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At least 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

A uvbyCaHβ analysis of the old open cluster, NGC 6819

NGC 6819 is a richly populated, older open cluster situated within the Kepler field. A CCD survey of the cluster on the uvbyCaHβ system, coupled with proper-motion membership, has been used to isolate 382 highly probable, single-star unevolved main-sequence members over a 20' field centered on the cluster. From 278 F dwarfs with high precision photometry in all indices, a mean reddening of E(b – y) = 0.117 ± 0.005 or E(B – V) = 0.160 ± 0.007 is derived, where the standard errors of the mean include both internal errors and the photometric zero-point uncertainty. With the reddening fixed, the metallicity derived from the same 278 stars is [Fe/H] = –0.116 ± 0.101 from m {sub 1} and –0.055 ± 0.033 from hk, for a weighted average of [Fe/H] = –0.06 ± 0.04, where the quoted standard errors of the mean include the internal errors from the photometric scatter plus the uncertainty in the photometric zero points. If metallicity is derived using individual reddening values for each star to account for potential reddening variation across the face of the cluster, the analogous result is unchanged. The cluster members at the turnoff of the color-magnitude diagram are used to test and confirm the recently discovered variation in reddening across the face of the cluster, with a probable range in the variation of ΔE(B – V) = 0.045 ± 0.015. With the slightly higher reddening and lower [Fe/H] compared to commonly adopted values, isochrone fitting leads to an age of 2.3 ± 0.2 Gyr for an apparent modulus of (m – M) = 12.40 ± 0.12.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Heterologous synthesis of the complex homometallic cores of nitrogenase P- and M-clusters in Escherichia coli

Nitrogenase is an active target of heterologous expression because of its importance for areas related to agronomy, energy, and environment. One major hurdle for expressing an active Mo-nitrogenase in Escherichia coli is to generate the complex metalloclusters (P- and M-clusters) within this enzyme, which involves some highly unique bioinorganic chemistry/metalloenzyme biochemistry that is not generally dealt with in the heterologous expression of proteins via synthetic biology; in particular, the heterologous synthesis of the homometallic P-cluster ([Fe 8 S 7 ]) and M-cluster core (or L-cluster; [Fe 8 S 9 C]) on their respective protein scaffolds, which represents two crucial checkpoints along the biosynthetic pathway of a complete nitrogenase, has yet to be demonstrated by biochemical and spectroscopic analyses of purified metalloproteins. Here, we report the heterologous formation of a P-cluster-containing NifDK protein upon coexpression of Azotobacter vinelandii nifD, nifK, nifH, nifM, and nifZ genes, and that of an L-cluster-containing NifB protein upon coexpression of Methanosarcina acetivorans nifB, nifS, and nifU genes alongside the A. vinelandii fdxN gene, in E. coli. Our metal content, activity, EPR, and XAS/EXAFS data provide conclusive evidence for the successful synthesis of P- and L-clusters in a nondiazotrophic host, thereby highlighting the effectiveness of our metallocentric, divide-and-conquer approach that individually tackles the key events of nitrogenase biosynthesis prior to piecing them together into a complete pathway for the heterologous expression of nitrogenase. As such, this work paves the way for the transgenic expression of an active nitrogenase while providing an effective tool for further tackling the biosynthetic mechanism of this important metalloenzyme.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Changes in the Atomic Structure through Glass Transition Observed by X-Ray Scattering

The glass transition involves a minor change in the internal energy, and yet the physical and mechanical properties of a glass change dramatically. In order to determine the evolution of the atomic structure through the glass transition, we employed in-situ synchrotron X-ray scattering measurements as a function of temperature on a model material: Zr-Cu-Al metallic glass. We found that the thermal expansion at the atomic level is smaller than the macroscopic thermal expansion, and significantly increases above the glass transition temperature. The observed changes in the pair-distribution function (PDF) are explained in terms of the fluctuations in the local atomic volume and their change through the glass transition.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Computational Optimization of Room Temperature Usable Capacity for Hydrogen Storage in MFU-4-Type Metal–Organic Frameworks via Pairwise Metal Substitutions

The efficient storage of hydrogen is a critical challenge in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Current adsorbent-based methods achieve satisfactory storage densities predominantly under cryogenic temperatures and/or high pressures, which imposes problems with cost-efficient and safe implementation of this technology. Materials that can bind hydrogen gas reversibly at ambient temperatures and more moderate pressures could play a pivotal role in enabling hydrogen-powered technologies. In this study, we use reliable computational modeling to investigate two synthetically feasible paths for tuning the enthalpy of H2 binding in MFU-4-type metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), aiming to maximize usable capacity. This study examines MIM4 IICl3(bta)6 (bta– = benzotriazolate) Kuratowski-type clusters as a model for strong binding sites in MFU-4l frameworks. We systematically evaluate the impact of separately tuning the central MII metal ion (which plays a structural role) and the peripheral MI metal ion (which binds the substrate) on the energetics of H2 binding. Our computational study reveals that H2 binding at an MI site mostly follows the trend AgI < CuI < NiI < CoI < AuI while a larger central MII site generally weakens the H2 binding at a MI site. Importantly, we have identified three new combinations of MI and MII to achieve high fractional usable capacities of the total H2 adsorbed under a pressure swing from 5 to 100 bar at room temperature. Additionally, we examine the nature of the binding interaction between the peripheral metal atom and the hydrogen molecule. While charge transfer predominantly induces this interaction, for several atom combinations, a change in the polarization (associated with variations in the ionic radius of the MI binding atom) is another important factor for adjusting the strength of the interaction. We suggest that the proposed compositions of Kuratowski-type clusters are highly desirable synthetic targets for future laboratory study.

Tkachenko, Nikolay V↗
DOE OSTI2017

In situ heavy ion irradiation studies of nanopore shrinkage and enhanced radiation tolerance of nanoporous Au

High energy particle radiations induce severe microstructural damage in metallic materials. Nanoporous materials with a giant surface-to-volume ratio may alleviate radiation damage in irradiated metallic materials as free surface are defect sinks. We show, by using in situ Kr ion irradiation in a transmission electron microscope at room temperature, that nanoporous Au indeed has significantly improved radiation tolerance comparing with coarse-grained, fully dense Au. In situ studies show that nanopores can absorb and eliminate a large number of radiation-induced defect clusters. Meanwhile, nanopores shrink (self-heal) during radiation, and their shrinkage rate is pore size dependent. Furthermore, the in situ studies show dose-rate-dependent diffusivity of defect clusters. Our study sheds light on the design of radiation-tolerant nanoporous metallic materials for advanced nuclear reactor applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

The binuclear cluster of [FeFe] hydrogenase is formed with sulfur donated by cysteine of an [Fe(Cys)(CO) 2 (CN)] organometallic precursor

Significance [FeFe]-hydrogenases catalyze H 2 evolution at extraordinary rates at low overpotential using base metal (not platinum). In the field of renewable energy, the biosynthesis of these enzymes’ active sites, the H-cluster, is of intense interest. Among its many cofactors, the azadithiolate is unique, and its biosynthesis remains enigmatic. Three Fe–S proteins, HydE, HydF, and HydG, are essential for the H-cluster bioassembly. This paper describes an in vitro assembly approach where a synthetic [Fe(cysteine)(CO) 2 (CN)] complex, “syn-B,” allows HydG-free biosynthesis of the active enzyme. Using isotopic and S/Se labeling, syn-B is shown to contribute Fe(CO) 2 (CN)S to the biosynthesis. This work sets the stage for further investigation of the H-cluster bioassembly.

Rao, Guodong↗
DOE OSTI2017

Field electron emission from a carbon-covered iridium tip

The formation of a carbon coating on an iridium field-emission electron emitter by benzene vapor pyrolysis has been studied. Processes on an emitting tip differ from those studied earlier on flat metal surfaces. The resulting coating either represents a monoatomic graphene film on the flat faces of the emitter or consists of graphene clusters. The field electron emission is localized on the edges and in the corners of a faceted graphite outgrowth. After alkali metals are adsorbed on the carbon coating, emissions from the flat faces anomalously grows and localizes on graphene-coated faces with alkali atoms present on the surface and under the graphene film.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS2019

X-ray Binary Luminosity Function Scaling Relations for Local Galaxies Based on Subgalactic Modeling

We present new Chandra constraints on the X-ray luminosity functions(XLFs)of X-ray binary(XRB)populations, as well as their scaling relations, for a sample of 38 nearby galaxies(D = 3.4–29 Mpc). Our galaxy sample is drawn primarily from the Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey(SINGS)and contains a wealth of Chandra(5.8 Ms total)and multiwavelength data, allowing for star formation rates(SFRs)and stellar masses(M⁎)to be measured on subgalactic scales. We divided the 2478 X-ray-detected sources into 21 subsamples in bins of specific SFR(sSFR ≡ SFR/M⁎)and constructed XLFs. To model the XLF dependence on sSFR, we fit a global XLF model, containing contributions from high-mass XRBs(HMXBs), low-mass XRBs(LMXBs), and background sources from the cosmic X-ray background that respectively scale with SFR, M⁎, and sky area. We find an HMXB XLF that is more complex in shape than previously reported and an LMXB XLF that likely varies with sSFR, potentially due to an age dependence. When applying our global model to XLF data for each individual galaxy, we discover a few galaxy XLFs that significantly deviate from our model beyond statistical scatter. Most notably, relatively low-metallicity galaxies have an excess of HMXBs above≈10^(38)erg/s, and elliptical galaxies that have relatively rich populations of globular clusters(GCs)show excesses of LMXBs compared to the global model. Additional modeling of how the XRB XLF depends on stellar age, metallicity, and GC specific frequency is required to sufficiently characterize the XLFs of galaxies.

Bret D. Lehmer↗
DOE OSTI2020

The bacterial copper resistance protein CopG contains a cysteine-bridged tetranuclear copper cluster

CopG is an uncharacterized protein ubiquitous in Gram-negative bacteria whose gene frequently occurs in clusters of copper resistance genes and can be recognized by the presence of a conserved CxCC motif. To investigate its contribution to copper resistance, here we undertook a structural and biochemical characterization of the CopG protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Results from biochemical analyses of CopG purified under aerobic conditions indicate that it is a green copper-binding protein that displays absorbance maxima near 411, 581, and 721 nm and is monomeric in solution. Determination of the three-dimensional structure by X-ray crystallography revealed that CopG consists of a thioredoxin domain with a C-terminal extension that contributes to metal binding. We noted that adjacent to the CxCC motif is a cluster of four copper ions bridged by cysteine sulfur atoms. Structures of CopG in two oxidation states support the assignment of this protein as an oxidoreductase. On the basis of these structural and spectroscopic findings and also genetic evidence, we propose that CopG has a role in interconverting Cu(I) and Cu(II) to minimize toxic effects and facilitate export by the Cus RND transporter efflux system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unveiling the structural transformations in glassy solid electrolyte adapted to high-stress cycles

Brittleness of glass–ceramic and ceramic ion conductors is considered as a main roadblock for their implementation as electrolytes in solid-state batteries where the fractures often occur due to the pressure exerted by metallic lithium. In this regard, nano- and micro-scale ductility of the solid electrolyte allows reducing such pressure without formation of cracks. Among different types of solid state ion conductors, phosphate invert glasses seem to be promising in achieving such ductility. We report the mechanical behavior of lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) invert glass probed by static and cyclic nanoindentation. Repeated application of high intensity stress results in densification and shear deformation of material allowing LiPON to accommodate the ~ 22% nominal strain imposed by the nanoindenter without cracking. Ability to do this under repeated loading indicates robustness of LiPON when used in lithium metal batteries under cyclic charge and discharge. Using Raman spectroscopy with unsupervised K-means clustering we reveal pressure-induced formation of P 2 O 7 units which migrate to the periphery of the residual hardness impressions with cycling resulting in surface morphology of LiPON superficially similar to that of deformed bulk metallic glass.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Assembly of three organic–inorganic hybrid supramolecular materials based on reduced molybdenum(V) phosphates

Three supramolecular materials based on (P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6}) polyoxoanions, (Hbbi){sub 2}(H{sub 2}bbi)[Cu{sub 3}Mo{sub 12}{sup V}O{sub 24}(OH){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}(HPO{sub 4}){sub 4}(H{sub 2}PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}]·3H{sub 2}O (1), (Hbbi){sub 2}(H{sub 2}bbi)[Ni{sub 3}Mo{sub 12}{sup V}O{sub 24}(OH){sub 6}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}(HPO{sub 4}){sub 4}(H{sub 2}PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}]·9H{sub 2}O (2), (Hbpy)(bpy){sub 3}[Ni{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 10}Na(PCA){sub 2}][NiMo{sub 12}{sup V}O{sub 24}(OH){sub 6}(H{sub 2}PO{sub 4}){sub 6}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}]·6H{sub 2}O (3) (bbi=1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), bpy=4,4′-bipyridine, PCA=pyridine-4-carboxylic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, TG, IR, UV–vis, PXRD and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit covalent 1-D chains constructed from M[P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6}]{sub 2} dimeric cluster and (M(H{sub 2}O){sub n}) (M=Cu, n=3 for 1 and M=Ni, n=1 for 2) linker. Compound 3 possesses an unusual POMMOF supramolecular layers based on [Ni(P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6})]{sub 2} dimeric units and 1-D metal–organic strings [Ni(H{sub 2}O){sub 5}Na(PCA)]{sub n}, in which an in situ ligand of PCA from 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp) precursor was observed. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of 1–3-CPE and magnetic properties of 1–3 have been investigated in detail. - Graphical abstract: As new linking unit, Cu(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}, Ni(H{sub 2}O), and (Ni{sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 10}Na(PCA){sub 2}) are introduced into (TM(P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6}){sub 2}) reaction systems to assemble three supramolecular materials under hydrothermal conditions via changing organic ligand and transition metal. - Highlights: • Tree new supramolecular hybrids based on (P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6}) cluster are reported. • Cu(H{sub 2}O){sub 3} and Ni(H{sub 2}O) as linker are introduced into the (TM(P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6}){sub 2}) systems. • 3 shows unusual layers based on [Ni(P{sub 4}Mo{sub 6})]{sub 2} and 1-D chains [Ni(H{sub 2}O){sub 5}Na(PCA)]{sub n}. • An in situ ligand of PCA from bpp precursor was observed in 3. • The electrochemical and magnetic properties of 1–3 have been studied in detail.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Single gold atoms stabilized on nanoscale metal oxide supports are catalytic active centers for various reactions

Key recent findings that demonstrate that single‐gold atom sites stabilized on various oxide supports by –O bonds are the unique catalytic sites for a number of reactions, including the water‐gas shift reaction, methanol partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions, and the selective dehydrogenation of ethanol are summarized herein. Atomic dispersion of gold on various metal oxides was followed with aberration‐corrected high angle annular dark field/scanning transmission microscopy imaging and x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS). Gold nanoparticles and subnanometer clusters are active only through their interfacial atoms directly interacting with the support, hence if present, they entail precious metal waste. From a design perspective, the important feature in these supported catalysts is the creation of many single‐site gold species anchored on the oxide support to maximize activity. Atomic gold‐centered catalyst designs afford 100% atom efficiency, and more importantly, have distinct product selectivity, different from that of extended metal surfaces. Novel experimental synthesis methods of atomically dispersed Au catalysts are discussed, which pave the way for the efficient use of precious metals, broadening the application of properly designed gold and other precious metals (Pt, Pd) to different reactions in energy conversion and green chemicals production. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J , 62: 429–439, 2016

Wang, Chongyang↗
DOE OSTI2015

Photometric and proper motion study of the neglected open cluster NGC 2215

Optical UBVRI photometric measurements using the Faulkes Telescope North were taken in early 2011 and combined with 2MASS JHK{sub s} and WISE infrared photometry as well as UCAC4 proper motion data in order to estimate the main parameters of the galactic open cluster NGC 2215 of which large uncertainty exists in the current literature. Fitting a King model we estimate a core radius of 1.′12 ± 0.′04 (0.24 ± 0.01 pc) and a limiting radius of 4.′3 ± 0.′5 (0.94 ± 0.11 pc) for the cluster. The results of isochrone fits indicates an age of log(t)=8.85±0.10 with a distance of d=790±90 pc, a metallicity of [Fe/H]=−0.40±0.10 dex, and a reddening of E(B−V)=0.26±0.04. A proportion of the work in this study was undertaken by Australian and Canadian upper secondary school students involved in the Space to Grow astronomy education project, and is the first scientific publication to have utilized our star cluster photometry curriculum materials.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Stars that Move Together Were Born Together

It is challenging to reliably identify stars that were born together outside of actively star-forming regions and bound stellar systems. However, conatal stars should be present throughout the Galaxy, and their demographics can shed light on the clustered nature of star formation and the dynamical state of the disk. In previous work we presented a set of simulations of the Galactic disk that followed the clustered formation and dynamical evolution of 4 billion individual stars over the last 5 Gyr. The simulations predict that a high fraction of comoving stars with physical and 3D velocity separation of Δr < 20 pc and Δv < 1.5 km s -1 are conatal. In this Letter, we use Gaia DR2 and LAMOST DR4 data to identify and study comoving pairs. We find that the distribution of relative velocities and separations of pairs in the data is in good agreement with the predictions from the simulation. We identify 111 comoving pairs in the solar neighborhood with reliable astrometric and spectroscopic measurements. These pairs show a strong preference for having similar metallicities when compared to random field pairs. We therefore conclude that these pairs were very likely born together. The simulations predict that conatal pairs are born in clusters that follow the overall cluster mass function and in relatively young (<1 Gyr) star clusters. Gaia will eventually deliver well-determined metallicities for the brightest stars, enabling the identification of thousands of conatal pairs due to disrupting star clusters in the solar neighborhood.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2013

WOCS 40007: A DETACHED ECLIPSING BINARY NEAR THE TURNOFF OF THE OPEN CLUSTER NGC 6819

We analyze extensive BVR{sub c}I{sub c} time-series photometry and radial-velocity measurements for WOCS 40007 (Auner 259; KIC 5113053), a double-lined detached eclipsing binary and a member of the open cluster NGC 6819. Utilizing photometric observations from the 1 m telescope at Mount Laguna Observatory and spectra from the WIYN 3.5 m telescope, we measure precise and accurate masses ({approx}1.6% uncertainty) and radii ({approx}0.5%) for the binary components. In addition, we discover a third star orbiting the binary with a period greater than 3000 days using radial velocities and Kepler eclipse timings. Because the stars in the eclipsing binary are near the cluster turnoff, they are evolving rapidly in size and are sensitive to age. With a metallicity of [Fe/H] = +0.09 {+-} 0.03, we find the age of NGC 6819 to be about 2.4 Gyr from color-magnitude diagram (CMD) isochrone fitting and 3.1 {+-} 0.4 Gyr by analyzing the mass-radius (M-R) data for this binary. The M-R age is above previous determinations for this cluster, but consistent within 1{sigma} uncertainties. When the M-R data for the primary star of the additional cluster binary WOCS 23009 is included, the weighted age estimate drops to 2.5 {+-} 0.2 Gyr, with a systematic uncertainty of at least 0.2 Gyr. The age difference between our CMD and M-R findings may be the result of systematic error in the metallicity or helium abundance used in models, or due to slight radius inflation of one or both stars in the WOCS 40007 binary.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2011

DETAILED CHEMICAL ABUNDANCES OF FOUR STARS IN THE UNUSUAL GLOBULAR CLUSTER PALOMAR 1

Detailed chemical abundances for 21 elements are presented for four red giants in the anomalous outer halo globular cluster Palomar 1 (R{sub GC} = 17.2 kpc, Z = 3.6 kpc) using high-resolution (R = 36, 000) spectra from the High Dispersion Spectrograph on the Subaru Telescope. Pal 1 has long been considered unusual because of its low surface brightness, sparse red giant branch, young age, and its possible association with two extragalactic streams of stars. This paper shows that its chemistry further confirms its unusual nature. The mean metallicity of the four stars, [Fe/H] = -0.60 {+-} 0.01, is high for a globular cluster so far from the Galactic center, but is low for a typical open cluster. The [{alpha}/Fe] ratios, though in agreement with the Galactic stars within the 1{sigma} errors, agree best with the lower values in dwarf galaxies. No signs of the Na/O anticorrelation are detected in Pal 1, though Na appears to be marginally high in all four stars. Pal 1's neutron-capture elements are also unusual: its high [Ba/Y] ratio agrees best with dwarf galaxies, implying an excess of second-peak over first-peak s-process elements, while its [Eu/{alpha}] and [Ba/Eu] ratios show that Pal 1's contributions from the r-process must have differed in some way from normal Galactic stars. Therefore, Pal 1 is unusual chemically, as well in its other properties. Pal 1 shares some of its unusual abundance characteristics with the young clusters associated with the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy remnant and the intermediate-age LMC clusters, and could be chemically associated with the Canis Majoris overdensity; however, it does not seem to be similar to the Monoceros/Galactic Anticenter Stellar Stream.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Distribution of defect clusters in the primary damage of ion irradiated 3C-SiC

We report a statistical analysis of sizes and compositions of clusters produced in cascades during irradiation of SiC. The results are obtained using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of cascades caused by primary knock-on atoms (PKAs) with energies between 10 eV and 50 keV. The results are averaged over six crystallographic directions of the PKA and integrated over PKA energy spectrum derived from the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) code. Specific results are presented for 1 MeV Kr ion as an example of an impinging particle. We find that distributions of cluster size n for both vacancies and interstitials obey a power law f = A/n S and these clusters are dominated by carbons defects. The fitted values of A and S are different than values reported for metals, which can be explained through different defect energetics and cascade morphology between the two classes of materials. In SiC, the average carbon ratio for interstitial clusters is 91.5%, which is higher than the ratio of C in vacancy clusters, which is 85.3%. Size and composition distribution of in-cascade clusters provide a critical input for long-term defect evolution models.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Considerations for Hydride Moderator Readiness in Microreactors

The emergence of microreactor technology has helped to drive supporting nuclear materials qualification and acceptance processes. One essential component in these small reactors is a solid moderator, which typically consists of metal hydride and cladding. While the behavior and performance of metal-hydride moderators go back to early advanced reactor development for nuclear-powered aviation and space propulsion, there remains a knowledge gap in the understanding of hydrogen transport–related phenomena and irradiation performance for hydride moderators. This impacts the acceptance/qualification of hydride moderators for microreactors. The goal of this technical note is to lay out a potential path forward for advanced moderator qualification and acceptance for designers and developers of microreactors. The proposed approach has benefited from a model microreactor core with the design parameters of a hydride moderator. Based on the model core and design parameters, a simple chart was developed for the major challenges of hydride moderators where potential incidents, causes, effects, and resolutions are described. The relation between the offered resolutions and the maturity of the metal-hydride moderator technology was emphasized using technological readiness. Technological readiness levels (TRLs) were clustered to three sets: physical phenomena related, reactor irradiations, and system demonstration. Some essential needs to fill the knowledge gaps are discussed for physical phenomena–related TRLs. For reactor irradiations, the importance of identifying goals and priorities is stressed to reach certain TRLs. For system demonstration, it is noted that metal-hydride moderator qualification must comply with the overall microreactor design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗