Characterization of ductile phase toughening mechanisms in a hot-rolled tungsten heavy alloy
Not Available
Haag, IV, James V. (ORCID:0000000252899930)↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “mechanical characterization”
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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Recent Progress in U-10Mo Mechanical and Thermophysical Property Characterization -- Poster
Results are presented on the mechanical and thermophysical property characterization of U-10Mo as part of the MP-1 qualification campaign. The thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal conductivity of as fabricated U-10Mo fuel foils and plates were measured using the thermal conductivity microscope (TCM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and laser flash analyzer (LFA) all of which located in a shielded glove box – thermal property cell (TPC). A novel inverse method based on finite element analysis was developed to evaluate the thermal diffusivity of composite/layered materials via the LFA technique such as the 5-lyered U-10Mo monolithic fuel mini-plates.
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
Li-rich cathodes for rechargeable Li-based batteries: reaction mechanisms and advanced characterization techniques
Due to their high specific capacities beyond 250 mA h g -1 , lithium-rich oxides have been considered as promising cathodes for the next generation power batteries, bridging the capacity gap between traditional layered-oxide based lithium-ion batteries and future lithium metal batteries such as lithium sulfur and lithium air batteries. However, the practical application of Li-rich oxides has been hindered by formidable challenges. To address these challenges, the understanding of their electrochemical behaviors becomes critical and is expected to offer effective guidance for both materials and cell development. This work aims to provide fundamental insights into the reaction mechanisms, electrochemical challenges and modification strategies of lithium-rich oxides. We first summarize the research history, the pristine structures, and the classification of lithium-rich oxides. Then we review the critical reaction mechanisms that are closely related to their electrochemical features and performances, such as lattice oxygen oxidation, oxygen vacancy formation, transition-metal migration, layered to spinel transitions, ‘two-phase mechanism’, and lattice evolution. These discussions are coupled with state-of-the-art characterization techniques. As a comparison, the anionic redox reactions of layered sodium transition metal oxides are also discussed. Finally, after a brief overview of the correlation among the aforementioned mechanisms, we provide perspectives on the rational design of lithium-rich oxides with high energy densities and long-term cycling stability.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Additively Manufactured Carbon/Nylon 12 and Carbon/PEEK Composites
This study explores additive manufacturing of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites using the Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) process. Carbon/Nylon 12 and Carbon/PEEK composites were fabricated and evaluated through mechanical (compression, tensile, flexural, and impact) and thermal (DSC and TGA) tests. Carbon/PEEK exhibited superior mechanical performance, with 97.5% higher tensile strength, 79.8% higher elastic modulus, and 59.6% higher flexural strength compared to Carbon/Nylon 12. Thermal testing showed that Carbon/PEEK had higher thermal stability, beginning degradation at 350 °C versus 298 °C for Carbon/Nylon. These results indicate that CBAM-fabricated Carbon/PEEK composites are suitable for applications requiring high strength and temperature resistance.
Additive manufacturing↗
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Phase-Change Material and High-Density Polyethylene Functional Composites for Thermal Energy Storage
Abstract Phase-change materials (PCMs) can be used to develop thermal energy storage systems as they absorb large amount of latent heat nearly at a constant temperature when changing phase from a solid to a liquid. To prevent leakage when in a liquid state, PCM is shape stabilized in a polymer matrix of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The present research explores the injection-molded mechanical and thermal properties of different PCM/HDPE composite ratios. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity at room temperature and with the PCM fully melted within the composite are measured. Additionally, the hardness, latent heat of fusion, phase-change temperature, and thermal conductivity are investigated. An analysis of microstructures of the composite is used to support the findings. The PCM within the PCM/HDPE composite gives it the benefit of thermal storage but causes a decrease in mechanical properties.
Energy & Fuels↗
Mechanical and microstructural characterization of thermally grown alumina on Kanthal APMT
Not Available
Beck, Peter (ORCID:000000027105751X)↗
Material Characterization-Based Wear Mechanism Investigation for Biomass Hammer Mills
Biomass, as harvested, is composed of inorganic compounds both intrinsically and extrinsically and can be abrasive. The present study investigates the wear modes and mechanisms of two types of blades of hammer mills used in biomass size reduction (impacting the particle size and distribution) and densification (impacting the size, shape, and density). The dominant wear modes for the stage 1 steel blades are determined to be erosive and polishing wear. For the stage 2 blades with a carbide weld overlay, the main wear mechanisms are erosion and fracture. Partial replacement of Co by Fe in the outer layer of the carbide grits, likely induced by diffusion during high-temperature welding, has been correlated to the observed microcracking. Finally, the microcracking is believed to weaken the grit strength and fracture toughness to make the overlay prone to fracture and erosion due to repetitive contact with the inorganic contents in chopping biomass.
42 ENGINEERING↗
Development of an ERT‐Based Framework for Bentonite Buffers Monitoring From Laboratory Tests: 1. Characterizing Thermal–Hydrological–Mechanical Processes
Abstract Bentonite clay is widely used in engineered barrier systems for the permanent disposal of high‐level radioactive waste due to its low permeability, high swelling capacity, and thermal stability. However, the complex thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical (THM) processes induced by heating from decaying radioactive waste and hydration from surrounding rock can lead to heterogeneous changes that are difficult to measure and predict. This study develops an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)‐based framework for monitoring THM processes, progressing from sample‐scale to bench‐scale tests, to inform field‐scale applications. Sample‐scale tests analyzed small bentonite samples under controlled variations in water content, temperature, and porosity to establish fundamental resistivity relationships. Bench‐scale tests involved larger bentonite columns subjected to heating (up to 200°C) and hydration under controlled pressure, simulating repository conditions. ERT measurements, complemented by X‐ray CT imaging, temperature monitoring, and tracing sensors, revealed coupled THM processes, such as hydration‐induced compression, swelling, and thermal gradients, leading to complex resistivity patterns. The results demonstrate the potential of ERT for capturing THM‐induced resistivity changes, though challenges remain in upscaling and quantitative analysis. This study evaluates laboratory test capabilities and proposes future improvements for understanding THM‐induced resistivity responses. A conceptual framework for ERT implementation in field‐scale monitoring is presented, synthesizing findings from both scales and exploring how ERT data can inform long‐term modeling and reduce prediction uncertainties. Overall, this ERT‐based framework offers a robust method for monitoring bentonite buffers, aiding in early issue detection and supporting the safe long‐term disposal of radioactive waste in geological repositories, while highlighting the need for future development. Plain Language Summary Bentonite clay is crucial in engineered barrier systems (EBS) for containing high‐level radioactive waste due to its ability to absorb water, swell, seal and remain stable under high temperatures. When bentonite absorbs water and heats up from radioactive decay, it experiences complex changes in its physical and mechanical properties. Understanding these changes is important for ensuring the long‐term safety and effectiveness of EBS. This study used Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), a non‐invasive method that measures electrical conductivity to monitor these changes during laboratory experiments. The ERT data revealed significant variations in resistivity corresponding to changes in water content, temperature, and density, providing detailed spatial and temporal insights into the behavior of bentonite. These findings enhance our ability to predict the long‐term performance of bentonite barriers, ensuring the safe containment of radioactive waste. By improving our understanding of bentonite's behavior, this research supports the development of more reliable and effective barrier systems for radioactive waste disposal, protecting the environment and public health. Key Points ERT monitoring was employed to capture resistivity changes in bentonite during controlled heating and hydration experiments, providing insights into THM processes ERT data reveal significant resistivity changes correlated with water content, temperature, and mechanical effects, enhancing the understanding of THM dynamics in bentonite This study explores the potential of the framework for application in field‐scale EBS monitoring, emphasizing the need for integrating additional geophysical methods for comprehensive subsurface imaging
Chen, Hang↗
Mechanical and hydrologic characterization of the Ghareb formation to support high level nuclear waste disposal.
Abstract not provided.
Kibikas, William↗
Mechanical and Microstructural characterization of Montmorillonite (MMT) Sodium Ion Conductors.
Abstract not provided.
Hill, Ryan↗
Characterization of anisotropic mechanical properties of polymer composites from a hybrid additive manufacturing-compression molding process using x-ray computer tomography
In this study, anisotropic stiffness tensors were reconstructed based on fiber orientation distributions obtained from X-ray computer tomography (xCT). A preform was manufactured via a big area additive manufacturing (BAAM) system with carbon fiber (CF) filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The tailored preform from additive manufacturing (AM) was used in the compression molding (CM) process to produce a low-void high-performance thermoplastic composite panel. An xCT technique was employed to detect the fiber orientations in CF/ABS composites manufactured via three different methods: AM from BAAM, extrusion compression molding (ECM), and AM-CM. The anisotropic stiffness tensor was obtained from the composite panel manufactured via the three manufacturing methods (AM, ECM, and AMCM). A micromechanics theory was used to obtain the orthotropic stiffness tensors of the composite panels and compared with the experimental values. The predicted stiffness tensors of AM and AM-CM composite panels were used to study the deformation characteristics of a steering wheel during airbag deployment by performing finite element analysis (FEA). The approach developed in this study can be utilized for evaluating high-performance composites.
Pokkalla, Deepak↗
Towards the Accurate Thermodynamic Characterization of Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms
We employed QM/MM molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize the rate-limiting step of the glycosylation reaction of pancreatic α-amylase with combined DFT/molecular dynamics methods (PBE/def2-SVP : AMBER). Upon careful choice of four starting active site conformations based on thorough reactivity criteria, Gibbs energy profiles were calculated with umbrella sampling simulations within a statistical convergence of 1 -2 kcal · mol -1 . Nevertheless, Gibbs activation barriers and reaction energies still varied from 11.0 to 16.8 kcal · mol -1 and -6.3 to +3.8 kcal · mol -1 depending on the starting conformations, showing that despite significant state-of-the-art QM/MM MD sampling (0.5 ns/profile) the result still depends on the starting structure. In conclusion, the results supported the one step dissociative mechanism of Asp197 glycosylation preceded by an acid-base reaction by the Glu233, which are qualitatively similar to those from multi-PES QM/MM studies, and thus support the use of the latter to determine enzyme reaction mechanisms.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Characterization of Performance Degradation Mechanisms in Low-Cost High Throughput DI-O3 Layer for Passivated Contact Silicon Solar Cells
Characterization and mitigating performance limiting defects in Silicon (Si) PV is one of key areas to be addressed to improve PV hardware costs and energy yield in order to lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of installed PV cost to $0.02/kWh. As Si PV cells efficiencies have surpassed 22% and approaching 23%, the recombination at the metal contacts have become the focus point to be addressed. Passivated contact technologies—having a heterojunction with a band-gap larger than silicon between the metal and silicon—have emerged as a great potential for future highand ultrahigh-efficiency solar cells, as it concurrently reduces recombination and increases carrier selectivity, by incorporating thin films within the contact structure. Passivated contact Si solar cell technologies use a wide variety of tunnel layers—playing a crucial role to passivate metal contacts and tunnel charge carriers—including stoichiometric silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) grown by thermal oxidation and Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) technique and silicon oxide (SiO x ) by hot nitric acid. However, thorough investigations on understanding the failure and performance degradation mechanisms associated with tunnel layers are still limited to date. Unlocking those degradation characteristics in crucial tunnel layers could improve the reliability and energy yield of passivated contact Si solar cells. Besides, the technique of growing aforementioned tunneling layers are low throughput, and requires high temperature processes and/or a vacuum environment. In this project, we investigated the performance degradation mechanisms of a low-cost high-throughput ozonated oxide (DI-O 3 ) tunnel layer for the passivated contact Si solar cells.
14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
Microstructural characterization and assessment of mechanical properties of concrete based on combined elemental analysis techniques and Fast-Fourier transform-based simulations
This paper presents a pixel-based modeling approach of concrete which combines an experimental characterization of concrete and the Fast-Fourier transform simulations. High-resolution phase maps created from experimental characterization by micro X-ray fluorescence, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction contain 9 different phases, including 22.17 vol.% of hydrated cement paste, 54.21 vol.% of minerals, and 23.62 vol.% of interfaces. These phases provide the input for determining the effective elastic properties, coupled with Fast-Fourier transform-based simulation. The simulation results show that the effective range of Young’s modulus of concrete is comparable with the range of experimental values ~ 37 ± 4 GPa with the assumption of realistic properties of interfaces.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Direct measurement of the effective properties of an additively manufactured titanium octet truss unit cell using high energy X-ray diffraction
Additively manufactured lattice structures offer a high specific strength-to-density ratio in comparison to conventional, fully dense parts. The small feature size and intricate geometry of lattice structures make it challenging to directly characterize their mechanical properties. This study presents direct measurement of the elastic mechanical properties of an additively manufactured titanium alloy octet truss unit cell. Strut stress and strain were measured using high-energy X-ray diffraction during quasi-static compressive loading. The crystallographic stress-strain relationship was converted into the stress-strain relationship of the octet truss lattice unit cell using the known symmetry of the struts. The sample studied herein was best fit by an orthorhombic linear elastic stress-strain relationship. In conclusion, this technique shows promise for studying additively manufactured lattice structures at length scales not previously reported.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Toward Standardized Microscale Tensile Testing for Two‐Photon Polymerization‐Fabricated Materials in Liquid
Two-photon polymerization (TPP) enables the fabrication of intricate 3D microstructures with submicron precision, offering significant potential in biomedical applications like tissue engineering. In such applications, to print materials and structures with defined mechanics, it is crucial to understand how TPP printing parameters impact the material properties in a physiologically relevant liquid environment. Herein, an experimental approach utilizing microscale tensile testing (μTT) for the systematic measurement of TPP-fabricated microfibers submerged in liquid as a function of printing parameters is introduced. Using a diurethane dimethacrylate-based resin, the influence of printing parameters on microfiber geometry is first explored, demonstrating cross-sectional areas ranging from 1 to 36 μm 2 . Tensile testing reveals Young's moduli between 0.5 and 1.5 GPa and yield strengths from 10 to 60 MPa. The experimental data show an excellent fit with the Ogden hyperelastic polymer model, which enables a detailed analysis of how variations in writing speed, laser power, and printing path influence the mechanical properties of TPP microfibers. The μTT method is also showcased for evaluating multiple commercial resins and for performing cyclic loading experiments. Collectively, this study builds a foundation toward a standardized microscale tensile testing framework to characterize the mechanical properties of TPP printed structures.
mechanical characterization↗
Property enhancement of CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy by introducing nano-scale features
CoCrNi -medium-entropy alloy (MEA) has been widely investigated due to its superior mechanical properties that overcome strength-ductility tradeoff. Here we show further property enhancement of CoCrNi MEA by introducing nano-scale features. Both CoCrNi and oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) CoCrNi are fabricated by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. Microstructural characterization and mechanical testing of these nanostructured MEAs revealed that the nano-scale features significantly improves the strength of the alloys. In ODS-CoCrNi MEA, Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 oxides with an average diameter of 7.3 ± 3.2 nm are incoherent with the matrix, and a specific orientation relationship exists between Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 and the matrix, which is [011] Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 //[011]Matrix, (400) Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 //(200)Matrix and ($22\bar2$) Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 //($11\bar1$)Matrix. The recrystallization and grain growth processes are effectively suppressed by the introduction of Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 nanoparticles. Strengthening mechanism analyses indicate that the strength improvement of ODS-CoCrNi is mainly ascribed to the precipitation strengthening of Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 .
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗