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At least 1,135 records · Page 63

Transmission electron microscopy of the rapid solidification microstructure evolution and solidification interface velocity determination in hypereutectic Al-20at.%Cu after laser melting

The evolution of rapid solidification (RS) microstructure and solidification interface velocity has been studied experimentally by in-situ transmission electron microscopy and postmortem characterization for hypereutectic Al-20at.%Cu (37 wt.%Cu) after laser melting. Four morphologically distinct regions formed via growth modes changing from θ-Al 2 Cu phase dendrites to eutectic cell growth, possibly α-Al dendrite growth (α-cell), banded growth, and α-Al plane front growth. Tendency for faceting and low capacity for solute trapping limited the θ-phase dendrite growth to solidification interface velocity v < 0.07 m/s. Consequently, formation of pro-eutectic micro-constituent was suppressed, and RS microstructure formation was dominated by eutectic, α-cell, and banded morphology grains for the Al-20at.%Cu alloy. Eutectic growth operated for interface velocity of 0.1 m/s ≤ v < 0.3 m/s, with a transition from regular lamellar, 2-λ and 1-λ mode to a dense irregular morphology dominated by α-phase at v = 0.3 m/s. Interface temperature calculations indicated feasibility of α-cell growth mode for 0.3 m/s ≤ v < 0.7 m/s. Banded growth occurred for 0.7 m/s ≤ v < 1.3 m/s. Plane front α-phase growth was evident for interface velocities v ≥ 1.3 m/s. Previous work on rapid solidification microstructure development in hypereutectic Al-Cu alloys reported a regime of α-cell growth subsequently to eutectic and prior to transition to banded growth for Al-19at.%Cu (36 wt.%Cu), while for Al-22at.%Cu (40 wt.%Cu) eutectic growth transitioned directly to α-plane front growth without emergence of a banded regime. Finally, based on the current study the disappearance of the banded growth regime occurs for a composition larger than 20at.%Cu.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

SOFIA Closed- and Open-Door Aerodynamic Analyses

Work to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics and the cavity acoustic environment of the SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) airplane has been completed. The airplane has been evaluated in its closed-door configuration, as well as several open-door configurations. Work performed included: acoustic analysis tool development, cavity acoustic evaluation, stability and control parameter estimation, air data calibration, and external flow evaluation. Qualitative airflow data were obtained during the closed- and open-door flights using tufts on the aft portion of the fuselage. Video was taken from a chase plane. This video was analyzed for various flight conditions, and general flow descriptions of the aft fuselage of the 747SP were developed for the different closed and open door configurations.

Cumming, Stephen↗

The QWIP Focal Plane Assembly for NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) is a QWIP based instrument intended to supplement the Operational Land Imager (OLI) for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The TIRS instrument is a dual channel far infrared imager with the two bands centered at 10.8 m and 12.0 m. The focal plane assembly (FPA) consists of three 640x512 GaAs Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) arrays precisely mounted to a silicon carrier substrate that is mounted on an invar baseplate. The two spectral bands are defined by bandpass filters mounted in close proximity to the detector surfaces. The focal plane operating temperature is 43K. The QWIP arrays are hybridized to Indigo ISC9803 readout integrated circuits (ROICs). Two varieties of QWIP detector arrays are being developed for this project, a corrugated surface structure QWIP and a grating surface structure QWIP. This paper will describe the TIRS system noise equivalent temperature difference sensitivity as it affects the QWIP focal plane performance requirements: spectral response, dark current, conversion efficiency, read noise, temperature stability, pixel uniformity, optical crosstalk and pixel yield. Additional mechanical constraints as well as qualification through Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) will also be discussed.

Jhabvala, M.↗

The QWIP Focal Plane Assembly for NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) is a QWIP based instrument intended to supplement the Operational Land Imager (OLI) for the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The TIRS instrument is a dual channel far infrared imager with the two bands centered at 10.8[mu]m and 12.0[mu]m. The focal plane assembly (FPA) consists of three 640x512 GaAs Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) arrays precisely mounted to a silicon carrier substrate that is mounted on an invar baseplate. The two spectral bands are defined by bandpass filters mounted in close proximity to the detector surfaces. The focal plane operating temperature is 43K. The QWIP arrays are hybridized to Indigo ISC9803 readout integrated circuits (ROICs). Two varieties of QWIP detector arrays are being developed for this project, a corrugated surface structure QWIP and a grating surface structure QWIP. This paper will describe the TIRS system noise equivalent temperature difference sensitivity as it affects the QWIP focal plane performance requirements: spectral response, dark current, conversion efficiency, read noise, temperature stability, pixel uniformity, optical crosstalk and pixel yield. Additional mechanical constraints as well as qualification through Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) will also be discussed.

Jhabvala, M↗

Analysis of delamination related fracture processes in composites

An anisotropic thin walled closed section beam theory was developed based on an asymptotical analysis of the shell energy functional. The displacement field is not assumed a priori and emerges as a result of the analysis. In addition to the classical out-of-plane torsional warping, two new contributions are identified namely, axial strain and bending warping. A comparison of the derived governing equations confirms the theory developed by Reissner and Tsai. Also, explicit closed form expressions for the beam stiffness coefficients, the stress and displacement fields are provided. The predictions of the present theory were validated by comparison with finite element simulation, other closed form analyses and test data.

Armanios, Erian A.↗

Electronic structure orientation as a map of in-plane antiferroelectricity in β'-In 2 Se 3

Antiferroelectric (AFE) materials are excellent candidates for sensors, capacitors, and data storage due to their electrical switchability and high-energy storage capacity. However, imaging the nanoscale landscape of AFE domains is notoriously inaccessible, which has hindered development and intentional tuning of AFE materials. Here, we demonstrate that polarization-dependent photoemission electron microscopy can resolve the arrangement and orientation of in-plane AFE domains on the nanoscale, despite the absence of a net lattice polarization. Through direct determination of electronic transition orientations and analysis of domain boundary constraints, we establish that antiferroelectricity in β'-In 2 Se 3 is a robust property from the scale of tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers. Ultimately, the method for imaging AFE domain organization presented here opens the door to investigations of the influence of domain formation and orientation on charge transport and dynamics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Enabling fast charging of lithium-ion batteries through secondary-/dual- pore network: Part II - numerical model

To increase the market share of electric vehicles, it is desirable to reduce the battery charge times, which are significantly limited by poor electrolyte transport. A high rate charging is achievable by using expensive and low energy density cells with thin electrodes. For higher energy density cells, new electrolytes with improved conductivity and diffusivity and/or electrodes with advanced architecture are required to boost the electrolyte transport, leading to a more uniform utilization of active materials. In our previous work, an analytical model was developed to investigate the effect of secondary pore network (SPN) on electrolyte transport and the configuration of SPN was optimized by enforcing equal characteristic diffusion times in through-plane and in-plane directions. Here, to evaluate the effect of SPN on the fast-charging capability of lithium-ion batteries, a 2D physics-based electrochemical model is developed with SPN in either one or both electrodes. Additionally, the effect of SPN on cell energy density and lithium plating is investigated for cells with different loadings and electrode porosities. Combining SPN with elevated charging temperatures, the model predicts that the volumetric discharge energy density of a 3 mA h/cm2 cell can reach 270 Wh/L after a 6C constant-current charging.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A research program to reduce interior noise in general aviation airplanes

The relevance of KU-FRL test results in predicting (theoretically or semi-empirically) interior noise levels in general aviation aircraft was studied. As a result of this study, it was decided to make a few additions to the program. These additions are: (1) to use three (instead of two) noise sources in the plane wave tube to evaluate the influence of excitation spectrum on panel response, (2) to use theoretical and experimental data obtained in the course of the project to develop more efficient noise reduction materials (or procedures to apply these), or to develop guidelines for the design of such materials for procedures, and (3) to use nonstructural materials in the collection of specimens to be tested in the KU-FRL plane wave tube.

Peschier, T. D.↗

Carrier Plus: A sensor payload for Living With a Star Space Environment Testbed (LWS/SET)

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTR4) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center are collaborating to develop the Carrier Plus sensor experiment platform as a capability of the Space Environments Testbed (SET). The Space Environment Testbed (SET) provides flight opportunities for technology experiments as part of NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) program. The Carrier Plus will provide new capability to characterize sensor technologies such as state-of-the-art visible focal plane arrays (FPAs) in a natural space radiation environment. The technical objectives include on-orbit validation of recently developed FPA technologies and performance prediction methodologies, as well as characterization of the FPA radiation response to total ionizing dose damage, displacement damage and transients. It is expected that the sensor experiment will carry 4-6 FPAs and associated radiation correlative environment monitors (CEMs) for a 2006-2007 launch. Sensor technology candidates may include n- and p-charge coupled devices (CCDs), active pixel sensors (APS), and hybrid CMOS arrays. The presentation will describe the Carrier Plus goals and objectives, as well as provide details about the architecture and design. More information on the LWS program can be found at http://lws.gsfc.nasa.gov/. Business announcements for LWS/SET and program briefings are posted at http://lws-set.gsfc.nasa.gov

Marshall, Cheryl J.↗

A computational study of the impingement region of an unsteady subsonic jet

Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (V/STOL) aircraft may encounter operating difficulties while hovering near the ground. Lift loss, hot gas and debris ingestion, and landing surface damage are some of the potential problems which can result from the interaction of the propulsive jets with the airframe and ground. The purpose of the present work is to develop a detailed understanding of a flowfield, a jet exiting from a flat plate impacting a ground plane, that contains much of the essential physics of the complex flows encountered by V/STOL aircraft in hover. To achieve this, a high-resolution time-accurate numerical simulation of the impinging jet flow was performed. The numerical simulation is based on the solution of the laminar compressible Navier-Stokes equations using the Beam-Warming algorithm. Complex start-up and periodic jet and jet-induced vortex structures were captured, including the formation of primary and secondary jet-induced vortices and wall-jet separation. The formation and development of these phenomena are supported by experimental measurements and smoke visualization. Results are compared with appropriate experiments.

Jalamani, Zakaria A.↗

A new method for recognizing quadric surfaces from range data and its application to telerobotics and automation, final phase

In the final phase of the proposed research a complete top to down three dimensional object recognition scheme has been proposed. The various three dimensional objects included spheres, cones, cylinders, ellipsoids, paraboloids, and hyperboloids. Utilizing a newly developed blob determination technique, a given range scene with several non-cluttered quadric surfaces is segmented. Next, using the earlier (phase 1) developed alignment scheme, each of the segmented objects are then aligned in a desired coordinate system. For each of the quadric surfaces based upon their intersections with certain pre-determined planes, a set of distinct features (curves) are obtained. A database with entities such as the equations of the planes and angular bounds of these planes has been created for each of the quadric surfaces. Real range data of spheres, cones, cylinders, and parallelpipeds have been utilized for the recognition process. The developed algorithm gave excellent results for the real data as well as for several sets of simulated range data.

Mielke, Roland↗

Focusing of light at the nanoapex of a metal microtip located above the plane of a dielectric or metal

We study the focusing of the optical electromagnetic radiation energy into a nanoscale spatial region in the vicinity of the nanoapex of a metal microtip located near a dielectric or metal plane. Focusing arises from a symmetric convergence of a surface plasmon TM wave at the nanoapex. The metal boundary near the nanoapex is approximated by a paraboloid of revolution. A numerical model, based on the method of moments, is developed to find the electric field near the tip apex. Calculation results show that, compared to a single tip, the presence of a plane leads to an additional concentration of the electric field near the nanoapex. (nanofocusing)

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

The correction of aberrations computed in the aperture plane of multifrequency microwave radiometer antennas

An analytical/numerical approach to identifying and correcting the aberrations introduced by a general displacement of the feed from the focal point of a single offset paraboloid antenna used in deployable radiometer systems is developed. A 15 meter reflector with 18 meter focal length is assumed for the analysis, which considers far field radiation pattern quality, focal region fields, and aberrations appearing in the aperture plane. The latter are obtained by ray tracing in the transmit mode and are expressed in terms of optical notation. Attention is given to the physical restraints imposed on corrective elements by real microwave systems and to the intermediate near field aspects of the problem in three dimensions. The subject of wave fronts and caustics in the receive mode is introduced for comparative purposes. Several specific examples are given for aberration reduction at eight beamwidths of scan at a frequency of 1.414 GHz.

Schmidt, R. F.↗

Applications of velocity potential function to acoustic duct propagation and radiation from inlets using finite element theory

A finite element velocity potential program was developed to study acoustic wave propagation in complex geometries. For irrotational flows, relatively low sound frequencies, and plane wave input, the finite element solutions showed significant effects of inlet curvature and flow gradients on the attenuation of a given acoustic liner in a realistic variable area turbofan inlet. The velocity potential approach can not be used to estimate the effects of rotational flow on acoustic propagation, since the potential acoustic disturbances propagate at the speed of the media in sheared flow. Approaches are discussed that are being considered for extending the finite element solution to include the far field, as well as the internal portion of the duct. A new matrix partitioning approach is presented that can be incorporated in previously developed programs to allow the finite element calculation to be marched into the far field. The partitioning approach provided a large reduction in computer storage and running times.

Baumeister, K. J.↗

Impact of Porous Transport Layer In-Plane Conduction on Spatially Resolved Current and EIS Measurements in a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer

An XY segmented cell was developed for low temperature PEM water electrolysis (PEMWE). The system can assess the local performance by enabling in situ measurements of spatial currents and impedances. In this work, we show through experiments, as well as through modelling work, that the porous transport layer (PTL) must be segmented to eliminate crosstalk. Accurate measurements are only possible when crosstalk is fully eliminated. The XY segmented cell is applied to a case study characterizing the impact of a PTL platinum coating void on spatial performance. The localized performance impact of the coating void is found to be orientation specific: coating voids facing the catalyst layer reduce performance significantly more than coating voids facing the flow field. The results suggest that the tolerances for PTL coating uniformity can be lower at the side facing the flow field. The work showcases the feasibility of the XY segmented cell for impact assessment studies. The presented XY segmented cell enables the characterization of spatial phenomena in PEMWE devices and is envisioned to support modeling efforts and the investigation of manufacturing related tolerances for mass produced PEMWE devices.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Development of basic theories and techniques for determining stresses in rotating turbine or compressor blades

A method for measuring in-plane displacement of a rotating structure by using two laser speckle photographs is described. From the displacement measurements one can calculate strains and stresses due to a centrifugal load. This technique involves making separate speckle photographs of a test model. One photograph is made with the model loaded (model is rotating); the second photograph is made with no load on the model (model is stationary). A sandwich is constructed from the two speckle photographs and data are recovered in a manner similar to that used with conventional speckle photography. The basic theory, experimental procedures of this method, and data analysis of a simple rotating specimen are described. In addition the measurement of in-plane surface displacement components of a deformed solid, and the application of the coupled laser speckle interferometry and boundary-integral solution technique to two dimensional elasticity problems are addressed.

Chien, C. H.↗

Development of high-efficiency solar cells on silicon web

High-efficiency dendritic cells were discussed. The influence of twin planes and heat treatment on the location and effect of trace impurities was of particular interest. Proper heat treatment often increases efficiency by causing impurities to pile up at twin planes. Oxide passivation had a beneficial effect on efficiency. A very efficient antireflective (AR) coating of zinc selenide and magnesium fluoride was designed and fabricated. An aluminum back-surface reflector was also effective.

Rohatgi, A.↗

Theory of plane, symmetrical intake diffusers

The present report ties in with the investigations on the inlet diffusers by P. Ruden. The theory developed by Ruden had produced results which found excellent confirmation in wind-tunnel tests and in spite of certain still-existing defects, are technically very promising. The reasons for the new theory of the diffuser forms indicated by Ruden are twofold: first, the arguments adduced in Ruden's theory deal only with one specific operating condition, that is, a certain ratio of mean velocity within the diffuser to flying speed, while in the present report any desired velocity ratios are involved; second, a different choice of parameters and the increased possibilities of variation result in diffuser forms which cannot be reconciled at once with Ruden's theory. The first enables a theoretical check of the measurements made with Ruden's diffusers at variable velocity ratio, the second permits the calculation of diffuser types which in many respects are superior to Ruden's diffusers.

FLOW - CONFORMAL TRANSFORMATION - HODOGRAPH METHOD↗