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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 1,045 records · Page 58
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Thermal stress effects in intermetallic matrix composites

Intermetallic matrix composites develop residual stresses from the large thermal expansion mismatch (delta-alpha) between the fibers and matrix. This work was undertaken to: establish improved techniques to measure these thermal stresses in IMC's; determine residual stresses in a variety of IMC systems by experiments and modeling; and, determine the effect of residual stresses on selected mechanical properties of an IMC. X ray diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction (ND), synchrotron XRD (SXRD), and ultrasonics (US) techniques for measuring thermal stresses in IMC were examined and ND was selected as the most promising technique. ND was demonstrated on a variety of IMC systems encompassing Ti- and Ni-base matrices, SiC, W, and Al2O3 fibers, and different fiber fractions (Vf). Experimental results on these systems agreed with predictions of a concentric cylinder model. In SiC/Ti-base systems, little yielding was found and stresses were controlled primarily by delta-alpha and Vf. In Ni-base matrix systems, yield strength of the matrix and Vf controlled stress levels. The longitudinal residual stresses in SCS-6/Ti-24Al-llNb composite were modified by thermomechanical processing. Increasing residual stress decreased ultimate tensile strength in agreement with model predictions. Fiber pushout strength showed an unexpected inverse correlation with residual stress. In-plane shear yield strength showed no dependence on residual stress. Higher levels of residual tension led to higher fatigue crack growth rates, as suggested by matrix mean stress effects.

Wright, P. K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Crystallographic variant mapping using precession electron diffraction data

In this work, we developed three methods to map crystallographic variants of samples at the nanoscale by analyzing precession electron diffraction data using a high-temperature shape memory alloy and a VO2 thin film on sapphire as the model systems. The three methods are (I) a user-selecting-reference pattern approach, (II) an algorithm-selecting-reference-pattern approach, and (III) a k-means approach. In the first two approaches, Euclidean distance, Cosine, and Structural Similarity (SSIM) algorithms were assessed for the diffraction pattern similarity quantification. We demonstrated that the Euclidean distance and SSIM methods outperform the Cosine algorithm. We further revealed that the random noise in the diffraction data can dramatically affect similarity quantification. Denoising processes could improve the crystallographic mapping quality. With the three methods mentioned above, we were able to map the crystallographic variants in different materials systems, thus enabling fast variant number quantification and clear variant distribution visualization. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are also discussed. We expect these methods to benefit researchers who work on martensitic materials, in which the variant information is critical to understand their properties and functionalities.

Crystallographic variant mapping↗
DOE OSTI2018

Hybrid Composite Materials Based on Natural Layered Silicates

We have prepared composite materials based on natural silicates: vermiculite modified with cellulose and nontronite modified with an alkaline rice husk hydrolysate. The materials have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and positron annihilation spectroscopy, and their specific surface area, sorption capacity (for model dye solutions), and tribological properties have been assessed. It has been shown that cellulose in the vermiculite-based composite material is incorporated between the aluminosilicate layers, forming a new crystalline phase. The nontronite-based composite material reduces the wear of friction pairs by a factor of 2.5 to 7.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Interface nano-confined acoustic waves in polymeric surface phononic crystals

The impulsive acoustic dynamics of soft polymeric surface phononic crystals is investigated here in the hypersonic frequency range by near-IR time-resolved optical diffraction. The acoustic response is analysed by means of wavelet spectral methods and finite element modeling. An unprecedented class of acoustic modes propagating within the polymer surface phononic crystal and confined within 100 nm of the nano-patterned interface is revealed. The present finding opens the path to an alternative paradigm for characterizing the mechanical properties of soft polymers at interfaces and for sensing schemes exploiting polymers as embedding materials.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2018

Spin-glass behavior and vacancy order in van der Waals layered β - MoCl 4

Two-dimensional ${\beta}\text{-}{\mathrm{MoCl}}_{4}$ is an attractive material from the perspectives of magnetism in $4d$ transition metal compounds, geometrically frustrated lattices, and magnetic van der Waals layered materials, but the magnetism in this compound has not been particularly well studied to date. In this paper the magnetic properties and crystal structure of ${\mathrm{MoCl}}_{4}$ are revisited, and results of ac and dc magnetic measurements and single crystal x-ray diffraction are reported. Crystals grow as well-formed and easily cleaved hexagonal plates that are unstable in air. The revised structural model comprises ${\mathrm{CdCl}}_{2}$-type layers with 50% Mo vacancies distributed over the sites of the triangular cation net. Interestingly, a structural ambiguity regarding the vacancy distribution is identified in the analysis of the diffraction data. The orbital moment is not expected to be quenched in this $4{d}^{2}$ compound. Accordingly, magnetization measurements indicate an effective moment that is about 20% lower than the spin-only value. The magnetic data reveal an anomaly near 5 K, below which a divergence of field-cooled and zero-field-cooled dc magnetization, a slow relaxation of thermoremanent magnetization, and enhanced frequency dependence of ac magnetization are observed. Finally and thus, ${\beta}\text{-}{\mathrm{MoCl}}_{4}$ represents an uncommon example of a cleavable spin-glass system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Capture and X-ray diffraction studies of protein microcrystals in a microfluidic trap array

A microfluidic platform has been developed for the capture and X-ray analysis of protein microcrystals, affording a means to improve the efficiency of XFEL and synchrotron experiments. X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) promise to enable the collection of interpretable diffraction data from samples that are refractory to data collection at synchrotron sources. At present, however, more efficient sample-delivery methods that minimize the consumption of microcrystalline material are needed to allow the application of XFEL sources to a wide range of challenging structural targets of biological importance. Here, a microfluidic chip is presented in which microcrystals can be captured at fixed, addressable points in a trap array from a small volume (<10 µl) of a pre-existing slurry grown off-chip. The device can be mounted on a standard goniostat for conducting diffraction experiments at room temperature without the need for flash-cooling. Proof-of-principle tests with a model system (hen egg-white lysozyme) demonstrated the high efficiency of the microfluidic approach for crystal harvesting, permitting the collection of sufficient data from only 265 single-crystal still images to permit determination and refinement of the structure of the protein. This work shows that microfluidic capture devices can be readily used to facilitate data collection from protein microcrystals grown in traditional laboratory formats, enabling analysis when cryopreservation is problematic or when only small numbers of crystals are available. Such microfluidic capture devices may also be useful for data collection at synchrotron sources.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2020

Imaging Polarity in Two Dimensional Materials by Breaking Friedel's Law

Friedel's law guarantees an inversion-symmetric diffraction pattern for thin, light materials where a kinematic approximation or a single-scattering model holds. Typically, breaking Friedel symmetry is ascribed to multiple scattering events within thick, non-centrosymmetric crystals. However, two-dimensional (2D) materials such as a single monolayer of MoS 2 can also violate Friedel's law, with unexpected contrast between conjugate Bragg peaks. Here, we show analytically that retaining higher order terms in the power series expansion of the scattered wavefunction can describe the anomalous contrast between hkl and $\bar{hkl}$ peaks that occurs in 2D crystals with broken in-plane inversion symmetry. These higher-order terms describe multiple scattering paths starting from the same atom in an atomically thin material. Furthermore, 2D materials containing heavy elements, such as WS 2 , always act as strong phase objects, violating Friedel's law no matter how high the energy of the incident electron beam. Experimentally, this understanding can enhance diffraction-based techniques to provide rapid imaging of polarity, twin domains, in-plane rotations, or other polar textures in 2D materials.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2014

Controlled release of ibuprofen by meso–macroporous silica

Structured meso–macroporous silica was successfully synthesized from an O/W emulsion using decane as a dispersed phase. Sodium silicate solution, which acts as a silica source and a poly(ethylene oxide)–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide) (EO{sub 19}PO{sub 39}EO{sub 19}) denoted as P84 was used in order to stabilize the emulsion and as a mesopore template. The materials obtained were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), small-angle X-ray diffraction scattering (SAXS) and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. Ibuprofen (IBU) was selected as the model drug and loaded into ordered meso–macroporous materials. The effect of the materials’ properties on IBU drug loading and release was studied. The results showed that the loading of IBU increases as the macropore presence in the material is increased. The IBU adsorption process followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A two-step release process, consisting of an initial fast release and then a slower release was observed. Macropores enhanced the adsorption capacity of the material; this was probably due to the fact that they allowed the drug to access internal pores. When only mesopores were present, ibuprofen was probably adsorbed on the mesopores close to the surface. Moreover, the more macropore present in the material, the slower the release behaviour observed, as the ibuprofen adsorbed in the internal pores had to diffuse along the macropore channels up to the surface of the material. The material obtained from a highly concentrated emulsion was functionalized with amino groups using two methods, the post-grafting mechanism and the co-condensation mechanism. Both routes improve IBU adsorption in the material and show good behaviour as a controlled drug delivery system. - Graphical abstract: Ibuprofen release profiles for the materials obtained from samples P84{sub m}eso (black diamonds), P84{sub 2}0% (white squares), P84{sub 5}0% (black triangles), P84{sub 7}5% (white diamonds), P84{sub 7}5% functionalized by grafting (black squares) and P84{sub 7}5% functionalized by co-condensation method (white triangles). Display Omitted - Highlights: • Ordered meso–macroporous material is used as a controlled delivery system for ibuprofen. • Incorporation of macropores in mesoporous silica improves ibuprofen adsorption. • Meso–macroporous structures provide a lower delivery than mesoporous silica. • APTES functionalization in meso–macroporous materials improves ibuprofen adsorption and delivery behaviour.

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

Hydrogen Bonding in Amorphous Indomethacin

Amorphous Indomethacin has enhanced bioavailability over its crystalline forms, yet amorphous forms can still possess a wide variety of structures. Here, Empirical Potential Structure Refinement (EPSR) has been used to provide accurate molecular models on the structure of five different amorphous Indomethacin samples, that are consistent with their high-energy X-ray diffraction patterns. It is found that the majority of molecules in amorphous Indomethacin are non-bonded or bonded to one neighboring molecule via a single hydrogen bond, in contrast to the doubly bonded dimers found in the crystalline state. The EPSR models further indicate a substantial variation in hydrogen bonding between different amorphous forms, leading to a diversity of chain structures not found in any known crystal structures. The majority of hydrogen bonds are associated with the carboxylic acid group, although a significant number of amide hydrogen bonding interactions are also found in the models. Evidence of some dipole–dipole interactions are also observed in the more structurally ordered models. The results are consistent with a distribution of Z-isomer intramolecular type conformations in the more disordered structures, that distort when stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurs. The findings are supported by 1H and 2H NMR studies of the hydrogen bond dynamics in amorphous Indomethacin.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Combination of the discontinuous Galerkin method with finite differences for simulation of seismic wave propagation

We present an algorithm for the numerical simulation of seismic wave propagation in models with a complex near surface part and free surface topography. The approach is based on the combination of finite differences with the discontinuous Galerkin method. The discontinuous Galerkin method can be used on polyhedral meshes; thus, it is easy to handle the complex surfaces in the models. However, this approach is computationally intense in comparison with finite differences. Finite differences are computationally efficient, but in general, they require rectangular grids, leading to the stair-step approximation of the interfaces, which causes strong diffraction of the wavefield. In this research we present a hybrid algorithm where the discontinuous Galerkin method is used in a relatively small upper part of the model and finite differences are applied to the main part of the model.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

SISGR -- Domain Microstructures and Mechanisms for Large, Reversible and Anhysteretic Strain Behaviors in Phase Transforming Ferroelectric Materials

This four-year project (including one-year no-cost extension) aimed to advance fundamental understanding of field-induced strain behaviors of phase transforming ferroelectrics. We performed meso-scale phase field modeling and computer simulation to study domain evolutions, mechanisms and engineering techniques, and developed computational techniques for nanodomain diffraction analysis; to further support above originally planned tasks, we also carried out preliminary first-principles density functional theory calculations of point defects and domain walls to complement meso-scale computations as well as performed in-situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray single crystal diffraction experiments to guide theoretical development (both without extra cost to the project thanks to XSEDE supercomputers and DOE user facility Advanced Photon Source).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Predicting Pulsed-Laser Deposition SrTiO 3 Homoepitaxy Growth Dynamics Using High-Speed Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction

Pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) is a powerful technique for growing complex oxides with controlled stoichiometry. To understand growth dynamics therein, it is common to leverage in situ spectroscopies, such as reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), to monitor surface crystallinity. Most commercial systems rely on video-rate cameras operating at 60-120 Hz that lack sufficient temporal resolution to capture growth dynamics at practical deposition frequencies. Here, a high-speed platform to record in situ dynamics via RHEED at >500 Hz is implemented. An open-source analysis package is designed to fit diffraction spots to 2D Gaussians, allowing single-pulse surface reconstruction kinetics extraction. Using homoepitaxially deposited (001)-oriented SrTiO 3 as a model system, we demonstrate how high-speed RHEED can provide real-time insight into growth processes obscured by slower acquisition systems. By fitting the single-pulse intensity to a set of exponential functions, we observe changes in the characteristic decay time and mechanism correlated to the substrate step width and surface termination. We observe distinct surface effects, with diffraction intensity decaying on lower-energy TiO 2 -terminated surfaces and stabilizing on SrO- or mixed-terminated surfaces. Similarly, using an exponential model, the extracted characteristic time of adatom deposition decreases with increased density of bonding sites associated with mixed termination and narrower step widths. Ultimately, this work shows how increasing RHEED temporal resolution can uncover new insights into growth processes, with practical implications for the design and control of PLD processes. This experimental platform provides new capabilities to enable data-driven machine learning analysis and autonomous control systems to enhance the complexity and fecundity of PLD.

(SrO)↗
DOE OSTI2014

Integrated Mg/TiO{sub 2}-ionic liquid system for deep desulfurization

A series of Mg/TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts were prepared using wet impregnation method followed by calcination at 300, 400 and 500°C for 1 h. The photocatalysts were characterized using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. The performance for deep desulfurization was investigated using model oil with 100 ppm sulfur (in the form of dibenzothiophene). The integrated system involves photocatalytic oxidation followed by ionic liquid-extraction processes. The best performing photocatalyst was 0.25wt% Mg loaded on titania calcined at 400°C (0.25Mg400), giving 98.5% conversion of dibenzothiophene to dibenzothiophene sulfone. The highest extraction efficiency of 97.8% was displayed by 1,2-diethylimidazolium diethylphosphate. The overall total sulfur removal was 96.3%.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electron density distribution and disordered crystal structure of 15R-SiAlON, SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N{sub 4}

The crystal structure of SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N{sub 4} was characterized by laboratory X-ray powder diffraction (CuKα{sub 1}). The title compound is trigonal with space group R3-bar m. The hexagonal unit-cell dimensions (Z=3) are a=0.301332(3) nm, c=4.18616(4) nm and V=0.3291825(5) nm{sup 3}. The initial structural model was successfully derived by the charge-flipping method and further refined by the Rietveld method. The final structural model showed the positional disordering of one of the three (Si,Al) sites. The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting (MPF) method was used to confirm the validity of the split-atom model, in which conventional structure bias caused by assuming intensity partitioning was minimized. The reliability indices calculated from the MPF were R{sub wp}=5.05%, S (=R{sub wp}/R{sub e})=1.21, R{sub p}=3.77%, R{sub B}=1.29% and R{sub F}=1.01%. The disordered crystal structure was successfully described by overlapping three types of domains with ordered atom arrangements. The distribution of atomic positions in one of the three types of domains can be achieved in the space group R3-bar m. The atom arrangements in the other two types of domains are noncentrosymmetrical with the space group R3m. These two structural configurations are related by the pseudo-symmetry inversion. -- Graphical abstract: A bird's eye view of electron densities up to 75.3% (0.133 nm{sup −3}) of the maximum on the plane parallel to (110) with the corresponding atomic arrangements of SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N{sub 4}. Highlights: • Crystal structure of SiAl{sub 4}O{sub 2}N{sub 4} is determined by laboratory X-ray powder diffraction. • The atom arrangements are represented by the split-atom model. • The maximum-entropy method-based pattern fitting method is used to confirm the validity of the model. • The disordered structure is described by overlapping three types of domains with ordered atom arrangements.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Long ranged structural modulation in the pre-morphotropic phase boundary cubic-like state of the lead-free piezoelectric Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2}TiO{sub 3}-BaTiO{sub 3}

The nature of the pre-morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) cubic-like state in the lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (1−x)Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2}TiO{sub 3}-(x)BaTiO{sub 3} at x ∼ 0.06 has been examined in detail by electric field and temperature dependent neutron diffraction, x-ray diffraction, dielectric and ferroelectric characterization. The superlattice reflections in the neutron diffraction patterns cannot be explained with the tetragonal P4bm and the rhombohedral (R3c) phase coexistence model. The cubic like state is rather a result of long ranged modulated complex octahedral tilt. This modulated structure exhibits anomalously large dielectric dispersion. The modulated structure transforms to a MPB state on poling. The field-stabilized MPB state is destroyed and the modulated structure is restored on heating the poled specimen above the Vogel-Fulcher freezing temperature. The results show the predominant role of competing octahedral tilts in determining the nature of structural and polar states in Na{sub 1/2}Bi{sub 1/2}TiO{sub 3}-based ferroelectrics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Distribution of Vacancies in a Hybrid M{sub (5–11/18)}X{sub (5–11/18)} Superstructure of a High-Temperature Ordered β-TiO Phase

A new structural model of the high-temperature ordered β-TiO phase of titanium monoxide with vacancies in metallic and nonmetallic sublattices has been proposed. The model suggests that the vacancies are simultaneously distributed over sites of two partially disordered superstructures: monoclinic M{sub 5}X{sub 5(mon)} (space group C2/m (A2/m)) and cubic M{sub 5}X{sub 5(cub)} (space group Pm3̄m). The hybrid superstructure belongs to space group P1m1 of the monoclinic system. The proposed notation M{sub (5–11/18)}X{sub (5–11/18)} of the hybrid superstructure takes into account an expansion of the vacancy sublattice due to the superposition of initial M{sub 5}X{sub 5{sup −}} type superstructures. It is shown that the arrangements of the superstructure reflections in the diffraction spectra of the M{sub (5–11/18)}X{sub (5–11/18)} and M{sub 5}X{sub 5(cub)} superstructures are identical.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Structural parameters of the nearest environment of ions in aqueous solutions of ytterbium chloride

The radial distribution functions (RDFs) of aqueous solutions of ytterbium chloride were calculated using previously collected X-ray diffraction data for a wide range of solution concentrations under ambient conditions. Different solution structure models were constructed. Theoretical RDFs were calculated for each model. The optimum models for all systems studied were chosen based on the best fit between the theoretical and experimental RDFs. Quantitative characteristics of the nearest environment of Yb{sup 3+} and Cl{sup –} ions in solutions, namely, the coordination number, interparticle distances, and types of ion pairs were determined. The average number of water molecules in the first coordination sphere of the cation decreases from 8.2 to 6.0 as the solution concentration increases. The structure of all systems investigated is governed by non-contact ion associates throughout the concentration range studied.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

A method to generate conformal finite-element meshes from 3D measurements of microstructurally small fatigue-crack propagation [A method to generate conformal finite-element meshes from 3D measurements of microstructurally small fatigue-crack propagation: 3D Meshes of Microstructurally Small Crack Growth]

In an effort to reproduce computationally the observed evolution of microstructurally small fatigue cracks (MSFCs), a method is presented for generating conformal, finite-element (FE), volume meshes from 3D measurements of MSFC propagation. The resulting volume meshes contain traction-free surfaces that conform to incrementally measured 3D crack shapes. Grain morphologies measured using near-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy are also represented within the FE volume meshes. Proof-of-concept simulations are performed to demonstrate the utility of the mesh-generation method. The proof-of-concept simulations employ a crystal-plasticity constitutive model and are performed using the conformal FE meshes corresponding to successive crack-growth increments. Although the simulations for each crack increment are currently independent of one another, they need not be, and transfer of material-state information among successive crack-increment meshes is discussed. The mesh-generation method was developed using post-mortem measurements, yet it is general enough that it can be applied to in-situ measurements of 3D MSFC propagation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗