Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Base Composition”

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 1,405 records · Page 78

Label-free single-vesicle based surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: A robust approach for investigating the biomolecular composition of small extracellular vesicles

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are cell-released vesicles ranging from 30-150nm in size. They have garnered increasing attention because of their potential for both the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The diversity of sEVs derives from their biological composition and cargo content. Currently, the isolation of sEV subpopulations is primarily based on bio-physical and affinity-based approaches. Since a standardized definition for sEV subpopulations is yet to be fully established, it is important to further investigate the correlation between the biomolecular composition of sEVs and their physical properties. In this study, we employed a platform combining single-vesicle surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning to examine individual sEVs isolated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). The biomolecular composition of each vesicle examined was reflected by its corresponding SERS spectral features (biomolecular “fingerprints”), with their roots in the composition of their collective Raman-active bonds. Origins of the SERS spectral features were validated through a comparative analysis between SERS and mass spectrometry (MS). SERS fingerprinting of individual vesicles was effective in overcoming the challenges posed by EV population averaging, allowing for the possibility of analyzing the variations in biomolecular composition between the vesicles of similar and/or different sizes. Using this approach, we uncovered that each of the size-based fractions of sEVs contained particles with predominantly similar SERS spectral features. Indeed, more than 84% of the vesicles residing within a particular group were clearly distinguishable from that of the other EV sub-populations, despite some spectral variations within each sub-population. Our results suggest the possibility that size-based EV fractionation methods produce samples where similarly eluted sEVs are correlated with their respective biochemical contents, as reflected by their SERS spectra. Our findings therefore highlight the possibility that the biogenesis and respective biological functionalities of the various sEV fractions may be inherently different.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A Comparative Study of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composites with Enhanced Conductivity Properties for Supercapacitor Applications

Mixtures of ionic liquids (ILs) containing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were prepared and characterized to obtain electrolytes with optimized transport properties for use in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors. Imidazolium ILs bearing cations with side chains of different functionality coupled with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (NTf 2- ) or bis(fluorosulfonyl)-amide (FSA-) anions, were used in mixtures containing up to 5 wt% SWCNTs. At and above 2 wt% nanotube loading, the mixtures exhibited higher conductivities than the pure ILs, in spite of the extremely high viscosities. Loadings of 5 wt% produced very high conductivities, and studies of the temperature dependence indicated a change in the charge transport mechanism between 2 and 5 wt% loading. At 5 wt% loading, the highest conductivities (up to 540 mS/cm at 25 °C) were obtained for the ILs containing the NTf 2- anion. Overall, these results can significantly contribute to the development of improved energy storage devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Regional Aerosol Optical Properties and Radiative Impact of the Extreme Smoke Event in the European Arctic in Spring 2006

In spring 2006 a special meteorological situation occurred in the European Arctic region giving record high levels of air pollution. The synoptic situation resulted in extensive transport of pollution predominantly from agricultural fires in Eastern Europe into the Arctic region and record high air-pollution levels were measured at the Zeppelin observatory at Ni-Alesun(78deg 54'N, 11deg 53'E) in the period from 25 April to 12 May. In the present study we investigate the optical properties of the aerosols from this extreme event and we estimate the radiative forcing of this episode. We examine the aerosol optical properties from the source region and into the European Arctic and explore the evolution of the episode and the changes in the optical properties. A number of sites in Eastern Europe, Northern Scandinavia and Svalbard are included in the study. In addition to AOD measurements, we explored lidar measurements from Minsk, ALOMAR (Arctic Lidar Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research at Andenes) and Ny-Alesund. For the AERONET sites included (Minsk, Toravere, Hornsund) we have further studied the evolution of the aerosol size. Importantly, at Svalbard it is consistency between the AERONET measurements and calculations of single scattering albedo based on aerosol chemical composition. We have found strong agreement between the satellite dally MODIS AOD and the ground-based AOD observations. This agreement is crucial for the radiative forcing calculations. We calculate a strong negative radiative forcing for the most polluted days employing the analysed ground based data, MODIS AOD and a multi-stream model for radiative transfer of solar radiation.

Lund Myhre, C.↗

Vertically Aligned Graphene/Metal Oxide Based Lightweight Super Strong, Energy Storage Carbon Fiber Composites

In this era of budding smart technologies, flexible and smart wearable textiles are a long awaited product which are anticipated to reach a $10 B market in few years.1 Supercapacitors are an excellent power source for these smart textiles, because they are light in weight, safe in operation, provide longer life cycle, high flexibility, and faster charge discharge capabilities.

Energy storage↗

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy with corrected laser ramping nonlinearities

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy device includes a tunable diode laser. A laser driver is configured to drive the diode laser and ramp it within a particular frequency range. An analyte gas container, a reference gas container, and a fringe generating device are configured to receive the laser therethrough. An optical detector is configured to detect the laser after it has passed through the analyte gas container and/or the reference gas container, and the in-line fringe generating device. An acquisition card is configured to sample an output of the optical detector. A spectral analyzer is configured to receive output data from the acquisition card, determine a spectrum of the output data, decouple the fringe spectrum from the measured spectrum, calibrate the spectrum based on an expected ideal spectrum of both the fringe and reference gas, and determine a composition of the analyte based on the calibrated spectrum.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Long-term environmental effects and flight service evaluation of composite materials

Results of a NASA-Langley sponsored research program to establish the long term effects of realistic flight environments and ground based exposure on advanced composite materials are presented. The effects of moisture, ultraviolet radiation, aircraft fuels and fluids, sustained stress, and fatigue loading are reported. Residual strength and stiffness as a function of exposure time and exposure location are reported for seven different material systems after 10 years of worldwide outdoor exposure. Flight service results of over 300 composite components installed on rotorcraft and transport aircraft are included. Over 4 million total component flight hours were accumulated on various aircraft since initiation of flight service in 1973. Service performance, maintenance characteristics, and residual strength of numerous composite components installed on commercial and military aircraft are reported as a function of flight hours and years in service. Residual strength test results of graphite/epoxy spoilers with 10 years of worldwide service and over 28,000 flight hours are reported.

Dexter, H. Benson↗

Concepts for the development of light-weight composite structures for rotor burst containment

Based on published results on rotor burst containment with single materials, and on body armor using composite materials, a set of hypotheses is established as to what variables might control the design of a weight-efficient protective device. Based on modern concepts for the design and analysis of small optimum seeking experiments, a particular experiment for evaluating the hypotheses and materials was designed. The design and methods for the analysis of results are described.

Holms, A. G.↗

Salt Distribution from Freezing Intrusions in Ice Shells on Ocean Worlds: Application to Europa

Several icy moons and dwarf planets appear to have hosted subsurface liquid water. Liquid water intruding upwards into the icy outer shells of these worlds freezes, forming ice and (from ocean solutes) non-ice solids. Here, we model concentrated aqueous solutions below 273 K to simulate the compositional evolution of freezing spherical intrusions. Starting solutions are based on five previously reported compositional end members for Europa's ocean. For moderate-pH end members dominated by chloride, sulfate, and/or carbonate, the solids formed include Ca-, Mg-, and Na-sulfates and -carbonates, as well as Na- and K-chlorides. For silica-rich, high-pH end members, abundant amorphous silica forms with, potentially, similarly abundant NaOH and KOH. We further develop a new numerical model to compute the spatial distribution of the formed solids and residual brine as freezing progresses. If non-ice solids settle to the bottom, their deposits tend to have stacked hourglass shapes, widening each time the crystallization temperature of a new solid is reached. We discuss the applicability of this model to vertical fractures and global freezing of a subsurface ocean. These results inform (i) how compositional heterogeneities may affect the thermophysical properties of ice shells, which in turn influence convective and cryovolcanic transport, (ii) the compatibility of brine pockets with physicochemical conditions suitable for microbial life, and (iii) possible measurements of compositional heterogeneities within ice shells by spacecraft such as NASA's Europa Clipper and ESA's JUICE missions. The methodology developed here is applicable to other ice-covered ocean worlds.

Planetary structure↗

Joining and Integration of Silicon Carbide-Based Materials for High Temperature Applications

Advanced joining and integration technologies of silicon carbide-based ceramics and ceramic matrix composites are enabling for their implementation into wide scale aerospace and ground-based applications. The robust joining and integration technologies allow for large and complex shapes to be fabricated and integrated with the larger system. Potential aerospace applications include lean-direct fuel injectors, thermal actuators, turbine vanes, blades, shrouds, combustor liners and other hot section components. Ground based applications include components for energy and environmental systems. Performance requirements and processing challenges are identified for the successful implementation different joining technologies. An overview will be provided of several joining approaches which have been developed for high temperature applications. In addition, various characterization approaches were pursued to provide an understanding of the processing-microstructure-property relationships. Microstructural analysis of the joint interfaces was conducted using optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy to identify phases and evaluate the bond quality. Mechanical testing results will be presented along with the need for new standardized test methods. The critical need for tailoring interlayer compositions for optimum joint properties will also be highlighted.

Ceramic Matrix Composites↗

Modeling of 3-D Woven Ceramic Matrix Composites

Three different approaches are being pursued at the NASA Glenn Research Center to predict the nanostructural behavior of three-dimensional woven ceramic matrix composites. These are: a micromechanics-based approach using W-CEMCAN (Woven Ceramic Matrix Composite Analyzer), a laminate analogy method and a structural frame approach (based on the finite element method). All three techniques are applied to predict the thermomechanical properties of a three-dimensional woven angle interlock C/SiC composite. The properties are predicted for room temperature and 1100 C and the predicted properties are compared to measurements. General observations regarding the three approaches for three-dimensional composite modeling are discussed.

Murthy, Pappu L. N.↗

The effect of fiber microstructure on evolution of residual stresses in silicon carbide/titanium aluminide composites

This paper examines the effect of the morphology of the SCS6 silicon carbide fiber on the evolution of residual stresses in SiC/Ti composites. A micromechanics model based on the concentric cylinder concept is presented which is used to calculate residual stresses in a SiC/Ti composite during axisymmetric cooling by a spatially uniform temperature change. The silicon carbide fiber is modeled as a layered material with five distinct transversely isotropic and orthotropic, elastic layers, whereas the titanium matrix is taken to be isotropic, with temperature-dependent elastoplastic properties. The results arc compared with those obtained based on the assumption that the silicon carbide fiber is isotropic and homogeneous.

Pindera, Marek-Jerzy↗

Polysiloxane-based objects and 3-dimensional printing method for making the same

Disclosed herein are embodiments of an additively manufactured polysiloxane-based object, as well as composition embodiments for making such object embodiments. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method for making the additively manufactured polysiloxane-based object using the composition embodiments described herein. The disclosed composition embodiments and method embodiments provide objects that are substantially free of contaminants that deleteriously affect structural integrity and that comprise a polymer skeleton consisting of oxygen-silicon bonds wherein the silicon component can further comprise one or more branching groups.

Cluff, Kyle↗

Environment enhanced fatigue of advanced aluminum alloys and metal matrix composites

The environmental fatigue crack propagation behavior of advanced Al-Li-Cu based alloys and metal matrix composites is being characterized. Aqueous NaCl and water vapor, which produce atomic hydrogen by reactions on clean crack surfaces, are emphasized. The effects of environment sensitive crack closure, stress ratio, and precipitate microstructure are assessed. Mechanistic models are sought for intrinsic crack tip damage processes to enable predictions of cracking behavior outside of the data, metallurgical improvements in material cracking resistance, and insight on hydrogen compatibility.

Slavik, Donald C.↗

In-situ scanning electron microscope studies of crack growth in an aluminum metal-matrix composite

Edge-notched specimens of a cast and extruded Al alloy-based, alumina particulate-reinforced composite in the annealed condition were tested in situ in a SEM apparatus equipped with a deformation stage permitting the direct observation of crack growth phenomena. Fracture in this composite is seen to proceed by initiation of microcracks ahead of the macrocrack; as deformation proceeds, the microcracks lengthen, and crack propagation occurs when the region of intense plastic straining becomes comparable to the macrocrack-microcrack distance. The sequence is then repeated.

Manoharan, M.↗

Challenges and Opportunities in Reactive Processing and Applications of Advanced Ceramic Materials

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in the research, development, and commercialization of innovative synthesis and processing technologies for advanced ceramics and composite materials. Reactive processing approaches have been actively considered due to their robustness, flexibility, and affordability. A wide variety of silicon carbide-based advanced ceramics and composites are currently being fabricated using the processing approaches involving reactive infiltration of liquid and gaseous species into engineered fibrous or microporous carbon performs. The microporous carbon performs have been fabricated using the temperature induced phase separation and pyrolysis of two phase organic (resin-pore former) mixtures and fiber reinforcement of carbon and ceramic particulate bodies. In addition, pyrolyzed native plant cellulose tissues also provide unique carbon templates for manufacturing of non-oxide and oxide ceramics. In spite of great interest in this technology due to their affordability and robustness, there is a lack of scientific basis for process understanding and many technical challenges still remain. The influence of perform properties and other parameters on the resulting microstructure and properties of final material is not well understood. In this presentation, mechanism of silicon-carbon reaction in various systems and the effect of perform microstructure on the mechanical properties of advanced silicon carbide based materials will be discussed. Various examples of applications of reactively processed advanced silicon carbide ceramics and composite materials will be presented.

Singh, Mrityunjay↗

Rapidly solidified nickel aluminide of improved stoichiometry and ductilization

It has been found that tri-nickel aluminide compositions are quite sensitive to the ratio of nickel to aluminum in their ability to receive boron as a dopant and that compositions which are relatively poor in the aluminum component can be doped more effectively with boron. Further, it has been found for the nickel aluminides which have lower concentrations of aluminum that the percentage of boron which can be added to the composition to effectively increase the strength of the alloys is . favored by the lower aluminum ratio so that higher concentrations of boron are addable. The compositions which result have significant strength properties based on tensile tests of the compositions.

Alan I Taub↗