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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 1,027 records · Page 57

A non-LTE analysis of high energy density Kr plasmas on Z and NIF

We report that multi-keV X-ray radiation sources have a wide range of applications, from biomedical studies and research on thermonuclear fusion to materials science and astrophysics. The refurbished Z pulsed power machine at the Sandia National Laboratories produces intense multi-keV X-rays from argon Z-pinches, but for a krypton Z-pinch, the yield decreases much faster with atomic number Z A than similar sources on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. To investigate whether fundamental energy deposition differences between pulsed power and lasers could account for the yield differences, we consider the Kr plasma on the two machines. The analysis assumes the plasma not in local thermodynamic equilibrium, with a detailed coupling between the hydrodynamics, the radiation field, and the ionization physics. While for the plasma parameters of interest the details of krypton’s M-shell are not crucial, both the L-shell and the K-shell must be modeled in reasonable detail, including the state-specific dielectronic recombination processes that significantly affect Kr’s ionization balance and the resulting X-ray spectrum. We present a detailed description of the atomic model, provide synthetic K- and L-shell spectra, and compare these with the available experimental data from the Z-machine and from NIF to show that the K-shell yield behavior versus Z A is indeed related to the energy input characteristics. In conclusion, this work aims at understanding the probable causes that might explain the differences in the X-ray conversion efficiencies of several radiation sources on Z and

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Anisotropic Jahn–Teller acceptors formed in GaAs by first-group elements with a filled d shell

A phenomenological model of double acceptors formed by Cu, Ag, and Au atoms in GaAs is presented. Experimentally observed phenomena related to the specific features of the spatial and electronic structure of these centers (the suppression of the Jahn–Teller effect by uniaxial pressure, softening of the crystal, recombination-induced reorientation of Jahn–Teller distortions of the center, the decrease in the stationary degree of alignment of center distortions by uniaxial pressure with an increase in the recombination rate of nonequilibrium electron–hole pairs through the center, the relaxation absorption of ultrasound, etc.) are described.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An analytic asymmetric-piston model for the impact of mode-1 shell asymmetry on ICF implosions

For many years, low mode asymmetry in inertially confined fusion (ICF) implosions has been recognized as a potential performance limiting factor, but analysis has been limited to using simulations and searching for data correlations. In this paper, an analytically solvable model based upon the simple picture of an asymmetric piston is presented. Asymmetry of the shell driving the implosion, as opposed to asymmetry in the hot-spot, is key to the model. The model provides a unifying framework for the action of mode-1 shell asymmetry and the resulting connections between various diagnostic signatures. A key variable in the model is the shell asymmetry fraction, f, which is related to the areal density variation of the shell surrounding the hot-spot. It is shown that f is simply related to the observed hot-spot mode-1 velocity and to the concept of residual energy in an implosion. The model presented in this paper yields explicit expressions for the hot-spot diameter, stagnation pressure, hot-spot energy, inertial confinement-time, Lawson parameter, hot-spot temperature, and fusion yield under the action of mode-1 asymmetry. Agreement is found between the theory scalings when compared to ICF implosion data from the National Ignition Facility and to large ensembles of detailed simulations, making the theory a useful tool for interpreting data. The theory provides a basis for setting tolerable limits on asymmetry.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Surface-sensitive photon avalanche behavior revealed by single-avalanching-nanoparticle imaging

Avalanching nanoparticles (ANPs) are a new class of lanthanide-based upconverting material demonstrating steep optical nonlinearities with the potential to advance applications ranging from subwavelength bioimaging to neuromorphic computing, nanothermometry, and pressure transduction. Here, we use single-nanocrystal imaging to uncover design-dependent heterogeneity in ANP threshold intensity (I th ). Quantitative comparisons between distributions of I th and ANP shell properties reveal correlations between mean I th values, histogram widths, and nanocrystal shell thickness. Evaluating avalanching behaviors using an established model of shell-dependent surface energy transfer shows that variations in shell thickness-and the resultant energy transfer through the shell to the surface and environment-are likely the primary contributor to ANP-to-ANP I th heterogeneity. Further, nanocrystals with an ~6 nm average shell thickness show I th heterogeneity beyond the extent expected from statistical measurements of shell size and variability using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here these results provide a principal guide for the design and application of ANPs to environmental sensing.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Intelligent sensor-model automated control of PMR-15 autoclave processing

An intelligent sensor model system has been built and used for automated control of the PMR-15 cure process in the autoclave. The system uses frequency-dependent FM sensing (FDEMS), the Loos processing model, and the Air Force QPAL intelligent software shell. The Loos model is used to predict and optimize the cure process including the time-temperature dependence of the extent of reaction, flow, and part consolidation. The FDEMS sensing system in turn monitors, in situ, the removal of solvent, changes in the viscosity, reaction advancement and cure completion in the mold continuously throughout the processing cycle. The sensor information is compared with the optimum processing conditions from the model. The QPAL composite cure control system allows comparison of the sensor monitoring with the model predictions to be broken down into a series of discrete steps and provides a language for making decisions on what to do next regarding time-temperature and pressure.

Hart, S.↗

Quantitative SANS and multi-model analysis of spacer-dependent micellization of urea-based gemini surfactants

The micellization behavior of urea-based cationic gemini surfactants was investigated using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with multi-model form factor analysis. A homologous series of surfactants with urea group included in the hydrophobic tail and polymethylene spacers consisting of two to ten methylene units was analyzed using three form factor models: a core–shell ellipsoid and two variants of homogeneous ellipsoids. The results from all models show a consistent trend of the micelle structures, confirming that the spacer length critically influences micellar geometry, aggregation number, and hydration. The surfactant with four CH 2 groups in the spacer formed the largest micelles with the highest aggregation number, while longer spacers led to progressively smaller, more compact aggregates. The shell hydration—quantified as the volume fraction of heavy water within the hydrophilic region—decreased systematically with increasing spacer length due to enhanced hydrophobicity of the headgroup-spacer region. Intermicellar interactions, modeled as screened Coulomb interaction using the rescaled mean spherical approximation (RMSA), revealed the strongest electrostatic repulsion for the case of four methylene groups in the spacer, corresponding to the highest micellar charge and largest interparticle spacing. The observed spacer-dependent trends were robust across all modeling approaches, demonstrating that the spacer length serves as a key structural determinant of self-assembly in this type of urea-based gemini systems. These findings provide insight into the design of gemini surfactants with tailored aggregation behavior for applications in drug delivery, nanostructure templating, and solubilization technologies.

Core–shell ellipsoid model↗

A SURVEY OF RESEARCH ON THE STABILITY OF HYDROSTATICALLYLOADED SHELL STRUCTURES CONDUCTED AT THE DAVID TAYLOR MODEL BASIN

Experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out to investigate the stability of ring-stiffened cylinders and hemispherical shells under hydrostatic pressure. The use of accurately machined models has been found extremely valuable in improving the quality of experimental data, thereby permitting a more careful examination of theory. As a result, the effects of boundary conditions and other factors usually masked by the influence of structural imperfections have been clarified. So far these studies have caused the investigators to regard classical small-deflection theory with increasing confidence.

ROCKET NOZZLE↗

Progressive Failure Analysis Correlation with Notched Composite Laminate Test Data

Testing of small and intermediate laminate panels with notches was performed and Progressive Failure Analyses (PFA) models were developed for aid in test planning and for correlation with the test data. Two progressive damage failure models were included in the study: the commercially available Abaqus built-in damage model and COmplete STress Reduction (COSTR) damage model developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The finite elements models used for the analysis were developed using shell elements. The pre-test PFA results obtained from the two damage models were compared to test data. Then a post-test PFA with updated material properties based on additional available material property data was executed with the COSTR damage model and compared to the test data. The panels tested in compression all exhibited less scatter in the failure load with self-similar failure behavior. The panels tested in tension exhibited more scatter in the failure load with a failure mode that included delamination of plies. However, a self-similar crack path was also observed as the overall failure mode for all panels tested. When comparing test data to the pre-test analysis results, both damage models with shell element models were considered adequate for predicting the behavior and failure load of both the small and intermediate panels when tested in compression. However, for the tension load cases, larger differences were observed between the test and analysis results. When comparing test data to the post-test analysis performed using the COSTR damage model, better correlation was observed. However, large discrepancies were still observed for the tension load cases. Consequently, a higher fidelity finite element model including solid elements for sub-laminates and the modeling of cohesive layers between sub-laminate layers is recommended for tension loading of notched composite laminates.

Damage Model,Progressive Failure Analysis,Open Hol↗

Brine Pockets in the Icy Shell on Europa: Distribution, Chemistry, and Habitability

On Earth, sea ice is rich in brine, salt, and gas inclusions that form through capturing of seawater during ice formation. Cooling of the ice over time leads to sequential freezing of captured sea-water, precipitation of salts, exsolution of gases, and formation of brine channels and pockets. Distribution and composition of brines in sea ice depend on the rate of ice formation, vertical temperature gradient, and the age of the ice. With aging, the abundance of brine pockets decreases through downward migration. De- spite low temperatures and elevated salinities, brines in sea ice provide a habitat for photosynthetic and chemosynthetic organisms. On Europa, brine pockets and channels could exist in the icy shell that may be from a few km to a few tens of km thick and is probably underlain by a water ocean. If the icy shell is relatively thick, convection could develop, affecting the temperature pattern in the ice. To predict the distribution and chemistry of brine pockets in the icy shell we have combined numerical models of the temperature distribution within a convecting shell, a model for oceanic chemistry, and a model for freezing of Europan oceanic water. Possible effects of brine and gas inclusions on ice rheology and tectonics are discussed.

Zolotov, M. Yu↗

Phase change material integrated core–shell catalyst for in situ thermal control in methanol synthesis from syngas

A model-guided core–shell catalyst design is presented for methanol synthesis, featuring a phase change material (PCM) core encapsulated by a Cu–Zn–Al 2 O 3 (CZA) catalytic shell. The PCM enables in situ thermal management by absorbing reaction heat at its melting point, mitigates the kinetic decline at high temperatures and therefore avoids low conversion, prevents hot spots, and stabilizes the reaction temperature. A two-dimensional axisymmetric, non-isothermal packed-bed reactor model (COMSOL 6.3) was developed for a 10 g system. Simulations evaluate three PCM candidates, that is, LiNO 3 , 9 wt% LiCl + 91 wt% LiNO 3 , and commercial H250, with melting points near 244–250°C. Results indicate that CO conversion can increase from 34.4% to 52.4%, and methanol production can improve by 69% compared to a conventional packed-bed reactor. Beyond methanol synthesis, the PCM-integrated core–shell concept provides a scalable approach for thermal control in exothermic reactions, improving reactor efficiency and safety.

core–shell catalyst↗

Barriers for interfacial back-electron transfer: A comparison between TiO 2 and SnO 2 /TiO 2 core/shell structures

Temperature dependent kinetics for back-electron transfer (BET) from electrons in TiO 2 or SnO 2 /TiO 2 core/shell nanoparticles to oxidized donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) sensitizers is reported over a 110° range. Two D-B-A sensitizers (CF 3 -p and CF 3 -x) were utilized that differed only by the nature of the bridging ligand: a xylyl spacer that largely insulated the two redox active centers and a phenyl bridge that promoted strong electronic coupling and an adiabatic electron transfer mechanism. An Arrhenius analysis revealed that the activation energies were significantly larger for the core/shell oxides, E a = 32 ± 4 kJ/mol, compared to TiO 2 alone, E a = 22 ± 6 kJ/mol. The barriers for BET on sensitized TiO 2 were within the same range as previous literature reports, while this study represents the first quantification for SnO 2 /TiO 2 core/shell materials. Two different models were proposed to rationalize the larger barrier for the core/shell materials: (1) a band edge offset model and (2) a low energy trap state model with recombination from the TiO 2 rutile polymorph shell. The latter model was preferred and is in better agreement with the experimental data. The kinetic analysis also afforded the forward and reverse rate constants for the intramolecular equilibrium. In accordance with theoretical predictions and previous research, the absolute value of the free energy change was smaller for the adiabatic equilibrium provided by the phenyl bridge, i.e., |ΔG o ad | <|ΔG o |.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A parametric shell analysis of the shuttle 51-L SRB AFT field joint

Following the Shuttle 51-L accident, an investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the failure. Investigators at the Langley Research Center focused attention on the structural behavior of the field joints with O-ring seals in the steel solid rocket booster (SRB) cases. The shell-of-revolution computer program BOSOR4 was used to model the aft field joint of the solid rocket booster case. The shell model consisted of the SRB wall and joint geometry present during the Shuttle 51-L flight. A parametric study of the joint was performed on the geometry, including joint clearances, contact between the joint components, and on the loads, induced and applied. In addition combinations of geometry and loads were evaluated. The analytical results from the parametric study showed that contact between the joint components was a primary contributor to allowing hot gases to blow by the O-rings. Based upon understanding the original joint behavior, various proposed joint modifications are shown and analyzed in order to provide additional insight and information. Finally, experimental results from a hydro-static pressurization of a test rocket booster case to study joint motion are presented and verified analytically.

Davis, Randall C.↗

Dynamic testing and analysis of extension-twist-coupled composite tubular spars

The results from a study aimed at improving the dynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of composite rotor blades through the use of extension-twist elastic coupling are presented. A set of extension-twist-coupled composite tubular spars, representative of the primary load carrying structure within a helicopter rotor blade, was manufactured using four plies of woven graphite/epoxy cloth 'prepreg.' These spars were non-circular in cross section design and were therefore subject to warping deformations. Three cross-sectional geometries were developed: square, D-shape, and flattened ellipse. Results from free-free vibration tests of the spars were compared with results from normal modes and frequency analyses of companion shell-finite-element models developed in MSC/NASTRAN. Five global or 'non-shell' modes were identified within the 0-2000 Hz range for each spar. The frequencies and associated mode shapes for the D-shape spar were correlated with analytical results, showing agreement within 13.8 percent. Frequencies corresponding to the five global mode shapes for the square spar agreed within 9.5 percent of the analytical results. Five global modes were similarly identified for the elliptical spar and agreed within 4.9 percent of the respective analytical results.

Lake, Renee C.↗

Model-Based Diagnosis in a Power Distribution Test-Bed

The Rodon model-based diagnosis shell was applied to a breadboard test-bed, modeling an automated power distribution system. The constraint-based modeling paradigm and diagnostic algorithm were found to adequately represent the selected set of test scenarios.

Scarl, E.↗

On the Computation of Structural Vibrations Induced by a Low-speed Turbulent Flow

A method for numerical evaluation of the vibrations of a cylindrical shell structure induced by a low speed external turbulent flow is discussed. The direction of flow is along the axis of revolution of the shell, and the source of excitation is the pressure fluctuations in the turbulent boundary layer. For the investigation of vibration and noise problems it is usually more desirable to utilize the modal expansion approach. The axisymmetric shell structure can be modeled by the assemblage of conical-shell finite-elements. This modeling allows the eigenfunction psi sub mn (x,theta) to be represented in a rectangular product of a longitudinal modal function f sub mn (x) and a circular harmonic function cos m theta (or sin m theta).

Hwang, Y. F.↗

Deformation and Fracture Behaviors of Cylindrical Battery Shell During Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is one of the catastrophic failure modes of lithium-ion cells. During thermal runaway in cylindrical cells, sidewall shell rupture has been identified as a contributing factor for thermal runaway propagation in battery packs. Herein, the deformation and fracture behaviors of the battery shell during thermal runaway are investigated based on in-situ and ex-situ characterization as well as physics-based modeling. The deformation and fracture modes of the battery shell with/without Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sleeves are identified. In the simulation, the strain introduced by thermal expansion of the system is considered, as well as the thermal and strain rate effects on the plastic stage. The final cell shell modeling is validated by cell thermal runaway tests. Results reveal the quantitative relation between shell deformation behaviors and the pressure and temperature distribution. Both the experiment and model demonstrate the effectiveness of adding a tight-fitting CFRP sleeve around the cell in limiting the side-wall rupture of the shell. The use of CFRP tubes introduces a novel phenomenon in the context of uneven temperature distribution. Results shed light on the mechanistic analysis of a cell side-wall rupture during thermal runaway and provide essential guidance for the next-generation safe battery design.

battery casing↗