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At least 127 records · Page 7

Thermomechanical processing of HAYNES alloy No. 188 sheet to improve creep strength

Improvements in the low strain creep strength of HAYNES alloy No. 188 thin gauge sheet by means of thermomechanical processing were developed. Processing methods designed to develop a sheet with strong crystallographic texture after recrystallization and to optimize grain size were principally studied. The effects of thickness-to-grain diameter ratio and prestrain on low strain creep strength were also briefly examined. Results indicate that the most significant improvements were obtained in the sheets having a strong crystallographic texture. The low strain creep strength of the textured sheets was observed to be superior to that of standard production sheets in the 922 K to 1255 K temperature range. Tensile, stress rupture, fabricability, and surface stability properties of the experimental sheets were also measured and compared to property values reported for the baseline production sheets.

Klarstrom, D. L.↗

Utah FORGE 3-2514: Strain Sensing Array for Deformation Characterization - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Strain Sensing Array to characterize deformation at the FORGE site project by Clemson University, presented by Lawrence Murdoch. The project's objective was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and interpreting tensor strain data to improve the performance of EGS. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 23, 2024.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Servomotor-driven leveling elements for machine tool frame-to-floor alignment

This paper presents the results of aligning the frame to concrete floor of a large 5-axis machine tool by leveling element adjustments using servomotors instead of manual operation. The machine tool leveling elements used in this study are mechanical devices that attach the machine tool frame to the concrete foundation. These leveling elements are also adjustable so that each location along the machine tool can be uniquely adjusted such that the geometric errors of the frame are minimized, and the accuracy of the machine tool is improved. Off-the-shelf servomotors and connection equipment were installed at each of 12 leveling element locations for a precision 5-axis machine tool at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The servomotors allow a technician to align the machine tool frame remotely, instead of crawling under the machine tool to iteratively manually adjust each of the 12 leveling elements. The open-loop servomotor-leveling element system design is presented in this paper as well as machine tool frame alignment results. The servomotor system significantly reduces leveling element adjustment time, eliminates the need for under-machine access, reduces technician physical strain, and significantly improves the adjustment repeatability.

Honeycutt, Andrew [ORNL]↗

Utah FORGE 3-2514: A Strain Sensing Array to Characterize Deformation at the FORGE Site - Workshop Presentation

This is a presentation on the Strain Sensing Array to Characterize Deformation at the FORGE Site project by Clemson University, presented by Lawrence Murdoch. The project's objective was to evaluate the feasibility of measuring and interpreting tensor strain data to improve the performance of EGS. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on September 8, 2023. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to explore the progress made in each of the 17 Research and Development projects funded under Solicitation 2020-1 which aim to enhance our understanding of the crucial factors influencing the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) reservoirs and resources.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Enhanced negative thermal expansion of boron-doped Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 28.97 B 0.03 alloy

Enhanced negative thermal expansion (NTE) properties are achieved by introducing a little amount of boron in the Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 28.97 B 0.03 alloy. As a result, this alloy shows a giant NTE coefficient of alpha(1) = -79.7 x 10 -6 K -1 in a wide temperature range from 277 K to 136 K. Compared to the NTE characteristics in Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 29 , the NTE operation temperature window has expanded by 74% with the corresponding coefficient of thermal expansion increased by 57% within the NTE temperature window for the boron-doped Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga28.97B0.03. Additionally, in-situ synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction results suggest that by boron substitution, the large unit cell volume change across martensitic transformation and the wide phase transition temperature interval are responsible for the pronounced NTE behavior in Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 28.97 B 0.03 . Moreover, for the Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 28.97 B 0.03 NTE material, the compressive strength and strain are significantly improved compared with that of Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 29 . The present study indicates that Fe 43 Mn 28 Ga 28.97 B 0.03 with enhanced NTE across martensitic transformation may be used for practical application as thermal-expansion compensators.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The response of accident tolerant fuel cladding to LOCA burst testing: A comparative study of leading concepts

Accident tolerant fuel claddings seek to improve safety margins during loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) scenarios by reducing cladding steam oxidation rates, hydrogen production, delaying or mitigating cladding burst, and reducing cladding deformation. After rapid and extensive progress in recent years, Cr coated Zr-based alloys, ferritic FeCrAl, and SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have emerged as the most promising cladding concepts, but there are few studies comparing the accident tolerance of all three concepts simultaneously. Here, in this study, LOCA burst testing has been conducted on Cr high impulse power magnetron sputtered Zry-4 (Cr/Zry-4), C26M (FeCrAl), and SiC/SiC SiGA (CMC). Experimental observations indicate Cr/Zry-4 burst at higher temperatures than Zry-4 however the effectiveness of the coating on mitigating ZrO 2 formation via Cr 2 O 3 formation depended on physical proximity to the burst opening. No dramatic improvement in diametrical strain nor opening geometry was observed. C26M burst at higher temperatures than Zry-4 at lower pressures, exhibiting small amounts of strain and smaller openings, and formed slow-growing Al 2 O 3 regardless of location. The CMCs did not burst or show any macroscopic signs of deformation, all the way up to an internal cladding pressure of 15.2 MPa. High temperature expanding Nb plug testing indicated that CMC room temperature strength may persist up to 1650°C, with an approximately 40% loss of strength at 1900°C. CMC steam oxidation was also compared to reference chemically vapor deposited SiC up to 1700°C, and CMCs were found to oxidize at slightly accelerated rates that were still orders of magnitude lower than bare Zry-4. Projected H 2 generation during LOCA burst testing showed that when accounting for cladding burst exposing inner diameters to steam, Cr coated Zry-4 reduced H 2 generation by a factor of two compared with bare Zry-4, while both C26M and SiC/SiC reduced H 2 generation by orders of magnitude relative to bare Zry-4.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

First-Principles Investigation of Near-Surface Divacancies in Silicon Carbide

The realization of quantum sensors using spin defects in semiconductors requires a thorough understanding of the physical properties of the defects in the proximity of surfaces. We report a study of the divacancy (V Si V C ) in 3C-SiC, a promising material for quantum applications, as a function of surface reconstruction and termination with -H, -OH, -F and oxygen groups. Here we show that a V Si V C close to hydrogen-terminated (2 x 1) surfaces is a robust spin-defect with a triplet ground state and no surface states in the band gap and with small variations of many of its physical properties relative to the bulk, including the zero-phonon line and zero-field splitting. However, the Debye-Waller factor decreases in the vicinity of the surface and our calculations indicate it may be improved by strain-engineering. Overall our results show that the V Si V C close to SiC surfaces is a promising spin defect for quantum applications, similar to its bulk counterpart.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Assessment and application of Reynolds stress closure models to high-speed compressible flows

The paper presents results from the development of higher order closure models for the phenomological modeling of high-speed compressible flows. The work presented includes the introduction of an improved pressure-strain correlationi model applicable in both the low- and high-speed regime as well as modifications to the isotropic dissipation rate to account for dilatational effects. Finally, the question of stiffness commonly associated with the solution of two-equation and Reynolds stress transport equations in wall-bounded flows is examined and ways of relaxing these restrictions are discussed.

Gatski, T. B.↗

A multi-omic characterization of temperature stress in a halotolerant Scenedesmus strain for algal biotechnology

Microalgae efficiently convert sunlight into lipids and carbohydrates, offering bio-based alternatives for energy and chemical production. Improving algal productivity and robustness against abiotic stress requires a systems level characterization enabled by functional genomics. Here, we characterize a halotolerant microalga Scenedesmus sp. NREL 46B-D3 demonstrating peak growth near 25 °C that reaches 30 g/m 2 /day and the highest biomass accumulation capacity post cell division reported to date for a halotolerant strain. Functional genomics analysis revealed that genes involved in lipid production, ion channels and antiporters are expanded and expressed. Exposure to temperature stress shifts fatty acid metabolism and increases amino acids synthesis. Co-expression analysis shows that many fatty acid biosynthesis genes are overexpressed with specific transcription factors under cold stress. These and other genes involved in the metabolic and regulatory response to temperature stress can be further explored for strain improvement.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Thermomechanical processing of Haynes alloy No. 188 sheet to improve creep strength

A study has been carried out with the objective of improving the low-strain creep strength of thin gauge (0.38 mm) sheet of Haynes alloy No. 188, a candidate material for the heat shields of advanced reentry and hypersonic vehicles. It is found that significant improvements in the low-strain creep strength are obtained in sheets with a strong recrystallized texture produced by a thermomechanical treatment. The optimum results are achieved after 80% final coldwork followed by a 10-min anneal at 1505 K.

Klarstrom, D. L.↗

Improving the short-wave infrared response of strained GeSn/Ge multiple quantum wells by rapid thermal annealing

In this work, the evolution of structural, optical and optoelectronic properties of coherently strained Ge 0.883 Sn 0.117 /Ge multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy under rapid thermal annealing (RTA) is systematically investigated. The MQW structure remains fully-strained state with RTA at 400 °C or below and disrupts at higher annealing temperatures due to Sn segregation and interdiffusion of Ge and Sn atoms. The GeSn well layers exhibit the strongest absorption in 2.0–2.4 μm after annealing at 400 °C and become transparent above 1.8 μm after RTA at 600 °C or beyond due to serve Sn segregation. Owing to improved crystal quality after RTA at 400 °C, the dark current of the fabricated metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector is effectively lowered by more than two times. Additionally, the responsivities at 1.55 and 2.0 μm are improved by 4.15 and 3.78 folds, respectively, compared to those of the as-grown sample. Here, the results can be an insightful guidance for the development of high-performance short-wave infrared photonic devices based on Sn-containing group-IV low-dimensional structures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High Energy Density Additives for Hybrid Fuel Rockets to Improve Performance and Enhance Safety

We propose a conceptual study of prototype strained hydrocarbon molecules as high energy density additives for hybrid rocket fuels to boost the performance of these rockets without compromising safety and reliability. Use of these additives could extend the range of applications for which hybrid rockets become an attractive alternative to conventional solid or liquid fuel rockets. The objectives of the study were to confirm and quantify the high enthalpy of these strained molecules and to assess improvement in rocket performance that would be expected if these additives were blended with conventional fuels. We confirmed the chemical properties (including enthalpy) of these additives. However, the predicted improvement in rocket performance was too small to make this a useful strategy for boosting hybrid rocket performance.

strained hydrocarbons↗

Monodomain Liquid‐Crystal Elastomer Lattices for Broad Strain‐Rate Mechanical Damping

Designing structures that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of mechanical loading rates, including those from compression, shock, and vibration, poses a significant engineering challenge. In this study, liquid‐crystal elastomers (LCEs), which possess anisotropic properties due to the alignment of their polymer backbone, are explored. As a result, LCEs exhibit a soft elastic response under mechanical loading, making them ideal for energy dissipation. Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) enable simple fabrication of foamlike dissipative structures with complex lattice geometries. Herein, direct ink write 3D printing, an extrusion AM method, is used to fabricate aligned, monodomain LCE lattice structures for broad strain‐rate mechanical damping. In this work, it is shown that these structures can dissipate strain energy in quasi‐static environments, comparable to traditional elastomeric lattices, and provide improved damping under high strain‐rate drop testing due to LCE soft elasticity. Additionally, under dynamic mechanical vibration, monodomain LCE lattices enhance damping at structural natural frequencies and provide high‐frequency attenuation. Finally, in these findings, a promising method is presented for fabricating mechanical damping devices that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of loading rates.

3D printings↗

High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is the method of choice for many plant biotechnology laboratories; however, large-scale use of this organism in conifer transformation has been limited by difficult propagation of explant material, selection efficiencies and low transformation frequency. We have analyzed co-cultivation conditions and different disarmed strains of Agrobacterium to improve transformation. Additional copies of virulence genes were added to three common disarmed strains. These extra virulence genes included either a constitutively active virG or extra copies of virG and virB, both from pTiBo542. In experiments with Norway spruce, we increased transformation efficiencies 1000-fold from initial experiments where little or no transient expression was detected. Over 100 transformed lines expressing the marker gene beta-glucuronidase (GUS) were generated from rapidly dividing embryogenic suspension-cultured cells co-cultivated with Agrobacterium. GUS activity was used to monitor transient expression and to further test lines selected on kanamycin-containing medium. In loblolly pine, transient expression increased 10-fold utilizing modified Agrobacterium strains. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is a useful technique for large-scale generation of transgenic Norway spruce and may prove useful for other conifer species.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

Matching of Apparent-Strain Characteristics

Strain gages are temporarily bonded to surface of test block. Apparent strain is recorded in excursion to -190 degrees C, and gages are disbonded following heating to elevated temperature. Matching strain gages for cryogenic use has several advantages. Initial accuracy for cryogenic transducers is greatly improved, less apparent-strain correction wire is required and there are smaller errors due to loop data caused by long pieces of correction wire.

Moore, T. C.↗

Evaluation of Oxidation Damage in Thermal Barrier Coating Systems

A method based on the technique of dilatometry has been established to quantitatively evaluate the interfacial damage due to the oxidation in a thermal barrier coating system. Strain isolation and adhesion coefficients have been proposed to characterize the thermal barrier coating (TBC) performance based on its thermal expansion behavior. It has been found that, for a thermal barrier coating system consisting of ZrO2-8%Y2O3/FeCrAlY/4140 steel substrate, the oxidation of the bond coat and substrate significantly reduced the ceramic coating adherence, as inferred from the dilatometry measurements. The in-situ thermal expansion measurements under 30 deg C to 700 deg C thermal cycling in air showed that the adhesion coefficient, A(sub i) decreased by 25% during the first 35 oxidation cycles. Metallography showed that delamination occurred at both the ceramic/bond coat and bond coat/substrate interfaces. In addition, the strain isolation effect has been improved by increasing the FeCrAlY bond coat thickness. The strain isolation coefficient, Si, increased from about 0.04 to 0.25, as the bond coat thickness changed from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. It may be possible to design optimum values of strain isolation and interface adhesion coefficients to achieve the best TBC performance.

THERMAL PROPERTIES↗