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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 1,081 records · Page 60
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Correlation of Early-Stage Growth Process Conditions with Dislocation Evolution in MOCVD-Based GaP/Si Heteroepitaxy

To identify the complex relationships between early-stage growth processes and the resultant defect microstructure in GaP/Si heteroepitaxy, a holistic study of several key metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) parameters was conducted, focusing on Si surface preparation and GaP atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) based nucleation processes. Here, crystalline defects related to the lattice mismatch and/or interfacial heterovalency, namely misfit dislocations (MD), threading dislocations (TD), and stacking fault pyramids (SFP), were quantitatively characterized via electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) and correlated against the different process variations. Choice of Si surface preparation method between the two examined (dilute SiH4 annealing versus Si2H6 based homoepitaxy) had little impact on resultant GaP film morphology and defect content, whereas differing GaP ALE nucleation conditions produced much more substantial changes. In particular, the initial precursor species (tert-butylphosphine versus triethygallium) and ALE cycle purge times both yielded significant influence over threading dislocation densities (TDD) in thin (100 nm), post-critical thickness GaP/Si films, with TDD spanning two orders of magnitude, from 6.7×10 7 cm -2 to 7.1×10 5 cm -2 , depending on the specific process conditions employed. SFP densities were also found to follow a similar trend, ranging from 2.0×10 7 cm -2 to 1.8×10 5 cm -2 , but with no apparent causal relationship between SFP density and TDD. To help explain the dramatic differences observed, detailed, large-area MD network characterization was used to provide statistically-relevant quantitative analyses of the critical dislocation dynamics (introduction rates and glide velocities) associated with the different process variants. These extracted values are then correlated against the ALE process variants to provide insight into the potential mechanistic roles of the different growth processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optical vibrational spectroscopic signatures related to U 3 O 8 production processes

Uranium ore concentrates are materials found early within the nuclear fuel cycle and contain high concentrations of uranium in an easily transported form, making the concentrates a likely target for illegal diversion. These concentrates are typically converted to U 3 O 8 for further processing and, therefore, may lose specific physicochemical characteristics in determining the materials’ source and processing history. In this work, we explore the Raman spectra of eight oxide samples produced from various uranium ore concentrates and processing pathways to examine the presence of spectroscopic signatures relating to each sample's process history. Samples produced from amine extraction and dialkylphosphoric acid extraction processes show unique characteristics due to high concentrations of α-UO 3 , whereas samples calcinated from metallic diuranates do not form pure α-U 3 O 8 because of metallic ion inclusions. Pure α-U 3 O 8 oxide samples are obtained through calcination of ammonium diuranate, ammonium uranyl carbonate, and metastudtite intermediates. The Raman spectra of these oxide samples show close agreement with pristine α-U 3 O 8 spectra. However, deviations from the pristine spectra are observed in the 300–460 cm -1 spectral range. In conclusion, these deviations are unique identifying signatures that were likely created by lasting effects from the process history. Spectral center of mass calculations indicate grouping of samples based on processing history.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2013

Synthesis of MOF having hydroxyl functional side groups and optimization of activation process for the maximization of its BET surface area

To accomplish the postsynthetic modification of MOF with organic-metal precursors (OMPs) described in our previous researches more efficiently, synthesis of MOF (HCC-2) possessing relatively larger pore size as well as higher number of hydroxyl functional side groups per its base unit than those of HCC-1 has been successfully conducted via adopting 1,4-di-(4-carboxy-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)benzene as an organic ligand and Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O as a metal source, respectively. Also, optimization about the Activation process of HCC-2 was performed to maximize its BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area which was proved to be proportional to the number of exposed active sites on which its postsynthetic modification occurred. However, Activation process having been validated to be so effective with the acquirement of highly-purified HCC-1 (CO{sub 2} supercritical drying step followed by vacuum drying step) was less satisfactory with the case of HCC-2. This might be attributed to relatively higher hydrophilicity and bulkier molecular structure of organic ligand of HCC-2. However, it was readily settled by simple modification of above Activation process. Moreover, indispensable residues composed of both DMF and its thermally degraded derivatives which were chemically attached via coordination bond with hydroxyl functionalities even after Activation process III might enable their H{sub 2} adsorption properties to be seriously debased compared to that of IRMOF-16 having no hydroxyl functionalities. - Graphical abstract: Synthesis of new-structured MOF (HCC-2) simultaneously possessing relatively larger pore size as well as higher number of hydroxyl functional side groups per its base unit at the same time than those of HCC-1 has been performed via adopting 1,4-di-(4-carboxy-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)benzene as an organic ligand and Zn(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}{center_dot}6H{sub 2}O as a metal source, respectively. Also, the optimization of activation process for HCC-2 was conducted to maximize its BET surface area while the suitability of this activation process was proved via SEM, TGA, EA, XRF, and PSD. Being compared with the crystal structures of IRMOF-16 and HCC-1 via XRD and FT-IR analysis, the crystal structure of HCC-2 having an identical chemical structure except the introduction of four hydroxyl functional side groups on the backbone of its organic ligand showed no noticeable change. Specifically, HCC-2 was established as a cubic structure with each axis of about 21.5 A. Moreover, H{sub 2} adsorption isotherms for these HCCs were attained to ultimately examine that hydroxyl functionalities inside their pores have any influence on their H{sub 2} adsorption properties. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HCC-2 having higher number of hydroxyl groups than that of HCC-1 was prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The optimization of activation process for HCC-2 was studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The crystal structure of HCC-2 was a cubic-shaped structure with each axis of 21.5 A. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer -OH functionalities on HCCs had negative influence on their H{sub 2} adsorption abilities. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This might be due to impurities rigidly attached to their functional side groups.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure and partitioning behavior characteristics in low carbon steels treated by hot-rolling direct quenching and dynamical partitioning processes

In this work, a new process and composition design are proposed for “quenching and partitioning” or Q&P treatment. Three low carbon steels were treated by hot-rolling direct quenching and dynamical partitioning processes (DQ&P). The effects of proeutectoid ferrite and carbon concentration on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties were investigated. The present work obtained DQ&P prototype steels with good mechanical properties and established a new notion on compositions for Q&P processing. Microstructures were characterized by means of electro probe microanalyzer (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), especially the morphology and size of retained austenite. Mechanical properties were measured by uniaxial tensile tests. The results indicated that introducing proeutectoid ferrite can increase the volume fraction of retained austenite and thus improve mechanical properties. TEM observation showed that retained austenite included the film-like inter-lath austenite and blocky austenite located in martensite/ferrite interfaces or surrounded by ferrites. It was interesting that when the carbon concentration is as low as ~ 0.078%, the film-like inter-lath untransformed austenite cannot be stabilized to room temperature and almost all of them transformed into twin martensite. The blocky retained austenite strengthened the interfaces and transformed into twin martensite during the tensile deformation process. The PSEs of specimens all exceeded 20 GPa.%. - Highlights: •This study focused on a new process: Q&P process applying dynamical partitioning. •Ferrite can increase the volume fraction of retained austenite. •The film-like austenite and the blocky austenite were observed. •The low carbon steels treated by new process reached PSEs higher than 20 GPa.%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Additive friction stir deposition of SS316: Effect of process parameters on microstructure evolution

Solid state nature of additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) additive manufacturing process is very advantageous in terms of defect formation and microstructural refinement in the material. Current study presents the process optimization, microstructural evolution and kinetics of recrystallization for AFSD deposited low stacking fault energy material - SS316. As deposited microstructure shows equiaxed ultra fine grains with an average grain size of ~5.0 ± 0.5 μm. Shear deformation at high temperature during processing leads to the operation of restoration mechanisms. Observation of necklace type microstructure in the as deposited SS316 is attributed to discontinuous dynamic recrystallization during processing. Recrystallization kinetics of the AFSD SS316 is characterized using Johnson-Mehl-Avarami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model. Deformation – thermal cycling during AFSD process resulted in inconsistent recrystallization kinetics. Variation in strain, strain rate and temperature during processing with processing parameters result in varying microstructure and tool wear. Further, high strength-ductility combination and sustained work hardening in as deposited SS316 appear to arise from transformation and twinning during deformation, leading to the formation of hierarchical twins and martensitic phase after deformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Process-structure-property considerations for wire-based directed energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V

Directed energy deposition (DED) is an attractive additive manufacturing (AM) process for large structural components. The rapid solidification and layer-by-layer process associated with DED results in non-ideal microstructures, such as large grains with strong crystallographic textures. These non-ideal microstructures can lead to severe anisotropy in the mechanical properties. Despite these challenges, DED has been identified as a potential solution for the manufacturing of near net shape Ti-6Al-4V preforms, replacing lost casting and forging capabilities. Two popular wire-based directed energy deposition (W-DED) processes were considered for the manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V with assessments on their respective metallurgical and mechanical properties, as compared to a conventionally processed material. The two W-DED processes explored were wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). High throughput inspection and tensile testing procedures were utilized to generate statistically relevant data sets related to each process and sample orientation. The 2 AM technologies produced material with remarkably different microstructures and mechanical properties. Importantly, results revealed key differences in strength and ductility for the two disparate processes which were found to be related to differences in the metallurgical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fundamental Processes and Practical Considerations of Lead Chalcogenide Mesocrystals Formed via Self-Assembly and Directed Attachment of Nanocrystals at a Fluid Interface

Significant advances in the synthesis and processing of colloidal nanocrystals have given scientists and engineers access to a vast library of building blocks with precisely defined size, shape, and composition. These materials have inspired exciting prospects to enable bottom-up fabrication of programmable materials with properties by design. Successfully assembling and connecting the building blocks into superstructures in which constituent nanocrystals can purposefully interact requires robust understanding of and control over a complex interplay of dynamic physicochemical processes. Fluid interfaces provide an advantageous experimental workbench to both probe and control these processes. Despite the ostensible simplicity of fabricating nanocrystal assemblies at a fluid interface, sensitivity to processing conditions and limited reproducibility have underscored the complexity of this process. In situ studies have provided mechanistic insights into the competing dynamics of key subprocesses including solvent spreading and evaporation, superlattice formation, ligand detachment kinetics, and nanocrystal attachment. Understanding how these subprocesses influence the complex choreography of self-assembly, structure transformation, and oriented attachment processes presents a rich research challenge. In this context, we present a detailed methodology for self-assembly and attachment of lead chalcogenide nanocrystals at a liquid–gas interface as a model system for the fabrication of mono- and multilayer cubic connected superlattices. We discuss key experimental parameters such as the characteristics of the building blocks and processing conditions and detailed steps from colloidal nanocrystal injection to superlattice transfer. Furthermore, we hope that this Methods/Protocols paper will provide guidance for future advances in the exciting path toward bringing the prospect of nanocrystal-based programmable materials to fruition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Interinstitutional Study of the New EURO-GANEX Process Resistance by Gamma Irradiation Test Loops

As part of the homogeneous actinides recycling strategy, the EURO-GANEX process is one of the most promising options to achieve the goal of minor actinides recovery. However, EURO-GANEX also has various drawbacks that are being addressed. Improvements made to EURO-GANEX system have resulted in the emergence of the so-called New EURO-GANEX process, where the composition of the solvent has been modified by replacing TODGA and DMDOHEMA with cis-mTDDGA in the organic phase and SO3-Ph-BTP with PyTri-Diol in the aqueous phase in order to resolve important issues. The objective of this work is twofold: evaluate the gamma radiolysis resistance of the new EURO-GANEX process by dynamic irradiation conditions simulating the three main steps of the process and validate the design of CIEMAT Náyade, CEA Marcel and INL irradiation loop devices since each of them mimics different aspects of the real process. Náyade and the INL loops could irradiate together the organic and aqueous phases, whereas in the CEA loop, the irradiated solvent is recycled continuously inside a platform with several stages of mixer-settlers containing aqueous flows simulating the three main steps of the process. The extraction performances and changes in the composition of the solvent have been analysed during the irradiation experiment by different techniques: gamma spectrometry and ICP-MS/OES for cations or tracers extraction, and HPLC-MS to quantify the degradation and evaluate the degradation compounds. Additionally, in spite of some differences between the three-irradiation facilities, this inter-institutional study shows that they are three comparative tools, which provide results on the stability towards radiolysis of a liquid-liquid extraction system. Favourable extraction results for the different steps are obtained according to the static irradiation studies found in literature. However, the degradation of cis-mTDDGA is appreciable leading to degradation compounds, some of which form precipitates and produce important changes in viscosity, important aspects that must be addressed prior to the successful industrial application of the new EURO-GANEX process.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2022

Direct Recycling of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes: A Multi-Stage Annealing Process to Recover the Pristine Structure and Performance

Direct recycling is an alternative low-cost process that retains the structure of the lithium-ion battery cathode rather than going through materials dissolution and repurification. While the process shows promise, various steps need to be better understood and studied to identify possible roadblocks, cost intensive steps, and needed variations in protocol that may be necessary based on the feedstock of recycled cathodes available. In this study, we have evaluated the process of thermal relithiation as it applies to end-of-life cathode materials. For recovered end-of-life cathodes, approximately 20% of the useable lithium has been lost due to solid electrolyte interface formation, parasitic reactions, and particle isolation; this lost lithium contributes to higher cell impedance and a gradual shift in electrode potentials. As a first step in the direct recycling process, this lithium needs to be restored not only to recover capacity but also to eliminate surface vacancies and hinder surface reconstruction that may increase impedance and impact performance. Here, we have optimized a coating method followed by a two-stage annealing process that restores a model delithiated NMC333 material to pristine performance. Comparisons to single-stage processes are made, and new characterization tools have been used to better understand the processes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Applying Environmental Release Inventories and Indicators to the Evaluation of Chemical Manufacturing Processes in Early Stage Development

As manufacturing processes are developed through the early stages of technology readiness, various assessments can be used to evaluate their performance. Performance indicators describe processes by transforming attributes into scores that represent desirable objectives. One type of assessment is obtained by determining the life cycle inventories of inputs and outputs for processes. For a functional unit of product, the user finds the resources used and the releases to the environment, which can be compared to results for similar processes and/or combined with other processes in the life cycle. In this work, an expanded range of process inputs and releases is modeled, including forklift/loader, fugitive, storage, boiler, and cooling tower emissions. A generic scenario approach for the cooling tower releases provides a first approximation of emission and wastewater flows. These inventory values are used in performance indicators that can be placed on a scale between fixed best- and worst-case limits with the GREENSCOPE methodology, thus allowing comparisons across various technologies. The processes of interest are two conversion pathways for producing cellulosic ethanol from biomass via thermochemical and biochemical routes. The results can be used in risk assessments, decision making, evaluation of research, and in spurring future technology development.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reduced‐Order Modeling for Linearized Representations of Microphysical Process Rates

Abstract Representing cloud microphysical processes in large scale atmospheric models is challenging because many processes depend on the details of the droplet size distribution (DSD, the spectrum of droplets with different sizes in a cloud). While full or partial statistical moments of droplet size distributions are the typical variables used in bulk models, prognostic moments are limited in their ability to represent microphysical processes across the range of conditions experienced in the atmosphere. Microphysical parameterizations employing prognostic moments are known to suffer from structural uncertainty in their representations of inherently higher dimensional cloud processes, which limit model fidelity and lead to forecasting errors. Here we investigate how data‐driven reduced‐order modeling can be used to learn predictors for microphysical process rates in bulk microphysics schemes in an unsupervised manner from higher dimensional bin distributions. Using simulations characteristic of marine stratiform clouds, we simultaneously learn lower dimensional representations of droplet size distributions and predict the evolution of the microphysical state of the system. Droplet collision‐coalescence, the main process for generating warm rain, is estimated to have an intrinsic dimension of three. This intrinsic dimension provides a lower limit on the number of degrees of freedom needed to accurately represent collision‐coalescence in models. We demonstrate how deep learning based reduced‐order modeling can be used to discover intrinsic coordinates describing the microphysical state of the system, where process rates such as collision‐coalescence are globally linearized. These implicitly learned representations of the DSD retain more information about the DSD than typical moment‐based representations.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Thermal Adaptation of Enzyme‐Mediated Processes Reduces Simulated Soil CO2 Fluxes Upon Soil Warming

Abstract Understanding factors influencing carbon effluxes from soils to the atmosphere is important in a world experiencing climatic change. Two important uncertainties related to soil organic carbon (SOC) stock responses to a changing climate are (a) whether soil microbial communities acclimate or adapt to changes in soil temperature and (b) how to represent this process in SOC models. To further explore these issues, we included thermal adaptation of enzyme‐mediated processes in a mechanistic SOC model (ReSOM) using the macromolecular rate theory. Thermal adaptation is defined here to encompass all potential responses of soil microbes and microbial communities following a change in temperature. To assess the effects of thermal adaptation of enzyme‐mediated processes on simulated SOC losses, ReSOM was applied to data collected from a 13‐year soil warming experiment. Results show that a model omitting thermal adaptation of enzyme‐mediated processes substantially overestimates observed CO 2 effluxes during the initial years of soil warming. The bias against observed CO 2 effluxes was lower for models including thermal adaptation of enzyme‐mediated processes. In addition, for a simulated linear 3°C soil warming over 100 years, models including thermal adaptation of enzyme‐mediated processes simulated SOC losses of a factor of three smaller than models omitting this process. As thermal adaptation of microbial community characteristics is generally not included in models simulating feedback between the soil, biosphere and atmosphere, we encourage future studies to assess the potential impact that microbial adaptation has on soil carbon – climate feedback representations in models. Plain Language Summary A major uncertainty in projecting how much soil organic carbon (SOC) will be converted to CO 2 as a consequence of climate change is related to how soil microbes may adapt to increasing soil temperatures. While this “microbial thermal adaptation” has been shown to occur in short‐term lab incubation experiments, its effect on SOC cycling on a decadal timescale is not clear. To address this knowledge gap, a mechanistic SOC model was used to simulate data collected from a 13‐year soil warming experiment, to assess how microbial thermal adaptation affects predicted SOC losses upon soil warming. The model results show that incorporating microbial thermal adaptation into the model led to reduced CO 2 effluxes from the soil to the atmosphere compared to the common approach of omitting this mechanism. Our results imply that projected SOC losses for the decades to come may be reduced when this mechanism is incorporated in land models. We therefore advocate for more research on the mechanisms controlling microbial thermal adaptation, and how to implement this mechanism in SOC models. Key Points A crucial aspect of soil organic carbon (SOC) models is the representation of soil microbes Predicted soil CO 2 fluxes upon soil warming are reduced when accounting for microbial thermal adaptation On a centennial time scale, this thermal adaptation results in up to a factor of three lower predicted SOC loss

Van de Broek, Marijn↗
DOE OSTI2015

Biochemical process of low level radioactive liquid simulation waste containing detergent

Research of biochemical process of low level radioactive liquid waste containing detergent has been done. Thse organic liquid wastes are generated in nuclear facilities such as from laundry. The wastes that are cotegorized as hazard and poison materials are also radioactive. It must be treated properly by detoxification of the hazard and decontamination of the radionuclides to ensure that the disposal of the waste meets the requirement of standard quality of water. This research was intended to determine decontamination factor and separation efficiensies, its kinetics law, and to produce a supernatant that ensured the environmental quality standard. The radioactive element in the waste was thorium with activity of 5.10{sup −5} Ci/m{sup 3}. The radioactive liquid waste which were generated in simulation plant contains detergents that was further processed by aerobic biochemical process using SGB 103 bacteria in a batch reactor equipped with aerators. Two different concentration of samples were processed and analyzed for 212 hours and 183 hours respectively at a room temperature. The product of this process is a liquid phase called as supernatant and solid phase material called sludge. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solid (SS), and its alpha activity were analyzed. The results show that the decontamination factor and the separation efficiency of the lower concentration samples are higher compared to the samples with high concentration. Regarding the decontamination factor, the result for 212 hours processing of waste with detergent concentration of 1.496 g/L was 3.496 times, whereas at the detergent concentration of 0.748 g/L was 15.305 times for 183 hours processing. In case of the separation efficiency, the results for both samples were 71.396% and 93.465% respectively. The Bacterial growth kinetics equation follow Monod’s model and the decreasing of COD and BOD were first order with the rate constant of 0.01 hour{sup −1}.

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

Effect of fabrication processes on BaTiO 3 capacitor properties

There is an increasing desire to utilize complex functional electronic materials such as ferroelectrics in next-generation microelectronics. As new materials are considered or introduced in this capacity, an understanding of how we can process these materials into those devices must be developed. Here, the effect of different fabrication processes on the ferroelectric and related properties of prototypical metal oxide (SrRuO 3 )/ferroelectric (BaTiO 3 )/metal oxide (SrRuO 3 ) heterostructures is explored. Two different types of etching processes are studied, namely, wet etching of the top SrRuO 3 using a NaIO 4 solution and dry etching using an Ar + -ion beam (i.e., ion milling). Polarization-electric-field hysteresis loops for capacitors produced using both methods are compared. For the ion-milling process, it is found that the Ar + beam can introduce defects into the SrRuO 3 /BaTiO 3 /SrRuO 3 devices and that the milling depth strongly influences the defect level and can induce a voltage imprint on the function. Realizing that such processing approaches may be necessary, work is performed to ameliorate the imprint of the hysteresis loops via ex situ “healing” of the process-induced defects by annealing the ferroelectric material in a barium-and-oxygen-rich environment via a chemical-vapor-deposition-style process. This work provides a pathway for the nanoscale fabrication of these candidate materials for next-generation memory and logic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Investigating Powder Spreading Dynamics in Additive Manufacturing Processes by In-situ High-speed X-ray Imaging

The quality of the powder bed is known to be one of the main factors that influence the quality of the part being manufactured by powderbed- based additive manufacturing processes. For example, in the laser powder bed fusion process, it has been demonstrated that improving the powder bed density and homogeneity improves the final quality of the part. Understanding powder spreading dynamics in the powder-bed-based additive manufacturing processes is critical for designing spreading structures and spreading parameters, identifying defect formation mechanisms in the powder bed, and guiding the design of optimized feedstock powders. Extensive efforts have been devoted to understand the fundamental mechanism of the powder flow and spreading process. Various powder flow testers were used to study the flow behavior of powders used in additive manufacturing. However, the powder flow conditions in flow meters are different from those in real additive manufacturing conditions. Models have also been developed to simulate and study the spreading process. The discrete element method (DEM) is currently the main tool for computationally simulating the spreading process. However, these models are based on many physical assumptions. Visible light cameras have been used recently to conduct in-situ study of powder spreading in additive manufacturing. Due to the limited resolution and penetration depth of visible light, it is extremely difficulty to study the particle-scale powder spreading dynamics. Here, to overcome the challenges of studying powder spreading dynamics under real additive manufacturing conditions, we developed an experimental approach to study the particle-scale powder spreading process with high spatial and temporal resolution using the high-speed high-energy X-ray imaging facility at beamline 32-ID-B of the APS. Figure 1 shows an overview of the research setup. It is composed of a vacuum chamber (building environment), an automatic powder spreading system, a laser system, an X-ray source (X-ray outlet), and an X-ray detection/imaging system.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of New Magnetron Sputter Deposition Processes for Laser Target Fabrication

Magnetron sputter deposition is an enabling technology for laser target fabrication. Solutions are readily available for the deposition of most sub-micron-thick elemental films on planar substrates. However, major challenges still remain for the development of robust deposition processes in regimes of ultrathick (over ~10 μm) coatings and nonplanar substrates. These challenging deposition regimes are directly relevant to laser target applications, including both sphero-cylindrical hohlraums and spherical ablators for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets. Understanding underlying physical mechanisms for a specific material system is crucial for process development, given the overall complexity of the deposition process, its nonlinear dependence on deposition parameters, and a very large process space, often precluding conventional process optimization approaches. Here, we describe our approach to developing new deposition processes and give practical advice with examples of new results from our ongoing studies of glassy boron carbide ceramics for next-generation ICF ablators and nonequilibrium gold-tantalum alloys for hohlraums for magnetized ICF schemes. Emphasis is given to two major challenges of ultrathick coatings related to achieving process stability and reducing residual stress.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

REPRODUCING THE OBSERVED ABUNDANCES IN RCB AND HdC STARS WITH POST-DOUBLE-DEGENERATE MERGER MODELS-CONSTRAINTS ON MERGER AND POST-MERGER SIMULATIONS AND PHYSICS PROCESSES

The R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars are hydrogen-deficient, variable stars that are most likely the result of He-CO WD mergers. They display extremely low oxygen isotopic ratios, {sup 16}O/{sup 18}O {approx_equal} 1-10, {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C {>=} 100, and enhancements up to 2.6 dex in F and in s-process elements from Zn to La, compared to solar. These abundances provide stringent constraints on the physical processes during and after the double-degenerate merger. As shown previously, O-isotopic ratios observed in RCB stars cannot result from the dynamic double-degenerate merger phase, and we now investigate the role of the long-term one-dimensional spherical post-merger evolution and nucleosynthesis based on realistic hydrodynamic merger progenitor models. We adopt a model for extra envelope mixing to represent processes driven by rotation originating in the dynamical merger. Comprehensive nucleosynthesis post-processing simulations for these stellar evolution models reproduce, for the first time, the full range of the observed abundances for almost all the elements measured in RCB stars: {sup 16}O/{sup 18}O ratios between 9 and 15, C-isotopic ratios above 100, and {approx}1.4-2.35 dex F enhancements, along with enrichments in s-process elements. The nucleosynthesis processes in our models constrain the length and temperature in the dynamic merger shell-of-fire feature as well as the envelope mixing in the post-merger phase. s-process elements originate either in the shell-of-fire merger feature or during the post-merger evolution, but the contribution from the asymptotic giant branch progenitors is negligible. The post-merger envelope mixing must eventually cease {approx}10{sup 6} yr after the dynamic merger phase before the star enters the RCB phase.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Guided ink and process design for aerosol jet printing based on annular drying effects

Aerosol jet printing is a promising microscale additive manufacturing technology for emerging applications in printed and flexible electronics. However, the more widespread adoption of this emerging technique is hindered by a limited fundamental understanding of the process. This work focuses on a critical and underappreciated aspect of the process, the interaction between drying induced by the sheath gas and impaction. Combining focused experiments with support from numerical modeling, it is shown that these effects have a dramatic impact on key outputs of the process, including deposition rate, resolution, and morphology. These effects can amplify minor changes in ink composition or atomization yield, increasing process sensitivity and drift. Moreover, these effects can confound strategies for in-line process monitoring and control based on empirical observables. Strategies to directly manipulate this annular drying phenomenon are presented, providing a viable tool to tailor and study the process. This work clarifies coupled effects of printer design, ink formulation, and print parameters, establishing a more robust theoretical framework for understanding the aerosol jet printing process and advancing the maturity of this promising technology.

42 ENGINEERING↗