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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 1,135 records · Page 63
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

The effects of Co-Ti co-doping on the magnetic, electrical, and magnetodielectric behaviors of M-type barium hexaferrites

Magnetic, electrical and magnetodielectric properties have been studied in Co-Ti co-doped M-type hexaferrite BaCo{sub x}Ti{sub x}Fe{sub 12-2x}O{sub 19} (x = 0 ∼ 4). With the incorporation of Co-Ti, both their ferromagnetic magnetization and coercivity have been greatly changed. The temperature dependent magnetization curve shows a apparent hump at around 420 K, likely in association with more complicated cycloidal spin ordering, which is closely related to ferroelectric polarization. Interestingly, a significantly enhancement in resistivity (∼3 orders in magnitude) can be obtained in co-doped samples (x > 2), which is beneficial for magnetoelectric properties. The magnetoelectric effect were examined by dielectric tunibility under external magnetic field, which shows apparent tunability up to ∼−3% for sample with x = 2 at 1T magnetic field, further supporting it is a room temperature single phase mutliferroic material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Unsupervised Dictionary Learning for Signal-to-Noise Ratio Enhancement of Array Data

Waveform enhancement methods generally explore lateral coherency in arrivals, often assuming a linear moveout across an array, as exhibited by plane waves. Here, we illustrate how unsupervised dictionary learning combined with orthogonal matching pursuit for feature extraction can be used for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement. In this strategy, waveform characteristics are directly learned from provided data samples; the created dictionary is then used for signal extraction. This combination prevents the need to set a predefined dictionary, and it becomes computationally efficient because learning is only done on smaller data portions. Because the dictionary is learned from data, there is no assumption regarding wavefront shape or form. Tests on synthetic and field data demonstrate the better denoising performance in terms of SNR enhancement compared to other methods.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

An Analysis on the Constitutive Models for Forging of Ti6Al4V Alloy Considering the Softening Behavior

This paper developed high-temperature deformation constitutive models for a Ti6Al4V alloy using an empirical-based Arrhenius equation and an enhanced version of the authors’ physical-based EM + Avrami equations. The initial microstructure was a partially equiaxed α + β grain structure. A wide range of experimental data was obtained from hot compression of the Ti6Al4 V alloy at deformation temperatures ranging from 720 to 970 °C, and at strain rates varying from 0.01 to 10 s{sup −1}. The friction- and adiabatic-corrected flow curves were used to identify the parameter values of the constitutive models. Both models provided good overall accuracy of the flow stress. The generalized modified Arrhenius model was better at predicting the flow stress at lower strain rates. However, the model was inaccurate in predicting the peak strain. In contrast, the enhanced physical-based EM + Avrami model revealed very good accuracy at intermediate and high strain rates, but it was also better at predicting the peak strain. Blind sample tests revealed that the EM + Avrami maintained good predictions on new (unseen) data. Thus, the enhanced EM + Avrami model may be preferred over the Arrhenius model to predict the flow behavior of Ti6Al4V alloy during industrial forgings, when the initial microstructure is partially equiaxed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1971

Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration

This program assisted in the design and implementation of the composite casting demonstration for the Apollo 14 mission. Both flight and control samples were evaluated. Some conclusions resulting from a comparison of the flight and control samples were: (1) Solidification in neither the flight nor control samples was truly directional. (2) Apparent intermittent contact of the melt with the container in the flight samples led to unusual nucleation and growth structures. (3) There was greater uniformity, on a macro scale, of both pores and structural features in the flight sample; presumably the result of the reduced gravity conditions. (4) It seems quite feasible to produce enhanced dispersions of gases and dense phases in a melt which is solidified in reduced gravity. (5) A two-stage heating/cooling cycle may help directional solidification. (6) Sample materials should be selected from materials in which the dispersant fully wets the matrix material. (7) Experiments should be conducted in two modes: (1) where the melt is in good thermal contact with the container, and (2) where the melt is in a free-float condition.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2013

Thermogravimetric Analysis of Modified Hematite by Methane (CH{sub 4}) for Chemical-Looping Combustion: A Global Kinetics Mechanism

Iron oxide (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) or in its natural form (hematite) is a potential material to capture CO{sub 2} through the chemical-looping combustion (CLC) process. It is known that magnesium (Mg) is an effective methyl cleaving catalyst and as such it has been combined with hematite to assess any possible enhancement to the kinetic rate for the reduction of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} with methane. Therefore, in order to evaluate its effectiveness as a hematite additive, the behaviors of Mg-modified hematite samples (hematite –5% Mg(OH){sub 2}) have been analyzed with regard to assessing any enhancement to the kinetic rate process. The Mg-modified hematite was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The reactivity experiments were conducted in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) using continuous stream of CH{sub 4} (5, 10, and 20%) at temperatures ranging from 700 to 825 {degrees}C over ten reduction cycles. The mass spectroscopy analysis of product gas indicated the presence of CO{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, H{sub 2} and CO in the gaseous product. The kinetic data at reduction step obtained by isothermal experiments could be well fitted by two parallel rate equations. The modified hematite samples showed higher reactivity as compared to unmodified hematite samples during reduction at all investigated temperatures.

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

Hybrid quantum-classical simulations of magic angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization in very large spin systems

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance can be enhanced using unpaired electron spins with a method known as dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Fundamentally, DNP involves ensembles of thousands of spins, a scale that is difficult to match computationally. This scale prevents us from gaining a complete understanding of the spin dynamics and applying simulations to design sample formulations. We recently developed an ab initio model capable of calculating DNP enhancements in systems of up to ~1000 nuclei; however, this scale is insufficient to accurately simulate the dependence of DNP enhancements on radical concentration or magic angle spinning (MAS) frequency. We build on this work by using ab initio simulations to train a hybrid model that makes use of a rate matrix to treat nuclear spin diffusion. We show that this model can reproduce the MAS rate and concentration dependence of DNP enhancements and build-up time constants. Finally, we then apply it to predict the DNP enhancements in core–shell metal-organic-framework nanoparticles and reveal new insights into the composition of the particles’ shells.

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

Operational and Performance Monitoring of East Tennessee Technology Park Ponds—2023 Results

Performance and operational monitoring are regulatory requirements associated with a non–time-critical removal action for three surface water bodies at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee: the K-1007-P1 Pond, the K-901-A Pond, and the K-720 Slough. This progress report summarizes the monitoring activities and results from fiscal year (FY) 2023. The goal of ecological enhancement of the K-1007-P1 and K-901-A Ponds is to reduce risk from polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in fish to humans and wildlife. Lowering PCB concentrations in the water column and in the food that fish eat is expected to decrease PCB bioaccumulation in fish. Performance monitoring of the K-1007-P1 Pond focuses on annual PCB trends in water, clams, and fish. PCBs in fish also are sampled annually at the K-720 Slough. Operational monitoring ensures that ecological enhancement measures—including water quality, plant community, fish community, and wildlife actions—have been implemented as intended. Monitoring provides the information necessary to determine whether modifications are needed to attain the design end state (i.e., a heavily vegetated, clearwater pond dominated by sunfish with significantly diminished or at least downwardly trending PCB levels in fish). In FY 2023, fish removal efforts and vegetation planting primarily focused on the K-901-A Pond. These actions were implemented to help push the systems toward the desired end state. Descriptions of the various monitoring activities and preliminary 2023 results are provided in the following sections. An update on fish and plant management actions in FY 2023 is also included in this report. A summary of the more detailed information in this report will be presented as required in the upcoming Remediation Effectiveness Report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Operational and Performance Monitoring of East Tennessee Technology Park Ponds—2025 Results

Performance and operational monitoring are regulatory requirements associated with a non–time-critical removal action for three surface water bodies at the East Tennessee Technology Park (ETTP) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (Figure 1): the K-1007-P1 Pond, the K-901-A Pond, and the K-720 Slough. This progress report summarizes the monitoring activities and results from FY 2025. The goal of ecological enhancement of the K-1007-P1 and K-901-A Ponds is to reduce risk from polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in fish to humans and wildlife. Lowering PCB concentrations in the water column and in the food that fish eat is expected to decrease PCB bioaccumulation in fish. Performance monitoring of the K-1007-P1 Pond focuses on annual PCB trends in water, clams, and fish. PCBs in fish also are sampled annually at the K-720 Slough. Operational monitoring ensures that ecological enhancement measures—including water quality, plant community, fish community, and wildlife actions—have been implemented as intended. Monitoring provides the information necessary to determine whether modifications are needed to attain the design end state (i.e., a heavily vegetated, clearwater pond dominated by sunfish with significantly diminished or at least downwardly trending PCB levels in fish). In FY 2025, fish removal efforts and vegetation planting primarily focused on the K-901-A Pond. These actions were implemented to help push the systems toward the desired end state. Descriptions of the various monitoring activities and preliminary 2025 results are provided in the following sections. An update on fish and plant management actions in FY 2025 is also included in this report. A summary of the more detailed information in this report will be presented as required in the upcoming Remediation Effectiveness Report.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

An integrated insight into the response of sedimentary microbial communities to heavy metal contamination

Response of biological communities to environmental stresses is a critical issue in ecology, but how microbial communities shift across heavy metal gradients remain unclear. To explore the microbial response to heavy metal contamination (e.g., Cr, Mn, Zn), the composition, structure and functional potential of sedimentary microbial community were investigated by sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons and a functional gene microarray. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequences revealed that the composition and structure of sedimentary microbial communities changed significantly across a gradient of heavy metal contamination and the relative abundances were higher for Firmicutes, Chloroflexi and Crenarchaeota, but lower for Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in highly contaminated samples. Also, molecular ecological network analysis of sequencing data indicated that their possible interactions might be enhanced in highly contaminated communities. Correspondently, key functional genes involved in metal homeostasis (e.g., chrR, metC, merB), carbon metabolism and organic remediation showed a higher abundance in highly contaminated samples, indicating that bacterial communities in contaminated areas may modulate their energy consumption and organic remediation ability. This study indicated that the sedimentary indigenous microbial community may shift the composition and structure as well as function priority and interaction network to increase their adaptability and/or resistance to environmental contamination.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2014

The incidence of stellar mergers and mass gainers among massive stars

Because the majority of massive stars are born as members of close binary systems, populations of massive main-sequence stars contain stellar mergers and products of binary mass transfer. We simulate populations of massive stars accounting for all major binary evolution effects based on the most recent binary parameter statistics and extensively evaluate the effect of model uncertainties. Assuming constant star formation, we find that 8{sub −4}{sup +9}% of a sample of early-type stars are the products of a merger resulting from a close binary system. In total we find that 30{sub −15}{sup +10}% of massive main-sequence stars are the products of binary interaction. We show that the commonly adopted approach to minimize the effects of binaries on an observed sample by excluding systems detected as binaries through radial velocity campaigns can be counterproductive. Systems with significant radial velocity variations are mostly pre-interaction systems. Excluding them substantially enhances the relative incidence of mergers and binary products in the non-radial velocity variable sample. This poses a challenge for testing single stellar evolutionary models. It also raises the question of whether certain peculiar classes of stars, such as magnetic O stars, are the result of binary interaction and it emphasizes the need to further study the effect of binarity on the diagnostics that are used to derive the fundamental properties (star-formation history, initial mass function, mass-to-light ratio) of stellar populations nearby and at high redshift.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Investigation of structural and luminescent properties of Ce{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 2+} ions-doped Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F

Graphical abstract: The structural and luminescent properties FAP: Ce{sup 3+} and FAP: Ce{sup 3+}, Mn{sup 2+} were investigated in detail by the spectral measurement and theoretical calculation. The emission of Ce{sup 3+} is fitted by two Gaussian functions dashed lines in wavenumber to further confirm the Ce{sup 3+} ion simultaneously occupy the 4f and 6h sites Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4})F host. - Highlights: • A simple hydrothermal method has been used to prepare Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F: Ce{sup 3+}, Mn{sup 2+} powders with structural and luminescent analysis. • The emission of Ce{sup 3+} is fitted by two Gaussian functions to confirm the Ce{sup 3+} ion simultaneously to occupy the 4f and 6h sites in Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F host. • Due to an efficient energy transfer, the existence of Ce{sup 3+} (sensitizer) can dramatically enhance the green emission of Mn{sup 2+} (activator) in co-doped samples. - Abstract: Ce{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 2+} ions-doped oxyapatite calcium fluorapatite [Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F, FAP] has been successfully synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The luminescent properties of Ce{sup 3+}- and Ce{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 2+}- activated FAP phosphors were investigated using the photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra. The emission of Ce{sup 3+} was fitted by two Gaussian functions with dashed lines in wavenumber to confirm the Ce{sup 3+} ion simultaneously to occupy the 4f and 6h sites in Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F host, which was consistent with the calculated results of crystal field based on chemical bond theory. In addition, the existence of Ce{sup 3+} (sensitizer) can dramatically enhance the green emission of Mn{sup 2+} (activator) in Ce{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 2+} ions co-doped samples due to an efficient energy transfer from Ce{sup 3+} to Mn{sup 2+}. All of these results could help us understand the site assignments and optical properties of the rare earth ions doped in hexagonal Ca{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Nickel doped graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets and its application for dye degradation by chemical catalysis

Highlights: • Nickel doped Graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) was synthesized chemically. • Mott-Schottky was done to calculate the flat band potentials and donor densities of pure and doped samples. • Toxic Methyl Orange dye was degraded efficiently by doped samples in the presence of NaBH{sub 4} accompanied by hydrogen evolution. • Enhancement of catalytic activity with increasing doping concentration was studied in presence of varying amount of NaBH{sub 4}. • A plausible mechanism for catalytic degradation was discussed in details. - Abstract: A facile synthesis of transition metal-nickel doped graphitic carbon nitride (NiGCN) nanosheets with varying doping concentrations has been reported. X-Ray diffraction and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic study were performed to analyse the structural phase formation and different bonds present in the samples, whereas, field emission and transmission electron microscopic study provided the morphological information. The thermal stability of the samples was measured from the TG-DTA analysis. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was performed to elucidate the emissive property of the samples. The flat band potential of the samples was measured by Mott-Schottky analysis. First principle study was carried out to delineate the probable doping site of the Ni atom along with the effect of doping on the pure material. The samples were effectively utilized to degrade toxic methyl orange (MO) dye from water in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH{sub 4}) without exploiting any visible light source. The plausible catalysis mechanism following a series of several chemical reactions has been discussed in details.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ultra-high SERS detection of consumable coloring agents using plasmonic gold nanostars with high aspect-ratio spikes

Solution-based SERS detection by using a portable Raman instrument has emerged as an important tool due to its simplicity, and flexibility for rapid and on-site screening of analyte molecules. However, this method has several shortcomings, including poor sensitivity especially for weak-affinity analyte molecules, where there is no close contact between the plasmonic metal surface and analyte molecule. Examples of weak-affinity molecules include pigment molecules that are commonly used as a consumable coloring agent, such as allura red (AR), and sunset yellow (SY). As high consumption of colorant agents has been shown to cause adverse effects on human health, there is a strong need to develop a simple and practical sensing system with high sensitivity for these agents. Here we present a novel, highly sensitive solution-based SERS detection method for AR, and SY by using CTAC capped gold nanostars (GNS) having different aspect ratios (GNS-2, GNS-4, and GNS-5) without utilizing any aggregating agents which can enhance SERS signal however it reduces batch to batch reproducibility. The influence of the aspect ratio of GNS on SERS properties was investigated. We have achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of AR and SY as low as 0.5 and 1 ppb, respectively by using GNS-5 with the advantages of minimal sample preparation by just mixing the analyte solution into a well plate containing GNS solution. In addition, excellent colloidal stability and reproducibility have further enhanced the applicability in real-world samples. Altogether, our results evidence that the solution-based SERS detection platform using high aspect-ratio GNS can be applied for practical application to detect pigment molecules in real samples with satisfactory results.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Enhanced transport and magnetic properties in gadolinium doped NdFeAsO{sub 0.7}F{sub 0.3} superconductors

The transport and magnetic properties of Gd doped NdFeAsO{sub 0.7}F{sub 0.3} (Nd1111) samples synthesized at ambient pressures were investigated. The sample with x = 0.15 shows a maximum T{sub C} of 55.1 K and a magnetic J{sub C} of 3.4 × 10{sup 3} A/cm{sup 2} at 5 K. A T{sub C} enhancement of 6.3 K and a J{sub C} enhancement by a factor of 2, is observed in the 15 % Gd doped sample as compared to the pure sample.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2014

Combinatorial Multidomain Mesoporous Chips and a Method for Fractionation, Stabilization, and Storage of Biomolecules

A new fractionation device shows desirable features for exploratory screening and biomarker discovery. The constituent MSCs may be tailored for desired pore sizes and surface properties and for the sequestration and enrichment of extremely low abundant protein and peptides in desired ranges of the mass/charge spectrum. The MSCs are effective in yielding reproducible extracts from complex biological samples as small as 10 microliter in a time as short as 30 minutes. They are inexpensive to manufacture, and allow for scaled up production to attain the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples. The MSCs are multiplexed, label-free diagnostic tools with the potential of biological recognition moiety modification for enhanced specificity. The MSCs may store, protect and stabilize biological fluids, enabling the simplified and cost-effective collection and transportation of clinical samples. The MSC-based device may serve as a diagnostic tool to complement histopathology, imaging, and other conventional clinical techniques. The MSCs mediated identification of disease-specific protein signatures may help in the selection of personalized therapeutic combinations, in the real-time assessment of therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, and in the rational modulation of therapy based on the changes in the protein networks associated with the prognosis and the drug resistance of the disease.

Ferrari, Mauro↗
NASA NTRS2011

Apollo Lunar Sample Integration into Google Moon: A New Approach to Digitization

The Google Moon Apollo Lunar Sample Data Integration project is part of a larger, LASER-funded 4-year lunar rock photo restoration project by NASA s Acquisition and Curation Office [1]. The objective of this project is to enhance the Apollo mission data already available on Google Moon with information about the lunar samples collected during the Apollo missions. To this end, we have combined rock sample data from various sources, including Curation databases, mission documentation and lunar sample catalogs, with newly available digital photography of rock samples to create a user-friendly, interactive tool for learning about the Apollo Moon samples

Dawson, Melissa D.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Surface Modification of Silicon Pillar Arrays To Enhance Fluorescence Detection of Uranium and DNA

There is an ever-growing need for detection methods that are both sensitive and efficient, such that reagent and sample consumption is minimized. Nanopillar arrays offer an attractive option to fill this need by virtue of their small scale in conjunction with their field enhancement intensity gains. This work investigates the use of nanopillar substrates for the detection of the uranyl ion and DNA, two analytes unalike but for their low quantum efficiencies combined with the need for high-throughput analyses. Here in this paper, the adaptability of these platforms was explored, as methods for the successful surface immobilization of both analytes were developed and compared, resulting in a limit of detection for the uranyl ion of less than 1 ppm with a 0.2 μL sample volume. Moreover, differentiation between single-stranded and double-stranded DNA was possible, including qualitative identification between double-stranded DNA and DNA of the same sequence, but with a 10-base-pair mismatch.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluation of Hanford 200 West Area Tank Farms (241-S/241-SX-/241-U tank farms) Physical Properties Data for Use in Development of West Area Tank Treatment (WATT) Processing

With the recent acceptance of West Area Tank Treatment disposition alternative for 200 West Area tanks at the Hanford Site by the State of Washington and the U.S. Department of Energy, a review was initiated to identify the physical properties data available in the literature for the Hanford 241-S, 241-SX, and 241-U tank farms. The literature reviewed indicated that there is a relatively small set of useful data on physical properties of 200 West Area tanks, and the data that do exist are biased around a narrow range of tank samples. Much of the testing between the 1990s and mid-2010s was intended to support either enhanced sludge washing or feed delivery to the Pretreatment Facility at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. As such, some physical properties of 200 West Area samples were measured under conditions that are no longer relevant. Because of the distinctly different nature of many past processes at the 200 West Area compared to the 200 East Area, insight from waste testing in the 200 East Area waste should be used with caution, as there may be significantly different qualities in the physical properties data between these two areas (both in situ and as measured in laboratory analyses). Based on this assessment, there is a need to collect additional physical property data to support planning for 200 West Area retrievals.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗