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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

Additive Manufacturing and Characterization of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites Containing Metal Reinforcements

Additive manufacturing of polymeric systems using 3D printing has become quite popular recently due to rapid growth and availability of low cost and open source 3D printers. Two widely used 3D printing filaments are based on polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) systems. PLA is much more environmentally friendly in comparison to ABS since it is made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, and other starches as precursors. Recently, polylactic acid-based metal powder containing composite filaments have emerged which could be utilized for multifunctional applications. The composite filaments have higher density than pure PLA, and the majority of the materials volume is made up of polylactic acid. In order to utilize functionalities of composite filaments, printing behavior and properties of 3-D printed composites need to be characterized and compared with the pure PLA materials. In this study, pure PLA and composite specimens with different metallic reinforcements (Copper, Bronze, Tungsten, Iron, etc) were 3D printed at various layer heights and resulting microstructures and properties were characterized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) behavior of filaments with different reinforcements were studied. The microscopy results show an increase in porosity between 3-D printed regular PLA and the metal composite PLA samples, which could produce weaker mechanical properties in the metal composite materials. Tensile strength and fracture toughness behavior of specimens as a function of print layer height will be presented.

brass↗

Optimizing Misch-Metal Compositions In Metal Hydride Anodes

Electrochemical cells based on metal hydride anodes investigated experimentally in effort to find anode compositions maximizing charge/discharge-cycle performances. Experimental anodes contained misch metal alloyed with various proportions of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al, and experiments directed toward optimization of composition of misch metal.

Bugga, Ratnakumar V.↗

Evaluation of the rheological and electrical percolation of high‐density polyethylene/carbon black composites using mathematical models

Abstract In this work, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) of bio‐based polyethylene (BioPe) containing different concentrations of carbon black (CB) were developed. By using oscillatory rheology analysis, a Newtonian plateau was observed in BioPe, and all BioPe/CB composites had a behavior of a pseudo‐solid and that composites with volume fractions ranging from 0.24 to 0.56 presented higher viscosity, storage, and loss modulus. This suggests the formation of a percolated network and by using the power‐law models, it was observed that the electrical percolation threshold was higher than the rheological percolation threshold. The electrical conductivity was measured using the four‐point probe method and a sigmoid model was used to predict the CPCs' electrical conductivity percolation threshold. The results indicated that the four‐point probe method presented satisfactory results according to the calculated standard deviations and voltage–current characteristics for each round of measurements considering the same ranging as used in rheology analysis. The analytical model used showed a coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) higher than 95%, allowing the prediction of the electrical conductivity of the CPC and the percolation threshold as a function of the volumetric fraction of the CB.

da SiIva, Moacy P.↗

Application of Machine Learning and Data Augmentation Algorithms in the Discovery of Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Storage

The development of efficient and sustainable hydrogen storage materials is a key challenge for realizing hydrogen as a clean and flexible energy carrier. Among various options, metal hydrides offer high volumetric storage density and operational safety, yet their application is limited by thermodynamic, kinetic, and compositional constraints. In this work, we investigate the potential of machine learning (ML) to predict key thermodynamic properties—equilibrium plateau pressure, enthalpy, and entropy of hydride formation—based solely on alloy composition using Magpie-generated descriptors. We significantly expand an existing experimental dataset from ~400 to 806 entries and assess the impact of dataset size and data augmentation, using the PADRE algorithm, on model performance. Models including Support Vector Machines and Gradient Boosted Random Forests were trained and optimized via grid search and cross-validation. Results show a marked improvement in predictive accuracy with increased dataset size, while data augmentation benefits are limited to smaller datasets and do not improve accuracy in underrepresented pressure regimes. Furthermore, clustering and cross-validation analyses highlight the limited generalizability of models across different material classes, though high accuracy is achieved when training and testing within a single hydride family (e.g., AB2). The study demonstrates the viability and limitations of ML for accelerating hydride discovery, emphasizing the importance of dataset diversity and representation for robust property prediction.

augmentation↗

Apollo 15 Mg- and Fe-norites - A redefinition of the Mg-suite differentiation trend

The Apollo 15 highland rocks from the Apennine Front include clasts of mafic plutonic rocks from deep in the lunar crust that were brought to the surface by the Imbrium and Serenitatis impacts. The Apollo 15 norites exhibit wide variations in mineral and bulk compositions and include Fe-norites that plot between the three major pristine rock fields on a diagram of Mg' in mafic minerals vs An in paglioclase. Based on assemblages and compositions of minerals, and on ratios of elemental abundances, it is concluded that these Apollo 15 Fe-norites are differentiated members of the Mg-norite suite. The Apollo 15 and 17 norites and troctolites form a closely related suite of rocks, whose variations in mineral compositions represent the main differentiation trend of the Mg-suite. This trend in mineral compositions has a steeper slope than the previous Mg-suite field. The parent magmas for these Mg-suite rocks formed by partial melting deep in the lunar mantle. Differentiation by fractional crystallization may also have included assimilation of crustal components as the magmas rose from the mantle and crystallized plutons in the lower crust.

Lindstrom, M. M.↗

Algal Accessory Pigment Detection Using AVIRIS Image-Derived Spectral Radiance Data

Visual and derivative analyses of AVIRIS spectral data can be used to detect algal accessory pigments in aquatic communities. This capability extends the use of remote sensing for the study of aquatic ecosystems by allowing detection of taxonomically significant pigment signatures which yield information about the type of algae present. Such information allows remote sensing-based assessment of aquatic ecosystem health, as in the detection of nuisance blooms of cyanobacteria or toxic blooms of dinoflagellates. Remote sensing of aquatic systems has traditionally focused on quantification of chlorophyll a, a photoreactive (and light-harvesting) pigment which is common to all algae as well as cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae). Due to the ubiquitousness of this pigment within algae, chl a is routinely measured to estimate algal biomass both during ground-truthing and using various airborne or satellite based sensors, including AVIRIS. Within the remote sensing and aquatic sciences communities, ongoing research has been performed to detect algal accessory pigments for assessment of algal population composition. This research is based on the fact that many algal accessory pigments are taxonomically significant, and all are spectrally unique. Aquatic scientists have been refining pigment analysis techniques, primarily high performance liquid chromatography, or HPLC, to detect specific pigments as a time-saving alternative to individual algal cell identifications and counts. Remote sensing scientists are investigating the use of pigment signatures to construct pigment libraries analogous to mineral spectral libraries used in geological remote sensing applications. The accessory pigment approach has been used successfully in remote sensing using data from the Thematic Mapper, low-altitude, multiple channel scanners, field spectroradiometers and the AVIRIS hyperspectral scanner. Due to spectral and spatial resolution capabilities, AVIRIS is the sensor of choice for such studies. We present here our results on detection of algal accessory pigments using AVIRIS data.

Richardson, Laurie L.↗

Application of an Empirical Density Law via Python for Aqueous Plutonium Chloride Systems in MCNP6

Current aqueous plutonium processing models for criticality safety often contain significant bias due to material modeling assumptions. These solutions include plutonium chloride solutions, which are modeled as fictitious plutonium metal-water mixtures because little is known about the actual density of the solution. Furthermore, there is no current predictive capability for modeling plutonium metal-water mixtures that is approved for use at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Recent density measurements for aqueous plutonium chloride systems (PuCl 3 -HCl-H 2 O) now allow for the development and application of a more realistic density law. This work develops a Python-based density law for this ternary solution using an empirical method. This code can be used in conjunction with an MCNP6 input to determine the density and composition of a solution based upon user inputs of plutonium concentration, hydrochloric acid concentration, and temperature. The tool allows users to input plutonium and acid content of a solution in terms of molality, molarity, or concentration, and predicts density within the current data range within 1.4% of experimental data. Current preliminary MCNP6 calculations utilizing this tool have demonstrated a minimum decrease in system reactivity of 5% in comparison to the current modeling conventions. Thus, this tool enables more accurate criticality safety operational limits by better crediting chorine content while still maintaining necessary conservatism.

Density Law↗

LAW Simulant Recipes for Evaluation of Real-Time, In-Line Monitoring Instruments

Statistically designed recipes were generated for evaluation of in-line instrumentation for the Real-Time In-Line Monitoring (RTIM) program in support of the Hanford Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) program. The composition matrices were prepared based on Low Activity Waste (LAW) feed vector, melter feed, and Effluent Management Facility (EMF) feed information provided by the flowsheet integration modelling for the DFLAW portion of the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) mission. These composition matrices were converted to recipes for the LAW feed using the approaches for LAW simulant recipes developed by Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). Recipes for the glass forming chemicals (GFCs) were developed based on expected mineral forms to be used to for each element to be added to the recipe. The recipe matrices are shown in the Appendix.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

LAW Simulant Recipes for Evaluation of Real-Time, In-Line Monitoring Instruments

Statistically designed recipes were generated for evaluation of in-line instrumentation for the Real-Time In-Line Monitoring (RTIM) program in support of the Hanford Direct-Feed Low Activity Waste (DFLAW) program. The composition matrices were prepared based on Low Activity Waste (LAW) feed vector, melter feed, and Effluent Management Facility (EMF) feed information provided by the flowsheet integration modelling for the DFLAW portion of the Waste Treatment Plant (WTP) mission. These composition matrices were converted to recipes for the LAW feed using the approaches for LAW simulant recipes developed by Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). Recipes for the glass forming chemicals (GFCs) were developed based on expected mineral forms to be used to for each element to be added to the recipe.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Evaluation of Expansion in ETF Grout Compositional Variants

In summary, the Base Case grout, Mix K, prepared according to the protocol provided (short stirring time after struvite precipitation of about 30 minutes) expanded when cured in a dry and damp sealed bag. Two variants, Mix M, 100 % slag in the dry mix, did not expand when prepared and cured under the same dry and damp conditions. Mix L, precipitated struvite removed, showed very slight expansion after curing 289 days for both dry and damp curing which was expressed as slight bulging at the bottom of the container. Mix N, 100 % dilution of the simulant, did not expand when cured under dry conditions or in a sealed container in damp conditions. However, a cylinder of Mix N cured in a container that was slit and taped back together did expand in damp conditions. This condition enabled the grout to be exposed to more moisture that the grout sample cured in the capped container and stored in the same zip top bag with the damp towel. This information is provided to support processing and containerization of the ETF ammonia grout.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Structure and thermal cycling stability of a hafnium monocarbide reinforced directionally solidified cobalt-base eutectic alloy

A nominal composition of Co-15Cr-2ONi-10.5 Hf-0.7 C (NASA-HAFCO-11) was directionally solidified at 0.8 cm/hr growth rate to produce aligned HfC in a cobalt matrix alloy. The aligned HfC fibers were present as rod and plate types. The diameter of the aligned fibers was about 1 micron, with volume fraction in the range of 11 to 15 percent. The growth direction of the fibers was parallel to the 100. The NASA-HAFCO-11 alloy was subjected to thermal cycling between 425 deg and 1100 C, using a 2.5 minute cycle. No microstructural degradation of the HfC fibers in the alloy was observed after 2500 cycles.

Kim, Y. G.↗

Structure and thermal cycling stability of a hafnium monocarbide reinforced directionally solidified cobalt-base eutectic alloy

A nominal composition of Co-15Cr-20Ni-10.5Hf-0.7C was directionally solidified at 0.8 cm/hr growth rate to produce aligned HfC in a cobalt matrix alloy. The aligned HfC fibers were present as rod and plate types. The diameter of the aligned fibers was about 1 micron, with volume fraction in the range of 11 to 15 per cent. The growth direction of the fibers was parallel to the 100 direction. The alloy was subjected to thermal cycling between 425 and 1100 C, using a 2.5 minute cycle. No microstructural degradation of the HfC fibers in the alloy was observed after 2500 cycles.

Kim, Y. G.↗

Creep and creep rupture of laminated graphite/epoxy composites

An incremental numerical procedure based on lamination theory is developed to predict creep and creep rupture of general laminates. Existing unidirectional creep compliance and delayed failure data is used to develop analytical models for lamina response. The compliance model is based on a procedure proposed by Findley which incorporates the power law for creep into a nonlinear constitutive relationship. The matrix octahedral shear stress is assumed to control the stress interaction effect. A modified superposition principle is used to account for the varying stress level effect on the creep strain. The lamina failure model is based on a modification of the Tsai-Hill theory which includes the time dependent creep rupture strength. A linear cumulative damage law is used to monitor the remaining lifetime in each ply.

Dillard, D. A.↗

The effects of electron and gamma radiation on epoxy-based materials

Specimens of graphite/epoxy composites and epoxy resins were exposed to electron and gamma radiation, followed by mechanical property and fundamental measurements. Measurement techniques included: scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron spin resonance spectroscopic analysis. Results indicate little or no change in flexural properties of miniature specimens of a graphite/epoxy composite and no change in failure mode at the fiber-resin interface and in the crystallinity of the fiber and the resin. Some doubt in the observation of stable flexural properties is cast by electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of a relatively large number of radiation-generated radicals. These generally lead to a change in cross-linking and in chain-scissioning which should alter mechanical properties.

Fornes, R. E.↗

Sublaminate analysis of interlaminar fracture in composites

A simple analysis method based upon a transverse shear deformation theory and a sublaminate approach is utilized to analyze a mixed-mode edge delamination specimen. The analysis provides closed form expressions for the interlaminar shear stresses ahead of the crack, the total energy release rate, and the energy release rate components. The parameters controlling the behavior are identified. The effect of specimen stacking sequence and delamination interface on the strain energy release rate components is investigated. Results are compared with a finite element simulation for reference. The simple nature of the method makes it suitable for preliminary design analyses which require a large number of configurations to be evaluated quickly and economically.

Armanios, E. A.↗

Dependences of Ratio of the Luminosity to Ionization on Velocity and Chemical Composition of Meteors

On the bases of results simultaneous photographic and radio echo observations, the results complex radar and television observations of meteors and also results of laboratory modeling of processes of a luminescence and ionization, correlation between of luminous intensity Ip to linear electronic density q from of velocities and chemical structure are investigated. It is received that by increasing value of velocities of meteors and decrease of nuclear weight of substance of particles, lg Ip/q decreased more than one order.

Narziev, M.↗

What Are the Olivine-Rich Boulders in the Upper Fan and Margin Unit at Jezero Crater, Mars?

Since February 2021, the Perseverance rover has explored Jezero Crater in the Nili Fossae region of Mars which hosts large outcrops of a regional olivine-carbonate unit. In the crater floor, Perseverance investigated two igneous formations: Máaz, composed of basaltic lava and/or pyroclastic flows, and Séítah, an olivine-rich cumulate] below Máaz. Then, Perseverance explored the western fan composed by diverse sedimentary rocks of variable composition, but often containing olivine On the upper fan and margin unit, Perseverance encountered number of centimetric to metric boulder rocks. Two main types of boulders were identified based on texture and composition: the olivine-rich and pyroxene-bearing boulders. Here, we use SuperCam data to describe the texture, geochemistry and mineralogy of the olivine-rich boulders. Then, we discuss their possible petrological origin and some possible implications for the regional Nili Fossae olivine-carbonate unit.

Mars 2020↗

Investigation of Micro-Scale Architectural Effects on Damage of Composites

This paper presents a three-dimensional, energy based, anisotropic, stiffness reduction, progressive damage model for composite materials and composite material constituents. The model has been implemented as a user-defined constitutive model within the Abaqus finite element software package and applied to simulate the nonlinear behavior of a damaging epoxy matrix within a unidirectional composite material. Three different composite microstructures were considered as finite element repeating unit cells, with appropriate periodicity conditions applied at the boundaries. Results representing predicted transverse tensile, longitudinal shear, and transverse shear stress-strain curves are presented, along with plots of the local fields indicating the damage progression within the microstructure. It is demonstrated that the damage model functions appropriately at the matrix scale, enabling localization of the damage to simulate failure of the composite material. The influence of the repeating unit cell geometry and the effect of the directionality of the applied loading are investigated and discussed.

damage↗