Novel Liquid Sodium Electromagnetic Pump Final Report
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21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
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Results for “Liquid Metal”
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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Combining AM and FAST for Multi-Functional Refractory Plasma Facing Materials
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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
MARVEL Reactor Fuel Performance Report
The Microreactor Applications Research Validation and EvaLuation (MARVEL) project is producing a high temperature liquid metal-cooled nuclear test bed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to ultimately improve the integration of microreactors to end-user applications. This ambitious effort seeks to design, authorize, construct, test, and operate the reactor within five years. In order to construct and operate the MARVEL reactor in a timely manner, the system will utilize materials and component designs which have already been used, qualified, or licensed from previous reactors. The MARVEL reactor will be located at the INL Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility in the north high-bay equipment pit and will use the existing 304 stainless steel-clad U-ZrH1.6 pin-type fuel system developed by General Atomics and purchased from TRIGA International. This fuel has been previously qualified under the United States Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program. Even though the regulator of the MARVEL reactor is the US DOE, the standards and overall approach recommended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is well-defined and utilized here. Following NUREG-1537 regulatory guidance, this report documents the authorization case for the MARVEL fuel system’s application to MARVEL and establishes stable and predictable fuel performance during the most thermophysically unfavorable conditions achievable in the MARVEL reactor. To that end, this report provides a comprehensive survey of the known thermophysical properties, performance, and quantitative relationships associated with the MARVEL reactor fuel element and uses this information to determine its mechanical integrity and risk of reaching unacceptable conditions during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the reactor using the most conservative assumptions available. The information contained herein is compiled from a combination of historical reports and peer reviewed scientific publication manuscripts. Known mechanisms under which the fuel is susceptible to failure are highlighted and compared to conditions that could exist in the MARVEL reactor during an unanticipated transient or accident scenario. The two scenarios considered for analysis in this report are (1) an unprotected loss of flow accident and (2) a hypothetical unprotected loss of coolant accident during the loss of flow accident. Preliminary 2D steady-state analyses herein indicate that both fuel-cladding chemical interactions and fuel-cladding mechanical interactions are negligible throughout the fuel’s operational cycle under both normal and high temperature accident scenario conditions. Although higher fidelity 3D time-dependent modeling and simulations are planned, the following may be concluded presently. The MARVEL fuel element maintains its geometric stability and structural integrity during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the MARVEL reactor. The hoop stress during the unprotected loss of flow accident reaches about -1.27 MPa; this negative stress indicates that it is compressive rather than tensile. The compressive stress is a result of the NaK pressure on the outside of the fuel element, caused by the restricted thermal expansion of the NaK coolant, exceeding the internal pressures generated inside of the fuel element. The hoop stress generated in the cladding during the unprotected loss of coolant accident reaches a maximum of about approximately 10 MPa, which is nearly an order of magnitude less than the predicted yield strength of the cladding under high-temperature accident scenario conditions. Calculations were compared with results from high performance computational simulations using BISON and are in very close agreement. A conservative MARVEL fuel meat peak temperature limit of 900 °C is recommended presently, which is about 180 °C higher than the peak fuel temperature predicted to occur during the most extreme accident. Based on the known properties and behavior of the MARVEL fuel element, the fuel successfully meets its design and safety requirements under normal and most extreme accident conditions with a large safety margin.
11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
Lithium metal stripping mechanisms revealed through electrochemical liquid cell electron microscopy
An understanding of lithium stripping is as important as that of lithium plating to achieve significant advances in using lithium metal anodes for high-energy rechargeable batteries. However, there have been limited studies on lithium stripping compared to lithium plating. Here we report the lithium stripping mechanisms revealed through in-situ electrochemical liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We directly observe and compare the stripping behavior of the in-situ grown lithium dendrites and lithium nanograins covered by a lithium fluoride-rich solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Furthermore, we find the sporadic lithium stripping behavior and three important modes that can describe the stripping of individual lithium deposits, regardless of their morphology: (i) symmetric stripping, (ii) surface-preferred asymmetric stripping, and (iii) interface-preferred asymmetric stripping. In addition, SEI chemical mapping with high spatial resolution shows a remarkable SEI loss at the end of the lithium metal stripping, which illustrates the importance of SEI protection in the subsequent cycles.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Electric-Field-Induced Assembly of an Ionic Liquid–Water Interphase Enables Efficient Heavy Metal Electrosorption
Controlling ion desolvation, transport, and charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) is critical to enabling the rational design of efficient and selective separation of targeted heavy metals and decontamination of industrial waste water. One challenge is to sufficiently resolve and interrogate the intermediate transformation steps between solvated metal cations and bare cations for electroreduction at the EEI and establish pathways to modulate these steps to achieve efficient energy transfer for targeted reactive separations. Herein, we obtained a predictive understanding of the effect of adding a hydrophobic ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl), to an aqueous electrolyte on modulating the desolvation and electrosorption of Pb 2+ cations using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. Here, we reveal formation of a compact interphase layer consisting of EMIMCl-Pb complex clusters under an applied electric field using operando electrochemical Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements combined with classical molecular dynamics simulations. The application of a larger negative potential is shown to result in formation of a well oriented layer with the positive imidazolium ring of the EMIMCl lying on the electrode and the long hydrophobic alkyl chain extending into the bulk electrolyte. This oriented layer is demonstrated to facilitate desolvation of incoming solvated Pb 2+ cations and decrease the charge transfer resistance for Pb electrodeposition, which has important implications for selective removal of Pb from contaminated mixtures. Overall, our studies open up new opportunities to modulate ion desolvation using hydrophobic ionic liquids in aqueous electrolytes for efficient heavy metal separation.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Linear resistivity and Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) spin liquid behavior in a quantum critical metal with spin-1/2 fermions
Significance In “Planckian metals,” electrons dissipate energy at the fastest possible rate allowed by the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, resulting in a linear temperature dependence of their electrical resistivity. Although observed for a number of quantum materials, this phenomenon lacks a general theoretical understanding and is often considered as one of the prominent fundamental questions in condensed matter physics. Here, we show that Planckian dissipation and a behavior consistent with the “marginal Fermi liquid” phenomenology emerge in the quantum critical regime separating a Mott insulating spin glass and a Fermi liquid. By establishing this behavior in an explicit model solvable by state-of-the-art computational methods, our theory paves the way toward a deeper understanding of Planckian or “strange” metals.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
Phase Transitions in Metal–Organic Frameworks Directly Monitored through In Situ Variable Temperature Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy and In Situ X-ray Diffraction
Zr 6 -based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with tetratopic organic linkers have been extensively investigated owing to their versatile structural tunability. While diverse topologies and polymorphism in the resulting MOFs are often encountered with tetratopic linkers and Zr 6 nodes, reports on phase transitions within these systems are rare. Thus, we have a limited understanding of polymorph transformations, hindering the rational development of pure phase materials. In this study, a phase transition from a microporous MOF, scu-NU-906, to a mesoporous MOF, csq-NU-1008, was discovered and monitored through in situ variable temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (VT-LCTEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and in situ variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction (VT-PXRD). Furthermore, it was found that the microporous- to-mesoporous transformation in the presence of formic acid occurs via a concomitant dissolution–reprecipitation process.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Orbital-selective Mott phase and non-Fermi liquid in FePS 3
The layered metal phosphorous trisulfide FePS 3 is reported to be a Mott insulator at ambient conditions and to undergo structural and insulator-metal phase transitions under pressure. However, the character of the resulting metallic states has not been understood clearly so far. Here, we theoretically study the phase transitions of FePS 3 using first-principles methods based on density functional theory and embedded dynamical mean field theory. We find that the Mott transition in FePS 3 can be orbital selective, with t 2g states undergoing a correlation-induced insulator-to-metal transition while e g states remain gapped. We show that this orbital-selective Mott phase, which occurs only when nonhydrostatic pressure is used, is a bad metal (or non-Fermi liquid) with large fluctuating moments due to Hund's coupling. Further application of pressure increases the crystal-field splitting and converts the system to a conventional Fermi liquid with low-spin configurations dominant. Finally, our results show that FePS 3 is an example of a system that realizes an orbital-selective Mott phase, allowing tuning between correlated and uncorrelated metallic properties in an accessible pressure range (≤ 18 GPa).
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
UV laser deposition of metal films by photogenerated free radicals
A novel photochemical method for liquid-phase deposition of metal films is described. In the liquid phase deposition scheme, a metal containing compound and a metal-metal bonded carbonyl complex are dissolved together in a polar solvent and the mixture is irradiated using a UV laser. The optical arrangement consists of a HeCd laser which provides 7 mW of power at a wavelength of 325 nm in the TEM(OO) mode. The beam is attenuated and may be expanded to a diameter of 5-20 mm. Experiments with photochemical deposition of silver films onto glass and quartz substrates are described in detail. Mass spectrometric analysis of deposited silver films indicated a deposition rate of about 1 A/s at incident power levels of 0.01 W/sq cm. UV laser-induced copper and palladium films have also been obtained. A black and white photograph showing the silver Van Der Pauw pattern of a solution-deposited film is provided.
Montgomery, R. K.↗
International Conference on Rapidly Quenched Metals, 2nd, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., November 17-19, 1975, Proceedings
The range of topics covered by the papers includes: rapid quenching (and specifically splat quenching) of metals, spin quenching, levitation melting, rapid quenching from liquid state; amorphous metal phases and metastable phases, metallic glasses, ribbons, splats, films, metal ribbon reinforced resins; crystallization of metallic glasses, and ferromagnetic amorphous alloys. Structural models for amorphous metals, splat-quenching equipment, and measurements of the properties of amorphous and noncrystalline metals and metallic glasses are also discussed, in addition to: fatigue events (crack propagation) in amorphous metals, fracture behavior in rapidly quenched metals, ductile superconducting Cu-Nb-Sn alloys, and semiconducting amorphous V205 alloy. Individual items are announced in this issue.
Source record↗
Kinetics of gas-to-liquid and liquid-to-solid transfer of particles in metal-matrix composites
Analytical models for transfer of particles from gas to liquid and from liquid to solid are introduced. The model for calculation of the pushing/engulfment transition in directionally solidified particulate metal matrix composites, considers process thermodynamics, process kinetics, thermophysical properties and buoyant forces. Based on processing variables (solidification velocity and direction) and on material variables (interface energies, particle size, particle and liquid density, volume fraction of particles and particle/liquid thermal conductivity ratio) four types of behavior were predicted. Also, two numerical models for liquid-to-solid transfer are discussed, as well as the limitations of presently available models.
Stefanescu, D. M.↗
Design rules for liquid crystalline electrolytes for enabling dendrite-free lithium metal batteries
Significance Lithium metal anodes offer a promising approach to improve the energy density of batteries to enable electrification of transportation. Dendrite suppression plagues the safety and cycle life of lithium metal anodes. In this work, we perform a comprehensive analysis of the use of liquid crystalline electrolytes in lithium metal anodes. We report theoretical demonstration of spontaneous stabilization of metal-electrode position using a liquid crystalline electrolyte due to the energy that arises when the molecules of the liquid crystal reorient. Building on this, we develop a comprehensive set of molecular-level design rules that will pave the way toward the realization of this new class of electrolytes for practical lithium metal batteries.
Ahmad, Zeeshan↗
Advanced liquid propulsion systems
Bladder development and metal foil pinhole simulation - advanced liquid propulsion systems research
METAL FOIL↗
History of Metal Veins in Acapulcoite-Lodranite Clan Meteorite GRA 95209
Graves Nunataks (GRA) 95209 has been hailed as the missing link of core formation processes in the acapulcoitelodranite parent asteroid because of the presence of a complex cm-scale metal vein network. Because the apparent liquid temperature of the metal vein (approximately 1500 C) is higher than inferred for the metamorphic grade of the meteorite, questions regarding the vein s original composition, temperature, and mechanism of emplacement have arisen. We have determined trace siderophile element compositions of metals in veins and surrounding matrix in an effort to clarify matters. We analyzed metals in GRA 95209 in a portion of thick metal vein and adjacent metal-rich (30-40 modal%), sulfide poor (less than 1%) matrix by EPMA and LA-ICP-MS for major and trace siderophile elements using methods described by [3]. We also examined metals from a metal-poor (approximately 15 modal%) and relatively sulfide-rich (2-5 modal%) region of the sample. Kamacite is the dominant metal phase in all portions of the sample. In comparison to matrix metal, vein metal contains more schreibersite and less tetrataenite, and is less commonly associated with Fe,Mn,Mg-bearing phosphates and graphite. Vein kamacite contains higher Co, P, and Cr and lower Cu and Ge. These minor variations aside, all metal types in GRA 95209 are fairly homogeneous in terms of their levels of enrichment of compatible siderophile elements (e.g. Pt, Ir, Os) relative to incompatible siderophile elements (e.g. As, Pd, Au), consistent with the loss of metal-sulfide partial melt that characterizes much of the clan. Whatever compositional differences between matrix and vein metal that may have originally existed, they have since largely co-equilibrated to similar restitic trace element compositions. We agree with [2] that metal veins, in their present state, do not represent a liquid composition. The original vein liquid was much more S-rich and emplaced at correspondingly lower liquid temperatures. Much of the Fe,Ni component solidified in cm scale conduits while S-rich melts were expelled and continued to migrate by percolation. The higher troilite content in metal poor regions of the sample results mostly from trapping of a small portion of these melts. The troilite is not remnant primary sulfide. Strong depletions of W, Mo, and especially Ga (greater than 50%, greater than 60%, and greater than 90% depletion, respectively) in metals of the metalpoor GRA 95209 lithology are localized at scales of 10-100 micrometers in the vicinity of graphite spherules. These depletions must have occurred below the temperatures at which cm-scale equilibration occurred, and future work will seek to determine their cause.
Herrin, J. S.↗
Viscosity bounds in liquids with different structure and bonding types
Recently, it was realized that liquid viscosity has a lower bound which is nearly constant for all liquids and is governed by fundamental physical constants. This was supported by experimental data in noble and molecular liquids. Here, we perform large-scale molecular dynamics simulations to ascertain this bound in two other important liquid types: the ionic molten salt system LiF and metallic Pb. We find that these ionic and metallic systems similarly have lower viscosity bounds corresponding to the minimum of kinematic viscosity of ∼ 10 − 7 m 2 / s . We show that this agrees with experimental data in other systems with different structures and bonding types, including noble, molecular, metallic, and covalent liquids. This expands the universality of viscosity bounds into the main system types known. Published by the American Physical Society 2024
Materials Science↗
Partitioning of transition metals between diopside and coexisting silicate liquids. I - Nickel, cobalt, and manganese
Distribution coefficients have been found for the partitioning of Ni, Co, and Mn between calcium-rich clinopyroxenes and coexisting silicate liquids. Values are found for the 1110-1360 C temperature range. The breakdown of Henry's Law was not observed. The measured clinopyroxene/liquid distribution coefficients ranged from 1.5-14.0 for Ni, 0.5-2.0 for Co, and 0.3-1.2 for Mn. Analyses of pyroxenes grown from charges differing in the amounts of transition metals indicate that Ni and Co occupy the M1 site of diopside and that Mn occupies the M1 and M2 sites. Equilibrium constants were found in terms of the activities of the components in the liquid and solid phases. These activities are based on the mole fractions. An activity/concentration model was used for the liquid phase in order to explain the variations in the clinopyroxene/liquid coefficients due to bulk composition.
Lindstrom, D. J.↗
Gifts from anomalies: Exact results for Landau phase transitions in metals
Non-Fermi liquid phenomena arise naturally near critical points of Landau ordering transitions in metallic systems, where strong fluctuations of a bosonic order parameter destroy coherent quasiparticles. Despite progress in developing controlled perturbative techniques, much of the low energy physics of such metallic quantum critical points remains poorly understood. We demonstrate that exact, non-perburbative results can be obtained for both optical transport and static susceptibilities in “Hertz-Millis” theories of Fermi surfaces coupled to critical bosons. Such models possess a large emergent symmetry and anomaly structure, which we leverage to fix these quantities. In particular, we show that in the infrared limit, the boson self energy at zero wave vector, \mathbf{q}=0 𝐪 = 0 , is a constant independent of frequency, and the real part of the optical conductivity, \sigma(\omega) σ ( ω ) , is purely a delta function Drude peak with no other corrections. Therefore, further frequency dependence in the boson self energy or optical conductivity can only come from irrelevant operators in a clean system. Exact relations between Fermi liquid parameters as the critical point is approached from the disordered phase are also obtained. The absence of a universal, power law frequency dependence in the boson self energy contrasts with previous perturbative calculations, and we explain the origin of this difference.
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
Molten salt electrolysis and room temperature ionic liquid electrochemical processes for refining rare earth metals: Environmental and economic performance comparison
Circularizing end of life products such as electronic waste can open a new source for rare earth elements (REEs) that will decrease the demand pressure on conventional virgin production. The last step to produce REEs consists of a refining process to convert rare earth oxide (REO) to REE metal. One promising technology is processing REO via a room temperature ionic liquid, which is characterized by low energy requirements in contrast to existing REEs extraction processes. In this work, life cycle and techno-economic assessments are performed and compared against molten salt electrolysis. Here, the results show that both processes have advantages and disadvantages in terms of environmental performance, and that they are similarly competitive in terms of economic performance. A breakeven analysis suggests that future research should focus on coupling the production of REOs with the refining processes to attempt to lower REO cost and make them economically feasible in the U.S.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗