experiments consistently showed that fatigue damage for the studied material at 423 K was lower than that at 523 K under any given total strain amplitude. - Highlights: • The low cycle fatigue behavior of the HT250 for engine cylinder blocks was investigated. • TEM investigations were conducted to explain the cyclic deformation response. • The low cycle fatigue cracks of HT250 GCI were studied by SEM. • The fatigue life of the examined material at 523 K is higher than that at 423 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Deposition of Pd–Ag thin film membranes on ceramic supports for hydrogen purification/separation

Highlights: • Thin film Pd–Ag membranes have been produced for hydrogen selectivity. • Magnetron sputtering yields Pd–Ag compact films for atomic H diffusion. • The thin film Pd–Ag membranes yielded a selectivity of α (H{sub 2}/N{sub 2}) = 10. - Abstract: Pd–Ag based membranes supported on porous α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (doped with yttria-stabilized zirconia) were studied for hydrogen selective separation. Magnetron sputtering technique was employed for the synthesis of thin film membranes. The hydrogen permeation flux is affected by the membrane columnar structure, which is formed during deposition. From scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was observed that different sputtering deposition pressures lead to distinct columnar structure growth. X-ray diffraction patterns provided evidence of a Pd–Ag solid solution with an average crystallite domain size of 21 nm, whose preferential growth can be altered by the deposition pressure. The gas-permeation results have shown that the Pd–Ag membrane supported on porous α-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} is selective toward H{sub 2}. For optimized membrane synthesis conditions, the permeance toward N{sub 2} is 0.076 × 10{sup −6} mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1} Pa{sup −1} at room temperature, whereas for a pressure difference of 300 kPa the H{sub 2}-flux is of the order of ca. 0.21 mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1}, which corresponds to a permeance of 0.71 × 10{sup −6} mol m{sup −2} s{sup −1} Pa{sup −1}, yielding a selectivity of α (H{sub 2}/N{sub 2}) = 10. These findings suggest that the membrane has a reasonable capacity to selectively permeate this gas.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

ELECTRON PROBE MICROANALYSIS OF IRRADIATED AND 1600°C SAFETY-TESTED AGR-1 TRISO FUEL PARTICLES WITH LOW AND HIGH RETAINED 110MAG

AGR-1 fuel Compact 4-3-3 achieved 18.63% FIMA and was exposed subsequently to a safety test at 1600°C. Two particles, AGR1-433-003 and AGR1-433-007, with measured-to-calculated 110mAg inventories of <22% and 100%, respectively, were selected for comparative electron microprobe analysis to determine whether the distribution or abundance of fission products differed proximally and distally from the deformed kernel in AGR1-433-003, and how this compared to fission product distribution in AGR1-433-007. On the deformed side of AGR1-433-003, Xe, Cs, I, Eu, Sr, and Te concentrations in the kernel buffer interface near the protruded kernel were up to six times higher than on the opposite, non-deformed side. At the SiC-inner pyrolytic carbon (IPyC) interface proximal to the deformed kernel, Pd and Ag concentrations were 1.2 wt% and 0.04 wt% respectively, whereas on the SiC-IPyC interface distal from the kernel deformation those elements measured 0.4 and 0.01 wt%, respectively. Palladium and Ag concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were 2.05 and 0.05 wt.%, respectively. Rare earth element concentrations at the SiC-IPyC interface of AGR1-433-007 were a factor of ten higher than at the SiC-IPyC interfaces measured in particle AGR1-433-003. Palladium permeated the SiC layer of AGR1-433-007 and the non-deformed SiC layer of AGR1-433-003.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Delayed onset of discontinuous precipitation-based phase transformation in U10Mo alloys doped with Silicon

A uranium-10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) alloy is one of the primary candidates for metallic fuels that would use low-enriched uranium in place of highly enriched uranium, to support nuclear nonproliferation efforts. Optimal performance of a U-based metallic nuclear fuel can be achieved by retaining the high-temperature, body-centered cubic (bcc) allotrope (γ-U) at room temperature, which can be accomplished in the U-10Mo alloy. However, presence of minor alloying elements can influence the final constitution of room-temperature phases in the U10Mo alloy, specifically, formation of α-U phase which results in anisotropic behavior of the fuel in reactor. Further, through a detailed transmission electron microscopy analysis, the present study reports the constituent phases that are present in a U10Mo alloy containing ~0.1 wt% Si after it is subjected to homogenization heat treatment and thermomechanical processing. For comparison, results from an undoped U10Mo alloy are also included. The experimental results reveal that γ-UMo solid solution is the major phase in a hot-rolled, Si-doped U10Mo alloy metallic fuel foil, along with U 2 MoSi 2 C, UC, and U 2 Mo, after isothermal annealing at 460 °C for 10h. In contrast, after the same heat treatment, the undoped U10Mo alloy metallic fuel had formed a noticeable amount of α-U along prior γ-UMo grain boundaries through discontinuous precipitation (DP, area fraction: ~27.9%) with characteristic lamellar morphology, together with γ-UMo, UC, and U 2 Mo. This result indicates that doping with Si could mitigate the DP reaction in U10Mo alloy and prevent formation of undesirable α-U. This work sheds light on optimizing Si-doping–dominated microstructure in U10Mo fuels and facilitates designing and tuning of microstructures of U10Mo alloys for tailoring the final designed performance of the fuel under irradiation.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1999

Effect of a 17 day spaceflight on contractile properties of human soleus muscle fibres

1. Soleus biopsies were obtained from four male astronauts 45 days before and within 2 h after a 17 day spaceflight. 2. For all astronauts, single chemically skinned post-flight fibres expressing only type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) developed less average peak Ca2+ activated force (Po) during fixed-end contractions (0.78 +/- 0. 02 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.03 mN) and shortened at a greater mean velocity during unloaded contractions (Vo) (0.83 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.02 fibre lengths s-1) than pre-flight type I fibres. 3. The flight-induced decline in absolute Po was attributed to reductions in fibre diameter and/or Po per fibre cross-sectional area. Fibres from the astronaut who experienced the greatest relative loss of peak force also displayed a reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity. 4. The elevated Vo of the post-flight slow type I fibres could not be explained by alterations in myosin heavy or light chain composition. One alternative possibility is that the elevated Vo resulted from an increased myofilament lattice spacing. This hypothesis was supported by electron micrographic analysis demonstrating a reduction in thin filament density post-flight. 5. Post-flight fibres shortened at 30 % higher velocities than pre-flight fibres at external loads associated with peak power output. This increase in shortening velocity either reduced (2 astronauts) or prevented (2 astronauts) a post-flight loss in fibre absolute peak power (microN (fibre length) s-1). 6. The changes in soleus fibre diameter and function following spaceflight were similar to those observed after 17 days of bed rest. Although in-flight exercise countermeasures probably reduced the effects of microgravity, the results support the idea that ground-based bed rest can serve as a model of human spaceflight. 7. In conclusion, 17 days of spaceflight decreased force and increased shortening velocity of single Ca2+-activated muscle cells expressing type I MHC. The increase in shortening velocity greatly reduced the impact that impaired force production had on absolute peak power.

Clinical Trial↗