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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 1,351 records · Page 75
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Asteroids - Surface composition from reflection spectroscopy

Minerals partly composing the surfaces of 14 asteroids are determined by using asteroid reflectance spectra and optical properties of meteorites and other materials. Individual electronic absorption features are identified in the asteroids' spectra. The energies, relative strengths, and shapes of these features are interpreted by using laboratory and theoretical studies. Analysis of the initial 14 asteroid reflectance spectra indicates the presence of the following types of surface materials: six carbonaceous chondrite-like; two stony-iron-like (metal/silicate ratio approximately equal to 1); one iron meteorite-like; one basaltic achondrite-like; and four silicate-metal assemblages (metal/silicate ratio approximately equal to 0.25). These results support the conclusion that the asteroid belt is a source of at least some meteoritic material, and they show a relation between certain asteroids and certain classes of meteorites.

Mccord, T. B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Operation of Packed-Bed Reactors Studied in Microgravity

The operation of a packed bed reactor (PBR) involves gas and liquid flowing simultaneously through a fixed-bed of solid particles. Depending on the application, the particles can be various shapes and sizes but are generally designed to force the two fluid phases through a tortuous route of narrow channels connecting the interstitial space. The PBR is the most common type of reactor in industry because it provides for intimate contact and high rates of transport between the phases needed to sustain chemical or biological reactions. The packing may also serve as either a catalyst or as a support for growing biological material. Furthermore, this type of reactor is relatively compact and requires minimal power to operate. This makes it an excellent candidate for unit operations in support of long-duration human space activities.

Motil, Brian J.↗
DOE OSTI2015

Role of string-like collective atomic motion on diffusion and structural relaxation in glass forming Cu-Zr alloys

We investigate Cu-Zr liquid alloys using molecular dynamics simulation and well-accepted embedded atom method potentials over a wide range of chemical composition and temperature as model metallic glass-forming (GF) liquids. As with other types of GF materials, the dynamics of these complex liquids are characterized by “dynamic heterogeneity” in the form of transient polymeric clusters of highly mobile atoms that are composed in turn of atomic clusters exhibiting string-like cooperative motion. In accordance with the string model of relaxation, an extension of the Adam-Gibbs (AG) model, changes in the activation free energy ΔG{sub a} with temperature of both the Cu and Zr diffusion coefficients D, and the alpha structural relaxation time τ{sub α} can be described to a good approximation by changes in the average string length, L. In particular, we confirm that the strings are a concrete realization of the abstract “cooperatively rearranging regions” of AG. We also find coexisting clusters of relatively “immobile” atoms that exhibit predominantly icosahedral local packing rather than the low symmetry packing of “mobile” atoms. These two distinct types of dynamic heterogeneity are then associated with different fluid structural states. Glass-forming liquids are thus analogous to polycrystalline materials where the icosahedrally packed regions correspond to crystal grains, and the strings reside in the relatively disordered grain boundary-like regions exterior to these locally well-ordered regions. A dynamic equilibrium between localized (“immobile”) and wandering (“mobile”) particles exists in the liquid so that the dynamic heterogeneity can be considered to be type of self-assembly process. We also characterize changes in the local atomic free volume in the course of string-like atomic motion to better understand the initiation and propagation of these fluid excitations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Chapter 19: Catalysis by Metal Carbides and Nitrides

Early transition metal carbides and nitrides (ETMCNs), materials in which carbon or nitrogen occupies interstitial sites within a parent metal lattice, possess unique physical and chemical properties that motivate their use as catalysts. Specifically, these materials possess multiple types of catalytic sites, including metallic, acidic, and basic sites, and as such, exhibit reactivities that differ from their parent metals. Moreover, their surfaces are dynamic under reaction conditions. This chapter reviews recent (since 2010) experimental and computational investigations into the catalytic properties of ETMCN materials for applications including biomass conversion, syngas and CO2 upgrading, petroleum and natural gas refining, and electrocatalytic energy conversion, energy storage, and chemicals production, and attempts to link catalyst performance to active site identity/surface structure in order to elucidate the present level of understanding of structure-function relationships for these materials. The chapter concludes with a perspective on leveraging the unique properties of these materials to design and develop improved catalysts through a dedicated, multidisciplinary effort.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ex Situ Photoelectron Emission Microscopy of Polycrystalline Bismuth and Antimony Telluride Surfaces Exposed to Ambient Oxidation

The surfaces of textured polycrystalline N-type bismuth telluride and P-type antimony telluride materials were investigated using ex situ photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM). PEEM enabled imaging of the work function for different oxidation times due to exposure to air across sample surfaces. The spatially averaged work function was also tracked as a function of air exposure time. N-type bismuth telluride showed an increase in the work function around grain boundaries relative to grain interiors during the early stages of air exposure-driven oxidation. At longer time exposure to air, the surface became homogenous after a ~5 nm-thick oxide formed. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to correlate changes in PEEM imaging in real space and work function evolution to the progressive growth of an oxide layer. The observed work function contrast is consistent with the pinning of electronic surface states due to the defects at a grain boundary.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

A 3-D Journey Through a Cell's Nucleus

This animation shows a 3-D rendering of a nucleus in a mouse cell known as a “neuronal progenitor.” The view shown here slices from the surface of the nucleus through to its other side, and is color-coded for two types of genetic material: heterochromatin (blue) and euchromatin (green). The gold color represents mitochondria, the energy production center in cells. Heterochromatin is believed to be the most tightly packed form of chromatin. Neuronal progenitor cells resemble stem cells in that they have the ability to specialize into different cell types, though with a more limited range of differentiation. (Credit: Berkeley Lab, UCSF)

Berkeley Lab, LBNL↗
DOE OSTI2016

A 3-D Journey Through a Cell's Nucleus

This animation shows a 3-D rendering of a nucleus in a mouse cell known as a “neuronal progenitor.” The view shown here slices from the surface of the nucleus through to its other side, and is color-coded for two types of genetic material: heterochromatin (blue) and euchromatin (green). The gold color represents mitochondria, the energy production center in cells. Heterochromatin is believed to be the most tightly packed form of chromatin. Neuronal progenitor cells resemble stem cells in that they have the ability to specialize into different cell types, though with a more limited range of differentiation. (Credit: Berkeley Lab, UCSF)

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Gamma-Ray and Cosmic Ray Muon Modalities for Cargo Inspection

Screening and inspection of cargo containers are two essential methods to nondestructively examine the contents of shipment. These methods enable the detection of illicit transportation of unauthorized materials such as nuclear and radioactive materials, explosives, drugs, and so on, typically at borders or secure facilities. Although high-energy X-ray transmission is a standard system and is widely used for cargo inspection, the inherent challenges of high false-positive rates and high attenuation factors necessitate the development of complementary techniques that can increase the detection efficiency and accuracy in large and dense materials. Gamma-rays, which possess higher penetration characteristics because of their high energy, offer an alternative nonintrusive modality for cargo scanning. They represent a promising inspection method when compared to X-rays for three reasons: (1) improved ability to detect nuclear and radioactive materials, (2) higher inspection throughput rates, and (3) lower false-positive rates. Currently, there are two main gamma-ray inspection techniques, active and passive interrogation. Active interrogation can be further grouped into (1) gamma-ray transmission imaging and (2) neutron-induced gamma-ray emission detection. Gamma-ray transmission imaging utilizes differences in material densities for mapping the shipment contents and detecting anomalies. It is analogous to the X-ray transmission method; however, the high-energy photons make it more difficult to shield against, which enables more efficient performance in large and dense material inspection. Neutron-induced gamma-ray emission inspection is designed for the detection of nuclear and radioactive material because those materials emit characteristic gamma-rays when they are activated by neutron absorption. On the other hand, passive interrogation techniques rely on high-efficiency detectors to detect radiation emitted from hidden special nuclear or other radioactive materials. Similar to passive interrogation, cosmic ray muon monitoring and imaging are relatively new techniques that do not require external radioactive sources. These techniques have received attention as a potential next-generation radiographic probe to identify illicit transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials in cargo containers. Cosmic ray muons have unique features, (1) much higher energies than X-rays or gamma-rays (on the order of 10−1—104 GeV), (2) enhanced penetration capability, and (3) natural occurrence, thereby eliminating the need for induced radiation sources. These features enable cosmic ray muons to be utilized for detection of special nuclear materials in high-background-noise environments. By analyzing incoming and outgoing muon trajectories, scattering angles, and energies, it has been shown that it would be possible to locate hidden and well-shielded materials in cargo containers via three-dimensional muon tomography images or signal analysis. Gamma-rays, cosmic ray muons, and other nonintrusive cargo inspection modalities are complementary to each other, allowing them to address various cargo inspection conditions (i.e., scanning time, cost, radiation exposure level, and types of target materials). This chapter presents a detailed review of the theoretical fundamentals and technical principles behind the current gamma-ray and cosmic ray muon modalities for cargo inspection. Additionally, critical assessments and suggestions for the future directions to advance the use of gamma and muon modalities are discussed.

Bae, Junghyun↗
DOE OSTI2022

Test Report for DPP-1 Regulatory Compliance Testing. Volume 1 - Main Report

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS), the management and operating contractor for the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is currently responsible for the regulatory testing of a new Type B fissile material shipping package called the Defense Programs Package (DPP)-1. The DPP-1 is a drum packaging with an inner liner and a removable lid. Both the drum body and the lid are filled with an impact-limiting, thermal-insulating material that protects the inner containment vessel (CV) during normal conditions of transport (NCT) and hypothetical accident conditions (HAC) as defined by 10 US code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 71. In fiscal year 2021, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Package Testing Program (PTP), located at the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC), conducted Type B performance tests as prescribed in Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71 (10 CFR 71) on seven DPP-1 prototype units. This test report documents test unit (TU) preparation, pretest condition, conditioning of each TU, NCT and HAC testing, and posttest measurements and observations made of the damage resulting from these tests.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRS1992

The magnitude of impact damage on LDEF materials

The purpose of this report is to document the magnitude and types of impact damage to materials and systems on the LDEF. This report will provide insights which permit NASA and industry space-systems designers to more rapidly identify potential problems and hazards in placing a spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO). This report is structured to provide (1) a background on LDEF, (2) an introduction to the LEO meteoroid and debris environments, and (3) descriptions of the types of damage caused by impacts into structural materials, and contamination caused by spallation and ejecta from impact events.

Allbrooks, Martha↗
DOE OSTI2023

Transport and Imaging of Novel Phases of Moiré Quantum Matter

Moiré materials open an entirely new platform for exploring the interplay between band structure, interactions, symmetry and topology. Strong effects of interaction can result from antiferromagnetic correlations as is commonly found in high temperature superconductors. Alternatively, the effects of interactions can be strengthened by reducing the role of kinetic energy as is commonly done in quantum Hall systems. Interestingly, moiré materials are a new class of materials where both types of effects can be present simultaneously, even at zero magnetic field, leading to a plethora of new correlated topological phases. Here we plan to harness the expertise of our groups in synthesis, fabrication, and novel measurement techniques to unravel and elucidate some of the mysteries of moiré materials. Our goal in this proposal has been to deepen our understanding of correlated phases in moiré materials using a variety of experimental tool developed in the PI’s labs. We used thermodynamic probes based on local and global electrostatic sensing to provide direct information on compressibility, entropy, magnetization and topology. Revealing the fundamental principles of correlated topological matter may pave the way towards a new class of materials with superior electronic characteristics with possible application in quantum science, engineering and energy harvesting platforms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of Synthetic Method and Annealing Temperature on the Structure of Hollandite-Type Oxides

Hollandite is a class of metal oxide material with the general formula A 2 B 8 O 16 . Several methods have been used in the synthesis of this type of metal oxide, and the synthetic methods reported have typically employed high annealing temperatures between 1200 and 1300 °C. Appropriate synthetic methods must be employed to successfully synthesize these hollandite-type oxides at lower annealing temperatures. Hollandite compounds have been synthesized using ceramic (high annealing temperature only) and coprecipitation (high and low annealing temperatures) methods. Annealing temperatures ranging from 1200 to 700 °C have been employed in the thermal treatment process. In this work, powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) were conducted on hollandite-type oxides (Ba x Al 2 x Ti 8–2 x O 16–δ ; x = 1.2; and Ba x Al x Fe x Ti 8–2 x O 16–δ, Ba x Fe 2 x Ti 8–2 x O 16–δ ; x = 1.16). Structural comparisons between materials annealed in the temperature range from 1200 to 800 °C were made, and an examination of the XANES spectra and powder X-ray diffraction patterns has provided confirmation of the absence of significant structural changes in these hollandite materials. This study has shown that hollandite-type materials can be formed using annealing temperatures as low as 700–800 °C when a coprecipitation method is used, with little change to the local and long-range structures being detected.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Radiation damage in nanostructured materials

Materials subjected to high dose irradiation by energetic particles often experience severe damage in the form of drastic increase of defect density, and significant degradation of their mechanical and physical properties. Extensive studies on radiation effects in materials in the past few decades show that, although nearly no materials are immune to radiation damage, the approaches of deliberate introduction of certain types of defects in materials before radiation are effective in mitigating radiation damage. Nanostructured materials with abundant internal defects have been extensively investigated for various applications. The field of radiation damage in nanostructured materials is an exciting and rapidly evolving arena, enriched with challenges and opportunities. In this review article, we summarize and analyze the current understandings on the influence of various types of internal defect sinks on reduction of radiation damage in primarily nanostructured metallic materials, and partially on nanoceramic materials. We also point out open questions and future directions that may significantly improve our fundamental understandings on radiation damage in nanomaterials. Finally, the integration of extensive research effort, resources and expertise in various fields may eventually lead to the design of advanced nanomaterials with unprecedented radiation tolerance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1999

Strategies and Technologies for In Situ Mineralogical Investigations on Mars

Surface landers on Mars (Viking and Pathfinder) have not revealed satisfying answers to the mineralogy and lithology of the planet's surface. In part, this results from their prime directives: Viking focused on exobiology, Pathfinder focused on technology demonstration. The analytical instruments on board the landers made admirable attempts to extract the mineralogy and geology of Mars, as did countless modeling efforts after the missions. Here we suggest a framework for elucidating martian, or any other planetary geology, through an approach that defines (a) type of information required, (b) explorational strategy harmonious with acquisition of these data, (c) interpretation approach to the data, (d) compatible mission architecture, (e) instrumentation for interrogating rocks and soil. (a) Data required: The composition of a planet is ordered at scales ranging from molecules to minerals to rocks, and from geological units to provinces to planetary-scale systems. The largest ordering that in situ compositional instruments can attempt to interrogate is rock type "aggregate" information. This is what the geologist attempts to identify first. From this, mineralogy can be either directly seen or inferred. From mineralogy can be determined elemental abundances and perhaps the state of the compounds as being crystalline or amorphous. Knowledge of rock type and mineralogy is critical for elucidating geologic process. Mars landers acquired extremely valuable elemental data, but attempted to move from elements to aggregates, but this can only be done by making many assumptions and sometimes giant leaps of faith. Data we believe essential are elements, minerals, degree of ordering of compounds, and the aggregate or rock type that these materials compose. (b) Explorational strategy: A lander should function as a surrogate geologist. Of the total landscape, a geologist sees much, but gives detailed attention to an infinitesimally small amount of what is seen. To acquire samples worth detailed scrutiny, as many samples as possible need examining at a cursory or reconnaissance level. A representative, statistically-meaningful sample number cannot be overemphasized. This maxim still applies to geological exploration of our own planet of which we have abundant knowledge. Analysis of many samples mandates low-power consumption per sample. (c) Data interpretation: No single instrument can analyze the full spectrum of the x-axis. An instrument is optimized for detecting certain material characteristics and must therefore affix itself to some point on the x-axis. Any conclusions drawn about data to the left or right of the instrument's position on this axis must necessarily be derived by inference. Hence, it seems logical to include on a mission, instruments that are not closely spaced in their x-axis-position, and if only two analytical methods are used, as shown, they should start at opposite ends of the axis and work towards the center. As examples, we depict a high-resolution camera to evaluate rock type ("aggregate" state) and mineralogy, and an x-ray diffractometer-fluorescence spectrometer (XRD-XRF) to determine elements, minerals, and the degree of order of materials. (d) Mission architecture: No instrument or suite of instruments can be relied upon to always give truly unequivocal analyses. The suite of instruments should therefore permit conclusions of one instrument to be checked against those of another through closed analytical loops. These "loops" can be structured by a combination of orbital imagery, descent imagery, broad-band site viewing/analysis, and data that cover both x and y axes. For example, the detection of a basaltic-looking rock with a microscope should be checked against the elements detected, the appearance of the rock as a lava flow from descent imagery, and so forth. (e) Instrumentation: To satisfy the above criteria, it is necessary to: (i) See the rock or soil with high resolution + magnification, (ii) Examine many samples, (iii) Consume little power per analysis, (iv) Determine elemental species, (v) Determine mineralogy directly (not inferentially) and the degree of ordering of compounds, (vi) Start analyzing from both ends of the x-axis. Every geologist wants to see the hand sample first, and apply a hand lens to its surface. This has not been the starting point for missions to Mars. Thus, our technology satisfies all these criteria . This XRD-XRF-Optical instrument currently being developed, analyses rock or soil surfaces without the need for sample acquisition or preparation; this satisfies the power criterion, and enables many analyses. The device acquires direct mineralogy and determines elemental species. The embedded endoscopic camera satisfies the critical criterion of close inspection of samples; the fiber optic cable can also be used for IR, LTV, or laser sample analysis. Additional information is contained in the original (Figures).

Marshall, J. R.↗
DOE OSTI2017

On the polarization dynamics in the presence of flexoelectricity and morphotropic phase boundary in ferroelectrics

It is shown that anomalous piezoelectric properties of epitaxial nanostructures arise on the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) due to the strong flexoelectric effect on dislocation walls. The MPB (typical of many materials) exhibits a coexistence of various phases and partition of these phases to minimum sizes. This minimum size l{sub c} (nanoscale) is found using the dislocation theory; it coincides with the distance between individual dislocations in dislocation walls, which is much larger than the Burgers vector b, regardless of the type of crystalline material. The flexoelectric coefficients f are estimated taking into account dimensional relations and experimental data on the rotations of ferroelectric nanodomains in multiferroics. These estimates coincide with classical values. The critical value l{sub c} ~ 10b specifies the measured dependence on the dielectric susceptibility χ{sub e}, f ~ χ{sub e}{sup 1/2}. The quantity χ{sub e} depends on the frequency of the ac electric field applied to a sample and on the dislocation density. The Ba{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}TiO{sub 3}/Ni{sub 0.8}Zn{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramic composite shows typical frequency dispersion of χ{sub e} in a wide frequency range. The frequency dependence of flexoelecric coefficients is shown to reproduce the frequency dependence of permittivity at high frequencies.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1986

Oxidation characteristics of 440 C CRES in gaseous oxygen (GOX) environments

The oxidation characteristics of 440 C corrosion-resistant steel are evaluated. The dependence of oxide color, type, and thickness, material hardness, and microstructure on temperature is examined. The effects of exposure time, passivation layer, and oxygen pressure on the oxide formation are investigated. A direct relationship between temperature and oxide color, formation, and thickness is detected. It is observed that the exposure time does not affect the microstructure or oxide color, type, or thickness; however, the passivation layer does affect oxide color and type.

Dennies, Daniel P.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Corrosion Behavior of Steels in Supercritical CO 2 for Power Cycle Applications

In order to understand issues with corrosion of heat exchanger materials in direct supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2 ) power cycles, a series of autoclave exposure experiments and electrochemical experiments have been conducted. Corrosion behaviors of 347H stainless steel and P91 martensitic-ferrtic steel in sCO 2 environment have been compared. In autoclave exposure tests performed at 50°C- 245°C and 80 bar. Mass change measurements, surface characterization, and corrosion product analysis have been conducted to understand the corrosion behavior of steels in sCO 2 containing H 2 O and O 2 . Electrochemical tests performed at room temperature and 50°C, a simulation environment of water condensation phase with dissolved CO 2 was prepared to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials. From both types of experiments, generally 347H showed higher corrosion resistance than P91.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗