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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 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Rare earth separation in voltage-gated 2D MXene membranes

The separation of rare earth elements (REEs) has historically been a complicated and expensive process, producing significant amounts of pollution. To this end, MXene membranes (MXMs) have attracted researchers' interest. It has been demonstrated that MXMs are capable of separating ions and that it is possible to precisely control the separation rate by applying a voltage to the membrane. Indeed, due to their chemical nature, MXenes show outstanding electrical conductivity. However, the effect of applied voltage on the permeation rate and separation effects of iconic species remains an intriguing area of research. In this work, we demonstrate how applying different voltages (gate voltage) to a MXM affects the permeation rate of various REE ions. Our hypothesis to explain MXMs behavior towards REE is that under negative voltage, the interlayer spacing decreases due to attraction between charged MXene surfaces and intercalated cations, increasing the separation factor between REEs. Under positive voltage, the interlayer spacing increases due to repulsion between the MXene surfaces and intercalated cations. However, we demonstrate relatively poor separation capability for REEs at 1mM starting concentration and 1.0 V applied DC voltage (separation factor ~1-3). This study demonstrates the need for future experiments to observe varied experimental conditions and chemical functionalization to determine whether MXene membranes can be an efficient platform for REE separation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Preliminary Feasibility of Printing, Microstructure Analysis and Mechanical Performance of a Down Selected Ni Alloy

This report is submitted as completion of a Milestone 3 deliverable under work package ORNL CT-23OR1304051 in support of the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program. The AMMT program is aiming at the faster incorporation of new materials and manufacturing technologies into complex nuclear-related systems. An integrated approach, combining advanced characterization, high-throughput and accelerated testing, modeling and simulation including machine learning and artificial intelligence will be employed. While 316H (Fe-16-18Cr-10-14Ni-2-3Mo-0.04-0.1C) has been identified as a key alloy to be integrated into the AMMT accelerated alloy qualification approach due its relevance for many current and future nuclear energy reactors, many other alloys could be considered for the advanced fabrication of innovate high-performance nuclear components. ANL, INL, ORNL and PNNL are collaborating on identifying the most promising alloy candidates relevant for the AMMT program. A selection criteria matrix was established to evaluate the alloys considering their relative importance and technological readiness levels for nuclear energy applications, with a focus on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Due to the broad range of potential candidate alloys, ORNL and INL focused on Ni-based alloys, while ANL and PNNL mainly evaluated Fe-based alloys. PNNL previously published materials scorecards reports on several key alloys and this report is providing a broader overview of Ni-based candidate alloys, expending beyond alloys well-known to the nuclear community. Of particular interest are alloys that are currently commercially available in powder form due to the growing demand from other industries that have invested heavily in additive manufacturing. Among these alloys, Haynes 282 (Fe-20Cr-20Co-8Mo) was selected due to its superior strength at high temperature compared to the code-qualified alloy 617 (Ni-20-24Cr-10-15Co-8-10Mo). To assess the integration of this new alloy into the AMMT digital manufacturing framework, we performed the rapid optimization of alloy 282 printing parameters on a Renishaw 250 machine, the fabrication of sufficient materials for extensive characterization and mechanical testing both at ORNL and INL, and added the printing data into the digital platform via the Peregrine software. A detailed analysis of the LPBF 718 alloy was also conducted, with creep specimens being tested at 600-650°C and characterized by advanced electron microscopy. The alloy superior mechanical strength and great printability associated with the extensive database that has already been generated highlight the promising potential of LPBF 718 as a candidate alloy for the AMMT program. INL, ANL and PNNL have generated similar reports and all the information will be compiled into a final M2 milestone report to provide the AMMT leadership team with clear recommendations on the down selection of reactor materials, as well as establish a roadmap for the qualification of these selected alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Advances in coherent coupling between magnons and acoustic phonons

The interaction between magnetic and acoustic excitations have recently inspired many interdisciplinary studies ranging from fundamental physics to circuit implementation. Specifically, the exploration of their coherent interconversion enabled via the magnetoelastic coupling opens a new playground combining straintronics and spintronics, and provides a unique platform for building up on-chip coherent information processing networks with miniaturized magnonic and acoustic devices. In this Perspective, we will focus on the recent progress of magnon-phonon coupled dynamic systems, including materials, circuits, imaging and new physics. In particular, we highlight the unique features such as nonreciprocal acoustic wave propagation and strong coupling between magnons and phonons in magnetic thin-film systems, which provides a unique platform for their coherent manipulation and transduction. We will also review the frontier of surface acoustic wave resonators in coherent quantum transduction and discuss how the novel acoustic circuit design can be applied in microwave spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Space-qualified Chalcogenide Materials through ISS MISSE Exposure —From Property to Application

In March 2021, twenty-four samples of various phase change materials (PCMs - Ge2Sb2Te5, Ge2Sb2Se4Te1, and Sb2Se3) along with metasurface optical components comprised of these PCMs, were delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-14) test campaign [1]. Although PCMs have previously been noted for their resilience to various forms of radiation [2], they had not been tested in a realistic space environment until this exposure campaign with joint NASA and MIT collaboration. During the six-month total open exposure time in low earth orbit (LEO), high-resolution cameras scanned and captured photographs of the samples to detect changes as a function of time along with on-orbit measured temperature, UV radiation, total atomic oxygen fluence, and total ionizing radiation doses. The samples were returned to NASA Langley Research Center in March 2022 for post-flight characterization. This duplicated the preflight characterization (i.e., material composition and crystallinity that limits switching speed, index contrast, loss, etc.) conducted before launch. The space sector has witnessed tremendous growth within the past decade—not only from government agencies but also entrants from the private sector. Future growth in the capabilities of Earth observation, deep space, and planetary surface missions using miniaturized spacecraft platforms can only be sustained by innovations in the design of remote sensors and other sub-systems. Active metasurface optics with enhanced tunability and reconfigurability continues to redefine the boundaries of optical science [3]. The introduction of PCM technology and associated optical devices will help to accelerate the adoption of new architectures for reduced size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) platforms in space.Here we introduce results obtained from the MISSE-14 mission related to space qualification of PCM-based optic devices and constituent materials. We then discuss our recent work developing active integrated photonic devices and metasurface optics based on PCMs for space applications. This includes tunable and reconfigurable optical metasurface devices to support NASA space communication and LIDAR applications. PCMs are quickly becoming interesting photonics materials but questions related to mission suitability remain, particularly in regard to key properties like figures-of-merit (FOM, Δn/Δk), glass forming temperatures, and phase transition speeds. This talk will describe efforts to afford researchers the ability to have access to cost-effective data on exposure-induced changes to PCM fundamental physical and optical properties to assess their utility for space applications. The MISSE-14 sample exposure campaign allows a complete understanding of the limitations of the PCMs for various space-based electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Chalcogenide Phase change material↗
NASA NTRS1991

Finite Difference Time Domain Electromagnetic Scattering from Frequency-Dependent Lossy Materials

During this effort the tasks specified in the Statement of Work have been successfully completed. The extension of Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) to more complicated materials has been made. A three-dimensional FDTD code capable of modeling interactions with both dispersive dielectric and magnetic materials has been written, validated, and documented. This code is efficient and is capable of modeling interesting targets using a modest computer work station platform. However, in addition to the tasks in the Statement of Work, a significant number of other FDTD extensions and calculations have been made. RCS results for two different plate geometries have been reported. The FDTD method has been extended to computing far zone time domain results in two dimensions. Finally, the capability to model nonlinear materials has been incorporated into FDTD and validated. The FDTD computer codes developed have been supplied, along with documentation, and preprints describing the other FDTD advances have been included with this report as attachments.

Luebbers, Raymond J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Structural stability, elemental ordering, and transport properties of layered ScTaN 2

Ternary transition metal (TM) nitrides have gained significant attention in thin film research due to their promising properties for a broad range of applications. Particularly, some of the ternary TM nitrides have been predicted to adopt layered structures that make them interesting for thermoelectric conversion and quantum materials applications. Unfortunately, synthesis of TM ternary nitride films by physical vapor deposition often favors disordered 3D structures rather than the predicted 2D-like layered structure. In this study, we investigate the structural interplay in the Sc-Ta-N ternary system using a combinatorial approach. Combinatorial libraries S⁢c 𝑥 ⁢T⁢a 1−𝑥 ⁢N are synthesized following a two-step method: First, deposit film precursors by cosputtering and then process the resulting 3D-structured samples with rapid thermal annealing. Synchrotron grazing-incidence wide-angle x-ray scattering on films annealed at 1200 ⁢°⁢C for 20 min leads to the nucleation of ScTaN 2 layered structure (𝑃⁢6 3 /𝑚⁢𝑚⁢𝑐) near stoichiometry. We find that the layered structure can accommodate large off-stoichiometry in the Ta-rich region (𝑥 < 0.5), facilitated by the alloying with quasi-isostructural Ta 5 ⁢N 6 compound that exists on a composition tie line at 𝑥 = 0. While focusing on ScTaN 2 , we estimate the long-range order parameter in near-stoichiometric films to be 0.86, corresponding to a fraction of Sc/Ta antisites of 7%. Transport measurements on ScTaN 2 reveal a nearly temperature-independent high carrier density (10 21 c⁢m −3 ), suggesting a heavily doped semiconductor or semimetallic character, consistent with a small positive Seebeck coefficient of +19 µV/K. The carrier mobility at 2 K is relatively small (9.5c⁢m 2 V −1 s −1 ) and the residual-resistivity ratio is minor, suggesting that electrical conduction is dominated by defects or disorder. Measured magnetoresistance suggests possible weak antilocalization at 2 K. This paper highlights the interplay between ScTaN 2 and Ta 5 ⁢N 6 crystal structures in stabilizing layered materials, emphasizes the importance of cation order/disorder for potential tunable alloys, and suggests that ScTaN 2 is a promising platform for exploring electronic properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hybrid Porous Crystalline Materials from Metal Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks

Abstract Two frontier crystalline porous framework materials, namely, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have been widely explored owing to their outstanding physicochemical properties. While each type of framework has its own intrinsic advantages and shortcomings for specific applications, combining the complementary properties of the two materials allows the engineering of new classes of hybrid porous crystalline materials with properties superior to the individual components. Since the first report of MOF/COF hybrid in 2016, it has rapidly evolved as a novel platform for diverse applications. The state‐of‐art advances in the various synthetic approaches of MOF/COF hybrids are hereby summarized, together with their applications in different areas. Perspectives on the main challenges and future opportunities are also offered in order to inspire a multidisciplinary effort toward the further development of chemically diverse, multi‐functional hybrid porous crystalline materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Grimsel Test Site - A Successful International Underground Research Laboratory for Many Decades - 20429

For more than 35 years, Nagra and its partners from around the world have been conducting underground research projects at the Grimsel Test Site (GTS, www.grimsel.com) to contribute to the development and confirmation of safe geological disposal concepts and for the characterization of suitable host rock formations. Over the years, the results of this internationally recognized research program have been, and continue to be, incorporated directly into exploration programs, modelling, safety, and engineering feasibility studies on options for deep geological repositories. Each project of the GTS program involves field-testing, laboratory studies, design and modelling tasks, and integrates all scientific and technical aspects. Each project phase is planned with a duration of three to five years to facilitate practical and administrative aspects and allow flexibility for updating the overall project plans with the latest findings. Scientific and engineering interaction among the different projects is ensured via an international steering committee meeting. Hosting an IAEA level C radiation- controlled zone, which allows use of radionuclides, including actinides such as thorium, uranium, neptunium, plutonium and americium, in in-situ experiments is one of the reasons why GTS also developed as a center of excellence for work with radioactive tracers under realistic in-situ boundary conditions. Last year, a new five-year program (2019 to 2023) started which includes projects with a planning horizon of decades. The new five-year program includes a new phase of in-situ experiments using radionuclides such as migration experiments in the Colloid Formation and Migration project (CFM), the Long-Term Diffusion experiment (LTD) and the newly established C-14 and I-129 Migration in cement project (CIM). The 'High Temperature effects on Bentonite' (HotBENT) project is starting in the current phase and is studying the effects of elevated temperatures (>175 deg. C) on bentonite materials. As a generic underground research laboratory (URL) it is expected that the GTS will provide in the coming years a platform for international collaboration, knowledge development and knowledge transfer for the next generation of scientists and engineers in the area of radioactive waste disposal and geosciences. A key role regarding knowledge transfer and training is provided by the well-established Grimsel Training Center (GTC), which (beside many URL related issues) also covers many general aspects of radioactive waste management. In this paper we provide an overview of the current program at the GTS, focusing on the experiments that study the migration of radionuclides through engineered barrier materials and the geosphere. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Preheat effects in laser-driven Rayleigh–Taylor instability experiments at intensities greater than $10^{15}$ $\textrm{W}$ $\textrm{cm}^{-2}$ at OMEGA EP and the NIF

The propagation of high-energy X-rays or hot electrons have the potential to alter the initial conditions in experimental target designs, especially at material interfaces, for laser-driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high-energy density (HED) experimental platforms. Hot-electron preheat can drastically modify the initial conditions of experimental targets used to study the deceleration-stage Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) both with and without applied magnetic fields. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and quantify the impact of hot-electron preheat. The hydrodynamic (HD) capabilities in the Ares code are used to study the effects varying levels of preheat can have on RTI evolution. The experimental and computational studies presented in this work demonstrate that at high laser intensities of around or greater than 10 15 W cm −2 , there is hot-electron generation from laser plasma instabilities which induces substantial preheat and impacts the morphology of RTI evolution and even inhibits the intended RTI growth such that it is not observable experimentally. The necessity of better quantifying hot-electron induced preheat and mitigating its impact on such high-intensity direct-drive laser experiments in the future is discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Interfacial Unit-Dependent Catalytic Activity for CO Oxidation over Cerium Oxysulfate Cluster Assemblies

Atomically precise cerium oxo clusters offer a platform to investigate structure–property relationships that are much more complex in the ill-defined bulk material cerium dioxide. We investigated the activity of the MCe 70 torus family (M = Cd, Ce, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn), a family of discrete oxysulfate-based Ce 70 rings linked by monomeric cation units, for CO oxidation. CuCe 70 emerged as the best performing MCe 70 catalyst among those tested, prompting our exploration of the role of the interfacial unit on catalytic activity. Temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) studies of the catalysts indicated a lower temperature reduction in CuCe 70 as compared to CeCe 70 . In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) indicated that CuCe 70 exhibited a faster formation of Ce 3+ and contained CO bridging sites absent in CeCe 70 . Isothermal CO adsorption measurements demonstrated a greater uptake of CO by CuCe 70 as compared to CeCe 70 . The calculated energies for the formation of a single oxygen defect in the structure significantly decreased with the presence of Cu at the linkage site as opposed to Ce. Furthermore, this study revealed that atomic-level changes in the interfacial unit can change the reducibility, CO binding/uptake, and oxygen vacancy defect formation energetics in the MCe 70 family to thus tune their catalytic activity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Room-temperature polariton quantum fluids in halide perovskites

Abstract Quantum fluids exhibit quantum mechanical effects at the macroscopic level, which contrast strongly with classical fluids. Gain-dissipative solid-state exciton-polaritons systems are promising emulation platforms for complex quantum fluid studies at elevated temperatures. Recently, halide perovskite polariton systems have emerged as materials with distinctive advantages over other room-temperature systems for future studies of topological physics, non-Abelian gauge fields, and spin-orbit interactions. However, the demonstration of nonlinear quantum hydrodynamics, such as superfluidity and Čerenkov flow, which is a consequence of the renormalized elementary excitation spectrum, remains elusive in halide perovskites. Here, using homogenous halide perovskites single crystals, we report, in both one- and two-dimensional cases, the complete set of quantum fluid phase transitions from normal classical fluids to scatterless polariton superfluids and supersonic fluids—all at room temperature, clear consequences of the Landau criterion. Specifically, the supersonic Čerenkov wave pattern was observed at room temperature. The experimental results are also in quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions from the dissipative Gross-Pitaevskii equation. Our results set the stage for exploring the rich non-equilibrium quantum fluid many-body physics at room temperature and also pave the way for important polaritonic device applications.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Measurement of isosteric heat of gas adsorption and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area using a quartz crystal microbalance

The study of gas adsorption on a solid surface evaluates the affinity between sorbate gas and sorbent substrate and factors that contribute to this. This report presents a test platform for adsorption experiments of various gases on various solid surfaces. Controlled environmental conditions enable investigations in materials surface science and increase the consistency among adsorption data. The system utilizes a quartz crystal microbalance to perform gravimetric analysis of deposition and adsorption, enabling investigation of the interaction of gaseous molecules with solid surfaces. In this study, a quartz crystal microbalance as gas adsorption detector was integrated with an environmental chamber to create a versatile tool for gas adsorption experiments on thin films. Experimental operation of this apparatus was demonstrated via acquisition of the adsorption isotherms of cyclohexane vapor on a gold surface at 55 and 70 °C. The result indicated International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry Type II adsorption. Consequentially, application of the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller model to the isotherm data subject to predefined criteria for linear region selection yielded a surface area of the sorbent of 0.53 cm2 at 55 °C. From the monolayer region of the isotherms, the isosteric heat of adsorption of the cyclohexane vapor on gold was calculated to be 37 kJ mol-1.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimal Design Approaches for Cost-Effective Manufacturing & Deployment of Chemical Process Families with Economies of Numbers

This work builds on our optimization formulation for process family design and extends it to explicitly include the benefits of economies of numbers. Economies of numbers (sometimes referred to as economies of learning) is a well-documented cost saving phenomenon. It characterizes the manufacturing cost savings due to standardization; in particular, it is capturing the correlation between cost reduction and the number of times a particular product has been manufactured. Following an approach similar to that in Gazzaneo et al. (2022), we develop a costing expression that captures material costs and manufacturing costs as a function of the number of unit modules produced. If the platform has a small number of unit module designs, we will be manufacturing a large number of each of these designs and gaining increased benefits from economies of numbers. However, increasing the number of unit module designs in the platform gives each process variant more choices to consider (at the cost of reducing economies of numbers). The optimization formulation in Stinchfield et al. (2023) pre-specified the number of unit module designs to be included in the platform. Here, by including the economies of numbers explicitly, we allow the mathematical programming formulation to determine the optimal number of unit module designs to include in the platform. We demonstrate this approach on multiple case studies, including MEA-based carbon capture and water desalination.

Stinchfield, Georgia↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space Station Freedom - Its role as an international research laboratory and observatory

The international partnership agreed to just a year ago among the United States, Canada, Japan and nations participating in the European Space Agency bring us one giant leap closer to unprecedented opportunities in space science and observation. While the driving force of Space Station Freedom has been and continues to be an expansion of human presence in space, the goals of the program go far beyond support of exploration. Integral to the international program is research, conducted on four spacecraft, centering on laboratory and observatory experiments. Research onboard the station's manned base, two polar orbiting observation platforms and the Columbus Free Flying Laboratory will offer research opportunities never available before in life sciences, materials sciences, earth observation, astrophysics and planetary sciences for a wide variety of users over a period of three decades. As such, Space Station Freedom, the world's largest and most useful facility in space, is expected to stimulate advanced technologies, promote the commercial use of space, and increase international cooperation in the peaceful utilization of outer space.

Griner, Carolyn↗
NASA NTRS1991

LDEF space environments overview

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was launched into an Earth orbit during a period of minimum solar activity. It was retrieved almost 6 years later during a period of near maximum solar activity. In flight, the LDEF was passively stabilized in three axes and it flew in a near circular orbit having an inclination of 28.5 degs and an initial altitude of approx. 257 nautical miles. When the LDEF was retrieved, the orbit had decayed to an altitude of approx. 180 nautical miles. Specifically, the LDEF flew with one surface always facing the trailing direction, one surface facing Earth, and one surface facing into space. These facts made the LDEF an ideal platform to expose experiments to study the space environments and the effects of these environments on spacecraft materials and systems. An overview is provided of the specific space environments to which the LDEF experiments were exposed. The specific features are also pointed out of the LDEF that allow the effects of different environments to be isolated.

Kinard, William H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The Zhamanshin impact feature: A new class of complex crater?

The record of 10-km-scale impact events of Quaternary age includes only two 'proven' impact structures: the Zhamanshin Impact Feature (ZIF) and the Bosumtwi Impact Crater (BIC). What makes these impact landforms interesting from the standpoint of recent Earth history is their almost total lack of morphologic similarity, in spite of similar absolute ages and dimensions. The BIC resembles pristine complex craters on the Moon to first order (i.e., 'U'-shaped topographic cross section with preserved rim), while the ZIF displays virtually none of the typical morphologic elements of a 13- to 14-km-diameter complex crater. Indeed, this apparent lack of a craterlike surficial topographic expression initially led Soviet geologists to conclude that the structure was only 5.5 to 6 km in diameter and at least 4.5 Ma in age. However, more recent drilling and geophysical observations at the ZIF have indicated that its pre-erosional diameter is at least 13.5 km, and that its age is most probably 0.87 Ma. Why the present topographic expression of a 13.5-km complex impact crater less than 1 m.y. old most closely resembles heavily degraded Mesozoic shield craters such as Lappajarvi is a question of considerable debate. Hypotheses for the lack of a clearly defined craterlike form at the ZIF include a highly oblique impact, a low-strength 'cometary' projectile, weak or water-saturated target materials, and anomalous erosion patterns. The problem remains unresolved because typical erosion rates within the arid sedimentary platform environment of central Kazakhstan in which the ZIF is located are typically low; it would require at least a factor of 10 greater erosion at the ZIF in order to degrade the near-rim ejecta typical of a 13.5-km complex crater by hundreds of meters in only 0.87 Ma, and to partially infill an inner cavity with 27 cu km (an equivalent uniform thickness of infill of 166 m). Our analysis of the degree of erosion and infill at the ZIF calls for rates in the 0.19 to 0.38 mm/yr range over the lifetime of the landform, which are a factor of 10 to 20 in excess of typical rates for the Kazakhstan semidesert.

Garvin, J. B.↗