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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 1,621 records · Page 90
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} glass ceramic films: Synthesis, structural and spectroscopic studies

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2} films were synthesized by sol–gel and by dip-coating technique. • Effects of incorporating PVP on structural properties were studied. • Effects of incorporating silica (SiO{sub 2}) luminescence characteristics were analyzed. • X-ray diffraction results showed that Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2} crystallizes at 700 °C. • The 611 nm emission for the Lu:Si = 8:1 system presented an improvement. - Abstract: For the first time, transparent and crack free europium-doped lutetia silica sol–gel films were synthesized using the dip-coating technique on silica quartz substrates. In this study, we examined the effects of incorporating polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and silica (SiO{sub 2}) into different precursor solutions for different Lu–Si molar ratios: 4:1, 6:1, 8:1 and 10:1. Different systems, such as Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2} (using the above Lu:Si molar ratios), were synthesized by sol–gel and by dip-coating technique, employing acetylacetonate lutetium and tetraethylorthosilicate as Lu and Si precursors, in order to produce Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+} (5 mol%)@SiO{sub 2} glass–ceramic films. The film microstructure was studied by microRaman spectroscopy (MRS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for different Lu:Si molar ratios on films annealed at 700 °C. X-ray diffraction results showed that the lutetium oxide cubic phase crystallizes in the silica matrix at 700 °C, and the crystallite size of Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Eu{sup 3+}@SiO{sub 2} films varies from 5 nm to 17 nm according to the respective Lu:Si molar ratios. Opto-geometrical parameters determined by m-lines spectroscopy using a 632.5 nm He–Ne laser showed that the Eu{sup 3+} doped films heat-treated at 700 °C presented a thickness and density of 1.7 μm (8.8 g cm{sup −3}), 970 nm (9.2 g cm{sup −3}), 1 μm (9.3 g cm{sup −3}) and 1.3 μm (9.25 g cm{sup −3}) for the Lu:Si = 4:1, 6:1, 8:1 and 10:1 molar ratio systems, respectively. The Lu:Si = 8:1 system 611 nm emission presented an improvement. These results were provided by photoluminescent spectroscopy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A multi-prong approach towards the development of high performance Temperature sensor using MWCNTs/Al2O3 composite film

Highlights: • MWCNTs/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite based self-standing highly sensitive temperature sensor. • Optimization of film thickness to achieve best performance of the device. • Effect of carrier drift under strong electron-phonon coupling is examined. • Non-contact measurements reveal possibilities of ambient environment monitoring. • Highly stable and reproducible response bidding commercial scale production. - Abstract: We report fabrication of high-performance temperature sensor from free-standing MWCNTs/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite film where a multi-prong approach was undertaken to enhance sensor performance. Film thickness was varied until a threshold value was reached by playing surface-area to volume-ratio factor leading to enormous improvements in crucial sensor parameters–temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal hysteresis. Increased TCR resulted in high sensitivity, ultrafast response and negligible hysteresis loss. Besides, effect of carrier-drift transport under strong electron-phonon scattering is investigated by permutation of channel-length and external DC bias. Observed TCR value is −0.96%/°C for 16.53 μm thick film, at 2 V applied-bias voltage for 1 mm channel-length. Moreover, the sensor exhibited negligible hysteresis loss along-with response and recovery times of ∼40 s and ∼185 s respectively. Non-contact mode temperature measurements also demonstrated excellent performance. Fabricated sensors exhibited good stability and negligible drift for six-months. These studies are significant towards fabricating simple, highly-sensitive, economic heat sensor with high reproducibility.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Properties of Geopolymer Composites Reinforced with Basalt Chopped Strand Mat or Woven Fabric

Geopolymers or polysialates are inorganic polymeric, ceramic‐like materials composed of alumina, silica, and alkali metal oxides that can be made without any thermal treatment. Additions of reinforcing phases vastly improve the mechanical properties and high‐temperature stability of the geopolymer. The processing and mechanical properties of both chopped strand mat as well as 2‐D woven fabric‐reinforced potassium geopolymer composites have been evaluated. Hand lay‐up and hydraulic press processing methods were used to produce composite panels. The room‐temperature tensile and flexural strength of chopped strand mat composites was 21.0 ± 3.1 and 31.7 ± 4.4 MP a, respectively, while those of basalt weave‐reinforced geopolymer composites reached 40.0 ± 5.9 and 45.2 ± 9.3 MP a, respectively. Composite microstructures were examined using optical microscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ). Mass, volume, and porosity fractions were also determined. The effect of high‐temperature treatments at 25°C, 300°C, 600°C, and 800°C were analyzed. Finally, Weibull statistical analysis was performed, which showed an increase in reliability when a reinforcement phase was added to K‐geopolymer.

Ribero, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1986

Material for Fast Cutting

New material for cutting tools increases productivity of machining processes. Material, called Iscanite (or equivalent), based on silicon nitride contains more than 90 percent silicon. Combines impact resistance close to that of coated carbides with heat and wear resistance close to those of aluminum oxide ceramics. Material used for cutting on old or new machine tools and makes it possible to exploit fully power and speed of machine.

Perez, A.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Comparison of Multiscale Method of Cells-Based Models for Predicting Elastic Properties of Filament Wound C/C-SiC

Three different multiscale models, based on the method of cells (generalized and high fidelity) micromechanics models were developed and used to predict the elastic properties of C/C-SiC composites. In particular, the following multiscale modeling strategies were employed: Concurrent multiscale modeling of all phases using the generalized method of cells, synergistic (two-way coupling in space) multiscale modeling with the generalized method of cells, and hierarchical (one-way coupling in space) multiscale modeling with the high fidelity generalized method of cells. The three models are validated against data from a hierarchical multiscale finite element model in the literature for a repeating unit cell of C/C-SiC. Furthermore, the multiscale models are used in conjunction with classical lamination theory to predict the stiffness of C/C-SiC plates manufactured via a wet filament winding and liquid silicon infiltration process recently developed by the German Aerospace Institute.

multiscale modeling↗
NASA NTRS2005

Processing of Lunar Soil Simulant for Space Exploration Applications

NASA's long-term vision for space exploration includes developing human habitats and conducting scientific investigations on planetary bodies, especially on Moon and Mars. Processing and utilization of planetary in-situ resources is recognized as an important element of this vision since it can minimize the level of up-mass that will have to be transported from earth to the planetary bodies. Within this scope and context, we have undertaken a general effort aimed primarily at extracting and refining metals, developing glass, glass-ceramic, or traditional ceramic type materials using lunar soil simulants. In this paper we will present preliminary results on our effort on simultaneous carbothermal reduction of oxides for elemental extraction and zone refining for obtaining high purity metals. In additions we will demonstrate the possibility of developing glass fibers as reinforcement agents for planetary habitat construction, glasses for fixing nuclear waste from potential nuclear power generators, and glasses for magnetic applications. The paper will also include initial thermal characterization of the glasses produced from lunar simulant. Compositional analysis of processed samples will be presented.

Sen, Subhayu↗
DOE OSTI2020

Effects of transition metals on the evolution of polymer-derived SiOC ceramics

This work focuses on catalytic graphitization from different metals, iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni), for inducing carbon growth in silicon oxycarbides (SiOCs) during the pyrolysis. Fe, Co, and Ni-modified SiOCs were synthesized by pyrolysis to 900, 1100, and 1300 °C respectively in Ar. The transition metals induced the formation of the corresponding metal silicides, β-SiC, and graphitic carbon with the catalytic activity in the order of Fe > Co > Ni, in agreement with the activation energy calculation based on the carbon types and amounts. Lateral growth of turbostratic carbon followed a 2D grain growth process and its point-like defect density decreased based on the catalytic order of the transition metals, with SiOC/Fe having the lowest defect density. Quantitative analysis of the XPS results with Rietveld refinement illustrated that the phase separation of SiOC is more dominant than local carbothermal reduction between SiO 2 and C in the SiOC/M (M = Ni, Co, or Fe) systems. Understanding the catalytic graphitization effect of Ni, Co, and Fe on polymer derived ceramics offers new strategies in increasing high-temperature phase amounts and thus creating novel materials for heterogeneous catalysis, magnetic, and other applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fabrication and Characterization of Surrogate TRISO Particles Using 800μm ZrO 2 Kernels

In support of fully ceramic microencapsulated (FCM) fuel development, coating development work is ongoing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to produce tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) coated fuel particles with both UN kernels and surrogate (uranium-free) kernels. The nitride kernels are used to increase fissile density in these SiC-matrix fuel pellets with details described elsewhere. The surrogate TRISO particles are necessary for separate effects testing and for utilization in the consolidation process development. This report focuses on the fabrication and characterization of surrogate TRISO particles which use 800μm in diameter ZrO 2 microspheres as the kernel.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Numerical modeling of Joule heated ceramic melter

Computational fluid dynamics and heat transfer models of waste glass melters are being developed to support the vitrification campaign at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) as part of the United States nuclear waste stewardship and environmental protection programs. The WTP mission aims to achieve the stable and durable processing of vitrified waste in the safest, most efficient, and economical manner possible. Hanford’s tank waste is far more complex and varied than the waste treated by other vitrification facilities and both startup and long-term operational challenges are likely to be even greater than prior experience has shown. There are thousands of different waste compositions, which makes processing the waste a complex and challenging task. Models of test melters, pilot-scale, and full-scale melters have been developed to provide understanding and insight into the various physical and chemical phenomena occurring during vitrification. So the results of these modeling activities will be used to support the WTP operations to process legacy nuclear waste into a stable form for disposal.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2014

Separators - Technology review: Ceramic based separators for secondary batteries

Besides a continuous increase of the worldwide use of electricity, the electric energy storage technology market is a growing sector. At the latest since the German energy transition ('Energiewende') was announced, technological solutions for the storage of renewable energy have been intensively studied. Storage technologies in various forms are commercially available. A widespread technology is the electrochemical cell. Here the cost per kWh, e. g. determined by energy density, production process and cycle life, is of main interest. Commonly, an electrochemical cell consists of an anode and a cathode that are separated by an ion permeable or ion conductive membrane - the separator - as one of the main components. Many applications use polymeric separators whose pores are filled with liquid electrolyte, providing high power densities. However, problems arise from different failure mechanisms during cell operation, which can affect the integrity and functionality of these separators. In the case of excessive heating or mechanical damage, the polymeric separators become an incalculable security risk. Furthermore, the growth of metallic dendrites between the electrodes leads to unwanted short circuits. In order to minimize these risks, temperature stable and non-flammable ceramic particles can be added, forming so-called composite separators. Full ceramic separators, in turn, are currently commercially used only for high-temperature operation systems, due to their comparably low ion conductivity at room temperature. However, as security and lifetime demands increase, these materials turn into focus also for future room temperature applications. Hence, growing research effort is being spent on the improvement of the ion conductivity of these ceramic solid electrolyte materials, acting as separator and electrolyte at the same time. Starting with a short overview of available separator technologies and the separator market, this review focuses on ceramic-based separators. Two prominent examples, the lithium-ion and sodium-sulfur battery, are described to show the current stage of development. New routes are presented as promising technologies for safe and long-life electrochemical storage cells.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Experimental investigation of thermal conductivity of high entropy ceramics

In this talk, we will present the experimental investigation of thermal conductivity of high entropy carbides (HEC) and borides (HEB) with different compositions. Thermal conductivity determines the capability of a material to transport thermal energy and is considered as one critical physical property, specially in the energy industry. Due to the presences of disordered cation sublattice, it is expected that thermal conductivity of high entropy ceramics is lower than the counterparts with simpler compositions, but the experimental studies are relatively few. Using laser-based spatial-domain and frequency-domain thermoreflectance technique, we measured thermal conductivity of HECs and HEBs in a temperature range from 77K to 773K. Furthermore, by focusing the laser using an objective lens, we were able to perform the thermal property mapping on samples with the spatial resolution of micrometer. Such measurements could reveal important microstructure information in a rapid and efficient way without using scanning electron microscopy. The high spatial resolution also enables thermal conductivity measurements on ion-irradiated HECs with the damage layer of merely 1.1µm. These measurements can provide valuable information to predict the performances of HECs and HEBs with different compositions and from different manufacturing processes, and in the extreme environments such as nuclear reactors.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Spent Fuel Reprocessing Development and Usage of Fission Products as Starting Precursor for Ceramic Waste-Forms - 16498

The principal purpose of spent fuel reprocessing consists in the recovery of the uranium and plutonium and the separation of fission products so as to allow re-use of fissile isotopes and waste preparing for disposal. Reprocessing is a series of chemical operations that separates plutonium and uranium from other constituents in nuclear waste. Indeed, the plutonium separated can be used to fuel reactors, but also to make nuclear weapons. Since reprocessing operations are far more expensive than using uranium fuel and disposing of the spent fuel directly, this process is not readily considered. Without doubts the reprocessing price of $1000 per kilogram of heavy metal (kgHM), like uranium must be less by at least 2-3 times compared to directly deposing the spent fuel. And some more simple technology (in comparison with PUREX process) must be developed, for example, technology based on precipitation processes. One of the options to change reprocessing technology is the idea to use certain fission products occurring in spent fuel in considerable amount and capable to form insoluble substances as suitable materials for long-term storage or final disposal of radioactive wastes. The development of new materials for HLW immobilization are intended to reduce disposal cost. The present work was aimed at the search for the simple engineering decisions that would provide opportunity of fission products usage as starting precursor for ceramic waste-forms. The results of experiments on synthesis of Pd-based metallo-ceramic compositions are presented in this paper. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2018

Final project report for NEET pulsed ion beam project

The major goal of this project was to develop and demonstrate a novel experimental approach to access the dynamic regime of radiation damage formation in nuclear materials. In particular, the project exploited a pulsed-ion-beam method in order to gain insight into defect interaction dynamics by measuring effective defect interaction time constants and defect diffusion lengths. This project had the following four major objectives: (i) the demonstration of the pulsed ion beam method for a prototypical nuclear ceramic material, SiC; (ii) the evaluation of the robustness of the pulsed beam method from studies of defect generation rate effects; (iii) the measurement of the temperature dependence of defect dynamics and thermally activated defect-interaction processes by pulsed ion beam techniques; and (iv) the demonstration of alternative characterization techniques to study defect dynamics. As we describe below, all these objectives have been met.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

First-principles Studies of Tritium Reactivity and Diffusivity on Defective and Carbon Doped Surfaces of $\gamma$-LiAlO 2 Pellets (Tritium Science Program Report FY 2019 )

In tritium-producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs), tritium ($^{3}_{1}$H,T) is produced in 6 Li isotope enriched γ-LiAlO 2 ceramic pellet. However, a better understanding of $^{3}_{1}$H transport through the pellets, getters and the barrier/cladding system is hampered by a lack of fundamental data about the $^{3}_{1}$H solubility and diffusivity. In the process of $^{3}_{1}$H diffusion from bulk γ-LiAlO 2 to its surface, it is possible that $^{3}_{1}$H atoms bind with surface atoms or become trapped at vacancies sites. By increasing the number of $^{3}_{1}$H diffused from bulk to surface, upon recombination and desorption from surface sites, they will escape from the γ-LiAlO 2 surface to form different $^{3}_{1}$H species (possibly being as T, T 2 , T 2 O, OT, or CT x (x=1-4, with C impurity present at a 100-600 ppm level in pellets) that need to be identified and can become captured by the getter. Therefore, exploring the $^{3}_{1}$H diffusion from bulk to surface, corroborated with surface adsorption, diffusion and recombination and followed by desorption from surface as various types of $^{3}_{1}$H species becomes a very important task as an integral part of the study of $^{3}_{1}$H solubility and diffusivity in the pellets.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2026

PIP-II SRF Couplers Fabrication Status and Addressing Ceramic Yield Challenges

The PIP-II project requires reliable SRF couplers to deliver high RF power to the cavities. This talk presents the current status of coupler fabrication, including progress on procurement, assembly, and testing. In particular, it focuses on the challenges encountered with ceramic window production, where limited yield has become a concern. Observed issues and inspection results will be discussed, together with the actions taken to improve quality and consistency. The path forward, including ongoing work with vendors and process adjustments, will also be outlined.

Aiazzi, Tommaso [Fermilab] (ORCID:0009000297503407↗
NASA NTRS1985

Advanced Gas Turbine (AGT) technology report

Engine testing, ceramic component fabrication and evaluation, component performance rig testing, and producibility experiments at Pontiac comprised AGT 100 activities of this period, January to December 1984. Two experimental engines were available and allowed the evaluation of eight experimental assemblies. Operating time accumulated was 115 hr of burning and 156 hr total. Total cumulative engine operating time is now 225 hr. Build number 11 and 12 of engine S/N 1 totaled 28 burning hours and constituted a single assembly of the engine core--the compressor, both turbines, and the gearbox. Build number 11 of engine S/N 1 included a 1:07 hr continuous test at 100% gasifier speed (86,000 rpm). Build number 8 of engine S/N 2 was the first engine test with a ceramic turbine rotor. A mechanical loss test of an engine assembly revealed the actual losses to be near the original design allowance. Component development activity included rig testing of the compressor, combustor, and regenerator. Compressor testing was initiated on a rig modified to control the transfer of heat between flow path, lubricating oil, and structure. Results show successful thermal decoupling of the rig and lubricating/cooling oil. Rig evaluation of a reduced-friction compressor was initiated. Combustor testing covered qualification of ceramic parts for engine use, mapping of operating range limits, and evaluation of a relocated igniter plug. Several seal refinements were tested on the hot regenerator rig. An alternate regenerator disk, extruded MAS, was examined and found to be currently inadequate for the AGT 100 application. Also, a new technique for measuring leakage was explored on the regenerator rig. Ceramic component activity has focused on the development of state-of-the-art material strength characteristics in full-scale hardware. Injection-molded sintered alpha-SiC rotors were produced at Carborundum in an extensive process and tool optimization study.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

Development and testing of a superconducting link for an IR detector

The development and testing of a ceramic superconducting link for an infrared detector is summarized. Areas of study included the materials used, the electrical contacts, radiation and temperature cycling effects, aging, thermal conductivity, and computer models of an ideal link. Materials' samples were processed in a tube furnace at temperatures of 840 C to 865 C for periods up to 17 days and transition temperatures and critical current densities were recorded. The project achieved better quality high superconducting transition temperature material through improved processing and also achieved high quality electrical contacts. Studies on effects of electron irradiation, temperature cycling, and aging on superconducting properties indicate that the materials will be suitable for space applications. Various presentations and publications on the study's results are reported.

Caton, R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Characterization of Ceramic Matrix Composite Combustor Components: Pre and Post Exposure

The pursuit of lower emissions and higher performance from gas turbine engines requires the development of innovative concepts and the use of advanced materials for key engine components. One key engine component is the combustor, where innovative design and material improvements have the potential to lower emissions. Efforts to develop a High Speed Civil Transport with low emissions were focused on the evaluation of combustor concepts with liners fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite of silicon carbide fibers in a silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC). The evaluation of SiC/SiC composites progressed from simple coupons (to establish a first-order database and identify operant failure mechanisms and damage accumulation processes), to feature-based subelements (to assess fabricability and in situ material response), to actual components (to assess structural integrity, dimensional, and compositional fidelity) tested under simulated engine conditions. As in the case of all evolutionary material and process work, a key element to resolving fabrication issues is the evaluation of witness areas taken from fabricated components before testing the actual component. The witness material from these components allowed microstructural and mechanical testing to be performed and compared to the ideal, flat panel, conditions and data that are typical of basic characterization. This also allowed samples of similar design to be taken from components after 115 hours of combustion exposure. Testing consisted of tensile, double notch shear, ring burst, and thermal conductivity that sampled various regions of the components. The evaluation of the witness material allowed an understanding of the fabrication process, highlighting critical issues, in an early phase of the learning curve development of these configuration and material unique parts. Residual property testing, after exposure, showed if degradation of the material under actual service conditions was occurring. This paper will present the results of this critical testing. Evaluations that consider the degree of complexity of the fabricated part were established to relate in situ performance to that of flat panel based coupons. Nondestructive evaluation was used throughout the evaluation process. These results will also be discussed as an aid in understanding the test results.

Ojard, G.↗