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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 1,423 records · Page 79
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Absence of bulk charge density wave order in the normal state of UTe 2

A spatially modulated superconducting state, known as pair density wave (PDW), is a tantalizing state of matter with unique properties. Recent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies revealed that spin-triplet superconductor UTe 2 hosts an unprecedented spin-triplet, multi-component PDW whose three wavevectors are indistinguishable from a preceding charge-density wave (CDW) order that survives to temperatures well above the superconducting critical temperature, T c . Whether the PDW is the mother or a subordinate order remains unsettled. Here, based on a systematic search for bulk charge order above T c using resonant elastic X-ray scattering (REXS), we show that the structure factor of charge order previously identified by STM is absent in the bulk within the sensitivity of REXS. Our results invite two scenarios: either the density-wave orders condense simultaneously at T c in the bulk, in which case PDW order is likely the mother phase, or the charge modulations are restricted to the surface.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fast Na diffusion and anharmonic phonon dynamics in superionic Na 3 PS 4

The design of new solid electrolytes (SEs) hinges on identifying and tuning relevant descriptors. Phonons describe the atomic dynamics in crystalline materials and provide a basis to encode possible minimum energy pathways for ion migration, but anharmonic effects can be large in SEs. Identifying and controlling the pertinent phonon modes coupled most strongly with ionic conductivity, and assessing the role of anharmonicity, could therefore pave the way for discovering and designing new SEs via phonon engineering. In this work, we investigate phonons in Na 3 PS 4 and their coupling to fast Na diffusion, using a combination of neutron scattering, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), and extended molecular dynamics based on machine-learned potentials. We identify that anharmonic soft-modes at the Brillouin zone boundary of the anharmonically stabilized cubic phase constitute key phonon modes that control the Na diffusion process in Na 3 PS 4 . We demonstrate how these strongly anharmonic phonon modes enable Na-ions to hop along the minimum energy pathways. Further, the quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements, supplemented with ab initio and machine-learned molecular dynamics simulations, probe the Na diffusivity and diffusion mechanism. These results offer detailed microscopic insights into the dynamic mechanism of fast Na diffusion and provide an avenue to search for further Na solid electrolytes.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Ribbon Wrinkling Origin and Its Effect on Tape-Wound Core Shape

Improved understanding of advanced manufacturing techniques is needed to fabricate next- generation soft magnetic tape-wound cores. These utilize metal amorphous nano-composites (MANCs) in the form of long thin ribbons. MANCs exhibit attractive soft magnetic properties for use in high frequency and high power density magnetic components. Of particular interest here, the permeability and hysteresis of MANC ribbons can be tuned in a strain annealing process. An unexpected consequence is that wider ribbons develop longitudinal wrinkle patterns. This can substantially reduce the tape-wound core stacking factor. However, when winding a wrinkled ribbon into a toroidal core, the wrinkles can completely flatten, or crinkle. By this phenomenon, the stacking factor can be recovered. To understand the crinkling effect we have developed analytical and finite element analysis (FEA) models. Experiments with known boundary conditions demonstrate the transition from wrinkled to crinkled versus winding curvature. The models utilize an elastic modulus measured via ribbon tensile testing and a ribbon thickness value measurement made by profilometry. The analytical model provides insight into the crinkling effect but cannot explain the length of the transition region from wrinkling to crinkling. With FEA, we successfully predict the transition region and depending on wrinkling amplitude can determine when a ribbon will wind into a useable core. Such mechanics-based insight provides critical feedback for allowable processing parameters in the strain annealing process.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantifying Properties for a Mechanistic, Predictive Understanding of Aqueous Impact on Aging of Medium and Low Voltage AC and DC Cabling in Nuclear Power Plants

To address the gap in knowledge in understanding degradation in relevant service conditions, this project aimed to develop a mechanistic, predictive model of medium and low voltage cable failure based on the primary environmental degradation parameters of aqueous immersion time, temperature, and the oxidation extent. To do so, we took a two-fold approach toward evaluating degradation as related to the aqueous condition. First, we evaluated the chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of polymers that comprise the cabling insulation under varied aqueous conditions at different temperatures. Secondly, we evaluated the performance of insulation materials under similar accelerated aging conditions in addition to the dielectric breakdown of the cabling under submersion conditions. Thermal oxidation and immersion of LDPE thin films were done using a Parr vessel and the extent of oxidation was monitored using the carbonyl index from ATR-FTIR spectrum, a ratio quantifying the carbonyl functionality produced on the LDPE film surface. Increasing the temperature, oxidation time, and oxygen pressure increased the water-vapor permeability and the carbonyl content. Thermogravimetric analysis of the films confirmed that there is indeed an initial weight loss of the smaller molecular weight molecules and volatiles. At higher temperatures, there is a secondary mass loss. Up to 70°C, the mass loss curves were similar until 80°C, when the aged films decreased at a much greater rate with respect to increasing temperature. This was seen in the 10, 50, 90% weight loss temperatures. The mechanical properties of sheet PP and HDPE as well as injection molded LDPE, HDPE, HDPP dog bones were plotted with respect to the time spent in the Parr vessel during thermal oxidation. For the sheet PP and HDPE, the UTS and the modulus of elasticity decreased while the elongation increased. The injection-molded LDPE, HDPE, and HDPP dog bones experienced a similar trend where the changes in the properties were within experimental uncertainty. This analysis of LDPE in dry and immersive oxygen-rich environments is an important baseline for future experiments looking at other degradation mechanisms. A predictive aging model for low-density polyethylene insulative cable housings was developed. This model revealed a combination of physical and chemical processes which lead to an increase in permeability and a decrease in strength of the insulator. In creating this predictive model, a gap of knowledge in the literature was revealed in two areas: understanding how the crystallinity of a polymer changes with time and visualizing the predicted pores formed through the insulator which leads to failure. Developing and using an adapted ATR-FTIR method, crystallinity was monitored and compared to bulk crystallinity found via DSC. Inhomogeneity in crystallinity changes were observed but the FTIR method but was found to be less reliable. Pore visualization was found utilizing electrical impedance spectroscopy saturated aged polyethylene films with synthesized citrate-capped gold nanoparticles, and chloroauric acid precursor. results indicate a decreasing impedance of the polyethylene films caused by the transport of ions through the film. SEM imaging was then performed for elemental analysis of the films and counter electrodes for the presence of ions. Chloride and gold ions were detected; however, no nanoparticles were found. This gives an estimated pore size of at least 0.3 nm through the aged film. Cyclic submergence of polyethylene and polypropylene in aqueous solutions of copper sulfate and Harrison’s solution were examined. It was discovered that aging in these mixed conditions and at 90°C did cause a small, yet significant increase to tensile strength for both unaged polyethylene and polypropylene. The PE and PP in cycled and submerged conditions did not have tensile strengths significantly different from dry-aged after 16 weeks. For both solutions, it was determined that capacitance increases with both water tree depth and cable temperature and is relatively independent of changing water tree AR. As for resistance, there is no apparent change between depth percentages of 10 and 80 for both solutions. This is because the water tree has not yet entered the conductor and thus there is no shorting current flowing through the tree yet. Between 80 and 100% water tree depth, it is observed that for both solutions there is a rapid decrease in resistance because the tree is now impacting the conductor shield and allowing shorting current to flow through it. The relationship between resistance and temperature was found to be inversed. As temperature increases, resistance decreases for both water tree solutions with distilled water having the most apparent difference across the range of temperatures simulated. With regards to water tree AR, resistance was found to be relatively independent at depth percentages of 10, 50, and 70, but there was some relationship at 100% depth for both solutions. At this depth, as water tree AR increased, resistance was found to also increase. Through the examination of voltage and electric field distribution plots, it was confirmed for EPR cables that increasing water tree depth leads to increasing distortion. The increase in shorting current at 100% depth for aqueous copper sulfate compared to distilled water was also visualized. Lastly, the relationship between shorting current and temperature for narrow water trees was visualized and validated using the distribution plots. This study has led to a better understanding of the effect of cable temperature, water tree solution, and geometry of the tree region on cable degradation. Furthermore, this study has documented simulation results of water tree degradation in EPR MV cables, which had been previously lacking in information. Future work in this area will add frequency into the mix and examine what effect it has on the rate of cable degradation as a result of water treeing. To compliment the work being carried by UMD on different polymer chemistries, harvested medium voltage (MV) cables were selected for accelerated aging study at ORNL. These medium voltage cables are representative of the vintages and materials that are currently in use at existing nuclear power plants (NPPs). These cables were immersed in water at 90°C and energized for a period of two years at elevated voltage. Partial discharge was measured during this period of time to track potential degradation. Unfortunately, due to the absence of failure, the extent of integration between the UMD techniques and the harvested MV insulation was limited. However, based on the findings and from the UMD research in the previous sections on polyethylene and polypropylene, follow-on characterization for harvested MV cable insulation should focus on sample preparation to take advantage of the UMD techniques to better understand mechanistic degradation in MV cable insulations. This would include: 1.) Utilization of solutions and impedance measurement insulation to track permeability in harvested and accelerated aging insulation samples, 2.) Adaptation of gold nanoparticle synthesis for electrical impedance spectroscopy with supporting SEM characterization to study pore formation in harvested and accelerated aged insulation samples, & 3.) ATR-FTIR crystallinity with multiple temperature dependent harvested MV cable insulation under different air and submerged accelerated aging. In addition, low voltage dielectric spectroscopy and high voltage dissipation factor, tan δ, could be implemented as a condition monitoring tool for harvested MV cable insulation in submerged environments.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Elastic Bayesian Model Calibration

Functional data are ubiquitous in scientific modeling. For instance, quantities of interest are modeled as functions of time, space, energy, density, etc. Uncertainty quantification methods for computer models with functional response have resulted in tools for emulation, sensitivity analysis, and calibration that are widely used. However, many of these tools do not perform well when the computer model’s parameters control both the amplitude variation of the functional output and its alignment (or phase variation). This paper introduces a framework for Bayesian model calibration when the model responses are misaligned functional data. The approach generates two types of data out of the misaligned functional responses: (1) aligned functions so that the amplitude variation is isolated and (2) warping functions that isolate the phase variation. These two types of data are created for the computer simulation data (both of which may be emulated) and the experimental data. The calibration approach uses both types so that it seeks to match both the amplitude and phase of the experimental data. The framework is careful to respect constraints that arise, especially when modeling phase variation, and is framed in a way that it can be done with readily available calibration software. In conclusion, we demonstrate the techniques on two simulated data examples and on two dynamic material science problems: a strength model calibration using flyer plate experiments and an equation of state model calibration using experiments performed on the Sandia National Laboratories’ Z-machine.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

In Situ Nano-Indentation of a Gold Sub-Micrometric Particle Imaged by Multi-Wavelength Bragg Coherent X-ray Diffraction

The microstructure of a sub-micrometric gold crystal during nanoindentation is visualized by in situ multi-wavelength Bragg coherent X-ray diffraction imaging. The gold crystal is indented using a custom-built atomic force microscope. A band of deformation attributed to a shear band oriented along the (221) lattice plane is nucleated at the lower left corner of the crystal and propagates towards the crystal center with increasing applied mechanical load. After complete unloading, an almost strain-free and defect-free crystal is left behind, demonstrating a pseudo-elastic behavior that can only be studied by in situ imaging while it is invisible to ex situ examinations. The recovery is probably associated with reversible dislocations nucleation/annihilation at the side surface of the particle and at the particle-substrate interface, a behavior that has been predicted by atomistic simulations. The full recovery of the particle upon unloading sheds new light on extraordinary mechanical properties of metal nanoparticles obtained by solid-state dewetting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Scaling relationships for the elastic moduli and viscosity of mixed lipid membranes

The elastic and viscous properties of biological membranes play a vital role in controlling cell functions that require local reorganization of the membrane components as well as dramatic shape changes such as endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, and cell division. These properties are widely acknowledged to depend on the unique composition of lipids within the membrane, yet the effects of lipid mixing on the membrane biophysical properties remain poorly understood. Here, we present a comprehensive characterization of the structural, elastic, and viscous properties of fluid membranes composed of binary mixtures of lipids with different tail lengths. We show that the mixed lipid membrane properties are not simply additive quantities of the single-component analogs. Instead, the mixed membranes are more dynamic than either of their constituents, quantified as a decrease in their bending modulus, area compressibility modulus, and viscosity. While the enhanced dynamics are seemingly unexpected, we show that the measured moduli and viscosity for both the mixed and single-component bilayers all scale with the area per lipid and collapse onto respective master curves. This scaling links the increase in dynamics to mixing-induced changes in the lipid packing and membrane structure. More importantly, the results show that the membrane properties can be manipulated through lipid composition the same way bimodal blends of surfactants, liquid crystals, and polymers are used to engineer the mechanical properties of soft materials, with broad implications for understanding how lipid diversity relates to biomembrane function.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fabric properties and electric efficiency limits of mechanical moisture extraction from fabrics

Residential clothes drying consume about 650 TBtu of primary energy per year in the United States, equivalent to 3% of primary residential energy consumption. There is a strong impetus to reduce the energy consumption of clothes dryers by both improving existing technology and developing alternatives that use fundamentally different drying mechanisms. Clothes drying technologies are broadly classified into either evaporative or mechanical drying. The focus of this paper is on mechanical drying, including vibrational, centrifugal, and press-based methods. In this work, the physical processes involved in these mechanical fabric drying processes were analyzed to develop general theories of mechanical cloth drying energy efficiency. Quantitative evaluation of the theories requires measured fabric properties. To accomplish this, a set of experiments was conducted on samples of a standard test fabric. The fabric was a cotton-polyester blend specified by the US Department of Energy to evaluate the standardized efficiency of all residential clothes dryers in the US. Mercury porosimetry experiments were conducted to determine the fabric pore size distribution, apparent density, and porosity. Elasticity experiments were conducted to determine the fabric’s Young’s modulus. Isostatic press experiments were conducted to establish a relationship between compression force and fabric moisture content. The data resulting from these experiments were combined with mathematical models developed in this work to calculate the theoretical maximum performance limits for mechanical drying of the standard fabric. The results of the analysis are used to make recommendations for the most promising technologies that offer the greatest potential energy savings for residential clothes drying.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Temperature and dose rate effects on dislocation loop formation and decoration in self-ion irradiated high-purity Fe-Cr model alloys

Body-centered cubic (BCC) Fe-based alloys are promising candidate materials for advanced nuclear reactors. A widespread perception is that the addition of Cr favors the formation of ½ <111> dislocation loops. However, the Cr effects on dislocation loop formation/evolution remain unclear due to the limited experimental studies. In this study, we irradiate ultra-high purity bulk BCC Fe-xCr (x = 3, 5, and 8 wt%) with 6.7-8 MeV Fe ions over a wide range of temperatures (Tirr = 250-500 °C) and dose rates (10⁻⁵ to 10⁻³ dpa/s) to two midrange doses (0.35 and 3.5 dpa). The major irradiation-induced microstructures are loop decoration along non-screw dislocation lines at low temperatures and high dose rates as well as self-assembled loops at elevated temperatures. Post-irradiation Burgers vector analysis via g•b method on loops and electron tomography reveals that <001> preponderance is observable in all irradiated Fe-Cr samples at elevated temperature, resulting from stronger elastic energy originating from <001> edge.

Li, Yao [University of Tennessee (UT)]↗
DOE OSTI2020

The Scattering of Phonons by Infinitely Long Quantum Dislocations Segments and the Generation of Thermal Transport Anisotropy in a Solid Threaded by Many Parallel Dislocations

A canonical quantization procedure is applied to the interaction of elastic waves—phonons—with infinitely long dislocations that can oscillate about an equilibrium, straight line, configuration. The interaction is implemented through the well-known Peach–Koehler force. For small dislocation excursions away from the equilibrium position, the quantum theory can be solved to all orders in the coupling constant. We study in detail the quantum excitations of the dislocation line and its interactions with phonons. The consequences for the drag on a dislocation caused by the phonon wind are pointed out. We compute the cross-section for phonons incident on the dislocation lines for an arbitrary angle of incidence. The consequences for thermal transport are explored, and we compare our results, involving a dynamic dislocation, with those of Klemens and Carruthers, involving a static dislocation. In our case, the relaxation time is inversely proportional to frequency, rather than directly proportional to frequency. As a consequence, the thermal transport anisotropy generated on a material by the presence of a highly-oriented array of dislocations is considerably more sensitive to the frequency of each propagating mode, and, therefore, to the temperature of the material.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2026

Atomistic Mechanisms of Stress-Dependent Molten Salt Corrosion in NiCr Alloys

Ni-based structural alloys in molten salt environments often experience simultaneous mechanical loading and corrosive attack, yet the mechanisms governing stress-corrosion interactions remain unclear. Prior studies largely emphasize tensile stress, while the role of compressive stress has received limited attention. Here, reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the coupled effects of applied strain and corrosion in Ni 0.75 Cr 0.25 exposed to molten FLiNaK at 800 °C. A Σ5(210) grain boundary model is subjected to tensile (+4%) to compressive (−4%) uniaxial strains, and corrosion behavior is evaluated through fluorine adsorption, charge redistribution, and grain boundary evolution. Tensile strain accelerates intergranular corrosion susceptibility by reducing local atomic packing through elastic dilation and increasing excess free volume at the grain boundary, which enhances atomic mobility and salt infiltration. In contrast, compressive strain can suppress corrosion by promoting the formation of a ridge-like surface layer along the grain boundary, limiting salt access to the underlying alloy. These results provide atomistic insight into how stress states influence grain boundary corrosion in molten salts.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Understanding Fundamental Mechanisms Behind Anomalous Segregation Behavior at Grain Boundaries during Diffusional Creep

Recent experimental studies in a nickel (Ni)-rhenium (Re) alloy demonstrated anisotropic elemental segregation around grain boundaries (GBs) while under tensile strain. Some GBs showed Re enrichment, while others showed Re depletion. We hypothesize that differing vacancy fluxes to GBs, caused by the anisotropic elastic stresses generated within the polycrystal, results in anisotropic creep-induced segregation (CIS) and grain growth. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we developed a mechanistic understanding of CIS and determined the contribution of elastic stresses and grain growth in Ni-Re alloys. We find that the stress state of the GB significantly changes the segregation energy profile for Re atoms, leading to significant Re redistribution. Further, as the GB migrates, the segregation/desegregation tendency of Re leads to bands of Re enrichment/depletion. Our results have important consequences for the quantitative predictions of diffusion creep and for the design of high-temperature creep-resistant Ni alloys.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

A Cross‐Linked Flexible Metaferroelectrolyte Regulated by 2D/2D Perovskite Heterostructures for High‐Performance Compact Solid‐State Sodium Batteries

Abstract To address the issues of limited ionic conductivity and poor interface stability at room and low temperatures in solid‐state electrolytes, a robust intrinsic ferroelectrolyte or nanoferroelectrolyte strategy for engineering solid‐state flexible ferroelectric composite electrolytes utilizing strongly coupled intrinsic ion conducting 2D/2D sodium‐rich anti‐perovskite (NaRAP)/ferroelectric perovskite heterostructures is introduced. Herein, highly scalable PVDF‐based metaferroelectrolytes with Na 2.99 Ba 0.005 OCl/Ca 2 Na 2 Nb 5 O 16 − (CNNO − ) nanosheets into a ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) matrix, through an in situ cross‐linking and spontaneous bridging method, for compact solid‐state sodium batteries (SSBs), are reported. Benefiting from unique well‐dispersed 3D ferroelectric coupled network and the Na 2.99 Ba 0.005 OCl/CNNO − ‐induced PVDF‐HFP ferroelectric β phase, the Na + flux is regulated, thereby inhibiting Na dendrite growth at the interface. Notably, the optimized PH‐5% NC metaferroelectrolyte exhibits rapid ion transport (1.11 × 10 −4 S cm −1 at 25 °C), a wide electrochemical window (> 4.8V), superior conformal mechanical compatibility, improved flexibility, good elasticity and flame retardancy. The solid‐state Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /PH‐5% NC/Na batteries present a stable cycling performance (remaining 56.4 mAh g −1 after 500 cycles at 1 C) even at 0 °C, potential for cost‐effective, safe, stable and compact SSB energy storage over 600 Wh L −1 , vastly surpassing 365 Wh L −1 of the current commercial sodium‐ion liquid‐electrolyte batteries.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2023

Operando neutron diffraction reveals mechanisms for controlled strain evolution in 3D printing

Abstract Residual stresses affect the performance and reliability of most manufactured goods and are prevalent in casting, welding, and additive manufacturing (AM, 3D printing). Residual stresses are associated with plastic strain gradients accrued due to transient thermal stress. Complex thermal conditions in AM produce similarly complex residual stress patterns. However, measuring real-time effects of processing on stress evolution is not possible with conventional techniques. Here we use operando neutron diffraction to characterize transient phase transformations and lattice strain evolution during AM of a low-temperature transformation steel. Combining diffraction, infrared and simulation data reveals that elastic and plastic strain distributions are controlled by motion of the face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic phase boundary. Our results provide a new pathway to design residual stress states and property distributions within additively manufactured components. These findings will enable control of residual stress distributions for advantages such as improved fatigue life or resistance to stress-corrosion cracking.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigation of porous polydimethylsiloxane structures with tunable properties induced by the phase separation technique

This article reports the fabrication and characterization of porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures developed by the solvent evaporationinduced phase separation technique. Here, ternary systems containing water/ tetrahydrofuran (THF)/PDMS with various concentrations are produced to form a stable solution. The porous PDMS structures are formed by removing the solvent (THF) and nonsolvent (water) phases during the stepping heat treatment procedure. The analytical ternary phase diagram is constructed based on the thermodynamic equilibrium state in the polymer solution to explain the stable/unstable formulations and the possible composition change path. The results show that the isolated pores with the adjustable pore size ranging from 330 to 1900 μm are obtained by tuning the water to the THF ratio. The mechanical properties of the porous PDMS structures are determined by conducting the tensile tests on the prepared dog bone-shaped specimens. A wide range of elastic modulus ranging between 0.49 and 1.05 MPa was achieved without affecting the density of the porous sample by adjusting the solvent and non-solvent content in the solution. It is shown that the flexibility of the porous structures can be improved by reducing the ratio of water to THF and decreasing the PDMS content. The porosity measurements reveal that the PDMS concentration is the major phase controlling the porosity of the structure, while the effect of water/THF is negligible.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effect of grain size on iron-boride nanoglasses

Metallic nanoglasses are made of amorphous grains that are separated by lower-density amorphous boundaries, which have been proposed to enhance plasticity through the deflection of cracks and shear bands at interfaces. It has been difficult to experimentally control grain size and interfacial structure to understand their roles in plastic deformation. Here, we fabricate bulk nanoglasses via compaction and sintering of colloidally synthesized amorphous iron-boride nanoparticles. These nanoglasses have amorphous grains with diameters from 116nm to 576nm and were tested using nanoindentation and micropillar compressions. The nanoglass with a grain size of 576 nm shows the highest elastic modulus and hardness of 101 GPa and 7.4GPa, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that nanocrystals form within the nanoglasses during compaction. Higher nanocrystal density correlates with higher nanoparticle crystallization enthalpy, an increase in plasticity, and a decrease in yield strength. Plastic strain of 5.0%, yield strength of 3.8GPa, and ultimate compressive strength of 2.7–3.8GPa were achieved. Here we show that the compaction of colloidal metallic glass nanoparticles results in robust bulk samples, with mechanical properties similar to that of other iron-based bulk metallic glasses.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Lattice-shifted nematic quantum critical point in FeSe 1-x S x

We report the evolution of nematic fluctuations in FeSe 1-x S x single crystals as a function of Sulfur content x across the nematic quantum critical point (QCP) x c ~ 0.17 via Raman scattering. The Raman spectra in the B1g nematic channel consist of two components, but only the low energy one displays clear fingerprints of critical behavior and is attributed to itinerant carriers. Curie–Weiss analysis of the associated nematic susceptibility indicates a substantial effect of nemato-elastic coupling, which shifts the location of the nematic QCP. We argue that this lattice-induced shift likely explains the absence of any enhancement of the superconducting transition temperature at the QCP. The presence of two components in the nematic fluctuations spectrum is attributed to the dual aspect of electronic degrees of freedom in Hund’s metals, with both itinerant carriers and local moments contributing to the nematic susceptibility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mechanical performance of co-deposited immiscible Cu–Ta thin films

Abstract The immiscible alloy Cu–Ta has the potential for enhanced mechanical performance in applications as a functional coating. To establish baseline mechanical properties, four Cu–Ta films were co-sputtered at the temperatures 23, 400, 600, and 800 °C and tested with nanoindentation at strain rates 5 $$\times $$ × 10 −3 s −1 to 10 s −1 . Each film had a unique microstructure morphology. The hardness and elastic modulus of the four films were insensitive to strain rate changes. Instead, the measured properties were spatially dependent, particularly in the 600 and 800 °C films. In those two films, there is a bimodal deformation behavior due to Cu-agglomeration under protruding grains and planar Ta-rich regions. Increasing the indentation depth revealed shear band suppression which is related to a homogenous distribution of flow stresses for all four microstructure morphologies. Finally, the Cu–Ta hardness appeared to follow a rule-of-mixtures when compared to extrapolated data of Cu and Ta monolithic films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗