Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “structural plasticity”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Genetic variations and their interaction with thirdhand smoke exposure on anxiety and memory in Collaborative Cross mice

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is linked to adverse health effects, but the effect of genetic variations on behavioral outcomes is poorly understood. To investigate this, we assessed anxiety- and memory-related behaviors in 820 mice from 21 strains of the genetically diverse Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse that were exposed to THS from 4 through 10 weeks of age. Anxiety was evaluated with a light/dark box assay with a previously established risk score system. Females were generally more sensitive: THS reduced anxiety risk in strains CC013, CC019, and CC051, but increased risk in CC036 and CC061, while males showed no significant effects. Memory was tested using passive avoidance: impairments were observed in both sexes in CC016 and CC019, with sex-dependent effects in CC002 and CC051. A genome-wide association study identified 2,347 SNPs associated with anxiety and 1,568 SNPs with memory, with 32 and 85 SNPs, respectively, interacting with THS exposure. Enrichment analyses revealed distinct biological processes underlying susceptibility, including axonogenesis, synapse organization, cognition, and learning and memory. KEGG pathway analysis identified distinct genetic pathways, including GTPase binding and GTPase regulatory activity, that act as critical molecular switches in the brain that regulate synaptic plasticity, dendritic spine structure, and neuronal signaling, directly influencing anxiety-like behaviors and memory formation. These findings show that THS exposure affects neurobehavioral outcomes in a sex- and genotype-dependent manner, highlighting critical gene-environment interactions and providing a foundation for mechanistic insights into THS neurotoxicity

Anxiety↗
DOE OSTI2025

Strength, deformation, and the fcc–hcp phase transition in condensed Kr and Xe to the 100 GPa pressure range

The rare gas solids exhibit systematic differences in crystal structure, phase transition conditions, bond strength, and other physical properties. The physical properties of heavy rare gas solids krypton and xenon are modified by the martensitic phase transition from face-centered cubic to hexagonal close packed structure over a broad pressure range. Crystal structure, strength, and plastic deformation of krypton and xenon have been investigated at 300 K using compression in the diamond-anvil cell with synchrotron angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction and complementary ruby fluorescence spectroscopy for Xe. Stacking faults indicative of the fcc–hcp phase transition are observed at pressures at and above 1.23 ± 0.05 and 1.9 ± 0.6 GPa in Kr and Xe, respectively. The transition remains incomplete in both solids to pressures greater than 100 GPa. Strength determined from stress measurements in Pt and ruby standards at pressures up to 111 GPa and complemented by observations of strain and texture measurements obtained by x-ray diffraction in the radial geometry to 100 GPa indicates similar or higher strength than Ar at all conditions, with significant stiffening at 15–20 GPa. Radial diffraction data reveal the persistence of broad highly textured fcc diffraction lines to 101 GPa in Xe, suggesting that the axial measurements may underestimate the metastable persistence of the fcc phase due to biased sampling of hcp crystallites resulting from preferred crystallite orientation. Kr and Xe are compared with He, Ne, and Ar for a systematic understanding of physical properties and phase equilibria of rare gas solids.

Compressive stress↗
DOE OSTI2026

Influence of cellular redox reactions on the structure and function of light harvesting and photosystems

Photosynthesis enables the conversion of one of the most abundant and free forms of energy, sunlight, into chemical bonds through the utilization of highly tailored protein complexes. These enzymes work in unison to absorb, convert, and transform light into high-energy electrons which are used for various functions important to metabolism and cellular protection. Over the last ∼50 years, photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, have been adapted and engineered to produce valuable compounds like hydrogen and ethylene, among others. Often this is performed by removing native and/or adding in exogenous energy utilization pathways so that light energy is re-directed towards the synthesis of desired compounds. However, the interplay between primary light capture, conversion reactions, and the downstream electron utilization sinks is not fully understood. Further complicating these strategies are the plethora of compensatory mechanisms that facilitate steady electron flow and the maintenance of photosynthesis under dynamic conditions. This manifests as structural and functional plasticity of the photosynthetic machinery, often seen in modulations of oligomeric compositions or changes in protein-protein interactions and coupling with redox enzymes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial to biotechnology applications because re-engineering electron utilization sinks has profoundly different effects on the light capture and conversion reactions of photosynthesis. Optimization requires a molecular-level understanding of the functional interrelationships between electron sinks and photosynthetic components that influence photosynthetic efficiencies to realize potential improvements in product yields. Here, we aim to highlight how perturbation of reductive reactions is revealing the functional plasticity in key components of the photosynthetic energy transduction pathway.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1984

Analysis of large, non-isothermal elastic-visco-plastic deformations

The development of a general mathematical model and solutions of test problems to analyze large nonisothermal elasto-visco-plastic deformatisms of structures is discussed. Geometric and material type nonlinearities of higher order are present in the development of the mathematical model and in the developed solution methodology.

Riff, R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

In-Space Recycler Technology Demonstration

In 2014, a 3D printer was installed and used successfully on the International Space Station (ISS), creating the first additively manufactured part in space. While additive manufacturing is a game changing technology for exploration missions, the process still requires raw feedstock material to fabricate parts. Without a recycling capability, a large supply of feedstock would need to be stored onboard, which negates the logistical benefits of these capabilities. Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (TUI), received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award to design and build the first In-space Recycler for demonstration aboard the ISS in 2017. To fully test this technology in microgravity, parts will be 3D printed, recycled into reusable filament, and then reprinted into new parts. Recycling scrap into printer filament is quite challenging in that a recycler must be able to handle a large variety of possible scrap configurations and densities. New challenges include: dealing with inevitable contamination of the scrap material, minimizing damage to the molecular structure of the plastic during reprocessing, managing a larger volume of hot liquid plastic, and exercising greater control over the cooling/resolidification of the material. TUI has developed an architecture that addresses these challenges by combining standard, proven technologies with novel, patented processes developed through this effort. Results show that the filament diameter achieved is more consistent than commercial filament, with only minimal degradation of material properties over recycling steps. In May 2016, TUI completed fabrication of a flight prototype, which will ultimately progress to the demonstration unit for the ISS as a testbed for future exploration missions. This capability will provide significant cost savings by reducing the launch mass and volume required for printer feedstock as well as reduce waste that must be stored or disposed.

Recycling↗
DOE OSTI2024

Use of Lignin-Based Admixture as Water Reducer (WRA) for Tailoring the Rheological Properties of Mortars for 3D-Printing

Efforts towards decarbonizing construction materials and industrial processes related to cement and concrete can be aided via multifaceted approaches that target alternative admixtures as well as precision control of fabrication. Chemical admixtures for water reduction have played a crucial role in the development of advanced mortar and concrete mixtures. Newer biomass processing techniques developed for aviation fuel production from corn stover biomass produce a highly reactive lignin byproduct that is suitable for chemical modifications to mimic the properties of commonly used polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs) with a smaller carbon footprint. These lignin-based plasticizers developed at NREL can be used in place of petrochemical-derived superplasticizers to tailor the rheological properties of cement-based systems for applications such as additive manufacturing while reducing the carbon intensity of the concrete mix. Lignosulfonates derived from paper pulping were historically used as water reducers only to be displaced with the rise of PCEs. The present study examines the use of a NREL produced lignin-based water reducing admixture (WRA), in cement pastes and mortar mixtures for 3D-printing at small- (mm) scale. The experimental program consisted of different formulations of oxidized lignin-based WRAs added in variable dosages to cement pastes with a fixed water-to-cement ratio. The objective is to achieve an appropriate workability, extrudability and buildability of mortar mixtures to produce 3D-printed specimens. The rheological characterization was performed to compare the initial yield stress and viscosity of the different mixtures with lignin-based admixture with respect to conventional PCE superplasticizers. The rheological characterization shows that the proposed material act as an effective water-reducer in cement systems, affecting the yield stress, plastic viscosity, and structuration rate of the mixtures evaluated. On the other hand, the effect on early hydration process of the cement pastes containing lignin-based admixtures is comparable to conventional superplasticizers.

3D-printing↗
NASA NTRS1983

On the solution of elastic-plastic static and dynamic postbuckling collapse of general structure

Many investigations have considered structural collapse from strictly the transient point of view. While such an approach is ideally correct, certain difficulties have to be overcome in its implementation. The present investigation is concerned with the development of self-adaptive algorithms which make it possible to conduct the analysis of both static elastic and elastic-plastic postbuckling, as well as static loading to the onset of buckling followed by subsequent dynamic postbuckling. The approach employed to solve the static portion of loading is to extend the constrained Incremental Newton-Raphson (INR) algorithm by incorporating elastic-plastic constitutive characterizations. Large deformation moderate strain theory is adopted to establish the overall strategy. Attention is given to governing field equations, aspects of algorithmic development, and numerical experiments conducted to illustrate the efficiency and stability of the developed schemes.

Padovan, J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Local strain redistribution corrections for a simplified inelastic analysis procedure based on an elastic finite-element analysis

Strain redistribution corrections were developed for a simplified inelastic analysis procedure to economically calculate material cyclic response at the critical location of a structure for life prediction proposes. The method was based on the assumption that the plastic region in the structure is local and the total strain history required for input can be defined from elastic finite-element analyses. Cyclic stress-strain behavior was represented by a bilinear kinematic hardening model. The simplified procedure predicts stress-strain response with reasonable accuracy for thermally cycled problems but needs improvement for mechanically load-cycled problems. Neuber-type corrections were derived and incorporated in the simplified procedure to account for local total strain redistribution under cyclic mechanical loading. The corrected simplified method was used on a mechanically load-cycled benchmark notched-plate problem. The predicted material response agrees well with the nonlinear finite-element solutions for the problem. The simplified analysis computer program was 0.3% of the central processor unit time required for a nonlinear finite-element analysis.

Kaufman, A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On local total strain redistribution using a simplified cyclic inelastic analysis based on an elastic solution

Strain redistribution corrections were developed for a simplified inelastic analysis procedure to economically calculate material cyclic response at the critical location of a structure for life prediction purposes. The method was based on the assumption that the plastic region in the structure is local and the total strain history required for input can be defined from elastic finite element analyses. Cyclic stress-strain behavior was represented by a bilinear kinematic hardening model. The simplified procedure has been found to predict stress-strain response with reasonable accuracy for thermally cycled problems but needs improvement for mechanically load cycled problems. This study derived and incorporated Neuber type corrections in the simplified procedure to account for local total strain redistribution under cyclic mechanical loading. The corrected simplified method was exercised on a mechanically load cycled benchmark notched plate problem. Excellent agreement was found between the predicted material response and nonlinear finite element solutions for the problem. The simplified analysis computer program used 0.3 percent of the CPU time required for a nonlinear finite element analysis.

Hwang, S. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1985

On local total strain redistribution using a simplified cyclic inelastic analysis based on an elastic solution

Strain redistribution corrections were developed for a simplified inelastic analysis procedure to economically calculate material cyclic response at the critical location of a structure for life prediction purposes. The method was based on the assumption that the plastic region in the structure is local and the total strain history required for input can be defined from elastic finite element analyses. Cyclic stress-strain behavior was represented by a bilinear kinematic hardening model. The simplified procedure has been found to predict stress-strain response with reasonable accuracy for thermally cycled problems but needs improvement for mechanically load cycled problems. This study derived and incorporated Neuber type corrections in the simplified procedure to account for local total strain redistribution under cyclic mechanical loading. The corrected simplified method was exercised on a mechanically load cycled benchmark notched plate problem. Excellent agreement was found between the predicted material response and nonlinear finite element solutions for the problem. The simplified analysis computer program used 0.3 percent of the CPU time required for a nonlinear finite element analysis.

Hwang, S. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Nonlinear transient responses of structures by the spatial finite-element method.

Based upon the Principle of Virtual Work and D'Alembert's Principle, the assumed-displacement version of the spatial finite-element method is developed to predict the large deflection transient responses of structures including elastic-plastic, strain hardening, and strain-rate material behavior. The formulations are developed in detail for curved beamlike structures undergoing planar (1) Bernouilli-Euler-type or (2) Timoshenko-type deformation behavior. The resulting equations of motion are solved timewise by a finite-difference numerical procedure. The present predictions are evaluated via several beam and ring examples for which experimental measurements and independent finite-difference predictions in both space and time are available; very good agreement is noted. The consequences of employing several types of timewise finite-difference operators are examined. Also, some comparisons between finite-element predictions and finite-difference predictions are shown to illustrate 'typical comparisons' of efficiency for a given prediction accuracy.

Wu, R. W.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Role of the flocculus of the cerebellum in motor learning of the vestibulo-ocular reflex

Structure-function studies at the systems level are an effective method for understanding the relationship of the central nervous system to behavior. Motor learning or adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex is a clear example wherein this approach has been productive. During a vestibulo-ocular reflex the brain converts a head velocity signal, transduced through the vestibular semicircular canals, into an eye movement command delivered to the extraocular muscles. If the viewed target remains on the fovea of the retina, the reflex is compensatory, and its gain, eye velocity/head velocity, is one. When the image of the viewed object slips across the retina, visual acuity decreases, and the gain of the reflex, which is no longer one, is plastically adapted or adjusted until retinal stability is restored. The anatomic substrate for this plasticity thus involves brain structures in which visual-vestibular interaction can potentially occur, as well as vestibular and visual sensory and oculomotor motor structures. Further, it has been known for many years that removal of the flocculus of the cerebellum permanently precludes further vestibulo-ocular reflex adaptation, demonstrating the involvement of the cerebellum in this behavior. Maekawa and Simpson (J Neurophysiol 1973;36: 649-66) discovered that one visual input to the flocculus involved the accessory optic system and the inferior olive. Ensuing work has demonstrated that the visual signals used to adapt the vestibulo-ocular reflex are transmitted by this accessory optic system to the flocculus and subsequently to brain stem structures involved in vestibulo-ocular reflex plasticity. Presently the inclusive list of anatomic sites involved in vestibulo-ocular reflex circuitry and its adaptive plasticity is small. Our laboratory continues to believe that this behavior should be caused by interactions within this small class of neurons. By studying each class of identified neuron and its interactions with others within the list, we hope to ultimately understand the mechanisms used by the brain in the expression of this behavior.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1981

Thermodynamic properties and phase transitions in CO2 molecular clusters

The thermodynamic properties of (CO2)N molecular aggregates of size N between 2 and 13 have been investigated. These crystallites exhibit well defined orientational order-disorder rotational transitions accompanied by a structural transition into a plastic crystallite phase. In addition, they exhibit melting and disassociation transitions. It is shown that the interpretation of experimental data, based upon dimer properties, depends crucially on these results. Equilibrium structures and orientations are also given.

Etters, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Computer program: Jet 3 to calculate the large elastic plastic dynamically induced deformations of free and restrained, partial and/or complete structural rings

A user-oriented FORTRAN 4 computer program, called JET 3, is presented. The JET 3 program, which employs the spatial finite-element and timewise finite-difference method, can be used to predict the large two-dimensional elastic-plastic transient Kirchhoff-type deformations of a complete or partial structural ring, with various support conditions and restraints, subjected to a variety of initial velocity distributions and externally-applied transient forcing functions. The geometric shapes of the structural ring can be circular or arbitrarily curved and with variable thickness. Strain-hardening and strain-rate effects of the material are taken into account.

Wu, R. W.↗