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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 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Ames Lab 101: 3D Metals Printer

To meet one of the biggest energy challenges of the 21st century - finding alternatives to rare-earth elements and other critical materials - scientists will need new and advanced tools. The Critical Materials Institute at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory has a new one: a 3D printer for metals research. 3D printing technology, which has captured the imagination of both industry and consumers, enables ideas to move quickly from the initial design phase to final form using materials including polymers, ceramics, paper and even food. But the Critical Materials Institute (CMI) will apply the advantages of the 3D printing process in a unique way: for materials discovery.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Out of the Lab: 3D Printing on Non-Ideal Surfaces

In this work, coaxial direct ink writing is utilized to print sensitive or encapsulated materials onto heterogeneous and rough substrates. By enclosing the core fluid within a rigid ceramic shell, continuity is maintained even when printing on substrates traditionally considered challenging. This work presents the development of a coaxial ceramic direct ink writing system and investigates co-flow dynamics through microfluidic principles. A specially designed coaxial nozzle enables the co-extrusion of an alumina shell, with indium-tin-oxide inks serving as the core material. This approach allows the fabrication of core-shell ceramic structures suitable for future high-temperature applications on rough surfaces. The colloidal inks are tailored to achieve the necessary rheological properties and sintering performance. Additionally, flow simulations, guided by microfluidic co-flow principles, are employed to define the processing parameters for coaxial printing, ensuring precise control over the core-shell architectures. Physical modeling is further applied to study core deformation and eccentricity. These simulations are experimentally validated, supporting the successful deposition of coaxial ceramic features on heterogeneous, high-temperature ceramic substrates.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Temperature dependent x-ray diffraction and dielectric studies of multiferroic GaFeO{sub 3}

Polycrystalline GaFeO{sub 3} (GFO) samples were synthesized by sol-gel method. The structural and dielectric properties of GaFeO{sub 3} ceramic have been investigated by a combination of XRD and permittivity measurement. The X-ray diffraction spectra shows single phase orthorhombically distorted perovskite structure with Pc2{sub 1}n symmetry over a wide range of temperature 300 K to 600 K, with no evidence of any phase transition. Refined lattice parameters (a, b, c and V) increases with increasing temperature. Temperature dependent dielectric properties were investigated in the frequency range from 100Hz–5MHz. Impedance spectroscopy study on the sample showed that the dielectric constant and ac conductivity with frequency increases on increasing the temperature. Cole-Cole plots suggest that the response from grain is dominant at low temperature whereas grain boundary response overcomes as temperature increases. The relaxation activation energy (calculated from Cole-Cole plots) value is found to be 0.32 eV for the grain boundary. We believe that the oxygen ion vacancies play an important role in conduction processes at higher temperatures.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Experimental Demonstration and Characterization of a Ceramic Sintered Wick Heat Pipe Evaporator

As electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) matures and power electronics, electric machines, and batteries achieve higher power density, the thermal management of these devices becomes ever more critical. In this paper, a heat pipe made from a dielectric ceramic material is proposed, which enables its use in the thermal management of a high frequency filter inductor for an EAP power electronics application. The manufacturing process for the sintered powder wick was developed and its performance characterized. The heat pipe is further experimentally demonstrated via an open evaporator test and shown to behave analogous to a constant conductance heat pipe.

Thermal Management↗
DOE OSTI2019

Interaction Between Liquid Steel and AlN Substrate Containing Al-Y-Oxides

Reactions between molten iron, molten silicon steel, and ceramic materials are of great importance from the perspective of the corrosion of refractory material in the steelmaking and continuous casting processes. Reactions between liquid steel and aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate containing Al-Y-oxides were investigated using the sessile drop method at 1833 K (1560 °C). The liquid–substrate interface was observed with the increasing holding time, and the reaction mechanism was studied. In the case of the liquid iron and the silicon steel on the AlN substrate containing Al-Y-oxides, the reaction products on the steel side of the interface between the steel and the substrate were Al-rich Al-Y-oxides and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles. For silicon steel and pure AlN substrate, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles were the main products. Contact angles were lower for liquid iron than for silicon steel due to the higher oxygen content in iron. In addition, the solid–liquid interfacial tension and the work of adhesion between AlN and steel were measured.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A First-Principles Density Function Theory Study of Tritium Diffusion in Li 2 ZrO 3 : Application for Producing Tritium

The ceramic material Li 2 ZrO 3 has superior thermo-physical and thermo-chemical properties and is highly compatible with other blanket materials used in nuclear reactors. Like LiAlO 2 , it could be used in the form of an annular pellet in tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs) to produce tritium( 3 H) upon thermal neutron irradiation of lithium isotope ( 6 Li). The radiation damaged pellet crystal contains vacancies, defects of its constituent elements, and several other trapping sites which hinder the 3 H diffusion process and releasing behavior. In this study, we investigate the diffusion mechanisms of 3 H and O 3 H species in Li 2 ZrO 3 ceramic pellet in order to understand the effects on diffusion barriers and diffusion coefficients due to the presence of interstitial and substitutional Li defects, hydroxide (O– 3 H) vacancy defect, and of the interactions of 3 H with O-vacancies in the radiation damaged Li 2 ZrO 3 crystal. We consider several possible diffusion pathways of interstitial and substitutional 3 H and its species in a defective supercell and calculate the activation energy barrier profiles. We find that the smallest activation energy barrier is 0.3 eV and corresponding diffusion coefficient at 600 K is 1.93 × 10 –9 m 2 /s for 3 H substitutional diffusion. The smallest 3 H interstitial diffusion barrier and diffusion coefficient are found to be 0.34 eV and 3.25 × 10 –9 m 2 /s. By examining several channels for diffusion, our results show the most likely diffusion mechanism of 3 H migration is occurring along the c-direction by exchange of 3 H within and between different Li sites. Here, our calculated results reveal that the smallest energy barrier for O 3 H diffusion is 0.75 eV which is when O 3 H is diffusing to the O–Li vacancy pair and the corresponding diffusion coefficient is 6.31 × 10 –13 m 2 /s. In terms of 3 H diffusion, the obtained results indicate that the performance of Li 2 ZrO 3 could be better than γ-LiAlO 2 , a widely used ceramic material in TPBAR for producing 3 H.

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

Magneto acoustical emission in nanocrystalline Mn–Zn ferrites

Graphical abstract: Mn{sub 0.4}Zn{sub 0.6}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders were prepared by microwave hydrothermal method. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope. The powders were sintered at different temperatures 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 °C/30 min using microwave sintering method. The grain size was estimated by scanning electron microscope. The room temperature dielectric and magnetic properties were studied in the frequency range (100 kHz–1.8 GHz). The magnetization properties were measured upto 1.5 T. The acoustic emission has been measured along the hysteresis loops from 80 K to Curie temperature. It is found that the magneto-acoustic emission (MAE) activity along hysteresis loop is proportional to the hysteresis losses during the same loop. This law has been verified on series of polycrystalline ferrites and found that the law is valid whatever the composition, the grain size and temperature. It is also found that the domain wall creation/or annihilation processes are the origin of the MAE. - Highlights: • The AE been measured along the hysteresis loops from 80 K to Curie temperature. • The MAE activity along hysteresis loop is proportional to P{sub h} during the same loop. • It is found that the domain wall creation/or annihilation processes are the origin of the MAE. - Abstract: Mn{sub 0.4}Zn{sub 0.6}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powders were prepared by microwave hydrothermal method. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope. The powders were sintered at different temperatures 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 °C/30 min using microwave sintering method. The grain size was estimated by scanning electron microscope. The room temperature dielectric and magnetic properties were studied in the frequency range (100 kHz–1.8 GHz). The magnetization properties were measured upto 1.5 T. The acoustic emission has been measured along the hysteresis loops from 80 K to Curie temperature. It is found that the magneto-acoustic emission (MAE) activity along hysteresis loop is proportional to the hysteresis losses during the same loop. This law has been verified on series of polycrystalline ferrites and found that the law is valid whatever the composition, the grain size and temperature. It is also found that the domain wall creation/or annihilation processes are the origin of the MAE.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1983

Thermal and mechanical properties of advanced, high temperature ceramic-composite insulation

It is found that the mechanical properties of fibrous refractory composite insulation (FRCI) can be improved if a higher calcination temperature is used before final processing. The results also reveal that a higher density FRCI containing 60 wt pct aluminoborosilicate fibers will exhibit minimal surface recession at 1480 C in a convective-heating environment. Another finding is that the material performance in the convective-heating environment is limited by the coating and the temperature capability of its emittance agent. A table is included giving the coating compositions used with the composite insulation and tested in the convectively heated environment at a surface temperature of 1480 C.

Leiser, D. B.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Processes for fabricating composite reinforced material

A family of materials wherein nanostructures and/or nanotubes are incorporated into a multi-component material arrangement, such as a metallic or ceramic alloy or composite/aggregate, producing a new material or metallic/ceramic alloy. The new material has significantly increased strength, up to several thousands of times normal and perhaps substantially more, as well as significantly decreased weight. The new materials may be manufactured into a component where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the bulk and/or matrix material, or as a coating where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the coating or surface of a "normal" substrate material. The nanostructures are incorporated into the material structure either randomly or aligned, within grains, or along or across grain boundaries.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Characterization of ceramic fuel powder packing fractions to support INFLUX

Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS)-based structures show marked potential in novel nuclear reactor fuel designs, as their high surface area-to-volume ratio increases the efficiency of heat transfer out of the fuel, enabling safer, more innovative reactor designs. This milestone report addresses the role of dUO 2 powder processing route on the fill behavior of TPMS-based cladding shells to understand and advance the feasibility of manufacturing TPMS-based nuclear fuel forms. dUO 2 powder was processed through either a dry granulation route, varying consolidation pressure, or through milling, varying milling time, milling method and milled size distribution. The lowest tapped bulk densities (TBD), but best powder flowabilities, were obtained when testing unprocessed dUO 2 powder which was prone to self-agglomeration and formed low-density spheroids. The highest TBD and lowest flowabilities were obtained when using powder produced by hammer-milling dUO 2 powder to pass through a 200-mesh sieve, which led to particles with angular morphologies. Powder produced by dry granulation exhibited TBD that varied according to the consolidation pressure used to form the initial pellets and exhibited improved flowabilities when compared to hammer-milled material. Because of the large span of granule sizes formed as well as the irregular shape associated with the granules, a packing fraction of 0.69 was achieved, exceeding the analytical solution for random close packing of mono-sized spheres. TPMS polymer shells were loaded with unprocessed, granulated, and hammer-milled dUO 2 powders, and their qualitative packing behaviors were analyzed using x-ray computed tomography (xCT). TBDs calculated after loading TPMS polymer shells were 10-20% lower when compared to tapped bulk density measurements taken in a glass graduated cylinder, indicating a non-trivial impact on the tapped bulk density of either the TPMS channel size, TPMS channel surface material, powder cohesiveness, or a combination of the two parameters. A metallic zircaloy-4 TPMS shell will be loaded with hammer-milled dUO 2 powder upon receipt of the shell from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and shipped to Idaho National Labs (INL) for subsequent hot isostatic pressing (HIP) densification experiments.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1990

Scaling behaviour of relaxation dependencies in metaloxide superconductors

Superconducting glass state has been investigated in different types of metaloxide ceramics, Y-Ba-Cu-O, Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O, Ba-Pb-Bi-O, using the highly sensitive SQUID magnetometer. The analysis of long-time relaxation processes of thermoremanent magnetization m(sup trm) (+) = M(sub o) - Slnt displayed scaling dependence of the decay rate S = -dM/dlnt on quantity of trapped magnetic flux M(sub o): 1gs = 31g M(sub o) - observed universal dependence S is approximately M(sup 3) (sub o) seems to one of the features of superconducting glass state in metaloxide ceramics.

Sidorenko, A. S.↗
DOE OSTI2016

High Temperature Sealants and Gaskets in Nuclear Applications

LLNL has been conducting research to develop and deploy advances in ceramic filter technology to benefit nuclear facilities. There is a need for better materials for HEPA filters, especially those able to withstand moisture and higher temperatures as experienced in fire conditions. One of the next steps in this process is the improvement of the system sealants and gaskets. Current commercial filters use fluid seals and urethane gasket seals. Although these seals are sufficient for the minimum requirements of existing nuclear facilities, they will not be sufficient as improvements in ceramic filters and pre-filters reach their full potential. Currently, HEPA filters can only survive up to 1000°F (exhaust air) and 500°F (supply air) for less than 2 hours. Our research at the University of Texas at El Paso reviewed hundreds of sealant and gasket materials to identify improved sealants and gaskets that can be used in existing filters as well as ceramic HEPA filters and prefilters. Results of the research will be supplied to support the relevant code, ASME AG-1, in particular Section FO.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Nano-array integrated monolithic devices: toward rational materials design and multi-functional performance by scalable nanostructures assembly

We report the scalable three-dimensional (3-D) integration of functional nanostructures into applicable platforms represents a promising technology to meet the ever-increasing demands of fabricating high performance devices featuring cost-effectiveness, structural sophistication and multi-functional enabling. Such an integration process generally involves a diverse array of nanostructural entities (nano-entities) consisting of dissimilar nanoscale building blocks such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanofilms made of metals, ceramics, or polymers. Various synthetic strategies and integration methods have enabled the successful assembly of both structurally and functionally tailored nano-arrays into a unique class of monolithic devices. The performance of nano-array based monolithic devices is dictated by a few important factors such as materials substrate selection, nanostructure composition and nano-architecture geometry. Therefore, the rational material selection and nano-entity manipulation during the nano-array integration process, aiming to exploit the advantageous characteristics of nanostructures and their ensembles, are critical steps towards bridging the design of nanostructure integrated monolithic devices with various practical applications. In this article, we highlight the latest research progress of the two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D metal and metal oxide based nanostructural integrations into prototype devices applicable with ultrahigh efficiency, good robustness and improved functionality. Lastly, selective examples of nano-array integration, scalable nanomanufacturing and representative monolithic devices such as catalytic converters, sensors and batteries will be utilized as the connecting dots to display a roadmap from hierarchical nanostructural assembly to practical nanotechnology implications ranging from energy, environmental, to chemical and biotechnology areas.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2006

High-Performance Scanning Acousto-Ultrasonic System

A high-performance scanning acousto-ultrasonic system, now undergoing development, is designed to afford enhanced capabilities for imaging microstructural features, including flaws, inside plate specimens of materials. The system is expected to be especially helpful in analyzing defects that contribute to failures in polymer- and ceramic-matrix composite materials, which are difficult to characterize by conventional scanning ultrasonic techniques and other conventional nondestructive testing techniques. Selected aspects of the acousto-ultrasonic method have been described in several NASA Tech Briefs articles in recent years. Summarizing briefly: The acousto-ultrasonic method involves the use of an apparatus like the one depicted in the figure (or an apparatus of similar functionality). Pulses are excited at one location on a surface of a plate specimen by use of a broadband transmitting ultrasonic transducer. The stress waves associated with these pulses propagate along the specimen to a receiving transducer at a different location on the same surface. Along the way, the stress waves interact with the microstructure and flaws present between the transducers. The received signal is analyzed to evaluate the microstructure and flaws. The specific variant of the acousto-ultrasonic method implemented in the present developmental system goes beyond the basic principle described above to include the following major additional features: Computer-controlled motorized translation stages are used to automatically position the transducers at specified locations. Scanning is performed in the sense that the measurement, data-acquisition, and data-analysis processes are repeated at different specified transducer locations in an array that spans the specimen surface (or a specified portion of the surface). A pneumatic actuator with a load cell is used to apply a controlled contact force. In analyzing the measurement data for each pair of transducer locations in the scan, the total (multimode) acousto-ultrasonic response of the specimen is utilized. The analysis is performed by custom software that extracts parameters of signals in the time and frequency domains. The computer hardware and software provide both real-time and postscan processing and display options. For example, oscilloscope displays of waveforms and power spectral densities are available in real time. Images can be computed while scanning continues. Signals can be digitally preprocessed and/or post-processed by filtering, windowing, time-segmenting, and running-waveform-averaging algorithms. In addition, the software affords options for off-line simulation of the waveform-data-acquisition and scanning processes. In tests, the system has been shown to be capable of characterizing microstructural changes and defects in SiC/SiC and C/SiC ceramic-matrix composites. Delaminations, variations in density, microstructural changes attributable to infiltration by silicon, and crack-space indications (defined in the next sentence) have been revealed in images formed from several time- and frequency-domain parameters of scanning acousto-ultrasonic signals. The crack-space indications were image features that were not revealed by other nondestructive testing methods and are so named because they turned out to mark locations where cracking eventually occurred.

Roth, Don↗
DOE OSTI2019

Shape retention and infiltration height in complex WC-Co parts made via binder jet of WC with subsequent Co melt infiltration

Additive manufacturing (AM) of complex tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) parts was achieved using binder jet additive manufacturing (BJAM) of WC powders followed by Co infiltration. The intent of the study is to explore the shape retention, infiltration height, and properties of parts made with this method. Using BJAM with infiltration of the metal phase can limit shrinkage and grain growth in ceramic-metal (cermet) composites compared to other additive manufacturing (AM) methods. Knowledge of previous infiltration studies was used to help process parts to imitate production of parts. The properties such as density, microstructure, grain size, and hardness of the parts are characterized along the infiltration height. Fracture toughness is measured where applicable. Furthermore, this approach has the potential to achieve highly dense WC-Co parts that are net-shaped with some ternary phase and z-direction distortion.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigation of glass-ceramic lithium thiophosphate solid electrolytes using NMR and neutron scattering

Solid-state Li batteries require solid electrolytes which have high Li+ conductivity and good chemical/mechanical compatibility with Li metal anodes and high energy cathodes. Structure/function correlations which relate local bonding to macroscopic properties are needed to guide development of new solid electrolyte materials. This study combines diffraction measurements with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (ssNMR) and neutron pair distribution function (nPDF) analysis to probe the short-range vs. long-range structure of glass-ceramic Li 3 PS 4 -based solid electrolytes. Here, we demonstrate how different synthesis conditions (e.g., solvent selection and thermal processing) affect the resulting polyanionic network. More specifically, structures with high P coordination numbers (e.g., PS 4 3– and P 2 S 7 4– ) correlate with higher Li + mobility compared to other polyanions (e.g., (PS 3 ) n n– chains and P 2 S 6 4– ). Overall, this work demonstrates how ssNMR and nPDF can be used to draw key structure/function correlations for solid-state superionic conductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1977

Progress in advanced high temperature turbine materials, coatings, and technology

Several NASA-sponsored benefit-cost studies have shown that very substantial benefits can be obtained by increasing material capability for aircraft gas turbines. Prealloyed powder processing holds promise for providing superalloys with increased strength for turbine disk applications. The developement of advanced powder metallurgy disk alloys must be based on a design of optimum processing and heat treating procedures. Materials considered for high temperature application include oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, directionally solidified superalloys, ceramics, directionally solidified eutectics, materials combining the high strength of a gamma prime strengthened alloy with the elevated temperature strength of an ODS, and composites. Attention is also given to the use of high pressure turbine seals, approaches for promoting environmental protection, and turbine cooling technology.

Freche, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Residual stress in plasma sprayed ceramic turbine tip and gas path seal specimens

The residual stresses in a ceramic sheet material used for turbine blade tip gas path seals, were estimated. These stresses result from the plasma spraying process which leaves the surface of the sheet in tension. To determine the properties of plasma sprayed ZrO2-Y2O3 sheet material, its load deflection characteristics were measured. Estimates of the mechanical properties for sheet materials were found to differ from those reported for plasma sprayed bulk materials.

Hendricks, R. C.↗