A Basin-Wide Examination of the Arctic Ocean's Double-Diffusive Staircase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibley, N.; Timmermans, M. L.; Carpenter, J. R.; Toole, J. M.

2016-02-01

The Arctic Ocean thermohaline stratification frequently exhibits a staircase structure above the Atlantic Water Layer consisting of multiple mixed layers of order 1-m in height separated by sharp interfaces. This double-diffusive staircase structure is characterized across the entire Arctic Ocean through a detailed analysis of Ice-Tethered Profiler measurements acquired between 2004 and 2013. Staircase properties (mixed layer thicknesses and temperature-salinity jumps across interfaces) are examined in relation to a bulk vertical density ratio for 50-m spanning the staircase stratification. It is shown that the Lomonosov Ridge serves as an approximate boundary between regions of low density ratio (on the Eurasian side) and higher density ratio (on the Canadian side). We find that the diffusive staircase in the Eurasian Basin is characterized by fewer, thinner mixed layers than that in the Canadian Basin, although the margins of all basins are characterized by relatively thin staircase mixed layers. Using a double-diffusive 4/3 flux law parameterization, the distribution of vertical heat fluxes through the staircase is estimated across the Arctic; it is found that heat fluxes in the Eurasian Basin [O(1) W/m^2] are generally an order of magnitude larger than those in the Canadian Basin [O(0.1) W/m^2].

Liquid eutectic GaIn as an alternative electrode for PTB7:PCBM organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thanh Hau Pham, Viet; Kieu Trinh, Thanh; Tam Nguyen Truong, Nguyen; Park, Chinho

2017-04-01

Conventional vacuum deposition process of aluminum (Al) is costly, time-consuming and difficult to apply to the large-scale production of organic photovoltaic devices (OPV). This paper reports a vacuum-free fabrication process of poly[[4,8-bis(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b‧]dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thienophenediyl]:[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7:PCBM) bulk heterojunction organic solar cell with liquid eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) electrode as an alternative to the common Al electrode. The insertion of a thin poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) layer after depositing organic photoactive layer could help prevent the diffusion of liquid EGaIn into the active layer and allow the deposition of the EGaIn electrode. The PEO interfacial layer was formed by spin-coating from a mixed solvent of alcohol and water. Among different alcohol+water (methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, n-propanol, isopropanol, and isobutanol) mixed solvent tested, the n-propanol+water mixed solvent showed the greatest enhancement to the performance of OPVs. The improved device performance was attributed to the reactivity of mixed solvent n-propanol+water toward the surface of PTB7:PCBM active layer, which could help optimize surface morphology.

Mixed Valence in Conjugated Anion Radicals. Solution and Solid State Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-24

voltammetry was performed using a BAS-100 electrochemical analyzer. Bulk electrolyses were performed with a Princeton Applied Research (PAR) model 173...extracted with several small portions of CH 2 CI 2. The combined organic layers are then washed once again with water . After drying over Na2 SO4 the

Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell with Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes in the Active Layer: Effect of Nanocomposite Synthesis Technique on Photovoltaic Properties

PubMed Central

Keru, Godfrey; Ndungu, Patrick G.; Mola, Genene T.; Nyamori, Vincent O.

2015-01-01

Nanocomposites of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have been synthesized by two methods; specifically, direct solution mixing and in situ polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray dispersive spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, photoluminescence spectrophotometry (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dispersive surface energy analysis. The nanocomposites were used in the active layer of a bulk heterojunction organic solar cell with the composition ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:N-CNTS:PCBM/LiF/Al. TEM and SEM analysis showed that the polymer successfully wrapped the N-CNTs. FTIR results indicated good π-π interaction within the nanocomposite synthesized by in situ polymerization as opposed to samples made by direct solution mixing. Dispersive surface energies of the N-CNTs and nanocomposites supported the fact that polymer covered the N-CNTs well. J-V analysis show that good devices were formed from the two nanocomposites, however, the in situ polymerization nanocomposite showed better photovoltaic characteristics.

A second-order bulk boundary-layer model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Randall, David A.; Shao, Qingqiu; Moeng, Chin-Hoh

1992-01-01

Bulk mass-flux models represent the large eddies that are primarily responsible for the turbulent fluxes in the planetary boundary layer as convective circulations, with an associated convective mass flux. In order for such models to be useful, it is necessary to determine the fractional area covered by rising motion in the convective circulations. This fraction can be used as an estimate of the cloud amount, under certain conditions. 'Matching' conditions have been developed that relate the convective mass flux to the ventilation and entrainment mass fluxes. These are based on conservation equations for the scalar means and variances in the entrainment and ventilation layers. Methods are presented to determine both the fractional area covered by rising motion and the convective mass flux. The requirement of variance balance is used to relax the 'well-mixed' assumption. The vertical structures of the mean state and the turbulent fluxes are determined analytically. Several aspects of this simple model's formulation are evaluated using results from large-eddy simulations.

The Fabrication of Bulk Heterojunction P3HT: PCBM Organic Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darwis, D.; Sesa, E.; Farhamza, D.; Iqbal

2018-05-01

Bulk heterojunction Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are gaining a lot of interest due to their potential for ease of processing and lower manufacturing cost sustainable energy generation. In consequence, the number of studies into the properties and characteristics of organic solar cell devices has been increased to improving their power conversion. A further advancement over past decade has shown that improved efficiency could be obtained by mixed of poly(3 - hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [1] – phenyl - C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as an active layer. A series of optimizations of this P3HT: PCBM blends, such as the mixture ratio variation, the annealing treatments, and solvent treatment, have been emerged to improve the efficiency of the OPV. As a result, significant improvements were achieved. Here, we report the fabrication heterojunction devices of 2.9 % efficiency. This result has been achieved using the configuration of a typical heterojunction solar cell modules consists of layered glass/ITO/PEDOT: PSS/active layer/cathode interlayer

Maglev performance of a double-layer bulk high temperature superconductor above a permanent magnet guideway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Z.; Wang, J.; Zheng, J.; Lin, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, S.

2009-05-01

In order to improve the performance of the present high temperature superconducting (HTS) maglev vehicle system, the maglev performance of single- and double-layer bulk high temperature superconductors (HTSC) was investigated above a permanent magnet guideway (PMG). It is found that the maglev performance of a double-layer bulk HTSC is not a simple addition of each layer's levitation and guidance force. Moreover, the applied magnetic field at the position of the upper layer bulk HTSC is not completely shielded by the lower layer bulk HTSC either. 53.5% of the levitation force and 27.5% of the guidance force of the upper layer bulk HTSC are excited in the double-layer bulk HTSC arrangement in the applied field-cooling condition and working gap, bringing a corresponding improvement of 16.9% and 8.8% to the conventional single-layer bulk HTSC. The present research implies that the cost performance of upper layer bulk HTSC is a little low for the whole HTS maglev system.

THz-wave generation via difference frequency mixing in strained silicon based waveguide utilizing its second order susceptibility χ((2)).

PubMed

Saito, Kyosuke; Tanabe, Tadao; Oyama, Yutaka

2014-07-14

Terahertz (THz) wave generation via difference frequency mixing (DFM) process in strain silicon membrane waveguides by introducing the straining layer is theoretically investigated. The Si(3)N(4) straining layer induces anisotropic compressive strain in the silicon core and results in the appearance of the bulk second order nonlinear susceptibility χ((2)) by breaking the crystal symmetry. We have proposed waveguide structures for THz wave generation under the DFM process by .using the modal birefringence in the waveguide core. Our simulations show that an output power of up to 0.95 mW can be achieved at 9.09 THz. The strained silicon optical device may open a widow in the field of the silicon-based active THz photonic device applications.

Estimation of evaporation from equilibrium diurnal boundary layer humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salvucci, G.; Rigden, A. J.; Li, D.; Gentine, P.

2017-12-01

Simplified conceptual models of the convective boundary layer as a well mixed profile of potential temperature (theta) and specific humidity (q) impinging on an initially stably stratified linear potential temperature profile have a long history in atmospheric sciences. These one dimensional representations of complex mixing are useful for gaining insights into land-atmosphere interactions and for prediction when state of the art LES approaches are infeasible. As previously shown (e.g. Betts), if one neglects the role of q in bouyancy, the framework yields a unique relation between mixed layer Theta, mixed layer height (h), and cumulative sensible heat flux (SH) throughout the day. Similarly assuming an initially q profile yields a simple relation between q, h, and cumulative latent heat flux (LH). The diurnal dynamics of theta and q are strongly dependent on SH and the initial lapse rates of theta (gamma_thet) and q (gamma q). In the estimation method proposed here, we further constrain these relations with two more assumptions: 1) The specific humidity is the same at the start of the period of boundary layer growth and at the collapse; and 2) Once the mixed layer reaches the LCL, further drying occurs proportionally to the deardorff convective velocity scale (omega) multiplied by q. Assumption (1) is based on the idea that below the cloud layer, there are no sinks of moisture within the mixed layer (neglecting lateral humidity divergence). Thus the net mixing of dry air aloft with evaporation from the surface must balance. Inclusion of the simple model of moisture loss above the LCL into the bulk-CBL model allows definition of an equilibrium humidity (q) condition at which the diurnal cycle of q repeats (i.e. additions of q from surface balance entrainment of dry air from above). Surprisingly, this framework allows estimation of LH from q, theta, and estimated net radiation by solving for the value of Evaporative Fraction (EF) for which the diurnal cycle of q repeats. Three parameters need specification: cloud area fraction, entrainment factor, and morning lapse rate. Surprisingly, a single set of values for these parameters are adequate to estimate EF at over 70 tested Ameriflux sites to within about 20%, though improvements are gained using a single regression model for gamma_thet that has been fitted to radiosonde data.

Molecular Modeling of Interfacial Behaviors of Nanomaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-01

potential was originally designed for the modeling of mixed covalent- ionic bonding and was successfully used to describe oxides in crystalline, glassy, and...is separates from the bulk liquid polymer, i.e., the structure of this layer, as influenced by that of the meatal surface, is significantly more...Striolo, J. Kieffer, and P. Cummings, ’Evaluation of Force- fields for molecular simulation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes,’ J. Phys. Chem

Kinetic multi-layer model of aerosol surface and bulk chemistry (KM-SUB): the influence of interfacial transport and bulk diffusion on the oxidation of oleic acid by ozone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiraiwa, Manabu; Pfrang, Christian; Pöschl, Ulrich

2010-05-01

Aerosols are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and have strong effects on climate and public health. Gas-particle interactions can significantly change the physical and chemical properties of aerosols such as toxicity, reactivity, hygroscopicity and radiative properties. Chemical reactions and mass transport lead to continuous transformation and changes in the composition of atmospheric aerosols ("chemical aging"). Resistor model formulations are widely used to describe and investigate heterogeneous reactions and multiphase processes in laboratory, field and model studies of atmospheric chemistry. The traditional resistor models, however, are usually based on simplifying assumptions such as steady state conditions, homogeneous mixing, and limited numbers of non-interacting species and processes. In order to overcome these limitations, Pöschl, Rudich and Ammann have developed a kinetic model framework (PRA framework) with a double-layer surface concept and universally applicable rate equations and parameters for mass transport and chemical reactions at the gas-particle interface of aerosols and clouds [1]. Based on the PRA framework, we present a novel kinetic multi-layer model that explicitly resolves mass transport and chemical reaction at the surface and in the bulk of aerosol particles (KM-SUB) [2]. The model includes reversible adsorption, surface reactions and surface-bulk exchange as well as bulk diffusion and reaction. Unlike earlier models, KM-SUB does not require simplifying assumptions about steady-state conditions and radial mixing. The temporal evolution and concentration profiles of volatile and non-volatile species at the gas-particle interface and in the particle bulk can be modeled along with surface concentrations and gas uptake coefficients. In this study we explore and exemplify the effects of bulk diffusion on the rate of reactive gas uptake for a simple reference system, the ozonolysis of oleic acid particles, in comparison to experimental data and earlier model studies. We demonstrate how KM-SUB can be used to interpret and analyze experimental data from laboratory studies, and how the results can be extrapolated to atmospheric conditions. In particular, we show how interfacial transport and bulk transport, i.e., surface accommodation, bulk accommodation and bulk diffusion, influence the kinetics of the chemical reaction. Sensitivity studies suggest that in fine air particulate matter oleic acid and compounds with similar reactivity against ozone (C=C double bonds) can reach chemical life-times of multiple hours only if they are embedded in a (semi-)solid matrix with very low diffusion coefficients (~10-10 cm2 s-1). Depending on the complexity of the investigated system, unlimited numbers of volatile and non-volatile species and chemical reactions can be flexibly added and treated with KM-SUB. We propose and intend to pursue the application of KM-SUB as a basis for the development of a detailed master mechanism of aerosol chemistry as well as for the derivation of simplified but realistic parameterizations for large-scale atmospheric and climate models. References [1] Pöschl et al., Atmos. Chem. and Phys., 7, 5989-6023 (2007). [2] Shiraiwa et al., Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 10, 281-326 (2010).

The friction and wear properties of sputtered hard refractory compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.

1978-01-01

Several refractory silicide, boride, and carbide coatings were examined. The coatings were applied to type 440C steel surfaces by radio-frequency sputtering. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were found to be related to stoichiometry and impurity content of the bulk coating as well as the degree of interfacial adherence between coating and substrate. Bulk coating stoichiometry could to a large extent be controlled by the application of a negative bias voltage during deposition. Adherence was promoted by the formation of an oxidized layer at the interface. Deliberate preoxidizing of the 440C produced enhanced adherence for many compounds which are related to the formation of a mixed oxide transition region.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Electron Selective SnOx and ZnO Films on Mixed Halide Perovskite: Compatibility and Performance.

PubMed

Hultqvist, Adam; Aitola, Kerttu; Sveinbjörnsson, Kári; Saki, Zahra; Larsson, Fredrik; Törndahl, Tobias; Johansson, Erik; Boschloo, Gerrit; Edoff, Marika

2017-09-06

The compatibility of atomic layer deposition directly onto the mixed halide perovskite formamidinium lead iodide:methylammonium lead bromide (CH(NH 2 ) 2 , CH 3 NH 3 )Pb(I,Br) 3 (FAPbI 3 :MAPbBr 3 ) perovskite films is investigated by exposing the perovskite films to the full or partial atomic layer deposition processes for the electron selective layer candidates ZnO and SnO x . Exposing the samples to the heat, the vacuum, and even the counter reactant of H 2 O of the atomic layer deposition processes does not appear to alter the perovskite films in terms of crystallinity, but the choice of metal precursor is found to be critical. The Zn precursor Zn(C 2 H 5 ) 2 either by itself or in combination with H 2 O during the ZnO atomic layer deposition (ALD) process is found to enhance the decomposition of the bulk of the perovskite film into PbI 2 without even forming ZnO. In contrast, the Sn precursor Sn(N(CH 3 ) 2 ) 4 does not seem to degrade the bulk of the perovskite film, and conformal SnO x films can successfully be grown on top of it using atomic layer deposition. Using this SnO x film as the electron selective layer in inverted perovskite solar cells results in a lower power conversion efficiency of 3.4% than the 8.4% for the reference devices using phenyl-C 70 -butyric acid methyl ester. However, the devices with SnO x show strong hysteresis and can be pushed to an efficiency of 7.8% after biasing treatments. Still, these cells lacks both open circuit voltage and fill factor compared to the references, especially when thicker SnO x films are used. Upon further investigation, a possible cause of these losses could be that the perovskite/SnO x interface is not ideal and more specifically found to be rich in Sn, O, and halides, which is probably a result of the nucleation during the SnO x growth and which might introduce barriers or alter the band alignment for the transport of charge carriers.

Bulk and contact resistances of gas diffusion layers in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Donghao; Gauthier, Eric; Benziger, Jay B.; Pan, Mu

2014-06-01

A multi-electrode probe is employed to distinguish the bulk and contact resistances of the catalyst layer (CL) and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) with the bipolar plate (BPP). Resistances are compared for Vulcan carbon catalyst layers (CL), carbon paper and carbon cloth GDL materials, and GDLs with microporous layers (MPL). The Vulcan carbon catalyst layer bulk resistance is 100 times greater than the bulk resistance of carbon paper GDL (Toray TG-H-120). Carbon cloth (CCWP) has bulk and contact resistances twice those of carbon paper. Compression of the GDL decreases the GDL contact resistance, but has little effect on the bulk resistance. Treatment of the GDL with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) increases the contact resistance, but has little effect on the bulk resistance. A microporous layer (MPL) added to the GDL decreases the contact resistance, but has little effect on the bulk resistance. An equivalent circuit model shows that for channels less than 1 mm wide the contact resistance is the major source of electronic resistance and is about 10% of the total ohmic resistance associated with the membrane electrode assembly.

Effect of layer thickness on the elution of bulk-fill composite components.

PubMed

Rothmund, Lena; Reichl, Franz-Xaver; Hickel, Reinhard; Styllou, Panorea; Styllou, Marianthi; Kehe, Kai; Yang, Yang; Högg, Christof

2017-01-01

An increment layering technique in a thickness of 2mm or less has been the standard to sufficiently convert (co)monomers. Bulk fill resin composites were developed to accelerate the restoration process by enabling up to 4mm thick increments to be cured in a single step. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of layer thickness on the elution of components from bulk fill composites. The composites ELS Bulk fill, SDR Bulk fill and Venus Bulkfill were polymerized according to the instruction of the manufacturers. For each composite three groups with four samples each (n=4) were prepared: (1) samples with a layer thickness of 2mm; (2) samples with a layer thickness of 4mm and (3) samples with a layer thickness of 6mm. The samples were eluted in methanol and water for 24h and 7 d. The eluates were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 11 different elutable substances have been identified from the investigated composites. Following methacrylates showed an increase of elution at a higher layer thickness: TEGDMA (SDR Bulk fill, Venus Bulk fill), EGDMA (Venus Bulk fill). There was no significant difference in the elution of HEMA regarding the layer thickness. The highest concentration of TEGDMA was 146μg/mL for SDR Bulk fill at a layer thickness of 6mm after 7 d in water. The highest HEMA concentration measured at 108μg/mL was detected in the methanol eluate of Venus Bulk fill after 7 d with a layer thickness of 6mm. A layer thickness of 4mm or more can lead to an increased elution of some bulk fill components, compared to the elution at a layer thickness of 2mm. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic photosensitive devices

DOEpatents

Peumans, Peter; Forrest, Stephen R.

2013-01-22

A photoactive device is provided. The device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoactive region disposed between and electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The photoactive region further includes an organic donor layer and an organic acceptor layer that form a donor-acceptor heterojunction. The mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region are different by a factor of at least 100, and more preferably a factor of at least 1000. At least one of the mobility of holes in the organic donor region and the mobility of electrons in the organic acceptor region is greater than 0.001 cm.sup.2/V-sec, and more preferably greater than 1 cm.sup.2/V-sec. The heterojunction may be of various types, including a planar heterojunction, a bulk heterojunction, a mixed heterojunction, and a hybrid planar-mixed heterojunction.

Microwave Dielectric Constant Dependence on Soil Tension.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

water to be only a single monolayer thick .1 (OA) with Ice-like dielectric properties EWS = (3.15, JO). The first approach apportions the soil solution Into...mixing model that accounts explicitly for the presence of a hydrationU layer of bound water adjacent to hydrophilic soil particle surfaces. The soil ... solution is differentiated Into (1) a bound, ice-like component and (2) a bulk solution component, by a physical soil model dependent upon either soil

Comparative study of magnetic ordering in bulk and nanoparticles of Sm0.65Ca0.35MnO3: Magnetization and electron magnetic resonance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goveas, Lora Rita; Anuradha, K. N.; Bhagyashree, K. S.; Bhat, S. V.

2015-05-01

To explore the effect of size reduction to nanoscale on the hole doped Sm0.65Ca0.35MnO3 compound, dc magnetic measurements and electron magnetic resonance (EMR) were done on bulk and nanoparticle samples in the temperature range 10 ≤ T ≤ 300 K. Magnetization measurement showed that the bulk sample undergoes a charge ordering transition at 240 K and shows a mixed magnetic phase at low temperature. However, the nanosample underwent a ferromagnetic transition at 75 K, and the charge ordered state was destabilized on size reduction down to nanoscale. The low-temperature ferromagnetic component is found to be enhanced in nanoparticles as compared to their bulk counterpart. Interestingly around room temperature, bulk particles show higher magnetization where as at low temperature nanoparticles show higher magnetization. Ferromagnetism in the bulk is due to super exchange where as ferromagnetism in nanoparticles is due to uncompensated spins of the surface layer. Temperature variation of EMR parameters correlates well with the results of magnetic measurements. The magnetic behaviour of the nanoparticles is understood in terms of the core shell scenario.

The parameterization of the planetary boundary layer in the UCLA general circulation model - Formulation and results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suarez, M. J.; Arakawa, A.; Randall, D. A.

1983-01-01

A planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization for general circulation models (GCMs) is presented. It uses a mixed-layer approach in which the PBL is assumed to be capped by discontinuities in the mean vertical profiles. Both clear and cloud-topped boundary layers are parameterized. Particular emphasis is placed on the formulation of the coupling between the PBL and both the free atmosphere and cumulus convection. For this purpose a modified sigma-coordinate is introduced in which the PBL top and the lower boundary are both coordinate surfaces. The use of a bulk PBL formulation with this coordinate is extensively discussed. Results are presented from a July simulation produced by the UCLA GCM. PBL-related variables are shown, to illustrate the various regimes the parameterization is capable of simulating.

Organic photovoltaic devices with a single layer geometry (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolesov, Vladimir A.; Fuentes-Hernandez, Canek; Aizawa, Naoya; Larrain, Felipe A.; Chou, Wen-Fang; Perrotta, Alberto; Graham, Samuel; Kippelen, Bernard

2016-09-01

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) can lead to a low cost and short energy payback time alternative to existing photovoltaic technologies. However, to fulfill this promise, power conversion efficiencies must be improved and simultaneously the architecture of the devices and their processing steps need to be further simplified. In the most efficient devices to date, the functions of photocurrent generation, and hole/electron collection are achieved in different layers adding complexity to the device fabrication. In this talk, we present a novel approach that yields devices in which all these functions are combined in a single layer. Specifically, we report on bulk heterojunction devices in which amine-containing polymers are first mixed in the solution together with the donor and acceptor materials that form the active layer. A single-layer coating yields a self-forming bottom electron-collection layer comprised of the amine-containing polymer (e.g. PEIE). Hole-collection is achieved by subsequent immersion of this single layer in a solution of a polyoxometalate (e.g. phosphomolybdic acid (PMA)) leading to an electrically p-doped region formed by the diffusion of the dopant molecules into the bulk. The depth of this doped region can be controlled with values up to tens of nm by varying the immersion time. Devices with a single 500 nm-thick active layer of P3HT:ICBA processed using this method yield power conversion efficiency (PCE) values of 4.8 ± 0.3% at 1 sun and demonstrate a performance level superior to that of benchmark three-layer devices with separate layers of PEIE/P3HT:ICBA/MoOx (4.1 ± 0.4%). Devices remain stable after shelf lifetime experiments carried-out at 60 °C over 280 h.

Packing Optimization of Sorbent Bed Containing Dissimilar and Irregular Shaped Media

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, Nathan; Guttromson, Jayleen; Piowaty, Hailey

2011-01-01

The Fire Cartridge is a packed bed air filter with two different and separate layers of media designed to provide respiratory protection from combustion products after a fire event on the International Space Station (ISS). The first layer of media is a carbon monoxide catalyst and the second layer of media is universal carbon. During development of Fire Cartridge prototypes, the two media beds were noticed to have shifted inside the cartridge. The movement of media within the cartridge can cause mixing of the bed layers, air voids, and channeling, which could cause preferential air flow and allow contaminants to pass through without removal. An optimally packed bed mitigates these risks and ensures effective removal of contaminants from the air. In order to optimally pack each layer, vertical, horizontal, and orbital agitations were investigated and a packed bulk density was calculated for each method. Packed bulk density must be calculated for each media type to accommodate variations in particle size, shape, and density. Additionally, the optimal vibration parameters must be re-evaluated for each batch of media due to variations in particle size distribution between batches. For this application it was determined that orbital vibrations achieve an optimal pack density and the two media layers can be packed by the same method. Another finding was media with a larger size distribution of particles achieve an optimal bed pack easier than media with a smaller size distribution of particles.

Nonlinear Response of Layer Growth Dynamics in the Mixed Kinetics-Bulk-Transport Regime

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vekilov, Peter G.; Alexander, J. Iwan D.; Rosenberger, Franz

1996-01-01

In situ high-resolution interferometry on horizontal facets of the protein lysozyme reveal that the local growth rate R, vicinal slope p, and tangential (step) velocity v fluctuate by up to 80% of their average values. The time scale of these fluctuations, which occur under steady bulk transport conditions through the formation and decay of step bunches (macrosteps), is of the order of 10 min. The fluctuation amplitude of R increases with growth rate (supersaturation) and crystal size, while the amplitude of the v and p fluctuations changes relatively little. Based on a stability analysis for equidistant step trains in the mixed transport-interface-kinetics regime, we argue that the fluctuations originate from the coupling of bulk transport with nonlinear interface kinetics. Furthermore, step bunches moving across the interface in the direction of or opposite to the buoyancy-driven convective flow increase or decrease in height, respectively. This is in agreement with analytical treatments of the interaction of moving steps with solution flow. Major excursions in growth rate are associated with the formation of lattice defects (striations). We show that, in general, the system-dependent kinetic Peclet number, Pe(sub k) , i.e., the relative weight of bulk transport and interface kinetics in the control of the growth process, governs the step bunching dynamics. Since Pe(sub k) can be modified by either forced solution flow or suppression of buoyancy-driven convection under reduced gravity, this model provides a rationale for the choice of specific transport conditions to minimize the formation of compositional inhomogeneities under steady bulk nutrient crystallization conditions.

An XPS study of the adherence of refractory carbide, silicide, and boride RF-sputtered wear-resistant coatings. [X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of steel surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brainard, W. A.; Wheeler, D. R.

1978-01-01

Radio frequency sputtering was used to deposit refractory carbide, silicide, and boride coatings on 440-C steel substrates. Both sputter etched and pre-oxidized substrates were used and the films were deposited with and without a substrate bias. The composition of the coatings was determined as a function of depth by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with argon ion etching. Friction and wear tests were conducted to evaluate coating adherence. In the interfacial region there was evidence that bias may produce a graded interface for some compounds. Biasing, while generally improving bulk film stoichiometry, can adversely affect adherence by removing interfacial oxide layers. Oxides of all film constituents except carbon and iron were present in all cases but the iron oxide coverage was only complete on the preoxidized substrates. The film and iron oxides were mixed in the MoSi2 and Mo2C films but layered in the Mo2B5 films. In the case of mixed oxides, preoxidation enhanced film adherence. In the layered case it did not.

Laboratory Evaluation of Remediation Alternatives for U.S. Coast Guard Small Arms Firing Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-11-01

S) is an immobilization process that involves the mixing of a contaminated soil with a binder material to enhance the physical and chemical...samples were shipped to WES for laboratory analysis. Phase III: Homogenization of the Bulk Samples. Each of the bulk samples was separately mixed to...produce uniform samples for testing. These mixed bulk soil samples were analyzed for metal content. Phase IV: Characterization of the Bulk Soils

Numerical study of vorticity-enhanced heat transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaolin; Alben, Silas

2013-11-01

Vortices produced by vibrated reeds and flapping foils can improve heat transfer efficiency in electronic hardware. Vortices enhance forced convection by boundary layer separation and thermal mixing in the bulk flow. In this work, we modeled and simulated the fluid flow and temperature in a 2-D channel flow with vortices injected at the upstream boundary. We classified four types of vortex streets depending on the Reynolds number and vortices' strengths and spacings, and studied the different vortex dynamics in each situation. We then used Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS) to study the effect of the vortices on mixing and determined how the Nusselt number and Coefficients of performance vary with flow parameters and Peclet numbers.

Nucleation and convection effects in protein crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosenberger, Franz (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

The following activities are reported on: repartitioning of NaCl and protein impurities in lysozyme crystallization; dependence of lysozyme growth kinetics on step sources and impurities; facet morphology response to nonuniformities in nutrient and impurity supply; interactions in undersaturated and supersaturated lysozyme solutions; heterogeneity determination and purification of commercial hen egg white lysozyme; nonlinear response of layer growth dynamics in the mixed kinetics-bulk transport regime; development of a simultaneous multiangle light scattering technique; and x-ray topography of tetragonal lysozyme grown by the temperature-control technique.

Bulk chlorine uptake by polyamide active layers of thin-film composite membranes upon exposure to free chlorine-kinetics, mechanisms, and modeling.

PubMed

Powell, Joshua; Luh, Jeanne; Coronell, Orlando

2014-01-01

We studied the volume-averaged chlorine (Cl) uptake into the bulk region of the aromatic polyamide active layer of a reverse osmosis membrane upon exposure to free chlorine. Volume-averaged measurements were obtained using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry with samples prepared at a range of free chlorine concentrations, exposure times, and mixing, rinsing, and pH conditions. Our volume-averaged measurements complement previous studies that have quantified Cl uptake at the active layer surface (top ≈ 7 nm) and advance the mechanistic understanding of Cl uptake by aromatic polyamide active layers. Our results show that surface Cl uptake is representative of and underestimates volume-averaged Cl uptake under acidic conditions and alkaline conditions, respectively. Our results also support that (i) under acidic conditions, N-chlorination followed by Orton rearrangement is the dominant Cl uptake mechanism with N-chlorination as the rate-limiting step; (ii) under alkaline conditions, N-chlorination and dechlorination of N-chlorinated amide links by hydroxyl ion are the two dominant processes; and (iii) under neutral pH conditions, the rates of N-chlorination and Orton rearrangement are comparable. We propose a kinetic model that satisfactorily describes Cl uptake under acidic and alkaline conditions, with the largest discrepancies between model and experiment occurring under alkaline conditions at relatively high chlorine exposures.

Timing of Glacial Lake Missoula Outburst Floods and the southwestern Cordilleran Ice Sheet retreat.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendy, I. L.; Bervid, H. D.; Carlson, A. E.

2017-12-01

Glacial Lake Missoula formed when the Purcell Trench Lobe dammed the Clark Fork River in Montana and catastrophically collapsed repeatedly through the last glacial period as the southern Cordilleran Ice Sheet advanced and retreated. A well-dated 50-kyr jumbo piston core MD02-2496 (48.97˚ N, 127.04˚ W, water depth of 1243 m) collected from the continental slope 75 km off Vancouver Island contains evidence of these floods. The in-situ bulk elemental composition of the 35-m core was determined at 1 mm intervals using an ITRAX X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Core Scanner (Cox Analytical Instruments) at the Sediment Geochemistry Lab of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. With 40 mixed planktonic foraminifera and bulk organic carbon 14C ages, the core provides a high-resolution resolution record of glaciomarine sedimentation during deglaciation. A series of >81 layers of fine-grained sediments with ancient (K/Ar ages of 300 Ma and eNd of -8) shale-like (high Rb counts) composition can be found between 19.6 and 9.2 m below coretop. These layers are interspersed by coarser grained, young (K/Ar ages of 100 Ma and eNd of -3) sediments containing ice-rafted debris (IRD). The composition and age of the layers indicates the sediments originated in Glacial Lake Missoula and were transported by ocean currents 250 miles north along the west coast of North America. The flood layers begin at 19.5 ka with five thin (<5 cm thick) layers before thick flood layers (>5 cm thick) appear after 19.3 ka. At 17.1 ka, IRD concentrations increase from <1 grain g-1 to 20 grains g-1, and remain >50 grains g-1 from 16.5-16.35 ka, except in flood layers, as the Juan de Fuca Strait deglaciated. Another 16 flood layers occur from 16.3-15.65 ka; however, the base and top of these layers are diffuse rather than abrupt like earlier flood layers suggesting enhanced mixing between flood and melt waters. The final flood layers from 14.9-14.5 ka are thin (<2 cm thick) suggesting that the final floods were small events similar to the initial floods. This well-dated sequence displays how Glacial Lake Missoula flood sedimentation changed during the advance and retreat of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet.

Solar Cell Polymer Based Active Ingredients PPV and PCBM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardeli, H.; Sanjaya, H.; Resikarnila, R.; Nitami H, R.

2018-04-01

A polymer solar cell is a solar cell based on a polymer bulk heterojunction structure using the method of thin film, which can convert solar energy into electrical energy. Absorption of light is carried by active material layer PPV: PCBM. This study aims to make solar cells tandem and know the value of converting solar energy into electrical energy and increase the value of efficiency generated through morphological control, ie annealing temperature and the ratio of active layer mixture. The active layer is positioned above the PEDOT:PSS layer on ITO glass substrate. The characterization results show the surface morphology of the PPV:PCBM active layer is quite evenly at annealing temperature of 165 ° C. The result of conversion of electrical energy with a UV light source in annealing samples with temperature 165 ° C is 0.03 mA and voltage of 4.085 V with an efficiency of 2.61% and mixed ratio variation was obtained in comparison of P3HT: PCBM is 1: 3

Bulk specific gravity round-robin using the Corelok vacuum sealing device

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-11-01

This project conducted an evaluation of the Corelok device for the determination of the bulk specific gravity of compacted hot mix asphalt samples. The project consisted of the bulk specific gravity determination for compacted HMA mixes utilizing the...

Depositing bulk or micro-scale electrodes

DOEpatents

Shah, Kedar G.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Tolosa, Vanessa; Tooker, Angela C.; Sheth, Heeral J.; Felix, Sarah H.; Delima, Terri L.

2016-11-01

Thicker electrodes are provided on microelectronic device using thermo-compression bonding. A thin-film electrical conducting layer forms electrical conduits and bulk depositing provides an electrode layer on the thin-film electrical conducting layer. An insulating polymer layer encapsulates the electrically thin-film electrical conducting layer and the electrode layer. Some of the insulating layer is removed to expose the electrode layer.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Song, Kok Wee; Koshelev, Alexei E.

Electronic nematicity plays an important role in iron-based superconductors. These materials have a layered structure and the theoretical description of their magnetic and nematic transitions has been well established in the two-dimensional approximation, i.e., when the layers can be treated independently. However, the interaction between iron layers mediated by electron tunneling may cause nontrivial three-dimensional behavior. Starting from the simplest model for orbital nematic in a single layer, we investigate the influence of interlayer tunneling on the bulk nematic order and a possible preemptive state where this order is only formed near the surface. In addition, we found that themore » interlayer tunneling suppresses the bulk nematicity, which makes favorable the formation of a surface nematic order above the bulk transition temperature. The purely electronic tunneling Hamiltonian, however, favors a nematic order parameter that alternates from layer to layer. The uniform bulk state typically observed experimentally may be stabilized by the coupling with the elastic lattice deformation. Depending on the strength of this coupling, we found three regimes: (i) surface nematic and alternating bulk order, (ii) surface nematic and uniform bulk order, and (iii) uniform bulk order without the intermediate surface phase. Lastly, the intermediate surface-nematic state may resolve the current controversy about the existence of a weak nematic transition in the compound BaFe 2As 2-xP x .« less

Surface nematic order in iron pnictides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Kok Wee; Koshelev, Alexei E.

2016-09-01

Electronic nematicity plays an important role in iron-based superconductors. These materials have a layered structure and the theoretical description of their magnetic and nematic transitions has been well established in the two-dimensional approximation, i.e., when the layers can be treated independently. However, the interaction between iron layers mediated by electron tunneling may cause nontrivial three-dimensional behavior. Starting from the simplest model for orbital nematic in a single layer, we investigate the influence of interlayer tunneling on the bulk nematic order and a possible preemptive state where this order is only formed near the surface. We found that the interlayer tunneling suppresses the bulk nematicity, which makes favorable the formation of a surface nematic order above the bulk transition temperature. The purely electronic tunneling Hamiltonian, however, favors a nematic order parameter that alternates from layer to layer. The uniform bulk state typically observed experimentally may be stabilized by the coupling with the elastic lattice deformation. Depending on the strength of this coupling, we found three regimes: (i) surface nematic and alternating bulk order, (ii) surface nematic and uniform bulk order, and (iii) uniform bulk order without the intermediate surface phase. The intermediate surface-nematic state may resolve the current controversy about the existence of a weak nematic transition in the compound BaFe2As2 -xPx .

Extensive ionic partitioning in interfaces that membranous and biomimetic surfaces form with electrolytes: Antitheses of the gold-electrolyte interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chilcott, Terry; Guo, Chuan; Coster, Hans

2013-04-01

Maxwell-Wagner modeling of electrical impedance measurements of tetradecane-electrolyte systems yielded three interfacial layers between the tetradecane layer and the bulk electrolytes of concentration ranging from 1-300 mM KCl whereas the gold-electrolyte system yielded only one layer. The conductivity and thickness for the surface layer were orders of magnitude different from that expected for the Gouy-Chapman layer and did not reflect dependencies of the Debye length on concentration. Conductivity values for the three layers were less than those of the bulk electrolyte but exhibited a dependency on concentration similar to that expected for the bulk. Thickness values for the layers indicate an interface extending ~106 Å into the bulk electrolyte, which contrasts with the gold-electrolyte interface that extended only 20-30 Å into the bulk. Maxwell-Wagner characterizations of both interfaces were consistent with spatial distributions of ionic partitioning arising from the Born energy as determined by the dielectric properties of the substrates and electrolyte. The distributions for the membranous and silicon interfaces were similar but the antitheses of that for the gold interface.

Growth, intermixing, and surface phase formation for zinc tin oxide nanolaminates produced by atomic layer deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hägglund, Carl, E-mail: carl.hagglund@angstrom.uu.se; Grehl, Thomas; Brongersma, Hidde H.

2016-03-15

A broad and expanding range of materials can be produced by atomic layer deposition at relatively low temperatures, including both oxides and metals. For many applications of interest, however, it is desirable to grow more tailored and complex materials such as semiconductors with a certain doping, mixed oxides, and metallic alloys. How well such mixed materials can be accomplished with atomic layer deposition requires knowledge of the conditions under which the resulting films will be mixed, solid solutions, or laminated. The growth and lamination of zinc oxide and tin oxide is studied here by means of the extremely surface sensitivemore » technique of low energy ion scattering, combined with bulk composition and thickness determination, and x-ray diffraction. At the low temperatures used for deposition (150 °C), there is little evidence for atomic scale mixing even with the smallest possible bilayer period, and instead a morphology with small ZnO inclusions in a SnO{sub x} matrix is deduced. Postannealing of such laminates above 400 °C however produces a stable surface phase with a 30% increased density. From the surface stoichiometry, this is likely the inverted spinel of zinc stannate, Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}. Annealing to 800 °C results in films containing crystalline Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}, or multilayered films of crystalline ZnO, Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}, and SnO{sub 2} phases, depending on the bilayer period.« less

77 FR 50462 - Foreign-Trade Zone 59-Lincoln, NE, Notification of Proposed Production Activity; Novartis...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-21

... mixed medicines, including those containing penicillin, alkaloids, analgesics, antibiotics....; isradipine (USP); desiccant; croscarmellose sodium NF; microcellulose; bulk penicillin mixed medicines; bulk mixed drugs; including penicillins; antibiotics; hormones; and alkaloids; caffeine; dextrins and...

Experimental Findings from Aircraft Measurements in the Residual Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caputi, D.; Conley, S. A.; Faloona, I. C.; Trousdell, J.

2016-12-01

The southern San Joaquin Valley of California is home to some of the highest ozone pollution in the United States. Thus, a complete understanding of boundary layer dynamics in this area during high ozone events is crucial for better ozone forecasting and effective attainment planning. This work will discuss the results from five aircraft deployments, spanning two summers, in which a Mooney aircraft operated by Scientific Aviation Inc. was flown between Fresno and Bakersfield throughout the diurnal cycle, measuring ozone, NOx, and methane. Under a simple budgeting model, changes in any species within the boundary layer can occur from advection, chemical production or loss, surface fluxes or deposition, and entrainment between the boundary layer and free troposphere. The advection of ozone appears to be most appreciable at night with stronger winds in the residual layer, and are on the order of 2 to 4 ppb hr-1. The nighttime chemical loss of ozone due to interaction with NO2 can be estimated by simple numerical modeling of observed quantities and reaction rates, and is found to often roughly compensate for the advection, with typical calculated values of -1 to -3 ppb hr-1. The mixing component is more difficult to directly quantify, but attempts are being made to estimate eddy viscosity by solving for this term in the budget equation. Additionally, small-scale features, such as nocturnal elevated mixed layers, localized BRN (bulk Richardson number) minimums, and low level jets are spotted in systematic ways throughout the flight data, and it is speculated that these may have a role in the transfer of ozone from the residual layer to the surface layer. Ultimately, the preliminary data is promising for the eventual goal of linking together the observed boundary layer evolution with ozone production during air pollution episodes.

Dissipation in the Baltic proper during winter stratification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lass, Hans Ulrich; Prandke, Hartmut; Liljebladh, Bengt

2003-06-01

Profiles of dissipation rates and stratification between 10 and 120 m depth were measured with a loosely tethered profiler over a 9-day winter period in the Gotland Basin of the Baltic Sea. Supplementary measurements of current profiles were made with moored ADCPs. Temporal and spatial patterns of the stratification were observed by means of towed CTD. Shallow freshwater lenses in the surface mixed layer, mesoscale eddies, inertial oscillations, and inertial waves as part of the internal wave spectrum provided the marine physical environment for the small-scale turbulence. Two well-separated turbulence regimes were detected. The turbulence in the surface mixed layer was well correlated with the wind. The majority of the energy flux from the wind to the turbulent kinetic energy was dissipated within the surface mixed layer. A minor part of this flux was consumed by changes of the potential energy of the fresh water lenses. The penetration depth Hpen of the wind-driven turbulence into the weakly stratified surface mixed layer depended on the local wind speed (W10) as Hpen = cW103/2 Active erosion of the Baltic halocline by wind-driven turbulence is expected for wind speeds greater than 14 m/s. The turbulence in the strongly stratified interior of the water column was quite independent of the meteorological forcing at the sea surface. The integrated production of turbulent kinetic energy exceeded the energy loss of inertial oscillations in the surface layer suggesting additional energy sources which might have been provided by inertial wave radiation during geostrophic adjustment of coastal jets and mesoscale eddies. The averaged dissipation rate profile in the stratified part of the water column, best fitted by ɛ ∝ EN, was different from the scaling of the dissipation in the thermocline of the ocean [, 1986]. The diapycnical mixing coefficient (Kv) was best fit by Kv = a0/N according to [1987] with a0 ≈ 0.87 × 10-7 m2/s2. The diapycnal diffusivity estimated from the dissipation rate was lower than those estimated by the bulk method.

Effect of Graphite Nanoplate Morphology on the Dispersion and Physical Properties of Polycarbonate Based Composites.

PubMed

Müller, Michael Thomas; Hilarius, Konrad; Liebscher, Marco; Lellinger, Dirk; Alig, Ingo; Pötschke, Petra

2017-05-18

The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite's electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred.

Quantum size effects on the (0001) surface of double hexagonal close packed americium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, D.; Ray, A. K.

2007-01-01

Electronic structures of double hexagonal close-packed americium and the (0001) surface have been studied via full-potential all-electron density-functional calculations with a mixed APW+lo/LAPW basis. The electronic and geometric properties of bulk dhcp Am as well as quantum size effects in the surface energies and the work functions of the dhcp Am (0001) ultra thin films up to seven layers have been examined at nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic, and antiferromagnetic configurations with and without spin orbit coupling. The anti-ferromagnetic state including spin-orbit coupling is found to be the ground state of dhcp Am with the 5f electrons primarily localized. Our results show that both magnetic configurations and spin-orbit coupling play important roles in determining the equilibrium lattice constant, the bulk modulus as well as the localized feature of 5f electrons for dhcp Am. Our calculated equilibrium lattice constant and bulk modulus at the ground state are in good agreement with the experimental values respectively. The work function of dhcp Am (0001) 7-layer surface at the ground state is predicted to be 2.90 eV. The surface energy for dhcp Am (0001) semi-infinite surface energy at the ground state is predicted to be 0.84 J/m2. Quantum size effects are found to be more pronounced in work functions than in surface energies.

Bulk β-Te to few layered β-tellurenes: indirect to direct band-Gap transitions showing semiconducting property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Bozhao; Liu, Xinghui; Yin, Jiuren; Lee, Hyoyoung

2017-09-01

Herein we report a prediction of a highly kinetic stable layered structure of tellurium (namely, bulk β-Te), which is similar to these layered bulk materials such as graphite, black phosphorus, and gray arsenic. Bulk β-Te turns out to be a semiconductor that has a band gap of 0.325 eV (HSE06: 0.605 eV), based on first-principles calculations. Moreover, the single-layer form of the bulk β-Te, called β-tellurene, is predicted to have a high stability. When the bulk β-Te is thinned to one atomic layer, an indirect semiconductor of band gap is changed to 1.265 eV (HSE06: 1.932 eV) with a very high kinetic stability. Interestingly, an increase of the number of the β-tellurene layers from one to three is accompanied by a shift from an indirect to direct band gap. Furthermore, the effective carrier masses, the optical properties and phonon modes of few-layer β-tellurenes are characterized. Few-layer β-tellurenes strongly absorb the ultraviolet and blue-violet visible lights. The dramatic changes in the electronic structure and excellent photo absorptivities are expected to pave the way for high speed ultrathin transistors, as well as optoelectronic devices working in the UV or blue-green visible regions.

Similarity theory of the buoyantly interactive planetary boundary layer with entrainment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffert, M. I.; Sud, Y. C.

1976-01-01

A similarity model is developed for the vertical profiles of turbulent flow variables in an entraining turbulent boundary layer of arbitrary buoyant stability. In the general formulation the vertical profiles, internal rotation of the velocity vector, discontinuities or jumps at a capping inversion and bulk aerodynamic coefficients of the boundary layer are given by solutions to a system of ordinary differential equations in the similarity variable. To close the system, a formulation for buoyantly interactive eddy diffusivity in the boundary layer is introduced which recovers Monin-Obukhov similarity near the surface and incorporates a hypothesis accounting for the observed variation of mixing length throughout the boundary layer. The model is tested in simplified versions which depend only on roughness, surface buoyancy, and Coriolis effects by comparison with planetary-boundary-layer wind- and temperature-profile observations, measurements of flat-plate boundary layers in a thermally stratified wind tunnel and observations of profiles of terms in the turbulent kinetic-energy budget of convective planetary boundary layers. On balance, the simplified model reproduced the trend of these various observations and experiments reasonably well, suggesting that the full similarity formulation be pursued further.

Development of aerogel-lined targets for inertial confinement fusion experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braun, Tom

2013-03-28

This thesis explores the formation of ICF compatible foam layers inside of an ablator shell used for inertial confinement fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility. In particular, the capability of p- DCPD polymer aerogels to serve as a scaffold for the deuterium-tritium mix was analyzed. Four different factors were evaluated: the dependency of different factors such as thickness or composition of a precursor solution on the uniformity of the aerogel layer, how to bring the optimal composition inside of the ablator shell, the mechanical stability of ultra-low density p-DCPD aerogel bulk pieces during wetting and freezing with hydrogen, andmore » the wetting behavior of thin polymer foam layers in HDC carbon ablator shells with liquid deuterium. The research for thesis was done at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in cooperation with the Technical University Munich.« less

Surface nematic order in iron pnictides

DOE PAGES

Song, Kok Wee; Koshelev, Alexei E.

2016-09-09

Electronic nematicity plays an important role in iron-based superconductors. These materials have a layered structure and the theoretical description of their magnetic and nematic transitions has been well established in the two-dimensional approximation, i.e., when the layers can be treated independently. However, the interaction between iron layers mediated by electron tunneling may cause nontrivial three-dimensional behavior. Starting from the simplest model for orbital nematic in a single layer, we investigate the influence of interlayer tunneling on the bulk nematic order and a possible preemptive state where this order is only formed near the surface. In addition, we found that themore » interlayer tunneling suppresses the bulk nematicity, which makes favorable the formation of a surface nematic order above the bulk transition temperature. The purely electronic tunneling Hamiltonian, however, favors a nematic order parameter that alternates from layer to layer. The uniform bulk state typically observed experimentally may be stabilized by the coupling with the elastic lattice deformation. Depending on the strength of this coupling, we found three regimes: (i) surface nematic and alternating bulk order, (ii) surface nematic and uniform bulk order, and (iii) uniform bulk order without the intermediate surface phase. Lastly, the intermediate surface-nematic state may resolve the current controversy about the existence of a weak nematic transition in the compound BaFe 2As 2-xP x .« less

Method of fabricating an optoelectronic device having a bulk heterojunction

DOEpatents

Shtein, Max [Ann Arbor, MI; Yang, Fan [Princeton, NJ; Forrest, Stephen R [Princeton, NJ

2008-10-14

A method of fabricating an optoelectronic device comprises: depositing a first layer having protrusions over a first electrode, in which the first layer comprises a first organic small molecule material; depositing a second layer on the first layer such that the second layer is in physical contact with the first layer; in which the smallest lateral dimension of the protrusions are between 1 to 5 times the exciton diffusion length of the first organic small molecule material; and depositing a second electrode over the second layer to form the optoelectronic device. A method of fabricating an organic optoelectronic device having a bulk heterojunction is also provided and comprises: depositing a first layer with protrusions over an electrode by organic vapor phase deposition; depositing a second layer on the first layer where the interface of the first and second layers forms a bulk heterojunction; and depositing another electrode over the second layer.

Entrainment and mixing in lock-exchange gravity currents using simultaneous velocity-density measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasubramanian, Sridhar; Zhong, Qiang

2018-05-01

Gravity currents modify their flow characteristics by entraining ambient fluid, which depends on a variety of governing parameters such as the initial density, Δρ, the total initial height of the fluid, H, and the slope of the terrain, α, from where it is released. It is imperative to study the entrainment dynamics of a gravity current in order to have a clear understanding of mixing transitions that govern the flow physics, the velocity mixing layer thickness, δu, and the density mixing layer thickness, δρ. Experiments were conducted in a lock-exchange facility in which the dense fluid was separated from the ambient lighter fluid using a gate. As the gate is released instantaneously, an energy conserving gravity current is formed, for which the only governing parameter is the Reynolds number defined as R e =U/h ν , where U is the front velocity of the gravity current and h is the height of the current. In our study, the bulk Richardson number (inverse of Froude number, Fr), Rib = g/'H Ub2 = 1, takes a constant value for all the experiments, with Ub being the bulk velocity of the current defined as Ub = √{g'H }. Simultaneous particle image velocimetry and planar laser induced fluorescence measurement techniques are employed to get the velocity and density statistics. Using the buoyancy conservation equation, a new flux-based method was formulated for calculating the entrainment coefficient, EF, near the front and head of the propagating gravity current for a Reynolds number range of Re ≈ 485-12 270 used in our experiments. At the head of the current, the results show a mixing transition at Re ≈ 2700 that is attributed to the flow transitioning from weak Holmboe waves to Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, in the form of Kelvin-Helmholtz vortex rolls. Following this mixing transition, the entrainment coefficient continued to increase with increasing Reynolds number owing to the occurrence of three-dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz billows that promote further small-scale local mixing. Such a mixing transition indicates that a fully turbulent state is not reached even at Re = 12 270 and the amount of entrainment and ensuing mixing depends on the type of flow instability and presence of small-scale secondary structures. The entrainment dynamics were further substantiated using the ratio of δu and δρ. It was observed that δ/u δρ decreases with increasing Re and reaches a constant value of δ/u δρ ≈ 1 at high values of Re. This trend is in contrast to the entrainment coefficient EF, which never reaches a constant value even at high enough Re. This disparity could be explained by the fact that EF accounts for small-scale scalar mixing, which is not captured by the ratio of mixing layer thicknesses. Experimentally, it was also observed that the EF value near the front of gravity current was 2-9 times higher than the head value depending on the value of the Reynolds numbers. At low Reynolds numbers, the entrainment near the front is an order of magnitude higher than the head and the value decreases with increasing Re. This could be attributed to different modes of entrainment near the front (dominated by vortical structures) and the head (dominated by turbulent flux exchange triggered by the nature of the flow instability). The results from this study improve our understanding of entrainment dynamics and would be useful in developing empirical parameterizations for mixing in stratified flows.

Thickness dependence of the levitation performance of double-layer high-temperature superconductor bulks above a magnetic rail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, R. X.; Zheng, J.; Liao, X. L.; Che, T.; Gou, Y. F.; He, D. B.; Deng, Z. G.

2014-10-01

A double-layer high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) arrangement was proposed and proved to be able to bring improvements to both levitation force and guidance force compared with present single-layer HTSC arrangement. To fully exploit the applied magnetic field by a magnetic rail, the thickness dependence of a double-layer HTSC arrangement on the levitation performance was further investigated in the paper. In this study, the lower-layer bulk was polished step by step to different thicknesses, and the upper-layer bulk with constant thickness was directly superimposed on the lower-layer one. The levitation force and the force relaxation of the double-layer HTSC arrangement were measured above a Halbach magnetic rail. Experimental result shows that a bigger levitation force and a less levitation force decay could be achieved by optimizing the thickness of the lower-layer bulk HTSC. This thickness optimization method could be applied together with former reported double-layer HTSC arrangement method with aligned growth sector boundaries pattern. This series of study on the optimized combination method do bring a significant improvement on the levitation performance of present HTS maglev systems.

Sewage treatment method and apparatus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Engelmann, J.A.

1982-07-13

A method and apparatus for treating sewage and converting the sewage into organic fertilizer which utilizes equipment for converting the solid material of the sewage into patties and a mixing apparatus for mixing the patties with bulking agents. The mixture of patties and bulking agents is stored in a pile and subjected to a supply of air to enhance the self-combustion or oxidation of the organic material in the patties. The bulking agents provide the patty-bulking agent mixture with air passages and pockets and minimize compaction of the patties. The selfcombustion of the patties continues until the organic material ismore » burned out, leaving a residual ash. A shaker separator having an elongated longitudinal perforated member is reciprocated to separate the ash from the bulking agents. The ash is collected and utilized as organic fertilizer. The bulking agents are recycled back to the mixing apparatus.« less

Method of fabricating an optoelectronic device having a bulk heterojunction

DOEpatents

Shtein, Max [Princeton, NJ; Yang, Fan [Princeton, NJ; Forrest, Stephen R [Princeton, NJ

2008-09-02

A method of fabricating an organic optoelectronic device having a bulk heterojunction comprises the steps of: depositing a first layer over a first electrode by organic vapor phase deposition, wherein the first layer comprises a first organic small molecule material; depositing a second layer on the first layer such that the second layer is in physical contact with the first layer, wherein the interface of the second layer on the first layer forms a bulk heterojunction; and depositing a second electrode over the second layer to form the optoelectronic device. In another embodiment, a first layer having protrusions is deposited over the first electrode, wherein the first layer comprises a first organic small molecule material. For example, when the first layer is an electron donor layer, the first electrode is an anode, the second layer is an electron acceptor layer, and the second electrode is a cathode. As a further example, when the first layer is an electron acceptor layer, the first electrode is a cathode, the second layer is an electron donor layer, and the second electrode is an anode.

Recent Advances in Morphology Optimization for Organic Photovoltaics.

PubMed

Lee, Hansol; Park, Chaneui; Sin, Dong Hun; Park, Jong Hwan; Cho, Kilwon

2018-06-19

Organic photovoltaics are an important part of a next-generation energy-harvesting technology that uses a practically infinite pollutant-free energy source. They have the advantages of light weight, solution processability, cheap materials, low production cost, and deformability. However, to date, the moderate photovoltaic efficiencies and poor stabilities of organic photovoltaics impede their use as replacements for inorganic photovoltaics. Recent developments in bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaics mean that they have almost reached the lower efficiency limit for feasible commercialization. In this review article, the recent understanding of the ideal bulk-heterojunction morphology of the photoactive layer for efficient exciton dissociation and charge transport is described, and recent attempts as well as early-stage trials to realize this ideal morphology are discussed systematically from a morphological viewpoint. The various approaches to optimizing morphologies consisting of an interpenetrating bicontinuous network with appropriate domain sizes and mixed regions are categorized, and in each category, the recent trends in the morphology control on the multilength scale are highlighted and discussed in detail. This review article concludes by identifying the remaining challenges for the control of active layer morphologies and by providing perspectives toward real application and commercialization of organic photovoltaics. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Manipulating interfacial polymer structures through mixed surfactant adsorption and complexation.

PubMed

Cattoz, Beatrice; de Vos, Wiebe M; Cosgrove, Terence; Crossman, Martin; Prescott, Stuart W

2012-04-17

The effects of a nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C(13)E(7), on the interactions between PVP and SDS both in the bulk and at the silica nanoparticle interface are studied by photon correlation spectroscopy, solvent relaxation NMR, SANS, and optical reflectometry. Our results confirmed that, in the absence of SDS, C(13)E(7) and PVP are noninteracting, while SDS interacts strongly both with PVP and C(13)E(7) . Studying interfacial interactions showed that the interfacial interactions of PVP with silica can be manipulated by varying the amounts of SDS and C(13)E(7) present. Upon SDS addition, the adsorbed layer thickness of PVP on silica increases due to Coulombic repulsion between micelles in the polymer layer. When C(13)E(7) is progressively added to the system, it forms mixed micelles with the complexed SDS, reducing the total charge per micelle and thus reducing the repulsion between micelle and the silica surface that would otherwise cause the PVP to desorb. This causes the amount of adsorbed polymer to increase with C(13)E(7) addition for the systems containing SDS, demonstrating that addition of C(13)E(7) hinders the SDS-mediated desorption of an adsorbed PVP layer. © 2012 American Chemical Society

An Ab Initio Full Potential Fully Relativistic Study of the (0001) Surface of Double Hexagonal Close Packed Americium*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Da; Ray, Asok

2007-03-01

The electronic and geometric properties of bulk dhcp Am as well as quantum size effects in the surface energies and the work functions of the dhcp Am (0001) ultra thin films up to seven layers have been examined at nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic, and anti-ferromagnetic configurations via full-potential all-electron density-functional calculations with a mixed APW+lo/LAPW basis. The anti-ferromagnetic state including spin-orbit coupling is found to be the ground state of both bulk and the (0001) surface of dhcp Am with the 5f electrons primarily localized. Our results show that magnetic configurations and spin-orbit coupling play important roles in determining the equilibrium lattice constant, the bulk modulus as well as the localized feature of 5f electrons for dhcp Am. Quantum size effects are found to be more pronounced in work functions than in surface energies. *This work is supported by the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Office of Science, U. S. Department of Energy and the Welch Foundation, Houston, Texas.

Determination of outer layer and bulk dehydration kinetics of trehalose dihydrate using atomic force microscopy, gravimetric vapour sorption and near infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Jones, Matthew D; Beezer, Anthony E; Buckton, Graham

2008-10-01

Knowledge of the kinetics of solid state reactions is important when considering the stability of many medicines. Potentially, such reactions could follow different kinetics on the surface of particles when compared with their interior, yet solid state processes are routinely followed using only bulk characterisation techniques. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has previously been shown to be a suitable technique for the investigation of surface processes, but has not been combined with bulk techniques in order to analyse surface and bulk kinetics separately. This report therefore describes the investigation of the outer layer and bulk kinetics of the dehydration of trehalose dihydrate at ambient temperature and low humidity, using AFM, dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIR). The use of AFM enabled the dehydration kinetics of the outer layers to be determined both directly and from bulk data. There were no significant differences between the outer layer dehydration kinetics determined using these methods. AFM also enabled the bulk-only kinetics to be analysed from the DVS and NIR data. These results suggest that the combination of AFM and bulk characterisation techniques should enable a more complete understanding of the kinetics of certain solid state reactions to be achieved. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

First-principles calculation of the geometric and electronic structure of the Be(0001) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feibelman, Peter J.

1992-07-01

Linearized-augmented-plane-wave calculations for a nine-layer Be(0001) slab agree with the unusual experimental finding of a substantial outer-layer expansion relative to the truncated bulk lattice. They imply that the separation between the outer two layers should be 3.9% larger than in the bulk, while the second- to third-layer separation should be 2.2% larger. The surface expansion is accompanied by demotion of pσ to s electrons on outer-layer Be's. The surface Be's loss of three neighbors makes the energy cost of s- to pσ-electron promotion, which is necessary for the formation of strong bonds to the next layer down, less profitable than in the bulk.

A simplified scheme for computing radiation transfer in the troposphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katayama, A.

1973-01-01

A scheme is presented, for the heating of clear and cloudy air by solar and infrared radiation transfer, designed for use in tropospheric general circulation models with coarse vertical resolution. A bulk transmission function is defined for the infrared transfer. The interpolation factors, required for computing the bulk transmission function, are parameterized as functions of such physical parameters as the thickness of the layer, the pressure, and the mixing ratio at a reference level. The computation procedure for solar radiation is significantly simplified by the introduction of two basic concepts. The first is that the solar radiation spectrum can be divided into a scattered part, for which Rayleigh scattering is significant but absorption by water vapor is negligible, and an absorbed part for which absorption by water vapor is significant but Rayleigh scattering is negligible. The second concept is that of an equivalent cloud water vapor amount which absorbs the same amount of radiation as the cloud.

The Influence of Atomic Diffusion on Stellar Ages and Chemical Tagging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dotter, Aaron; Conroy, Charlie; Cargile, Phillip

2017-05-10

In the era of large stellar spectroscopic surveys, there is an emphasis on deriving not only stellar abundances but also the ages for millions of stars. In the context of Galactic archeology, stellar ages provide a direct probe of the formation history of the Galaxy. We use the stellar evolution code MESA to compute models with atomic diffusion—with and without radiative acceleration—and extra mixing in the surface layers. The extra mixing consists of both density-dependent turbulent mixing and envelope overshoot mixing. Based on these models we argue that it is important to distinguish between initial, bulk abundances (parameters) and current,more » surface abundances (variables) in the analysis of individual stellar ages. In stars that maintain radiative regions on evolutionary timescales, atomic diffusion modifies the surface abundances. We show that when initial, bulk metallicity is equated with current, surface metallicity in isochrone age analysis, the resulting stellar ages can be systematically overestimated by up to 20%. The change of surface abundances with evolutionary phase also complicates chemical tagging, which is the concept that dispersed star clusters can be identified through unique, high-dimensional chemical signatures. Stars from the same cluster, but in different evolutionary phases, will show different surface abundances. We speculate that calibration of stellar models may allow us to estimate not only stellar ages but also initial abundances for individual stars. In the meantime, analyzing the chemical properties of stars in similar evolutionary phases is essential to minimize the effects of atomic diffusion in the context of chemical tagging.« less

Influence of bulk turbulence and entrance boundary layer thickness on the curved duct flow field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crawford, R. A.

1988-01-01

The influence of bulk turbulence and boundary layer thickness on the secondary flow development in a square, 90 degree turning duct was investigated. A three-dimensional laser velocimetry system was utilized to measure the mean and fluctuating components of velocity at six cross-planes in the duct. The results from this investigation, with entrance boundary layer thickness of 20 percent, were compared with the thin boundary layer results documented in NASA CR-174811. The axial velocity profiles, cross-flow velocities, and turbulence intensities were compared and evaluated with regard to the influence of bulk turbulence intensity and boundary layer thickness, and the influence was significant. The results of this investigation expand the 90 degree curved duct experimental data base to higher turbulence levels and thicker entrance boundary layers. The experimental results provide a challenging benchmark data base for computational fluid dynamics code development and validation. The variation of inlet bulk turbulence intensity provides additional information to aid in turbulence model evaluation.

Competition between organics and bromide at the aqueous solution-air interface as seen from ozone uptake kinetics and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lee, Ming-Tao; Brown, Matthew A; Kato, Shunsuke; Kleibert, Armin; Türler, Andreas; Ammann, Markus

2015-05-14

A more detailed understanding of the heterogeneous chemistry of halogenated species in the marine boundary layer is required. Here, we studied the reaction of ozone (O3) with NaBr solutions in the presence and absence of citric acid (C6H8O7) under ambient conditions. Citric acid is used as a proxy for oxidized organic material present at the ocean surface or in sea spray aerosol. On neat NaBr solutions, the observed kinetics is consistent with bulk reaction-limited uptake, and a second-order rate constant for the reaction of O3 + Br(-) is 57 ± 10 M(-1) s(-1). On mixed NaBr-citric acid aqueous solutions, the uptake kinetics was faster than that predicted by bulk reaction-limited uptake and also faster than expected based on an acid-catalyzed mechanism. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) on a liquid microjet of the same solutions at 1.0 × 10(-3)-1.0 × 10(-4) mbar was used to obtain quantitative insight into the interfacial composition relative to that of the bulk solutions. It revealed that the bromide anion becomes depleted by 30 ± 10% while the sodium cation gets enhanced by 40 ± 20% at the aqueous solution-air interface of a 0.12 M NaBr solution mixed with 2.5 M citric acid in the bulk, attributed to the role of citric acid as a weak surfactant. Therefore, the enhanced reactivity of bromide solutions observed in the presence of citric acid is not necessarily attributable to a surface reaction but could also result from an increased solubility of ozone at higher citric acid concentrations. Whether the acid-catalyzed chemistry may have a larger effect on the surface than in the bulk to offset the effect of bromide depletion also remains open.

Structural Studies of the Initial Stages of Fluoride Epitaxy on Silicon and GERMANIUM(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denlinger, Jonathan David

The epitaxial growth of ionic insulators on semiconductor substrates is of interest due to fundamental issues of interface bonding and structure as well as to potential technological applications. The initial stages of Group IIa fluoride insulator growth on (111) Si and Ge substrates by molecular beam epitaxy are studied with the in situ combination of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Diffraction (XPD). While XPS probes the electronic structure, XPD reveals atomic structure. In addition, low energy electron diffraction (LEED) is used to probe surface order and a separate study using X-ray standing wave (XSW) fluorescence reveals interface cation bonding sites. Following the formation of a chemically-reacted interface layer in CaF_2 epitaxy on Si(111), the morphology of the subsequent bulk layers is found to be dependent on substrate temperature and incident flux rate. At temperatures >=600 ^circC a transition from three -dimensional island formation at low flux to laminar growth at higher flux is observed with bulk- and interface-resolved XPD. At lower substrate temperatures, laminar growth is observed at all fluxes, but with different bulk nucleation behavior due to changes in the stoichiometry of the interface layer. This new observation of kinetic effects on the initial nucleation in CaF_2 epitaxy has important ramifications for the formation of thicker heterostructures for scientific or device applications. XPS and XPD are also used to identify for the first time, surface core-level species of Ca and F, and a secondary interface-shifted F Auger component arising from a second-layer site directly above interface-layer Ca atoms. The effects of lattice mismatch (from -3% to 8%) are investigated with various growths of Ca_{rm x}Sr _{rm 1-x}F_2 on Si and Ge (111) substrates. Triangulation of (111) and (220) XSW indicates a predominance of 3-fold hollow Sr bonding sites coexisting with 4-fold top sites for monolayers of SrF_2 on Si. XSW and LEED reveal a lateral discommensuration of the overlayer for lattice mismatches of >5% relative to the substrate. XPD also reveals a transition from single - to mixed-domains of overlayer crystallographic orientation for mismatches >=3.5%.

Three-Phase Morphology Evolution in Sequentially Solution-Processed Polymer Photodetector: Toward Low Dark Current and High Photodetectivity.

PubMed

Wang, Hanyu; Xing, Shen; Zheng, Yifan; Kong, Jaemin; Yu, Junsheng; Taylor, André D

2018-01-31

Sequentially solution-processed polymer photodetectors (SSP PPDs) based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)/[6,6]-phenyl C 71 -butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) are fabricated by depositing the top layers of PC 71 BM from an appropriate cosolvent of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP)/o-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) onto the predeposited bottom layers of P3HT. By adjusting the ratio of 2-CP/ODCB in the top PC 71 BM layers, the resulting SSP PPD shows a decreased dark current and an increased photocurrent, leading to a maximum detectivity of 1.23 × 10 12 Jones at a wavelength of 550 nm. This value is 5.3-fold higher than that of the conventional bulk heterojunction PPD. Morphology studies reveal that the PC 71 BM partially penetrates the predeposited P3HT layer during the spin-coating process, resulting in an optimal three-phase morphology with one well-mixed interdiffusion P3HT/PC 71 BM phase in the middle of the bulk and two pure phases of P3HT and PC 71 BM at the two electrode sides. We show that the pure phases form high Schottky barriers (>2.0 eV) at the active layer/electrodes interface and efficiently block unfavorable reverse charge carrier injection by significantly decreasing the dark current. The interdiffussion phase enlarges the donor-acceptor interfacial area leading to a large photocurrent. We also reveal that the improved performance of SSP PPDs is also due to the enhanced optical absorption, improved P3HT crystallinity, increased charge carrier mobilities, and suppressed bimolecular recombination.

Simulating mixed-phase Arctic stratus clouds: sensitivity to ice initiation mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sednev, I.; Menon, S.; McFarquhar, G.

2008-06-01

The importance of Arctic mixed-phase clouds on radiation and the Arctic climate is well known. However, the development of mixed-phase cloud parameterization for use in large scale models is limited by lack of both related observations and numerical studies using multidimensional models with advanced microphysics that provide the basis for understanding the relative importance of different microphysical processes that take place in mixed-phase clouds. To improve the representation of mixed-phase cloud processes in the GISS GCM we use the GISS single-column model coupled to a bin resolved microphysics (BRM) scheme that was specially designed to simulate mixed-phase clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions. Using this model with the microphysical measurements obtained from the DOE ARM Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (MPACE) campaign in October 2004 at the North Slope of Alaska, we investigate the effect of ice initiation processes and Bergeron-Findeisen process (BFP) on glaciation time and longevity of single-layer stratiform mixed-phase clouds. We focus on observations taken during 9th-10th October, which indicated the presence of a single-layer mixed-phase clouds. We performed several sets of 12-h simulations to examine model sensitivity to different ice initiation mechanisms and evaluate model output (hydrometeors' concentrations, contents, effective radii, precipitation fluxes, and radar reflectivity) against measurements from the MPACE Intensive Observing Period. Overall, the model qualitatively simulates ice crystal concentration and hydrometeors content, but it fails to predict quantitatively the effective radii of ice particles and their vertical profiles. In particular, the ice effective radii are overestimated by at least 50%. However, using the same definition as used for observations, the effective radii simulated and that observed were more comparable. We find that for the single-layer stratiform mixed-phase clouds simulated, process of ice phase initiation due to freezing of supercooled water in both saturated and undersaturated (w.r.t. water) environments is as important as primary ice crystal origination from water vapor. We also find that the BFP is a process mainly responsible for the rates of glaciation of simulated clouds. These glaciation rates cannot be adequately represented by a water-ice saturation adjustment scheme that only depends on temperature and liquid and solid hydrometeors' contents as is widely used in bulk microphysics schemes and are better represented by processes that also account for supersaturation changes as the hydrometeors grow.

Simulating mixed-phase Arctic stratus clouds: sensitivity to ice initiation mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sednev, I.; Menon, S.; McFarquhar, G.

2009-07-01

The importance of Arctic mixed-phase clouds on radiation and the Arctic climate is well known. However, the development of mixed-phase cloud parameterization for use in large scale models is limited by lack of both related observations and numerical studies using multidimensional models with advanced microphysics that provide the basis for understanding the relative importance of different microphysical processes that take place in mixed-phase clouds. To improve the representation of mixed-phase cloud processes in the GISS GCM we use the GISS single-column model coupled to a bin resolved microphysics (BRM) scheme that was specially designed to simulate mixed-phase clouds and aerosol-cloud interactions. Using this model with the microphysical measurements obtained from the DOE ARM Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (MPACE) campaign in October 2004 at the North Slope of Alaska, we investigate the effect of ice initiation processes and Bergeron-Findeisen process (BFP) on glaciation time and longevity of single-layer stratiform mixed-phase clouds. We focus on observations taken during 9-10 October, which indicated the presence of a single-layer mixed-phase clouds. We performed several sets of 12-h simulations to examine model sensitivity to different ice initiation mechanisms and evaluate model output (hydrometeors' concentrations, contents, effective radii, precipitation fluxes, and radar reflectivity) against measurements from the MPACE Intensive Observing Period. Overall, the model qualitatively simulates ice crystal concentration and hydrometeors content, but it fails to predict quantitatively the effective radii of ice particles and their vertical profiles. In particular, the ice effective radii are overestimated by at least 50%. However, using the same definition as used for observations, the effective radii simulated and that observed were more comparable. We find that for the single-layer stratiform mixed-phase clouds simulated, process of ice phase initiation due to freezing of supercooled water in both saturated and subsaturated (w.r.t. water) environments is as important as primary ice crystal origination from water vapor. We also find that the BFP is a process mainly responsible for the rates of glaciation of simulated clouds. These glaciation rates cannot be adequately represented by a water-ice saturation adjustment scheme that only depends on temperature and liquid and solid hydrometeors' contents as is widely used in bulk microphysics schemes and are better represented by processes that also account for supersaturation changes as the hydrometeors grow.

Measured acoustic properties of variable and low density bulk absorbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dahl, M. D.; Rice, E. J.

1985-01-01

Experimental data were taken to determine the acoustic absorbing properties of uniform low density and layered variable density samples using a bulk absober with a perforated plate facing to hold the material in place. In the layered variable density case, the bulk absorber was packed such that the lowest density layer began at the surface of the sample and progressed to higher density layers deeper inside. The samples were placed in a rectangular duct and measurements were taken using the two microphone method. The data were used to calculate specific acoustic impedances and normal incidence absorption coefficients. Results showed that for uniform density samples the absorption coefficient at low frequencies decreased with increasing density and resonances occurred in the absorption coefficient curve at lower densities. These results were confirmed by a model for uniform density bulk absorbers. Results from layered variable density samples showed that low frequency absorption was the highest when the lowest density possible was packed in the first layer near the exposed surface. The layers of increasing density within the sample had the effect of damping the resonances.

Evidence for Bulk Ripplocations in Layered Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, Jacob; Lang, Andrew C.; Griggs, Justin; Taheri, Mitra L.; Tucker, Garritt J.; Barsoum, Michel W.

2016-09-01

Plastically anisotropic/layered solids are ubiquitous in nature and understanding how they deform is crucial in geology, nuclear engineering, microelectronics, among other fields. Recently, a new defect termed a ripplocation-best described as an atomic scale ripple-was proposed to explain deformation in two-dimensional solids. Herein, we leverage atomistic simulations of graphite to extend the ripplocation idea to bulk layered solids, and confirm that it is essentially a buckling phenomenon. In contrast to dislocations, bulk ripplocations have no Burgers vector and no polarity. In graphite, ripplocations are attracted to other ripplocations, both within the same, and on adjacent layers, the latter resulting in kink boundaries. Furthermore, we present transmission electron microscopy evidence consistent with the existence of bulk ripplocations in Ti3SiC2. Ripplocations are a topological imperative, as they allow atomic layers to glide relative to each other without breaking the in-plane bonds. A more complete understanding of their mechanics and behavior is critically important, and could profoundly influence our current understanding of how graphite, layered silicates, the MAX phases, and many other plastically anisotropic/layered solids, deform and accommodate strain.

Spontaneous and Flow-Driven Interfacial Phase Change: Dynamics of Microemulsion Formation at the Pore Scale.

PubMed

Tagavifar, Mohsen; Xu, Ke; Jang, Sung Hyun; Balhoff, Matthew T; Pope, Gary A

2017-11-14

The dynamic behavior of microemulsion-forming water-oil-amphiphiles mixtures is investigated in a 2.5D micromodel. The equilibrium phase behavior of such mixtures is well-understood in terms of macroscopic phase transitions. However, what is less understood and where experimental data are lacking is the coupling between the phase change and the bulk flow. Herein, we study the flow of an aqueous surfactant solution-oil mixture in porous media and analyze the dependence of phase formation and spatial phase configurations on the bulk flow rate. We find that a microemulsion forms instantaneously as a boundary layer at the initial surface of contact between the surfactant solution and oil. The boundary layer is temporally continuous because of the imposed convection. In addition to the imposed flow, we observe spontaneous pulsed Marangoni flows that drag the microemulsion and surfactant solution into the oil stream, forming large (macro)emulsion droplets. The formation of the microemulsion phase at the interface distinguishes the situation from that of the more common Marangoni flow with only two phases present. Additionally, an emulsion forms via liquid-liquid nucleation or the Ouzo effect (i.e., spontaneous emulsification) at low flow rates and via mechanical mixing at high flow rates. With regard to multiphase flow, contrary to the common belief that the microemulsion is the wetting liquid, we observe that the minor oil phase wets the solid surface. We show that a layered flow pattern is formed because of the out-of-equilibrium phase behavior at high volumetric flow rates (order of 2 m/day) where advection is much faster than the diffusive interfacial mass transfer and transverse mixing, which promote equilibrium behavior. At lower flow rates (order of 30 cm/day), however, the dynamic and equilibrium phase behaviors are well-correlated. These results clearly show that the phase change influences the macroscale flow behavior.

Composition of the low seismic velocity E' layer at the top of Earth's core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badro, J.; Brodholt, J. P.

2017-12-01

Evidence for a layer (E') at the top of the outer core has been available since the '90s and while different studies suggest slightly different velocity contrasts and thicknesses, the common observation is that the layer has lower velocities than the bulk outer core (PREM). Although there are no direct measurements on the density of this layer, dynamic stability requires it to be less dense than the bulk outer core under those same pressure and temperature conditions. Using ab initio simulations on Fe-Ni-S-C-O-Si liquids we constrain the origin and composition of the low-velocity layer E' at the top of Earth's outer core. We find that increasing the concentration of any light-element always increases velocity and so a low-velocity and low-density layer (for stability) cannot be made by simply increasing light element concentration. This rules out barodiffusion or upwards sedimentation of a light phase for its origin. However, exchanging elements can—depending on the elements exchanged—produce such a layer. We evaluate three possibilities. Firstly, crystallization of a light phase from a core containing more than one light element may make such a layer, but only if the crystalizing phase is very Fe-rich, which is at odds with available phase diagrams at CMB conditions. Secondly, the E' layer may result from incomplete mixing of an early Earth core with a late impactor, depending on the light element compositions of the impactor and Earth's core, but such a primordial stratification is neither supported by dynamical models of the core nor thermodynamic models of core merger after the giant impact. The last and most plausible scenario is core-mantle chemical interaction; using thermodynamic models for metal-silicate partitioning of silicon and oxygen at CMB conditions, we show that a reaction between the core and an FeO-rich basal magma ocean can enrich the core in oxygen while depleting it in silicon, in relative amounts that produce a light and slow layer consistent with seismological observations.

Effect of Graphite Nanoplate Morphology on the Dispersion and Physical Properties of Polycarbonate Based Composites

PubMed Central

Müller, Michael Thomas; Hilarius, Konrad; Liebscher, Marco; Lellinger, Dirk; Alig, Ingo; Pötschke, Petra

2017-01-01

The influence of the morphology of industrial graphite nanoplate (GNP) materials on their dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) is studied. Three GNP morphology types were identified, namely lamellar, fragmented or compact structure. The dispersion evolution of all GNP types in PC is similar with varying melt temperature, screw speed, or mixing time during melt mixing. Increased shear stress reduces the size of GNP primary structures, whereby the GNP aspect ratio decreases. A significant GNP exfoliation to individual or few graphene layers could not be achieved under the selected melt mixing conditions. The resulting GNP macrodispersion depends on the individual GNP morphology, particle sizes and bulk density and is clearly reflected in the composite’s electrical, thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. Based on a comparison with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB), CNT are recommended in regard to electrical conductivity, whereas, for thermal conductive or gas barrier application, GNP is preferred. PMID:28772907

Interplay between efficiency and device architecture for small molecule organic solar cells.

PubMed

Williams, Graeme; Sutty, Sibi; Aziz, Hany

2014-06-21

Small molecule organic solar cells (OSCs) have experienced a resurgence of interest over their polymer solar cell counterparts, owing to their improved batch-to-batch (thus, cell-to-cell) reliability. In this systematic study on OSC device architecture, we investigate five different small molecule OSC structures, including the simple planar heterojunction (PHJ) and bulk heterojunction (BHJ), as well as several planar-mixed structures. The different OSC structures are studied over a wide range of donor:acceptor mixing concentrations to gain a comprehensive understanding of their charge transport behavior. Transient photocurrent decay measurements provide crucial information regarding the interplay between charge sweep-out and charge recombination, and ultimately hint toward space charge effects in planar-mixed structures. Results show that the BHJ/acceptor architecture, comprising a BHJ layer with high C60 acceptor content, generates OSCs with the highest performance by balancing charge generation with charge collection. The performance of other device architectures is largely limited by hole transport, with associated hole accumulation and space charge effects.

An experimental study of reactive turbulent mixing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, L. P.; Marek, C. J.; Strehlow, R. A.

1977-01-01

An experimental study of two coaxial gas streams, which react very rapidly, was performed to investigate the mixing characteristics of turbulent flow fields. The center stream consisted of a CO-N2 mixture and the outer annular stream consisted of air vitiated by H2 combustion. The streams were at equal velocity (50 m/sec) and temperature (1280 K). Turbulence measurements were obtained using hot film anemometry. A sampling probe was used to obtain time averaged gas compositions. Six different turbulence generators were placed in the annular passage to alter the flow field mixing characteristics. The turbulence generators affected the bulk mixing of the streams and the extent of CO conversion to different degrees. The effects can be related to the average eddy size (integral scale) and the bulk mixing. Higher extents of conversion of CO to CO2 were found be increasing the bulk mixing and decreasing the average eddy size.

Vibrational and optical properties of MoS2: From monolayer to bulk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina-Sánchez, Alejandro; Hummer, Kerstin; Wirtz, Ludger

2015-12-01

Molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, has recently gained considerable attention as a layered material where neighboring layers are only weakly interacting and can easily slide against each other. Therefore, mechanical exfoliation allows the fabrication of single and multi-layers and opens the possibility to generate atomically thin crystals with outstanding properties. In contrast to graphene, it has an optical gap of ~1.9 eV. This makes it a prominent candidate for transistor and opto-electronic applications. Single-layer MoS2 exhibits remarkably different physical properties compared to bulk MoS2 due to the absence of interlayer hybridization. For instance, while the band gap of bulk and multi-layer MoS2 is indirect, it becomes direct with decreasing number of layers. In this review, we analyze from a theoretical point of view the electronic, optical, and vibrational properties of single-layer, few-layer and bulk MoS2. In particular, we focus on the effects of spin-orbit interaction, number of layers, and applied tensile strain on the vibrational and optical properties. We examine the results obtained by different methodologies, mainly ab initio approaches. We also discuss which approximations are suitable for MoS2 and layered materials. The effect of external strain on the band gap of single-layer MoS2 and the crossover from indirect to direct band gap is investigated. We analyze the excitonic effects on the absorption spectra. The main features, such as the double peak at the absorption threshold and the high-energy exciton are presented. Furthermore, we report on the the phonon dispersion relations of single-layer, few-layer and bulk MoS2. Based on the latter, we explain the behavior of the Raman-active A1g and E2g1 modes as a function of the number of layers. Finally, we compare theoretical and experimental results of Raman, photoluminescence, and optical-absorption spectroscopy.

Wind-Tunnel Simulation of Weakly and Moderately Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hancock, Philip E.; Hayden, Paul

2018-07-01

The simulation of horizontally homogeneous boundary layers that have characteristics of weakly and moderately stable atmospheric flow is investigated, where the well-established wind engineering practice of using `flow generators' to provide a deep boundary layer is employed. Primary attention is given to the flow above the surface layer, in the absence of an overlying inversion, as assessed from first- and second-order moments of velocity and temperature. A uniform inlet temperature profile ahead of a deep layer, allowing initially neutral flow, results in the upper part of the boundary layer remaining neutral. A non-uniform inlet temperature profile is required but needs careful specification if odd characteristics are to be avoided, attributed to long-lasting effects inherent of stability, and to a reduced level of turbulent mixing. The first part of the wind-tunnel floor must not be cooled if turbulence quantities are to vary smoothly with height. Closely horizontally homogeneous flow is demonstrated, where profiles are comparable or closely comparable with atmospheric data in terms of local similarity and functions of normalized height. The ratio of boundary-layer height to surface Obukhov length, and the surface heat flux, are functions of the bulk Richardson number, independent of horizontal homogeneity. Surface heat flux rises to a maximum and then decreases.

Wind-Tunnel Simulation of Weakly and Moderately Stable Atmospheric Boundary Layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hancock, Philip E.; Hayden, Paul

2018-02-01

The simulation of horizontally homogeneous boundary layers that have characteristics of weakly and moderately stable atmospheric flow is investigated, where the well-established wind engineering practice of using `flow generators' to provide a deep boundary layer is employed. Primary attention is given to the flow above the surface layer, in the absence of an overlying inversion, as assessed from first- and second-order moments of velocity and temperature. A uniform inlet temperature profile ahead of a deep layer, allowing initially neutral flow, results in the upper part of the boundary layer remaining neutral. A non-uniform inlet temperature profile is required but needs careful specification if odd characteristics are to be avoided, attributed to long-lasting effects inherent of stability, and to a reduced level of turbulent mixing. The first part of the wind-tunnel floor must not be cooled if turbulence quantities are to vary smoothly with height. Closely horizontally homogeneous flow is demonstrated, where profiles are comparable or closely comparable with atmospheric data in terms of local similarity and functions of normalized height. The ratio of boundary-layer height to surface Obukhov length, and the surface heat flux, are functions of the bulk Richardson number, independent of horizontal homogeneity. Surface heat flux rises to a maximum and then decreases.

Rain Impact Model Assessment of Near-Surface Salinity Stratification Following Rainfall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drushka, K.; Jones, L.; Jacob, M. M.; Asher, W.; Santos-Garcia, A.

2016-12-01

Rainfall over oceans produces a layer of fresher surface water, which can have a significant effect on the exchanges between the surface and the bulk mixed layer and also on satellite/in-situ comparisons. For satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) measurements, the standard is the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM), but there is a significant difference between the remote sensing sampling depth of 0.01 m and the typical range of 5-10 m of in-situ instruments. Under normal conditions the upper layer of the ocean is well mixed and there is uniform salinity; however, under rainy conditions, there is a dilution of the near-surface salinity that mixes downward by diffusion and by mechanical mixing (gravity waves/wind speed). This significantly modifies the salinity gradient in the upper 1-2 m of the ocean, but these transient salinity stratifications dissipate in a few hours, and the upper layer becomes well mixed at a slightly fresher salinity. Based upon research conducted within the NASA/CONAE Aquarius/SAC-D mission, a rain impact model (RIM) was developed to estimate the change in SSS due to rainfall near the time of the satellite observation, with the objective to identify the probability of salinity stratification. RIM uses HYCOM (which does not include the short-term rain effects) and a NOAA global rainfall product CMORPH to model changes in the near-surface salinity profile in 0.5 h increments. Based upon SPURS-2 experimental near-surface salinity measurements with rain, this paper introduces a term in the RIM model that accounts for the effect of wind speed in the mechanical mixing, which translates into a dynamic vertical diffusivity; whereby a Generalized Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) is used to investigate the response to rain events of the upper few meters of the ocean. The objective is to determine how rain and wind forcing control the thickness, stratification strength, and lifetime of fresh lenses and to quantify the impacts of rain-formed fresh lenses on the fresh bias in satellite retrievals of salinity. Results will be presented of comparisons of RIM measurements at depth of a few meters with measurements from in-situ salinity instruments. Also, analytical results will be shown, which assess the accuracy of RIM salinity profiles under a variety of rain rate, wind/wave conditions.

Tritium migration to the surfaces of Type 316 stainless steel; aluminum 6061; and oxygen-free, high-conductivity copper

DOE PAGES

Sharpe, M.; Shmayda, W. T.; Schroder, W. U.

2016-05-25

The migration of tritium to the surfaces of aluminum 6061, oxygen-free, high-conductivity copper (OFHC), and stainless-steel 316 from the bulk metal was studied using low-pressure Tonks–Langmuir argon plasma. The plasma is shown to be effective at removing tritium from metal surfaces in a controlled manner. Tritium is removed in decreasing quantities with successive plasma exposures, which suggests a depletion of the surface and near-surface tritium inventories. A diffusion model was developed to predict tritium migration from the bulk and its accumulation in the water layers present on the metal surface. The model reproduces the rate of tritium re-growth on themore » surface for all three metals and can be used to calculate the triton solubility in the water layers present on metal surfaces. The ratio of surface-to-bulk solubilities at the water-layer/bulk-metal interface uniquely determines the concentration ratio between these two media. Removing the tritium-rich water layers induces tritium to migrate from the bulk to the surface. Furthermore, this process is driven by a concentration gradient that develops in the bulk because of the perturbation on the surface.« less

Chembio extraction on a chip by nanoliter droplet ejection.

PubMed

Yu, Hongyu; Kwon, Jae Wan; Kim, Eun Sok

2005-03-01

This paper describes a novel liquid separation technique for chembio extraction by an ultrasonic nanoliter-liquid-droplet ejector built on a PZT sheet. This technique extracts material from an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) in a precise amount through digital control of the number of nanoliter droplets, without any mixing between the two liquids in the ATPS. The ultrasonic droplet ejector uses an acoustic streaming effect produced by an acoustic beam focused on the liquid surface, and ejects liquid droplets only from the liquid surface without disturbing most of the liquid below the surface. This unique characteristic of the focused acoustic beam is perfect (1) for separating a top-layer liquid (from the bulk of liquid) that contains particles of interest or (2) for recovering a top-layer liquid that has different phase from a bottom-layer liquid. Three kinds of liquid extraction are demonstrated with the ultrasonic droplet ejector: (1) 16 microl of top layer in Dextran-polyethylene glycol-water ATPS (aqueous two-phase system) is recovered within 20 s; (2) micron sized particles that float on water surface are ejected out with water droplets; and (3) oil layer on top of water is separated out.

Interface or bulk scattering in the semiclassical theory for spin valves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, L.; McMahon, W. J.; Liu, B.; Wu, Y. H.; Chong, C. T.

2004-06-01

By taking into account spin asymmetries of the interface transmissions and the bulk mean free paths, we have treated pure interface, non-pure interface, bulk, and interface plus bulk scattering within the semiclassical Boltzmann theory. First, the optimizations of NOL (nano-oxide-layers) insertions in bottom, synthetic, and dual spin valves and the variations of the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) with the thickness of the free layer have been examined. For non-pure interface, bulk, and interface plus bulk scattering, qualitative trends of GMR versus NOL positions in spin valves are similar to each other. For pure interface scattering, there is no optimized NOL insertion positions and the blocking effect of the NOL inserted in the spacer remains effective as other three kinds of scattering. The GMR ratio for bulk scattering simply approaches zero when the free layer thickness becomes short; in contrast, for interface scattering or interface plus bulk scattering, the GMR ratio is nonzero at zero thickness of the free layer. Second, the relationships between GMR and specular and diffusive scattering have been explored. As far as specular reflection is concerned, our results imply that for a realistic bottom spin filter spin valve, Ta/NiFe/IrMn/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/Cu/Ta, roughness of the surfaces of Ta and the interfaces of Ta/NiFe, NiFe/IrMn, pinned layer/spacer, and spacer/free layer may lead to large GMR. We also find that the enhancement of GMR due to surface specular reflection is only a pure interface effect. The dependences of GMR on the specular transmissions roughly follow square relations. The trends of GMR against the spin-down diffusive scattering depend on the values of the spin-up transmission. Finally, impurity scattering was investigated and our semiclassical results are in qualitative agreement with the experiments and the quantum theory.

Bulk Properties of Isentropic Mixing into the Tropics in the Lower Stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minschwaner, K.; Dessler, A. E.; Elkins, J. W.; Volk, C. M.; Fahey, D. W.; Loewenstein, M.; Podolske, J. R.; Chan, K. R.; Roche, A. E.

1996-01-01

Timescales for mixing of midlatitude air into the tropical lower stratosphere are deduced from observations of long-lived tracers N2O and CCl3F. Bulk mixing between tropical and midlatitude regions is assumed to be isentropic and relatively slow compared with local mixing within each region. The mean value of the mixing timescale ranges from 12 to 18 months near 20 km. There is a tendency for shorter mixing times at higher and lower altitudes, although vertical profiles of mixing cannot be definitively established by the data. A more robust quantity is given by the fraction of midlatitude air entrained into the tropical upwelling region. Implied mixing fractions exceed 50% above 22 km.

Investigation of combustion characteristics in a scramjet combustor using a modified flamelet model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guoyan; Sun, Mingbo; Wang, Hongbo; Ouyang, Hao

2018-07-01

In this study, the characteristics of supersonic combustion inside an ethylene-fueled scramjet combustor equipped with multi-cavities were investigated with different injection schemes. Experimental results showed that the flames concentrated in the cavity and separated boundary layer downstream of the cavity, and they occupied the flow channel further enhancing the bulk flow compression. The flame structure in distributed injection scheme differed from that in centralized injection scheme. In numerical simulations, a modified flamelet model was introduced to consider that the pressure distribution is far from homogenous inside the scramjet combustor. Compared with original flamelet model, numerical predictions based on the modified model showed better agreement with the experimental results, validating the reliability of the calculations. Based on the modified model, the simulations with different injection schemes were analysed. The predicted flame agreed reasonably with the experimental observations in structure. The CO masses were concentrated in cavity and subsonic region adjacent to the cavity shear layer leading to intense heat release. Compared with centralized scheme, the higher jet mixing efficiency in distributed scheme induced an intense combustion in posterior upper cavity and downstream of the cavity. From streamline and isolation surfaces, the combustion at trail of lower cavity was depressed since the bulk flow downstream of the cavity is pushed down.

Intra- and interspecific variability of carbon isotope composition (d13C) and water-use efficiency in 5 deciduous tree species growing a mixed stand in North-Eastern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapater, M.; Breda, N.; Storchi, G.; Granier, A.

2005-12-01

Intra and interspecific variability in leaf gas exchange (net assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency: WUE), in carbon isotope composition (d13C) and leaf characteristics related to photosynthesis was assessed in 5 trees species growing in a young broad-leaved mixed forest in North-Eastern France (Hesse, Lorraine). The studied species belong to contrasted functional groups of light tolerance: European beech (Fagus sylvatica) as shade tolerant species; sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) as semitolerant species; silver birch (Betula pendula) and European aspen (Populus tremula) as shade intolerant species (pioneer species). Gas exchange was measured at leaf level in the upper and the lower canopy layers using a portable system (LI-6200, Licor). d13C signatures were determined in the sun and shade leaves in both bulk material and soluble sugars. Clear differences in bulk leaves and soluble sugars d13C and intrinsic WUEint were found among the investigated species, whatever the leaf location in the canopy. Within each tree species, shade leaves exhibited lower WUEint and more negative d13C than sun leaves. Little variability among trees was found for a given species. The 3 functional groups were separated by their leaf carbon content. Nevertheless each of the variables d13C, leaf mass area and nitrogen content, alone, could not separate the groups. A linear relationship was found between WUEint and d13C at the intraspecific level (r2 = 0.87 for leaves; r2 =0.89 for sugars) and at the interspecific level (r2 = 0.72 for bulk leaves). Nevertheless, this relationship differed from that of Farquhar et al. (1982), due to a different intercept, while the slope was the same. The causes of these variations are discussed. Key words: d13C; deciduous; mixed forest; WUEint; shade tolerance.

Co-composting of vegetable wastes and carton: Effect of carton composition and parameter variations.

PubMed

Rawoteea, Soonita Anjeena; Mudhoo, Ackmez; Kumar, Sunil

2017-03-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of carton in the composting process of mixed vegetable wastes using an experimental composter of capacity 80L. Three different mixes were set-up (Mixes 1, 2 and 3) which consisted of vegetable wastes, 2.0kg paper and bulking agents, vegetable wastes, 1.5kg carton and bulking agents, vegetable wastes, 4.5kg carton and bulking agents, respectively. Temperature evolution, pH trends, moisture levels, respiration rates, percentage volatile solids and electrical conductivity were monitored for a period of 50days. The system remained under thermophilic conditions for a very short period due to the small size of the reactor. The three mixes did not exceed a temperature of 55°C, where sanitization takes place by the destruction of pathogens. The highest peak of CO 2 evolution was observed in Mix 2 indicating that maximum microbial degradation took place in that mix. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Thermodynamics, interfacial pressure isotherms and dilational rheology of mixed protein-surfactant adsorption layers.

PubMed

Fainerman, V B; Aksenenko, E V; Krägel, J; Miller, R

2016-07-01

Proteins and their mixtures with surfactants are widely used in many applications. The knowledge of their solution bulk behavior and its impact on the properties of interfacial layers made great progress in the recent years. Different mechanisms apply to the formation process of protein/surfactant complexes for ionic and non-ionic surfactants, which are governed mainly by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The surface activity of these complexes is often remarkably different from that of the individual protein and has to be considered in respective theoretical models. At very low protein concentration, small amounts of added surfactants can change the surface activity of proteins remarkably, even though no strongly interfacial active complexes are observed. Also small added amounts of non-ionic surfactants change the surface activity of proteins in the range of small bulk concentrations or surface coverages. The modeling of the equilibrium adsorption behavior of proteins and their mixtures with surfactants has reached a rather high level. These models are suitable also to describe the high frequency limits of the dilational viscoelasticity of the interfacial layers. Depending on the nature of the protein/surfactant interactions and the changes in the interfacial layer composition rather complex dilational viscoelasticities can be observed and described by the available models. The differences in the interfacial behavior, often observed in literature for studies using different experimental methods, are at least partially explained by a depletion of proteins, surfactants and their complexes in the range of low concentrations. A correction of these depletion effects typically provides good agreement between the data obtained with different methods, such as drop and bubble profile tensiometry. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The regolith at the Apollo 15 site and its stratigraphic implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carr, M.H.; Meyer, C.E.

1974-01-01

Regolith samples from the Apollo 15 landing site are described in terms of two major fractions, a homogeneous glass fraction and a non-homogeneous glass fraction. The proportions of different components in the homogeneous glass fraction were determined directly by chemical analyses of individual particles. They are mainly green glass, a mare-like glass, and different types of Fra Mauro and Highland type glasses. The proportions of various components in the remainder of each of the soils were determined indirectly by finding the mix of components that best fits their bulk compositions. The mixing model suggests that the Apennine Front consists mainly of rocks of low-K Fra Mauro basalt composition. These may overlie rocks with the composition of anorthositic gabbro. Green glass, which occurs widely throughout the site is believed to be derived from a green glass layer which darkens upland surfaces and lies beneath the local mare surface. ?? 1974.

Surface adsorption of oppositely charged C14TAB-PAMPS mixtures at the air/water interface and the impact on foam film stability.

PubMed

Fauser, Heiko; von Klitzing, Regine; Campbell, Richard A

2015-01-08

We have studied the oppositely charged polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixture of poly(acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonate) sodium salt (PAMPS) and tetradecyl trimethylammonium bromide (C14TAB) using a combination of neutron reflectivity and ellipsometry measurements. The interfacial composition was determined using three different analysis methods involving the two techniques for the first time. The bulk surfactant concentration was fixed at a modest value while the bulk polyelectrolyte concentration was varied over a wide range. We reveal complex changes in the surface adsorption behavior. Mixtures with low bulk PAMPS concentrations result in the components interacting synergistically in charge neutral layers at the air/water interface. At the bulk composition where PAMPS and C14TAB are mixed in an equimolar charge ratio in the bulk, we observe a dramatic drop in the surfactant surface excess to leave a large excess of polyelectrolyte at the interface, which we infer to have loops in its interfacial structure. Further increase of the bulk PAMPS concentration leads to a more pronounced depletion of material from the surface. Mixtures containing a large excess of PAMPS in the bulk showed enhanced adsorption, which is attributed to the large increase in total ionic strength of the system and screening of the surfactant headgroup charges. The data are compared to our former results on PAMPS/C14TAB mixtures [Kristen et al. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2009, 23, 7986]. A peak in the surface tension is rationalized in terms of the changing surface adsorption and, unlike in more concentrated systems, is unrelated to bulk precipitation. Also, a comparison between the determined interfacial composition with zeta potential and foam film stability data shows that the highest film stability occurs when there is enhanced synergistic adsorption of both components at the interface due to charge screening when the total ionic strength of the system is highest. The additional contribution to the foam stability of the negatively charged polyelectrolyte within the film bulk is also discussed.

A study of deformation and strain induced in bulk by the oxide layers formation on a Fe-Cr-Al alloy in high-temperature liquid Pb-Bi eutectic

DOE PAGES

Popovic, M. P.; Chen, K.; Shen, H.; ...

2018-03-29

At elevated temperatures, heavy liquid metals and their alloys are known to create a highly corrosive environment that causes irreversible degradation of most iron-based materials. In this paper, it has been found that an appropriate concentration of oxygen in the liquid alloy can significantly reduce this issue by creating a passivating oxide scale that controls diffusion, especially if Al is present in Fe-based materials (by Al-oxide formation). However, the increase of the temperature and of oxygen content in liquid phase leads to the increase of oxygen diffusion into bulk, and to promotion of the internal Al oxidation. This can causemore » a strain in bulk near the oxide layer, due either to mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of the oxides and bulk material, or to misfit of the crystal lattices (bulk vs. oxides). This work investigates the strain induced into proximal bulk of a Fe-Cr-Al alloy by oxide layers formation in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic utilizing synchrotron X-ray Laue microdiffraction. Finally, it is found that internal oxidation is the most likely cause for the strain in the metal rather than thermal expansion mismatch as a two-layer problem.« less

A study of deformation and strain induced in bulk by the oxide layers formation on a Fe-Cr-Al alloy in high-temperature liquid Pb-Bi eutectic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Popovic, M. P.; Chen, K.; Shen, H.

At elevated temperatures, heavy liquid metals and their alloys are known to create a highly corrosive environment that causes irreversible degradation of most iron-based materials. In this paper, it has been found that an appropriate concentration of oxygen in the liquid alloy can significantly reduce this issue by creating a passivating oxide scale that controls diffusion, especially if Al is present in Fe-based materials (by Al-oxide formation). However, the increase of the temperature and of oxygen content in liquid phase leads to the increase of oxygen diffusion into bulk, and to promotion of the internal Al oxidation. This can causemore » a strain in bulk near the oxide layer, due either to mismatch between the thermal expansion coefficients of the oxides and bulk material, or to misfit of the crystal lattices (bulk vs. oxides). This work investigates the strain induced into proximal bulk of a Fe-Cr-Al alloy by oxide layers formation in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic utilizing synchrotron X-ray Laue microdiffraction. Finally, it is found that internal oxidation is the most likely cause for the strain in the metal rather than thermal expansion mismatch as a two-layer problem.« less

Bulk substrate porosity verification by applying Monte Carlo modeling and Castaing's formula using energy-dispersive x-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yung, Lai Chin; Fei, Cheong Choke; Mandeep, Jit Singh; Amin, Nowshad; Lai, Khin Wee

2015-11-01

The leadframe fabrication process normally involves additional thin-metal layer plating on the bulk copper substrate surface for wire bonding purposes. Silver, tin, and copper flakes are commonly adopted as plating materials. It is critical to assess the density of the plated metal layer, and in particular to look for porosity or voids underneath the layer, which may reduce the reliability during high-temperature stress. A fast, reliable inspection technique is needed to assess the porosity or void weakness. To this end, the characteristics of x-rays generated from bulk samples were examined using an energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) detector to examine the porosity percentage. Monte Carlo modeling was integrated with Castaing's formula to verify the integrity of the experimental data. Samples with different porosity percentages were considered to test the correlation between the intensity of the collected x-ray signal and the material density. To further verify the integrity of the model, conventional cross-sectional samples were also taken to observe the porosity percentage using Image J software measurement. A breakthrough in bulk substrate assessment was achieved by applying EDX for the first time to nonelemental analysis. The experimental data showed that the EDX features were not only useful for elemental analysis, but also applicable to thin-film metal layer thickness measurement and bulk material density determination. A detailed experiment was conducted using EDX to assess the plating metal layer and bulk material porosity.

Nonequilibrium electrokinetic effects in beds of ion-permselective particles.

PubMed

Leinweber, Felix C; Tallarek, Ulrich

2004-12-21

Electrokinetic transport of fluorescent tracer molecules in a bed of porous glass beads was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Refractive index matching between beads and the saturating fluid enabled a quantitative analysis of intraparticle and extraparticle fluid-side concentration profiles. Kinetic data were acquired for the uptake and release of electroneutral and counterionic tracer under devised conditions with respect to constant pressure-driven flow through the device and the effect of superimposed electrical fields. Transport of neutral tracer is controlled by intraparticle mass transfer resistance which can be strongly reduced by electroosmotic flow, while steady-state distributions and bead-averaged concentrations are unaffected by the externally applied fields. Electrolytes of low ionic strength caused the transport through the charged (mesoporous) beads to become highly ion-permselective, and concentration polarization is induced in the bulk solution due to the superimposed fields. The depleted concentration polarization zone comprises extraparticle fluid-side mass transfer resistance. Ionic concentrations in this diffusion boundary layer decrease at increasing field strength, and the flux densities approach an upper limit. Meanwhile, intraparticle transport of counterions by electromigration and electroosmosis continues to increase and finally exceeds the transport from bulk solution into the beads. A nonequilibrium electrical double layer is induced which consists of mobile and immobile space charge regions in the extraparticle bulk solution and inside a bead, respectively. These electrical field-induced space charges form the basis for nonequilibrium electrokinetic phenomena. Caused by the underlying transport discrimination (intraparticle electrokinetic vs extraparticle boundary-layer mass transfer), the dynamic adsorption capacity for counterions can be drastically reduced. Further, the extraparticle mobile space charge region leads to nonlinear electroosmosis. Flow patterns can become highly chaotic, and electrokinetic instability mixing is shown to increase lateral dispersion. Under these conditions, the overall axial dispersion of counterionic tracer can be reduced by more than 2 orders of magnitude, as demonstrated by pulse injections.

Plasmon-enhanced solar energy conversion in organic bulk heterojunction photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morfa, Anthony J.; Rowlen, Kathy L.; Reilly, Thomas H.; Romero, Manuel J.; van de Lagemaat, Jao

2008-01-01

Plasmon-active silver nanoparticle layers were included in solution-processed bulk-heterojunction solar cells. Nanoparticle layers were fabricated using vapor-phase deposition on indium tin oxide electrodes. Owing to the increase in optical electrical field inside the photoactive layer, the inclusion of such particle films lead to increased optical absorption and consequently increased photoconversion at solar-conversion relevant wavelengths. The resulting solar energy conversion efficiency for a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic device of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester was found to increase from 1.3%±0.2% to 2.2%±0.1% for devices employing thin plasmon-active layers. Based on six measurements, the improvement factor of 1.7 was demonstrated to be statistically significant.

Diurnal cycle of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: 2. Modeling results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panday, Arnico K.; Prinn, Ronald G.; SchäR, Christoph

2009-11-01

After completing a 9-month field experiment studying air pollution and meteorology in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, we set up the mesoscale meteorological model MM5 to simulate the Kathmandu Valley's meteorology with a horizontal resolution of up to 1 km. After testing the model against available data, we used it to address specific questions to understand the factors that control the observed diurnal cycle of air pollution in this urban basin in the Himalayas. We studied the dynamics of the basin's nocturnal cold air pool, its dissipation in the morning, and the subsequent growth and decay of the mixed layer over the valley. During mornings, we found behavior common to large basins, with upslope flows and basin-center subsidence removing the nocturnal cold air pool. During afternoons the circulation in the Kathmandu Valley exhibited patterns common to plateaus, with cooler denser air originating over lower regions west of Kathmandu arriving through mountain passes and spreading across the basin floor, thereby reducing the mixed layer depth. We also examined the pathways of pollutant ventilation out of the valley. The bulk of the pollution ventilation takes place during the afternoon, when strong westerly winds blow in through the western passes of the valley, and the pollutants are rapidly carried out through passes on the east and south sides of the valley. In the evening, pollutants first accumulate near the surface, but then are lifted slightly when katabatic flows converge underneath. The elevated polluted layers are mixed back down in the morning, contributing to the morning pollution peak. Later in the morning a fraction of the valley's pollutants travels up the slopes of the valley rim mountains before the westerly winds begin.

Comment on `Electrical conductance of a sandstone partially saturated with varying concentrations of NaCl solutions' by R. Umezawa, N. Nishiyama, M. Katsura and S. Nakashima

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revil, André; Soueid Ahmed, Abdellahi

2017-11-01

Umezawa et al. investigated the dependence of the electrical conductivity of rocks with respect to the saturation of the water phase. Four issues can be underlined in their work: (1) The conductivity model they used mixes bulk and surface tortuosities in the same linear equation (i.e., between the conductivity and the conductivity of the pore water). This conflicts with the fact that the conductivity is a concave down increasing function of the pore water conductivity and bulk tortuosity is defined only at high salinity while surface tortuosity is defined only at very low salinity. (2) The specific surface conductance obtained by Umezawa et al. is too low and conflicts with independent evaluations obtained with double layer models for aluminosilicates and silicates. (3) The expression given for the resistivity index conflicts with the inclusion of a surface conductivity term in the conductivity equation.

An IR Sounding-Based Analysis of the Saharan Air Layer in North Africa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicholls, Stephen D.; Mohr, Karen I.

2018-01-01

Intense daytime surface heating over barren-to-sparsely vegetated surfaces results in dry convective mixing. In the absence of external forcing such as mountain waves, the dry convection can produce a deep, well-mixed, nearly isentropic boundary layer that becomes a well-mixed residual layer in the evening. These well-mixed layers (WML) retain their unique mid-tropospheric thermal and humidity structure for several days. To detect the SAL and characterize its properties, AIRS Level 2 Ver. 6 temperature and humidity products (2003-Present) are evaluated against rawinsondes and compared to model analysis at each of the 55 rawinsonde stations in northern Africa. To distinguish WML from Saharan air layers (WMLs of Saharan origin), the detection involved a two-step process: 1) algorithm-based detection of WMLs in dry environments (less than 7 g per kilogram mixing ratio) 2) identification of Sahara air layers (SAL) by applying Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) back trajectories to determine the history of each WML. WML occurrence rates from AIRS closely resemble that from rawinsondes, yet rates from model analysis were up to 30% higher than observations in the Sahara due to model errors. Despite the overly frequent occurrence of WMLs from model analysis, HYSPLIT trajectory analysis showed that SAL occurrence rates (given a WML exists) from rawinsondes, AIRS, and model analysis were nearly identical. Although the number of WMLs varied among the data sources, the proportion of WMLs which were classified as SAL was nearly the same. The analysis of SAL bulk properties showed that AIRS and model analysis exhibited a slight warm and moist bias relative to rawinsondes in non-Saharan locations, but model analysis was notably warmer than rawinsondes and AIRS within the Sahara. The latter result is likely associated with the dearth of available data assimilated by model analysis in the Sahara. The variability of SAL thicknesses was reasonably captured by both AIRS and model analysis, but the former favor layers than are thinner than observations. Finally, further analysis of HYSPLIT trajectories revealed that fewer than 10% and 33% of all SAL back trajectories passed through regions with notable precipitation (>100 mm accumulated along the trajectory path) or Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD greater than 0.4, 75th percentile of AOD) on average, respectively. Trajectory analysis indicated that only 57% of Saharan and 24% of non-Saharan WMLs are definitively of Saharan origin (Saharan requirement: Two consecutive days in Sahara and 24 or more of those hours within 72 hours of detection). Non-SAL WMLs either originate from local-to-regionally generated residual layers or from mid-latitude air streams that do not linger over the Sahara for a sufficient time period. Initial analysis shows these non-SAL WMLs tend to be both notably cooler and slightly moister than their SAL counter parts. Continuing analysis will address what role Saharan and non-Saharan air masses characteristics may play on local and regional environmental conditions.

Novel Flexible Plastic-Based Solar Cells

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-19

Fabrication of newly designed hybrid solar cells that are composed of a electron transport layer ( TiO2 ), a light sensitizing layer (NCs), and a hole...coating and spraying techniques, to produce broad-band light harvesting hybrid solar cells with bulk and layered heterojunction of inorganic...fabrication of hybrid bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cell using a blend film of polymer-inorganic NCs, 2) Fabrication of newly designed hybrid solar

Statistical characterization of planar two-dimensional Rayleigh-Taylor mixing layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sendersky, Dmitry

2000-10-01

The statistical evolution of a planar, randomly perturbed fluid interface subject to Rayleigh-Taylor instability is explored through numerical simulation in two space dimensions. The data set, generated by the front-tracking code FronTier, is highly resolved and covers a large ensemble of initial perturbations, allowing a more refined analysis of closure issues pertinent to the stochastic modeling of chaotic fluid mixing. We closely approach a two-fold convergence of the mean two-phase flow: convergence of the numerical solution under computational mesh refinement, and statistical convergence under increasing ensemble size. Quantities that appear in the two-phase averaged Euler equations are computed directly and analyzed for numerical and statistical convergence. Bulk averages show a high degree of convergence, while interfacial averages are convergent only in the outer portions of the mixing zone, where there is a coherent array of bubble and spike tips. Comparison with the familiar bubble/spike penetration law h = alphaAgt 2 is complicated by the lack of scale invariance, inability to carry the simulations to late time, the increasing Mach numbers of the bubble/spike tips, and sensitivity to the method of data analysis. Finally, we use the simulation data to analyze some constitutive properties of the mixing process.

Displacement energy of the surface layers of tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Longtao; Krstic, Predrag

2015-11-01

A molecular dynamics study with BOP potential is used to calculate the threshold displacement energy (ED) of primary knock-on atoms in the surface layers of the tungsten bcc crystal lattice at 300 K and at various crystallographic directions. Depending on the direction, ED is 10% to 75% smaller from the bulk value at the first layer, interfacing vacuum, while it reaches close to the bulk value already at the third tungsten layer. Supported by IACS of SBU and LDRD of PPPL.

Complexity of viscous dissipation in turbulent thermal convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Shashwat; Pandey, Ambrish; Kumar, Abhishek; Verma, Mahendra K.

2018-03-01

Using direct numerical simulations of turbulent thermal convection for the Rayleigh number between 106 and 108 and unit Prandtl number, we derive scaling relations for viscous dissipation in the bulk and in the boundary layers. We show that contrary to the general belief, the total viscous dissipation in the bulk is larger, albeit marginally, than that in the boundary layers. The bulk dissipation rate is similar to that in hydrodynamic turbulence with log-normal distribution, but it differs from (U3/d) by a factor of Ra-0.18. Viscous dissipation in the boundary layers is rarer but more intense with a stretched-exponential distribution.

Use of additive and pretreatment to control odors in municipal kitchen waste during aerobic composting.

PubMed

Yuan, Jing; Yang, Qingyuan; Zhang, Zhiye; Li, Guoxue; Luo, Wenhai; Zhang, Difang

2015-11-01

The effects of adding a bulking agent and chemically pretreating municipal kitchen waste before aerobic composting were studied using a laboratory-scale system. The system used 20-L reactors and each test lasted 28days. The objective was to decrease NH3 and H2S emissions during composting. The bulking agent, dry cornstalks, was mixed with the kitchen waste to give a mixture containing 15% (wet weight) bulking agent. A combined treatment was also conducted, in which kitchen waste mixed with the bulking agent was pretreated with ferric chloride (FeCl3). Less leachate was produced by the composted kitchen waste mixed with bulking agent than by the kitchen waste alone, when the materials had reached the required maturity. The presence of cornstalks also caused less H2S to be emitted, but had little impact on the amount of NH3 emitted. The FeCl3 was found to act as an effective chemical flocculant, and its presence significantly decreased the amounts of NH3 and H2S emitted. Kitchen waste mixed with cornstalks and treated with FeCl3 emitted 42% less NH3 and 76% less H2S during composting than did pure kitchen waste. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Underpotential deposition-mediated layer-by-layer growth of thin films

DOEpatents

Wang, Jia Xu; Adzic, Radoslav R.

2015-05-19

A method of depositing contiguous, conformal submonolayer-to-multilayer thin films with atomic-level control is described. The process involves the use of underpotential deposition of a first element to mediate the growth of a second material by overpotential deposition. Deposition occurs between a potential positive to the bulk deposition potential for the mediating element where a full monolayer of mediating element forms, and a potential which is less than, or only slightly greater than, the bulk deposition potential of the material to be deposited. By cycling the applied voltage between the bulk deposition potential for the mediating element and the material to be deposited, repeated desorption/adsorption of the mediating element during each potential cycle can be used to precisely control film growth on a layer-by-layer basis. This process is especially suitable for the formation of a catalytically active layer on core-shell particles for use in energy conversion devices such as fuel cells.

Evidence of a Transition Layer between the Free Surface and the Bulk.

PubMed

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Tempelman, Kristianne; Napolitano, Simone; Benes, Nieck E

2018-03-15

The free surface, a very thin layer at the interface between polymer and air, is considered the main source of the perturbations in the properties of ultrathin polymer films, i.e., nanoconfinement effects. The structural relaxation of such a layer is decoupled from the molecular dynamics of the bulk. The free surface is, in fact, able to stay liquid even below the temperature where the polymer resides in the glassy state. Importantly, this surface layer is expected to have a very sharp interface with the underlying bulk. Here, by analyzing the penetration of n-hexane into polystyrene films, we report on the existence of a transition region, not observed by previous investigations, extending for 12 nm below the free surface. The presence of such a layer permits reconciling the behavior of interfacial layers with current models and has profound implications on the performance of ultrathin membranes. We show that the expected increase in the flux of the permeating species is actually overruled by nanoconfinement.

A way for studying the impact of PEDOT:PSS interface layer on carrier transport in PCDTBT:PC71BM bulk hetero junction solar cells by electric field induced optical second harmonic generation measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Zubair; Abdullah, Shahino Mah; Taguchi, Dai; Sulaiman, Khaulah; Iwamoto, Mitsumasa

2015-04-01

Electric-field-induced optical second-harmonic generation (EFISHG) measurement was employed to study the impact of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) interface layer on the carrier transport mechanism of the PCDTBT:PC71BM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs). We revealed that the electric fields in the PCDTBT and PC71BM were allowed to be measured individually by choosing fundamental laser wavelengths of 1000 nm and 1060 nm, respectively, in dark and under illumination. The results showed that the direction of the internal electric fields in the PCDTBT:PC71BM BHJ layer is reversed by introducing the PEDOT:PSS layer, and this results in longer electron transport time in the BHJ layer. We conclude that TR-EFISHG can be used as a novel way for studying the impact of interfacial layer on the transport of electrons and holes in the bulk-heterojunction OSCs.

Dihedral Angles As A Diagnostic Tool For Interpreting The Cooling History Of Mafic Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holness, M. B.

2016-12-01

The geometry of three-grain junctions in mafic rocks, particularly those involving two grains of plagioclase, overwhelmingly results from processes occurring during solidification. Sub-solidus textural modification is only significant for fine-grained rocks that have remained hot for a considerable time (e.g. chill zones). The underlying control on the geometry of junctions involving plagioclase is the response of the different plagioclase growth faces to changes in cooling rate. This is demonstrated by the systematic co-variation of plagioclase grain shape and the median value of the pyroxene-plag-plag dihedral angle across (unfractionated) mafic sills. In mafic layered intrusions the median dihedral angle is constant across large stretches of stratigraphy, changing in a step-wise manner as the number of liquidus phases changes in the bulk magma. In the Skaergaard layered intrusion, the shape of cumulus plagioclase grains changes smoothly through the stratigraphy, consistent with continuously decreasing cooling rates in a well-mixed chamber: there is no correlation between overall plagioclase grain shape and dihedral angle. However, three-grain junctions are formed during the last stages of crystallization and therefore record events at the base of the crystal mushy layer. While the overall shape of plagioclase grains is dominated by growth at the magma-mush interface or in the bulk magma, it is the post-accumulation overgrowth that creates the dihedral angle: the shape of this overgrowth changes in a step-wise fashion, matching the step-wise variation in dihedral angle. Dihedral angles in layered intrusions can be used to place constraints on the thickness of the mushy layer, using the stratigraphic offset between the step-wise change in dihedral angle and the first appearance/disappearance of the associated liquidus phase. Dihedral angles also have the potential to constrain intrusion size for fragments of cumulate rocks entrained in volcanic ejecta.

[Effects of ex situ rice straw incorporation on organic matter content and main physical properties of hilly red soil].

PubMed

Zhu, Han-hua; Huang, Dao-you; Liu, Shou-long; Zhu, Qi-hong

2007-11-01

Two typical land-use types, i.e., newly cultivated slope land and mellow upland, were selected to investigate the effects of ex situ rice straw incorporation on the organic matter content, field water-holding capacity, bulk density, and porosity of hilly red soil, and to approach the correlations between these parameters. The results showed that ex situ incorporation of rice straw increased soil organic matter content, ameliorated soil physical properties, and improved soil water storage. Comparing with non-fertilization and applying chemical fertilizers, ex situ incorporation of rice straw increased the contents of organic matter (5.8%-28.9%) and > 0.25 mm water-stable aggregates in 0-20 cm soil layer, and increased the field water-holding capacity (6.8%-16.2%) and porosity (4.8%-7.7%) significantly (P < 0.05) while decreased the bulk density (4.5%-7.5%) in 10-15 cm soil layer. The organic matter content in 0-20 cm soil layer was significantly correlated to the bulk density, porosity, and field water-holding capacity in 10-15 cm soil layer (P < 0.01), and the field water-holding capacity in 0-20 cm and 10-15 cm soil layers was significantly correlated to the bulk density and porosity in these two layers (P < 0.05).

Effects of Precipitation on Ocean Mixed-Layer Temperature and Salinity as Simulated in a 2-D Coupled Ocean-Cloud Resolving Atmosphere Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Xiaofan; Sui, C.-H.; Lau, K-M.; Adamec, D.

1999-01-01

A two-dimensional coupled ocean-cloud resolving atmosphere model is used to investigate possible roles of convective scale ocean disturbances induced by atmospheric precipitation on ocean mixed-layer heat and salt budgets. The model couples a cloud resolving model with an embedded mixed layer-ocean circulation model. Five experiment are performed under imposed large-scale atmospheric forcing in terms of vertical velocity derived from the TOGA COARE observations during a selected seven-day period. The dominant variability of mixed-layer temperature and salinity are simulated by the coupled model with imposed large-scale forcing. The mixed-layer temperatures in the coupled experiments with 1-D and 2-D ocean models show similar variations when salinity effects are not included. When salinity effects are included, however, differences in the domain-mean mixed-layer salinity and temperature between coupled experiments with 1-D and 2-D ocean models could be as large as 0.3 PSU and 0.4 C respectively. Without fresh water effects, the nocturnal heat loss over ocean surface causes deep mixed layers and weak cooling rates so that the nocturnal mixed-layer temperatures tend to be horizontally-uniform. The fresh water flux, however, causes shallow mixed layers over convective areas while the nocturnal heat loss causes deep mixed layer over convection-free areas so that the mixed-layer temperatures have large horizontal fluctuations. Furthermore, fresh water flux exhibits larger spatial fluctuations than surface heat flux because heavy rainfall occurs over convective areas embedded in broad non-convective or clear areas, whereas diurnal signals over whole model areas yield high spatial correlation of surface heat flux. As a result, mixed-layer salinities contribute more to the density differences than do mixed-layer temperatures.

Peculiarities of both light and beta-particles scattering by ultrathin diamond-like semiconductor film.

PubMed

Rumyantsev, Vladimir V; Shtaerman, Esfir Y

2008-02-01

Peculiarities of scattering of TM-polarized light wave by a diamond-like crystalline nano-layer are studied. They are due to specific dispersion of n-phonon polaritons localized in the layer. The IR polaritons discussed here (relating to diamond and Si crystals which are nonpolar materials) will only appear if some of the vibration modes become polar, e.g., due to the presence of the surface. As a result of mixing of g- and u-modes of ion oscillations along the (111)-direction in the near-surface layer, it is possible to observe additional (with respect to bulk) scattering of coherent electromagnetic waves of the Stokes and anti-Stokes frequencies. beta-particles can be utilized as an independent tool of study of new semiconductors, in particular thin diamond films. The effect associated with response of a quasi-two-dimensional diamond-like layer to the moving electron field is considered. beta-particle field induces phonon excitation modes to arise in the material. Coupled with the beta-particle electromagnetic modes they generate polaritons. Spectral density of the radiation intensity of the flashed phonon polaritons has been estimated as a function of the layer thickness as well as of the scattering angle and the beta-particle velocity.

Modeling Intrajunction Dispersion at a Well-Mixed Tidal River Junction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolfram, Phillip J.; Fringer, Oliver B.; Monsen, Nancy E.

In this paper, the relative importance of small-scale, intrajunction flow features such as shear layers, separation zones, and secondary flows on dispersion in a well-mixed tidal river junction is explored. A fully nonlinear, nonhydrostatic, and unstructured three-dimensional (3D) model is used to resolve supertidal dispersion via scalar transport at a well-mixed tidal river junction. Mass transport simulated in the junction is compared against predictions using a simple node-channel model to quantify the effects of small-scale, 3D intrajunction flow features on mixing and dispersion. The effects of three-dimensionality are demonstrated by quantifying the difference between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D model results.more » An intermediate 3D model that does not resolve the secondary circulation or the recirculating flow at the junction is also compared to the 3D model to quantify the relative sensitivity of mixing on intrajunction flow features. Resolution of complex flow features simulated by the full 3D model is not always necessary because mixing is primarily governed by bulk flow splitting due to the confluence–diffluence cycle. Finally, results in 3D are comparable to the 2D case for many flow pathways simulated, suggesting that 2D modeling may be reasonable for nonstratified and predominantly hydrostatic flows through relatively straight junctions, but not necessarily for the full junction network.« less

Modeling Intrajunction Dispersion at a Well-Mixed Tidal River Junction

DOE PAGES

Wolfram, Phillip J.; Fringer, Oliver B.; Monsen, Nancy E.; ...

2016-08-01

In this paper, the relative importance of small-scale, intrajunction flow features such as shear layers, separation zones, and secondary flows on dispersion in a well-mixed tidal river junction is explored. A fully nonlinear, nonhydrostatic, and unstructured three-dimensional (3D) model is used to resolve supertidal dispersion via scalar transport at a well-mixed tidal river junction. Mass transport simulated in the junction is compared against predictions using a simple node-channel model to quantify the effects of small-scale, 3D intrajunction flow features on mixing and dispersion. The effects of three-dimensionality are demonstrated by quantifying the difference between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D model results.more » An intermediate 3D model that does not resolve the secondary circulation or the recirculating flow at the junction is also compared to the 3D model to quantify the relative sensitivity of mixing on intrajunction flow features. Resolution of complex flow features simulated by the full 3D model is not always necessary because mixing is primarily governed by bulk flow splitting due to the confluence–diffluence cycle. Finally, results in 3D are comparable to the 2D case for many flow pathways simulated, suggesting that 2D modeling may be reasonable for nonstratified and predominantly hydrostatic flows through relatively straight junctions, but not necessarily for the full junction network.« less

Impact on electronic structure of donor/acceptor blend in organic photovoltaics by decontamination of molybdenum-oxide surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Yuta; Akaike, Kouki; Fukuda, Takeshi; Sato, Daisuke; Fuse, Takuya; Iwahashi, Takashi; Ouchi, Yukio; Kanai, Kaname

2018-05-01

Molybdenum oxide (MoOx) is widely used as the hole-transport layer in bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaics (BHJ-OPVs). During the fabrication of solution-processed BHJ-OPVs on vacuum-deposited MoOx film, the film must be exposed to N2 atmosphere in a glove box, where the donor/acceptor blends are spin-coated from a mixed solution. Employing photoelectron spectroscopy, we reveal that the exposure of the MoOx film to such atmosphere contaminates the MoOx surface. Annealing the contaminated MoOx film at 160 °C for 5 min, prior to spin-coating the blend film, can partially remove the carbon and oxygen adsorbed on the MoOx surface during the exposure of MoOx. However, the contamination layer on the MoOx surface does not affect the energy-level alignment at the interface between MoOx and the donor/acceptor blend. Hence, significant improvement in the performance of BHJ-OPVs by mildly annealing the MoOx layer, which was previously reported, can be explained by the reduction of undesired contamination.

Density functional theory study of bulk and single-layer magnetic semiconductor CrPS4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhuang, Houlong L.; Zhou, Jia

2016-11-01

Searching for two-dimensional (2D) materials with multifunctionality is one of the main goals of current research in 2D materials. Magnetism and semiconducting are certainly two desirable functional properties for a single 2D material. In line with this goal, here we report a density functional theory (DFT) study of bulk and single-layer magnetic semiconductor CrPS4. We find that the ground-state magnetic structure of bulk CrPS4 exhibits the A-type antiferromagnetic ordering, which transforms to ferromagnetic (FM) ordering in single-layer CrPS4. The calculated formation energy and phonon spectrum confirm the stability of single-layer CrPS4. The band gaps of FM single-layer CrPS4 calculated with a hybrid density functional are within the visible-light range. We also study the effects of FM ordering on the optical absorption spectra and band alignments for water splitting, indicating that single-layer CrPS4 could be a potential photocatalyst. Our work opens up ample opportunities of energy-related applications of single-layer CrPS4.

Motion of W and He atoms during formation of W fuzz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doerner, R. P.; Nishijima, D.; Krasheninnikov, S. I.; Schwarz-Selinger, T.; Zach, M.

2018-06-01

Measurements are conducted to identify the motion of tungsten and helium atoms during the formation of tungsten fuzz. In a first series of experiments the mobility of helium within the growing fuzz was measured by adding 3He to the different stages of plasma exposure under conditions that promoted tungsten fuzz growth. Ion beam analysis was used to quantify the amount of 3He remaining in the samples following the plasma exposure. The results indicate that the retention of helium in bubbles within tungsten is a dynamic process with direct implantation rather than diffusion into the bubbles, best describing the motion of the helium atoms. In the second experiment, an isotopically enriched layer of tungsten (~92.99% 182W) is deposited on the surface of a bulk tungsten sample with the natural abundance of the isotopes. This sample is then exposed to helium plasma at the conditions necessary to support the formation of tungsten ‘fuzz’. Depth profiles of the concentration of each of the tungsten isotopes are obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) before and after the plasma exposure. The depth profiles clearly show mixing of tungsten atoms from the bulk sample toward the surface of the fuzz. This supports a physical picture of the dynamic behavior of helium bubbles which, also, causes an enhanced mixing of tungsten atoms.

Motion of W and He atoms during formation of W fuzz

DOE PAGES

Doerner, R. P.; Nishijima, D.; Krasheninnikov, S. I.; ...

2018-04-11

Measurements are conducted to identify the motion of tungsten and helium atoms during the formation of tungsten fuzz. In a first series of experiments the mobility of helium within the growing fuzz was measured by adding 3He to the different stages of plasma exposure under conditions that promoted tungsten fuzz growth. Ion beam analysis was used to quantify the amount of 3He remaining in the samples following the plasma exposure. The results indicate that the retention of helium in bubbles within tungsten is a dynamic process with direct implantation rather than diffusion into the bubbles, best describing the motion ofmore » the helium atoms. In the second experiment, an isotopically enriched layer of tungsten (~92.99% 182W) is deposited on the surface of a bulk tungsten sample with the natural abundance of the isotopes. This sample is then exposed to helium plasma at the conditions necessary to support the formation of tungsten 'fuzz'. Depth profiles of the concentration of each of the tungsten isotopes are obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) before and after the plasma exposure. The depth profiles clearly show mixing of tungsten atoms from the bulk sample toward the surface of the fuzz. Lastly, this supports a physical picture of the dynamic behavior of helium bubbles which, also, causes an enhanced mixing of tungsten atoms.« less

Dispersion and Mixing in Quasi-two-dimensional Rotating Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wells, M. G.; Clercx, H. J. H.; van Heijst, G. J. F.

A new rotating-tank experiment has been set up to investigate several aspects of dispersion in forced quasi-two-dimensional turbulence. By superimposing a harmonically varying perturbation on the mean rotation rate the mean flow continually interacts with the no-slip boundaries and forms boundary layers with high-amplitude vorticity twice during the forcing period. By choosing the proper amplitude and frequency of the perturbation it is possible to continuously inject small-scale vorticity in the interior of the flow, either in the form of filamentary structures (detached boundary layers) or as small vortices (after the roll-up of detached boundary layers). We present measurements of the passive scalar spectrum which show good agreement with the k -1 spectrum predicted by Batchelor (J. Fluid Mech. 5:113, 1959). Using particle image velocimetry we are able to reconstruct the Lagrangian trajectories of particles. The relative dispersion rates of particle pairs show an initial exponential separation followed by the classical Richardson dispersion, R 2 ∝ t3.0± 0.1. The variance of the absolute particle displacement grows as σ ∝ t1.4, similar to the observations in the previous experiments by Solomon et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 71:3975, 1993) and Hansen et al. (Phys. Rev. E 58:7261, 1998). Finally, and indicating future directions of research, we present results of a simple chemical reaction in forced quasi-2D turbulence and show how the bulk reaction rate is controlled by the mixing and filamentation processes.

Near surface bulk density estimates of NEAs from radar observations and permittivity measurements of powdered geologic material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickson, Dylan; Boivin, Alexandre; Daly, Michael G.; Ghent, Rebecca; Nolan, Michael C.; Tait, Kimberly; Cunje, Alister; Tsai, Chun An

2018-05-01

The variations in near-surface properties and regolith structure of asteroids are currently not well constrained by remote sensing techniques. Radar is a useful tool for such determinations of Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) as the power of the reflected signal from the surface is dependent on the bulk density, ρbd, and dielectric permittivity. In this study, high precision complex permittivity measurements of powdered aluminum oxide and dunite samples are used to characterize the change in the real part of the permittivity with the bulk density of the sample. In this work, we use silica aerogel for the first time to increase the void space in the samples (and decrease the bulk density) without significantly altering the electrical properties. We fit various mixing equations to the experimental results. The Looyenga-Landau-Lifshitz mixing formula has the best fit and the Lichtenecker mixing formula, which is typically used to approximate planetary regolith, does not model the results well. We find that the Looyenga-Landau-Lifshitz formula adequately matches Lunar regolith permittivity measurements, and we incorporate it into an existing model for obtaining asteroid regolith bulk density from radar returns which is then used to estimate the bulk density in the near surface of NEA's (101955) Bennu and (25143) Itokawa. Constraints on the material properties appropriate for either asteroid give average estimates of ρbd = 1.27 ± 0.33g/cm3 for Bennu and ρbd = 1.68 ± 0.53g/cm3 for Itokawa. We conclude that our data suggest that the Looyenga-Landau-Lifshitz mixing model, in tandem with an appropriate radar scattering model, is the best method for estimating bulk densities of regoliths from radar observations of airless bodies.

Reactive sputter deposition of metal oxide nanolaminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin Aita, Carolyn

2008-07-01

We discuss the reactive sputter deposition of metal oxide nanolaminates on unheated substrates using four archetypical examples: ZrO2 Al2O3, HfO2 Al2O3, ZrO2 Y2O3, and ZrO2 TiO2. The pseudobinary bulk phase diagrams corresponding to these nanolaminates represent three types of interfaces. I. Complete immiscibility (ZrO2 Al2O3 and HfO2 Al2O3). II. Complete miscibility (ZrO2 Y2O3). III. Limited miscibility without a common end-member lattice (ZrO2 TiO2). We found that, although reactive sputter deposition is a far-from-equilibrium process, thermodynamic considerations strongly influence both phase formation within layers and at interfaces. We show that pseudobinary phase diagrams can be used to predict interfacial cation mixing in the nanolaminates. However, size effects must be considered to predict specific structures. In the absence of pseudoepitaxy, size effects play a significant role in determining the nanocrystalline phases that form within a layer (e.g. tetragonal ZrO2, tetragonal HfO2, and orthorhombic HfO2) and at interfaces (e.g. monoclinic (Zr,Ti)O2). These phases are not bulk standard temperature and pressure phases. Their formation is understood in terms of self-assembly into the lowest energy structure in individual critical nuclei.

Solute segregation and deviation from bulk thermodynamics at nanoscale crystalline defects.

PubMed

Titus, Michael S; Rhein, Robert K; Wells, Peter B; Dodge, Philip C; Viswanathan, Gopal Babu; Mills, Michael J; Van der Ven, Anton; Pollock, Tresa M

2016-12-01

It has long been known that solute segregation at crystalline defects can have profound effects on material properties. Nevertheless, quantifying the extent of solute segregation at nanoscale defects has proven challenging due to experimental limitations. A combined experimental and first-principles approach has been used to study solute segregation at extended intermetallic phases ranging from 4 to 35 atomic layers in thickness. Chemical mapping by both atom probe tomography and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrates a markedly different composition for the 4-atomic-layer-thick phase, where segregation has occurred, compared to the approximately 35-atomic-layer-thick bulk phase of the same crystal structure. First-principles predictions of bulk free energies in conjunction with direct atomistic simulations of the intermetallic structure and chemistry demonstrate the breakdown of bulk thermodynamics at nanometer dimensions and highlight the importance of symmetry breaking due to the proximity of interfaces in determining equilibrium properties.

Progress on Acoustic Measurements of the Bulk Viscosity of Near-Critical Xenon (BVX)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis, Keith A.; Shinder, Iosif I.; Moldover, Michael R.; Zimmerli, Gregory A.

2004-01-01

We plan to determine the bulk viscosity of xenon 10 times closer [in reduced temperature tau = (T-Tc)/Tc] to its liquid-vapor critical point than ever before. (Tc is the critical temperature.) To do so, we must measure the dispersion and attenuation of sound at frequencies 1/100 of those used previously. In general, sound attenuation has contributions from the bulk viscosity acting throughout the volume of the xenon as well as contributions from the thermal conductivity and the shear viscosity acting within thin thermoacoustic boundary layers at the interface between the xenon and the solid walls of the resonator. Thus, we can determine the bulk viscosity only when the boundary layer attenuation is small and well understood. We present a comparison of calculations and measurements of sound attenuation in the acoustic boundary layer of xenon near its liquid-vapor critical point.

Fabrication of Multilayer-Type Mn-Si Thermoelectric Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajitani, T.; Ueno, T.; Miyazaki, Y.; Hayashi, K.; Fujiwara, T.; Ihara, R.; Nakamura, T.; Takakura, M.

2014-06-01

This research aims to develop a direct-contact manganese silicon p/ n multilayer-type thermoelectric power generation block. p-type MnSi1.74 and n-type Mn0.7Fe0.3Si1.68 ball-milled powders with diameter of about 10 μm or less were mixed with polyvinyl butyl alcohol diluted with methylbenzene at pigment volume concentration of approximately 70%. The doctor-blade method produced 45- μm-thick p- and n-type pigment plates. The insulator, i.e., powdered glass, was mixed with cellulose to form insulator slurry. Lamination of manganese silicide pigment layers and screen-printed insulator layers was carried out to fabricate multilayer direct-contact thermoelectric devices. Hot pressing and spark plasma sintering were carried out at 450°C and 900°C, respectively. Four to 30 thermoelectric (TE) p/ n pairs were fabricated in a 10 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm sintered TE block. The maximum output was 11.7 mW/cm2 at a temperature difference between 20°C and 700°C, which was about 1/85 of the ideal power generation estimated from the thermoelectric data of the bulk MnSi1.74 and Mn0.7Fe0.3Si1.68 materials. A power generation test using an engine test bench was also carried out.

Electrospray surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (ES-SERS) for probing surface chemical compositions of atmospherically relevant particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gen, Masao; Chan, Chak K.

2017-11-01

We present electrospray surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (ES-SERS) as a new approach to measuring the surface chemical compositions of atmospherically relevant particles. The surface-sensitive SERS is realized by electrospraying Ag nanoparticle aerosols over analyte particles. Spectral features at v(SO42-), v(C-H) and v(O-H) modes were observed from the normal Raman and SERS measurements of laboratory-generated supermicron particles of ammonium sulfate (AS), AS mixed with succinic acid (AS / SA) and AS mixed with sucrose (AS / sucrose). SERS measurements showed strong interaction (or chemisorption) between Ag nanoparticles and surface aqueous sulfate [SO42-] with [SO42-]AS / sucrose > [SO42-]AS / SA > [SO42-]AS. Enhanced spectra of the solid AS and AS / SA particles revealed the formation of surface-adsorbed water on their surfaces at 60 % relative humidity. These observations of surface aqueous sulfate and adsorbed water demonstrate a possible role of surface-adsorbed water in facilitating the dissolution of sulfate from the bulk phase into its water layer(s). Submicron ambient aerosol particles collected in Hong Kong exhibited non-enhanced features of black carbon and enhanced features of sulfate and organic matter (carbonyl group), indicating an enrichment of sulfate and organic matter on the particle surface.

Ionic electrodeposition of II-VI and III-V compounds. III. Computer simulation of quasi-rest potentials for M/sub 1/X/sub 1/ compounds analogous to CdTe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Engelken, R.D.

1987-04-01

The quasi-rest potential (QRP) has been proposed as a key quantity in characterizing compound semiconductor (e.g. CdTe) electrodeposition. This article expands the modeling/simulation representative of Cd/sub x/Te in chemical equilibrium to calculate two ''QRP's'': E/sub M/1/sub /, the mixed potential occurring immediately after current interruption and before any relaxation in double layer ion concentration and significant ion exchange/surface stoichiometry change occur, and E/sub M/2/sub /, another mixed potential occurring after the double layer ion concentrations have relaxed to their bulk values but still before any significant surface composition change occurs. Significant predictions include existence of a dramatic negative transition inmore » QRP, with negative-going deposition potential, centered on the potential of perfect stoichiometry (PPS), inequality, in general, between the PPS and E/sub M/1/sub / unless the deposit remains in equilibrium with the electrolyte (no ion exchange at open circuit), negligible sensitivity of QRP-E curves to the activity coefficient parameter implying the importance of the PPS in characterizing compound deposition, and disappearance of the transition structure for sufficiently positive Gibbs free energies.« less

Investigation on flow and mixing characteristics of supersonic mixing layer induced by forced vibration of cantilever

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Dongdong; Tan, Jianguo; Lv, Liang

2015-12-01

The mixing process has been an important issue for the design of supersonic combustion ramjet engine, and the mixing efficiency plays a crucial role in the improvement of the combustion efficiency. In the present study, nanoparticle-based planar laser scattering (NPLS), particle image velocimetry (PIV) and large eddy simulation (LES) are employed to investigate the flow and mixing characteristics of supersonic mixing layer under different forced vibration conditions. The indexes of fractal dimension, mixing layer thickness, momentum thickness and scalar mixing level are applied to describe the mixing process. Results show that different from the development and evolution of supersonic mixing layer without vibration, the flow under forced vibration is more likely to present the characteristics of three-dimensionality. The laminar flow region of mixing layer under forced vibration is greatly shortened and the scales of rolled up Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices become larger, which promote the mixing process remarkably. The fractal dimension distribution reveals that comparing with the flow without vibration, the turbulent fluctuation of supersonic mixing layer under forced vibration is more intense. Besides, the distribution of mixing layer thickness, momentum thickness and scalar mixing level are strongly influenced by forced vibration. Especially, when the forcing frequency is 4000 Hz, the mixing layer thickness and momentum thickness are 0.0391 m and 0.0222 m at the far field of 0.16 m, 83% and 131% higher than that without vibration at the same position, respectively.

In-package inhibition of E. coli O157:H7 on bulk Romaine lettuce using cold plasma.

PubMed

Min, Sea C; Roh, Si Hyeon; Niemira, Brendan A; Boyd, Glenn; Sites, Joseph E; Uknalis, Joseph; Fan, Xuetong

2017-08-01

Dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma (DACP) treatment was evaluated for the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, surface morphology, color, carbon dioxide generation, and weight loss of bulk Romaine lettuce in a commercial plastic clamshell container. The lettuce samples were packed in a model bulk packaging configuration (three rows with either 1, 3, 5, or 7 layers) in the container and treated by DACP (42.6 kV, 10 min). DACP treatment reduced the number of E. coli O157:H7 in the leaf samples in the 1-, 3-, and 5-layer configurations by 0.4-0.8 log CFU/g lettuce, with no significant correlation to the sample location (P > 0.05). In the largest bulk stacking with 7 layers, a greater degree of reduction (1.1 log CFU/g lettuce) was observed at the top layer, but shaking the container increased the uniformity of the inhibition. DACP did not significantly change the surface morphology, color, respiration rate, or weight loss of the samples, nor did these properties differ significantly according to their location in the bulk stack. DACP treatment inhibited E. coli O157:H7 on bulk lettuce in clamshell containers in a uniform manner, without affecting the physical and biological properties and thus holds promise as a post-packaging process for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The Au/Si eutectic bonding compatibility with KOH etching for 3D devices fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Hengmao; Liu, Mifeng; Liu, Song; Xu, Dehui; Xiong, Bin

2018-01-01

KOH etching and Au/Si eutectic bonding are cost-efficient technologies for 3D device fabrication. Aimed at investigating the process compatibility of KOH etching and Au/Si bonding, KOH etching tests have been carried out for Au/bulk Si and Au/amorphous Si (a-Si) bonding wafers in this paper. For the Au/bulk Si bonding wafer, a serious underetch phenomenon occurring on the damage layer in KOH etching definitely results in packaging failure. In the microstructure analysis, it is found that the formation of the damage layer between the bonded layer and bulk Si is attributed to the destruction of crystal Si lattices in Au/bulk Si eutectic reaction. Considering the occurrence of underetch for Au/Si bonding must meet two requirements: the superfluous Si and the defective layer near the bonded layer, the Au/a-Si bonding by regulating the a-Si/Au thickness ratio is presented in this study. Only when the a-Si/Au thickness ratio is relatively low are there not underetch phenomena, of which the reason is the full reaction of the a-Si layer avoiding the formation of the damage layer for easy underetch. Obviously, the Au/a-Si bonding via choosing a moderate a-Si/Au thickness ratio (⩽1.5:1 is suggested) could be reliably compatible with KOH etching, which provides an available and low-cost approach for 3D device fabrication. More importantly, the theory of the damage layer proposed in this study can be naturally applied to relevant analyses on the eutectic reaction of other metals and single crystal materials.

Analysis of Mixing Layer LES Data with Convective Mach Number 0.9 to 1.3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helm, Clara M.; Martin, M. Pino

2017-11-01

The study of compressible mixing layers is essential to gaining a fundamental physical understanding of the global effects of compressibility on the development of turbulence in shear (Smits & Dussauge 2006). Research on compressible mixing layers is particularly difficult mainly because of the sensitivity of the mixing layer to initial conditions. A mixing layer occurs naturally in separated shock turbulent boundary layer interactions (STBLIs). We use our STBLI database to study the properties of mixing layers with convective Mach numbers of 0.9, 1.1, and 1.3. We report on the spreading rate, turbulence stress level, vortex shedding frequency, vortex convection velocity, and differences in the three-dimensional form of the vortices. The results are compared with mixing layer data available in literature and evaluated using the various scaling laws that have been proposed over the years. We discuss to what extent the mixing layer in the STBLI represents the canonical case and what additional insight into the is research area it provides. This work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Grant FA9550-17-1-0104.

Raman study of bulk-heterojunction morphology in photoactive layers treated with solvent-vapor annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onojima, Norio; Ishima, Yasuhisa; Izumi, Daisuke; Takahashi, Kazuyuki

2018-03-01

The effect of solvent-vapor annealing (SVA) on bulk-heterojunction morphology in photoactive layers composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. We prepared the photoactive layers by electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) and fabricated organic photovoltaic devices with a conventional cell structure. Although postdeposition annealing can be omitted when the photoactive layer is deposited using ESD under dry condition, the surface is relatively rough owing to the existence of a number of droplet traces. The SVA treatment can eliminate such droplet traces, while excessive SVA resulted in a significant decrease in open-circuit voltage. The Raman study of the bulk-heterojunction morphology demonstrated the accumulation of P3HT molecules on the surface during SVA, which induced the recombination of photogenerated charges at the interface of the cathode/photoactive layer and thereby decreased the open-circuit voltage.

Chinese medicinal herbal residues as a bulking agent for food waste composting.

PubMed

Zhou, Ying; Selvam, Ammaiyappan; Wong, Jonathan W C

2018-02-01

This study aimed to co-compost Chinese medicinal herbal residues (CMHRs) as the bulking agent with food waste (FW) to develop a high value antipathogenic compost. The FW, sawdust (SD) and CMHRs were mixed at three different mixing ratios, 5:5:1, 2:2:1 and 1:1:1 on dry weight basis. Lime at 2.25% was added to the composting mix to buffer the pH during the composting. A control without lime addition was also included. The mixtures were composted in 20-L in-vessel composters for 56 days. A maximum of 67.2% organic decomposition was achieved with 1:1:1 mixing ratio within 8 weeks. The seed germination index was 157.2% in 1:1:1 mixing ratio, while other ratios showed <130.0% and the treatment without lime showed 40.3%. Therefore use of CMHRs as the bulking agent to compost food waste at the dry weight ratio of 1:1:1 (FW: SD: CMHRs) was recommended for FW-CMHRs composting. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental heat capacities, excess entropies, and magnetic properties of bulk and nano Fe3O4-Co3O4 and Fe3O4-Mn3O4 spinel solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schliesser, Jacob M.; Huang, Baiyu; Sahu, Sulata K.; Asplund, Megan; Navrotsky, Alexandra; Woodfield, Brian F.

2018-03-01

We have measured the heat capacities of several well-characterized bulk and nanophase Fe3O4-Co3O4 and Fe3O4-Mn3O4 spinel solid solution samples from which magnetic properties of transitions and third-law entropies have been determined. The magnetic transitions show several features common to effects of particle and magnetic domain sizes. From the standard molar entropies, excess entropies of mixing have been generated for these solid solutions and compared with configurational entropies determined previously by assuming appropriate cation and valence distributions. The vibrational and magnetic excess entropies for bulk materials are comparable in magnitude to the respective configurational entropies indicating that excess entropies of mixing must be included when analyzing entropies of mixing. The excess entropies for nanophase materials are even larger than the configurational entropies. Changes in valence, cation distribution, bonding and microstructure between the mixing ions are the likely sources of the positive excess entropies of mixing.

Shock-wave structure for a polyatomic gas with large bulk viscosity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosuge, Shingo; Aoki, Kazuo

2018-02-01

The structure of a standing plane shock wave in a polyatomic gas is investigated on the basis of kinetic theory, with special interest in gases with large bulk viscosities, such as CO2 gas. The ellipsoidal statistical model for a polyatomic gas is employed. First, the shock structure is computed numerically for various upstream Mach numbers and for various (large) values of the ratio of the bulk viscosity to the shear viscosity, and different types of profiles, such as the double-layer structure consisting of a thin upstream layer with a steep change and a much thicker downstream layer with a mild change, are obtained. Then, an asymptotic analysis for large values of the ratio is carried out, and an analytical solution that describes the different types of profiles obtained by the numerical analysis, such as the double-layer structure, correctly is obtained.

Rapid establishment of phenol- and quinoline-degrading consortia driven by the scoured cake layer in an anaerobic baffled ceramic membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Wang, Shun; Ren, Xuesong; Hu, Zhenhu; Yuan, Shoujun

2017-11-01

Although toxic and refractory organics, such as phenol and quinoline, are decomposed by anaerobic bacteria, the establishment of specific degrading consortia is a relatively slow process. An anaerobic membrane bioreactor allows for complete biomass retention that can aid the establishment of phenol- and quinoline-degrading consortia. In this study, the anaerobic digestion of phenol (500 mg L -1 ) and quinoline (50 mg L -1 ) was investigated using an anaerobic baffled ceramic membrane bioreactor (ABCMBR). The results showed that, within 30 days, 99% of phenol, 98% of quinoline and 88% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were removed. The substrate utilisation rates of the cake layer for phenol and quinoline, and specific methanogenic activity of the cake layer, were 7.58 mg phenol g -1  mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) day -1 , 8.23 mg quinoline g -1  MLVSS day -1 and 0.55 g COD CH4  g -1  MLVSS day -1 , respectively. The contribution of the cake layer to the removals of phenol and quinoline was extremely underestimated because the uncounted scoured cake layer was disregarded. Syntrophus was the key population for phenol and quinoline degradation, and it was more abundant in the cake layer than in the bulk sludge. The highly active scattered cake layer sped up the establishment of phenol- and quinoline-degrading consortia in the ABCMBR.

Solution-processed small molecule:fullerene bulk-heterojunction solar cells: impedance spectroscopy deduced bulk and interfacial limits to fill-factors.

PubMed

Guerrero, Antonio; Loser, Stephen; Garcia-Belmonte, Germà; Bruns, Carson J; Smith, Jeremy; Miyauchi, Hiroyuki; Stupp, Samuel I; Bisquert, Juan; Marks, Tobin J

2013-10-21

Using impedance spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the low fill factor (FF) typically observed in small molecule solar cells is due to hindered carrier transport through the active layer and hindered charge transfer through the anode interfacial layer (IFL). By carefully tuning the active layer thickness and anode IFL in BDT(TDPP)2 solar cells, the FF is increased from 33 to 55% and the PCE from 1.9 to 3.8%. These results underscore the importance of simultaneously optimizing active layer thickness and IFL in small molecule solar cells.

Scalar entrainment in the mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandham, N. D.; Mungal, M. G.; Broadwell, J. E.; Reynolds, W. C.

1988-01-01

New definitions of entrainment and mixing based on the passive scalar field in the plane mixing layer are proposed. The definitions distinguish clearly between three fluid states: (1) unmixed fluid, (2) fluid engulfed in the mixing layer, trapped between two scalar contours, and (3) mixed fluid. The difference betwen (2) and (3) is the amount of fluid which has been engulfed during the pairing process, but has not yet mixed. Trends are identified from direct numerical simulations and extensions to high Reynolds number mixing layers are made in terms of the Broadwell-Breidenthal mixing model. In the limit of high Peclet number (Pe = ReSc) it is speculated that engulfed fluid rises in steps associated with pairings, introducing unmixed fluid into the large scale structures, where it is eventually mixed at the Kolmogorov scale. From this viewpoint, pairing is a prerequisite for mixing in the turbulent plane mixing layer.

Direct numerical simulations of a reacting turbulent mixing layer by a pseudospectral-spectral element method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcmurtry, Patrick A.; Givi, Peyman

1992-01-01

An account is given of the implementation of the spectral-element technique for simulating a chemically reacting, spatially developing turbulent mixing layer. Attention is given to experimental and numerical studies that have investigated the development, evolution, and mixing characteristics of shear flows. A mathematical formulation is presented of the physical configuration of the spatially developing reacting mixing layer, in conjunction with a detailed representation of the spectral-element method's application to the numerical simulation of mixing layers. Results from 2D and 3D calculations of chemically reacting mixing layers are given.

Hole and electron extraction layers based on graphene oxide derivatives for high-performance bulk heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Liu, Jun; Xue, Yuhua; Gao, Yunxiang; Yu, Dingshan; Durstock, Michael; Dai, Liming

2012-05-02

By charge neutralization of carboxylic acid groups in graphene oxide (GO) with Cs(2)CO(3) to afford Cesium-neutralized GO (GO-Cs), GO derivatives with appropriate modification are used as both hole- and electron-extraction layers for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. The normal and inverted devices based on GO hole- and GO-Cs electron-extraction layers both outperform the corresponding standard BHJ solar cells. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experimental investigation of variations in morphology, composition and mixing-state of boundary layer aerosol: A balloon based study over urban environment (New Delhi)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, S. K.; Ahlawat, A.; Khosla, D.; Sharma, C.; Prasad, M. V. S. N.; Singh, Sukhvir; Gupta, B.; Tulsi; Sethi, D.; Sinha, P. R.; Ojha, D. K.; Wiedensohler, A.; Kotnala, R. K.

2018-07-01

The morphology, composition, and complex mixing states of aerosol are extremely important physico-chemical properties which are the major inputs to the optical/radiative models. Though, ground based observations of the said properties are abundant but the vertical profiles of the same are very much limited throughout the globe. The information on the vertical heterogeneity of the aforementioned properties over a polluted environment like Delhi will be very helpful to develop a better understanding of the thermodynamics of the lower atmosphere. In present study, we carried out a tethered balloon based field campaign in National Physical Laboratory (28° 38‧ 10″ N, 77° 10‧ 17″ E) from 21 to 27 February 2014 to explore the vertical distribution of the said properties. Based on the microscopic observations, the bubbly shaped sulfate particles number percentage is less (5%) on the ground, abundant (49%) on altitude <350 m and nearly absent on altitude >350 m. At 500 m altitude, particles were majorly of spiked shape with elongated dimension ∼ 3-4 μm. The number percentage of the aged fractals has been found to increase by 4% in the 100-350 m range against the ground observations. Based on the bulk composition of non-carbonaceous species, at 200 m altitude, we observed significant amount (74%) of the oxides of sulfur compared to that of ground observations (30%) that could be due to temperature inversion and air parcel movement from IGP (Indo Gangetic Plain). Various core-shell type particle configurations have been observed at different altitudes. At 200 m altitude, particles were majorly aged with anionic species (like S, Cl and HSO4) and cationic species (like C2H5). The bulk and individual particle level data generated over Delhi environment in this experiment may improve our understanding of boundary layer aerosol and could provide the scientific insights of their probable effects on low level cloud formation.

Inverted bulk-heterojunction solar cell with cross-linked hole-blocking layer

PubMed Central

Udum, Yasemin; Denk, Patrick; Adam, Getachew; Apaydin, Dogukan H.; Nevosad, Andreas; Teichert, Christian; S. White, Matthew.; S. Sariciftci, Niyazi.; Scharber, Markus C.

2014-01-01

We have developed a hole-blocking layer for bulk-heterojunction solar cells based on cross-linked polyethylenimine (PEI). We tested five different ether-based cross-linkers and found that all of them give comparable solar cell efficiencies. The initial idea that a cross-linked layer is more solvent resistant compared to a pristine PEI layer could not be confirmed. With and without cross-linking, the PEI layer sticks very well to the surface of the indium–tin–oxide electrode and cannot be removed by solvents used to process PEI or common organic semiconductors. The cross-linked PEI hole-blocking layer functions for multiple donor–acceptor blends. We found that using cross-linkers improves the reproducibility of the device fabrication process. PMID:24817837

Temperature Dependence of Smectic Liquid Crystals Mixed With Magnetic Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Jefferson W.; Kurihara, Lynn K.; Martinez-Miranda, Luz J.

2012-02-01

We investigate the properties of bulk liquid crystal mixed with a magnetic nanoparticle (CoFe) as a function of temperature. We compare our results to those of a heat capacity measurement of Cordoyiannis et al.ootnotetextGeorge Cordoyiannis, Lynn K. Kurihara, Luz J. Martinez-Miranda, Christ Glorieux, and Jan Thoen, Phys. Rev. E 79, 011702 (2009) and compare the way the smectic as a function of temperature the way the nematic behaves. We study how the liquid crystal reorganizes in the presence of the functionalized nanoparticles as a function of temperature and compare it to how it behaves at room temperature.ootnotetextL. J. Mart'inez-Miranda, and Lynn Kurihara, J. Appl. Phys, 105, p. 084305 (2009). The X-rays give rise to three or four peaks whose evolution in temperature varies depending on their origin. In particular the second peak does not seem to vary much with temperature, and can be associated with the first several molecular layers attached to the nanoparticles.

Simultaneous Improvement of Oxidative and Hydrolytic Resistance of Polycarbonate Urethanes Based on Polydimethylsiloxane/Poly(hexamethylene carbonate) Mixed Macrodiols.

PubMed

Li, Zhen; Yang, Jian; Ye, Heng; Ding, Mingming; Luo, Feng; Li, Jianshu; Li, Jiehua; Tan, Hong; Fu, Qiang

2018-06-11

The degradation behaviors including oxidation and hydrolysis of silicone modified polycarbonate urethanes were thoroughly investigated. These polyurethanes were based on polyhexamethylene carbonate (PHMC)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixed macrodiols with molar ratio of PDMS ranging from 5% to 30%. It was proved that PDMS tended to migrate toward surface and even a small amount of PDMS could form a silicone-like surface. Macrophages-mediated oxidation process indicated that the PDMS surface layer was desirable to protect the fragile soft PHMC from the attack of degradative species. Hydrolysis process was probed in detail after immersing in boiling buffered water using combined analytical tools. Hydrolytically stable PDMS could act as protective shields for the bulk to hinder the chain scission of polycarbonate carbonyls whereas the hydrolysis of urethane linkages was less affected. Although the promoted phase separation at higher PDMS fractions lead to possible physical defects and mechanical compromise after degradation, simultaneously enhanced oxidation and hydrolysis resistance could be achieved for the polyurethanes with proper PDMS incorporation.

Influences of Ocean Thermohaline Stratification on Arctic Sea Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toole, J. M.; Timmermans, M.-L.; Perovich, D. K.; Krishfield, R. A.; Proshutinsky, A.; Richter-Menge, J. A.

2009-04-01

The Arctic Ocean's surface mixed layer constitutes the dynamical and thermodynamical link between the sea ice and the underlying waters. Wind stress, acting directly on the surface mixed layer or via wind-forced ice motion, produce surface currents that can in turn drive deep ocean flow. Mixed layer temperature is intimately related to basal sea ice growth and melting. Heat fluxes into or out of the surface mixed layer can occur at both its upper and lower interfaces: the former via air-sea exchange at leads and conduction through the ice, the latter via turbulent mixing and entrainment at the layer base. Variations in Arctic Ocean mixed layer properties are documented based on more than 16,000 temperature and salinity profiles acquired by Ice-Tethered Profilers since summer 2004 and analyzed in conjunction with sea ice observations from Ice Mass Balance Buoys and atmospheric heat flux estimates. Guidance interpreting the observations is provided by a one-dimensional ocean mixed layer model. The study focuses attention on the very strong density stratification about the mixed layer base in the Arctic that, in regions of sea ice melting, is increasing with time. The intense stratification greatly impedes mixed layer deepening by vertical convection and shear mixing, and thus limits the flux of deep ocean heat to the surface that could influence sea ice growth/decay. Consistent with previous work, this study demonstrates that the Arctic sea ice is most sensitive to changes in ocean mixed layer heat resulting from fluxes across its upper (air-sea and/or ice-water) interface.

Use of Ground Penetrating Radar at the FAA's National Airport Pavement Test Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Injun, Song

2015-04-01

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has used a ground-coupled Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) at the National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) since 2005. One of the primary objectives of the testing at the facility is to provide full-scale pavement response and failure information for use in airplane landing gear design and configuration studies. During the traffic testing at the facility, a GSSI GPR system was used to develop new procedures for monitoring Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavement density changes that is directly related to pavement failure. After reviewing current setups for data acquisition software and procedures for identifying different pavement layers, dielectric constant and pavement thickness were selected as dominant parameters controlling HMA properties provided by GPR. A new methodology showing HMA density changes in terms of dielectric constant variations, called dielectric sweep test, was developed and applied in full-scale pavement test. The dielectric constant changes were successfully monitored with increasing airplane traffic numbers. The changes were compared to pavement performance data (permanent deformation). The measured dielectric constants based on the known HMA thicknesses were also compared with computed dielectric constants using an equation from ASTM D4748-98 Standard Test Method for Determining the Thickness of Bound Pavement Layers Using Short-Pulse Radar. Six inches diameter cylindrical cores were taken after construction and traffic testing for the HMA layer bulk specific gravity. The measured bulk specific gravity was also compared to monitor HMA density changes caused by aircraft traffic conditions. Additionally this presentation will review the applications of the FAA's ground-coupled GPR on embedded rebar identification in concrete pavement, sewer pipes in soil, and gage identifications in 3D plots.

High Operating Temperature Barrier Infrared Detector with Tailorable Cutoff Wavelength

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ting, David Z. (Inventor); Hill, Cory J. (Inventor); Seibel, Alexander (Inventor); Bandara, Sumith Y. (Inventor); Gunapala, Sarath D. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A barrier infrared detector with absorber materials having selectable cutoff wavelengths and its method of manufacture is described. A GaInAsSb absorber layer may be grown on a GaSb substrate layer formed by mixing GaSb and InAsSb by an absorber mixing ratio. A GaAlAsSb barrier layer may then be grown on the barrier layer formed by mixing GaSb and AlSbAs by a barrier mixing ratio. The absorber mixing ratio may be selected to adjust a band gap of the absorber layer and thereby determine a cutoff wavelength for the barrier infrared detector. The absorber mixing ratio may vary along an absorber layer growth direction. Various contact layer architectures may be used. In addition, a top contact layer may be isolated into an array of elements electrically isolated as individual functional detectors that may be used in a detector array, imaging array, or focal plane array.

Self-cleaning skin-like prosthetic polymer surfaces

DOEpatents

Simpson, John T [Clinton, TN; Ivanov, Ilia N [Knoxville, TN; Shibata, Jason [Manhattan Beach, CA

2012-03-27

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the inner surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Method of making self-cleaning skin-like prosthetic polymer surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simpson, John T.; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Shibata, Jason

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the innermore » surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simpson, John T.; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Shibata, Jason

An external covering and method of making an external covering for hiding the internal endoskeleton of a mechanical (e.g., prosthetic) device that exhibits skin-like qualities is provided. The external covering generally comprises an internal bulk layer in contact with the endoskeleton of the prosthetic device and an external skin layer disposed about the internal bulk layer. The external skin layer is comprised of a polymer composite with carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The outer surface of the skin layer has multiple cone-shaped projections that provide the external skin layer with superhydrophobicity. The carbon nanotubes are preferably vertically aligned between the innermore » surface and outer surface of the external skin layer in order to provide the skin layer with the ability to transmit heat. Superhydrophobic powders may optionally be used as part of the polymer composite or applied as a coating to the surface of the skin layer to enhance superhydrophobicity.« less

THERMAL INSULATION SYSTEMS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Augustynowicz, Stanislaw D. (Inventor); Fesmire, James E. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

Thermal insulation systems and with methods of their production. The thermal insulation systems incorporate at least one reflection layer and at least one spacer layer in an alternating pattern. Each spacer layer includes a fill layer and a carrier layer. The fill layer may be separate from the carrier layer, or it may be a part of the carrier layer, i.e., mechanically injected into the carrier layer or chemically formed in the carrier layer. Fill layers contain a powder having a high surface area and low bulk density. Movement of powder within a fill layer is restricted by electrostatic effects with the reflection layer combined with the presence of a carrier layer, or by containing the powder in the carrier layer. The powder in the spacer layer may be compressed from its bulk density. The thermal insulation systems may further contain an outer casing. Thermal insulation systems may further include strips and seams to form a matrix of sections. Such sections serve to limit loss of powder from a fill layer to a single section and reduce heat losses along the reflection layer.

Dynamics in a Water Interfacial Boundary Layer Investigated with IR Polarization-Selective Pump-Probe Experiments.

PubMed

Yuan, Rongfeng; Yan, Chang; Nishida, Jun; Fayer, Michael D

2017-05-04

The dynamics of water molecules near the surfactant interface in large Aerosol-OT reverse micelles (RMs) (w 0 = 16-25) was investigated with IR polarization-selective pump-probe experiments using the SeCN - anion as a vibrational probe. Linear absorption spectra of RMs (w 0 = 25-2) can be decomposed into the weighted sum of the SeCN - spectra in bulk water and the spectrum of the SeCN - anion interacting with the interfacial sulfonate head groups (w 0 = 1). The spectra of the large RMs, w 0 ≥ 16, are overwhelmingly dominated by the bulk water component. Anisotropy decays (orientational relaxation) of the anion for w 0 ≥ 16 displayed bulk water relaxation (1.4 and 4.5 ps) plus an additional slow decay with a time constant of ∼13 ps. The amplitude of the slow decay was too large to be associated with SeCN - in contact with the interface on the basis of the linear spectrum decomposition. The results indicate that the observed slow components arise from SeCN - in a water boundary layer, in which water molecules are perturbed by the interface but are not directly associated with it. This layer is the transition between water in direct contact with the interface and bulk water in the large RM cores. In the boundary layer, the water dynamics is slow compared to that in bulk water.

Resolving the Chemically Discrete Structure of Synthetic Borophene Polymorphs.

PubMed

Campbell, Gavin P; Mannix, Andrew J; Emery, Jonathan D; Lee, Tien-Lin; Guisinger, Nathan P; Hersam, Mark C; Bedzyk, Michael J

2018-05-09

Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials exhibit superlative properties dictated by their intralayer atomic structure, which is typically derived from a limited number of thermodynamically stable bulk layered crystals (e.g., graphene from graphite). The growth of entirely synthetic 2D crystals, those with no corresponding bulk allotrope, would circumvent this dependence upon bulk thermodynamics and substantially expand the phase space available for structure-property engineering of 2D materials. However, it remains unclear if synthetic 2D materials can exist as structurally and chemically distinct layers anchored by van der Waals (vdW) forces, as opposed to strongly bound adlayers. Here, we show that atomically thin sheets of boron (i.e., borophene) grown on the Ag(111) surface exhibit a vdW-like structure without a corresponding bulk allotrope. Using X-ray standing wave-excited X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the positions of boron in multiple chemical states are resolved with sub-angström spatial resolution, revealing that the borophene forms a single planar layer that is 2.4 Å above the unreconstructed Ag surface. Moreover, our results reveal that multiple borophene phases exhibit these characteristics, denoting a unique form of polymorphism consistent with recent predictions. This observation of synthetic borophene as chemically discrete from the growth substrate suggests that it is possible to engineer a much wider variety of 2D materials than those accessible through bulk layered crystal structures.

Measurement of effective bulk and contact resistance of gas diffusion layer under inhomogeneous compression - Part II: Thermal conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy Chowdhury, Prabudhya; Vikram, Ajit; Phillips, Ryan K.; Hoorfar, Mina

2016-07-01

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a thin porous layer sandwiched between a bipolar plate (BPP) and a catalyst coated membrane in a fuel cell. Besides providing passage for water and gas transport from and to the catalyst layer, it is responsible for electron and heat transfer from and to the BPP. In this paper, a method has been developed to measure the GDL bulk thermal conductivity and the contact resistance at the GDL/BPP interface under inhomogeneous compression occurring in an actual fuel cell assembly. Toray carbon paper GDL TGP-H-060 was tested under a range of compression pressure of 0.34 to 1.71 MPa. The results showed that the thermal contact resistance decreases non-linearly (from 3.8 × 10-4 to 1.17 × 10-4 Km2 W-1) with increasing pressure due to increase in microscopic contact area between the GDL and BPP; while the effective bulk thermal conductivity increases (from 0.56 to 1.42 Wm-1 K-1) with increasing the compression pressure. The thermal contact resistance was found to be greater (by a factor of 1.6-2.8) than the effective bulk thermal resistance for all compression pressure ranges applied here. This measurement technique can be used to identify optimum GDL based on minimum bulk and contact resistances measured under inhomogeneous compression.

Pressure-Driven Spin Crossover Involving Polyhedral Transformation in Layered Perovskite Cobalt Oxyfluoride

PubMed Central

Tsujimoto, Yoshihiro; Nakano, Satoshi; Ishimatsu, Naoki; Mizumaki, Masaichiro; Kawamura, Naomi; Kawakami, Takateru; Matsushita, Yoshitaka; Yamaura, Kazunari

2016-01-01

We report a novel pressure-driven spin crossover in layered cobalt oxyfluoride Sr2CoO3F with a distorted CoO5 square pyramid loosely bound with a fluoride ion. Upon increasing pressure, the spin state of the Co(III) cation gradually changes from a high spin state (S = 2) to a low spin state (S = 0) accompanied by a anomalously large volume contraction (bulk modulus, 76.8(5) GPa). The spin state change occurs on the CoO5 pyramid in a wide pressure range, but the concomitant gradual shrinkage of the Co–F bond length with pressure gives rise to a polyhedral transformation to the CoO5F octahedron without a structural phase transition, leading to the full conversion to the LS state at 12 GPa. The present results provide new effective strategy to fine-tune electronic properties of mixed anion systems by controlling the covalency in metal-ligand bonds under pressure. PMID:27805031

Gas phase acid, ammonia and aerosol ionic and trace element concentrations at Cape Verde during the Reactive Halogens in the Marine Boundary Layer (RHaMBLe) 2007 intensive sampling period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, R.; Pszenny, A. A. P.; Keene, W. C.; Crete, E.; Deegan, B.; Long, M. S.; Maben, J. R.; Young, A. H.

2013-07-01

We report mixing ratios of soluble reactive trace gases sampled with mist chambers and the chemical composition of bulk aerosol and volatile inorganic bromine (Brg) sampled with filter packs during the Reactive Halogens in the Marine Boundary Layer (RHaMBLe) field campaign at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory (CVAO) on São Vicente island in the tropical North Atlantic in May and June 2007. The gas-phase data include HCl, HNO3, HONO, HCOOH, CH3COOH, NH3, and volatile reactive chlorine other than HCl (Cl*). Aerosol samples were analyzed by neutron activation (Na, Al, Cl, V, Mn, and Br) and ion chromatography (SO42-, Cl-, Br-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). Content and quality of the data, which are available under doi:10.5281/zenodo.6956, are presented and discussed.

Gas phase acid, ammonia and aerosol ionic and trace element concentrations at Cape Verde during the Reactive Halogens in the Marine Boundary Layer (RHaMBLe) 2007 intensive sampling period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sander, R.; Pszenny, A. A. P.; Keene, W. C.; Crete, E.; Deegan, B.; Long, M. S.; Maben, J. R.; Young, A. H.

2013-12-01

We report mixing ratios of soluble reactive trace gases sampled with mist chambers and the chemical composition of bulk aerosol and volatile inorganic bromine (Brg) sampled with filter packs during the Reactive Halogens in the Marine Boundary Layer (RHaMBLe) field campaign at the Cape Verde Atmospheric Observatory (CVAO) on São Vicente island in the tropical North Atlantic in May and June 2007. The gas-phase data include HCl, HNO3, HONO, HCOOH, CH3COOH, NH3, and volatile reactive chlorine other than HCl (Cl*). Aerosol samples were analyzed by neutron activation (Na, Al, Cl, V, Mn, and Br) and ion chromatography (SO42-, Cl-, Br-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+). Content and quality of the data, which are available under doi:10.5281/zenodo.6956, are presented and discussed.

Integrated Multi-Color Light Emitting Device Made with Hybrid Crystal Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Yeonjoon (Inventor); Choi, Sang Hyouk (Inventor)

2017-01-01

An integrated hybrid crystal Light Emitting Diode ("LED") display device that may emit red, green, and blue colors on a single wafer. The various embodiments may provide double-sided hetero crystal growth with hexagonal wurtzite III-Nitride compound semiconductor on one side of (0001) c-plane sapphire media and cubic zinc-blended III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor on the opposite side of c-plane sapphire media. The c-plane sapphire media may be a bulk single crystalline c-plane sapphire wafer, a thin free standing c-plane sapphire layer, or crack-and-bonded c-plane sapphire layer on any substrate. The bandgap energies and lattice constants of the compound semiconductor alloys may be changed by mixing different amounts of ingredients of the same group into the compound semiconductor. The bandgap energy and lattice constant may be engineered by changing the alloy composition within the cubic group IV, group III-V, and group II-VI semiconductors and within the hexagonal III-Nitrides.

Integrated Multi-Color Light Emitting Device Made with Hybrid Crystal Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Yeonjoon (Inventor); Choi, Sang Hyouk (Inventor)

2016-01-01

An integrated hybrid crystal Light Emitting Diode ("LED") display device that may emit red, green, and blue colors on a single wafer. The various embodiments may provide double-sided hetero crystal growth with hexagonal wurtzite III-Nitride compound semiconductor on one side of (0001) c-plane sapphire media and cubic zinc-blended III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor on the opposite side of c-plane sapphire media. The c-plane sapphire media may be a bulk single crystalline c-plane sapphire wafer, a thin free standing c-plane sapphire layer, or crack-and-bonded c-plane sapphire layer on any substrate. The bandgap energies and lattice constants of the compound semiconductor alloys may be changed by mixing different amounts of ingredients of the same group into the compound semiconductor. The bandgap energy and lattice constant may be engineered by changing the alloy composition within the cubic group IV, group III-V, and group II-VI semiconductors and within the hexagonal III-Nitrides.

Electrokinetics of diffuse soft interfaces. 1. Limit of low Donnan potentials.

PubMed

Duval, Jérôme F L; van Leeuwen, Herman P

2004-11-09

The current theoretical approaches to electrokinetics of gels or polyelectrolyte layers are based on the assumption that the position of the very interface between the aqueous medium and the gel phase is well defined. Within this assumption, spatial profiles for the volume fraction of polymer segments (phi), the density of fixed charges in the porous layer (rho fix), and the coefficient modeling the friction to hydrodynamic flow (k) follow a step-function. In reality, the "fuzzy" nature of the charged soft layer is intrinsically incompatible with the concept of a sharp interface and therefore necessarily calls for more detailed spatial representations for phi, rho fix, and k. In this paper, the notion of diffuse interface is introduced. For the sake of illustration, linear spatial distributions for phi and rho fix are considered in the interfacial zone between the bulk of the porous charged layer and the bulk electrolyte solution. The corresponding distribution for k is inferred from the Brinkman equation, which for low phi reduces to Stokes' equation. Linear electrostatics, hydrodynamics, and electroosmosis issues are analytically solved within the context of streaming current and streaming potential of charged surface layers in a thin-layer cell. The hydrodynamic analysis clearly demonstrates the physical incorrectness of the concept of a discrete slip plane for diffuse interfaces. For moderate to low electrolyte concentrations and nanoscale spatial transition of phi from zero (bulk electrolyte) to phi o (bulk gel), the electrokinetic properties of the soft layer as predicted by the theory considerably deviate from those calculated on the basis of the discontinuous approximation by Ohshima.

The detection of formaldehyde using microelectromechanical acoustic resonator with multiwalled carbon nanotubes-polyethyleneimine composite coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jingjing; Zhan, Da; Wang, Ke; Hang, Weiwei

2018-01-01

A micro-scale gas sensor based on mass-sensitive film bulk acoustic resonator is demonstrated for the detection of trace formaldehyde at room temperature. The composites mixed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polyethyleneimine (MWNTs-PEI) were coated on the resonator surface as the sensitive layer to specifically absorb formaldehyde molecules using a facile spray process. The influence of spraying processes on the formaldehyde sensing properties were investigated. Different response behaviors were determined by both the chemical absorption between formaldehyde molecules and the amine functional groups on PEI and the increase of absorption surface came from the nanostructure. The combination of high frequency of the film bulk acoustic resonator (~4.3 GHz) and the specific absorbability of MWNTs-PEI composites provided a high sensitivity in the detections of trace formaldehyde. The obtained ultra-low limit of detection was as low as 60 ppb with linear response, quick response/recovery time, good reproducibility and selectivity. The proposed sensor shows potential as a portable and convenient gas-sensing system for monitoring the low-level concentration of indoor air pollution.

Structure, spectroscopy and dynamics of layered H2O and CO2 ices

USGS Publications Warehouse

,; Plattner, Nuria; Meuwly, Markus

2012-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations of structural, spectroscopic and dynamical properties of mixed water–carbon dioxide (H2O–CO2) ices are discussed over temperature ranges relevant to atmospheric and astrophysical conditions. The simulations employ multipolar force fields to represent electrostatic interactions which are essential for spectroscopic and dynamical investigations. It is found that at the water/CO2 interface the water surface acts as a template for the CO2 component. The rotational reorientation times in both bulk phases agree well with experimental observations. A pronounced temperature effect on the CO2 reorientation time is observed between 100 K and 200 K. At the interface, water reorientation times are nearly twice as long compared to water in the bulk. The spectroscopy of such ices is rich in the far-infrared region of the spectrum and can be related to translational and rotational modes. Furthermore, spectroscopic signatures mediated across the water/CO2 interface are found in this frequency range (around 440 cm−1). These results will be particularly important for new airborne experiments such as planned for SOFIA.

Unsteady Crystal Growth Due to Step-Bunch Cascading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vekilov, Peter G.; Lin, Hong; Rosenberger, Franz

1997-01-01

Based on our experimental findings of growth rate fluctuations during the crystallization of the protein lysozym, we have developed a numerical model that combines diffusion in the bulk of a solution with diffusive transport to microscopic growth steps that propagate on a finite crystal facet. Nonlinearities in layer growth kinetics arising from step interaction by bulk and surface diffusion, and from step generation by surface nucleation, are taken into account. On evaluation of the model with properties characteristic for the solute transport, and the generation and propagation of steps in the lysozyme system, growth rate fluctuations of the same magnitude and characteristic time, as in the experiments, are obtained. The fluctuation time scale is large compared to that of step generation. Variations of the governing parameters of the model reveal that both the nonlinearity in step kinetics and mixed transport-kinetics control of the crystallization process are necessary conditions for the fluctuations. On a microscopic scale, the fluctuations are associated with a morphological instability of the vicinal face, in which a step bunch triggers a cascade of new step bunches through the microscopic interfacial supersaturation distribution.

Microengineered Conductive Elastomeric Electrodes for Long-Term Electrophysiological Measurements with Consistent Impedance under Stretch

PubMed Central

Hu, Dinglong; Cheng, Tin Kei; Xie, Kai; Lam, Raymond H. W.

2015-01-01

In this research, we develop a micro-engineered conductive elastomeric electrode for measurements of human bio-potentials with the absence of conductive pastes. Mixing the biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicone with other biocompatible conductive nano-particles further provides the material with an electrical conductivity. We apply micro-replica mold casting for the micro-structures, which are arrays of micro-pillars embedded between two bulk conductive-PDMS layers. These micro-structures can reduce the micro-structural deformations along the direction of signal transmission; therefore the corresponding electrical impedance under the physical stretch by the movement of the human body can be maintained. Additionally, we conduct experiments to compare the electrical properties between the bulk conductive-PDMS material and the microengineered electrodes under stretch. We also demonstrate the working performance of these micro-engineered electrodes in the acquisition of the 12-lead electrocardiographs (ECG) of a healthy subject. Together, the presented gel-less microengineered electrodes can provide a more convenient and stable bio-potential measurement platform, making tele-medical care more achievable with reduced technical barriers for instrument installation performed by patients/users themselves. PMID:26512662

Smectite diagenesis, pore-water freshening, and fluid flow at the toe of the Nankai wedge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, K.M.; Saffer, D.M.; Bekins, B.A.

2001-01-01

The presence of low-chloride fluids in the lowermost sediments drilled at Ocean Drilling Program Site 808, at the Nankai accretionary wedge, has been considered as prime evidence for long-distance, lateral fluid flow from depth. Here, we re-evaluate the potential role of in situ reaction of smectite (S) to illite (I) in the genesis of this low chloride anomaly. This reaction is known to be occurring at Site 808, with both the S content and S to I ratio in the mixed layer clays decreasing substantially with depth. We show that the bulk of the chloride anomaly can generate by in situ clay dehydration, particularly if pre-reaction smectite abundances (Ai) approach ?? 10-15% of the bulk sediment. The Ai values, however, are not well constrained. At Ai values < 10-15%, an additional source of low-Cl fluid centered close to the de??collement could be required. Thus, there remains the important possibility that the observed low-Cl anomaly is a compound effect of both lateral flow and in situ smectite dehydration. ?? 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Transverse ageostrophic circulations associated with elevated mixed layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keyser, D.; Carlson, T. N.

1984-01-01

The nature of the frontogenetically forced transverse ageostrophic circulations connected with elevated mixed layer structure is investigated as a first step toward diagnosing the complex vertical circulation patterns occurring in the vicinity of elevated mixed layers within a severe storm environment. The Sawyer-Eliassen ageostrophic circulation equation is reviewed and applied to the elevated mixed layer detected in the SESAME IV data set at 2100 GMT of May 9, 1979. The results of the ageostrophic circulation diagnosis are confirmed and refined by considering an analytic specification for the elevated mixed layer structure.

Late-Time Mixing Sensitivity to Initial Broadband Surface Roughness in High-Energy-Density Shear Layers

DOE PAGES

Flippo, K. A.; Doss, F. W.; Kline, J. L.; ...

2016-11-23

While using a large volume high-energy-density fluid shear experiment ( 8.5 cm 3 ) at the National Ignition Facility, we have demonstrated for the first time the ability to significantly alter the evolution of a supersonic sheared mixing layer by controlling the initial conditions of that layer. Furthermore, by altering the initial surface roughness of the tracer foil, we demonstrate the ability to transition the shear mixing layer from a highly ordered system of coherent structures to a randomly ordered system with a faster growing mix layer, indicative of strong mixing in the layer at a temperature of severalmore » tens of electron volts and at near solid density. Moreover, simulations using a turbulent-mix model show good agreement with the experimental results and poor agreement without turbulent mix.« less

30 CFR 57.6960 - Mixing of explosive material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Mixing of explosive material. 57.6960 Section... General Requirements-Underground Only § 57.6960 Mixing of explosive material. (a) The mixing of... to the hazards associated with the mixing of the bulk explosive material underground. (b) Storage...

30 CFR 57.6960 - Mixing of explosive material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Mixing of explosive material. 57.6960 Section... General Requirements-Underground Only § 57.6960 Mixing of explosive material. (a) The mixing of... to the hazards associated with the mixing of the bulk explosive material underground. (b) Storage...

30 CFR 57.6960 - Mixing of explosive material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Mixing of explosive material. 57.6960 Section... General Requirements-Underground Only § 57.6960 Mixing of explosive material. (a) The mixing of... to the hazards associated with the mixing of the bulk explosive material underground. (b) Storage...

30 CFR 57.6960 - Mixing of explosive material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Mixing of explosive material. 57.6960 Section... General Requirements-Underground Only § 57.6960 Mixing of explosive material. (a) The mixing of... to the hazards associated with the mixing of the bulk explosive material underground. (b) Storage...

30 CFR 57.6960 - Mixing of explosive material.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Mixing of explosive material. 57.6960 Section... General Requirements-Underground Only § 57.6960 Mixing of explosive material. (a) The mixing of... to the hazards associated with the mixing of the bulk explosive material underground. (b) Storage...

Optical and electronic processes in organic photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myers, Jason David

Organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) have become a promising research field. OPVs have intrinsic advantages over conventional inorganic technologies: they can be produced from inexpensive source materials using high-throughput techniques on a variety of substrates, including glass and flexible plastics. However, organic semiconductors have radically different operation characteristics which present challenges to achieving high performance OPVs. To increase the efficiency of OPVs, knowledge of fundamental operation principles is crucial. Here, the photocurrent behavior of OPVs with different heterojunction architectures was studied using synchronous photocurrent detection. It was revealed that photocurrent is always negative in planar and planar-mixed heterojunction devices as it is dominated by photocarrier diffusion. In mixed layer devices, however, the drift current dominates except at biases where the internal electric field is negligible. At these biases, the diffusion current dominates, exhibiting behavior that is correlated to the optical interference patterns within the device active layer. Further, in an effort to increase OPV performance without redesigning the active layer, soft-lithographically stamped microlens arrays (MLAs) were developed and applied to a variety of devices. MLAs refract and reflect incident light, giving light a longer path length through the active layer compared to a device without a MLA; this increases absorption and photocurrent. The experimentally measured efficiency enhancements range from 10 to 60%, with the bulk of this value coming from increased photocurrent. Additionally, because the enhancement is dependent on the substrate/air interface and not the active layer, MLAs are applicable to all organic material systems. Finally, novel architectures for bifunctional organic optoelectronic devices (BFDs), which can function as either an OPV or an organic light emitting device (OLED), were investigated. Because OPVs and OLEDs have inherently opposing operation principles, BFDs suffer from poor performance. A new architecture was developed to incorporate the phosphorescent emitter platinum octaethylporphine (PtOEP) into a rubrene/C60 bilayer BFD to make more efficient use of injected carriers. While the emission was localized to a PtOEP emitter layer by an electron permeable exciton blocking layer of N, N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)-benzidine (NPB), total performance was not improved. From these experiments, a new understanding of the material requirements for BFDs was obtained.

Impact of fluorine based reactive chemistry on structure and properties of high moment magnetic material

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Xiaoyu, E-mail: xiaoyu.yang@wdc.com; Chen, Lifan; Han, Hongmei

The impact of the fluorine-based reactive ion etch (RIE) process on the structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of NiFe and CoNiFe-plated materials was investigated. Several techniques, including X-ray fluorescence, 4-point-probe, BH looper, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), were utilized to characterize both bulk film properties such as thickness, average composition, Rs, ρ, Bs, Ms, and surface magnetic “dead” layers' properties such as thickness and element concentration. Experimental data showed that the majority of Rs and Bs changes of these bulk films were due to thickness reduction during exposure to the RIE process. ρ and Msmore » change after taking thickness reduction into account were negligible. The composition of the bulk films, which were not sensitive to surface magnetic dead layers with nano-meter scale, showed minimum change as well. It was found by TEM and EELS analysis that although both before and after RIE there were magnetic dead layers on the top surface of these materials, the thickness and element concentration of the layers were quite different. Prior to RIE, dead layer was actually native oxidation layers (about 2 nm thick), while after RIE dead layer consisted of two sub-layers that were about 6 nm thick in total. Sub-layer on the top was native oxidation layer, while the bottom layer was RIE “damaged” layer with very high fluorine concentration. Two in-situ RIE approaches were also proposed and tested to remove such damaged sub-layers.« less

Effects of Exsolution Lamellae on Magnetic Properties of Crustal Rocks and Contributions to Remanent Magnetic Anomalies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McEnroe, S. A.; Robinson, P.; Fabian, K.; Brown, L. L.; Harrison, R. J.

2011-12-01

Magnetic anomalies from crustal sources are measured over a wide range of scales and elevations, from near-surface to satellites. They reflect magnetic minerals in rocks, which respond to the changing planetary magnetic field. Anomalies are influenced by the geometry of the geological bodies, and magnetic properties of the minerals. Commonly, magnetism of continental crust has been described in terms of bulk ferrimagnetism of minerals, and much attributed to induced magnetization. Though remanent magnetization was crucial for dating the ocean floor, and is important in mineral exploration, its contribution to continental magnetic anomalies is commonly ignored. Over the last decade studying remanent anomalies in crustal rocks, we discovered a new type of remanence, 'lamellar magnetism'. This is due to layers of mixed Fe2+/Fe3+ valence at (001) contacts between exsolution lamellae and hosts of ilmenite and hematite. The mixed-valence contact layers are placed by chemistry between hematite Fe3+ layers and ilmenite Ti4+ layers, where they provide reduction of ionic charge imbalance. Placement requires that the uncompensated spin of contact layers on opposite sides of a lamella be in-phase magnetically. This produces a net ferrimagnetic moment per lamella of ~4 uB per formula unit, regardless of lamella thickness, thus net moment is greatest with the greatest density of magnetically in-phase fine lamellae created during slow cooling. We can show that in-phase magnetization of lamellae is greatly enhanced in foliated samples, where the statistical (001) plane is parallel to the Earth field at the time of exsolution. Strictly speaking, the resulting magnetization is a chemical remanence with very high stability. Lamellar magnetism is responsible for numerous remanent magnetic anomalies in continental rocks we present here. We highlight some bodies with NRMs > 20 A/m which are possible analogs for sources of remanent anomalies on Mars.

Exciton Transport and Perfect Coulomb Drag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nandi, Debaleena

2013-03-01

Exciton condensation is realized in closely-spaced bilayer quantum Hall systems at νT = 1 when the total density in the two 2D electron layers matches the Landau level degeneracy. In this state, electrons in one layer become tightly bound to holes in the other layer, forming a condensate similar to the Cooper pairs in a superconductor. Being charge neutral, these excitons ought to be free to move throughout the bulk of the quantum Hall fluid. One therefore expects that electron current driven in one layer would spontaneously generate a ``hole'' current in the other layer, even in the otherwise insulating bulk of the 2D system. We demonstrate precisely this effect, using a Corbino geometry to defeat edge state transport. Our sample contains two essentially identical two-dimensional electron systems (2DES) in GaAs quantum wells separated by a thin AlGaAs barrier. It is patterned into an annulus with arms protruding from each rim that provide contact to each 2DES separately. A current drag geometry is realized by applying a drive voltage between the outer and inner rim on one 2DES layer while the two rims on the opposite layer are connected together in a closed loop. There is no direct electrical connection between the two layers. At νT = 1 the bulk of the Corbino annulus becomes insulating owing to the quantum Hall gap and net charge transport across the bulk is suppressed. Nevertheless, we find that in the drag geometry appreciable currents do flow in each layer. These currents are almost exactly equal magnitude but, crucially, flow in opposite directions. This phenomenon reflects exciton transport within the νT = 1 condensate, rather than its quasiparticle excitations. We find that quasiparticle transport competes with exciton transport at elevated temperatures, drive levels, and layer separations. This work represents a collaboration with A.D.K. Finck, J.P. Eisenstein, L.N. Pfeiffer and K.W. West. This work is supported by the NSF under grant DMR-1003080.

The ocean mixed layer under Southern Ocean sea-ice: Seasonal cycle and forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pellichero, Violaine; Sallée, Jean-Baptiste; Schmidtko, Sunke; Roquet, Fabien; Charrassin, Jean-Benoît

2017-02-01

The oceanic mixed layer is the gateway for the exchanges between the atmosphere and the ocean; in this layer, all hydrographic ocean properties are set for months to millennia. A vast area of the Southern Ocean is seasonally capped by sea-ice, which alters the characteristics of the ocean mixed layer. The interaction between the ocean mixed layer and sea-ice plays a key role for water mass transformation, the carbon cycle, sea-ice dynamics, and ultimately for the climate as a whole. However, the structure and characteristics of the under-ice mixed layer are poorly understood due to the sparseness of in situ observations and measurements. In this study, we combine distinct sources of observations to overcome this lack in our understanding of the polar regions. Working with elephant seal-derived, ship-based, and Argo float observations, we describe the seasonal cycle of the ocean mixed-layer characteristics and stability of the ocean mixed layer over the Southern Ocean and specifically under sea-ice. Mixed-layer heat and freshwater budgets are used to investigate the main forcing mechanisms of the mixed-layer seasonal cycle. The seasonal variability of sea surface salinity and temperature are primarily driven by surface processes, dominated by sea-ice freshwater flux for the salt budget and by air-sea flux for the heat budget. Ekman advection, vertical diffusivity, and vertical entrainment play only secondary roles. Our results suggest that changes in regional sea-ice distribution and annual duration, as currently observed, widely affect the buoyancy budget of the underlying mixed layer, and impact large-scale water mass formation and transformation with far reaching consequences for ocean ventilation.

Enhanced performance of P3HT/(PCBM:ZnO:TiO{sub 2}) blend based hybrid organic solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ikram, M., E-mail: mianraj.1981@gmail.com; Murray, R.; Imran, M.

Highlights: • We fabricated hybrid bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. • TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles replace PCBM with fixed amount of P3HT in active layer • PCE was significantly improved by the introduction of TiO{sub 2} and ZnO. • A possible route toward low-cost OPV. • To the best of my knowledge, this work is the first time going to report. - Abstract: Quaternary blend hybrid organic solar cells enjoy both an increased light absorption range and an easy method to fabricate because of the simple structure. In this study effects of mixing inorganic metal oxides (ZnO and TiO{submore » 2}) nanoparticles to the active layer of organic photovoltaics devices were investigated. The active layer primarily consists of various ratios of electron donor poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and an electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) together with nanostructured ZnO and TiO{sub 2} dispersed in chlorobenzene (CB) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB). The ratio of PCBM to nanoparticles was varied keeping the ratio of P3HT to acceptor material constant. Mixing of nanoparticle plays a significant role in the resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices. An increased PCE for ZnO/TiO{sub 2} doped devices can be attributed to increased absorption in the visible region and enhanced charge collection due to the percolation networks formed by metal oxides nanoparticles.« less

Prediction of weak topological insulators in layered semiconductors.

PubMed

Yan, Binghai; Müchler, Lukas; Felser, Claudia

2012-09-14

We report the discovery of weak topological insulators by ab initio calculations in a honeycomb lattice. We propose a structure with an odd number of layers in the primitive unit cell as a prerequisite for forming weak topological insulators. Here, the single-layered KHgSb is the most suitable candidate for its large bulk energy gap of 0.24 eV. Its side surface hosts metallic surface states, forming two anisotropic Dirac cones. Although the stacking of even-layered structures leads to trivial insulators, the structures can host a quantum spin Hall layer with a large bulk gap, if an additional single layer exists as a stacking fault in the crystal. The reported honeycomb compounds can serve as prototypes to aid in the finding of new weak topological insulators in layered small-gap semiconductors.

Organic hybrid planar-nanocrystalline bulk heterojunctions

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R [Ann Arbor, MI; Yang, Fan [Piscataway, NJ

2011-03-01

A photosensitive optoelectronic device having an improved hybrid planar bulk heterojunction includes a plurality of photoconductive materials disposed between the anode and the cathode. The photoconductive materials include a first continuous layer of donor material and a second continuous layer of acceptor material. A first network of donor material or materials extends from the first continuous layer toward the second continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of holes to the first continuous layer. A second network of acceptor material or materials extends from the second continuous layer toward the first continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of electrons to the second continuous layer. The first network and the second network are interlaced with each other. At least one other photoconductive material is interspersed between the interlaced networks. This other photoconductive material or materials has an absorption spectra different from the donor and acceptor materials.

Organic hybrid planar-nanocrystalline bulk heterojunctions

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen R.; Yang, Fan

2013-04-09

A photosensitive optoelectronic device having an improved hybrid planar bulk heterojunction includes a plurality of photoconductive materials disposed between the anode and the cathode. The photoconductive materials include a first continuous layer of donor material and a second continuous layer of acceptor material. A first network of donor material or materials extends from the first continuous layer toward the second continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of holes to the first continuous layer. A second network of acceptor material or materials extends from the second continuous layer toward the first continuous layer, providing continuous pathways for conduction of electrons to the second continuous layer. The first network and the second network are interlaced with each other. At least one other photoconductive material is interspersed between the interlaced networks. This other photoconductive material or materials has an absorption spectra different from the donor and acceptor materials.

Effect of shock interactions on mixing layer between co-flowing supersonic flows in a confined duct

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, S. M. V.; Asano, S.; Imani, I.; Saito, T.

2018-03-01

Experiments are conducted to observe the effect of shock interactions on a mixing layer generated between two supersonic streams of Mach number M _{1} = 1.76 and M _{2} = 1.36 in a confined duct. The development of this mixing layer within the duct is observed using high-speed schlieren and static pressure measurements. Two-dimensional, compressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the k-ω SST turbulence model in Fluent. Further, adverse pressure gradients are imposed by placing inserts of small (<7% of duct height) but finite (> boundary layer thickness) thickness on the walls of the test section. The unmatched pressures cause the mixing layer to bend and lead to the formation of shock structures that interact with the mixing layer. The mixing layer growth rate is found to increase after the shock interaction (nearly doubles). The strongest shock is observed when a wedge insert is placed in the M _{2} flow. This shock interacts with the mixing layer exciting flow modes that produce sinusoidal flapping structures which enhance the mixing layer growth rate to the maximum (by 1.75 times). Shock fluctuations are characterized, and it is observed that the maximum amplitude occurs when a wedge insert is placed in the M _{2} flow.

Zonally asymmetric response of the Southern Ocean mixed-layer depth to the Southern Annular Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallée, J. B.; Speer, K. G.; Rintoul, S. R.

2010-04-01

Interactions between the atmosphere and ocean are mediated by the mixed layer at the ocean surface. The depth of this layer is determined by wind forcing and heating from the atmosphere. Variations in mixed-layer depth affect the rate of exchange between the atmosphere and deeper ocean, the capacity of the ocean to store heat and carbon and the availability of light and nutrients to support the growth of phytoplankton. However, the response of the Southern Ocean mixed layer to changes in the atmosphere is not well known. Here we analyse temperature and salinity data from Argo profiling floats to show that the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the dominant mode of atmospheric variability in the Southern Hemisphere, leads to large-scale anomalies in mixed-layer depth that are zonally asymmetric. From a simple heat budget of the mixed layer we conclude that meridional winds associated with departures of the SAM from zonal symmetry cause anomalies in heat flux that can, in turn, explain the observed changes of mixed-layer depth and sea surface temperature. Our results suggest that changes in the SAM, including recent and projected trends attributed to human activity, drive variations in Southern Ocean mixed-layer depth, with consequences for air-sea exchange, ocean sequestration of heat and carbon, and biological productivity.

Cooperative plasmonic effect of Ag and Au nanoparticles on enhancing performance of polymer solar cells.

PubMed

Lu, Luyao; Luo, Zhiqiang; Xu, Tao; Yu, Luping

2013-01-09

This article describes a cooperative plasmonic effect on improving the performance of polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells. When mixed Ag and Au nanoparticles are incorporated into the anode buffer layer, dual nanoparticles show superior behavior on enhancing light absorption in comparison with single nanoparticles, which led to the realization of a polymer solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 8.67%, accounting for a 20% enhancement. The cooperative plasmonic effect aroused from dual resonance enhancement of two different nanoparticles. The idea was further unraveled by comparing Au nanorods with Au nanoparticles for solar cell application. Detailed studies shed light into the influence of plasmonic nanostructures on exciton generation, dissociation, and charge recombination and transport inside thin film devices.

The nature of the interlayer interaction in bulk and few-layer phosphorus

DOE PAGES

Shulenburger, Luke; Baczewski, A. D.; Zhu, Z.; ...

2015-11-02

Sensitive dependence of the electronic structure on the number of layers in few-layer phosphorene raises a question about the true nature of the interlayer interaction in so-called van der Waals (vdW) solids . We performed quantum Monte Carlo calculations and found that the interlayer interaction in bulk black phosphorus and related few-layer phosphorene is associated with a significant charge redistribution that is incompatible with purely dispersive forces and not captured by density functional theory calculations with different vdW corrected functionals. Lastly, these findings confirm the necessity of more sophisticated treatment of nonlocal electron correlation in total energy calculations.

The Nature of the Interlayer Interaction in Bulk and Few-Layer Phosphorus.

PubMed

Shulenburger, L; Baczewski, A D; Zhu, Z; Guan, J; Tománek, D

2015-12-09

Sensitive dependence of the electronic structure on the number of layers in few-layer phosphorene raises a question about the true nature of the interlayer interaction in so-called "van der Waals (vdW) solids". We performed quantum Monte Carlo calculations and found that the interlayer interaction in bulk black phosphorus and related few-layer phosphorene is associated with a significant charge redistribution that is incompatible with purely dispersive forces and not captured by density functional theory calculations with different vdW corrected functionals. These findings confirm the necessity of more sophisticated treatment of nonlocal electron correlation in total energy calculations.

Seasonal Mixed Layer Heat Budget in the Southeast Tropical Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scannell, H. A.; McPhaden, M. J.

2016-12-01

We analyze a mixed layer heat budget at 6ºS, 8ºE from a moored buoy of the Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Atlantic (PIRATA) to better understand the causes of seasonal mixed layer temperature variability in the southeast tropical Atlantic. This region is of interest because it is susceptible to warm biases in coupled global climate models and has historically been poorly sampled. Previous work suggests that thermodynamic changes in both latent heat loss and absorbed solar radiation dominate mixed layer properties away from the equator in the tropical Atlantic, while advection and entrainment are more important near the equator. Changes in mixed layer salinity can also influence temperature through the formation of barrier layers and density gradients. Freshwater flux from the Congo River, migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and advection of water masses are considered important contributors to mixed layer salinity variability in our study region. We analyze ocean temperature, salinity and meteorological data beginning in 2013 using mooring, Argo, and satellite platforms to study how seasonal temperature variability in the mixed layer is influenced by air-sea interactions and ocean dynamics.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Min Ho; Rhyee, Jong-Soo, E-mail: jsrhyee@khu.ac.kr

We investigated the thermoelectric properties of PbTe/Ag{sub 2}Te bulk composites, synthesized by hand milling, mixing, and hot press sintering. From x-ray diffraction and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements, we observed Ag{sub 2}Te phase separation in the PbTe matrix without Ag atom diffusion. In comparison with previously reported pseudo-binary (PbTe){sub 1−x}(Ag{sub 2}Te){sub x} composites, synthesized by high temperature phase separation, the PbTe/Ag{sub 2}Te bulk composites fabricated with a low temperature phase mixing process give rise to p-type conduction of carriers with significantly decreased electrical conductivity. This indicates that Ag atom diffusion in the PbTe matrix changes the sign of the Seebeckmore » coefficient to n-type and also increases the carrier concentration. Effective p-type doping with low temperature phase separation by mixing and hot press sintering can enhance the thermoelectric performance of PbTe/Ag{sub 2}Te bulk composites, which can be used as a p-type counterpart of n-type (PbTe){sub 1−x}(Ag{sub 2}Te){sub x} bulk composites.« less

Spectroscopy of bulk and few-layer superconducting NbSe2 with van der Waals tunnel junctions.

PubMed

Dvir, T; Massee, F; Attias, L; Khodas, M; Aprili, M; Quay, C H L; Steinberg, H

2018-02-09

Tunnel junctions, an established platform for high resolution spectroscopy of superconductors, require defect-free insulating barriers; however, oxides, the most common barrier, can only grow on a limited selection of materials. We show that van der Waals tunnel barriers, fabricated by exfoliation and transfer of layered semiconductors, sustain stable currents with strong suppression of sub-gap tunneling. This allows us to measure the spectra of bulk (20 nm) and ultrathin (3- and 4-layer) NbSe 2 devices at 70 mK. These exhibit two distinct superconducting gaps, the larger of which decreases monotonically with thickness and critical temperature. The spectra are analyzed using a two-band model incorporating depairing. In the bulk, the smaller gap exhibits strong depairing in in-plane magnetic fields, consistent with high out-of-plane Fermi velocity. In the few-layer devices, the large gap exhibits negligible depairing, consistent with out-of-plane spin locking due to Ising spin-orbit coupling. In the 3-layer device, the large gap persists beyond the Pauli limit.

Tracing subducted sediment inputs to the Ryukyu arc-Okinawa Trough system: Evidence from thallium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Yunchao; Nielsen, Sune G.; Zeng, Zhigang; Shinjo, Ryuichi; Blusztajn, Jerzy; Wang, Xiaoyuan; Chen, Shuai

2017-11-01

Sediments are actively subducted in virtually every arc worldwide. However, quantifying their contributions to arc lavas and thereby establishing budgets of how sediments participate in slab-mantle interaction is challenging. In this contribution we use thallium (Tl) abundances and isotopic compositions of lavas from the Ryukyu arc (including south Kyushu) and its back-arc basin, Okinawa Trough, to investigate the influence of sediments from arc to back-arc. We also present extensive geochemical data for sediments and altered oceanic crust (AOC) outboard of the northern (DSDP Sites 296, 442B, 443 and 444) and central (DSDP Sites 294 and 295) part of the Ryukyu arc. The Tl isotopic compositions of sediments change systematically from lighter outboard of northern Ryukyu arc to heavier outboard of central Ryukyu arc. The feature reflects the dominance of terrigenous material and pelagic sedimentation outboard of the northern and central Ryukyu arc, respectively. Central and northern sections of Ryukyu arc and Okinawa Trough display larger range of Tl isotopic variation than southern section, which is consistent with more pelagic provenance for sediments outboard of central and northern Ryukyu arcs than that of expected sediments outboard of southern Ryukyu arc. Identical Tl, Sr, Nd and Pb isotope variations are found when comparing arc and back arc lavas, which indicates that sediments fluxes also account for the Tl isotopic variations in the Okinawa Trough lavas. Two-end-member mixing models of Tl with Pb, Sr and Nd isotopes require sediment inputs of< 1%, 0.1-1% and 0.3-2% by weight to the depleted mantle source to account for all these isotopic compositions of lavas from northern, central and southern portion of the Ryukyu arc and Okinawa Trough. Bulk mixing between mantle and sediment end members predict very similar sediment fluxes when using Tl, Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes, which indicates that fractionation of these elements must have happened after mixing between mantle and sediments. This conclusion is corroborated by model calculations of mixing between sediment melts with fractionated Sr/Nd ratios and mantle wedge, which show that no arc lava plot on such mixing lines. Thus bulk sediment mixing, rather than sediment melt, is required for the generation of the lavas from the Ryukyu arc and Okinawa Trough. The requirement of bulk sediment mixing occurring before trace element fractionation in the sub-arc mantle is consistent with models where mélange layers form at the top of the slab and are the principle source material for arc lavas. In addition, the fact that sediment components observed in the Ryukyu arc and Okinawa Trough lavas are similar, suggests that transport of mélange material to the source regions of the arc and back arc is equally efficient. This feature is most readily explained if mélange material is transported from the slab as diapirs.

Formation of an Anti-Core–Shell Structure in Layered Oxide Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Hanlei; Omenya, Fredrick; Whittingham, M. Stanley

The layered → rock-salt phase transformation in the layered dioxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries is believed to result in a “core-shell” structure of the primary particles, in which the core region maintains as the layered phase while the surface region undergoes the phase transformation to the rock-salt phase. Using transmission electron microscopy, here we demonstrate the formation of an “anti-core-shell” structure in cycled primary particles with a formula of LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2, in which the surface and subsurface regions remain as the layered structure while the rock-salt phase forms as domains in the bulk with a thin layer of the spinel phasemore » between the rock-salt core and the skin of the layered phase. Formation of this anti-core-shell structure is attributed to the oxygen loss at the surface that drives the migration of oxygen from the bulk to the surface, thereby resulting in localized areas of significantly reduced oxygen levels in the bulk of the particle, which subsequently undergoes the phase transformation to the rock-salt domains. The formation of the anti-core-shell rock-salt domains is responsible for the reduced capacity, discharge voltage and ionic conductivity in cycled cathode.« less

Field-effect transistor having a superlattice channel and high carrier velocities at high applied fields

DOEpatents

Chaffin, R.J.; Dawson, L.R.; Fritz, I.J.; Osbourn, G.C.; Zipperian, T.E.

1984-04-19

In a field-effect transistor comprising a semiconductor having therein a source, a drain, a channel and a gate in operational relationship, there is provided an improvement wherein said semiconductor is a superlattice comprising alternating quantum well and barrier layers, the quantum well layers comprising a first direct gap semiconductor material which in bulk form has a certain bandgap and a curve of electron velocity versus applied electric field which has a maximum electron velocity at a certain electric field, the barrier layers comprising a second semiconductor material having a bandgap wider than that of said first semiconductor material, wherein the layer thicknesses of said quantum well and barrier layers are sufficiently thin that the alternating layers constitute a superlattice having a curve of electron velocity versus applied electric field which has a maximum electron velocity at a certain electric field, and wherein the thicknesses of said quantum well layers are selected to provide a superlattice curve of electron velocity versus applied electric field whereby, at applied electric fields higher than that at which the maximum electron velocity occurs in said first material when in bulk form, the electron velocities are higher in said superlattice than they are in said first semiconductor material in bulk form.

Multilayer porous UHMWPE scaffolds for bone defects replacement.

PubMed

Maksimkin, A V; Senatov, F S; Anisimova, N Yu; Kiselevskiy, M V; Zalepugin, D Yu; Chernyshova, I V; Tilkunova, N A; Kaloshkin, S D

2017-04-01

Reconstruction of the structural integrity of the damaged bone tissue is an urgent problem. UHMWPE may be potentially used for the manufacture of porous implants simulating as closely as possible the porous cancellous bone tissue. But the extremely high molecular weight of the polymer does not allow using traditional methods of foaming. Porous and multilayer UHMWPE scaffolds with nonporous bulk layer and porous layer that mimics cancellous bone architecture were obtained by solid-state mixing, thermopressing and washing in subcritical water. Structural and mechanical properties of the samples were studied. Porous UHMWPE samples were also studied in vitro and in vivo. The pores of UHMWPE scaffold are open and interconnected. Volume porosity of the obtained samples was 79±2%; the pore size range was 80-700μm. Strong connection of the two layers in multilayer UHMWPE scaffolds was observed with decreased number of fusion defects. Functionality of implants based on multilayer UHMWPE scaffolds is provided by the fixation of scaffolds in the bone defect through ingrowths of the connective tissue into the pores, which ensures the maintenance of the animals' mobility. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Static Stability in the Mixed Layer Above the Extratropical Tropopause

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, A.; Konopka, P.; Müller, R.; Pan, L. L.; Schiller, C.

2009-04-01

A strong relationship between the static stability N2 in the tropopause inversion layer (TIL) and the intensity of mixing is evident from in-situ observations during SPURT. With a new simple measure of mixing intensity based on O3/CO tracer correlations, a very high mixing intensity connected to a high N2 is found in the extratropical mixing layer. Using radiative transfer calculations we simulate the influence of trace gases such as O3 and H2O on the temperature gradient and thus on the static stability above the tropopause in an idealized (L-shaped) non-mixed and reference mixed atmosphere. N2 enhances due to an intensifying mixing in the LS. At the same time the temperature decreases together with a development of an inversion and the TIL. Hereby H2O plays the dominant role in maintenance the temperature inversion and the TIL structure. In case of non mixed profiles the TIL vanishes. The results motivate a link between the mixing layer and the TIL. The mixing layer contains on the one hand older air masses, with high values of N2 due to radiative adjustment. This part of the mixing layer is spatial identically to the TIL. On the other hand, there are younger air masses with somehow lower N2 values within the mixing layer, because of fast intrusion processes from the troposphere due to the permeability or so-called mid-latitude-breaks associated with the jet.

The effects of mixed layer dynamics on ice growth in the central Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitchen, Bruce R.

1992-09-01

The thermodynamic model of Thorndike (1992) is coupled to a one dimensional, two layer ocean entrainment model to study the effect of mixed layer dynamics on ice growth and the variation in the ocean heat flux into the ice due to mixed layer entrainment. Model simulations show the existence of a negative feedback between the ice growth and the mixed layer entrainment, and that the underlying ocean salinity has a greater effect on the ocean beat flux than does variations in the underlying ocean temperature. Model simulations for a variety of surface forcings and initial conditions demonstrate the need to include mixed layer dynamics for realistic ice prediction in the arctic.

Influence of mixing conditions on the rheological properties and structure of capillary suspensions

PubMed Central

Bossler, Frank; Weyrauch, Lydia; Schmidt, Robert; Koos, Erin

2017-01-01

The rheological properties of a suspension can be dramatically altered by adding a small amount of a secondary fluid that is immiscible with the bulk liquid. These capillary suspensions exist either in the pendular state where the secondary fluid preferentially wets the particles or the capillary state where the bulk fluid is preferentially wetting. The yield stress, as well as storage and loss moduli, depends on the size and distribution of secondary phase droplets created during sample preparation. Enhanced droplet breakup leads to stronger sample structures. In capillary state systems, this can be achieved by increasing the mixing speed and time of turbulent mixing using a dissolver stirrer. In the pendular state, increased mixing speed also leads to better droplet breakup, but spherical agglomeration is favored at longer times decreasing the yield stress. Additional mixing with a ball mill is shown to be beneficial to sample strength. The influence of viscosity variance between the bulk and second fluid on the droplet breakup is excluded by performing experiments with viscosity-matched fluids. These experiments show that the capillary state competes with the formation of Pickering emulsion droplets and is often more difficult to achieve than the pendular state. PMID:28194044

Parameterization of large-scale turbulent diffusion in the presence of both well-mixed and weakly mixed patchy layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osman, M. K.; Hocking, W. K.; Tarasick, D. W.

2016-06-01

Vertical diffusion and mixing of tracers in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) are not uniform, but primarily occur due to patches of turbulence that are intermittent in time and space. The effective diffusivity of regions of patchy turbulence is related to statistical parameters describing the morphology of turbulent events, such as lifetime, number, width, depth and local diffusivity (i.e., diffusivity within the turbulent patch) of the patches. While this has been recognized in the literature, the primary focus has been on well-mixed layers, with few exceptions. In such cases the local diffusivity is irrelevant, but this is not true for weakly and partially mixed layers. Here, we use both theory and numerical simulations to consider the impact of intermediate and weakly mixed layers, in addition to well-mixed layers. Previous approaches have considered only one dimension (vertical), and only a small number of layers (often one at each time step), and have examined mixing of constituents. We consider a two-dimensional case, with multiple layers (10 and more, up to hundreds and even thousands), having well-defined, non-infinite, lengths and depths. We then provide new formulas to describe cases involving well-mixed layers which supersede earlier expressions. In addition, we look in detail at layers that are not well mixed, and, as an interesting variation on previous models, our procedure is based on tracking the dispersion of individual particles, which is quite different to the earlier approaches which looked at mixing of constituents. We develop an expression which allows determination of the degree of mixing, and show that layers used in some previous models were in fact not well mixed and so produced erroneous results. We then develop a generalized model based on two dimensional random-walk theory employing Rayleigh distributions which allows us to develop a universal formula for diffusion rates for multiple two-dimensional layers with general degrees of mixing. We show that it is the largest, most vigorous and less common turbulent layers that make the major contribution to global diffusion. Finally, we make estimates of global-scale diffusion coefficients in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere. For the lower stratosphere, κeff ≈ 2x10-2 m2 s-1, assuming no other processes contribute to large-scale diffusion.

The Experimental Measurement of Local and Bulk Oxygen Transport Resistances in the Catalyst Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Chao; Cheng, Xiaojing; Lu, Jiabin; Shen, Shuiyun; Yan, Xiaohui; Yin, Jiewei; Wei, Guanghua; Zhang, Junliang

2017-12-07

Remarkable progress has been made in reducing the cathodic Pt loading of PEMFCs; however, a huge performance loss appears at high current densities, indicating the existence of a large oxygen transport resistance associated with the ultralow Pt loading catalyst layer. To reduce the Pt loading without sacrificing cell performance, it is essential to illuminate the oxygen transport mechanism in the catalyst layer. Toward this goal, an experimental approach to measure the oxygen transport resistance in catalyst layers is proposed and realized for the first time in this study. The measuring approach involves a dual-layer catalyst layer design, which consists of a dummy catalyst layer and a practical catalyst layer, followed by changing the thickness of dummy layer to respectively quantify the local and bulk resistances via limiting current measurements combined with linear extrapolation. The experimental results clearly reveal that the local resistance dominates the total resistance in the catalyst layer.

Numerical Investigations of Wave-Induced Mixing in Upper Ocean Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Changlong

2017-04-01

The upper ocean layer is playing an important role in ocean-atmosphere interaction. The typical characteristics depicting the upper ocean layer are the sea surface temperature (SST) and the mixed layer depth (MLD). So far, the existing ocean models tend to over-estimate SST and to under-estimate MLD, due to the inadequate mixing in the mixing layer, which is owing to that several processes related mixing in physics are ignored in these ocean models. The mixing induced by surface gravity wave is expected to be able to enhance the mixing in the upper ocean layer, and therefore the over-estimation of SST and the under-estimate of MLD could be improved by including wave-induced mixing. The wave-induced mixing could be accomplished by the physical mechanisms, such as wave breaking (WB), wave-induced Reynolds stress (WR), and wave-turbulence interaction (WT). The General Ocean Turbulence Model (GOTM) is employed to investigate the effects of the three mechanisms concerning wave-induced mixing. The numerical investigation is carried out for three turbulence closure schemes, say, k-epsilon, k-omega and Mellor-Yamada (1982), with the observational data from OSC Papa station and wave data from ECMWF. The mixing enhancement by various waved-induced mixing mechanisms is investigated and verified.

Bulk heterojunction formation between indium tin oxide nanorods and CuInS2 nanoparticles for inorganic thin film solar cell applications.

PubMed

Cho, Jin Woo; Park, Se Jin; Kim, Jaehoon; Kim, Woong; Park, Hoo Keun; Do, Young Rag; Min, Byoung Koun

2012-02-01

In this study, we developed a novel inorganic thin film solar cell configuration in which bulk heterojunction was formed between indium tin oxide (ITO) nanorods and CuInS(2) (CIS). Specifically, ITO nanorods were first synthesized by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition method followed by deposition of a dense TiO(2) layer and CdS buffer layer using atomic layer deposition and chemical bath deposition method, respectively. The spatial region between the nanorods was then filled with CIS nanoparticle ink, which was presynthesized using the colloidal synthetic method. We observed that complete gap filling was achieved to form bulk heterojunction between the inorganic phases. As a proof-of-concept, solar cell devices were fabricated by depositing an Au electrode on top of the CIS layer, which exhibited the best photovoltaic response with a V(oc), J(sc), FF, and efficiency of 0.287 V, 9.63 mA/cm(2), 0.364, and 1.01%, respectively.

Direct measurement of the thickness-dependent electronic band structure of MoS2 using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

PubMed

Jin, Wencan; Yeh, Po-Chun; Zaki, Nader; Zhang, Datong; Sadowski, Jerzy T; Al-Mahboob, Abdullah; van der Zande, Arend M; Chenet, Daniel A; Dadap, Jerry I; Herman, Irving P; Sutter, Peter; Hone, James; Osgood, Richard M

2013-09-06

We report on the evolution of the thickness-dependent electronic band structure of the two-dimensional layered-dichalcogenide molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Micrometer-scale angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of mechanically exfoliated and chemical-vapor-deposition-grown crystals provides direct evidence for the shifting of the valence band maximum from Γ to K, for the case of MoS2 having more than one layer, to the case of single-layer MoS2, as predicted by density functional theory. This evolution of the electronic structure from bulk to few-layer to monolayer MoS2 had earlier been predicted to arise from quantum confinement. Furthermore, one of the consequences of this progression in the electronic structure is the dramatic increase in the hole effective mass, in going from bulk to monolayer MoS2 at its Brillouin zone center, which is known as the cause for the decreased carrier mobility of the monolayer form compared to that of bulk MoS2.

Constraints on Lunar Structure from Combined Geochemical, Mineralogical, and Geophysical modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bremner, P. M.; Fuqua, H.; Mallik, A.; Diamond, M. R.; Lock, S. J.; Panovska, S.; Nishikawa, Y.; Jiménez-Pérez, H.; Shahar, A.; Panero, W. R.; Lognonne, P. H.; Faul, U.

2016-12-01

The internal physical and geochemical structure of the Moon is still poorly constrained. Here, we take a multidisciplinary approach to attempt to constrain key parameters of the lunar structure. We use an ensemble of 1-D lunar compositional models with chemically and mineralogically distinct layers, and forward calculated physical parameters, in order to constrain the internal structure. We consider both a chemically well-mixed model with uniform bulk composition, and a chemically stratified model that includes a mantle with preserved mineralogical stratigraphy from magma ocean crystallization. Additionally, we use four different lunar temperature profiles that span the range of proposed selenotherms, giving eight separate sets of lunar models. In each set, we employed a grid search and a differential evolution genetic search algorithm to extensively explore model space, where the thickness of individual compositional layers was varied. In total, we forward calculated over one hundred thousand lunar models. It has been proposed that a dense, partially molten layer exists at the CMB to explain the lack of observed far-side deep moonquakes, the observation of reflected seismic phases from deep moonquakes, and enhanced tidal dissipation. However, subsequent models have proposed that these observables can be explained in other ways. In this study, using a variety of modeling techniques, we find that such a layer may have been formed by overturn of an ilmenite-rich layer, formed after the crystallization of a magma ocean. We therefore include a denser layer (modeled as an ilmenite-rich layer) at both the top and bottom of the lunar mantle in our models. For each set of models, we find models that explain the observed lunar mass and moment of inertia. We find that only a narrow range of core radii are consistent with the mass and moment of inertia constraints. Furthermore, in the chemically well-mixed models, we find that a dense layer is required in the upper mantle to meet the moment of inertia requirement. In no set of models is the mass of the lower dense layer well constrained. For the models that fit the observed mass and moment of inertia, we calculated 1-D seismic velocity profiles, the majority of which compare well with those determined by inverting the Apollo seismic data (Garcia et al., 2011 and Weber et al., 2011).

Variability of the Mixed-Layer Height Over Mexico City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Franco, J. L.; Stremme, W.; Bezanilla, A.; Ruiz-Angulo, A.; Grutter, M.

2018-02-01

The diurnal and seasonal variability of the mixed-layer height in urban areas has implications for ground-level air pollution and the meteorological conditions. Measurements of the backscatter of light pulses with a commercial lidar system were performed for a continuous period of almost six years between 2011 and 2016 in the southern part of Mexico City. The profiles were temporally and vertically smoothed, clouds were filtered out, and the mixed-layer height was determined with an ad hoc treatment of both the filtered and unfiltered profiles. The results are in agreement when compared with values of mixed-layer height reconstructed from, (i) radiosonde data, and (ii) surface and vertical column densities of a trace gas. The daily maxima of the mean mixed-layer height reach values > 3 km above ground level in the months of March-April, and are clearly lower (< 2.7 km ) during the colder months from September-December. Mean daily minima are typically observed at 0700 local time (UTC - 6h), and are lowest during the winter months with values on average below 500 m. The data presented here show an anti-correlation between high-pollution episodes and the height of the mixed layer. The growth rate of the convective mixed-layer height has a seasonal behaviour, which is characterized together with the mixed-layer-height anomalies. A clear residual layer is evident from the backscattered signals recorded in days with specific atmospheric conditions, but also from the cloud-filtered mean diurnal profiles. The occasional presence of a residual layer results in an overestimation of the reported mixed-layer height during the night and early morning hours.

Problem of the thermodynamic status of the mixed-layer minerals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zen, E.-A.

1962-01-01

Minerals that show mixed layering, particularly with the component layers in random sequence, pose problems because they may behave thermodynamically as single phases or as polyphase aggregates. Two operational criteria are proposed for their distinction. The first scheme requires two samples of mixed-layer material which differ only in the proportions of the layers. If each of these two samples are allowed to equilibrate with the same suitably chosen monitoring solution, then the intensive parameters of the solution will be invariant if the mixed-layer sample is a polyphase aggregate, but not otherwise. The second scheme makes use of the fact that portions of many titration curves of clay minerals show constancy of the chemical activities of the components in the equilibrating solutions, suggesting phase separation. If such phase separation occurs for a mixed-layer material, then, knowing the number of independent components in the system, it should be possible to decide on the number of phases the mixed-layer material represents. Knowledge of the phase status of mixed-layer material is essential to the study of the equilibrium relations of mineral assemblages involving such material, because a given mixed-layer mineral will be plotted and treated differently on a phase diagram, depending on whether it is a single phase or a polyphase aggregate. Extension of the titration technique to minerals other than the mixed-layer type is possible. In particular, this method may be used to determine if cryptoperthites and peristerites are polyphase aggregates. In general, for any high-order phase separation, the method may be used to decide just at what point in this continuous process the system must be regarded operationally as a polyphase aggregate. ?? 1962.

Variability of the Mixed-Layer Height Over Mexico City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Franco, J. L.; Stremme, W.; Bezanilla, A.; Ruiz-Angulo, A.; Grutter, M.

2018-06-01

The diurnal and seasonal variability of the mixed-layer height in urban areas has implications for ground-level air pollution and the meteorological conditions. Measurements of the backscatter of light pulses with a commercial lidar system were performed for a continuous period of almost six years between 2011 and 2016 in the southern part of Mexico City. The profiles were temporally and vertically smoothed, clouds were filtered out, and the mixed-layer height was determined with an ad hoc treatment of both the filtered and unfiltered profiles. The results are in agreement when compared with values of mixed-layer height reconstructed from, (i) radiosonde data, and (ii) surface and vertical column densities of a trace gas. The daily maxima of the mean mixed-layer height reach values > 3 km above ground level in the months of March-April, and are clearly lower (< 2.7 km) during the colder months from September-December. Mean daily minima are typically observed at 0700 local time (UTC - 6h), and are lowest during the winter months with values on average below 500 m. The data presented here show an anti-correlation between high-pollution episodes and the height of the mixed layer. The growth rate of the convective mixed-layer height has a seasonal behaviour, which is characterized together with the mixed-layer-height anomalies. A clear residual layer is evident from the backscattered signals recorded in days with specific atmospheric conditions, but also from the cloud-filtered mean diurnal profiles. The occasional presence of a residual layer results in an overestimation of the reported mixed-layer height during the night and early morning hours.

Laboratory simulations of the atmospheric mixed-layer in flow over complex topography

EPA Science Inventory

A laboratory study of the influence of complex terrain on the interface between a well-mixed boundary layer and an elevated stratified layer was conducted in the towing-tank facility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The height of the mixed layer in the daytime boundar...

Portable design rules for bulk CMOS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Griswold, T. W.

1982-01-01

It is pointed out that for the past several years, one school of IC designers has used a simplified set of nMOS geometric design rules (GDR) which is 'portable', in that it can be used by many different nMOS manufacturers. The present investigation is concerned with a preliminary set of design rules for bulk CMOS which has been verified for simple test structures. The GDR are defined in terms of Caltech Intermediate Form (CIF), which is a geometry-description language that defines simple geometrical objects in layers. The layers are abstractions of physical mask layers. The design rules do not presume the existence of any particular design methodology. Attention is given to p-well and n-well CMOS processes, bulk CMOS and CMOS-SOS, CMOS geometric rules, and a description of the advantages of CMOS technology.

Marine boundary layer cloud regimes and POC formation in an LES coupled to a bulk aerosol scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berner, A. H.; Bretherton, C. S.; Wood, R.; Muhlbauer, A.

2013-07-01

A large-eddy simulation (LES) coupled to a new bulk aerosol scheme is used to study long-lived regimes of aerosol-boundary layer cloud-precipitation interaction and the development of pockets of open cells (POCs) in subtropical stratocumulus cloud layers. The aerosol scheme prognoses mass and number concentration of a single log-normal accumulation mode with surface and entrainment sources, evolving subject to processing of activated aerosol and scavenging of dry aerosol by cloud and rain. The LES with the aerosol scheme is applied to a range of steadily-forced simulations idealized from a well-observed POC case. The long-term system evolution is explored with extended two-dimensional simulations of up to 20 days, mostly with diurnally-averaged insolation. One three-dimensional two-day simulation confirms the initial development of the corresponding two-dimensional case. With weak mean subsidence, an initially aerosol-rich mixed layer deepens, the capping stratocumulus cloud slowly thickens and increasingly depletes aerosol via precipitation accretion, then the boundary layer transitions within a few hours into an open-cell regime with scattered precipitating cumuli, in which entrainment is much weaker. The inversion slowly collapses for several days until the cumulus clouds are too shallow to efficiently precipitate. Inversion cloud then reforms and radiatively drives renewed entrainment, allowing the boundary layer to deepen and become more aerosol-rich, until the stratocumulus layer thickens enough to undergo another cycle of open-cell formation. If mean subsidence is stronger, the stratocumulus never thickens enough to initiate drizzle and settles into a steady state. With lower initial aerosol concentrations, this system quickly transitions into open cells, collapses, and redevelops into a different steady state with a shallow, optically thin cloud layer. In these steady states, interstitial scavenging by cloud droplets is the main sink of aerosol number. The system is described in a reduced two-dimensional phase plane with inversion height and boundary-layer average aerosol concentrations as the state variables. Simulations with a full diurnal cycle show similar evolutions, except that open-cell formation is phase-locked into the early morning hours. The same steadily-forced modeling framework is applied to the development and evolution of a POC and the surrounding overcast boundary layer. An initial aerosol perturbation applied to a portion of the model domain leads that portion to transition into open-cell convection, forming a POC. Reduced entrainment in the POC induces a negative feedback between areal fraction covered by the POC and boundary layer depth changes. This stabilizes the system by controlling liquid water path and precipitation sinks of aerosol number in the overcast region, while also preventing boundary-layer collapse within the POC, allowing the POC and overcast to coexist indefinitely in a quasi-steady equilibrium.

DNSs of Multicomponent Gaseous and Drop-Laden Mixing Layers Achieving Transition to Turbulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bellan, Josette; Selle, Laurent

2007-01-01

A paper describes direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of three-dimensional mixing-layer flows undergoing transition to turbulence; the mixing layers may or may not be laden with evaporating liquid drops.

Planar ceramic membrane assembly and oxidation reactor system

DOEpatents

Carolan, Michael Francis; Dyer, legal representative, Kathryn Beverly; Wilson, Merrill Anderson; Ohm, Ted R.; Kneidel, Kurt E.; Peterson, David; Chen, Christopher M.; Rackers, Keith Gerard; Dyer, deceased, Paul Nigel

2007-10-09

Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer. The planar ceramic membrane assembly can be used in a ceramic wafer assembly comprising a planar ceramic channeled support layer having a first side and a second side; a first dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the first side of the ceramic channeled support layer; a first outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the first dense layer; a second dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the second side of the ceramic channeled layer; and a second outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the second dense layer.

Planar ceramic membrane assembly and oxidation reactor system

DOEpatents

Carolan, Michael Francis; Dyer, legal representative, Kathryn Beverly; Wilson, Merrill Anderson; Ohrn, Ted R.; Kneidel, Kurt E.; Peterson, David; Chen, Christopher M.; Rackers, Keith Gerard; Dyer, Paul Nigel

2009-04-07

Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer. The planar ceramic membrane assembly can be used in a ceramic wafer assembly comprising a planar ceramic channeled support layer having a first side and a second side; a first dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the first side of the ceramic channeled support layer; a first outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the first dense layer; a second dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the second side of the ceramic channeled layer; and a second outer support layer comprising porous mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material and having an inner side and an outer side, wherein the inner side is in contact with the outer side of the second dense layer.

Thin-film limit formalism applied to surface defect absorption.

PubMed

Holovský, Jakub; Ballif, Christophe

2014-12-15

The thin-film limit is derived by a nonconventional approach and equations for transmittance, reflectance and absorptance are presented in highly versatile and accurate form. In the thin-film limit the optical properties do not depend on the absorption coefficient, thickness and refractive index individually, but only on their product. We show that this formalism is applicable to the problem of ultrathin defective layer e.g. on a top of a layer of amorphous silicon. We develop a new method of direct evaluation of the surface defective layer and the bulk defects. Applying this method to amorphous silicon on glass, we show that the surface defective layer differs from bulk amorphous silicon in terms of light soaking.

Numerical simulation of the non-Newtonian mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Azaiez, Jalel; Homsy, G. M.

1993-01-01

This work is a continuing effort to advance our understanding of the effects of polymer additives on the structures of the mixing layer. In anticipation of full nonlinear simulations of the non-Newtonian mixing layer, we examined in a first stage the linear stability of the non-Newtonian mixing layer. The results of this study show that, for a fluid described by the Oldroyd-B model, viscoelasticity reduces the instability of the inviscid mixing layer in a special limit where the ratio (We/Re) is of order 1 where We is the Weissenberg number, a measure of the elasticity of the flow, and Re is the Reynolds number. In the present study, we pursue this project with numerical simulations of the non-Newtonian mixing layer. Our primary objective is to determine the effects of viscoelasticity on the roll-up structure. We also examine the origin of the numerical instabilities usually encountered in the simulations of non-Newtonian fluids.

Mixed Oxidant Process for Control of Biological Growth in Cooling Towers

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

Concentration is < 1% (vs. 12.5% for bulk bleach ) • Will not form chlorine gas • No transport or storage of hazardous chemicals • Uses only salt as...Eliminates purchase, transport, and storage of hazardous biocide compounds such as hypochlorite or chlorine gas • Provides a constant dosage level of...patented MIOX equipment design • Chemical and biocidal properties are more effective than conventional chlorine Bulk Bleach On-Site Hypo Mixed Oxidants E

Comparison of the composting process using ear corn residue and three other conventional bulking agents during cow manure composting under high-moisture conditions.

PubMed

Hanajima, Dai

2014-10-01

To elucidate the characteristics of ear corn residue as a bulking agent, the composting process using this residue was compared with processes using three other conventional materials such as sawdust, wheat straw and rice husk, employing a bench-scale composting reactor. As evaluated via biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ear corn residue contains 3.3 and 2.0 times more easily digestible materials than sawdust and rice husk, respectively. In addition, mixing ear corn residue with manure resulted in reduced bulk density, which was the same as that of wheat straw and was 0.58 and 0.67 times lower than that of sawdust and a rice husk mixture, respectively. To evaluate temperature generation during the composting process, the maximum temperature and area under the temperature curve (AUCTEMP) were compared among the mixed composts of four bulking agents. Maximum temperature (54.3°C) as well as AUCTEMP (7310°C●h) of ear corn residue were significantly higher than those of sawdust and rice husk (P<0.05), and they are similar to that of wheat straw mixed compost. Along with the value of AUCTEMP, the highest organic matter losses of 31.1% were observed in ear corn residue mixed compost, followed by wheat straw, saw dust and rice husk. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Surface and bulk crystallization of amorphous solid water films: Confirmation of “top-down” crystallization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Chunqing; Smith, R. Scott; Kay, Bruce D.

2016-01-11

Here, the crystallization kinetics of nanoscale amorphous solid water (ASW) films are investigated using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). TPD measurements are used to probe surface crystallization and RAIRS measurements are used to probe bulk crystallization. Isothermal TPD results show that surface crystallization is independent of the film thickness (from 100 to 1000 ML). Conversely, the RAIRS measurements show that the bulk crystallization time increases linearly with increasing film thickness. These results suggest that nucleation and crystallization begin at the ASW/vacuum interface and then the crystallization growth front propagates linearly into the bulk. This mechanism wasmore » confirmed by selective placement of an isotopic layer (5% D 2O in H 2O) at various positions in an ASW (H 2O) film. In this case, the closer the isotopic layer was to the vacuum interface, the earlier the isotopic layer crystallized. These experiments provide direct evidence to confirm that ASW crystallization in vacuum proceeds by a “top-down” crystallization mechanism.« less

The effect of bioadhesive on the interfacial compatibility and pervaporation performance of composite membranes by MD and GCMC simulation.

PubMed

Wang, Baohe; Nie, Yan; Ma, Jing

2018-03-01

Combing molecular dynamics (MD) and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation, the effect of bioadhesive transition layer on the interfacial compatibility of the pervaporation composite membranes, and the pervaporation performance toward penetrant molecules were investigated. In our previous experimental study, the structural stability and permeability selectivity of the composite membranes were considerably enhanced by the introduction of bioadhesive carbopol (CP). In the present study, the interfacial compatibility and the interfacial energies between the chitosan (CS) separation layer, CP transition layer and the support layer were investigated, respectively. The mobility of polymer chains, free volume in bulk and interface regions were evaluated by the mean-square displacement (MSD) and free volume voids (FFV) analysis. The diffusion and sorption behavior of water/ethanol molecules in bulk and interface regions were characterized. The simulation results of membrane structure have good consistency, indicating that the introduction of CP transition layer improved the interfacial compatibility and interaction between the separation layer and the support layer. Comparing the bulk region of the separation layer, the mobility and free volume of the polymer chain in the interface region decreased and thus reduced the swelling of CS active layer, revealing the increased diffusion selectivity toward the permeated water and ethanol molecules. The strong hydrogen bonds interaction between the COOH of the CP transition layer and water molecules increased the adsorption of water molecules in the interface region. The simulation results were quite consistent with the experimental results. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Groundwater hydrochemistry in the active layer of the proglacial zone, Finsterwalderbreen, Svalbard

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooper, R.J.; Wadham, J.L.; Tranter, M.; Hodgkins, R.; Peters, N.E.

2002-01-01

Glacial bulk meltwaters and active-layer groundwaters were sampled from the proglacial zone of Finsterwalderbreen during a single melt season in 1999, in order to determine the geochemical processes that maintain high chemical weathering rates in the proglacial zone of this glacier. Results demonstrate that the principle means of solute acquisition is the weathering of highly reactive moraine and fluvial active-layer sediments by supra-permafrost groundwaters. Active-layer groundwater derives from the thaw of the proglacial snowpack, buried ice and glacial bulk meltwaters. Groundwater evolves by sulphide oxidation and carbonate dissolution. Evaporation- and freeze-concentration of groundwater in summer and winter, respectively produce Mg-Ca-sulphate salts on the proglacial surface. Re-dissolution of these salts in early summer produces groundwaters that are supersaturated with respect to calcite. There is a pronounced spatial pattern to the geochemical evolution of groundwater. Close to the main proglacial channel, active layer sediments are flushed diurnally by bulk meltwaters. Here, Mg-Ca-sulphate deposits become exhausted in the early season and geochemical evolution proceeds by a combination of sulphide oxidation and carbonate dissolution. At greater distances from the channel, the dissolution of Mg-Ca-sulphate salts is a major influence and dilution by the bulk meltwaters is relatively minor. The influence of sulphate salt dissolution decreases during the sampling season, as these salts are exhausted and waters become increasingly routed by subsurface flowpaths. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of wintertime cold-air pools and aerosol layers in the Salt Lake Valley using a lidar ceilometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Joseph Swyler

This thesis investigates the utility of lidar ceilometers, a type of aerosol lidar, in improving the understanding of meteorology and air quality in persistent wintertime stable boundary layers, or cold-air pools, that form in urbanized valley and basin topography. This thesis reviews the scientific literature to survey the present knowledge of persistent cold-air pools, the operating principles of lidar ceilometers, and their demonstrated utility in meteorological investigations. Lidar ceilometer data from the Persistent Cold-Air Pool Study (PCAPS) are then used with meteorological and air quality data from other in situ and remote sensing equipment to investigate cold-air pools that formed in Utah's Salt Lake Valley during the winter of 2010-2011. The lidar ceilometer is shown to accurately measure aerosol layer depth and aerosol loading, when compared to visual observations. A linear relationship is found between low-level lidar backscatter and surface particulate measurements. Convective boundary layer lidar analysis techniques applied to cold-air pool ceilometer profiles can detect useful layer characteristics. Fine-scale waves are observed and analyzed within the aerosol layer, with emphasis on Kelvin-Helmholz waves. Ceilometer aerosol backscatter profiles are analyzed to quantify and describe mixing processes in persistent cold-air pools. Overlays of other remote and in-situ observations are combined with ceilometer particle backscatter to describe specific events during PCAPS. This analysis describes the relationship between the aerosol layer and the valley inversion as well as interactions with large-scale meteorology. The ceilometer observations of hydrometers are used to quantify cloudiness and precipitation during the project, observing that 50% of hours when a PCAP was present had clouds or precipitation below 5 km above ground level (AGL). Then, combining an objective technique for determining hourly aerosol layer depths and correcting this subjectively during periods with low clouds or precipitation, a time series of aerosol depths was obtained. The mean depth of the surface-based aerosol layer during PCAP events was 1861 m MSL with a standard deviation of 135 m. The aerosol layer depth, given the approximate 1300 m altitude of the valley floor, is thus about 550 m, about 46% of the basin depth. The aerosol layer is present during much of the winter and is removed only during strong or prolonged precipitation periods or when surface winds are strong. Nocturnal fogs that formed near the end of high-stability PCAP episodes had a limited effect on aerosol layer depth. Aerosol layer depth was relatively invariant during the winter and during the persistent cold-air pools, while PM10 concentrations at the valley floor varied with bulk atmospheric stability associated primarily with passage of large-scale high- and low-pressure weather systems. PM10 concentrations also increased with cold-air pool duration. Mean aerosol loading in the surface-based aerosol layer, as determined from ceilometer backscatter coefficients, showed weaker variations than those of surface PM10 concentrations, suggesting that ineffective vertical mixing and aerosol layering are present in the cold-air pools. This is supported by higher time-resolution backscatter data, and it distinguishes the persistent cold-air pools from well-mixed convective boundary layers where ground-based air pollution concentrations are closely related to time-dependent convective boundary layer/aerosol depths. These results are discussed along with recommendations for future explorations of the ceilometer and cold-air pool topics.

Composting of Sewage Sludge Using Recycled Matured Compost as a Single Bulking Agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiangyang; Ren, Jian; Niu, Huasi; Wu, Xingwu

2010-11-01

Pretreatment (bulking agent choice and mixing) is an essential phase of dewatered raw sludge (RS) composting affecting its industrialization significantly. In this paper recycled compost (RC) was chosen as a single bulking agent in the composting experiment instead of other agents such as sawdust, rice straw, MSW, and the mixing machine was developed for mixing of SS and RC. According to the mixing experiment, SS and RC can be mixed uniformly and formed into small particles of 10˜15 mm in diameter, which improved the availability of oxygen during composting. The effect of different volumetric ratios of RS to RC, 1:1 (Exp.1), 1:2 (Exp.2) and 1:4 (Exp.3), on the performance of composting was investigated in detail. Temperature, oxygen consumption rate, organic matter, C/N ratio and moisture content were monitored in each experiment. In despite of low initial C/N of the mixture, intensive fermentation happened in all the experiments. Exp.1 and Exp.2 achieved stability and sanitization, but Exp 1 took more days to accomplish the fermentation. Exp 3 maintained thermophilic temperatures for a shortest time and did not satisfy the necessary sanitation requirements because more RC was recycled. In all experiments, the moisture content of their final composts were too high to be used as bulking agents before extra moisture was reduced. RS: RC = 1:2 (v/v) was the optimum and advisable proportion for the industrialization of sewage sludge composting of, the composting period was about 10 days, and the aeration rate 0.05 m3/(m3ṡmin) was appropriate in this study.

The salinity effect in a mixed layer ocean model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, J. R.

1976-01-01

A model of the thermally mixed layer in the upper ocean as developed by Kraus and Turner and extended by Denman is further extended to investigate the effects of salinity. In the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean rapid increases in salinity occur at the bottom of a uniformly mixed surface layer. The most significant effects produced by the inclusion of salinity are the reduction of the deepening rate and the corresponding change in the heating characteristics of the mixed layer. If the net surface heating is positive, but small, salinity effects must be included to determine whether the mixed layer temperature will increase or decrease. Precipitation over tropical oceans leads to the development of a shallow stable layer accompanied by a decrease in the temperature and salinity at the sea surface.

Ordered mixed-layer structures in the Mighei carbonaceous chondrite matrix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mackinnon, I. D. R.

1982-01-01

High resolution transmission electron microscopy of the Mighei carbonaceous chondrite matrix has revealed the presence of a new mixed layer structure material. This mixed-layer material consists of an ordered arrangement of serpentine-type (S) and brucite-type (B) layers in the sequence SBBSBB. Electron diffraction and imaging techniques show that the basal periodicity is approximately 17 A. Discrete crystals of SBB-type material are typically curved, of small size (less than 1 micron) and show structural variations similar to the serpentine group minerals. Mixed-layer material also occurs in association with planar serpentine. Characteristics of SBB-type material are not consistent with known terrestrial mixed-layer clay minerals. Evidence for formation by a condensation event or by subsequent alteration of pre-existing material is not yet apparent.

Near-inertial kinetic energy budget of the mixed layer and shear evolution in the transition layer in the Arabian Sea during the monsoons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majumder, Sudip; Tandon, Amit; Rudnick, Daniel L.; Thomas Farrar, J.

2015-09-01

We present the horizontal kinetic energy (KE) balance of near-inertial currents in the mixed layer and explain shear evolution in the transition layer using observations from a mooring at 15.26° N in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. The highly sheared and stratified transition layer at the mixed-layer base varies between 5 m and 35 m and correlates negatively with the wind stress. Results from the mixed layer near-inertial KE (NIKE) balance suggest that wind energy at times can energize the transition layer and at other times is fully utilized within the mixed layer. A simple two layer model is utilized to study the shear evolution in the transition layer and shown to match well with observations. The shear production in this model arises from alignment of wind stress and shear. Although the winds are unidirectional during the monsoon, the shear in the transition layer is predominantly near-inertial. The near-inertial shear bursts in the observations show the same phasing and magnitude at near-inertial frequencies as the wind-shear alignment term.

Growth of germanium on Au(111): formation of germanene or intermixing of Au and Ge atoms?

PubMed

Cantero, Esteban D; Solis, Lara M; Tong, Yongfeng; Fuhr, Javier D; Martiarena, María Luz; Grizzi, Oscar; Sánchez, Esteban A

2017-07-19

We studied the growth of Ge layers on Au(111) under ultra-high vacuum conditions from the submonolayer regime up to a few layers with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), Direct Recoiling Spectroscopy (DRS) and Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED). Most STM images for the thicker layers are consistent with a commensurate 5 × 8 arrangement. The high surface sensitivity of TOF-DRS allows us to confirm the coexistence of Au and Ge atoms in the top layer for all stages of growth. An estimation of the Au to Ge ratio at the surface of the thick layer gives about 1 Au atom per 2 Ge ones. When the growth is carried out at sample temperatures higher than about 420 K, a fraction of the deposited Ge atoms migrate into the bulk of Au. This incorporation of Ge into the bulk reduces the growth rate of the Ge films, making it more difficult to obtain films thicker than a few layers. After sputtering the Ge/Au surface, the segregation of bulk Ge atoms to the surface occurs for temperatures ≥600 K. The surface obtained after segregation of Ge reaches a stable condition (saturation) with an n × n symmetry with n on the order of 14.

Estimation of the mixing layer height over a high altitude site in Central Himalayan region by using Doppler lidar

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shukla, K. K.; Phanikumar, D. V.; Newsom, Rob K.

2014-03-01

A Doppler lidar was installed at Manora Peak, Nainital (29.4 N; 79.2 E, 1958 amsl) to estimate mixing layer height for the first time by using vertical velocity variance as basic measurement parameter for the period September-November 2011. Mixing layer height is found to be located ~0.57 +/- 0.1and 0.45 +/- 0.05km AGL during day and nighttime, respectively. The estimation of mixing layer height shows good correlation (R>0.8) between different instruments and with different methods. Our results show that wavelet co-variance transform is a robust method for mixing layer height estimation.

Complex Behavior of Aqueous α-Cyclodextrin Solutions. Interfacial Morphologies Resulting from Bulk Aggregation.

PubMed

Hernandez-Pascacio, Jorge; Piñeiro, Ángel; Ruso, Juan M; Hassan, Natalia; Campbell, Richard A; Campos-Terán, José; Costas, Miguel

2016-07-05

The spontaneous aggregation of α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) molecules in the bulk aqueous solution and the interactions of the resulting aggregates at the liquid/air interface have been studied at 283 K using a battery of techniques: transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, dynamic surface tensiometry, Brewster angle microscopy, neutron reflectometry, and ellipsometry. We show that α-CD molecules spontaneously form aggregates in the bulk that grow in size with time. These aggregates adsorb to the liquid/air interface with their size in the bulk determining the adsorption rate. The material that reaches the interface coalesces laterally to form two-dimensional domains on the micrometer scale with a layer thickness on the nanometer scale. These processes are affected by the ages of both the bulk and the interface. The interfacial layer formed is not in fast dynamic equilibrium with the subphase as the resulting morphology is locked in a kinetically trapped state. These results reveal a surprising complexity of the parallel physical processes taking place in the bulk and at the interface of what might have seemed initially like a simple system.

Boundary-field-driven control of discontinuous phase transitions on hyperbolic lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yoju; Verstraete, Frank; Gendiar, Andrej

2016-08-01

The multistate Potts models on two-dimensional hyperbolic lattices are studied with respect to various boundary effects. The free energy is numerically calculated using the corner transfer matrix renormalization group method. We analyze phase transitions of the Potts models in the thermodynamic limit with respect to contracted boundary layers. A false phase transition is present even if a couple of the boundary layers are contracted. Its significance weakens, as the number of the contracted boundary layers increases, until the correct phase transition (deep inside the bulk) prevails over the false one. For this purpose, we derive a thermodynamic quantity, the so-called bulk excess free energy, which depends on the contracted boundary layers and memorizes additional boundary effects. In particular, the magnetic field is imposed on the outermost boundary layer. While the boundary magnetic field does not affect the second-order phase transition in the bulk if suppressing all the boundary effects on the hyperbolic lattices, the first-order (discontinuous) phase transition is significantly sensitive to the boundary magnetic field. Contrary to the phase transition on the Euclidean lattices, the discontinuous phase transition on the hyperbolic lattices can be continuously controlled (within a certain temperature coexistence region) by varying the boundary magnetic field.

Impact of planetary boundary layer turbulence on model climate and tracer transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGrath-Spangler, E. L.; Molod, A.; Ott, L. E.; Pawson, S.

2014-12-01

Planetary boundary layer (PBL) processes are important for weather, climate, and tracer transport and concentration. One measure of the strength of these processes is the PBL depth. However, no single PBL depth definition exists and several studies have found that the estimated depth can vary substantially based on the definition used. In the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) atmospheric general circulation model, the PBL depth is particularly important because it is used to calculate the turbulent length scale that is used in the estimation of turbulent mixing. This study analyzes the impact of using three different PBL depth definitions in this calculation. Two definitions are based on the scalar eddy diffusion coefficient and the third is based on the bulk Richardson number. Over land, the bulk Richardson number definition estimates shallower nocturnal PBLs than the other estimates while over water this definition generally produces deeper PBLs. The near surface wind velocity, temperature, and specific humidity responses to the change in turbulence are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, resulting in changes to tracer transport and concentrations. Near surface wind speed increases in the bulk Richardson number experiment cause Saharan dust increases on the order of 1 × 10-4 kg m-2 downwind over the Atlantic Ocean. Carbon monoxide (CO) surface concentrations are modified over Africa during boreal summer, producing differences on the order of 20 ppb, due to the model's treatment of emissions from biomass burning. While differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) are small in the time mean, instantaneous differences are on the order of 10 ppm and these are especially prevalent at high latitude during boreal winter. Understanding the sensitivity of trace gas and aerosol concentration estimates to PBL depth is important for studies seeking to calculate surface fluxes based on near-surface concentrations and to studies projecting future concentrations.

Impact of planetary boundary layer turbulence on model climate and tracer transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGrath-Spangler, E. L.; Molod, A.; Ott, L. E.; Pawson, S.

2015-07-01

Planetary boundary layer (PBL) processes are important for weather, climate, and tracer transport and concentration. One measure of the strength of these processes is the PBL depth. However, no single PBL depth definition exists and several studies have found that the estimated depth can vary substantially based on the definition used. In the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) atmospheric general circulation model, the PBL depth is particularly important because it is used to calculate the turbulent length scale that is used in the estimation of turbulent mixing. This study analyzes the impact of using three different PBL depth definitions in this calculation. Two definitions are based on the scalar eddy diffusion coefficient and the third is based on the bulk Richardson number. Over land, the bulk Richardson number definition estimates shallower nocturnal PBLs than the other estimates while over water this definition generally produces deeper PBLs. The near-surface wind velocity, temperature, and specific humidity responses to the change in turbulence are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, resulting in changes to tracer transport and concentrations. Near-surface wind speed increases in the bulk Richardson number experiment cause Saharan dust increases on the order of 1 × 10-4 kg m-2 downwind over the Atlantic Ocean. Carbon monoxide (CO) surface concentrations are modified over Africa during boreal summer, producing differences on the order of 20 ppb, due to the model's treatment of emissions from biomass burning. While differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) are small in the time mean, instantaneous differences are on the order of 10 ppm and these are especially prevalent at high latitude during boreal winter. Understanding the sensitivity of trace gas and aerosol concentration estimates to PBL depth is important for studies seeking to calculate surface fluxes based on near-surface concentrations and for studies projecting future concentrations.

Impurity transport and bulk ion flow in a mixed collisionality stellarator plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newton, S. L.; Helander, P.; Mollén, A.; Smith, H. M.

2017-10-01

The accumulation of impurities in the core of magnetically confined plasmas, resulting from standard collisional transport mechanisms, is a known threat to their performance as fusion energy sources. Whilst the axisymmetric tokamak systems have been shown to benefit from the effect of temperature screening, that is an outward flux of impurities driven by the temperature gradient, impurity accumulation in stellarators was thought to be inevitable, driven robustly by the inward pointing electric field characteristic of hot fusion plasmas. We have shown in Helander et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 118, 2017a, 155002) that such screening can in principle also appear in stellarators, in the experimentally relevant mixed collisionality regime, where a highly collisional impurity species is present in a low collisionality bulk plasma. Details of the analytic calculation are presented here, along with the effect of the impurity on the bulk ion flow, which will ultimately affect the bulk contribution to the bootstrap current.

Rayleigh-Taylor and Richtmyer-Meshkov instability induced flow, turbulence, and mixing. II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Ye

2017-12-01

Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer-Meshkov(RM) instabilities are well-known pathways towards turbulent mixing layers, in many cases characterized by significant mass and species exchange across the mixing layers (Zhou, 2017. Physics Reports, 720-722, 1-136). Mathematically, the pathway to turbulent mixing requires that the initial interface be multimodal, to permit cross-mode coupling leading to turbulence. Practically speaking, it is difficult to experimentally produce a non-multi-mode initial interface. Numerous methods and approaches have been developed to describe the late, multimodal, turbulent stages of RT and RM mixing layers. This paper first presents the initial condition dependence of RT mixing layers, and introduces parameters that are used to evaluate the level of "mixedness" and "mixed mass" within the layers, as well as the dependence on density differences, as well as the characteristic anisotropy of this acceleration-driven flow, emphasizing some of the key differences between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional RT mixing layers. Next, the RM mixing layers are discussed, and differences with the RT mixing layer are elucidated, including the RM mixing layers dependence on the Mach number of the initiating shock. Another key feature of the RM induced flows is its response to a reshock event, as frequently seen in shock-tube experiments as well as inertial confinement events. A number of approaches to modeling the evolution of these mixing layers are then described, in order of increasing complexity. These include simple buoyancy-drag models, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes models of increased complexity, including K- ε, K-L, and K- L- a models, up to full Reynolds-stress models with more than one length-scale. Multifield models and multiphase models have also been implemented. Additional complexities to these flows are examined as well as modifications to the models to understand the effects of these complexities. These complexities include the presence of magnetic fields, compressibility, rotation, stratification and additional instabilities. The complications induced by the presence of converging geometries are also considered. Finally, the unique problems of astrophysical and high-energy-density applications, and efforts to model these are discussed.

Shelf life and outdoor degradation studies of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gergova, R.; Sendova-Vassileva, M.; Popkirov, G.; Gancheva, V.; Grancharov, G.

2018-03-01

We studied the degradation of different types of bulk heterojunction devices, in which the materials comprising the active layer and/or the materials used for the back electrode are varied. The devices are deposited on ITO covered glass and have the structure PEDOT:PSS/BHJ/Me, where PEDOT:PSS is the hole transport layer, BHJ (bulk heterojunction) is the active layer comprising a polymer donor (e.g. PTB7, PCDTBT) and a fullerene derivative acceptor (e.g. PC60BM, PC70BM) deposited by spin coating, Me is the metal back contact, which is either Ag or Al deposited by magnetron sputtering or thermal evaporation. The device performance was monitored after storage in the dark at ambient conditions by following the evolution of the J-V curve over time. Results of real conditions outdoor degradation studies are also presented. The stability of the different solar cell structures studied is compared.

A possible high-mobility signal in bulk MoTe2: Temperature independent weak phonon decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Titao; Zhang, Zhaojun; Zheng, Wei; Lv, Yangyang; Huang, Feng

2016-11-01

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted great attention due to their non-zero bandgap for potential application in high carrier mobility devices. Recent studies demonstrate that the carrier mobility of MoTe2 would decrease by orders of magnitude when used for few-layer transistors. As phonon scattering has a significant influence on carrier mobility of layered material, here, we first reported temperature-dependent Raman spectra of bulk 2H-MoTe2 from 80 to 300 K and discovered that the phonon lifetime of both E12g and A1g vibration modes are independent with temperature. These results were explained by the weak phonon decay in MoTe2. Our results imply the existence of a carrier mobility higher than the theoretical value in intrinsic bulk 2H-MoTe2 and the feasibility to obtain MoTe2-based transistors with sufficiently high carrier mobility.

Study of first electronic transition and hydrogen bonding state of ultra-thin water layer of nanometer thickness on an α-alumina surface by far-ultraviolet spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, Takeyoshi; Kinugasa, Tomoya

2018-05-01

The first electronic transition (A˜ ← X˜) and the hydrogen bonding state of an ultra-thin water layer of nanometer thickness between two α-alumina surfaces (0.5-20 nm) were studied using far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectroscopy in the wavelength range 140-180 nm. The ultra-thin water layer of nanometer thickness was prepared by squeezing a water droplet ( 1 μL) between a highly polished α-alumina prism and an α-alumina plate using a high pressure clamp ( 4.7 MPa), and the FUV spectra of the water layer at different thicknesses were measured using the attenuated total reflection method. As the water layer became thinner, the A˜ ← X˜ bands were gradually shifted to higher or lower energy relative to that of bulk water; at thicknesses smaller than 4 nm, these shifts were substantial (0.1-0.2 eV) in either case. The FUV spectra of the water layer with thickness < 4 nm indicate the formation of structured ice-like hydrogen bond (H-bond) layers for the higher energy shifts or the formation of slightly weaker H-bond layers as compared to those in the bulk liquid state for lower energy shifts. In either case, the H-bond structure of bulk liquid water is nearly lost at thicknesses below 4 nm, because of steric hydration forces between the α-alumina surfaces.

The ocean mixed layer under Southern Ocean sea-ice: seasonal cycle and forcing.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Violaine, P.; Sallee, J. B.; Schmidtko, S.; Roquet, F.; Charrassin, J. B.

2016-02-01

The mixed-layer at the surface of the ocean is the gateway for all exchanges between air and sea. A vast area of the Southern Ocean is however seasonally capped by sea-ice, which alters this gateway and the characteristic the ocean mixed-layer. The interaction between the ocean mixed-layer and sea-ice plays a key role for water-mass formation and circulation, carbon cycle, sea-ice dynamics, and ultimately for the climate as a whole. However, the structure and characteristics of the mixed layer, as well as the processes responsible for its evolution, are poorly understood due to the lack of in-situ observations and measurements. We urgently need to better understand the forcing and the characteristics of the ocean mixed-layer under sea-ice if we are to understand and predict the world's climate. In this study, we combine a range of distinct sources of observation to overcome this lack in our understanding of the Polar Regions. Working on Elephant Seal-derived data as well as ship-based observations and Argo float data, we describe the seasonal cycle of the characteristics and stability of the ocean mixed layer over the entire Southern Ocean (South of 40°S), and specifically under sea-ice. Mixed-layer budgets of heat and freshwater are used to investigate the main forcings of the mixed-layer seasonal cycle. The seasonal variability of sea surface salinity and temperature are primarily driven by surface processes, dominated by sea-ice freshwater flux for the salt budget, and by air-sea flux for the heat budget. Ekman advection, vertical diffusivity and vertical entrainment play only secondary role.Our results suggest that changes in regional sea-ice distribution or sea-ice seasonal cycle duration, as currently observed, would widely affect the buoyancy budget of the underlying mixed-layer, and impacts large-scale water-mass formation and transformation.

Electro-optical SLS devices for operating at new wavelength ranges

DOEpatents

Osbourn, Gordon C.

1986-01-01

An intrinsic semiconductor electro-optical device includes a p-n junction intrinsically responsive, when cooled, to electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of 8-12 um. The junction consists of a strained-layer superlattice of alternating layers of two different III-V semiconductors having mismatched lattice constants when in bulk form. A first set of layers is either InAs.sub.1-x Sb.sub.x (where x is aobut 0.5 to 0.7) or In.sub.1-x Ga.sub.x As.sub.1-y Sb.sub.y (where x and y are chosen such that the bulk bandgap of the resulting layer is about the same as the minimum bandgap in the In.sub.1-x Ga.sub.x As.sub.1-y Sb.sub.y family). The second set of layers has a lattice constant larger than the lattice constant of the layers in the first set.

Epitaxial solar cells fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daiello, R. V.; Robinson, P. H.; Kressel, H.

1975-01-01

Silicon epitaxy has been studied for the fabrication of solar cell structures, with the intent of optimizing efficiency while maintaining suitability for space applications. SiH2CL2 yielded good quality layers and junctions with reproducible impurity profiles. Diode characteristics and lifetimes in the epitaxial layers were investigated as a function of epitaxial growth conditions and doping profile, as was the effect of substrates and epitaxial post-gettering on lifetime. The pyrolytic decomposition of SiH4 was also used in the epitaxial formation of highly doped junction layers on bulk Si wafers. The effects of junction layer thickness and bulk background doping level on cell performance, in particular, open-circuit voltage, were investigated. The most successful solar cells were fabricated with SiH2 CL2 to grow p/n layers on n(+) substrates. The best performance was obtained from a p(+)/p/n/n(+) structure grown with an exponential grade in the n-base layer.

Directional nonlinear guided wave mixing: Case study of counter-propagating shear horizontal waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasanian, Mostafa; Lissenden, Cliff J.

2018-04-01

While much nonlinear ultrasonics research has been conducted on higher harmonic generation, wave mixing provides the potential for sensitive measurements of incipient damage unencumbered by instrumentation nonlinearity. Studies of nonlinear ultrasonic wave mixing, both collinear and noncollinear, for bulk waves have shown the robust capability of wave mixing for early damage detection. One merit of bulk wave mixing lies in their non-dispersive nature, but guided waves enable inspection of otherwise inaccessible material and a variety of mixing options. Co-directional guided wave mixing was studied previously, but arbitrary direction guided wave mixing has not been addressed until recently. Wave vector analysis is applied to study variable mixing angles to find wave mode triplets (two primary waves and a secondary wave) resulting in the phase matching condition. As a case study, counter-propagating Shear Horizontal (SH) guided wave mixing is analyzed. SH wave interactions generate a secondary Lamb wave mode that is readily receivable. Reception of the secondary Lamb wave mode is compared for an angle beam transducer, an air coupled transducer, and a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). Results from the angle beam and air coupled transducers are quite consistent, while the LDV measurement is plagued by variability issues.

Identifying Glacial Meltwater in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biddle, L. C.; Heywood, K. J.; Jenkins, A.; Kaiser, J.

2016-02-01

Pine Island Glacier, located in the Amundsen Sea, is losing mass rapidly due to relatively warm ocean waters melting its ice shelf from below. The resulting increase in meltwater production may be the root of the freshening in the Ross Sea over the last 30 years. Tracing the meltwater travelling away from the ice sheets is important in order to identify the regions most affected by the increased input of this water type. We use water mass characteristics (temperature, salinity, O2 concentration) derived from 105 CTD casts during the Ocean2ice cruise on RRS James Clark Ross in January-March 2014 to calculate meltwater fractions north of Pine Island Glacier. The data show maximum meltwater fractions at the ice front of up to 2.4 % and a plume of meltwater travelling away from the ice front along the 1027.7 kg m-3 isopycnal. We investigate the reliability of these results and attach uncertainties to the measurements made to ascertain the most reliable method of meltwater calculation in the Amundsen Sea. Processes such as atmospheric interaction and biological activity also affect the calculated apparent meltwater fractions. We analyse their effects on the reliability of the calculated meltwater fractions across the region using a bulk mixed layer model based on the one-dimensional Price-Weller-Pinkel model (Price et al., 1986). The model includes sea ice, dissolved oxygen concentrations and a simple respiration model, forced by NCEP climatology and an initial linear mixing profile between Winter Water (WW) and Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). The model mimics the seasonal cycle of mixed layer warming and freshening and simulates how increases in sea ice formation and the influx of slightly cooler Lower CDW impact on the apparent meltwater fractions. These processes could result in biased meltwater signatures across the eastern Amundsen Sea.

Identifying glacial meltwater in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biddle, Louise; Heywood, Karen; Jenkins, Adrian; Kaiser, Jan

2016-04-01

Pine Island Glacier, located in the Amundsen Sea, is losing mass rapidly due to relatively warm ocean waters melting its ice shelf from below. The resulting increase in meltwater production may be the root of the freshening in the Ross Sea over the last 30 years. Tracing the meltwater travelling away from the ice sheets is important in order to identify the regions most affected by the increased input of this water type. We use water mass characteristics (temperature, salinity, O2 concentration) derived from 105 CTD casts during the Ocean2ice cruise on RRS James Clark Ross in January-March 2014 to calculate meltwater fractions north of Pine Island Glacier. The data show maximum meltwater fractions at the ice front of up to 2.4 % and a plume of meltwater travelling away from the ice front along the 1027.7 kg m-3 isopycnal. We investigate the reliability of these results and attach uncertainties to the measurements made to ascertain the most reliable method of meltwater calculation in the Amundsen Sea. Processes such as atmospheric interaction and biological activity also affect the calculated apparent meltwater fractions. We analyse their effects on the reliability of the calculated meltwater fractions across the region using a bulk mixed layer model based on the one-dimensional Price-Weller-Pinkel model (1986). The model includes sea ice, dissolved oxygen concentrations and a simple respiration model, forced by NCEP climatology and an initial linear mixing profile between Winter Water (WW) and Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW). The model mimics the seasonal cycle of mixed layer warming and freshening and simulates how increases in sea ice formation and the influx of slightly cooler Lower CDW impact on the apparent meltwater fractions. These processes could result in biased meltwater signatures across the eastern Amundsen Sea.

Characterization of Inorganic Filler Content, Mechanical Properties, and Light Transmission of Bulk-fill Resin Composites.

PubMed

Fronza, B M; Ayres, Apa; Pacheco, R R; Rueggeberg, F A; Dias, Cts; Giannini, M

The aims of this study were to characterize inorganic content (IC), light transmission (LT), biaxial flexural strength (BFS), and flexural modulus (FM) of one conventional (layered) and four bulk-fill composites at different depths. Bulk-fill composites tested were Surefil SDR flow (SDR), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBF), Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TEC), and EverX Posterior (EXP). Herculite Classic (HER) was used as a control. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize filler particle composition and morphology. The LT through different composite thicknesses (1, 2, 3, and 4 mm) was measured using a laboratory-grade spectral radiometer system (n=5). For the BFS and FM tests, sets of eight stacked composite discs (0.5-mm thick) were prepared simulating bulk filling of a 4-mm-thick increment (n=8). SDR demonstrated larger, irregular particles than those observed in TEC or HER. Filler particles in FBF were spherical, while those in EXP were composed of fiberglass strands. The LT decreased with increased composite thickness for all materials. Bulk-fill composites allowed higher LT than the HER. Furthermore, HER proved to be the unique material, having lower BFS values at deeper regions. SDR, FBF, and TEC bulk-fill composites presented reduced FM with increasing composite depth. The bulk-fill composites investigated exhibited higher LT, independent of different filler content and characteristics. Although an increase in composite thickness reduced LT, the BFS of bulk-fill composites at deeper layers was not compromised.

Common electronic origin of superconductivity in (Li,Fe)OHFeSe bulk superconductor and single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films.

PubMed

Zhao, Lin; Liang, Aiji; Yuan, Dongna; Hu, Yong; Liu, Defa; Huang, Jianwei; He, Shaolong; Shen, Bing; Xu, Yu; Liu, Xu; Yu, Li; Liu, Guodong; Zhou, Huaxue; Huang, Yulong; Dong, Xiaoli; Zhou, Fang; Liu, Kai; Lu, Zhongyi; Zhao, Zhongxian; Chen, Chuangtian; Xu, Zuyan; Zhou, X J

2016-02-08

The mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity in the iron-based superconductors remains an outstanding issue in condensed matter physics. The electronic structure plays an essential role in dictating superconductivity. Recent revelation of distinct electronic structure and high-temperature superconductivity in the single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films provides key information on the role of Fermi surface topology and interface in inducing or enhancing superconductivity. Here we report high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements on the electronic structure and superconducting gap of an FeSe-based superconductor, (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFe0.98Se, with a Tc at 41 K. We find that this single-phase bulk superconductor shows remarkably similar electronic behaviours to that of the superconducting single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films in terms of Fermi surface topology, band structure and the gap symmetry. These observations provide new insights in understanding high-temperature superconductivity in the single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films and the mechanism of superconductivity in the bulk iron-based superconductors.

Impact of a boron rich layer on minority carrier lifetime degradation in boron spin-on dopant diffused n-type crystalline silicon solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singha, Bandana; Singh Solanki, Chetan

2016-03-01

In the production of n-type crystalline silicon solar cells with boron diffused emitters, the formation of a boron rich layer (BRL) is a common phenomenon and is largely responsible for bulk lifetime degradation. The phenomenon of BRL formation during diffusion of boron spin-on dopant and its impact on bulk lifetime degradation are investigated in this work. The BRL formed beneath the borosilicate glass layer has thicknesses varying from 10 nm-150 nm depending on the diffusion conditions. The effective and bulk minority carrier lifetimes, measured with Al2O3 deposited layers and a quinhydron-methanol solution, show that carrier lifetime degradation is proportional to the BRL thicknesses and their surface recombination velocities. The controlled diffusion processes and different oxidation techniques used in this work can partially reduce the BRL thickness and improve carrier lifetime by more than 10%. But for BRL thicknesses higher than 50 nm, different etching techniques further lower the carrier lifetime and the degradation in the device cannot be recovered.

The Role of Late Summer Melt Pond Water Layers in the Ocean Mixed Layer on Enhancing Ice/Ocean Albedo Feedbacks in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanton, T. P.; Shaw, W. J.

2016-02-01

Drainage of surface melt pond water into the top of the ocean mixed layer is seen widely in the Arctic ice pack in later summer (for example Gallaher et al 2015). Under calm conditions, this fresh water forms a thin, stratified layer immediately below the ice which is dynamically decoupled from the thicker, underlying seasonal mixed layer by the density difference between the two layers. The ephemeral surface layer is significantly warmer than the underlying ocean water owing to the higher freezing temperature of the fresh melt water. How the presence of this warm ephemeral layer enhances basal melt rate and speeds the destruction of the floes is investigated. High resolution timeseries measurements of T/S profiles in the 2m of the ocean immediately below the ice, and eddy-correlation fluxes of heat, salt and momentum 2.5m below the ice were made from an Autonomous Ocean Flux Buoy over a 2 month interval in later summer of 2015 as a component of the ONR Marginal Ice Zone project. The stratification and turbulent forcing observations are used with a 1 D turbulence closure model to understand how momentum and incoming radiative energy are stored and redistributed within the ephemeral layer. Under low wind forcing conditions both turbulent mixing energy and the water with high departure from freezing are trapped in the ephemeral layer by the strong density gradient at the base of the layer, resulting in rapid basal melting. This case is contrasted with model runs where the ephemeral layer heat is allowed to mix across the seasonal mixed layer, which results in slower basal melt rates. Consequently, the salinity-trapped warm ephemeral layer results in the formation of more open water earlier in the summer season, in turn resulting in increased cumulative heating of the ocean mixed layer, enhancing ice/ocean albedo feedbacks.

α-Tocopherol/Gallic Acid Cooperation in the Protection of Galactolipids Against Ozone-Induced Oxidation.

PubMed

Rudolphi-Skórska, Elżbieta; Filek, Maria; Zembala, Maria

2016-04-01

The protective ability of α-tocopherol (TOH) and gallic acid (GA) acting simultaneously at the moment of oxidizer application was evaluated by determination of galactolipid layers' oxidation degree. Addition of GA resulted in a significant decrease of ozone-derived radicals shifting the threshold of lipid sensitivity by an amount approximately corresponding to the GA intake in bulk reaction with ozone. TOH presence in lipid layers results in a change of the role of GA which additionally may be involved in the reduction of tocopheroxyl radical formed during oxidation. This leads to a decrease in effectiveness of GA in diminishing the amount of ozone radicals. Such an effect was not observed for mixed layers containing galactolipid and pre-oxidized tocopherol where the ozone threshold level was associated with a stoichiometry of GA + O3 reaction. It was concluded that probably subsequent transformations of tocopheroxyl radical to less reactive forms prevent its reaction with GA the entire quantity of which is used for radicals scavenging. This result shows the role of time parameter in systems where substrates are engaged in various reactions taking place simultaneously. The inactivation of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical by studied antioxidants in homogeneous system confirmed observations made on the basis of lipid layer properties indicating their antagonistic action (at least at studied conditions). Formation of layers in post-oxidation situation did not depend whether tocopherol was oxidized during oxidation of lipid/tocopherol mixture or was introduced as pre-oxidized. This may be interpreted as indication that products of tocopherol oxidation may stabilize lipid layers.

Modeling the diurnal cycle of carbon monoxide: Sensitivity to physics, chemistry, biology, and optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnanadesikan, Anand

1996-05-01

As carbon monoxide within the oceanic surface layer is produced by solar radiation, diluted by mixing, consumed by biota, and outgassed to the atmosphere, it exhibits a diurnal cycle. The effect of dilution and mixing on this cycle is examined using a simple model for production and consumption, coupled to three different mixed layer models. The magnitude and timing of the peak concentration, the magnitude of the average concentration, and the air-sea flux are considered. The models are run through a range of heating and wind stress and compared to experimental data reported by Kettle [1994]. The key to the dynamics is the relative size of four length scales; Dmix, the depth to which mixing occurs over the consumption time; L, the length scale over which production occurs; Lout, the depth to which the mixed layer is ventilated over the consumption time; and Lcomp, the depth to which the diurnal production can maintain a concentration in equilibrium with the atmosphere. If Dmix ≫ L, the actual model parameterization can be important. If the mixed layer is maintained by turbulent diffusion, Dmix can be substantially less than the mixed layer depth. If the mixed layer is parameterized as a homogeneous slab, Dmix is equivalent to the mixed layer depth. If Dmix > Lout, production is balanced by consumption rather than outgassing. The ratio between Dmix and Lcomp determines whether the ocean is a source or a sink for CO. The main thermocline depth H sets an upper limit for Dmix and hence Dmix/L, Dmix/Lout, and Dmix/Lcomp. The models are run to simulate a single day of observations. The mixing parameterization is shown to be very important, with a model which mixes using small-scale diffusion, producing markedly larger surface concentrations than models which homogenize the mixed layer completely and instantaneously.

Observing the seasonal cycle of the upper ocean in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, with autonomous profiling floats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porter, D. F.; Springer, S. R.; Padman, L.; Fricker, H. A.; Bell, R. E.

2017-12-01

The upper layers of the Southern Ocean where it meets the Antarctic ice sheet undergoes a large seasonal cycle controlled by surface radiation and by freshwater fluxes, both of which are strongly influenced by sea ice. In regions where seasonal sea ice and icebergs limit use of ice-tethered profilers and conventional moorings, autonomous profiling floats can sample the upper ocean. The deployment of seven Apex floats (by sea) and six ALAMO floats (by air) provides unique upper ocean hydrographic data in the Ross Sea close to the Ross Ice Shelf front. A novel choice of mission parameters - setting parking depth deeper than the seabed - limits their drift, allowing us to deploy the floats close to the ice shelf front, while sea ice avoidance algorithms allow the floats to to sample through winter under sea ice. Hydrographic profiles show the detailed development of the seasonal mixed layer close to the Ross front, and interannual variability of the seasonal mixed layer and deeper water masses on the central Ross Sea continental shelf. After the sea ice breakup in spring, a warm and fresh surface mixed layer develops, further warming and deepening throughout the summer. The mixed layer deepens, with maximum temperatures exceeding 0ºC in mid-February. By March, the surface energy budget becomes negative and sea ice begins to form, creating a cold, saline and dense surface layer. Once these processes overcome the stable summer stratification, convection erodes the surface mixed layer, mixing some heat downwards to deeper layers. There is considerable interannual variability in the evolution and strength of the surface mixed layer: summers with shorter ice-free periods result in a cooler and shallower surface mixed layer, which accumulates less heat than the summers with longer ice-free periods. Early ice breakup occurred in all floats in 2016/17 summer, enhancing the absorbed solar flux leading to a warmer surface mixed layer. Together, these unique measurements from autonomous profilers provide insight into the hydrographic state of the Ross Sea at the start of the spring period of sea-ice breakup, and how ocean mixing and sea ice interact to initiate the summer open-water season.

Investigation into the origin of parasitic absorption in GaInP|GaAs double heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giannini, Nathan; Yang, Zhou; Albrecht, Alexander R.; Sheik-Bahae, Mansoor

2017-02-01

Despite achievements of extremely high external quantum efficiency (EQE), 99.5%, the net cooling of GaInP|GaAs double heterostructures (DHS) has never been realized. This is due to an unknown source of parasitic absorption. Prior studies have ruled out the possibility of the bulk absorption from the GaAs layer. Thus it is thought to be either at the air- GaInP interface, through the presence of dangling bonds, or in bulk GaInP through impurities. Using two-color thermallens calorimetry (based on the Z-scan technique), this study indicates that that the parasitic absorption likely originates from the GaInP bulk layers.

Controls on Turbulent Mixing in a Strongly Stratified and Sheared Tidal River Plume

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jurisa, Joseph T.; Nash, Jonathan D.; Moum, James N.

Considerable effort has been made to parameterize turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate ..epsilon.. and mixing in buoyant plumes and stratified shear flows. Here, a parameterization based on Kunze et al. is examined, which estimates ..epsilon.. as the amount of energy contained in an unstable shear layer (Ri < Ric) that must be dissipated to increase the Richardson number Ri = N2/S2 to a critical value Ric within a turbulent decay time scale. Observations from the tidal Columbia River plume are used to quantitatively assess the relevant parameters controlling ..epsilon.. over a range of tidal and river discharge forcings. Observedmore » ..epsilon.. is found to be characterized by Kunze et al.'s form within a factor of 2, while exhibiting slightly decreased skill near Ri = Ric. Observed dissipation rates are compared to estimates from a constant interfacial drag formulation that neglects the direct effects of stratification. This is found to be appropriate in energetic regimes when the bulk-averaged Richardson number Rib is less than Ric/4. However, when Rib > Ric/4, the effects of stratification must be included. Similarly, ..epsilon.. scaled by the bulk velocity and density differences over the plume displays a clear dependence on Rib, decreasing as Rib approaches Ric. The Kunze et al. ..epsilon.. parameterization is modified to form an expression for the nondimensional dissipation rate that is solely a function of Rib, displaying good agreement with the observations. It is suggested that this formulation is broadly applicable for unstable to marginally unstable stratified shear flows.« less

Experiments on the enhancement of compressible mixing via streamwise vorticity. II - Vortex strength assessment and seed particle dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naughton, J. W.; Cattafesta, L. N.; Settles, G. S.

1993-01-01

The effect of streamwise vorticity on compressible axisymmetric mixing layers is examined using vortex strength assessment and seed particle dynamics analysis. Experimental results indicate that the particles faithfully represent the dynamics of the turbulent swirling flow. A comparison of the previously determined mixing layer growth rates with the present vortex strength data reveals that the increase of turbulent mixing up to 60 percent scales with the degree of swirl. The mixing enhancement appears to be independent of the compressibility level of the mixing layer.

Manipulating topological-insulator properties using quantum confinement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotulla, M.; Zülicke, U.

2017-07-01

Recent discoveries have spurred the theoretical prediction and experimental realization of novel materials that have topological properties arising from band inversion. Such topological insulators are insulating in the bulk but have conductive surface or edge states. Topological materials show various unusual physical properties and are surmised to enable the creation of exotic Majorana-fermion quasiparticles. How the signatures of topological behavior evolve when the system size is reduced is interesting from both a fundamental and an application-oriented point of view, as such understanding may form the basis for tailoring systems to be in specific topological phases. This work considers the specific case of quantum-well confinement defining two-dimensional layers. Based on the effective-Hamiltonian description of bulk topological insulators, and using a harmonic-oscillator potential as an example for a softer-than-hard-wall confinement, we have studied the interplay of band inversion and size quantization. Our model system provides a useful platform for systematic study of the transition between the normal and topological phases, including the development of band inversion and the formation of massless-Dirac-fermion surface states. The effects of bare size quantization, two-dimensional-subband mixing, and electron-hole asymmetry are disentangled and their respective physical consequences elucidated.

Nonlinear electrokinetic phenomena in microfluidic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben, Yuxing

This thesis addresses nonlinear electrokinetic mechanisms for transporting fluid and particles in microfluidic devices for potential applications in biomedical chips, microelectronic cooling and micro-fuel cells. Nonlinear electrokinetics have many advantages, such as low voltage, low power, high velocity, and no significant gas formation in the electrolyte. However, they involve new and complex charging and flow mechanisms that are still not fully understood or explored. Linear electrokinetic fingering that occurs when a fluid with a lower electrolyte concentration advances into one with a higher concentration is first analyzed. Unlike earlier miscible fingering theories, the linear stability analysis is carried out in the self-similar coordinates of the diffusing front. This new spectral theory is developed for small-amplitude gravity and viscous miscible fingering phenomena in general and applied to electrokinetic miscible fingering specifically. Transient electrokinetic fingering is shown to be insignificant in sub-millimeter micro-devices. Nonlinear electroosmotic flow around an ion-exchange spherical granule is studied next. When an electric field is applied across a conducting and ion-selective porous granule in an electrolyte solution, a polarized surface layer with excess counter-ions is created. The flux-induced polarization produces a nonlinear slip velocity to produce micro-vortices around this sphere. This polarization layer is reduced by convection at high velocity. Two velocity scalings at low and high electric fields are derived and favorably compared with experimental results. A mixing device based on this mechanism is shown to produce mixing efficiency 10-100 times higher than molecular diffusion. Finally, AC nonlinear electrokinetic flow on planar electrodes is studied. Two double layer charging mechanisms are responsible for the flow---one due to capacitive charging of ions from the bulk electrolyte and one due to Faradaic reactions at the electrode that consume or produce ions in the double layer. Faradaic charging is analyzed for specific reactions. From the theory, particular electrokinetic flows above the electrodes are selected for micropumps and bioparticle trapping by specifying the electrode geometry and the applied voltage and frequency.

Mixed sand and gravel beaches: accurate measurement of active layer depth and sediment transport volumes using PIT tagged tracer pebbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, A.; Moses, C.; Sear, D. A.; Cope, S.

2016-12-01

As sediments containing significant gravel portions are increasingly used for beach replenishment projects globally, the total number of beaches classified as `mixed sand and gravel' (MSG) increases. Calculations for required replenishment sediment volumes usually assume a uniform layer of sediment transport across and along the beach, but research into active layer (AL) depth has shown variations both across shore and according to sediment size distribution. This study addresses the need for more accurate calculations of sediment transport volumes on MSG beaches by using more precise measurements of AL depth and width, and virtual velocity of tracer pebbles. Variations in AL depth were measured along three main profile lines (from MHWS to MLWN) at Eastoke, Hayling Island (Hampshire, UK). Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged pebbles were deployed in columns, and their new locations repeatedly surveyed with RFID technology. These data were combined with daily dGPS beach profiles and sediment sampling for detailed analysis of the influence of beach morphodynamics on sediment transport volumes. Data were collected over two consecutive winter seasons: 2014-15 (relatively calm, average wave height <1 m) and 2015-16 (prolonged periods of moderate storminess, wave heights of 1-2 m). The active layer was, on average, 22% of wave height where beach slope (tanβ) is 0.1, with variations noted according to slope angle, sediment distribution, and beach groundwater level. High groundwater levels and a change in sediment proportions in the sandy lower foreshore reduced the AL to 10% of wave height in this area. The disparity in AL depth across the beach profile indicates that traditional models are not accurately representing bulk sediment transport on MSG beaches. It is anticipated that by improving model inputs, beach managers will be better able to predict necessary volumes and sediment grain size proportions of replenishment material for effective management of MSG beaches.

p-Type semiconducting nickel oxide as an efficiency-enhancing anode interfacial layer in polymer bulk-heterojunction solar cells

PubMed Central

Irwin, Michael D.; Buchholz, D. Bruce; Hains, Alexander W.; Chang, Robert P. H.; Marks, Tobin J.

2008-01-01

To minimize interfacial power losses, thin (5–80 nm) layers of NiO, a p-type oxide semiconductor, are inserted between the active organic layer, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) + [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), and the ITO (tin-doped indium oxide) anode of bulk-heterojunction ITO/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al solar cells. The interfacial NiO layer is deposited by pulsed laser deposition directly onto cleaned ITO, and the active layer is subsequently deposited by spin-coating. Insertion of the NiO layer affords cell power conversion efficiencies as high as 5.2% and enhances the fill factor to 69% and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) to 638 mV versus an ITO/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al control device. The value of such hole-transporting/electron-blocking interfacial layers is clearly demonstrated and should be applicable to other organic photovoltaics.

Pair-instability Supernova Simulations: Progenitor Evolution, Explosion, and Light Curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilmer, Matthew S.; Kozyreva, Alexandra; Hirschi, Raphael; Fröhlich, Carla; Yusof, Norhasliza

2017-09-01

In recent years, the viability of the pair-instability supernova (PISN) scenario for explaining superluminous supernovae has all but disappeared except for a few slowly-evolving examples. However, PISNe are not predicted to be superluminous throughout the bulk of their mass range. In fact, it is more likely that the first PISN we see (if we have not seen one already) will not be superluminous. Here, we present hydrodynamic simulations of PISNe for four stellar models with unique envelope properties spanning the PISN mass range. In addition, we compute synthetic light curves (LCs) for comparison with current and future observations. We also investigate, in the context of our most massive model, the prospect of mixing in the supernova ejecta, alleviating discrepancies between current PISN models and the remaining superluminous candidate events. To this end, we present the first published 3D hydrodynamic simulations of PISNe. After achieving convergence between 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations, we examine mixing in the supernova ejecta and its affect on the bolometric LC. We observe slight deviations from spherical symmetry, which increase with the number of dimensions. We find no significant effects on the bolometric LC; however, we conclude that mixing between the silicon and oxygen rich layers caused by the Rayleigh-Taylor instability may affect spectra.

Pair-instability Supernova Simulations: Progenitor Evolution, Explosion, and Light Curves

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilmer, Matthew S.; Fröhlich, Carla; Kozyreva, Alexandra

2017-09-10

In recent years, the viability of the pair-instability supernova (PISN) scenario for explaining superluminous supernovae has all but disappeared except for a few slowly-evolving examples. However, PISNe are not predicted to be superluminous throughout the bulk of their mass range. In fact, it is more likely that the first PISN we see (if we have not seen one already) will not be superluminous. Here, we present hydrodynamic simulations of PISNe for four stellar models with unique envelope properties spanning the PISN mass range. In addition, we compute synthetic light curves (LCs) for comparison with current and future observations. We alsomore » investigate, in the context of our most massive model, the prospect of mixing in the supernova ejecta, alleviating discrepancies between current PISN models and the remaining superluminous candidate events. To this end, we present the first published 3D hydrodynamic simulations of PISNe. After achieving convergence between 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations, we examine mixing in the supernova ejecta and its affect on the bolometric LC. We observe slight deviations from spherical symmetry, which increase with the number of dimensions. We find no significant effects on the bolometric LC; however, we conclude that mixing between the silicon and oxygen rich layers caused by the Rayleigh–Taylor instability may affect spectra.« less

Stability of parallel electroosmotic flow subject to an axial modulated electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh, Vinod; Homsy, George

2001-11-01

The stability of parallel electroosmotic flow in a micro-channel subjected to an AC electric field is studied. A spatially uniform time harmonic electric field is applied along the length of a two-dimensional micro-channel containing a dilute electrolytic solution, resulting in a time periodic parallel flow. The top and bottom walls of the channel are maintained at constant potential. The base state ion concentrations and double layer potential are determined using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the Debye-Hückel approximation. Experiments by other workers (Santiago et. al., unpublished) have shown that such a system can exhibit instabilities that take the form of mixing motion occurring in the bulk flow outside the double layer. It is shown that such instabilities can potentially result from the coupling of disturbances in the ion concentrations or electric potential to the base state velocity or ion concentrations, respectively. The stability boundary of the system is determined using Floquet theory and its dependence on the modulation frequency and amplitude of the axial electric field is studied.

Broadband and polarization reflectors in the lookdown, Selene vomer

PubMed Central

Zhao, Shulei; Brady, Parrish Clawson; Gao, Meng; Etheredge, Robert Ian; Kattawar, George W.; Cummings, Molly E.

2015-01-01

Predator evasion in the open ocean is difficult because there are no objects to hide behind. The silvery surface of fish plays an important role in open water camouflage. Various models have been proposed to account for the broadband reflectance by the fish skin that involve one-dimensional variations in the arrangement of guanine crystal reflectors, yet the three-dimensional organization of these guanine platelets have not been well characterized. Here, we report the three-dimensional organization and the optical properties of integumentary guanine platelets in a silvery marine fish, the lookdown (Selene vomer). Our structural analysis and computational modelling show that stacks of guanine platelets with random yaw angles in the fish skin produce broadband reflectance via colour mixing. Optical axes of the guanine platelets and the collagen layer are aligned closely and provide bulk birefringence properties that influence the polarization reflectance by the skin. These data demonstrate how the lookdown preserves or alters polarization states at different incident polarization angles. These optical properties resulted from the organization of these guanine platelets and the collagen layer may have implications for open ocean camouflage in varying light fields. PMID:25673301

Fermion masses and mixing in general warped extra dimensional models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, Mariana; Hamzaoui, Cherif; Pourtolami, Nima; Toharia, Manuel

2015-06-01

We analyze fermion masses and mixing in a general warped extra dimensional model, where all the Standard Model (SM) fields, including the Higgs, are allowed to propagate in the bulk. In this context, a slightly broken flavor symmetry imposed universally on all fermion fields, without distinction, can generate the full flavor structure of the SM, including quarks, charged leptons and neutrinos. For quarks and charged leptons, the exponential sensitivity of their wave functions to small flavor breaking effects yield hierarchical masses and mixing as it is usual in warped models with fermions in the bulk. In the neutrino sector, the exponential wave-function factors can be flavor blind and thus insensitive to the small flavor symmetry breaking effects, directly linking their masses and mixing angles to the flavor symmetric structure of the five-dimensional neutrino Yukawa couplings. The Higgs must be localized in the bulk and the model is more successful in generalized warped scenarios where the metric background solution is different than five-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS5 ). We study these features in two simple frameworks, flavor complimentarity and flavor democracy, which provide specific predictions and correlations between quarks and leptons, testable as more precise data in the neutrino sector becomes available.

Final Report: DOE Award Number: DE-SC0006398, University of CA, San Diego

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cha, Jennifer

The focus of the proposed research is to direct the assembly of single or binary nanoparticles into meso- or macroscale three-dimensional crystals of any desired configuration and crystallographic orientation without using prohibitively expensive lithographic processes. The epitaxial nucleation of defect-free, surface-bound bulk single crystals will revolutionize technologies for energy to generate new types of solar cells that yield maximum conversion efficiencies. It has been proposed that having a nanostructured bulk hetero-interface will enable efficient charge-carrier separations, similar to organic based heterojunction cells but with potential improvements, including thermal and long-term stability, tunability of energy levels, large adsorption coefficients and carriermore » multiplication. However, engineering such devices requires nanoscale control and ordering in both 2- and 3-dimensions over macroscopic areas and this has yet to be achieved. In Nature, bulk organic and inorganic materials are arranged into precise and ordered programmed assemblies through the sequestration of raw materials into confined spaces and association through highly specific non-covalent interactions between biomolecules. Using similar strategies, the proposed research will focus on confining metal and semiconductor nanocrystals to pre-determined surface patterns and controlling their arrangement through tunable, orthogonal biomolecular binding. Once a perfect two-dimensional seed layer has been constructed, successive layers of single nanocrystals will be nucleated epitaxially with long-range order and tunable crystallographic orientations. The proposed research exploits the ability of biomolecules to bind specific targets in a tunable, orthogonal, multivalent, and reversible manner to the arrangements of DNA-nanoparticle conjugates on chemically defined surfaces. Through careful balance of the attractive and repulsive forces between the particles, the array, and the outside surface, it is envisioned that single or mixed nanoparticles can be packed to adopt uniform crystal orientation in two and three dimensions from simple mixing and annealing of biomolecule-nanoparticle conjugates with biomolecule-stamped surfaces. To control the crystallographic alignment of each particle with its neighbors, the nanoparticles will be assembled using a mixture of non-covalent biomolecular interactions. To create solar cells in which layers of donor and acceptor nanocrystals that are not only oriented normal to the top and bottom electrodes but are also arranged in a checkerboard pattern, multicomponent nanocrystals (e.g. CdSe, CdTe) will be conjugated with biochemical linkers such that only interactions between the CdTe and CdSe promote particle packing within the array. The proposed research will: (1) elucidate the role of single and binary cooperative particle-DNA interactions in influencing nanoparticle crystallographic orientation in two and three dimensions; (2) understand how confinement of nanoparticles on patterned arrays of biomolecules and modification of the surrounding substrate can nucleate long-range order over macroscopic areas via predefined grain boundaries; and (3) synthesize and characterize DNA conjugated semiconductor nanocrystals and assemble them into 2- and 3-D binary superlattice arrays for photovoltaics.« less

The compositionally zoned eruption of 1912 in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Katmai National Park, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hildreth, W.

1983-01-01

On June 6-8, 1912, ??? 15 km3 of magma erupted from the Novarupta caldera at the head of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (VTTS), producing ??? 20 km3 of air-fall tephra and 11-15 km3 of ash-flow tuff within ??? 60 hours. Three discrete periods of ash-fall at Kodiak correlate, respectively, with Plinian tephra layers designated A, CD, and FG by Curtis (1968) in the VTTS. The ash-flow sequence overlapped with but outlasted pumice fall A, terminating within 20 hours of the initial outbreak and prior to pumice fall C. Layers E and H consist mostly of vitric dust that settled during lulls, and Layer B is the feather edge of the ash flow. The fall units filled and obscured the caldera, but arcuate and radial fissures outline a 6-km2 depression. The Novarupta lava dome and its ejecta ring were emplaced later within the depression. At Mt. Katmai, 10 km east of the 1912 vent, a 600-m-deep caldera of similar area also collapsed at about this time, probably owing to hydraulic connection with the venting magma system; but all known ejecta are thought to have erupted at Novarupta. Mingling of three distinctive magmas during the eruption produced an abundance of banded pumice, and mechanical mixing of chilled ejecta resulted in deposits with a wide range of bulk composition. Pumice in the initial fall unit (A) is 100% rhyolite, but fall units atop the ash flow are > 98% dacite; black andesitic scoria is common only in the ash flows and in near-vent air-fall tephra. Pumice counts show the first half of the ash-flow deposit to be 91-98% rhyolite, but progressive increases of dacite and andesite eventually reduced the rhyolitic component to 20 km to the lowermost VTTS, and deposited 1-8 m of debris there. Rhyolitic ejecta contain only 1-2% phenocrysts but andesite and dacite have 30-45%. Quartz is present and augite absent only in the rhyolite, but all ejecta contain plagioclase, orthopyroxene, titanomagnetite, ilmenite, apatite, and pyrrhotite; rare olivine occurs in the andesite. The zoning ranges of phenocrysts in the rhyolitic and intermediate ejecta do not overlap. New chemical data show the bulk SiO2 range to be: rhyolite 77 ?? 0.6, dacite 66-64.5, and andesite 61.5-58.5%. The dacitic and andesitic ejecta contrast in color and density, and it is not certain whether they form a compositional continuum. Analyses reported by Fenner within the 66-76% SiO2 range were of banded pumice and lava and of bulk tephra that mechanically fractionated and mixed during flight. Despite the gap of 10% SiO2, Fe-Ti-oxide temperatures show a continuous range from rhyolite (805-850??C) through dacite (855-955??C) to andesite (955-990??C). Thermal continuity and isotopic and trace-element data suggest that all were derived from a single magmatic system, whether or not they were physically contiguous before eruption. If the rhyolitic liquid separated from dacitic magma, extraction was so efficient that no dacitic phenocrysts were retained and no bulk compositions in the range 66-76% SiO2 were created; if it were a partial me

Propagation of SH waves in an infinite/semi-infinite piezoelectric/piezomagnetic periodically layered structure.

PubMed

Pang, Yu; Liu, Yu-Shan; Liu, Jin-Xi; Feng, Wen-Jie

2016-04-01

In this paper, SH bulk/surface waves propagating in the corresponding infinite/semi-infinite piezoelectric (PE)/piezomagnetic (PM) and PM/PE periodically layered composites are investigated by two methods, the stiffness matrix method and the transfer matrix method. For a semi-infinite PE/PM or PM/PE medium, the free surface is parallel to the layer interface. Both PE and PM materials are assumed to be transversely isotropic solids. Dispersion equations are derived by the stiffness/transfer matrix methods, respectively. The effects of electric-magnetic (ME) boundary conditions at the free surface and the layer thickness ratios on dispersion curves are considered in detail. Numerical examples show that the results calculated by the two methods are the same. The dispersion curves of SH surface waves are below the bulk bands or inside the frequency gaps. The ratio of the layer thickness has an important effect not only on the bulk bands but also on the dispersion curves of SH surface waves. Electric and magnetic boundary conditions, respectively, determine the dispersion curves of SH surface waves for the PE/PM and PM/PE semi-infinite structures. The band structures of SH bulk waves are consistent for the PE/PM and PM/PE structures, however, the dispersive behaviors of SH surface waves are indeed different for the two composites. The realization of the above-mentioned characteristics of SH waves will make it possible to design PE/PM acoustic wave devices with periodical structures and achieve the better performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acid-base properties of Baltic Sea dissolved organic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammer, Karoline; Schneider, Bernd; Kuliński, Karol; Schulz-Bull, Detlef E.

2017-09-01

Calculations related to the marine CO2 system that are based on alkalinity data may be strongly biased if the contributions of organic compounds are ignored. In coastal seas, concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are frequently high and alkalinity from inorganic compounds is low. In this study, based on measurements of total alkalinity, total CO2, and pH, we determined the organic alkalinity, Aorg, in water from the central Baltic Sea. The maximum Aorg measured in the surface mixed layer during the spring bloom was > 50 μmol/kg-SW but the Aorg decreased with depth and approached zero below the permanent halocline. This behavior could be attributed to the decreased pH of deeper water layers. The data were used to calculate the bulk dissociation constant, KDOM, for marine DOM and the fraction f of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) that acts as a carrier for acid-base functional groups. The p KDOM (7.27) agreed well with the value (7.34) previously estimated in a preliminary study of organic alkalinity in the Baltic Sea. The fraction of carbon atoms carrying acid-base groups was 17% and was somewhat higher than previously reported (12%). Spike experiments performed using artificial seawater and three different humic/fulvic substances tested whether the acid-base properties of these substances explain the results of our field study. Specifically, Aorg was determined at different concentrations (DOC) of the added humic/fulvic substances. The relationship between Aorg and the DOC concentrations indicated that humic/fulvic substances are more acidic (p KDOM < 6.5) than the bulk DOC natural occurring in the Baltic Sea.

Numerical study of terrain-induced mesoscale motions and hydrostatic form drag in a heated, growing mixed layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deardorff, J. W.; Ueyoshi, K.; Han, Y.-J.

1984-01-01

Han et al. (1982) have found in a previous numerical study of terrain-induced mesoscale motions that the orography caused a steady-state flow pattern to occur. The study was concerned with a simplified case in which no surface heating occurred. The present investigation considers an extension of this study to the more realistic case of a heated, growing daytime mixed layer containing horizontal variations of potential temperature as well as velocity. The model is also extended to include three layers above the mixed layer. It is found for a heated, growing mixed layer, that the mesoscale form drag is a thermal-anomaly or buoyancy effect associated with horizontal variations of potential temperature within the layer.

Downscaling Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in a Subtropical Reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Y.

2011-12-01

This research was conducted by downscaling study to understand phosphorus (P)-deficient status of different plankton and the role of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) in subtropical Feitsui Reservoir. Results from field survey showed that bulk APA (1.6~95.2 nM h-1) was widely observed in the epilimnion (0~20 m) with an apparent seasonal variations, suggesting that plankton in the system were subjected to P-deficient seasonally. Mixed layer depth (an index of phosphate availability) is the major factor influencing the variation of bulk APA and specific APA (124~1,253 nmol mg C-1 h-1), based on multiple linear regression analysis. Size-fractionated APA assays showed that picoplankton (size 0.2~3 um) contributed most of the bulk APA in the system. In addition, single-cell APA detected by enzyme-labeled fluorescence (ELF) assay indicated that heterotrophic bacteria are the major contributors of APA. Thus, we can infer that bacteria play an important role in accelerating P-cycle within P-deficient systems. Light/nutrient manipulation bioassays showed that bacterial growth was directly controlled by phosphate, while picocyanobacterial growth is controlled by light and can out-compete bacteria under P-limited condition with the aid of light. Further analysis revealed that the strength of summer typhoon is a factor responsible for the inter-annual variability of bulk and specific APA. APA study demonstrated the episodic events (e.g. strong typhoon and extreme precipitation) had significant influence on APA variability in sub-tropical to tropical aquatic ecosystems. Hence, the results herein will allow future studies on monitoring typhoon disturbance (intensity and frequency) as well as the APA of plankton during summer-to-autumn in subtropical systems.

Bulk heterojunction perovskite solar cells based on room temperature deposited hole-blocking layer: Suppressed hysteresis and flexible photovoltaic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhiliang; Yang, Guang; Zheng, Xiaolu; Lei, Hongwei; Chen, Cong; Ma, Junjie; Wang, Hao; Fang, Guojia

2017-05-01

Perovskite solar cells have developed rapidly in recent years as the third generation solar cells. In spite of the great improvement achieved, there still exist some issues such as undesired hysteresis and indispensable high temperature process. In this work, bulk heterojunction perovskite-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester solar cells have been prepared to diminish hysteresis using a facile two step spin-coating method. Furthermore, high quality tin oxide films are fabricated using pulse laser deposition technique at room temperature without any annealing procedure. The as fabricated tin oxide film is successfully applied in bulk heterojunction perovskite solar cells as a hole blocking layer. Bulk heterojunction devices based on room temperature tin oxide exhibit almost hysteresis-free characteristics with power conversion efficiency of 17.29% and 14.0% on rigid and flexible substrates, respectively.

Analysis of Surface and Bulk Behavior in Ni-Pd Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozzolo, Guillermo; Noebe, Rondald D.

2003-01-01

The most salient features of the surface structure and bulk behavior of Ni-Pd alloys have been studied using the BFS method for alloys. Large-scale atomistic simulations were performed to investigate surface segregation profiles as a function of temperature, crystal face, and composition. Pd enrichment of the first layer was observed in (111) and (100) surfaces, and enrichment of the top two layers occurred for (110) surfaces. In all cases, the segregation profile shows alternate planes enriched and depleted in Pd. In addition, the phase structure of bulk Ni-Pd alloys as a function of temperature and composition was studied. A weak ordering tendency was observed at low temperatures, which helps explain the compositional oscillations in the segregation profiles. Finally, based on atom-by-atom static energy calculations, a comprehensive explanation for the observed surface and bulk features will be presented in terms of competing chemical and strain energy effects.

L1 0 Fe -Pd Synthetic Antiferromagnet through an fcc Ru Spacer Utilized for Perpendicular Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, De-Lin; Sun, Congli; Lv, Yang; Schliep, Karl B.; Zhao, Zhengyang; Chen, Jun-Yang; Voyles, Paul M.; Wang, Jian-Ping

2018-04-01

Magnetic materials that possess large bulk perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) are essential for the development of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) used in future spintronic memory and logic devices. The addition of an antiferromagnetic layer to these MTJs was recently predicted to facilitate ultrafast magnetization switching. Here, we report a demonstration of a bulk perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnetic (PSAFM) structure comprised of a (001) textured Fe -Pd /Ru /Fe -Pd trilayer with a face-centered-cubic (fcc) phase Ru spacer. The L1 0 Fe -Pd PSAFM structure shows a large bulk PMA (Ku˜10.2 Merg /cm3 ) and strong antiferromagnetic coupling (-JIEC˜2.60 erg /cm2 ). Full perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (PMTJs) with a L1 0 Fe -Pd PSAFM layer are then fabricated. Tunneling magnetoresistance ratios of up to approximately 25% (approximately 60%) are observed at room temperature (5 K) after postannealing at 350 °C . Exhibiting high thermal stabilities and large Ku , the bulk PMTJs with an L1 0 Fe -Pd PSAFM layer could pave a way for next-generation ultrahigh-density and ultralow-energy spintronic applications.

A molecular model for cohesive slip at polymer melt/solid interfaces.

PubMed

Tchesnokov, M A; Molenaar, J; Slot, J J M; Stepanyan, R

2005-06-01

A molecular model is proposed which predicts wall slip by disentanglement of polymer chains adsorbed on a wall from those in the polymer bulk. The dynamics of the near-wall boundary layer is found to be governed by a nonlinear equation of motion, which accounts for such mechanisms on surface chains as convection, retraction, constraint release, and thermal fluctuations. This equation is valid over a wide range of grafting regimes, including those in which interactions between neighboring adsorbed molecules become essential. It is not closed since the dynamics of adsorbed chains is shown to be coupled to that of polymer chains in the bulk via constraint release. The constitutive equations for the layer and bulk, together with continuity of stress and velocity, are found to form a closed system of equations which governs the dynamics of the whole "bulk+boundary layer" ensemble. Its solution provides a stick-slip law in terms of the molecular parameters and extruder geometry. The model is quantitative and contains only those parameters that can be measured directly, or extracted from independent rheological measurements. The model predictions show a good agreement with available experimental data.

The Impact of Internal Wave Seasonality on the Continental Shelf Energy Budget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wihsgott, Juliane U.; Sharples, Jonathan; Hopkins, Joanne; Palmer, Matthew R.; Mattias Green, J. A.

2017-04-01

Heating-stirring models are widely used to simulate the timing and strength of stratification in continental shelf environments. Such models are based on bulk potential energy (PE) budgets: the loss of PE due to thermal stratification is balanced by wind and tidal mixing. The model often fails to accurately predict the observed vertical structure, as it only considers forces acting on the surface and bottom boundary of the water column. This highlights the need for additional internal energy sources to close this budget, and produce an accurate seasonal cycle of stratification. We present new results that test the impact of boundary layer and internal wave forcing on stratification and vertical density structure in continental shelves. A new series of continuous measurements of full water depth vertical structure, dynamics and meteorological data spanning 17 months (March'14-July'15) provide unprecedented coverage over a full seasonal cycle at a station 120 km north-east from the continental shelf break. We observe a highly variable but energetic internal wave field from the onset of stratification that suggests a continuous supply of internal PE. The heating-stirring model reproduces bulk characteristics of the seasonal cycle. While it accurately predicts the timing of the onset in spring and peak stratification in late summer there is a persistent 20 J m-3 positive offset between the model and observations throughout this period. By including a source of internal energy in the model we improve the prediction for the strength of stratification and the vertical distribution of heat. Yet a constant source of PE seems to result in a seasonal discrepancy resulting in too little mixing during strong stratification and too much mixing during transient periods. The discrepancy seen in the model is consistent with the seasonality observed in the internal wave field. We will establish the role that changing stratification (N2) exerts on the internal wave field and vice versa. Ultimately, we will demonstrate how the strength and vertical range of shear varies seasonally and what effect it has on supplying PE to midwater mixing.

Electro-responsivity of ionic liquid boundary layers in a polar solvent revealed by neutron reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilkington, Georgia A.; Harris, Kathryn; Bergendal, Erik; Reddy, Akepati Bhaskar; Palsson, Gunnar K.; Vorobiev, Alexei; Antzutkin, Oleg. N.; Glavatskih, Sergei; Rutland, Mark W.

2018-05-01

Using neutron reflectivity, the electro-responsive structuring of the non-halogenated ionic liquid (IL) trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium-bis(mandelato)borate, [P6,6,6,14][BMB], has been studied at a gold electrode surface in a polar solvent. For a 20% w/w IL mixture, contrast matched to the gold surface, distinct Kiessig fringes were observed for all potentials studied, indicative of a boundary layer of different composition to that of the bulk IL-solvent mixture. With applied potential, the amplitudes of the fringes from the gold-boundary layer interface varied systematically. These changes are attributable to the differing ratios of cations and anions in the boundary layer, leading to a greater or diminished contrast with the gold electrode, depending on the individual ion scattering length densities. Such electro-responsive changes were also evident in the reflectivities measured for the pure IL and a less concentrated (5% w/w) IL-solvent mixture at the same applied potentials, but gave rise to less pronounced changes. These measurements, therefore, demonstrate the enhanced sensitivity achieved by contrast matching the bulk solution and that the structure of the IL boundary layers formed in mixtures is strongly influenced by the bulk concentration. Together these results represent an important step in characterising IL boundary layers in IL-solvent mixtures and provide clear evidence of electro-responsive structuring of IL ions in their solutions with applied potential.

Predicting vertical phase segregation in polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells by free energy analysis.

PubMed

Clark, Michael D; Jespersen, Michael L; Patel, Romesh J; Leever, Benjamin J

2013-06-12

Blends of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) are widely used as a model system for bulk heterojunction active layers developed for solution-processable, flexible solar cells. In this work, vertical concentration profiles within the P3HT:PCBM active layer are predicted based on a thermodynamic analysis of the constituent materials and typical solvents. Surface energies of the active layer components and a common transport interlayer blend, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), are first extracted using contact angle measurements coupled with the acid-base model. From this data, intra- and interspecies interaction free energies are calculated, which reveal that the thermodynamically favored arrangement consists of a uniformly blended "bulk" structure capped with a P3HT-rich air interface and a slightly PCBM-rich buried interface. Although the "bulk" composition is solely determined by P3HT:PCBM ratio, composition near the buried interface is dependent on both the blend ratio and interaction free energy difference between solvated P3HT and PCBM deposition onto PEDOT:PSS. In contrast, the P3HT-rich overlayer is independent of processing conditions, allowing kinetic formation of a PCBM-rich sublayer during film casting due to limitations in long-range species diffusion. These thermodynamic calculations are experimentally validated by angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy XPS depth profiling, which show that the actual composition profiles of the cast and annealed films closely match the predicted behavior. These experimentally derived profiles provide clear evidence that typical bulk heterojunction active layers are predominantly characterized by thermodynamically stable composition profiles. Furthermore, the predictive capabilities of the comprehensive free energy approach are demonstrated, which will enable investigation of structurally integrated devices and novel active layer systems including low band gap polymers, ternary systems, and small molecule blends.

TEM study of {beta} Prime precipitate interaction mechanisms with dislocations and {beta} Prime interfaces with the aluminium matrix in Al-Mg-Si alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Teichmann, Katharina; Marioara, Calin D.; Andersen, Sigmund J.

The interaction mechanisms between dislocations and semi-coherent, needle-shaped {beta} Prime precipitates in Al-Mg-Si alloys have been studied by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Dislocation loops appearing as broad contrast rings around the precipitate cross-sections were identified in the Al matrix. A size dependency of the interaction mechanism was observed; the precipitates were sheared when the longest dimension of their cross-section was shorter than approximately 15 nm, and looped otherwise. A more narrow ring located between the Al matrix and bulk {beta} Prime indicates the presence of a transition interface layer. Together with the bulk {beta} Prime structure, this wasmore » further investigated by High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM). In the bulk {beta} Prime a higher intensity could be correlated with a third of the Si-columns, as predicted from the published structure. The transition layer incorporates Si columns in the same arrangement as in bulk {beta} Prime , although it is structurally distinct from it. The Z-contrast information and arrangement of these Si-columns demonstrate that they are an extension of the Si-network known to structurally connect all the precipitate phases in the Al-Mg-Si(-Cu) system. The width of the interface layer was estimated to about 1 nm. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {beta} Prime is found to be looped at sizes larger than 15 nm (cross section diameter). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {beta} Prime is found to be sheared at sizes smaller than 15 nm (cross section diameter). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The recently determined crystal structure of {beta} Prime is confirmed by HAADF-STEM. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Between {beta} Prime and the Al-matrix a transition layer of about 1 nm is existent. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The {beta} Prime /matrix layer is structurally distinct from bulk {beta} Prime and the aluminium matrix.« less

Profile and Fate of Bacterial Pathogens in Sewage Treatment Plants Revealed by High-Throughput Metagenomic Approach.

PubMed

Li, Bing; Ju, Feng; Cai, Lin; Zhang, Tong

2015-09-01

The broad-spectrum profile of bacterial pathogens and their fate in sewage treatment plants (STPs) were investigated using high-throughput sequencing based metagenomic approach. This novel approach could provide a united platform to standardize bacterial pathogen detection and realize direct comparison among different samples. Totally, 113 bacterial pathogen species were detected in eight samples including influent, effluent, activated sludge (AS), biofilm, and anaerobic digestion sludge with the abundances ranging from 0.000095% to 4.89%. Among these 113 bacterial pathogens, 79 species were reported in STPs for the first time. Specially, compared to AS in bulk mixed liquor, more pathogen species and higher total abundance were detected in upper foaming layer of AS. This suggests that the foaming layer of AS might impose more threat to onsite workers and citizens in the surrounding areas of STPs because pathogens in foaming layer are easily transferred into air and cause possible infections. The high removal efficiency (98.0%) of total bacterial pathogens suggests that AS treatment process is effective to remove most bacterial pathogens. Remarkable similarities of bacterial pathogen compositions between influent and human gut indicated that bacterial pathogen profiles in influents could well reflect the average bacterial pathogen communities of urban resident guts within the STP catchment area.

Promoting Morphology with a Favorable Density of States Using Diiodooctane to Improve Organic Photovoltaic Device Efficiency and Charge Carrier Lifetimes

DOE PAGES

Garner, Logan E.; Bera, Abhijit; Larson, Bryon W.; ...

2017-06-06

Due to the inherent challenges in probing nanoscale properties within bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, the relationship between morphology and nanoscale electronic structure is not well understood. Here, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) dI/dV imaging and localized density of states (DOS) spectra to investigate the influence of additives on morphology in a high-performance OPV system. In short, we are able to correlate the use of diiodooctane (DIO) additive with significant changes to the distribution of the localized DOS, most notably a broader distribution of PCE10 polymer HOMO levels and PC70BM fullerene LUMO levels, asmore » well as significantly smaller domain sizes and significantly higher overall device efficiencies. We further correlate this data with a nearly 3-fold increase in charge carrier lifetimes in the active layer when DIO is employed, determined by time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) measurements. In conclusion, the results are consistent with the growing body of literature evidence that DIO promotes the formation of a polymer/fullerene mixed phase and therefore highlight the unique information that this combination of techniques can provide when investigating OPV active layer morphology.« less

Promoting Morphology with a Favorable Density of States Using Diiodooctane to Improve Organic Photovoltaic Device Efficiency and Charge Carrier Lifetimes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garner, Logan E.; Bera, Abhijit; Larson, Bryon W.

Due to the inherent challenges in probing nanoscale properties within bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, the relationship between morphology and nanoscale electronic structure is not well understood. Here, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) dI/dV imaging and localized density of states (DOS) spectra to investigate the influence of additives on morphology in a high-performance OPV system. In short, we are able to correlate the use of diiodooctane (DIO) additive with significant changes to the distribution of the localized DOS, most notably a broader distribution of PCE10 polymer HOMO levels and PC70BM fullerene LUMO levels, asmore » well as significantly smaller domain sizes and significantly higher overall device efficiencies. We further correlate this data with a nearly 3-fold increase in charge carrier lifetimes in the active layer when DIO is employed, determined by time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) measurements. In conclusion, the results are consistent with the growing body of literature evidence that DIO promotes the formation of a polymer/fullerene mixed phase and therefore highlight the unique information that this combination of techniques can provide when investigating OPV active layer morphology.« less

Optical models for radio-frequency-magnetron reactively sputtered AlN films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Easwarakhanthan, T.; Assouar, M. B.; Pigeat, P.; Alnot, P.

2005-10-01

The optical properties of aluminum nitrate (AlN) films reactively sputtered on Si substrates using radio-frequency (rf) magnetron have been studied in this work from multiwavelength spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements performed over the 290-615 nm wavelength range. The SE modeling carried out with care to adhere as much to the ellipsometric fitting qualities is also backed up with atomic force microscopy and x-ray-diffraction measurements taken on these films thus grown to nominal thicknesses from 40 to 150 nm under the same optimized experimental conditions. It follows that the model describing the optical properties of the thicker AlN films should consist at least in three layers on the Si substrate: an almost roughnessless smooth surface overlayer that is presumed essentially of Al2O3, a bulk AlN layer, and an AlN interface layer that has a refractive index dispersion falling in the range from 2.04 [312 nm] to 1.91 [615 nm] on the average and is fairly distinguishable from the slightly higher bulk layer index which drops correspondingly from 2.12 to 1.99. These index values imply that, beneath the partly or mostly oxidized surface AlN layer, the films comprise a polycrystalline-structured bulk AlN layer above a less-microstructurally-ordered interface layer that extends over 40-55 nm from the substrate among thicker films. This ellipsometric evidence indicating the existence of the interface layer is consistent with those interface layers confirmed through electron microscopy in some previous works. However, the ellipsometrically insufficient thinner AlN films may be only modeled with the surface layer and an AlN layer. The film surface oxide layer thickness varies between 5 and 15 nm among samples. The refractive index dispersions, the layer thicknesses, and the lateral thickness variation of the films are given and discussed regarding the optical constitution of these films and the ellipsometric validity of these parameters.

Merely Measuring the UV-Visible Spectrum of Gold Nanoparticles Can Change Their Charge State.

PubMed

Navarrete, Jose; Siefe, Chris; Alcantar, Samuel; Belt, Michael; Stucky, Galen D; Moskovits, Martin

2018-02-14

Metallic nanostructures exhibit a strong plasmon resonance at a wavelength whose value is sensitive to the charge density in the nanostructure, its size, shape, interparticle coupling, and the dielectric properties of its surrounding medium. Here we use UV-visible transmission and reflectance spectroscopy to track the shifts of the plasmon resonance in an array of gold nanoparticles buried under metal-oxide layers of varying thickness produced using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and then coated with bulk layers of one of three metals: aluminum, silver, or gold. A significant shift in the plasmon resonance was observed and a precise value of ω p , the plasmon frequency of the gold comprising the nanoparticles, was determined by modeling the composite of gold nanoparticles and metal-oxide layer as an optically homogeneous film of core-shell particles bounded by two substrates: one of quartz and the other being one of the aforementioned metals, then using a Maxwell-Garnett effective medium expression to extract ω p for the gold nanoparticles before and after coating with the bulk metals. Under illumination, the change in the charge density of the gold nanoparticles per particle determined from the change in the values of ω p is found to be some 50-fold greater than what traditional electrostatic contact electrification models compute based on the work function difference of the two conductive materials. Moreover, when using bulk gold as the capping layer, which should have resulted in a negligible charge exchange between the gold nanoparticles and the bulk gold, a significant charge transfer from the bulk gold layer to the nanoparticles was observed as with the other metals. We explain these observations in terms of the "plasmoelectric effect", recently described by Atwater and co-workers, in which the gold nanoparticles modify their charge density to allow their resonant wavelength to match that of the incident light, thereby achieving, a lower value of the chemical potential due to the entropy increase resulting from the conversion of the plasmon's energy to heat. We conclude that even the act of registering the spectrum of nanoparticles is at times sufficient to alter their charge densities and hence their UV-visible spectra.

A new approach to the problem of bulk-mediated surface diffusion.

PubMed

Berezhkovskii, Alexander M; Dagdug, Leonardo; Bezrukov, Sergey M

2015-08-28

This paper is devoted to bulk-mediated surface diffusion of a particle which can diffuse both on a flat surface and in the bulk layer above the surface. It is assumed that the particle is on the surface initially (at t = 0) and at time t, while in between it may escape from the surface and come back any number of times. We propose a new approach to the problem, which reduces its solution to that of a two-state problem of the particle transitions between the surface and the bulk layer, focusing on the cumulative residence times spent by the particle in the two states. These times are random variables, the sum of which is equal to the total observation time t. The advantage of the proposed approach is that it allows for a simple exact analytical solution for the double Laplace transform of the conditional probability density of the cumulative residence time spent on the surface by the particle observed for time t. This solution is used to find the Laplace transform of the particle mean square displacement and to analyze the peculiarities of its time behavior over the entire range of time. We also establish a relation between the double Laplace transform of the conditional probability density and the Fourier-Laplace transform of the particle propagator over the surface. The proposed approach treats the cases of both finite and infinite bulk layer thicknesses (where bulk-mediated surface diffusion is normal and anomalous at asymptotically long times, respectively) on equal footing.

Measurement of effective bulk and contact resistance of gas diffusion layer under inhomogeneous compression - Part I: Electrical conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vikram, Ajit; Chowdhury, Prabudhya Roy; Phillips, Ryan K.; Hoorfar, Mina

2016-07-01

This paper describes a measurement technique developed for the determination of the effective electrical bulk resistance of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the contact resistance distribution at the interface of the GDL and the bipolar plate (BPP). The novelty of this study is the measurement and separation of the bulk and contact resistance under inhomogeneous compression, occurring in an actual fuel cell assembly due to the presence of the channels and ribs on the bipolar plates. The measurement of the electrical contact resistance, contributing to nearly two-third of the ohmic losses in the fuel cell assembly, shows a non-linear distribution along the GDL/BPP interface. The effective bulk resistance of the GDL under inhomogeneous compression showed a decrease of nearly 40% compared to that estimated for homogeneous compression at different compression pressures. Such a decrease in the effective bulk resistance under inhomogeneous compression could be due to the non-uniform distribution of pressure under the ribs and the channels. This measurement technique can be used to identify optimum GDL, BPP and channel-rib structures based on minimum bulk and contact resistances measured under inhomogeneous compression.

Mineralogical Composition of Particle-Size Fractions of Solonetzes from the North Crimean Lowland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chizhikova, N. P.; Khitrov, N. B.; Tronza, G. E.; Kol'tsov, S. A.; Varlamov, E. B.; Chechetko, E. S.; Churilin, N. A.

2017-12-01

Data on the mineralogical composition of clay (<1 μm), fine silt (1-5 μm), medium silt (5-10 μm), and coarser (>10 μm) fractions of meadow solonchakous solonetzes (Calcic Gypsic Salic Stagnic Solonetz (Albic, Siltic, Columnic, Cutanic, Differentic)) developing from loesslike loam and clay in the North Crimean Lowland are presented. Fractions >5 μm constitute nearly 50% of the soil mass and are characterized by the same mineralogical composition in the entire profile; they consist of quartz, plagioclases, potassium feldspars, and micas (biotite and muscovite). The eluvial-illuvial redistribution of clay in the course of solonetzic process is accompanied by changes in the portion of mixed-layer minerals and hydromicas in the upper part of the profile; a larger part of the smectitic phase is transformed into the superdisperse state. In the eluvial SEL horizon and in the illuvial BSN horizon, the clay fraction is impoverished in smectitic phase and enriched in trioctahedral hydromicas. Upon calculation of the content of clay minerals per bulk soil mass, the distribution of mixed-layer minerals is either eluvial, or eluvial-illuvial, whereas the distribution of hydromicas has an illuvial pattern without distinct eluvial minimum in the SEL horizons. The eluvial-illuvial distribution pattern of clay minerals in solonetzes of the North Crimean Lowland is compared with the distribution pattern of clay minerals in solonetzes of the West Siberian Lowland. Coefficients characterizing differentiation of solonetzes by the contents of particular mineral components are suggested.

Difference between blocking and Néel temperatures in the exchange biased Fe3O4/CoO system.

PubMed

van der Zaag, P J; Ijiri, Y; Borchers, J A; Feiner, L F; Wolf, R M; Gaines, J M; Erwin, R W; Verheijen, M A

2000-06-26

The blocking temperature T(B) has been determined as a function of the antiferromagnetic layer thickness in the Fe3O4/CoO exchange biased system. For CoO layers thinner than 50 A, T(B) is reduced below the Néel temperature T(N) of bulk CoO (291 K), independent of crystallographic orientation or film substrate ( alpha-Al2O3, SrTiO3, and MgO). Neutron diffraction studies show that T(B) does not track the CoO ordering temperature and, hence, that this reduction in T(B) does not arise from finite-size scaling. Instead, the ordering temperature of the CoO layers is enhanced above the bulk T(N) for layer thicknesses approximately less than or equal to 100 A due to the proximity of magnetic Fe3O4 layers.

Coastal Ocean Variability Off the Coast of Taiwan in Response toTyphoon Morakot: River Forcing, Atmospheric Forcing, and Cold Dome Dynamics

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

very short time period and in this research, we model and study the effects of this rainfall on Taiwan?s coastal oceans as a result of river discharge...model and study the effects of this rainfall on Taiwan’s coastal oceans as a result of river discharge. We do this through the use of a river discharge... Effects of Footprint Shape on the Bulk Mixing Model . . . . . . . . . 57 4.2 Effects of the Horizontal Extent of the Bulk Mixing Model . . . . . . 59

An ocean large-eddy simulation of Langmuir circulations and convection in the surface mixed layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skyllingstad, E.D.; Denbo, D.W.

Numerical experiments were performed using a three-dimensional large-eddy simulation model of the ocean surface mixed layer that includes the Craik-Leibovich vortex force to parameterize the interaction of surface waves with mean currents. Results from the experiments show that the vortex force generates Langmuir circulations that can dominate vertical mixing. The simulated vertical velocity fields show linear, small-scale, coherent structures near the surface that extend downwind across the model domain. In the interior of the mixed layer, scales of motion increase to eddy sizes that are roughly equivalent to the mixed-layer depth. Cases with the vortex force have stronger circulations nearmore » the surface in contrast to cases with only heat flux and wind stress, particularly when the heat flux is positive. Calculations of the velocity variance and turbulence dissipation rates for cases with and without the vortex force, surface cooling, and wind stress indicate that wave-current interactions are a dominant mixing process in the upper mixed layer. Heat flux calculations show that the entrainment rate at the mixed-layer base can be up to two times greater when the vortex force is included. In a case with reduced wind stress, turbulence dissipation rates remained high near the surface because of the vortex force interaction with preexisting inertial currents. In deep mixed layers ({approximately}250 m) the simulations show that Langmuir circulations can vertically transport water 145 m during conditions of surface heating. Observations of turbulence dissipation rates and the vertical temperature structure support the model results. 42 refs., 20 figs., 21 tabs.« less

Upper Ocean Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) from Multi-sensor Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gierach, M. M.; Bulusu, S.

2006-12-01

Analysis of satellite observations and model simulations of the mixed layer provided an opportunity to assess the biological and physical effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005) in the Gulf of Mexico. Oceanic cyclonic circulation was intensified by the hurricanes' wind field, maximizing upwelling, surface cooling, and deepening the mixed layer. Two areas of maximum surface chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface cooling were detected with peak intensities ranging from 2-3 mg m-3 and 4-6°C, along the tracks of Katrina and Rita. The temperature of the mixed layer cooled approximately 2°C and the depth of the mixed layer deepened by approximately 33-52 m. The forced deepening of the mixed layer injected nutrients into the euphotic zone, generating phytoplankton blooms 3-5 days after the passage of Katrina and Rita (2005).

Efficient Bulk Heterojunction CH3NH3PbI3-TiO2 Solar Cells with TiO2 Nanoparticles at Grain Boundaries of Perovskite by Multi-Cycle-Coating Strategy.

PubMed

Shao, Jun; Yang, Songwang; Liu, Yan

2017-05-17

A novel bulk heterojunction (BHJ) perovskite solar cell (PSC), where the perovskite grains act as donor and the TiO 2 nanoparticles act as acceptor, is reported. This efficient BHJ PSC was simply solution processed from a mixed precursor of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (MAPbI 3 ) and TiO 2 nanoparticles. With dissolution and recrystallization by multi-cycle-coating, a unique composite structure ranging from a MAPbI 3 -TiO 2 -dominated layer on the substrate side to a pure perovskite layer on the top side is formed, which is beneficial for the blocking of possible contact between TiO 2 and the hole transport material at the interface. Scanning electron microscopy clearly shows that TiO 2 nanoparticles accumulate along the grain boundaries (GBs) of perovskite. The TiO 2 nanoparticles at the GBs quickly extract and reserve photogenerated electrons before they transport into the perovskite phase, as described in the multitrapping model, retarding the electron-hole recombination and reducing the energy loss, resulting in increased V OC and fill factor. Moreover, the pinning effect of the TiO 2 nanoparticles at the GBs from the strong bindings between TiO 2 and MAPbI 3 suppresses massive ion migration along the GBs, leading to improved operational stability and diminished hysteresis. Photoluminescence (PL) quenching and PL decay confirm the efficient exciton dissociation on the heterointerface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open-circuit photovoltage decay measurements show the reduced recombination loss and improved carrier lifetime of the BHJ PSCs. This novel strategy of device design effectively combines the benefits of both planar and mesostructured architectures whilst avoiding their shortcomings, eventually leading to a high PCE of 17.42% under 1 Sun illumination. The newly proposed approach also provides a new way to fabricate a TiO 2 -containing perovskite active layer at a low temperature.

Processes that generate and deplete liquid water and snow in thin midlevel mixed-phase clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Adam J.; Larson, Vincent E.; Niu, Jianguo; Kankiewicz, J. Adam; Carey, Lawrence D.

2009-06-01

This paper uses a numerical model to investigate microphysical, radiative, and dynamical processes in mixed-phase altostratocumulus clouds. Three cloud cases are chosen for study, each of which was observed by aircraft during the fifth or ninth Complex Layered Cloud Experiment (CLEX). These three clouds are numerically modeled using large-eddy simulation (LES). The observed and modeled clouds consist of a mixed-phase layer with a quasi-adiabatic profile of liquid, and a virga layer below that consists of snow. A budget of cloud (liquid) water mixing ratio is constructed from the simulations. It shows that large-scale ascent/descent, radiative cooling/heating, turbulent transport, and microphysical processes are all significant. Liquid is depleted indirectly via depositional growth of snow (the Bergeron-Findeisen process). This process is more influential than depletion of liquid via accretional growth of snow. Also constructed is a budget of snow mixing ratio, which turns out to be somewhat simpler. It shows that snow grows by deposition in and below the liquid (mixed-phase) layer, and sublimates in the remainder of the virga region below. The deposition and sublimation are balanced primarily by sedimentation, which transports the snow from the growth region to the sublimation region below. In our three clouds, the vertical extent of the virga layer is influenced more by the profile of saturation ratio below the liquid (mixed-phase) layer than by the mixing ratio of snow at the top of the virga layer.

Computational prediction of the electronic structure and optical properties of graphene-like β-CuN3.

PubMed

Zhang, Xu; Zhao, Xudong; Jing, Yu; Wu, Dihua; Zhou, Zhen

2015-12-21

Recently, a new polymorph of the highly energetic phase β-CuN3 has been synthesized. By hybrid density functional computations, we investigated the structural, electronic and optical properties of β-CuN3 bulk and layers. Due to the quantum confinement effect, the band gap of the monolayer (2.39 eV) is larger than that of the bulk (2.23 eV). The layer number affects the configuration and the band gap. β-CuN3 shows both ionic and covalent characters, and could be stable in the infrared and visible spectrum and would decompose under ultraviolet light. The results imply that bulk β-CuN3 could be used as an energetic material.

Effect of surface morphology on friction of graphene on various substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Dae-Hyun; Wang, Lei; Kim, Jin-Seon; Lee, Gwan-Hyoung; Kim, Eok Su; Lee, Sunhee; Lee, Sang Yoon; Hone, James; Lee, Changgu

2013-03-01

The friction of graphene on various substrates, such as SiO2, h-BN, bulk-like graphene, and mica, was investigated to characterize the adhesion level between graphene and the underlying surface. The friction of graphene on SiO2 decreased with increasing thickness and converged around the penta-layers due to incomplete contact between the two surfaces. However, the friction of graphene on an atomically flat substrate, such as h-BN or bulk-like graphene, was low and comparable to that of bulk-like graphene. In contrast, the friction of graphene folded onto bulk-like graphene was indistinguishable from that of mono-layer graphene on SiO2 despite the ultra-smoothness of bulk-like graphene. The characterization of the graphene's roughness before and after folding showed that the corrugation of graphene induced by SiO2 morphology was preserved even after it was folded onto an atomically flat substrate. In addition, graphene deposited on mica, when folded, preserved the same corrugation level as before the folding event. Our friction measurements revealed that graphene, once exfoliated from the bulk crystal, tends to maintain its corrugation level even after it is folded onto an atomically flat substrate and that ultra-flatness in both graphene and the substrate is required to achieve the intimate contact necessary for strong adhesion.The friction of graphene on various substrates, such as SiO2, h-BN, bulk-like graphene, and mica, was investigated to characterize the adhesion level between graphene and the underlying surface. The friction of graphene on SiO2 decreased with increasing thickness and converged around the penta-layers due to incomplete contact between the two surfaces. However, the friction of graphene on an atomically flat substrate, such as h-BN or bulk-like graphene, was low and comparable to that of bulk-like graphene. In contrast, the friction of graphene folded onto bulk-like graphene was indistinguishable from that of mono-layer graphene on SiO2 despite the ultra-smoothness of bulk-like graphene. The characterization of the graphene's roughness before and after folding showed that the corrugation of graphene induced by SiO2 morphology was preserved even after it was folded onto an atomically flat substrate. In addition, graphene deposited on mica, when folded, preserved the same corrugation level as before the folding event. Our friction measurements revealed that graphene, once exfoliated from the bulk crystal, tends to maintain its corrugation level even after it is folded onto an atomically flat substrate and that ultra-flatness in both graphene and the substrate is required to achieve the intimate contact necessary for strong adhesion. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Sample preparation method, identification of graphene thickness, AFM and FFM measurements. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr34181j

Tropical warm pool rainfall variability and impact on upper ocean variability throughout the Madden-Julian oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Elizabeth J.

Heating and rain freshening often stabilize the upper tropical ocean, bringing the ocean mixed layer depth to the sea surface. Thin mixed layer depths concentrate subsequent fluxes of heat, momentum, and freshwater in a thin layer. Rapid heating and cooling of the tropical sea surface is important for controlling or triggering atmospheric convection. Ocean mixed layer depth and SST variability due to rainfall events have not been as comprehensively explored as the ocean's response to heating or momentum fluxes, but are very important to understand in the tropical warm pool where precipitation exceeds evaporation and many climate phenomena such as ENSO and the MJO (Madden Julian Oscillation) originate. The first part of the dissertation investigates tropical, oceanic convective and stratiform rainfall variability and determines how to most accurately estimate rainfall accumulation with radar from each rain type. The second, main part of the dissertation uses central Indian Ocean salinity and temperature microstructure measurements and surrounding radar-derived rainfall maps throughout two DYNAMO MJO events to determine the impact of precipitating systems on upper-ocean mixed layer depth and resulting SST variability. The ocean mixed layer was as shallow as 0-5 m during 528/1071 observation hours throughout 2 MJOs (54% of the data record). Out of 43 observation days, thirty-eight near-surface mixed layer depth events were attributed to freshwater stabilization, called rain-formed mixed layers (RFLs). Thirty other mixed layer stratification events were classified as diurnal warm layers (DWLs) due to stable temperature stratification by daytime heating. RFLs and DWLs were observed to interact in two ways: 1) RFLs fill preexisting DWLs and add to total near-surface mixed layer stratification, which occurred ten times; 2) RFLs last long enough to heat, creating a new DWL on top of the RFL, which happened nine times. These combination stratification events were responsible for the highest SST warming rates and some of the highest SSTs leading up to the most active precipitation and wind stage of the each MJO. DWLs without RFL interaction helped produce the highest SSTs in suppressed MJO conditions. As storm intensity, frequency, duration, and the ability of storms to maintain stratiform rain areas increased, RFLS became more common in the disturbed and active MJO phases. Along with the barrier layer, DWL and RFL stratification events helped suppress wind-mixing, cooling, and mixed layer deepening throughout the MJO. We hypothesize that both salinity and temperature stratification events, and their interactions, are important for controlling SST variability and therefore MJO initiation in the Indian Ocean. Most RFLs were caused by submesoscale and mesoscale convective systems with stratiform rain components and local rain accumulations above 10 mm but with winds mostly below 8 m s-1. We hypothesize that the stratiform rain components of storms helped stratify the ocean by providing weak but widespread, steady, long-lived freshwater fluxes. Although generally limited to rain rates ≤ 10 mm hr-1, it is demonstrated that stratiform rain can exert a strong buoyancy flux into the ocean, i.e. as high as maximum daytime solar heating. Storm morphology and the preexisting vertical structure of ocean stability were critical in determining ocean mixed layer depth variability in the presence of rain. Therefore, we suggest that high spatial and temporal resolution coupled ocean-atmosphere models that can parameterize or resolve storm morphology as well as ocean mixed layer and barrier layer evolution are needed to reproduce the diurnal and intraseasonal SST variability documented throughout the MJO.

An experimental study of secondary vortex structure in mixing layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, J. H.; Mehta, Rabindra D.

1990-01-01

This report covers the first eight months of an experimental research project on the secondary vortex structure in plane mixing layers. The aim of the project is to obtain quantitative data on the behavior of the secondary structure in a turbulent mixing layer at reasonable reynolds numbers (Re(sub delta(sub w)) approx. 50,000). In particular, we hope to resolve the questions of how the scale of the secondary vortex structure changes with the scale of the mixing layer, and whether the structures are fixed in space, or whether they 'meander' in the spanwise direction.

Direct measurement of the propagation velocity of defects using coherent X-rays

DOE PAGES

Ulbrandt, Jeffrey G.; Rainville, Meliha G.; Wagenbach, Christa; ...

2016-03-28

The properties of artificially grown thin films are often strongly affected by the dynamic relationships between surface growth processes and subsurface structure. Coherent mixing of X-ray signals promises to provide an approach to better understand such processes. Here, we demonstrate the continuously variable mixing of surface and bulk scattering signals during realtime studies of sputter deposition of a-Si and a-WSi2 films by controlling the X-ray penetration and escape depths in coherent grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Under conditions where the X-ray signal comes from both the growth surface and the thin film bulk, oscillations in temporal correlations arise from coherent interferencemore » between scattering from stationary bulk features and from the advancing surface. We also observe evidence that elongated bulk features propagate upwards at the same velocity as the surface. Moreover, a highly surface-sensitive mode is demonstrated that can access the surface dynamics independently of the subsurface structure.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Chunqing; Smith, R. Scott; Kay, Bruce D.

The crystallization kinetics of nanoscale amorphous solid water (ASW) films are investigated using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). TPD measurements are used to probe surface crystallization and RAIRS measurements are used to probe bulk crystallization. Isothermal TPD results show that surface crystallization is independent of the film thickness (from 100 to 1000 ML). Conversely, the RAIRS measurements show that the bulk crystallization time increases linearly with increasing film thickness. These results suggest that nucleation and crystallization begin at the ASW/vacuum interface and then the crystallization growth front propagates linearly into the bulk. This mechanism was confirmedmore » by selective placement of an isotopic layer (5% D2O in H2O) at various positions in an ASW (H2O) film. In this case, the closer the isotopic layer was to the vacuum interface, the earlier the isotopic layer crystallized. These experiments provide direct evidence to confirm that ASW crystallization in vacuum proceeds by a “top-down” crystallization mechanism.« less

Probing topological Fermi-Arcs and bulk boundary correspondence in the Weyl semimetal TaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batabyal, Rajib; Morali, Noam; Avraham, Nurit; Sun, Yan; Schmidt, Marcus; Felser, Claudia; Stern, Ady; Yan, Binghai; Beidenkopf, Haim

The relation between surface Fermi-arcs and bulk Weyl cones in a Weyl semimetal, uniquely allows to study the notion of bulk to surface correspondence. We visualize these topological Fermi arc states on the surface of the Weyl semi-metal tantalum arsenide using scanning tunneling spectroscopy. Its surface hosts 12 Fermi arcs amongst several other surface bands of non-topological origin. We detect the possible scattering processes of surface bands in which Fermi arcs are involved including intra- and inter arc scatterings and arc-trivial scatterings. Each of the measured scattering processes entails additional information on the unique nature of Fermi arcs in tantalum arsenide: their contour, their energy-momentum dispersion and its relation with the bulk Weyl nodes. We further identify a sharp distinction between the wave function's spatial distribution of topological versus trivial bands. The non-topological surface bands, which are derived from the arsenic dangling bonds, are tightly bound to the arsenic termination layer. In contrast, the Fermi-arc bands reside on the deeper tantalum layer, penetrating into the bulk, which is predominantly derived from tantalum orbitals.

Determination of the band parameters of bulk 2H-MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Kim, Beom Seo; Rhim, Jun-Won; Kim, Beomyoung; Kim, Changyoung; Park, Seung Ryong

2016-01-01

Monolayer MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) has recently been drawn much attention due to their application possibility as well as the novel valley physics. On the other hand, it is also important to understand the electronic structures of bulk MX2 for material applications since it is very challenging to grow large size uniform and sustainable monolayer MX2. We performed angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and tight binding calculations to investigate the electronic structures of bulk 2H-MX2. We could extract all the important electronic band parameters for bulk 2H-MX2, including the band gap, direct band gap size at K (-K) point and spin splitting size. Upon comparing the parameters for bulk 2H-MX2 (our work) with mono- and multi-layer MX2 (published), we found that stacked layers, substrates for thin films, and carrier concentration significantly affect the parameters, especially the band gap size. The origin of such effect is discussed in terms of the screening effect. PMID:27805019

Nonlinear Stability and Structure of Compressible Reacting Mixing Layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Day, M. J.; Mansour, N. N.; Reynolds, W. C.

2000-01-01

The parabolized stability equations (PSE) are used to investigate issues of nonlinear flow development and mixing in compressible reacting shear layers. Particular interest is placed on investigating the change in flow structure that occurs when compressibility and heat release are added to the flow. These conditions allow the 'outer' instability modes- one associated with each of the fast and slow streams-to dominate over the 'central', Kelvin-Helmholtz mode that unaccompanied in incompressible nonreacting mixing layers. Analysis of scalar probability density functions in flows with dominant outer modes demonstrates the ineffective, one-sided nature of mixing that accompany these flow structures. Colayer conditions, where two modes have equal growth rate and the mixing layer is formed by two sets of vortices, offer some opportunity for mixing enhancement. Their extent, however, is found to be limited in the mixing layer's parameter space. Extensive validation of the PSE technique also provides a unique perspective on central- mode vortex pairing, further supporting the view that pairing is primarily governed perspective sheds insight on how linear stability theory is able to provide such an accurate prediction of experimentally-observed, fully nonlinear flow phenomenon.

Coupling with ocean mixed layer leads to intraseasonal variability in tropical deep convection: Evidence from cloud-resolving simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anber, Usama; Wang, Shuguang; Sobel, Adam

2017-03-01

The effect of coupling a slab ocean mixed layer to atmospheric convection is examined in cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations in vertically sheared and unsheared environments without Coriolis force, with the large-scale circulation parameterized using the Weak Temperature Gradient (WTG) approximation. Surface fluxes of heat and moisture as well as radiative fluxes are fully interactive, and the vertical profile of domain-averaged horizontal wind is strongly relaxed toward specified profiles with vertical shear that varies from one simulation to the next. Vertical wind shear is found to play a critical role in the simulated behavior. There exists a threshold value of the shear strength above which the coupled system develops regular oscillations between deep convection and dry nonprecipitating states, similar to those found earlier in a much more idealized model which did not consider wind shear. The threshold value of the vertical shear found here varies with the depth of the ocean mixed layer. The time scale of the spontaneously generated oscillations also varies with mixed layer depth, from 10 days with a 1 m deep mixed layer to 50 days with a 10 m deep mixed layer. The results suggest the importance of the interplay between convection organized by vertical wind shear, radiative feedbacks, large-scale dynamics, and ocean mixed layer heat storage in real intraseasonal oscillations.

Southern Ocean Mixed-Layer Seasonal and Interannual Variations From Combined Satellite and In Situ Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buongiorno Nardelli, B.; Guinehut, S.; Verbrugge, N.; Cotroneo, Y.; Zambianchi, E.; Iudicone, D.

2017-12-01

The depth of the upper ocean mixed layer provides fundamental information on the amount of seawater that directly interacts with the atmosphere. Its space-time variability modulates water mass formation and carbon sequestration processes related to both the physical and biological pumps. These processes are particularly relevant in the Southern Ocean, where surface mixed-layer depth estimates are generally obtained either as climatological fields derived from in situ observations or through numerical simulations. Here we demonstrate that weekly observation-based reconstructions can be used to describe the variations of the mixed-layer depth in the upper ocean over a range of space and time scales. We compare and validate four different products obtained by combining satellite measurements of the sea surface temperature, salinity, and dynamic topography and in situ Argo profiles. We also compute an ensemble mean and use the corresponding spread to estimate mixed-layer depth uncertainties and to identify the more reliable products. The analysis points out the advantage of synergistic approaches that include in input the sea surface salinity observations obtained through a multivariate optimal interpolation. Corresponding data allow to assess mixed-layer depth seasonal and interannual variability. Specifically, the maximum correlations between mixed-layer anomalies and the Southern Annular Mode are found at different time lags, related to distinct summer/winter responses in the Antarctic Intermediate Water and Sub-Antarctic Mode Waters main formation areas.

Kinetic multi-layer model of the epithelial lining fluid (KM-ELF): Reactions of ozone and OH with antioxidants and surfactant molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lakey, Pascale; Pöschl, Ulrich; Shiraiwa, Manabu

2015-04-01

Oxidants cause damage to biosurfaces such as the lung epithelium unless they are effectively scavenged. The respiratory tract is covered in a thin layer of fluid which extends from the nasal cavity to the alveoli and contain species that scavenge ozone and other incoming oxidants. The kinetic multi-layer model of the epithelial lining fluid (KM-ELF) has been developed in order to investigate the reactions of ozone and OH with antioxidants (ascorbate, uric acid, glutathione and α-tocopherol) and surfactant lipids and proteins within the epithelial lining fluid (ELF). The model incorporates different processes: gas phase diffusion, adsorption and desorption from the surface, bulk phase diffusion and known reactions at the surface and in the bulk. The ELF is split into many layers: a sorption layer, a surfactant layer, a near surface bulk layer and several bulk layers. Initial results using KM-ELF indicate that at ELF thicknesses of 80 nm and 1 × 10-4cm the ELF would become rapidly saturated with ozone with saturation occurring in less than a second. However, at an ELF thickness of 1 × 10-3cm concentration gradients were observed throughout the ELF and the presence of antioxidants reduced the O3 reaching the lung cells and tissues by 40% after 1 hour of exposure. In contrast, the antioxidants were efficient scavengers of OH radicals, although the large rate constants of OH reacting with the antioxidants resulted in the antioxidants decaying away rapidly. The chemical half-lives of the antioxidants and surface species were also calculated using KM-ELF as a function of O3 and OH concentration and ELF thickness. Finally, the pH dependence of the products of reactions between antioxidants and O3 were investigated. The KM-ELF model predicted that a harmful ascorbate ozonide product would increase from 1.4 × 1011cm-3at pH 7.4 to 1.1 × 1014 cm-3 at pH 4after 1 hour although a uric acid ozonide product would decrease from 2.0 × 1015cm-3to 5.9 × 1012cm-3.

Direct simulations of chemically reacting turbulent mixing layers, part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metcalfe, Ralph W.; Mcmurtry, Patrick A.; Jou, Wen-Huei; Riley, James J.; Givi, Peyman

1988-01-01

The results of direct numerical simulations of chemically reacting turbulent mixing layers are presented. This is an extension of earlier work to a more detailed study of previous three dimensional simulations of cold reacting flows plus the development, validation, and use of codes to simulate chemically reacting shear layers with heat release. Additional analysis of earlier simulations showed good agreement with self similarity theory and laboratory data. Simulations with a two dimensional code including the effects of heat release showed that the rate of chemical product formation, the thickness of the mixing layer, and the amount of mass entrained into the layer all decrease with increasing rates of heat release. Subsequent three dimensional simulations showed similar behavior, in agreement with laboratory observations. Baroclinic torques and thermal expansion in the mixing layer were found to produce changes in the flame vortex structure that act to diffuse the pairing vortices, resulting in a net reduction in vorticity. Previously unexplained anomalies observed in the mean velocity profiles of reacting jets and mixing layers were shown to result from vorticity generation by baroclinic torques.

Optically transduced MEMS gyro device

DOEpatents

Nielson, Gregory N; Bogart, Gregory R; Langlois, Eric; Okandan, Murat

2014-05-20

A bulk micromachined vibratory gyro in which a proof mass has a bulk substrate thickness for a large mass and high inertial sensitivity. In embodiments, optical displacement transduction is with multi-layer sub-wavelength gratings for high sensitivity and low cross-talk with non-optical drive elements. In embodiments, the vibratory gyro includes a plurality of multi-layer sub-wavelength gratings and a plurality of drive electrodes to measure motion of the proof mass induced by drive forces and/or moments and induced by the Coriolis Effect when the gyro experiences a rotation. In embodiments, phase is varied across the plurality gratings and a multi-layer grating having the best performance is selected from the plurality.

Surface Josephson plasma waves in layered superconductors above the plasma frequency: evidence for a negative index of refraction.

PubMed

Golick, V A; Kadygrob, D V; Yampol'skii, V A; Rakhmanov, A L; Ivanov, B A; Nori, Franco

2010-05-07

We predict a new branch of surface Josephson plasma waves (SJPWs) in layered superconductors for frequencies higher than the Josephson plasma frequency. In this frequency range, the permittivity tensor components along and transverse to the layers have different signs, which is usually associated with negative refraction. However, for these frequencies, the bulk Josephson plasma waves cannot be matched with the incident and reflected waves in the vacuum, and, instead of the negative-refractive properties, abnormal surface modes appear within the frequency band expected for bulk modes. We also discuss the excitation of high-frequency SJPWs by means of the attenuated-total-reflection method.

Communication: Local energetic analysis of the interfacial and surface energies of graphene from the single layer to graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocherlakota, Lakshmi S.; Krajina, Brad A.; Overney, René M.

2015-12-01

Recent advances in scanning probe methods that provide direct access to the surface free energy of inorganic layered materials in terms of the Hamaker constant yield energetic values for monolayer graphene that differ substantially, by a factor of around 0.4, from bulk graphite. The onset of bulk deviating energy values was observed at a multilayer slab thickness of ˜3 nm, corresponding to a layer number of 10. The findings, complemented with extractions from water contact angle measurements and calculated interlayer binding energies, find short-range ordinary van der Waals interactions to be most prominently affected by dimensional constraints and many-body interactions.

Communication: Local energetic analysis of the interfacial and surface energies of graphene from the single layer to graphite.

PubMed

Kocherlakota, Lakshmi S; Krajina, Brad A; Overney, René M

2015-12-28

Recent advances in scanning probe methods that provide direct access to the surface free energy of inorganic layered materials in terms of the Hamaker constant yield energetic values for monolayer graphene that differ substantially, by a factor of around 0.4, from bulk graphite. The onset of bulk deviating energy values was observed at a multilayer slab thickness of ∼3 nm, corresponding to a layer number of 10. The findings, complemented with extractions from water contact angle measurements and calculated interlayer binding energies, find short-range ordinary van der Waals interactions to be most prominently affected by dimensional constraints and many-body interactions.

Controlled Gas Exfoliation of Boron Nitride into Few-Layered Nanosheets

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Wenshuai; Gao, Xiang; Li, Qian; ...

2016-07-22

The controlled exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into single- or few-layered nanosheets remains a grand challenge and becomes the bottleneck to essential studies and applications of h-BN. Here, we present an efficient strategy for the scalable synthesis of few-layered h-BN nanosheets (BNNS) via a novel gas exfoliation of bulk h-BN in liquid N 2 (L-N 2). The essence of this strategy lies in the combination of a high temperature triggered expansion of bulk h-BN and the cryogenic L-N 2 gasification to exfoliate the h-BN. The produced BNNS after ten cycles (BNNS-10) consisted primarily of fewer than five atomic layersmore » with high a mass yield of 16~20%. N 2 sorption and desorption isotherms show that the BNNS-10 exhibited a much higher specific surface area of 278 m 2/g –1 than that of bulk BN (10 m 2/g –1). Through the investigation of the exfoliated intermediates combined with a theoretical calculation, we found that the huge temperature variation initiates the expansion and curling of the bulk h-BN. Subseqently, the L-N 2 penetrates into the interlayers of h-BN along the curling edge, followed by an immediate drastic gasification of L-N 2, further peeling off h-BN. In conclusion, this novel gas exfoliation of high surface area BNNS not only opens up potential opportunities for wide applications, but also can be extended to produce other layered materials with high yeilds.« less

Multiple charge density wave states at the surface of TbT e 3

DOE PAGES

Fu, Ling; Kraft, Aaron M.; Sharma, Bishnu; ...

2016-11-01

We studied TbTe 3 using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in the temperature range of 298–355 K. Our measurements detect a unidirectional charge density wave (CDW) state in the surface Te layer with a wave vector consistent with that of the bulk q CDW = 0.30 ± 0.01c*. However, unlike previous STM measurements, and differing from measurements probing the bulk, we detect two perpendicular orientations for the unidirectional CDW with no directional preference for the in-plane crystal axes (a or c axis) and no noticeable difference in wave vector magnitude. In addition, we find regions in which the bidirectional CDW statesmore » coexist. We propose that observation of two unidirectional CDW states indicates a decoupling of the surface Te layer from the rare-earth block layer below, and that strain variations in the Te surface layer drive the local CDW direction to the specific unidirectional or, in rare occurrences, bidirectional CDW orders observed. This indicates that similar driving mechanisms for CDW formation in the bulk, where anisotropic lattice strain energy is important, are at play at the surface. Furthermore, the wave vectors for the bidirectional order we observe differ from those theoretically predicted for checkerboard order competing with stripe order in a Fermi-surface nesting scenario, suggesting that factors beyond Fermi-surface nesting drive CDW order in TbTe 3. As a result, our temperature-dependent measurements provide evidence for localized CDW formation above the bulk transition temperature T CDW.« less

Coupling of the hydration water dynamics and the internal dynamics of actin detected by quasielastic neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fujiwara, Satoru, E-mail: fujiwara.satoru@jaea.go.jp; Plazanet, Marie; Oda, Toshiro

2013-02-15

Highlights: ► Quasielastic neutron scattering spectra of F-actin and G-actin were measured. ► Analysis of the samples in D{sub 2}O and H{sub 2}O provided the spectra of hydration water. ► The first layer hydration water around F-actin is less mobile than around G-actin. ► This difference in hydration water is in concert with the internal dynamics of actin. ► Water outside the first layer behaves bulk-like but influenced by the first layer. -- Abstract: In order to characterize dynamics of water molecules around F-actin and G-actin, quasielastic neutron scattering experiments were performed on powder samples of F-actin and G-actin, hydratedmore » either with D{sub 2}O or H{sub 2}O, at hydration ratios of 0.4 and 1.0. By combined analysis of the quasielastic neutron scattering spectra, the parameter values characterizing the dynamics of the water molecules in the first hydration layer and those of the water molecules outside of the first layer were obtained. The translational diffusion coefficients (D{sub T}) of the hydration water in the first layer were found to be 1.2 × 10{sup −5} cm{sup 2}/s and 1.7 × 10{sup −5} cm{sup 2}/s for F-actin and G-actin, respectively, while that for bulk water was 2.8 × 10{sup −5} cm{sup 2}/s. The residence times were 6.6 ps and 5.0 ps for F-actin and G-actin, respectively, while that for bulk water was 0.62 ps. These differences between F-actin and G-actin, indicating that the hydration water around G-actin is more mobile than that around F-actin, are in concert with the results of the internal dynamics of F-actin and G-actin, showing that G-actin fluctuates more rapidly than F-actin. This implies that the dynamics of the hydration water is coupled to the internal dynamics of the actin molecules. The D{sub T} values of the water molecules outside of the first hydration layer were found to be similar to that of bulk water though the residence times are strongly affected by the first hydration layer. This supports the recent observation on intracellular water that shows bulk-like behavior.« less

Self-assembly Columnar Structure in Active Layer of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Cheng; Segui, Jennifer; Yu, Yingjie; Li, Hongfei; Akgun, Bulent; Satijia, Sushil. K.; Gersappe, Dilip; Nam, Chang-Yong; Rafailovich, Miriam

2012-02-01

Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells are an area of intense interest due to their flexibility and relatively low cost. However, due to the disordered inner structure in active layer, the power conversion efficiency of BHJ solar cell is relatively low. Our research provides the method to produce ordered self-assembly columnar structure within active layer of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell by introducing polystyrene (PS) into the active layer. The blend thin film of polystyrene, poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) at different ratio are spin coated on substrate and annealed in vacuum oven for certain time. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show uniform phase segregation on the surface of polymer blend thin film and highly ordered columnar structure is then proven by etching the film with ion sputtering. TEM cross-section technology is also used to investigate the column structure. Neutron reflectometry was taken to establish the confinement of PCBM at the interface of PS and P3HT. The different morphological structures formed via phase segregation will be correlated with the performance of the PEV cells to be fabricated at the BNL-CFN.

Common electronic origin of superconductivity in (Li,Fe)OHFeSe bulk superconductor and single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lin; Liang, Aiji; Yuan, Dongna; Hu, Yong; Liu, Defa; Huang, Jianwei; He, Shaolong; Shen, Bing; Xu, Yu; Liu, Xu; Yu, Li; Liu, Guodong; Zhou, Huaxue; Huang, Yulong; Dong, Xiaoli; Zhou, Fang; Liu, Kai; Lu, Zhongyi; Zhao, Zhongxian; Chen, Chuangtian; Xu, Zuyan; Zhou, X. J.

2016-01-01

The mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity in the iron-based superconductors remains an outstanding issue in condensed matter physics. The electronic structure plays an essential role in dictating superconductivity. Recent revelation of distinct electronic structure and high-temperature superconductivity in the single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films provides key information on the role of Fermi surface topology and interface in inducing or enhancing superconductivity. Here we report high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements on the electronic structure and superconducting gap of an FeSe-based superconductor, (Li0.84Fe0.16)OHFe0.98Se, with a Tc at 41 K. We find that this single-phase bulk superconductor shows remarkably similar electronic behaviours to that of the superconducting single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films in terms of Fermi surface topology, band structure and the gap symmetry. These observations provide new insights in understanding high-temperature superconductivity in the single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films and the mechanism of superconductivity in the bulk iron-based superconductors. PMID:26853801

Thermoelectric properties of single-layered SnSe sheet.

PubMed

Wang, Fancy Qian; Zhang, Shunhong; Yu, Jiabing; Wang, Qian

2015-10-14

Motivated by the recent study of inspiring thermoelectric properties in bulk SnSe [Zhao et al., Nature, 2014, 508, 373] and the experimental synthesis of SnSe sheets [Chen et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 1213], we have carried out systematic calculations for a single-layered SnSe sheet focusing on its stability, electronic structure and thermoelectric properties by using density functional theory combined with Boltzmann transport theory. We have found that the sheet is dynamically and thermally stable with a band gap of 1.28 eV, and the figure of merit (ZT) reaches 3.27 (2.76) along the armchair (zigzag) direction with optimal n-type carrier concentration, which is enhanced nearly 7 times compared to its bulk counterpart at 700 K due to quantum confinement effect. Furthermore, we designed four types of thermoelectric couples by assembling single-layered SnSe sheets with different transport directions and doping types, and found that their efficiencies are all above 13%, which are higher than those of thermoelectric couples made of commercial bulk Bi2Te3 (7%-8%), suggesting the great potential of single-layered SnSe sheets for heat-electricity conversion.

A low-frequency MEMS piezoelectric energy harvester with a rectangular hole based on bulk PZT film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yingwei; Li, Guimiao; Yi, Zhiran; Liu, Jingquan; Yang, Bin

2018-06-01

This paper presents a high performance piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) with a rectangular hole to work at low-frequency. This PEH used thinned bulk PZT film on flexible phosphor bronze, and its structure included piezoelectric layer, supporting layer and proof mass to reduce the resonant frequency of the device. Here, thinned bulk PZT thick film was used as piezoelectric layer due to its high piezoelectric coefficient. A Phosphor bronze was deployed as supporting layer because it had better flexibility compared to silicon and could work under high acceleration ambient with good durability. The maximum open-circuit voltage of the PEH was 15.7 V at low resonant frequency of 34.3 Hz when the input vibration acceleration was 1.5 g (g = 9.81 m/s2). Moreover, the maximum output power, the output power density and the actually current at the same acceleration were 216.66 μW, 1713.58 μW/cm3 and 170 μA, respectively, when the optimal matched resistance of 60 kΩ was connected. The fabricated PEH scavenged the vibration energy of the vacuum compression pump and generated the maximum output voltage of 1.19 V.

[Characteristics of Winter Atmospheric Mixing Layer Height in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region and Their Relationship with the Atmospheric Pollution].

PubMed

Li, Meng; Tang, Gui-qian; Huang, Jun; Liu, Zi-rui; An, Jun-lin; Wang, Yue-si

2015-06-01

Atmospheric mixing layer height (MLH) is one of the main factors affecting the atmospheric diffusion and plays an important role in air quality assessment and distribution of the pollutants. Based on the ceilometers data, this paper has made synchronous observation on MLH in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Qinhuangdao) in heavy polluted February 2014 and analyzed the respective overall change and its regional features. Results show that in February 2014,the average of mixing layer height in Qinhuangdao is the highest, up to 865 +/- 268 m, and in Shijiazhuang is the lowest (568 +/- 207 m), Beijing's and Tianjin's are in between, 818 +/- 319 m and 834 +/- 334 m respectively; Combined with the meteorological data, we find that radiation and wind speed are main factors of the mixing layer height; The relationship between the particle concentration and mixing layer height in four sites suggests that mixing layer is less than 800 m, concentration of fine particulate matter in four sites will exceed the national standard (GB 3095-2012, 75 microg x m(-3)). During the period of observation, the proportion of days that mixing layer is less than 800 m in Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and Qinhuangdao are 50%, 43%, 80% and 50% respectively. Shijiazhuang though nearly formation contaminant concentration is high, within the atmospheric mixed layer pollutant load is not high. Unfavorable atmospheric diffusion conditions are the main causes of heavy pollution in Shijiazhuang for a long time. The results of the study are of great significance for cognitive Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area pollution distribution, and can provide a scientific reference for reasonable distribution of regional pollution sources.

The roll-up and merging of coherent structures in shallow mixing layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lam, M. Y., E-mail: celmy@connect.ust.hk; Ghidaoui, M. S.; Kolyshkin, A. A.

2016-09-15

The current study seeks a fundamental explanation to the development of two-dimensional coherent structures (2DCSs) in shallow mixing layers. A nonlinear numerical model based on the depth-averaged shallow water equations is used to investigate the temporal evolution of shallow mixing layers, where the mapping from temporal to spatial results is made using the velocity at the center of the mixing layers. The flow is periodic in the streamwise direction. Transmissive boundary conditions are used in the cross-stream boundaries to prevent reflections. Numerical results are compared to linear stability analysis, mean-field theory, and secondary stability analysis. Results suggest that the onsetmore » and development of 2DCS in shallow mixing layers are the result of a sequence of instabilities governed by linear theory, mean-field theory, and secondary stability theory. The linear instability of the shearing velocity gradient gives the onset of 2DCS. When the perturbations reach a certain amplitude, the flow field of the perturbations changes from a wavy shape to a vortical (2DCS) structure because of nonlinearity. The development of the vertical 2DCS does not appear to follow weakly nonlinear theory; instead, it follows mean-field theory. After the formation of 2DCS, separate 2DCSs merge to form larger 2DCS. In this way, 2DCSs grow and shallow mixing layers develop and grow in scale. The merging of 2DCS in shallow mixing layers is shown to be caused by the secondary instability of the 2DCS. Eventually 2DCSs are dissipated by bed friction. The sequence of instabilities can cause the upscaling of the turbulent kinetic energy in shallow mixing layers.« less

Cloud and boundary layer interactions over the Arctic sea-ice in late summer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shupe, M. D.; Persson, P. O. G.; Brooks, I. M.; Tjernström, M.; Sedlar, J.; Mauritsen, T.; Sjogren, S.; Leck, C.

2013-05-01

Observations from the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS), in the central Arctic sea-ice pack in late summer 2008, provide a detailed view of cloud-atmosphere-surface interactions and vertical mixing processes over the sea-ice environment. Measurements from a suite of ground-based remote sensors, near surface meteorological and aerosol instruments, and profiles from radiosondes and a helicopter are combined to characterize a week-long period dominated by low-level, mixed-phase, stratocumulus clouds. Detailed case studies and statistical analyses are used to develop a conceptual model for the cloud and atmosphere structure and their interactions in this environment. Clouds were persistent during the period of study, having qualities that suggest they were sustained through a combination of advective influences and in-cloud processes, with little contribution from the surface. Radiative cooling near cloud top produced buoyancy-driven, turbulent eddies that contributed to cloud formation and created a cloud-driven mixed layer. The depth of this mixed layer was related to the amount of turbulence and condensed cloud water. Coupling of this cloud-driven mixed layer to the surface boundary layer was primarily determined by proximity. For 75% of the period of study, the primary stratocumulus cloud-driven mixed layer was decoupled from the surface and typically at a warmer potential temperature. Since the near-surface temperature was constrained by the ocean-ice mixture, warm temperatures aloft suggest that these air masses had not significantly interacted with the sea-ice surface. Instead, back trajectory analyses suggest that these warm airmasses advected into the central Arctic Basin from lower latitudes. Moisture and aerosol particles likely accompanied these airmasses, providing necessary support for cloud formation. On the occasions when cloud-surface coupling did occur, back trajectories indicated that these air masses advected at low levels, while mixing processes kept the mixed layer in equilibrium with the near-surface environment. Rather than contributing buoyancy forcing for the mixed-layer dynamics, the surface instead simply appeared to respond to the mixed-layer processes aloft. Clouds in these cases often contained slightly higher condensed water amounts, potentially due to additional moisture sources from below.

Cloud and boundary layer interactions over the Arctic sea ice in late summer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shupe, M. D.; Persson, P. O. G.; Brooks, I. M.; Tjernström, M.; Sedlar, J.; Mauritsen, T.; Sjogren, S.; Leck, C.

2013-09-01

Observations from the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS), in the central Arctic sea-ice pack in late summer 2008, provide a detailed view of cloud-atmosphere-surface interactions and vertical mixing processes over the sea-ice environment. Measurements from a suite of ground-based remote sensors, near-surface meteorological and aerosol instruments, and profiles from radiosondes and a helicopter are combined to characterize a week-long period dominated by low-level, mixed-phase, stratocumulus clouds. Detailed case studies and statistical analyses are used to develop a conceptual model for the cloud and atmosphere structure and their interactions in this environment. Clouds were persistent during the period of study, having qualities that suggest they were sustained through a combination of advective influences and in-cloud processes, with little contribution from the surface. Radiative cooling near cloud top produced buoyancy-driven, turbulent eddies that contributed to cloud formation and created a cloud-driven mixed layer. The depth of this mixed layer was related to the amount of turbulence and condensed cloud water. Coupling of this cloud-driven mixed layer to the surface boundary layer was primarily determined by proximity. For 75% of the period of study, the primary stratocumulus cloud-driven mixed layer was decoupled from the surface and typically at a warmer potential temperature. Since the near-surface temperature was constrained by the ocean-ice mixture, warm temperatures aloft suggest that these air masses had not significantly interacted with the sea-ice surface. Instead, back-trajectory analyses suggest that these warm air masses advected into the central Arctic Basin from lower latitudes. Moisture and aerosol particles likely accompanied these air masses, providing necessary support for cloud formation. On the occasions when cloud-surface coupling did occur, back trajectories indicated that these air masses advected at low levels, while mixing processes kept the mixed layer in equilibrium with the near-surface environment. Rather than contributing buoyancy forcing for the mixed-layer dynamics, the surface instead simply appeared to respond to the mixed-layer processes aloft. Clouds in these cases often contained slightly higher condensed water amounts, potentially due to additional moisture sources from below.

Trends in surgical management and pre-operative urodynamics in female medicare beneficiaries with mixed incontinence.

PubMed

Chughtai, Bilal; Hauser, Nicholas; Anger, Jennifer; Asfaw, Tirsit; Laor, Leanna; Mao, Jialin; Lee, Richard; Te, Alexis; Kaplan, Steven; Sedrakyan, Art

2017-02-01

We sought to examine the surgical trends and utilization of treatment for mixed urinary incontinence among female Medicare beneficiaries. Data was obtained from a 5% national random sample of outpatient and carrier claims from 2000 to 2011. Included were female patients 65 and older, diagnosed with mixed urinary incontinence, who underwent surgical treatment identified by Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition (CPT-4) codes. Urodynamics (UDS) before initial and secondary procedure were also identified using CPT-4 codes. Procedural trends and utilization of UDS were analyzed. Utilization of UDS increased during the study period, from 38.4% to 74.0% prior to initial surgical intervention, and from 28.6% to 62.5% preceding re-intervention. Sling surgery (63.0%) and injectable bulking agents (28.0%) were the most common surgical treatments adopted, followed by sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) (4.8%) and Burch (4.0%) procedures. Re-intervention was performed in 4.0% of patients initially treated with sling procedures and 21.3% of patients treated with bulking agents, the majority of whom (51.7% and 76.3%, respectively) underwent injection of a bulking agent. Risk of re-intervention was not different among those who did or did not receive urodynamic tests prior to the initial procedure (8.5% vs. 9.3%) CONCLUSIONS: Sling and bulk agents are the most common treatment for MUI. Preoperative urodynamic testing was not related to risk of re-intervention following surgery for mixed urinary incontinence in this cohort. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:422-425, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Laboratory simulations of the atmospheric mixed-layer in flow ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A laboratory study of the influence of complex terrain on the interface between a well-mixed boundary layer and an elevated stratified layer was conducted in the towing-tank facility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The height of the mixed layer in the daytime boundary layer can have a strong influence on the concentration of pollutants within this layer. Deflections of streamlines at the height of the interface are primarily a function of hill Froude number (Fr), the ratio of mixed-layer height (zi) to terrain height (h), and the crosswind dimension of the terrain. The magnitude of the deflections increases as Fr increases and zi / h decreases. For mixing-height streamlines that are initially below the terrain top, the response is linear with Fr; for those initially above the terrain feature the response to Fr is more complex. Once Fr exceeds about 2, the terrain related response of the mixed layer interface decreases somewhat with increasing Fr (toward more neutral flow). Deflections are also shown to increase as the crosswind dimensions of the terrain increases. Comparisons with numerical modeling, limited field data and other laboratory measurements reported in the literature are favorable. Additionally, visual observations of dye streamers suggests that the flow structure exhibited for our elevated inversions passing over three dimensional hills is similar to that reported in the literature for continuously stratified flow over two-dimensional h

Receptivity of the compressible mixing layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barone, Matthew F.; Lele, Sanjiva K.

2005-09-01

Receptivity of compressible mixing layers to general source distributions is examined by a combined theoretical/computational approach. The properties of solutions to the adjoint Navier Stokes equations are exploited to derive expressions for receptivity in terms of the local value of the adjoint solution. The result is a description of receptivity for arbitrary small-amplitude mass, momentum, and heat sources in the vicinity of a mixing-layer flow, including the edge-scattering effects due to the presence of a splitter plate of finite width. The adjoint solutions are examined in detail for a Mach 1.2 mixing-layer flow. The near field of the adjoint solution reveals regions of relatively high receptivity to direct forcing within the mixing layer, with receptivity to nearby acoustic sources depending on the source type and position. Receptivity ‘nodes’ are present at certain locations near the splitter plate edge where the flow is not sensitive to forcing. The presence of the nodes is explained by interpretation of the adjoint solution as the superposition of incident and scattered fields. The adjoint solution within the boundary layer upstream of the splitter-plate trailing edge reveals a mechanism for transfer of energy from boundary-layer stability modes to Kelvin Helmholtz modes. Extension of the adjoint solution to the far field using a Kirchhoff surface gives the receptivity of the mixing layer to incident sound from distant sources.

Fabrication of Inverted Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell with Ultrathin Titanium Oxide Nanosheet as an Electron-Extracting Buffer Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Eiji; Maruyama, Yasutake; Fukuda, Katsutoshi

2012-02-01

The contributions and deposition conditions of ultrathin titania nanosheet (TN) crystallites were studied in an inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) cell in indium tin oxide (ITO)/titania nanosheet/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester (PCBM) active layer/MoOx/Ag multilayered photovoltaic devices. Only one or two layers of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and TN multilayered film deposited by the layer-by-layer deposition technique effectively decreased the leakage current and increased both open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η) was increased nearly twofold by the insertion of two TN layers. The deposition of additional TN layers caused the reduction in FF, and the abnormal S-shaped curves above VOC for the devices with three and four TN layers were ascribed to the interfacial potential barrier at the ITO/TN interface and the series resistance across the multilayers of TN and PDDA. The performance of the BHJ cell with TN was markedly improved, and the S-shaped curves were eliminated following the the insertion of anatase-phase titanium dioxide between the ITO and TN layers owing to the decrease in the interfacial potential barrier.

Discrete element simulation of charging and mixed layer formation in the ironmaking blast furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Tamoghna; Saxén, Henrik

2016-11-01

The burden distribution in the ironmaking blast furnace plays an important role for the operation as it affects the gas flow distribution, heat and mass transfer, and chemical reactions in the shaft. This work studies certain aspects of burden distribution by small-scale experiments and numerical simulation by the discrete element method (DEM). Particular attention is focused on the complex layer-formation process and the problems associated with estimating the burden layer distribution by burden profile measurements. The formation of mixed layers is studied, and a computational method for estimating the extent of the mixed layer, as well as its voidage, is proposed and applied on the results of the DEM simulations. In studying a charging program and its resulting burden distribution, the mixed layers of coke and pellets were found to show lower voidage than the individual burden layers. The dynamic evolution of the mixed layer during the charging process is also analyzed. The results of the study can be used to gain deeper insight into the complex charging process of the blast furnace, which is useful in the design of new charging programs and for mathematical models that do not consider the full behavior of the particles in the burden layers.

Interplay of hydrogen and deposition temperature in optical properties of hot-wire deposited a-Si:H Films: Ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, S.; Weiner, B. R.; Morell, G.

2005-11-01

High-quality hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin films were grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition on glass (Corning 7059) using silane with relatively high hydrogen albeit avoiding the formation of microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon. They were grown as a function of substrate temperature (TS) ranging from 50 to 515 °C resulting in the corresponding hydrogen concentration [CH] variation from 20.0 to 0.2 at. %. They are optically examined ex situ using spectroscopic phase modulated ellipsometry from near IR to near UV (i.e., 1.5-5.0 eV) obtaining pseudo-dielectric function (<ɛr(E)>,<ɛi(E)>) for investigating the role of hydrogen in network disorder. The raw ellipsometry data were modeled using Bruggeman effective medium theory and the dispersion relations for the amorphous semiconductors. A two-layer model consisting of a top surface roughness layer (dS) containing an effective medium mix of 50% a-Si:H and 50% voids and a single ``bulk'' layer (dB) of 100% a-Si:H was used to simulate the data reasonably well. We performed these simulations by nonlinear least-square regression analysis and it was possible to estimate the true dielectric function, energy band gap (Eg), film thickness (dSE), bulk void fraction, surface roughness layer (dS), and confidence limits (χ2). Moreover, it is shown that the Tauc-Lorentz model fits the ellipsometry data reasonably well and helps elucidating the layered structure of a-Si:H thin films. We also compared the optical band gap determined using ellipsometry modeling and the Tauc gap. We discuss the variation of the deduced parameters in terms of role of TS (T role) or of hydrogen (H role) yielding possible physical meaning and found an agreement with the excitation dependent Raman spectroscopy results reported earlier [S. Gupta, R. S. Katiyar, G. Morell, S. Z. Weisz, and J. Balberg, Appl. Phys. Lett. 75, 2803 (1999)]. Atomic force microscopy was also used to validate the simulations. These analyses led to a correlation between the films' microstructure (or network disorder) and their electronic properties for electronic device applications, in general and for photovoltaic applications, in particular.

A three-dimensional simulation of transition and early turbulence in a time-developing mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cain, A. B.; Reynolds, W. C.; Ferziger, J. H.

1981-01-01

The physics of the transition and early turbulence regimes in the time developing mixing layer was investigated. The sensitivity of the mixing layer to the disturbance field of the initial condition is considered. The growth of the momentum thickness, the mean velocity profile, the turbulence kinetic energy, the Reynolds stresses, the anisotropy tensor, and particle track pictures of computations are all examined in an effort to better understand the physics of these regimes. The amplitude, spectrum shape, and random phases of the initial disturbance field were varied. A scheme of generating discrete orthogonal function expansions on some nonuniform grids was developed. All cases address the early or near field of the mixing layer. The most significant result shows that the secondary instability of the mixing layer is produced by spanwise variations in the straining field of the primary vortex structures.

Physicochemical properties and carbon density of alpine sod layer with their variation across habitat gradients in the Zoige Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peixi, Su; Zijuan, Zhou; Rui, Shi; tingting, Xie

2017-04-01

The alpine sod layer is a soft, tough and resistant to shifting surface soil layer under the formation of the natural vegetation in the plateau cold region, understanding its ecological function is a prerequisite to promote grass and animal husbandry production for recuperation and protection, and the active use of project construction. Based on the extensive investigation on the alpine vegetation of the Zoige Plateau in the Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China, set up moisture gradient community sample plots: swamp, degraded swamp, swampy meadow, wet meadow, dry meadow and degraded meadow, and the elevation gradient community sample plots: subalpine meadow, subalpine shrub meadow, alpine shrub meadow and alpine meadow were set up. The sod layer bulk density, soil particle composition and soil organic carbon (SOC) content of different types of community plots were analyzed and to compare its carbon sequestration capacity on the moisture and elevation gradients. The results showed that the average thickness of the sod layer was 30 cm, the bulk density of the swamp was the smallest, and the SOC content was above 300 g/kg. The bulk density of degraded meadow was the highest while its SOC content was decreased significantly. The SOC density of sod layer in different communities was between 10 and 24 kg C/m2, and decreased with the decreasing of soil water availability, and meadow degradation significantly decreased the soil organic carbon storage in sod layer. The sod layer SOC density of alpine shrub meadow was 15% higher than that of meadow on the altitudinal gradient. It was concluded that the mass water content threshold value for maintaining the sod layer stable is 30%. In the degraded succession of alpine vegetation from swamp to meadow, the bulk density and compactness of sod layer became larger, while the organic carbon content, carbon density and carbon storage decreased. The higher the gravel content of swamp, the more easily degraded, and the higher the sand content of the meadow, the more easily degraded. Shrub meadow had higher carbon sequestration capacity than that of meadow, but the productive function of shrub meadow was lower. Keeping the sustainable development of grassland productivity and maintaining the carbon sequestration ecological function, it is necessary to prevent the degradation of the sod layer, and restrain the succession from meadow to scrub meadow. Key Words: surface soil layer, soil organic carbon, carbon density, alpine vegetation, Zoige Plateau

p-Type semiconducting nickel oxide as an efficiency-enhancing anodal interfacial layer in bulk heterojunction solar cells

DOEpatents

Irwin, Michael D; Buchholz, Donald B; Marks, Tobin J; Chang, Robert P. H.

2014-11-25

The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a solar cell. In one embodiment, the solar cell includes an anode, a p-type semiconductor layer formed on the anode, and an active organic layer formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, where the active organic layer has an electron-donating organic material and an electron-accepting organic material.

Dark material in the polar layered deposits and dunes on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herkenhoff, Ken E.; Vasavada, Ashwin R.

1999-07-01

Viking infrared thermal mapping and bistatic radar data suggest that the bulk density of the north polar erg material is much lower than that of the average Martian surface or of dark dunes at lower latitudes. We have derived a thermal inertia of 245-280Jm-2s-1/2K-1(5.9-6.7×10-3calcm-2s-1/2K-1) for the Proctor dune field and 25-150Jm-2s-1/2K-1(0.6-3.6×10-3calcm-2s-1/2K-1) for the north polar erg. The uniqueness of the thermophysical properties of the north polar erg material may be due to a unique polar process that has created them. The visible and near-infrared spectral reflectance of the erg suggests that the dark material may be composed of basalt or ferrous clays. These data are consistent with the dark material being composed of basaltic ash or filamentary sublimate residue (FSR) particles derived from erosion of the layered deposits. Dark dust may be preferentially concentrated at the surface of the layered deposits by the formation of FSR particles upon sublimation of water ice. Further weathering and erosion of these areas of exposed layered deposits may form the dark, saltating material that is found in both polar regions. Dark FSR particles may saltate for great distances before eventually breaking down into dust grains, re-mixing with the global dust reservoir, and being recycled into the polar layered deposits via atmospheric suspension.

Characteristics of the surface layer of barium strontium titanate thin films deposited by laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craciun, V.; Singh, R. K.

2000-04-01

Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 (BST) thin films grown on Si by an in situ ultraviolet-assisted pulsed laser deposition (UVPLD) technique exhibited significantly higher dielectric constant and refractive index values and lower leakage current densities than films grown by conventional PLD under similar conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations have shown that the surface layer of the grown films contained, besides the usual BST perovskite phase, an additional phase with Ba atoms in a different chemical state. PLD grown films always exhibited larger amounts of this phase, which was homogeneously mixed with the BST phase up to several nm depth, while UVPLD grown films exhibited a much thinner (˜1 nm) and continuous layer. The relative fraction of this phase was not correlated with the amount of C atoms present on the surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy did not find any BaCO3 contamination layer, which was believed to be related to this new phase. X-ray diffraction measurement showed that although PLD grown films contained less oxygen atoms, the lattice parameter was closer to the bulk value than that of UVPLD grown films. After 4 keV Ar ion sputtering for 6 min, XPS analysis revealed a small suboxide Ba peak for the PLD grown films. This finding indicates that the average Ba-O bonds are weaker in these films, likely due to the presence of oxygen vacancies. It is suggested here that this new Ba phase corresponds to a relaxed BST surface layer.

Dark material in the polar layered deposits and dunes on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Herkenhoff, K. E.; Vasavada, A.R.

1999-01-01

Viking infrared thermal mapping and bistatic radar data suggest that the bulk density of the north polar erg material is much lower than that of the average Martian surface or of dark dunes at lower latitudes. We have derived a thermal inertia of 245-280 J m-2 s-1/2 K-1 (5.9-6.7 ?? 10-3 cal cm-2 s-1/2 K-1) for the Proctor dune field and 25-150 J m-2 s-1/2 K-1 (0.6-3.6 ?? 10-3 cal cm-2 s-1/2 K-1) for the north polar erg. The uniqueness of the thermophysical properties of the north polar erg material may be due to a unique polar process that has created them. The visible and near-infrared spectral reflectance of the erg suggests that the dark material may be composed of basalt or ferrous clays. These data are consistent with the dark material being composed of basaltic ash or filamentary sublimate residue (FSR) particles derived from erosion of the layered deposits. Dark dust may be preferentially concentrated at the surface of the layered deposits by the formation of FSR particles upon sublimation of water ice. Further weathering and erosion of these areas of exposed layered deposits may form the dark, saltating material that is found in both polar regions. Dark FSR particles may saltate for great distances before eventually breaking down into dust grains, re-mixing with the global dust reservoir, and being recycled into the polar layered deposits via atmospheric suspension. Copyright 1999 by the American Geophysical Union.

Raman study of supported molybdenum disulfide single layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durrer, William; Manciu, Felicia; Afanasiev, Pavel; Berhault, Gilles; Chianelli, Russell

2008-10-01

Owing to the increasing demand for clean transportation fuels, highly dispersed single layer transition metal sulfides such as MoS2-based catalysts play an important role in catalytic processes for upgrading and removing sulfur from heavy petroleum feed. In its crystalline bulk form, MoS2 is chemically rather inactive due to a strong tendency to form highly stacked layers, but, when dispersed as single-layer nanoclusters on a support, the MoS2 becomes catalytically active in the hydrogenolysis of sulphur and nitrogen from organic compounds (hydrotreating catalysis). In the present studies alumina-supported MoS2 samples were analyzed by confocal Raman spectroscopy. Evidence of peaks at 152 cm-1, 234 cm-1, and 336 cm-1, normally not seen in the Raman spectrum of the standard bulk crystal, confirms the formation of single layers of MoS2. Furthermore, the presence of the 383 cm-1 Raman line suggests the trigonal prismatic coordination of the formed MoS2 single layers. Depending on the sample preparation method, a restacking of MoS2 layers is also observed, mainly for ex-thiomolybdate samples sulfided at 550 C.

Method for fabricating solar cells having integrated collector grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Evans, J. C., Jr. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A heterojunction or Schottky barrier photovoltaic device comprising a conductive base metal layer compatible with and coating predominately the exposed surface of the p-type substrate of the device such that a back surface field region is formed at the interface between the device and the base metal layer, a transparent, conductive mixed metal oxide layer in integral contact with the n-type layer of the heterojunction or Schottky barrier device having a metal alloy grid network of the same metal elements of the oxide constituents of the mixed metal oxide layer embedded in the mixed metal oxide layer, an insulating layer which prevents electrical contact between the conductive metal base layer and the transparent, conductive metal oxide layer, and a metal contact means covering the insulating layer and in intimate contact with the metal grid network embedded in the transparent, conductive oxide layer for conducting electrons generated by the photovoltaic process from the device.

Preparation of extrusions of bulk mixed oxide compounds with high macroporosity and mechanical strength

DOEpatents

Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, Maria; Jothimurugesan, Kandaswami

1990-01-01

A simple and effective method for producing bulk single and mixed oxide absorbents and catalysts is disclosed. The method yields bulk single oxide and mixed oxide absorbent and catalyst materials which combine a high macroporosity with relatively high surface area and good mechanical strength. The materials are prepared in a pellet form using as starting compounds, calcined powders of the desired composition and physical properties these powders are crushed to broad particle size distribution, and, optionally may be combined with an inorganic clay binder. The necessary amount of water is added to form a paste which is extruded, dried and heat treated to yield and desired extrudate strength. The physical properties of the extruded materials (density, macroporosity and surface area) are substantially the same as the constituent powder is the temperature of the heat treatment of the extrudates is approximately the same as the calcination temperature of the powder. If the former is substantially higher than the latter, the surface area decreases, but the macroporosity of the extrusions remains essentially constant.

Idealized simulation of the Colorado hailstorm case: comparison of bulk and detailed microphysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geresdi, I.

One of the purposes of the Fourth Cloud Modeling Workshop was to compare different microphysical treatments. In this paper, the results of a widely used bulk treatment and five versions of a detailed microphysical model are presented. Sensitivity analysis was made to investigate the effect of bulk parametrization, ice initiation technique, CCN concentration and collision efficiency of rimed ice crystal-drop collision. The results show that: (i) The mixing ratios of different species of hydrometeors calculated by bulk and one of the detailed models show some similarity. However, the processes of hail/graupel formation are different in the bulk and the detailed models. (ii) Using different ice initiation in the detailed models' different processes became important in the hail and graupel formation. (iii) In the case of higher CCN concentration, the mixing ratio of liquid water, hail and graupel were more sensitive to the value of collision efficiency of rimed ice crystal-drop collision. (iv) The Bergeron-Findeisen process does not work in the updraft core of a convective cloud. The vapor content was always over water saturation; moreover, the supersaturation gradually increased after the appearance of precipitation ice particles.

Exciton Dynamics and Many Body Interactions in Layered Semiconducting Materials Revealed with Non-linear Coherent Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Prasenjit

Atomically thin, semiconducting transition metal dichalogenides (TMDs), a special class of layered semiconductors, that can be shaped as a perfect two dimensional material, have garnered a lot of attention owing to their fascinating electronic properties which are achievable at the extreme nanoscale. In contrast to graphene, the most celebrated two-dimensional (2D) material thus far; TMDs exhibit a direct band gap in the monolayer regime. The presence of a non-zero bandgap along with the broken inversion symmetry in the monolayer limit brands semiconducting TMDs as the perfect candidate for future optoelectronic and valleytronics-based device application. These remarkable discoveries demand exploration of different materials that possess similar properties alike TMDs. Recently, III-VI layered semiconducting materials (example: InSe, GaSe etc.) have also emerged as potential materials for optical device based applications as, similar to TMDs, they can be shaped into a perfect two-dimensional form as well as possess a sizable band gap in their nano-regime. The perfect 2D character in layered materials cause enhancement of strong Coulomb interaction. As a result, excitons, a coulomb bound quasiparticle made of electron-hole pair, dominate the optical properties near the bandgap. The basis of development for future optoelectronic-based devices requires accurate characterization of the essential properties of excitons. Two fundamental parameters that characterize the quantum dynamics of excitons are: a) the dephasing rate, gamma, which represents the coherence loss due to the interaction of the excitons with their environment (for example- phonons, impurities, other excitons, etc.) and b) excited state population decay rate arising from radiative and non-radiative relaxation processes. The dephasing rate is representative of the time scale over which excitons can be coherently manipulated, therefore accurately probing the source of exciton decoherence is crucial for understanding the basic unexplored science as well as creating technological developments. The dephasing dynamics in semiconductors typically occur in the picosecond to femtosecond timescale, thus the use of ultrafast laser spectroscopy is a potential route to probe such excitonic responses. The focus of this dissertation is two-fold: firstly, to develop the necessary instrumentation to accurately probe the aforementioned parameters and secondly, to explore the quantum dynamics and the underlying many-body interactions in different layered semiconducting materials. A custom-built multidimensional optical non-linear spectrometer was developed in order to perform two-dimensional spectroscopic (2DFT) measurements. The advantages of this technique are multifaceted compared to regular one-dimensional and non-linear incoherent techniques. 2DFT technique is based on an enhanced version of Four wave mixing experiments. This powerful tool is capable of identifying the resonant coupling, probing the coherent pathways, unambiguously extracting the homogeneous linewidth in the presence of inhomogeneity and decomposing a complex spectra into real and imaginary parts. It is not possible to uncover such crucial features by employing one dimensional non-linear technique. Monolayers as well as bulk TMDs and group III-VI bulk layered materials are explored in this dissertation. The exciton quantum dynamics is explored with three pulse four-wave mixing whereas the phase sensitive measurements are obtained by employing two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy. Temperature and excitation density dependent 2DFT experiments unfold the information associated with the many-body interactions in the layered semiconducting samples.

Heterostructures of metamorphic GaInAs photovoltaic converters fabricated by MOCVD on GaAs substrates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mintairov, S. A., E-mail: mintairov@scell.ioffe.ru; Emelyanov, V. M.; Rybalchenko, D. V.

Heterostructures of metamorphic GaInAs photovoltaic converters (PVCs) are on GaAs substrates by the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method. It is shown that using a multilayer metamorphic buffer with a step of 2.5% in indium content and layer thicknesses of 120 nm provides the high quality of bulk layers subsequently grown on the buffer up to an indium content of 24%. PVCs with a long-wavelength photosensitivity edge up to 1300 nm and a quantum efficiency of ~80% in the spectral range 1050–1100 nm are fabricated. Analysis of the open-circuit voltage of the PVCs and diffusion lengths of minority carriers inmore » the layers demonstrates that the density of misfit dislocations penetrating into the bulk layers increases at an indium content exceeding 10%.« less

Lagrangian pathways of upwelling in the Southern Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viglione, Giuliana A.; Thompson, Andrew F.

2016-08-01

The spatial and temporal variability of upwelling into the mixed layer in the Southern Ocean is studied using a 1/10° ocean general circulation model. Virtual drifters are released in a regularly spaced pattern across the Southern Ocean at depths of 250, 500, and 1000 m during both summer and winter months. The drifters are advected along isopycnals for a period of 4 years, unless they outcrop into the mixed layer, where lateral advection and a parameterization of vertical mixing are applied. The focus of this study is on the discrete exchange between the model mixed layer and the interior. Localization of interior-mixed layer exchange occurs downstream of major topographic features across the Indian and Pacific basins, creating "hotspots" of outcropping. Minimal outcropping occurs in the Atlantic basin, while 59% of drifters outcrop in the Pacific sector and in Drake Passage (the region from 140° W to 40° W), a disproportionately large amount even when considering the relative basin sizes. Due to spatial and temporal variations in mixed layer depth, the Lagrangian trajectories provide a statistical measure of mixed layer residence times. For each exchange into the mixed layer, the residence time has a Rayleigh distribution with a mean of 30 days; the cumulative residence time of the drifters is 261 ± 194 days, over a period of 4 years. These results suggest that certain oceanic gas concentrations, such as CO2 and 14C, will likely not reach equilibrium with the atmosphere before being resubducted.

Origin and Constraints on Ilmenite-rich Partial Melt in the Lunar Lower Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, A.; Fuqua, H.; Bremner, P. M.; Panovska, S.; Diamond, M. R.; Lock, S. J.; Nishikawa, Y.; Jiménez-Pérez, H.; Shahar, A.; Panero, W. R.; Lognonne, P. H.; Faul, U.

2015-12-01

Existence of a partially molten layer at the lunar core-mantle boundary has been proposed to explain the lack of observed far-side deep moonquakes, the observation of reflected seismic phases from deep moonquakes, and the dissipation of tidal energy within the lunar interior [1,2]. However, subsequent models explored the possibility that dissipation due to elevated temperatures alone can explain the observed dissipation factor (Q) and tidal love numbers [3]. Using thermo-chemical and dynamic modeling (including models of the early lunar mantle convection), we explore the hypothesis that an ilmenite-rich layer forms below crustal anorthosite during lunar magma ocean crystallization and may sink to the base of the mantle to create a partial melt layer at the lunar core-mantle boundary. Self-consistent physical parameters (including gravity, pressure, density, VP and Vs) are forward calculated for a well-mixed mantle with uniform bulk composition versus a mantle with preserved mineralogical stratigraphy from lunar magma ocean crystallization. These parameters are compared against observed mass, moment of inertia, real and imaginary parts of the Love numbers, and seismic travel times to further limit the acceptable models for the Moon. We have performed a multi-step grid search with over twenty thousand forward calculations varying thicknesses of chemically/mineralogically distinct layers within the Moon to evaluate if a partially molten layer at the base of the lunar mantle is well-constrained by the observed data. Furthermore, dynamic mantle modeling was employed on the best-fit model versions to determine the survivability of a partially molten layer at the core-mantle boundary. This work was originally initiated at the CIDER 2014 program. [1] Weber et al. (2011). Science 331(6015), 309-12. [2] Khan et al. (2014). JGR 119. [3] Nimmo et al. (2012). JGR 117, 1-11.

High Static Stability in the Mixed Layer Above the Extratropical Tropopause

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, A.; Konopka, P.; Müller, R.; Schiller, C.

2008-12-01

A strong relationship between the static stability N2 and the strength of mixing in the mixed layer above the extratropical tropopause is evident from in-situ data observed during the SPURT aircraft campaigns. We present a method for quantifying the strength of mixing from O3/CO tracer correlations and we find that N2 is positively correlated with the strength of mixing. Age of air simulations with the CLaMS model reveal two different types of mixed regions. One type consisting of older airmasses with higher values of N2 which are created by radiative adjustment after a mixing event. These airmasses are within the TIL (Tropopause Inversion Layer), considering the TIL as part of the mixing layer. The second type comprises younger airmasses with somehow lower stratospheric N2 values within the mixing layer, because of recent intrusion processes due to the permeability or so-called mid-latitude-breaks associated with the jet stream. With the help of radiative transfer calculations we simulate the influence of trace gases such as O3 and H2O on the temperature gradient and thus on the static stability above the tropopause in the idealized case of non-mixing (L-shape) O3 and H2O profiles and in the reference case of mixed profiles. Within the altitude range of the SPURT campaigns the mean vertical SPURT profiles are used as reference, which are fitted to the HALOE climatological profiles above the UT/LS.

Temperature Versus Salinity Gradients Below the Ocean Mixed Layer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-03

where salinity controls the depth of the mixed layer are understood to have “barrier” layers [Lukas and Lindstrom , 1991], where the depth of vertically...the horizontal. For example, Rudnick and Martin [2002] have shown that the ocean mixed layer at sub-mesoscales is horizontally well density compensated...Res., 102, 23,063–23,078, doi:10.1029/97JC01443. Barron, C. N., A. B. Kara, P. J. Martin , R. C. Rhodes, and L. F. Smedstad (2006), Formulation

Ground penetrating radar water content mapping of golf course green sand layers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Information on the spatial distribution of water content across the sand layer component of a golf course green can be important to golf course superintendents for evaluating drainage effectiveness and scheduling irrigation. To estimate the bulk water content of the sand layer at point locations ac...

75 FR 59617 - Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-28

... only included residue quantities of bulk ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate fertilizer that remained... ammonium nitrate and propylene oxide cargoes transported on U.S. waters. After consultation with CTAC and...) Propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide. (9) The following bulk solids: (i) Ammonium nitrate...

Curing of Composites: An Integrated Multiscale Process Description Toward Tailored Structures and Properties

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-11-01

surface prox- Experimental studies𔃼-l4 have shown that the ad- imity of the fiber changes the structure of the resin in sorption of an epoxy system... sorption layer to the ith bulk layer, and RdE(i + 1, The adsorbed state exchanges mass with the bulk i) is the rate term of the desorption of epoxy mole...thickness from -y = 0 to a ;5 nonzero value was primarily due to the shift in the 7 contribution to the interphase gradient from that of ad- 40 sorption

Fundamentals of Tribology; Proceedings of the International Conference on the Fundamentals of Tribology held at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-01

HDL). The locus of electrical centers of hydrated ions in contact with the electrode surface is known as the outer Helmholtz plane ( OHP ) while the...and then a more Crdual exponential decay in the diffuse double layer. The difference in potential between the OHP and the bulk electrolyte, i.e., the...rnntribution of the diffuse double layer, is called the electrokinetic or iC 275 (a) Wc IHP OHP GCL- BULK + + ELECTRO YTE + + + + +G+ + eS+ J f -A -A

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prokop'ev, I.A.; Churshukov, E.S.; Maiko, L.P.

This article evaluates the stability of the protective properties of preservative oils when they are oxidized in the bulk and in a thin layer. Proposes a method based on a quantitative evaluation of the changes in protective properties of the oils after artificial oxidation in the bulk and in a thin layer on a metal surface. Finds that the proposed method makes it possible to establish the character of changes in protective properties of preservative oils during storage and application, and to differentiate oils with respect to this index over a broad range of protective levels.

Development of a Hybrid RANS/LES Method for Compressible Mixing Layer Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Georgiadis, Nicholas J.; Alexander, J. Iwan D.; Reshotko, Eli

2001-01-01

A hybrid method has been developed for simulations of compressible turbulent mixing layers. Such mixing layers dominate the flows in exhaust systems of modem day aircraft and also those of hypersonic vehicles currently under development. The hybrid method uses a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) procedure to calculate wall bounded regions entering a mixing section, and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) procedure to calculate the mixing dominated regions. A numerical technique was developed to enable the use of the hybrid RANS/LES method on stretched, non-Cartesian grids. The hybrid RANS/LES method is applied to a benchmark compressible mixing layer experiment. Preliminary two-dimensional calculations are used to investigate the effects of axial grid density and boundary conditions. Actual LES calculations, performed in three spatial directions, indicated an initial vortex shedding followed by rapid transition to turbulence, which is in agreement with experimental observations.

Transient finite element analysis of electric double layer using Nernst-Planck-Poisson equations with a modified Stern layer.

PubMed

Lim, Jongil; Whitcomb, John; Boyd, James; Varghese, Julian

2007-01-01

A finite element implementation of the transient nonlinear Nernst-Planck-Poisson (NPP) and Nernst-Planck-Poisson-modified Stern (NPPMS) models is presented. The NPPMS model uses multipoint constraints to account for finite ion size, resulting in realistic ion concentrations even at high surface potential. The Poisson-Boltzmann equation is used to provide a limited check of the transient models for low surface potential and dilute bulk solutions. The effects of the surface potential and bulk molarity on the electric potential and ion concentrations as functions of space and time are studied. The ability of the models to predict realistic energy storage capacity is investigated. The predicted energy is much more sensitive to surface potential than to bulk solution molarity.

Systematic Investigation of Organic Photovoltaic Cell Charge Injection/Performance Modulation by Dipolar Organosilane Interfacial Layers

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-13

performance in bulk- heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, the glass/tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) anodes are modified with a series of...anode in bulk- heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) plays a vital role in enhancing device performance. Appropriately tailored IFLs...unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT With the goal of investigating and enhancing anode performance in bulk- heterojunction (BHJ) organic

Addressing the Interface Issues in All-Solid-State Bulk-Type Lithium Ion Battery via an All-Composite Approach.

PubMed

Chen, Ru-Jun; Zhang, Yi-Bo; Liu, Ting; Xu, Bing-Qing; Lin, Yuan-Hua; Nan, Ce-Wen; Shen, Yang

2017-03-22

All-solid-state bulk-type lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are considered ultimate solutions to the safety issues associated with conventional LIBs using flammable liquid electrolyte. The development of bulk-type all-solid-state LIBs has been hindered by the low loading of active cathode materials, hence low specific surface capacity, and by the high interface resistance, which results in low rate and cyclic performance. In this contribution, we propose and demonstrate a synergistic all-composite approach to fabricating flexible all-solid-state LIBs. PEO-based composite cathode layers (filled with LiFePO 4 particles) of ∼300 μm in thickness and composite electrolyte layers (filled with Al-LLZTO particles) are stacked layer-by-layer with lithium foils as negative layer and hot-pressed into a monolithic all-solid-state LIB. The flexible LIB delivers a high specific discharge capacity of 155 mAh/g, which corresponds to an ultrahigh surface capacity of 10.8 mAh/cm 2 , exhibits excellent capacity retention up to at least 10 cycles and could work properly under harsh operating conditions such as bending or being sectioned into pieces. The all-composite approach is favorable for improving both mesoscopic and microscopic interfaces inside the all-solid-state LIB and may provide a new toolbox for design and fabrication of all-solid-state LIBs.

Low temperature reduction of free-standing graphene oxide papers with metal iodides for ultrahigh bulk conductivity.

PubMed

Liu, Chenyang; Hao, Feng; Zhao, Xiaochong; Zhao, Qiancheng; Luo, Songping; Lin, Hong

2014-02-05

Here we report a green and facile route for highly efficient reduction of free-standing graphene oxide (GO) papers with metal iodide aqueous solutions at low cost. The metal iodides (MgI2, AlI3, ZnI2, FeI2) were synthesized directly from metal and iodine powder with water as a catalyzer. An extremely high bulk conductivity of 55088 S/m for reduced graphene oxide (rGO) papers were obtained with FeI2 solution of which pH = 0 at 95°C for 6 hours. The catalytic effect of strong Lewis acid for the promotion of the nucleophilic substitution reaction is responsible for the greatly improved bulk conductivity. Furthermore, it was found that the layer-to-layer distance (dL) and the crystallinity of the rGO papers are regarded as two main factors affecting the bulk conductivity rather than C/O ratio and defect concentration.

Excitation of Love waves in a thin film layer by a line source.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuan, H.-S.; Ponamgi, S. R.

1972-01-01

The excitation of a Love surface wave guided by a thin film layer deposited on a semiinfinite substrate is studied in this paper. Both the thin film and the substrate are considered to be elastically isotropic. Amplitudes of the surface wave in the thin film region and the substrate are found in terms of the strength of a line source vibrating in a direction transverse to the propagating wave. In addition to the surface wave, the bulk shear wave excited by the source is also studied. Analytical expressions for the bulk wave amplitude as a function of the direction of propagation, the acoustic powers transported by the surface and bulk waves, and the efficiency of surface wave excitation are obtained. A numerical example is given to show how the bulk wave radiation pattern depends upon the source frequency, the film thickness and other important parameters of the problem. The efficiency of surface wave excitation is also calculated for various parameter values.

Theory of Multifarious Quantum Phases and Large Anomalous Hall Effect in Pyrochlore Iridate Thin Films

PubMed Central

Hwang, Kyusung; Kim, Yong Baek

2016-01-01

We theoretically investigate emergent quantum phases in the thin film geometries of the pyrochore iridates, where a number of exotic quantum ground states are proposed to occur in bulk materials as a result of the interplay between electron correlation and strong spin-orbit coupling. The fate of these bulk phases as well as novel quantum states that may arise only in the thin film platforms, are studied via a theoretical model that allows layer-dependent magnetic structures. It is found that the magnetic order develop in inhomogeneous fashions in the thin film geometries. This leads to a variety of magnetic metal phases with modulated magnetic ordering patterns across different layers. Both the bulk and boundary electronic states in these phases conspire to promote unusual electronic properties. In particular, such phases are akin to the Weyl semimetal phase in the bulk system and they would exhibit an unusually large anomalous Hall effect. PMID:27418293

Investigation of mixed-host organic light emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh Yee, Kee

One of the limiting factors to the OLED stability or lifetime is the charge buildup at the bilayer heterojunction (HJ) between the hole transport layer (HTL) and electron transport layer (ETL). In recent years, this abrupt interface has been moderated by mixing HTL and ETL to form a single mixed-host, light emitting layer. For uniformly mixed-host (UM) OLED, the device lifetime and also the efficiency were improved due to the spatial broadening of the recombination zone. Similar device architectures, such as the step-wise graded mixed-host (SGM-OLED) and the continuously graded mixed-host (CGM-OLED) have also been implemented by a number of researchers. In this work, a premix of hole transport material (HTM) and electron transport material (ETM), namely TPD and Alq, is prepared for one-step thermal evaporation of the mixed-host light emitting layer (EML). Depending on the evaporation rate, the CGM-OLEDs with different concentration profiles of HTM and ETM in the EML are obtained, which are inversely proportional to each other.

Lidar observation of marine mixed layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamagishi, Susumu; Yamanouchi, Hiroshi; Tsuchiya, Masayuki

1992-01-01

Marine mixed layer is known to play an important role in the transportation of pollution exiting ship funnels. The application of a diffusion model is critically dependent upon a reliable estimate of a lid. However, the processes that form lids are not well understood, though considerable progress toward marine boundary layer has been achieved. This report describes observations of the marine mixed layer from the course Ise-wan to Nii-jima with the intention of gaining a better understanding of their structure by a shipboard lidar. These observations were made in the summer of 1991. One interesting feature of the observations was that the multiple layers of aerosols, which is rarely numerically modeled, was encountered. No attempt is yet made to present a systematic analysis of all the data collected. Instead we focus on observations that seem to be directly relevant to the structure of the mixed layer.

Mineral and chemical variations within an ash-flow sheet from Aso caldera, Southwestern Japan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lipman, P.W.

1967-01-01

Although products of individual volcanic eruptions, especially voluminous ash-flow eruptions, have been considered among the best available samples of natural magmas, detailed petrographic and chemical study indicates that bulk compositions of unaltered Pleistocene ash-flow tuffs from Aso caldera, Japan, deviate significantly from original magmatic compositions. The last major ash-flow sheet from Aso caldera is as much as 150 meters thick and shows a general vertical compositional change from phenocryst-poor rhyodacite upward into phenocryst-rich trachyandesite; this change apparently reflects in inverse order a compositionally zoned magma chamber in which more silicic magma overlay more mafic magma. Details of these magmatic variations were obscured, however, by: (1) mixing of compositionally distinct batches of magma during upwelling in the vent, as indicated by layering and other heterogeneities within single pumice lumps; (2) mixing of particulate fragments-pumice lumps, ash, and phenocrysts-of varied compositions during emplacement, with the result that separate pumice lenses from a single small outcrop may have a compositional range nearly as great as the bulk-rook variation of the entire sheet; (3) density sorting of phenocrysts and ash during eruption and emplacement, resulting in systematic modal variations with distance from the caldera; (4) addition of xenocrysts, resulting in significant contamination and modification of proportions of crystals in the tuffs; and (5) ground-water leaching of glassy fractions during hydration after cooling. Similar complexities characterize ash-flow tuffs under study in southwestern Nevada and in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, and probably are widespread in other ash-flow fields as well. Caution and careful planning are required in study of the magmatic chemistry and phenocryst mineralogy of these rocks. ?? 1967 Springer-Verlag.

Electroosmotic Mixing in Nanochannels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conlisk, A. T.; Chen, Lei

2004-11-01

Electroosmotic flow in nanochannels is characterized by low Reynolds number in which flow mixing is difficult because of the dominance of molecular diffusion. Previous work shows that heterogenerous surface potential could generate a circulation region within the bulk flow near the surface. But all of this work requires that the ionic species be pairs of ions of equal and opposite valence and the distribution of ions is not considered. In the present work the electroosmotic flow in a rectangular channel with non-uniform zeta potential is examined. A model for the two dimensional electroosmotic flow problem is established. The distributions of potential, velocity and mole fractions are calculated numerically. Vortex formation is observed within the bulk flow near the the region of non-uniform zeta potential which suggests mixing can be induced.

Development of a nonlocal convective mixing scheme with varying upward mixing rates for use in air quality and chemical transport models.

PubMed

Mihailović, Dragutin T; Alapaty, Kiran; Sakradzija, Mirjana

2008-06-01

Asymmetrical convective non-local scheme (CON) with varying upward mixing rates is developed for simulation of vertical turbulent mixing in the convective boundary layer in air quality and chemical transport models. The upward mixing rate form the surface layer is parameterized using the sensible heat flux and the friction and convective velocities. Upward mixing rates varying with height are scaled with an amount of turbulent kinetic energy in layer, while the downward mixing rates are derived from mass conservation. This scheme provides a less rapid mass transport out of surface layer into other layers than other asymmetrical convective mixing schemes. In this paper, we studied the performance of a nonlocal convective mixing scheme with varying upward mixing in the atmospheric boundary layer and its impact on the concentration of pollutants calculated with chemical and air-quality models. This scheme was additionally compared versus a local eddy-diffusivity scheme (KSC). Simulated concentrations of NO(2) and the nitrate wet deposition by the CON scheme are closer to the observations when compared to those obtained from using the KSC scheme. Concentrations calculated with the CON scheme are in general higher and closer to the observations than those obtained by the KSC scheme (of the order of 15-20%). Nitrate wet deposition calculated with the CON scheme are in general higher and closer to the observations than those obtained by the KSC scheme. To examine the performance of the scheme, simulated and measured concentrations of a pollutant (NO(2)) and nitrate wet deposition was compared for the year 2002. The comparison was made for the whole domain used in simulations performed by the chemical European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme Unified model (version UNI-ACID, rv2.0) where schemes were incorporated.

Quasi-Geostrophic Diagnosis of Mixed-Layer Dynamics Embedded in a Mesoscale Turbulent Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chavanne, C. P.; Klein, P.

2016-02-01

A new quasi-geostrophic model has been developed to diagnose the three-dimensional circulation, including the vertical velocity, in the upper ocean from high-resolution observations of sea surface height and buoyancy. The formulation for the adiabatic component departs from the classical surface quasi-geostrophic framework considered before since it takes into account the stratification within the surface mixed-layer that is usually much weaker than that in the ocean interior. To achieve this, the model approximates the ocean with two constant-stratification layers : a finite-thickness surface layer (or the mixed-layer) and an infinitely-deep interior layer. It is shown that the leading-order adiabatic circulation is entirely determined if both the surface streamfunction and buoyancy anomalies are considered. The surface layer further includes a diabatic dynamical contribution. Parameterization of diabatic vertical velocities is based on their restoring impacts of the thermal-wind balance that is perturbed by turbulent vertical mixing of momentum and buoyancy. The model skill in reproducing the three-dimensional circulation in the upper ocean from surface data is checked against the output of a high-resolution primitive-equation numerical simulation. Correlation between simulated and diagnosed vertical velocities are significantly improved in the mixed-layer for the new model compared to the classical surface quasi-geostrophic model, reaching 0.9 near the surface.

Mixed mosaic membranes prepared by layer-by-layer assembly for ionic separations.

PubMed

Rajesh, Sahadevan; Yan, Yu; Chang, Hsueh-Chia; Gao, Haifeng; Phillip, William A

2014-12-23

Charge mosaic membranes, which possess distinct cationic and anionic domains that traverse the membrane thickness, are capable of selectively separating dissolved salts from similarly sized neutral solutes. Here, the generation of charge mosaic membranes using facile layer-by-layer assembly methodologies is reported. Polymeric nanotubes with pore walls lined by positively charged polyethylenimine moieties or negatively charged poly(styrenesulfonate) moieties were prepared via layer-by-layer assembly using track-etched membranes as sacrificial templates. Subsequently, both types of nanotubes were deposited on a porous support in order to produce mixed mosaic membranes. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates that the facile deposition techniques implemented result in nanotubes that are vertically aligned without overlap between adjacent elements. Furthermore, the nanotubes span the thickness of the mixed mosaic membranes. The effects of this unique nanostructure are reflected in the transport characteristics of the mixed mosaic membranes. The hydraulic permeability of the mixed mosaic membranes in piezodialysis operations was 8 L m(-2) h(-1) bar(-1). Importantly, solute rejection experiments demonstrate that the mixed mosaic membranes are more permeable to ionic solutes than similarly sized neutral molecules. In particular, negative rejection of sodium chloride is observed (i.e., the concentration of NaCl in the solution that permeates through a mixed mosaic membrane is higher than in the initial feed solution). These properties illustrate the ability of mixed mosaic membranes to permeate dissolved ions selectively without violating electroneutrality and suggest their utility in ionic separations.

Modeling the interplay between sea ice formation and the oceanic mixed layer: Limitations of simple brine rejection parameterizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthélemy, Antoine; Fichefet, Thierry; Goosse, Hugues; Madec, Gurvan

2015-02-01

The subtle interplay between sea ice formation and ocean vertical mixing is hardly represented in current large-scale models designed for climate studies. Convective mixing caused by the brine release when ice forms is likely to prevail in leads and thin ice areas, while it occurs in models at the much larger horizontal grid cell scale. Subgrid-scale parameterizations have hence been developed to mimic the effects of small-scale convection using a vertical distribution of the salt rejected by sea ice within the mixed layer, instead of releasing it in the top ocean layer. Such a brine rejection parameterization is included in the global ocean-sea ice model NEMO-LIM3. Impacts on the simulated mixed layers and ocean temperature and salinity profiles, along with feedbacks on the sea ice cover, are then investigated in both hemispheres. The changes are overall relatively weak, except for mixed layer depths, which are in general excessively reduced compared to observation-based estimates. While potential model biases prevent a definitive attribution of this vertical mixing underestimation to the brine rejection parameterization, it is unlikely that the latter can be applied in all conditions. In that case, salt rejections do not play any role in mixed layer deepening, which is unrealistic. Applying the parameterization only for low ice-ocean relative velocities improves model results, but introduces additional parameters that are not well constrained by observations.

Modelling the interplay between sea ice formation and the oceanic mixed layer: limitations of simple brine rejection parameterizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthélemy, Antoine; Fichefet, Thierry; Goosse, Hugues; Madec, Gurvan

2015-04-01

The subtle interplay between sea ice formation and ocean vertical mixing is hardly represented in current large-scale models designed for climate studies. Convective mixing caused by the brine release when ice forms is likely to prevail in leads and thin ice areas, while it occurs in models at the much larger horizontal grid cell scale. Subgrid-scale parameterizations have hence been developed to mimic the effects of small-scale convection using a vertical distribution of the salt rejected by sea ice within the mixed layer, instead of releasing it in the top ocean layer. Such a brine rejection parameterization is included in the global ocean--sea ice model NEMO-LIM3. Impacts on the simulated mixed layers and ocean temperature and salinity profiles, along with feedbacks on the sea ice cover, are then investigated in both hemispheres. The changes are overall relatively weak, except for mixed layer depths, which are in general excessively reduced compared to observation-based estimates. While potential model biases prevent a definitive attribution of this vertical mixing underestimation to the brine rejection parameterization, it is unlikely that the latter can be applied in all conditions. In that case, salt rejections do not play any role in mixed layer deepening, which is unrealistic. Applying the parameterization only for low ice--ocean relative velocities improves model results, but introduces additional parameters that are not well constrained by observations.

Prediction of dynamic and mixing characteristics of drop-laden mixing layers using DNS and LES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okong'o, N.; Leboissetier, A.; Bellan, J.

2004-01-01

Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) have been conducted of a temporal mixing layer laden with evaporating drops, in order to assess the ability of LES to reproduce dynamic and mixing aspects of the DNS which affect combustion, independently of combustion models.

Samarium Hexaboride: The First True 3D Topological Insulator?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolgast, Steven G.

The recent theoretical prediction of a topologically protected surface state in the mixed-valent insulator SmB6 has motivated a series of charge transport studies, which are presented here. It is first studied using a specialized configuration designed to distinguish bulk-dominated conduction from surface-dominated conduction. As the material is cooled below 4 K, it exhibits a crossover from thermally activated bulk transport to metallic surface conduction with a fully insulating bulk. The robustness and magnitude of the surface conductivity, as is manifest in the literature of SmB6, is strong evidence for the topological insulator (TI) metallic surface states predicted for this material. This resolves a decades-old puzzle surrounding the low-temperature behavior of SmB6. Next, the magnetotransport properties of the surface are investigated using a Corbino disk geometry, which can directly measure the conductivity of individual surfaces. Both (011) and (001) crystal surfaces show a strong negative magnetoresistance at all magnetic field angles, due primarily to changes in the carrier density. The low mobility value accounts for the failure so far to observe Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations below 95 T. Small variations in the mobility and temperature dependence suggest a suppression of Kondo scattering from native oxide-layer magnetic moments. At low fields, a dynamical field-sweep-rate-dependent hysteretic behavior is observed. It persists at the slowest sweep rates, and cannot be explained by quantum interference corrections; it is likely due to extrinsic effects such as the magnetocaloric effect or glassy ordering of the native oxide moments. Pulsed magnetic field measurements up to 60 T at temperatures throughout the crossover regime clearly distinguish the surface magnetoresistance from the bulk magnetoresistance. The bulk magnetoresistance is due to a reduction in the bulk gap with increasing magnetic field. Finally, small subsurface cracks formed in SmB6 via systematic scratching or sanding results in a counter-intuitive increase in the electrical conduction due to the unique surface-conducting property of TIs, strengthening the building case for SmB 6's topological nature. This material is attractive as a TI because its bulk is fully insulating at a readily achieved 2 K, but it presents a large number of scientific mysteries and experimental challenges for future research.

The seasonal cycle of the mixing layer height and its impact on black carbon concentrations in the Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mues, Andrea; Rupakheti, Maheswar; Hoor, Peter; Bozem, Heiko; Münkel, Christoph; Lauer, Axel; Butler, Tim

2016-04-01

The properties and the vertical structure of the mixing layer as part of the planetary boundary layer are of key importance for local air quality. They have a substantial impact on the vertical dispersion of pollutants in the lower atmosphere and thus on their concentrations near the surface. In this study, ceilometer measurements taken within the framework of the SusKat project (Sustainable Atmosphere for the Kathmandu Valley) are used to investigate the mixing layer height in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The applied method is based on the assumption that the aerosol concentration is nearly constant in the vertical and distinctly higher within the mixing layer than in the air above. Thus, the height with the steepest gradient within the ceilometer backscatter profile marks the top of the mixing layer. Ceilometer and black carbon (BC) measurements conducted from March 2013 through February 2014 provide a unique and important dataset for the analysis of the meteorological and air quality conditions in the Kathmandu Valley. In this study the mean diurnal cycle of the mixing layer height in the Kathmandu Valley for each season (pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter season) and its dependency on the meteorological situation is investigated. In addition, the impact of the mixing layer height on the BC concentration is analyzed and compared to the relevance of other important processes such as emissions, horizontal advection and deposition. In all seasons the diurnal cycle is typically characterized by low mixing heights during the night, gradually increasing after sun rise reaching to maximum values in the afternoon before decreasing again. Seasonal differences can be seen particularly in the height of the mixing layer, e.g. from on average 153/1200 m (pre-monsoon) to 241/755 m (monsoon season) during the night/day, and the duration of enhanced mixing layer heights during daytime (around 12 hours (pre-monsoon season) to 8 hours (winter)). During the monsoon season, the observed diurnal cycle typically shows the lowest amplitude and the lowest mixing height during the day and the highest in the night and morning hours of all seasons. These characteristics can mainly be explained with frequently present clouds and the associated lack of incoming solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation. In general there is a clear anti-correlation of the BC concentration and the mixing layer height although this relation is less pronounced in the monsoon season. The shape and magnitude of the BC diurnal cycle differs between the seasons (e.g., daily maximum concentration from around 6 to 50 μg/m3 depending on the season). This is partly due to the different meteorological conditions including the mixing layer height but also caused by the different (seasonal and diurnal) time profiles of the main emission sources. From late December to April, for instance, brick kilns are major emitters of black carbon. The brick kilns emit continuously throughout the day whereas in the other months sources with more pronounced diurnal cycles, such as traffic and cooking activities, are dominating the total emissions.

Using nuclear magnetic resonance and transient electromagnetics to characterise water distribution beneath an ice covered volcanic crater: the case of Sherman Crater Mt. Baker Washington.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Irons, Trevor P.; Martin, Kathryn; Finn, Carol A.; Bloss, Benjamin; Horton, Robert J.

2014-01-01

Surface and laboratory Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements combined with transient electromagnetic (TEM) data are powerful tools for subsurface water detection. Surface NMR (sNMR) and TEM soundings, laboratory NMR, complex resistivity, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis were all conducted to characterise the distribution of water within Sherman Crater on Mt. Baker, WA. Clay rich rocks, particularly if water saturated, can weaken volcanoes, thereby increasing the potential for catastrophic sector collapses that can lead to far-travelled, destructive debris flows. Detecting the presence and volume of shallow groundwater is critical for evaluating these landslide hazards. The TEM data identified a low resistivity layer (<10 ohm-m), under 60 m of glacial ice related to water saturated clays. The TEM struggles to resolve the presence or absence of a plausible thin layer of bulk liquid water on top of the clay. The sNMR measurements did not produce any observable signal, indicating the lack of substantial accumulated bulk water below the ice. Laboratory analysis on a sample from the crater wall that likely represented the clays beneath the ice confirmed that the controlling factor for the lack of sNMR signal was the fine-grained nature of the media. The laboratory measurements further indicated that small pores in clays detected by the XRD contain as much as 50% water, establishing an upper bound on the water content in the clay layer. Forward modelling of geologic scenarios revealed that bulk water layers as thin as ½ m between the ice and clay layer would have been detectable using sNMR. The instrumentation conditions which would allow for sNMR detection of the clay layer are investigated. Using current instrumentation the combined analysis of the TEM and sNMR data allow for valuable characterisation of the groundwater system in the crater. The sNMR is able to reduce the uncertainty of the TEM in regards to the presence of a bulk water layer, a valuable piece of information in hazard assessment.

Mid-depth temperature maximum in an estuarine lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stepanenko, V. M.; Repina, I. A.; Artamonov, A. Yu; Gorin, S. L.; Lykossov, V. N.; Kulyamin, D. V.

2018-03-01

The mid-depth temperature maximum (TeM) was measured in an estuarine Bol’shoi Vilyui Lake (Kamchatka peninsula, Russia) in summer 2015. We applied 1D k-ɛ model LAKE to the case, and found it successfully simulating the phenomenon. We argue that the main prerequisite for mid-depth TeM development is a salinity increase below the freshwater mixed layer, sharp enough in order to increase the temperature with depth not to cause convective mixing and double diffusion there. Given that this condition is satisfied, the TeM magnitude is controlled by physical factors which we identified as: radiation absorption below the mixed layer, mixed-layer temperature dynamics, vertical heat conduction and water-sediments heat exchange. In addition to these, we formulate the mechanism of temperature maximum ‘pumping’, resulting from the phase shift between diurnal cycles of mixed-layer depth and temperature maximum magnitude. Based on the LAKE model results we quantify the contribution of the above listed mechanisms and find their individual significance highly sensitive to water turbidity. Relying on physical mechanisms identified we define environmental conditions favouring the summertime TeM development in salinity-stratified lakes as: small-mixed layer depth (roughly, ~< 2 m), transparent water, daytime maximum of wind and cloudless weather. We exemplify the effect of mixed-layer depth on TeM by a set of selected lakes.

Analyses and simulations of the upper ocean's response to Hurricane Felix at the Bermuda Testbed Mooring site: 13-23 August 1995

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zedler, S. E.; Dickey, T. D.; Doney, S. C.; Price, J. F.; Yu, X.; Mellor, G. L.

2002-12-01

The center of Hurricane Felix passed 85 km to the southwest of the Bermuda Testbed Mooring (BTM; 31°44'N, 64°10'W) site on 15 August 1995. Data collected in the upper ocean from the BTM during this encounter provide a rare opportunity to investigate the physical processes that occur in a hurricane's wake. Data analyses indicate that the storm caused a large increase in kinetic energy at near-inertial frequencies, internal gravity waves in the thermocline, and inertial pumping, mixed layer deepening, and significant vertical redistribution of heat, with cooling of the upper 30 m and warming at depths of 30-70 m. The temperature evolution was simulated using four one-dimensional mixed layer models: Price-Weller-Pinkel (PWP), K Profile Parameterization (KPP), Mellor-Yamada 2.5 (MY), and a modified version of MY2.5 (MY2). The primary differences in the model results were in their simulations of temperature evolution. In particular, when forced using a drag coefficient that had a linear dependence on wind speed, the KPP model predicted sea surface cooling, mixed layer currents, and the maximum depth of cooling closer to the observations than any of the other models. This was shown to be partly because of a special parameterization for gradient Richardson number (RgKPP) shear instability mixing in response to resolved shear in the interior. The MY2 model predicted more sea surface cooling and greater depth penetration of kinetic energy than the MY model. In the MY2 model the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy is parameterized as a function of a locally defined Richardson number (RgMY2) allowing for a reduction in dissipation rate for stable Richardson numbers (RgMY2) when internal gravity waves are likely to be present. Sensitivity simulations with the PWP model, which has specifically defined mixing procedures, show that most of the heat lost from the upper layer was due to entrainment (parameterized as a function of bulk Richardson number RbPWP), with the remainder due to local Richardson number (RgPWP) instabilities. With the exception of the MY model the models predicted reasonable estimates of the north and east current components during and after the hurricane passage at 25 and 45 m. Although the results emphasize differences between the modeled responses to a given wind stress, current controversy over the formulation of wind stress from wind speed measurements (including possible sea state and wave age and sheltering effects) cautions against using our results for assessing model skill. In particular, sensitivity studies show that MY2 simulations of the temperature evolution are excellent when the wind stress is increased, albeit with currents that are larger than observed. Sensitivity experiments also indicate that preexisting inertial motion modulated the amplitude of poststorm currents, but that there was probably not a significant resonant response because of clockwise wind rotation for our study site.

Corrosion of low alloy steel containing 0.5% chromium in supercritical CO2-saturated brine and water-saturated supercritical CO2 environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Liang; Gao, Kewei; Li, Qian

2018-05-01

The corrosion behavior of P110 low-Cr alloy steel in supercritical CO2-saturated brine (aqueous phase) and water-saturated supercritical CO2 (SC CO2 phase) was investigated. The results show that P110 steel primarily suffered general corrosion in the aqueous phase, while severe localized corrosion occurred in the SC CO2 phase. The formation of corrosion product scale on P110 steel in the aqueous phase divided into three stages: formation of the initial corrosion layer containing amorphous Cr(OH)3, FeCO3 and a small amount of Fe3C; transformation of initial corrosion layer to mixed layer, which consisted of FeCO3 and a small amount of Cr(OH)3 and Fe3C; growth and dissolution of the mixed layer. Finally, only a single mixed layer covered on the steel in the aqueous phase. However, the scale formed in SC CO2 phase consisted of two layers: the inner mixed layer and the dense outer FeCO3 crystalline layer.

Anomalies of the upper water column in the Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivetti, Irene; Boero, Ferdinando; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Zambianchi, Enrico; Lionello, Piero

2017-04-01

The evolution of the upper water column in the Mediterranean Sea during more than 60 years is reconstructed in terms of few parameters describing the mixed layer and the seasonal thermocline. The analysis covers the period 1945-2011 using data from three public sources: MEDAR-MEDATLAS, World Ocean Database, MFS-VOS program. Five procedures for estimating the mixed layer depth are described, discussed and compared using the 20-year long time series of temperature profiles of the DYFAMED station in the Ligurian Sea. On this basis the so-called three segments profile model (which approximates the upper water column with three segments representing mixed layer, thermocline and deep layer) has been selected for a systematic analysis at Mediterranean scale. A widespread increase of the thickness and temperature of the mixed layer, increase of the depth and decrease of the temperature of the thermocline base have been observed in summer and autumn during the recent decades. It is shown that positive temperature extremes of the mixed layer and of its thickness are potential drivers of the mass mortalities of benthic invertebrates documented since 1983. Hotspots of mixed layer anomalies have been also identified. These results refine previous analyses showing that ongoing and future warming of upper Mediterranean is likely to increase mass mortalities by producing environmental conditions beyond the limit of tolerance of some benthic species.

3D fold growth rates in transpressional tectonic settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frehner, Marcel

2015-04-01

Geological folds are inherently three-dimensional (3D) structures; hence, they also grow in 3D. In this study, fold growth in all three dimensions is quantified numerically using a finite-element algorithm for simulating deformation of Newtonian media in 3D. The presented study is an extension and generalization of the work presented in Frehner (2014), which only considered unidirectional layer-parallel compression. In contrast, the full range from strike slip settings (i.e., simple shear) to unidirectional layer-parallel compression is considered here by varying the convergence angle of the boundary conditions; hence the results are applicable to general transpressional tectonic settings. Only upright symmetrical single-layer fold structures are considered. The horizontal higher-viscous layer exhibits an initial point-like perturbation. Due to the mixed pure- and simple shear boundary conditions a mechanical buckling instability grows from this perturbation in all three dimensions, described by: Fold amplification (vertical growth): Fold amplification describes the growth from a fold shape with low limb-dip angle to a shape with higher limb-dip angle. Fold elongation (growth parallel to fold axis): Fold elongation describes the growth from a dome-shaped (3D) structure to a more cylindrical fold (2D). Sequential fold growth (growth perpendicular to fold axial plane): Sequential fold growth describes the growth of secondary (and further) folds adjacent to the initial isolated fold. The term 'lateral fold growth' is used as an umbrella term for both fold elongation and sequential fold growth. In addition, the orientation of the fold axis is tracked as a function of the convergence angle. Even though the absolute values of all three growth rates are markedly reduced with increasing simple-shear component at the boundaries, the general pattern of the quantified fold growth under the studied general-shear boundary conditions is surprisingly similar to the end-member case of unidirectional layer-parallel compression (Frehner, 2014). Fold growth rates in the two lateral directions are almost identical resulting in bulk fold structures with aspect ratios in map view close to 1. Fold elongation is continuous with increasing bulk deformation, while sequential fold growth exhibits jumps whenever a new sequential fold appears. Compared with the two lateral growth directions, fold amplification exhibits a slightly higher growth rate. The orientation of the fold axis has an angle equal to 1 2 of 90° minus the convergence angle; and this orientation is stable with increasing bulk deformation, i.e. the fold axis does not rotate with increasing general-shear deformation. For example, for simple-shear boundary conditions (convergence angle 0°) the fold axis is stable at an angle of 45° to the boundaries; for a convergence angle of 45° the fold axis is stable at an angle of 22.5° to the boundaries. REFERENCE: Frehner M., 2014: 3D fold growth rates, Terra Nova 26, 417-424, doi:10.1111/ter.12116.

Arctic Mixed-phase Clouds Simulated by a Cloud-Resolving Model: Comparison with ARM Observations and Sensitivity to Microphysics Parameterizations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Kuan-Man; Luo, Yali; Morrison, Hugh; Mcfarquhar, G.M.

2008-01-01

Single-layer mixed-phase stratiform (MPS) Arctic clouds, which formed under conditions of large surface heat flux combined with general subsidence during a subperiod of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M-PACE), are simulated with a cloud resolving model (CRM). The CRM is implemented with either an advanced two-moment (M05) or a commonly used one-moment (L83) bulk microphysics scheme and a state-of-the-art radiative transfer scheme. The CONTROL simulation, that uses the M05 scheme and observed aerosol size distribution and ice nulei (IN) number concentration, reproduces the magnitudes and vertical structures of cloud liquid water content (LWC), total ice water content (IWC), number concentration and effective radius of cloud droplets as suggested by the M-PACE observations. It underestimates ice crystal number concentrations by an order of magnitude and overestimates effective radius of ice crystals by a factor of 2-3. The OneM experiment, that uses the L83 scheme, produces values of liquid water path (LWP) and ice plus snow water path (ISWP) that were about 30% and 4 times, respectively, of those produced by the CONTROL. Its vertical profile of IWC exhibits a bimodal distribution in contrast to the constant distribution of IWC produced in the CONTROL and observations.

LABORATORY AND FIELD RESULTS LINKING HIGH BULK CONDUCTIVITIES TO THE MICROBIAL DEGRADATION OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS

EPA Science Inventory

Diesel contaminated layer (i.e. 32-45 cm) was the most geoelectrically conductive and showed the peak microbial activity. Below the saturated zone microbial enhanced mineral weathering increases the ionic concentration of pore fluids, leading to increased bulk electrical conducit...

Influence of thermal annealing on the bulk scattering in giant-magnetoresistance spin-valve with nano-oxide layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, Chunghee; Jang, Youngman; Lee, Ki-Su; Shim, Jungjin; Cho, B. K.

2006-04-01

Based upon a bulk scattering model, we investigated the variation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) behavior after thermal annealing at Ta=250 °C as a function of the top free layer thickness of a GMR spin valve with nano-oxide layers (NOLs). It was found that the enhancement of GMR ratio after thermal annealing is explained qualitatively in terms of the increase of active GMR region in the free layer and, simultaneously, the increase of intrinsic spin-scattering ratio. These effects are likely due to the improved specular reflection at the well-formed interface of NOL. Furthermore, we developed a modified phenomenological model for sheet conductance change (ΔG) in terms of the top free layer thickness. This modified model was found to be useful in the quantitative analysis of the variation of the active GMR region and the intrinsic spin-scattering properties. The two physical parameters were found to change consistently with the effects of thermal annealing on NOL.

Self-assembled three-dimensional and compressible interdigitated thin-film supercapacitors and batteries

PubMed Central

Nyström, Gustav; Marais, Andrew; Karabulut, Erdem; Wågberg, Lars; Cui, Yi; Hamedi, Mahiar M.

2015-01-01

Traditional thin-film energy-storage devices consist of stacked layers of active films on two-dimensional substrates and do not exploit the third dimension. Fully three-dimensional thin-film devices would allow energy storage in bulk materials with arbitrary form factors and with mechanical properties unique to bulk materials such as compressibility. Here we show three-dimensional energy-storage devices based on layer-by-layer self-assembly of interdigitated thin films on the surface of an open-cell aerogel substrate. We demonstrate a reversibly compressible three-dimensional supercapacitor with carbon nanotube electrodes and a three-dimensional hybrid battery with a copper hexacyanoferrate ion intercalating cathode and a carbon nanotube anode. The three-dimensional supercapacitor shows stable operation over 400 cycles with a capacitance of 25 F g−1 and is fully functional even at compressions up to 75%. Our results demonstrate that layer-by-layer self-assembly inside aerogels is a rapid, precise and scalable route for building high-surface-area 3D thin-film devices. PMID:26021485

Theoretical analysis of optical properties of dielectric coatings dependence on substrate subsurface defects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Jian; Liu, Shouhua; Shen, Zicai; Shao, Jianda; Fan, Zhengxiu

2006-03-01

A model for refractive index of stratified dielectric substrate was put forward according to theories of inhomogeneous coatings. The substrate was divided into surface layer, subsurface layer and bulk layer along the normal direction of its surface. Both the surface layer (separated into N1 sublayers of uniform thickness) and subsurface layer (separated into N2 sublayers of uniform thickness), whose refractive indices have different statistical distributions, are equivalent to inhomogeneous coatings, respectively. And theoretical deduction was carried out by employing characteristic matrix method of optical coatings. An example of mathematical calculation for optical properties of dielectric coatings had been presented. The computing results indicate that substrate subsurface defects can bring about additional bulk scattering and change propagation characteristic in thin film and substrate. Therefore, reflectance, reflective phase shift and phase difference of an assembly of coatings and substrate deviate from ideal conditions. The model will provide some beneficial theory directions for improving optical properties of dielectric coatings via substrate surface modification.

Unified Description of the Optical Phonon Modes in N-Layer MoTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froehlicher, Guillaume; Lorchat, Etienne; Fernique, François; Joshi, Chaitanya; Molina-Sánchez, Alejandro; Wirtz, Ludger; Berciaud, Stéphane

N -layer transition metal dichalcogenides (denoted MX2) provide a unique platform to investigate the evolution of the physical properties between the bulk (3D) and monolayer (quasi-2D) limits. Here, we present a unified analysis of the optical phonon modes in N-layer 2 H -MX2. The 2 H -phase (or hexagonal phase) is the most common polytype for semiconducting MX2 (such as MoS2). Using Raman spectroscopy, we have measured the manifold of low-frequency (rigid layer), mid-frequency (involving intralayer displacement of the chalcogen atoms only), and high-frequency (involving intralayer displacements of all atoms) Raman-active modes in N = 1 to 12 layer 2 H -molybdenenum ditelluride (MoTe2). For each monolayer mode, the N-dependent phonon frequencies give rise to fan diagrams that are quantitatively fit to a force constant model. This analysis allows us to deduce the frequencies of all the bulk (including silent) optical phonon modes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, P.; Pai, Woei Wu; Chan, Y. -H.

Two-dimensional materials constitute a promising platform for developing nanoscale devices and systems. Their physical properties can be very different from those of the corresponding three-dimensional materials because of extreme quantum confinement and dimensional reduction. Here in this paper we report a study of TiTe 2 from the single-layer to the bulk limit. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we observed the emergence of a (2 × 2) charge density wave order in single-layer TiTe 2 with a transition temperature of 92 ± 3 K. Also observed was a pseudogap of about 28 meV at the Fermimore » level at 4.2 K. Surprisingly, no charge density wave transitions were observed in two-layer and multi-layer TiTe 2 , despite the quasi-two-dimensional nature of the material in the bulk. The unique charge density wave phenomenon in the single layer raises intriguing questions that challenge the prevailing thinking about the mechanisms of charge density wave formation.« less

Charge density wave transition in single-layer titanium diselenide

DOE PAGES

Chen, P.; Chan, Y. -H.; Fang, X. -Y.; ...

2015-11-16

A single molecular layer of titanium diselenide (TiSe 2) is a promising material for advanced electronics beyond graphene--a strong focus of current research. Such molecular layers are at the quantum limit of device miniaturization and can show enhanced electronic effects not realizable in thick films. We show that single-layer TiSe 2 exhibits a charge density wave (CDW) transition at critical temperature T C=232±5 K, which is higher than the bulk T C=200±5 K. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal a small absolute bandgap at room temperature, which grows wider with decreasing temperature T below T C in conjunction with the emergencemore » of (2 × 2) ordering. The results are rationalized in terms of first-principles calculations, symmetry breaking and phonon entropy effects. The behavior of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) gap implies a mean-field CDW order in the single layer and an anisotropic CDW order in the bulk.« less

A Water Model Study on Mixing Behavior of the Two-Layered Bath in Bottom Blown Copper Smelting Furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shui, Lang; Cui, Zhixiang; Ma, Xiaodong; Jiang, Xu; Chen, Mao; Xiang, Yong; Zhao, Baojun

2018-05-01

The bottom-blown copper smelting furnace is a novel copper smelter developed in recent years. Many advantages of this furnace have been found, related to bath mixing behavior under its specific gas injection scheme. This study aims to use an oil-water double-phased laboratory-scale model to investigate the impact of industry-adjustable variables on bath mixing time, including lower layer thickness, gas flow rate, upper layer thickness and upper layer viscosity. Based on experimental results, an overall empirical relationship of mixing time in terms of these variables has been correlated, which provides the methodology for industry to optimize mass transfer in the furnace.

More on the dynamics of dust generation: the effects of mixing and sanding chrysotile, calcium carbonate, and other components on the characteristics of joint-compound dusts.

PubMed

Berman, D Wayne; Brorby, Gregory P; Sheehan, Patrick J; Bogen, Kenneth T; Holm, Stewart E

2012-08-01

An ongoing research effort designed to reconstruct the character of historical exposures associated with use of chrysotile-containing joint compounds naturally raised questions concerning how the character (e.g. particle size distributions) of dusts generated from use of recreated materials compares to dusts from similar materials manufactured historically. This also provided an opportunity to further explore the relative degree that the characteristics of dusts generated from a bulk material are mediated by the properties of the bulk material versus the mechanical processes applied to the bulk material by which the dust is generated. In the current study, the characteristics of dusts generated from a recreated ready mix and recreated dry mix were compared to each other, to dusts from a historical dry mix, and to dusts from the commercial chrysotile fiber (JM 7RF3) used in the recreated materials. The effect of sanding on the character of dusts generated from these materials was also explored. Dusts from the dry materials studied were generated and captured for analysis in a dust generator-elutriator. The recreated and historical joint compounds were also prepared, applied to drywall, and sanded inside sealed bags so that the particles produced from sanding could be introduced into the elutriator and captured for analysis. Comparisons of fiber size distributions in dusts from these materials suggest that dust from commercial fiber is different from dusts generated from the joint compounds, which are mixtures, and the differences persist whether the materials are sanded or not. Differences were also observed between sanded recreated ready mix and either the recreated dry mix or a historical dry mix, again whether sanded or not. In all cases, however, such differences disappeared when variances obtained from surrogate data were used to better represent the 'irreducible variation' of these materials. Even using the smaller study-specific variances, no differences were observed between the recreated dry mix and the historical dry mix, indicating that chrysotile-containing joint compounds can be recreated using historical formulations such that the characteristics of the modern material reasonably mimic those of a corresponding historical material. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between dusts from sanded and unsanded versions of similar materials, suggesting (as in previous studies) that the characteristics of asbestos-containing dusts are mediated primarily by the properties of the bulk material from which they are derived.

Sintered tantalum carbide coatings on graphite substrates: Highly reliable protective coatings for bulk and epitaxial growth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakamura, Daisuke; Suzumura, Akitoshi; Shigetoh, Keisuke

2015-02-23

Highly reliable low-cost protective coatings have been sought after for use in crucibles and susceptors for bulk and epitaxial film growth processes involving wide bandgap materials. Here, we propose a production technique for ultra-thick (50–200 μmt) tantalum carbide (TaC) protective coatings on graphite substrates, which consists of TaC slurry application and subsequent sintering processes, i.e., a wet ceramic process. Structural analysis of the sintered TaC layers indicated that they have a dense granular structure containing coarse grain with sizes of 10–50 μm. Furthermore, no cracks or pinholes penetrated through the layers, i.e., the TaC layers are highly reliable protective coatings. The analysismore » also indicated that no plastic deformation occurred during the production process, and the non-textured crystalline orientation of the TaC layers is the origin of their high reliability and durability. The TaC-coated graphite crucibles were tested in an aluminum nitride (AlN) sublimation growth process, which involves extremely corrosive conditions, and demonstrated their practical reliability and durability in the AlN growth process as a TaC-coated graphite. The application of the TaC-coated graphite materials to crucibles and susceptors for use in bulk AlN single crystal growth, bulk silicon carbide (SiC) single crystal growth, chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial SiC films, and metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy of group-III nitrides will lead to further improvements in crystal quality and reduced processing costs.« less

Molecular dynamics studies of interfacial water at the alumina surface.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Argyris, Dr. Dimitrios; Ho, Thomas; Cole, David

2011-01-01

Interfacial water properties at the alumina surface were investigated via all-atom equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations at ambient temperature. Al-terminated and OH-terminated alumina surfaces were considered to assess the structural and dynamic behavior of the first few hydration layers in contact with the substrates. Density profiles suggest water layering up to {approx}10 {angstrom} from the solid substrate. Planar density distribution data indicate that water molecules in the first interfacial layer are organized in well-defined patterns dictated by the atomic terminations of the alumina surface. Interfacial water exhibits preferential orientation and delayed dynamics compared to bulk water. Water exhibits bulk-like behavior atmore » distances greater than {approx}10 {angstrom} from the substrate. The formation of an extended hydrogen bond network within the first few hydration layers illustrates the significance of water?water interactions on the structural properties at the interface.« less

Surface and bulk electronic structures of unintentionally and Mg-doped In0.7Ga0.3N epilayer by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imura, Masataka; Tsuda, Shunsuke; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Nagata, Takahiro; Banal, Ryan G.; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Yang, AnLi; Yamashita, Yoshiyuki; Kobayashi, Keisuke; Koide, Yasuo; Yamaguchi, Tomohiro; Kaneko, Masamitsu; Uematsu, Nao; Wang, Ke; Araki, Tsutomu; Nanishi, Yasushi

2018-03-01

The surface and bulk electronic structures of In0.7Ga0.3N epilayers are investigated by angle-resolved hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HX-PES) combined with soft X-PES. The unintentionally and Mg-doped In0.7Ga0.3N (u-In0.7Ga0.3N and In0.7Ga0.3N:Mg, respectively) epilayers are grown by radio-frequency plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Here three samples with different Mg concentrations ([Mg] = 0, 7 × 1019, and 4 × 1020 cm-3) are chosen for comparison. It is found that a large downward energy band bending exists in all samples due to the formation of a surface electron accumulation (SEA) layer. For u-In0.7Ga0.3N epilayer, band bending as large as 0.8 ± 0.05 eV occurs from bulk to surface. Judged from the valence band spectral edge and numerical analysis of energy band with a surface quantum well, the valence band maximum (VBM) with respect to Fermi energy (EF) level in the bulk is determined to be 1.22 ± 0.05 eV. In contrast, for In0.7Ga0.3N:Mg epilayers, the band bending increases and the VBM only in the bulk tends to shift toward the EF level owing to the Mg acceptor doping. Hence, the energy band is considered to exhibit a downward bending structure due to the coexistence of the n+ SEA layer and Mg-doped p layer formed in the bulk. When [Mg] changes from 7 × 1019 to 4 × 1020 cm-3, the peak split occurs in HX-PES spectra under the bulk sensitive condition. This result indicates that the energy band forms an anomalous downward bending structure with a singular point due to the generation of a thin depleted region at the n+ p interface. For In0.7Ga0.3N:Mg epilayers, the VBM in the bulk is assumed to be slightly lower than EF level within 0.1 eV.

Improving our understanding of hydraulic-electrical relations: A case study of the surficial aquifer in Emirate Abu Dhabi

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ikard, Scott; Kress, Wade

2016-01-01

Transmissivity is a bulk hydraulic property that can be correlated with bulk electrical properties of an aquifer. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally stratified sequence, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk transverse resistance. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk longitudinal conductance. In both cases, previous investigations have relied on small datasets (on average less than eight observations) that have yielded coefficients of determination (R2) that are typically in the range of 0.6 to 0.7 to substantiate these relations. Compared to previous investigations, this paper explores hydraulic-electrical relations using a much larger dataset. Geophysical data collected from 26 boreholes in Emirate Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, are used to correlate transmissivity modeled from neutron porosity logs to the bulk electrical properties of the surficial aquifer that are computed from deep-induction logs. Transmissivity is found to be highly correlated with longitudinal conductance. An R2 value of 0.853 is obtained when electrical effects caused by variations in pore-fluid salinity are taken into consideration.

Shear and mixing effects on cells in agitated microcarrier tissue culture reactors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cherry, Robert S.; Papoutsakis, E. Terry

1987-01-01

Tissue cells are known to be sensitive to mechanical stresses imposed on them by agitation in bioreactors. The amount of agitation provided in a microcarrier or suspension bioreactor should be only enough to provide effective homogeneity. Three distinct flow regions can be identified in the reactor: bulk turbulent flow, bulk laminar flow and boundary-layer flows. Possible mechanisms of cell damage are examined by analyzing the motion of microcarriers or free cells relative to the surrounding fluid, to each other and to moving or stationary solid surfaces. The primary mechanisms of cell damage appear to result from: (1) direct interaction between microcarriers and turbulent eddies; (2) collisions between microcarriers in turbulent flow; and (3) collisions against the impeller or other stationary surfaces. If the smallest eddies of turbulent flow are of the same size as the microcarrier beads, they may cause high shear stresses on the cells. Eddies the size of the average interbead spacing may cause bead-bead collisions which damage cells. The severity of the collisions increases when the eddies are also of the same size as the beads. Impeller collisions occur when beads cannot avoid the impeller leading edge as it advances through the liquid. The implications of the results of this analysis on the design and operation of tissue culture reactors are discussed.

Communication: Distinguishing between bulk and interface-enhanced crystallization in nanoscale films of amorphous solid water.

PubMed

Yuan, Chunqing; Smith, R Scott; Kay, Bruce D

2017-01-21

The crystallization of amorphous solid water (ASW) nanoscale films was investigated using reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy. Two ASW film configurations were studied. In one case the ASW film was deposited on top of and capped with a decane layer ("sandwich" configuration). In the other case, the ASW film was deposited on top of a decane layer and not capped ("no cap" configuration). Crystallization of ASW films in the "sandwich" configuration is about eight times slower than in the "no cap." Selective placement of an isotopic layer (5% D 2 O in H 2 O) at various positions in an ASW (H 2 O) film was used to determine the crystallization mechanism. In the "sandwich" configuration, the crystallization kinetics were independent of the isotopic layer placement whereas in the "no cap" configuration the closer the isotopic layer was to the vacuum interface, the earlier the isotopic layer crystallized. These results are consistent with a mechanism whereby the decane overlayer suppresses surface nucleation and provide evidence that the observed ASW crystallization in "sandwich" films is the result of uniform bulk nucleation.

Emergence of charge density waves and a pseudogap in single-layer TiTe 2

DOE PAGES

Chen, P.; Pai, Woei Wu; Chan, Y. -H.; ...

2017-09-11

Two-dimensional materials constitute a promising platform for developing nanoscale devices and systems. Their physical properties can be very different from those of the corresponding three-dimensional materials because of extreme quantum confinement and dimensional reduction. Here in this paper we report a study of TiTe 2 from the single-layer to the bulk limit. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we observed the emergence of a (2 × 2) charge density wave order in single-layer TiTe 2 with a transition temperature of 92 ± 3 K. Also observed was a pseudogap of about 28 meV at the Fermimore » level at 4.2 K. Surprisingly, no charge density wave transitions were observed in two-layer and multi-layer TiTe 2 , despite the quasi-two-dimensional nature of the material in the bulk. The unique charge density wave phenomenon in the single layer raises intriguing questions that challenge the prevailing thinking about the mechanisms of charge density wave formation.« less

Plasmon Excitations of Multi-layer Graphene on a Conducting Substrate

PubMed Central

Gumbs, Godfrey; Iurov, Andrii; Wu, Jhao-Ying; Lin, M. F.; Fekete, Paula

2016-01-01

We predict the existence of low-frequency nonlocal plasmons at the vacuum-surface interface of a superlattice of N graphene layers interacting with conducting substrate. We derive a dispersion function that incorporates the polarization function of both the graphene monolayers and the semi-infinite electron liquid at whose surface the electrons scatter specularly. We find a surface plasmon-polariton that is not damped by particle-hole excitations or the bulk modes and which separates below the continuum mini-band of bulk plasmon modes. The surface plasmon frequency of the hybrid structure always lies below , the surface plasmon frequency of the conducting substrate. The intensity of this mode depends on the distance of the graphene layers from the conductor’s surface, the energy band gap between valence and conduction bands of graphene monolayer and, most importantly, on the number of two-dimensional layers. For a sufficiently large number of layers the hybrid structure has no surface plasmon. The existence of plasmons with different dispersion relations indicates that quasiparticles with different group velocity may coexist for various ranges of wavelengths determined by the number of layers in the superlattice. PMID:26883086

Growth and optical property characterization of textured barium titanate thin films for photonic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dicken, Matthew J.; Diest, Kenneth; Park, Young-Bae; Atwater, Harry A.

2007-03-01

We have investigated the growth of barium titanate thin films on bulk crystalline and amorphous substrates utilizing biaxially oriented template layers. Ion beam-assisted deposition was used to grow thin, biaxially textured, magnesium oxide template layers on amorphous and silicon substrates. Growth of highly oriented barium titanate films on these template layers was achieved by molecular beam epitaxy using a layer-by-layer growth process. Barium titanate thin films were grown in molecular oxygen and in the presence of oxygen radicals produced by a 300 W radio frequency plasma. We used X-ray and in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) to analyze the structural properties and show the predominantly c-oriented grains in the films. Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to analyze and compare the optical properties of the thin films grown with and without oxygen plasma. We have shown that optical quality barium titanate thin films, which show bulk crystal-like properties, can be grown on any substrate through the use of biaxially oriented magnesium oxide template layers.

Differences in antioxidant activity between two rice protein concentrates in an oil-in-water emulsion

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Two formulations of rice protein concentrates (RPC) derived from brown rice were evaluated for their antioxidant activity in bulk oil and in oil-in-water emulsions. Bulk oils were mixed with RPC and heated to 180°C, and total polar compounds and triacylglycerol polymerization were measured. Minimal ...

BULK SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANORODS IN POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) USING MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

EPA Science Inventory

Microwave-assisted (MW), surfactantless, greener approach to bulk synthesis of silver nanorods employing poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) is described. An aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO-3,- 0.1 M, 4 mL) and 4 mL of PEG (molecular weight 300) were mixed at room temperature t...

Ab initio investigation of Ti2Al(C,N) solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arróyave, Raymundo; Radovic, Miladin

2011-10-01

Mn+1AXn phases (M: early transition metal, A: IIIA- or IVA-group element, X: carbon or nitrogen) are layered ternary compounds that possess both metal- and ceramic-like properties with numerous potential applications in bulk and thin film forms, particularly under high-temperature conditions. In this work, we use the cluster expansion formalism to investigate the energetics of C-N interactions across the entire Ti2AlC-Ti2AlN composition range. It is shown that there is a definite tendency for ordering in the C,N sublattice. However, the molar volume and bulk modulus of the ordered structures found along the Ti2AlC-Ti2AlN composition range show small deviations from the (linear) rule of mixing, indicating that despite the ordering tendencies, the C-N interactions are not strong and the solution becomes disordered at relatively low temperatures. Random solid solutions of Ti2AlC1-xNx are simulated using special quasirandom structures (SQS) with x=0.25, 0.50, and 0.75. The thermodynamic properties of these structures are compared to those of the structures found to belong to the ground state through the cluster expansion approach. It is found that the structural properties of these approximations to random alloys do not deviate significantly from Vegard's law. The trend in the structural parameters of these SQS are found to agree well with available experimental data and the predictions of the bulk modulus suggest a very weak alloying effect—with respect to Vegard's law—on the elastic properties of Ti2AlC1-xNx.

Influence of quantum confinement and strain on orbital polarization of four-layer LaNiO 3 superlattices: A DFT+DMFT study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Hyowon; Millis, Andrew J.; Marianetti, Chris A.

Atomically precise superlattices involving transition metal oxides provide a unique opportunity to engineer correlated electron physics using strain (modulated by choice of substate) and quantum confinement (controlled by layer thickness). We use the combination of density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory (DFT+DMFT) to study Ni E g d-orbital polarization in strained LaNiO 3/LaAlO 3 superlattices consisting of four layers of nominally metallic NiO 2 and four layers of insulating AlO 2 separated by LaO layers. The layer-resolved orbital polarization is calculated as a function of strain and analyzed in terms of structural, quantum confinement, and correlation effects. Wemore » determined that the effect of strain is from the dependence of the results on the Ni-O bondlength ratio and the octahedral rotation angles; quantum confinement is studied by comparison to bulk calculations with similar degrees of strain; correlation effects are inferred by varying interaction parameters within our DFT+DMFT calculations. The calculated dependence of orbital polarization on strain in superlattices is qualitatively consistent with recent X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant reflectometry data. But, interesting differences of detail are found between theory and experiment. Under tensile strain, the two inequivalent Ni ions display orbital polarization similar to that calculated for strained bulk LaNiO 3 and observed in experiment. Compressive strain produces a larger dependence of orbital polarization on Ni position and even the inner Ni layer exhibits orbital polarization different from that calculated for strained bulk LaNiO 3.« less

[Dynamics of soil physical properties and biological soil crust during the vegetation restoration process of abandoned croplands in the Ordos Plateau, China].

PubMed

Cai, Wen Tao; Li, He Yi; Lai, Li Ming; Zhang, Xiao Long; Guan, Tian Yu; Zhou, Ji Hua; Jiang, Lian He; Zheng, Yuan Run

2017-03-18

A series of typical abandoned croplands in the regions of Ruanliang and Yingliang in the Ordos Plateau, China, were selected, and dynamics of the surface litter, biological soil crust and soil bulk density, soil texture, and soil moisture in different soil layers were investigated. The results showed that in the abandoned cropland in Ruanliang, the clay particle content and surface litter of the surface soil layer (0-10 cm) increased during the restoration process, while that of soil bulk density substantially decreased and soil water content slightly increased in the surface soil. In the medium soil layer (10-30 cm), the clay particle content increased and the soil water content slightly decreased. In the deep soil layer (30-50 cm), there was a relatively large variation in the physical properties. In the abandoned cropland in Yingliang, the coverage of litter and the coverage and thickness of the biological soil crust increased during the abandonment process. The surface soil bulk density, soil clay particle content and soil water content remained constant in 0-10 cm soil layer, while the physical properties varied substantially in 10-40 cm soil layer. The shallow distribution of the soil water content caused by the accumulation of the litter and clay particles on the soil surface might be the key reason of the replacement of the semi-shrub Artemisia ordosica community with a perennial grass community over the last 20 years of the abandoned cropland in Ruanliang. The relatively high soil water content in the shallow layer and the development of the biological soil crust might explain why the abandoned cropland in Yingliang was not invaded by the semi-shrub A. ordosica during the restoration process.

Influence of quantum confinement and strain on orbital polarization of four-layer LaNiO 3 superlattices: A DFT+DMFT study

DOE PAGES

Park, Hyowon; Millis, Andrew J.; Marianetti, Chris A.

2016-06-07

Atomically precise superlattices involving transition metal oxides provide a unique opportunity to engineer correlated electron physics using strain (modulated by choice of substate) and quantum confinement (controlled by layer thickness). We use the combination of density functional theory and dynamical mean field theory (DFT+DMFT) to study Ni E g d-orbital polarization in strained LaNiO 3/LaAlO 3 superlattices consisting of four layers of nominally metallic NiO 2 and four layers of insulating AlO 2 separated by LaO layers. The layer-resolved orbital polarization is calculated as a function of strain and analyzed in terms of structural, quantum confinement, and correlation effects. Wemore » determined that the effect of strain is from the dependence of the results on the Ni-O bondlength ratio and the octahedral rotation angles; quantum confinement is studied by comparison to bulk calculations with similar degrees of strain; correlation effects are inferred by varying interaction parameters within our DFT+DMFT calculations. The calculated dependence of orbital polarization on strain in superlattices is qualitatively consistent with recent X-ray absorption spectroscopy and resonant reflectometry data. But, interesting differences of detail are found between theory and experiment. Under tensile strain, the two inequivalent Ni ions display orbital polarization similar to that calculated for strained bulk LaNiO 3 and observed in experiment. Compressive strain produces a larger dependence of orbital polarization on Ni position and even the inner Ni layer exhibits orbital polarization different from that calculated for strained bulk LaNiO 3.« less

Effect of dead layer and strain on diffuse phase transition of PLZT relaxor thin films.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tong, S.; Narayanan, M.; Ma, B.

2011-02-01

Bulk relaxor ferroelectrics exhibit excellent permittivity compared to their thin film counterpart, although both show diffuse phase transition (DPT) behavior unlike normal ferroelectrics. To better understand the effect of dead layer and strain on the observed anomaly in the dielectric properties, we have developed relaxor PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate) thin films with different thicknesses and measured their dielectric properties as a function of temperature and frequency. The effect of dead layer on thin film permittivity has been found to be independent of temperature and frequency, and is governed by the Schottky barrier between the platinum electrode and PLZT. Themore » total strain (thermal and intrinsic) in the film majorly determines the broadening, dielectric peak and temperature shift in the relaxor ferroelectric. The Curie-Weiss type law for relaxors has been further modified to incorporate these two effects to accurately predict the DPT behavior of thin film and bulk relaxor ferroelectrics. The dielectric behavior of thin film is predicted by using the bulk dielectric data from literature in the proposed equation, which agree well with the measured dielectric behavior.« less

Theoretical Study of α-V2O5 -Based Double-Wall Nanotubes.

PubMed

Porsev, Vitaly V; Bandura, Andrei V; Evarestov, Robert A

2015-10-05

First-principles calculations of the atomic and electronic structure of double-wall nanotubes (DWNTs) of α-V2 O5 are performed. Relaxation of the DWNT structure leads to the formation of two types of local regions: 1) bulk-type regions and 2) puckering regions. Calculated total density of states (DOS) of DWNTs considerably differ from that of single-wall nanotubes and the single layer, as well as from the DOS of the bulk and double layer. Small shoulders that appear on edges of valence and conduction bands result in a considerable decrease in the band gaps of the DWNTs (up to 1 eV relative to the single-layer gaps). The main reason for this effect is the shift of the inner- and outer-wall DOS in opposite directions on the energetic scale. The electron density corresponding to shoulders at the conduction-band edges is localized on vanadium atoms of the bulk-type regions, whereas the electron density corresponding to shoulders at the valence-band edges belongs to oxygen atoms of both regions. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface boundary layer turbulence in the Southern ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merrifield, Sophia; St. Laurent, Louis; Owens, Breck; Naveira Garabato, Alberto

2015-04-01

Due to the remote location and harsh conditions, few direct measurements of turbulence have been collected in the Southern Ocean. This region experiences some of the strongest wind forcing of the global ocean, leading to large inertial energy input. While mixed layers are known to have a strong seasonality and reach 500m depth, the depth structure of near-surface turbulent dissipation and diffusivity have not been examined using direct measurements. We present data collected during the Diapycnal and Isopycnal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean (DIMES) field program. In a range of wind conditions, the wave affected surface layer (WASL), where surface wave physics are actively forcing turbulence, is contained to the upper 15-20m. The lag-correlation between wind stress and turbulence shows a strong relationship up to 6 hours (˜1/2 inertial period), with the winds leading the oceanic turbulent response, in the depth range between 20-50m. We find the following characterize the data: i) Profiles that have a well-defined hydrographic mixed layer show that dissipation decays in the mixed layer inversely with depth, ii) WASLs are typically 15 meters deep and 30% of mixed layer depth, iii) Subject to strong winds, the value of dissipation as a function of depth is significantly lower than predicted by theory. Many dynamical processes are known to be missing from upper-ocean parameterizations of mixing in global models. These include surface-wave driven processes such as Langmuir turbulence, submesocale frontal processes, and nonlocal representations of mixing. Using velocity, hydrographic, and turbulence measurements, the existence of coherent structures in the boundary layer are investigated.

Frontolysis by surface heat flux in the Agulhas Return Current region with a focus on mixed layer processes: observation and a high-resolution CGCM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohishi, Shun; Tozuka, Tomoki; Komori, Nobumasa

2016-12-01

Detailed mechanisms for frontogenesis/frontolysis of the Agulhas Return Current (ARC) Front, defined as the maximum of the meridional sea surface temperature (SST) gradient at each longitude within the ARC region (40°-50°E, 55°-35°S), are investigated using observational datasets. Due to larger (smaller) latent heat release to the atmosphere on the northern (southern) side of the front, the meridional gradient of surface net heat flux (NHF) is found throughout the year. In austral summer, surface warming is weaker (stronger) on the northern (southern) side, and thus the NHF tends to relax the SST front. The weaker (stronger) surface warming, at the same time, leads to the deeper (shallower) mixed layer on the northern (southern) side. This enhances the frontolysis, because deeper (shallower) mixed layer is less (more) sensitive to surface warming. In austral winter, stronger (weaker) surface cooling on the northern (southern) side contributes to the frontolysis. However, deeper (shallower) mixed layer is induced by stronger (weaker) surface cooling on the northern (southern) side and suppresses the frontolysis, because the deeper (shallower) mixed layer is less (more) sensitive to surface cooling. Therefore, the frontolysis by the NHF becomes stronger (weaker) through the mixed layer processes in austral summer (winter). The cause of the meridional gradient of mixed layer depth is estimated using diagnostic entrainment velocity and the Monin-Obukhov depth. Furthermore, the above mechanisms obtained from the observation are confirmed using outputs from a high-resolution coupled general circulation model. Causes of model biases are also discussed.

Effect of Substrate Composition on Whisker Growth in Sn Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagtap, Piyush; Ramesh Narayan, P.; Kumar, Praveen

2018-07-01

Whisker growth was studied in Sn coatings deposited on three different substrates, namely pure Cu, brass (Cu-35 wt.% Zn) and pure Ni. Additionally, the effect of a Ni under-layer (electro- or sputter-deposited and placed between the Sn coating and the substrate) on whisker growth was also studied. It was observed that the substrate composition and placement of under-layers significantly affected the whisker growth in Sn coating by altering the growth rate and the morphology of the interfacial intermetallic compounds (IMC). Whisker propensity was the highest when Sn coatings were deposited directly on the brass substrate, while it was completely inhibited for at least a year when the coatings were deposited on either pure Ni or brass with a Ni under-layer. Bulk and surface stress measurements revealed that the surface of the Sn coatings on Ni, irrespective of whether it was in bulk or under-layer form, remained more compressive as compared to the bulk, throughout the observation period. Therefore, a negative out-of-plane stress gradient, which is crucial for whisker growth, could never be established in these samples. Interestingly, a phenomenon of through-thickness columnar voiding (reverse of whiskering) was observed in the Sn coatings deposited on Ni. The origin of this phenomenon is discussed.

Impact of Electrodes on Recombination in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

In recent years, the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs) has increased to more than 13%, although different barriers are on the way for reaching higher efficiencies. One crucial barrier is the recombination of charge carriers, which can either occur as the bulk recombination of photogenerated charges or the recombination of photogenerated charges and electrodic induced charges (EICs). This work studies the impact of EICs on the recombination lifetime in OSCs. To this end, the net recombination lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers in the presence of EICs is measured by means of conventional and newly developed transient photovoltage techniques. Moreover, a new approach has been introduced to exclusively measure the bulk recombination lifetime, i.e., in the absence of EICs; this approach was conducted by depositing transparent insulating layers on both sides of the OSC active layer. An examination of these approaches on OSCs with different active layer materials, thicknesses, and varying light intensities determined that the EICs can only reduce the recombination lifetime of the photogenerated charges in OSCs with very weak recombination strength. This work supports that for OSCs with highly reduced recombination strength, eliminating the recombination of photogenerated charges and EICs is critical for achieving better performance. Therefore, the use of a proper blocking layer suppresses EIC recombination in systems with very weak recombination. PMID:29546982

Effect of Substrate Composition on Whisker Growth in Sn Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagtap, Piyush; Ramesh Narayan, P.; Kumar, Praveen

2018-04-01

Whisker growth was studied in Sn coatings deposited on three different substrates, namely pure Cu, brass (Cu-35 wt.% Zn) and pure Ni. Additionally, the effect of a Ni under-layer (electro- or sputter-deposited and placed between the Sn coating and the substrate) on whisker growth was also studied. It was observed that the substrate composition and placement of under-layers significantly affected the whisker growth in Sn coating by altering the growth rate and the morphology of the interfacial intermetallic compounds (IMC). Whisker propensity was the highest when Sn coatings were deposited directly on the brass substrate, while it was completely inhibited for at least a year when the coatings were deposited on either pure Ni or brass with a Ni under-layer. Bulk and surface stress measurements revealed that the surface of the Sn coatings on Ni, irrespective of whether it was in bulk or under-layer form, remained more compressive as compared to the bulk, throughout the observation period. Therefore, a negative out-of-plane stress gradient, which is crucial for whisker growth, could never be established in these samples. Interestingly, a phenomenon of through-thickness columnar voiding (reverse of whiskering) was observed in the Sn coatings deposited on Ni. The origin of this phenomenon is discussed.

Prediction of the rate of the rise of an air bubble in nanofluids in a vertical tube.

PubMed

Cho, Heon Ki; Nikolov, Alex D; Wasan, Darsh T

2018-04-19

Our recent experiments have demonstrated that when a bubble rises through a nanofluid (a liquid containing dispersed nanoparticles) in a vertical tube, a nanofluidic film with several particle layers is formed between the gas bubble and the glass tube wall, which significantly changes the bubble velocity due to the nanoparticle layering phenomenon in the film. We calculated the structural nanofilm viscosity as a function of the number of particle layers confined in it and found that the film viscosity increases rather steeply when the film contains only one or two particle layers. The nanofilm viscosity was found to be several times higher than the bulk viscosity of the fluid. Consequently, the Bretherton equation cannot accurately predict the rate of the rise of a slow-moving long bubble in a vertical tube in a nanofluid because it is valid only for very thick films and uses the bulk viscosity of the fluid. However, in this brief note, we demonstrate that the Bretherton equation can indeed be used for predicting the rate of the rise of a long single bubble through a vertical tube filled with a nanofluid by simply replacing the bulk viscosity with the proper structural nanofilm viscosity of the fluid. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Warm layer and cool skin corrections for bulk water temperature measurements for air-sea interaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alappattu, Denny P.; Wang, Qing; Yamaguchi, Ryan; Lind, Richard J.; Reynolds, Mike; Christman, Adam J.

2017-08-01

The sea surface temperature (SST) relevant to air-sea interaction studies is the temperature immediately adjacent to the air, referred to as skin SST. Generally, SST measurements from ships and buoys are taken at depths varies from several centimeters to 5 m below the surface. These measurements, known as bulk SST, can differ from skin SST up to O(1°C). Shipboard bulk and skin SST measurements were made during the Coupled Air-Sea Processes and Electromagnetic ducting Research east coast field campaign (CASPER-East). An Infrared SST Autonomous Radiometer (ISAR) recorded skin SST, while R/V Sharp's Surface Mapping System (SMS) provided bulk SST from 1 m water depth. Since the ISAR is sensitive to sea spray and rain, missing skin SST data occurred in these conditions. However, SMS measurement is less affected by adverse weather and provided continuous bulk SST measurements. It is desirable to correct the bulk SST to obtain a good representation of the skin SST, which is the objective of this research. Bulk-skin SST difference has been examined with respect to meteorological factors associated with cool skin and diurnal warm layers. Strong influences of wind speed, diurnal effects, and net longwave radiation flux on temperature difference are noticed. A three-step scheme is established to correct for wind effect, diurnal variability, and then for dependency on net longwave radiation flux. Scheme is tested and compared to existing correction schemes. This method is able to effectively compensate for multiple factors acting to modify bulk SST measurements over the range of conditions experienced during CASPER-East.

Bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells sandwiched by solution processed molybdenum oxide and titania nanosheet layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, Eiji; Goto, Yoshinori; Fukuda, Katsutoshi

2014-02-01

The contributions of ultrathin titania nanosheet (TN) crystallites were studied in both an inverted bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) cell in an indium-tin oxide (ITO)/titania nanosheet (TN)/poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methylester (PCBM) active layer/MoOx/Ag multilayered photovoltaic device and a conventional BHJ cell in ITO/MoOx/P3HT:PCBM active layer/TN/Al multilayered photovoltaic device. The insertion of only one or two layers of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and TN multilayered film prepared by the layer-by-layer deposition technique effectively decreased the leakage current and increased the open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η). The conventional cell sandwiched between a solution-processed, partially crystallized molybdenum oxide hole-extracting buffer layer and a TN electron extracting buffer layer showed comparable cell performance to a device sandwiched between vacuum-deposited molybdenum oxide and TN layers, whereas the inverted cell with solution-processed molybdenum oxide showed a poorer performance probably owing to the increment in the leakage current across the film. The abnormal S-shaped curves observed in the inverted BHJ cell above VOC disappeared with the use of a polyfluorene-based cationic semiconducting polymer as a substitute for an insulating PDDA film, resulting in the improved cell performance.

Perspective on concentration polarization effects in electrochromatographic separations.

PubMed

Tallarek, Ulrich; Leinweber, Felix C; Nischang, Ivo

2005-01-01

This work illustrates the appearance and electrohydrodynamic consequences of concentration polarization in the particulate and monolithic fixed beds used in capillary electrochromatography and related electrical-field assisted processes. Key property of most porous materials is the co-existence of bulk, quasi-electroneutral macroporous regions and mesoporous compartments which are ion-permselective (due to electrical double-layer overlap) causing different transport numbers for co-ionic and counterionic species, e.g., background electrolyte components, or the analytes. For a cathodic electroosmotic flow the (cation) permselectivity, together with diffusive and electrokinetic transport induces depleted and enriched concentration polarization zones at the anodic and cathodic interfaces, respectively, in dependence of the mobile phase ionic strength and applied electrical fields. At high field strength a secondary, nonequilibrium electrical double layer may be created in the depleted concentration polarization zones of a material stimulating electroosmosis of the second kind. The potential of this induced-charge electroosmosis with respect to nonlinear flow velocities and electrokinetic instability mixing (basically destroying the concentration polarization zones) is analyzed in view of the pore space morphology in random-close packings of spherical-shaped, porous particles and hierarchically structured monoliths. Possible applications based on a fine-tuning of the illustrated effects emerge for microfluidic pumping and mixing, or the intensification of sample recovery in adsorption processes. With this perspective we want to focus the attention on concentration polarization in electrochromatographic systems by presenting and discussing original data acquired on relevant microscopic as well as macroscopic scales, and point towards the importance of related effects in colloid and membrane science.*

Forcing of global ocean ice models using an atmospheric boundary layer model: assessing consequences for the simulation of the AMOC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abel, R.; Boning, C. W.

2016-02-01

Current practice in ocean-only model simulations is to force the ocean with a prescribed atmospheric state using bulk formulations. This practice provides a strong thermal restoring to the surface ocean with a typical time-scale of one month. In the real ocean a positive feedback (salinity advection) and a negative feedback (temperature advection) are associated with the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The surface branch of the AMOC transports warm and salty (relative to the mean conditions) to the subpolar North Atlantic and mix with the near-surface waters. A strong AMOC would therefore warm the subpolar North Atlantic, decrease deep water formation and also reduce AMOC strength (negative feedback). This negative feedback is diminished due to the surface forcing formulation and makes the system excessively sensitive to details in the freshwater fluxes . Instead, additional and unrealistic Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) restoring is applied. There have been several suggestions during the last 20 years for at least partially alleviating the problem. This includes some simplified model of the atmospheric mixed layer (AML) (CheapAML; Deremble et al., 2013) with prescribed winds which allows some feedback of SST anomalies on the near-surface air temperature and humidity needed to calculate the turbulent surface fluxes. We show that if the turbulent heat fluxes are modelled by the simple AML model net-fluxes get more realistic. Commonly ocean models experience an AMOC slowdown if SSS restoring is turned off. In the new system (ORCA05 with turbulent fluxes from CheapAML) this slowdown can be eliminated.

Influence of solvent species on the charge-discharge characteristics of a natural graphite electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujimoto, Masahisa; Shoji, Yoshihiro; Kida, Yoshinori; Ohshita, Ryuji; Nohma, Toshiyuki; Nishio, Koji

The charge-discharge characteristics of a natural graphite electrode are examined in a mixed solvent composed of ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC). The characteristics are influenced largely by the solvent species. Natural graphite electrode displays good charge-discharge characteristics in an electrolyte containing EC with a high volume fraction. In an electrolyte containing PC, however, the electrode cannot be charged and the solvent is decomposed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to obtain information about the surface of natural graphite. A thin LiF layer, the decomposition product of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6), is formed on the surface of the natural graphite charged to 0.5 V (vs. Li/Li +) in an electrolyte containing a high volume fraction of EC. On the other hand, LiF and a carbonate compound are formed in the bulk and on the surface of natural graphite when the volume fraction of PC is high. These results suggest that the thin LiF layer, which is produced at a potential higher than 0.5 V (vs. Li/Li +) on the surface of natural graphite, enables the lithium ions to intercalate into the natural graphite without further decomposition of the electrolyte.

Erosion and Retention Properties of Beyllium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doerner, R.; Grossman, A.; Luckhardt, S.; Serayderian, R.; Sze, F. C.; Whyte, D. G.

1997-11-01

Experiments in PISCES-B have investigated the erosion and hydrogen retention characteristics of beryllium. The sputtering yield is strongly influenced by trace amounts (≈1 percent) of intrinsic plasma impurities. At low sample exposure temperatures (below 250^oC), the beryllium surface remains free of contaminants and a sputtering yield similar to that of beryllium-oxide is measured. At higher exposure temperatures, impurities deposited on the surface can diffuse into the bulk and reduce their chance of subsequent erosion. These impurities form a surface layer mixed with beryllium which exhibits a reduced sputtering yield. Depth profile analysis has determined the composition and chemical bonding of the impurity layer. The hydrogen isotope retention of beryllium under ITER first wall (temperature = 200^oC, ion flux = 1 x 10^21 m-2 s-1) and baffle (temperature = 500^oC, ion flux = 1 x 10^22 m-2 s-1) conditions has been investigated. The retained deuterium saturates above a fluence of 10^23 m-2 at about 4 x 10^20 m-2 for the 200^oC exposure and at 2 x 10^20 m-2 for the 500^oC case. The TMAP code is used to model the deuterium release characteristics.

Broadband and polarization reflectors in the lookdown, Selene vomer.

PubMed

Zhao, Shulei; Brady, Parrish Clawson; Gao, Meng; Etheredge, Robert Ian; Kattawar, George W; Cummings, Molly E

2015-03-06

Predator evasion in the open ocean is difficult because there are no objects to hide behind. The silvery surface of fish plays an important role in open water camouflage. Various models have been proposed to account for the broadband reflectance by the fish skin that involve one-dimensional variations in the arrangement of guanine crystal reflectors, yet the three-dimensional organization of these guanine platelets have not been well characterized. Here, we report the three-dimensional organization and the optical properties of integumentary guanine platelets in a silvery marine fish, the lookdown (Selene vomer). Our structural analysis and computational modelling show that stacks of guanine platelets with random yaw angles in the fish skin produce broadband reflectance via colour mixing. Optical axes of the guanine platelets and the collagen layer are aligned closely and provide bulk birefringence properties that influence the polarization reflectance by the skin. These data demonstrate how the lookdown preserves or alters polarization states at different incident polarization angles. These optical properties resulted from the organization of these guanine platelets and the collagen layer may have implications for open ocean camouflage in varying light fields. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

The Craik-Leibovich Vortex Force as a Skin Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malecha, Ziemowit; Chini, Gregory; Julien, Keith

2013-11-01

The Craik-Leibovich (CL) equations are a surface-wave filtered version of the instantaneous Navier-Stokes equations in which the rectified effects of the surface waves are captured through a so-called ``vortex force'' term: the cross-product of the Stokes, or Lagrangian, mass drift associated with the filtered surface waves and the filtered vorticity vector. For locally generated wind waves, the Stokes drift is very strongly surface confined. In this scenario, the induced body force may be represented as a surface, or skin, effect. Using matched asymptotic analysis in this limit, we derive effective boundary conditions (BCs) for the flow beneath the Stokes drift layer (i.e. in the bulk of the mixed layer). We establish the regime of validity of the resulting formulation by performing linear stability analyses and numerical simulations of both the asymptotic model and the full CL equations for a variety of vertical Stokes drift profiles. The effective BC formulation offers both theoretical and computational advantages, and should be particularly useful for LES of Langmuir turbulence for which the need to resolve very small scale near-surface flow structures imposes severe computational constraints. GPC would like to acknowledge funding from the NSF award 0934827, administered by the Physical Oceanography Program.

The dependence of the modulation transfer function on the blocking layer thickness in amorphous selenium x-ray detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hunter, David M.; Belev, Gueorgi; DeCrescenzo, Giovanni

2007-08-15

Blocking layers are used to reduce leakage current in amorphous selenium detectors. The effect of the thickness of the blocking layer on the presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) and on dark current was experimentally determined in prototype single-line CCD-based amorphous selenium (a-Se) x-ray detectors. The sampling pitch of the detectors evaluated was 25 {mu}m and the blocking layer thicknesses varied from 1 to 51 {mu}m. The blocking layers resided on the signal collection electrodes which, in this configuration, were used to collect electrons. The combined thickness of the blocking layer and a-Se bulk in each detector was {approx}200 {mu}m. Asmore » expected, the dark current increased monotonically as the thickness of the blocking layer was decreased. It was found that if the blocking layer thickness was small compared to the sampling pitch, it caused a negligible reduction in MTF. However, the MTF was observed to decrease dramatically at spatial frequencies near the Nyquist frequency as the blocking layer thickness approached or exceeded the electrode sampling pitch. This observed reduction in MTF is shown to be consistent with predictions of an electrostatic model wherein the image charge from the a-Se is trapped at a characteristic depth within the blocking layer, generally near the interface between the blocking layer and the a-Se bulk.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

Nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, is a biocomposite material that exhibits higher strength and fracture toughness than its component materials. It derives its strength from the brick-and-mortar layering of aragonite (CaCO{sub 3}) platelets and organic binder. It is believed that the protein binder helps redistribute the stress throughout all tablets for optimal mechanical performance. In this study, we attempt to measure the mechanical properties of aragonite within nacre and compare them to bulk aragonite and bulk nacre and understand the redistribution of stresses. Here we show that x-ray diffraction techniques are useful for isolating and measuring strain of crystallites withinmore » a composite material. Our results show that the apparent stiffness of aragonite varies with crystallographic directions and is higher than the stiffness of bulk nacre in all cases, meaning that aragonite tablets are exposed to less than the average bulk stress. The average force applied to the bulk sample is partitioned between the aragonite and the binder, so that the protein layer bears as much as 27.2% of the total applied force. Different crystallographic directions exhibit behaviors different than bulk aragonite or bulk nacre. These are related to texture of aragonite platelets (i.e. preferred orientations within nacre). By examining nacre, we can obtain a better understanding of the mechanical relationship between the ceramic and polymer in composite materials. We expect that x-ray diffraction will become the standard method for probing the mechanical properties of composite materials.« less

Highly Sensitive Bulk Silicon Chemical Sensors with Sub-5 nm Thin Charge Inversion Layers.

PubMed

Fahad, Hossain M; Gupta, Niharika; Han, Rui; Desai, Sujay B; Javey, Ali

2018-03-27

There is an increasing demand for mass-producible, low-power gas sensors in a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. Here, we report chemical-sensitive field-effect-transistors (CS-FETs) based on bulk silicon wafers, wherein an electrostatically confined sub-5 nm thin charge inversion layer is modulated by chemical exposure to achieve a high-sensitivity gas-sensing platform. Using hydrogen sensing as a "litmus" test, we demonstrate large sensor responses (>1000%) to 0.5% H 2 gas, with fast response (<60 s) and recovery times (<120 s) at room temperature and low power (<50 μW). On the basis of these performance metrics as well as standardized benchmarking, we show that bulk silicon CS-FETs offer similar or better sensing performance compared to emerging nanostructures semiconductors while providing a highly scalable and manufacturable platform.

Synoptic-to-planetary scale wind variability enhances phytoplankton biomass at ocean fronts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitt, D. B.; Taylor, J. R.; Lévy, M.

2017-06-01

In nutrient-limited conditions, phytoplankton growth at fronts is enhanced by winds, which drive upward nutrient fluxes via enhanced turbulent mixing and upwelling. Hence, depth-integrated phytoplankton biomass can be 10 times greater at isolated fronts. Using theory and two-dimensional simulations with a coupled physical-biogeochemical ocean model, this paper builds conceptual understanding of the physical processes driving upward nutrient fluxes at fronts forced by unsteady winds with timescales of 4-16 days. The largest vertical nutrient fluxes occur when the surface mixing layer penetrates the nutricline, which fuels phytoplankton in the mixed layer. At a front, mixed layer deepening depends on the magnitude and direction of the wind stress, cross-front variations in buoyancy and velocity at the surface, and potential vorticity at the base of the mixed layer, which itself depends on past wind events. Consequently, mixing layers are deeper and more intermittent in time at fronts than outside fronts. Moreover, mixing can decouple in time from the wind stress, even without other sources of physical variability. Wind-driven upwelling also enhances depth-integrated phytoplankton biomass at fronts; when the mixed layer remains shallower than the nutricline, this results in enhanced subsurface phytoplankton. Oscillatory along-front winds induce both oscillatory and mean upwelling. The mean effect of oscillatory vertical motion is to transiently increase subsurface phytoplankton over days to weeks, whereas slower mean upwelling sustains this increase over weeks to months. Taken together, these results emphasize that wind-driven phytoplankton growth is both spatially and temporally intermittent and depends on a diverse combination of physical processes.

Observations of the Evolution of Turbulent Dissipation within the Ocean Surface Boundary Layer: an OSMOSIS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, N. S.; Allen, J.; Belcher, S. E.; Boyd, T.; Brannigan, L.; Inall, M.; Palmer, M.; Polton, J.; Rippeth, T. P.

2016-02-01

This study presents a new 9.5 day dataset showing the evolution of the Ocean Surface Boundary Layer (OSBL) and dissipation of turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), carried out as part of OSMOSIS[i], at a location in the North East Atlantic Ocean in September 2012. The TKE dissipation measurements were made using three methods; (i) repeated profiling between 100m and the surface by an Ocean Microstructure glider, (ii) three series of profiles made using a loosely tethered velocity microstructure glider and (iii) a moored pulse-pulse coherent high frequency ADCP. Supporting measurements show the evolution of the water column structure, including surface wave measurements from a TRIAXYS wave buoy. This data shows two distinct regimes; the first, spanning 4 days with relatively low winds, displays a distinct diurnal cycle with the deepening of the active mixing layer during the night which shoaled during the day. The second spanned a significant storm, (with maximum winds speeds reaching 20 m s-1 and significant wave heights reaching 6 m), during which, rather than a deepening of the mixed layer as predicted by classical theory, the primary effect was a broadening of the transition layer, similar to that found by Dohan and Davies (2011). During the storm, significant dissipation was observed throughout the surface mixed layer and into the transition layer, driving fluxes of heat downwards through the base of the surface mixed layer. [i] Ocean Surface Mixing and Submesoscale Interaction Study Dohan, K. & Davis, R.E., 2011. Mixing in the Transition Layer during Two Storm Events. Journal of Physical Oceanography. 41 (1). pp. 42-66.

Mixed layers of sodium caseinate + dextran sulfate: influence of order of addition to oil-water interface.

PubMed

Jourdain, Laureline S; Schmitt, Christophe; Leser, Martin E; Murray, Brent S; Dickinson, Eric

2009-09-01

We report on the interfacial properties of electrostatic complexes of protein (sodium caseinate) with a highly sulfated polysaccharide (dextran sulfate). Two routes were investigated for preparation of adsorbed layers at the n-tetradecane-water interface at pH = 6. Bilayers were made by the layer-by-layer deposition technique whereby polysaccharide was added to a previously established protein-stabilized interface. Mixed layers were made by the conventional one-step method in which soluble protein-polysaccharide complexes were adsorbed directly at the interface. Protein + polysaccharide systems gave a slower decay of interfacial tension and stronger dilatational viscoelastic properties than the protein alone, but there was no significant difference in dilatational properties between mixed layers and bilayers. Conversely, shear rheology experiments exhibited significant differences between the two kinds of interfacial layers, with the mixed system giving much stronger interfacial films than the bilayer system, i.e., shear viscosities and moduli at least an order of magnitude higher. The film shear viscoelasticity was further enhanced by acidification of the biopolymer mixture to pH = 2 prior to interface formation. Taken together, these measurements provide insight into the origin of previously reported differences in stability properties of oil-in-water emulsions made by the bilayer and mixed layer approaches. Addition of a proteolytic enzyme (trypsin) to both types of interfaces led to a significant increase in the elastic modulus of the film, suggesting that the enzyme was adsorbed at the interface via complexation with dextran sulfate. Overall, this study has confirmed the potential of shear rheology as a highly sensitive probe of associative electrostatic interactions and interfacial structure in mixed biopolymer layers.

New-class of Semiconducting 2D materials: Tin Dichalcogenides (SnX2)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataca, Can; Wu, Kedi; Saritas, Kayahan; Tongay, Sefaattin; Grossman, Jeffrey C.

2015-03-01

Recent studies have focused on a new generation of atomically thin films of semiconducting materials. A broad family of two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (MX2) have been fabricated and investigated in monolayer, bilayer and few layer form. In this work, we investigated the electronic, optical and elastic properties of single and few layer and bulk SnX2 (X = S, Se) both theoretically and experimentally. Using density functional theory (DFT) we carried out stability analysis through phonon and electronic, optical and elastic structure calculations. Single-few layer SnX2s are mechanically exfoliated and Raman and photoluminescence (PL) measurements are taken. UV-Vis absorption spectrum together with PL measurements and DFT calculations yield an indirect gap of ~ 2.5 eV for SnS2 structures (bulk). Tunability of the energy band gap and indirect-direct gap transitions are investigated by controlling the number of layers and applied stress. Lowering the number of layers decreases the indirect gap (0.1-0.3 eV), but indirect-direct gap transition occurs when layer-layer distance is reduced. Due to flexibility in engineering the electronic and optical properties, SnX2 compounds are promising materials for future optoelectronic nanoscale applications.

Solid/liquid interfacial free energies in binary systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nason, D.; Tiller, W. A.

1973-01-01

Description of a semiquantitative technique for predicting the segregation characteristics of smooth interfaces between binary solid and liquid solutions in terms of readily available thermodynamic parameters of the bulk solutions. A lattice-liquid interfacial model and a pair-bonded regular solution model are employed in the treatment with an accommodation for liquid interfacial entropy. The method is used to calculate the interfacial segregation and the free energy of segregation for solid-liquid interfaces between binary solutions for the (111) boundary of fcc crystals. The zone of compositional transition across the interface is shown to be on the order of a few atomic layers in width, being moderately narrower for ideal solutions. The free energy of the segregated interface depends primarily upon the solid composition and the heats of fusion of the component atoms, the composition difference of the solutions, and the difference of the heats of mixing of the solutions.

Photo-induced intersubband absorption in {Si}/{SiGe} quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boucaud, P.; Gao, L.; Visocekas, F.; Moussa, Z.; Lourtioz, J.-M.; Julien, F. H.; Sagnes, I.; Campidelli, Y.; Badoz, P.-A.; Vagos, P.

1995-12-01

We have investigated photo-induced intersubband absorption in the valence band of {Si}/{SiGe} quantum wells. Carriers are optically generated in the quantum wells using an argon ion laser. The resulting infrared absorption is probed with a step-scan Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The photo-induced infrared absorption in SiGe quantum wells is dominated by two contributions: the free carrier absorption, which is similar to bulk absorption in a uniformly doped SiGe layer, and the valence subband absorption in the quantum wells. Both p- and s-polarized intersubband absorptions are measured. We have observed that the photo-induced intersubband absorption in doped samples is shifted to lower energy as compared to direct intersubband absorption. This absorption process is attributed to carriers away from the Brillouin zone center. We show that the photo-induced technique is appropriate to study valence band mixing effects and their influence on intersubband absorption.

Testing of commonly used mixing and sampling procedures to evaluate fertilizer blends prepared with matched and mismatched particle sizes.

PubMed

Hall, William L; Ramsey, Charles; Falls, J Harold

2014-01-01

Bulk blending of dry fertilizers is a common practice in the United States and around the world. This practice involves the mixing (either physically or volumetrically) of concentrated, high analysis raw materials. Blending is followed by bagging (for small volume application such as lawn and garden products), loading into truck transports, and spreading. The great majority of bulk blended products are not bagged but handled in bulk and transferred from the blender to a holding hopper. The product is then transferred to a transport vehicle, which may, or may not, also be a spreader. If the primary transport vehicle is not a spreader, then there is another transfer at the user site to a spreader for application. Segregation of materials that are mismatched due to size, density, or shape is an issue when attempting to effectively sample or evenly spread bulk blended products. This study, prepared in coordination with and supported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Fertilizer and Agrochemical Association, looks at the impact of varying particle size as it relates to blending, sampling, and application of bulk blends. The study addresses blends containing high ratios of N-P-K materials and varying (often small) quantities of the micronutrient Zn.

Bulk stabilization, the extra-dimensional Higgs portal and missing energy in Higgs events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diener, Ross; Burgess, C. P.

2013-05-01

To solve the hierarchy problem, extra-dimensional models must explain why the new dimensions stabilize to the right size, and the known mechanisms for doing so require bulk scalars that couple to the branes. Because of these couplings the energetics of dimensional stabilization competes with the energetics of the Higgs vacuum, with potentially observable effects. These effects are particularly strong for one or two extra dimensions because the bulk-Higgs couplings can then be super-renormalizable or dimensionless. Experimental reach for such extra-dimensional Higgs `portals' are stronger than for gravitational couplings because they are less suppressed at low-energies. We compute how Higgs-bulk coupling through such a portal with two extra dimensions back-reacts onto properties of the Higgs boson. When the KK mass is smaller than the Higgs mass, mixing with KK modes results in an invisible Higgs decay width, missing-energy signals at high-energy colliders, and new mechanisms of energy loss in stars and supernovae. Astrophysical bounds turn out to be complementary to collider measurements, with observable LHC signals allowed by existing constraints. We comment on the changes to the Higgs mass-coupling relationship caused by Higgs-bulk mixing, and how the resulting modifications to the running of Higgs couplings alter vacuum-stability and triviality bounds.

The role of the hole-extraction layer in determining the operational stability of a polycarbazole:fullerene bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bovill, E.; Scarratt, N.; Griffin, J.; Yi, H.; Iraqi, A.; Buckley, A. R.; Kingsley, J. W.; Lidzey, D. G.

2015-02-01

We have made a comparative study of the relative operational stability of bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices utilising different hole transport layers (HTLs). OPV devices were fabricated based on a blend of the polymer PCDTBT with the fullerene PC70BM, and incorporated the different HTL materials PEDOT:PSS, MoOx and V2O5. Following 620 h of irradiation by light from a solar simulator, we find that devices using the PEDOT:PSS HTL retained the highest efficiency, having a projected T80 lifetime of 14 500 h.

Method for forming solar cell materials from particulars

DOEpatents

Eberspacher, Chris; Pauls, Karen Lea

2001-01-01

Materials in bulk and film forms are prepared from fine particulate precursors such as single-phase, mixed-metal oxides; multi-phase, mixed-metal particles comprising a metal oxide; multinary metal particles; mixtures of such particles with other particles; and particulate materials intercalated with other materials.

Computation of turbulent high speed mixing layers using a two-equation turbulence model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayan, J. R.; Sekar, B.

1991-01-01

A two-equation turbulence model was extended to be applicable for compressible flows. A compressibility correction based on modelling the dilational terms in the Reynolds stress equations were included in the model. The model is used in conjunction with the SPARK code for the computation of high speed mixing layers. The observed trend of decreasing growth rate with increasing convective Mach number in compressible mixing layers is well predicted by the model. The predictions agree well with the experimental data and the results from a compressible Reynolds stress model. The present model appears to be well suited for the study of compressible free shear flows. Preliminary results obtained for the reacting mixing layers are included.

Forced free-shear layer measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leboeuf, Richard L.

1994-01-01

Detailed three-dimensional three-component phase averaged measurements of the spanwise and streamwise vorticity formation and evolution in acoustically forced plane free-shear flows have been obtained. For the first time, phase-averaged measurements of all three velocity components have been obtained in both a mixing layer and a wake on three-dimensional grids, yielding the spanwise and streamwise vorticity distributions without invoking Taylor's hypothesis. Initially, two-frequency forcing was used to phase-lock the roll-up and first pairing of the spanwise vortical structures in a plane mixing layer. The objective of this study was to measure the near-field vortical structure morphology in a mixing layer with 'natural' laminar initial boundary layers. For the second experiment the second and third subharmonics of the fundamental roll-up frequency were added to the previous two-frequency forcing in order to phase-lock the roll-up and first three pairings of the spanwise rollers in the mixing layer. The objective of this study was to determine the details of spanwise scale changes observed in previous time-averaged measurements and flow visualization of unforced mixing layers. For the final experiment, single-frequency forcing was used to phase-lock the Karman vortex street in a plane wake developing from nominally two-dimensional laminar initial boundary layers. The objective of this study was to compare measurements of the three-dimensional structure in a wake developing from 'natural' initial boundary layers to existing models of wake vortical structure.

Seasonal cycle of oceanic mixed layer and upper-ocean heat fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea from in-situ observations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houpert, Loïc; Testor, Pierre; Durrieu de Madron, Xavier; Estournel, Claude; D'Ortenzio, Fabrizio

2013-04-01

Heat fluxes across the ocean-atmosphere interface play a crucial role in the upper turbulent mixing. The depth reached by this turbulent mixing is indicated by an homogenization of seawater properties in the surface layer, and is defined as the Mixed Layer Depth (MLD). The thickness of the mixed layer determines also the heat content of the layer that directly interacts with the atmosphere. The seasonal variability of these air-sea fluxes is crucial in the calculation of heat budget. An improvement in the estimate of these fluxes is needed for a better understanding of the Mediterranean ocean circulation and climate, in particular in Regional Climate Models. There are few estimations of surface heat fluxes based on oceanic observations in the Mediterranean, and none of them are based on mixed layer observations. So, we proposed here new estimations of these upper-ocean heat fluxes based on mixed layer. We present high resolution Mediterranean climatology (0.5°) of the mean MLD based on a comprehensive collection of temperature profiles of last 43 years (1969-2012). The database includes more than 150,000 profiles, merging CTD, XBT, ARGO Profiling floats, and gliders observations. This dataset is first used to describe the seasonal cycle of the mixed layer depth on the whole Mediterranean on a monthly climatological basis. Our analysis discriminates several regions with coherent behaviors, in particular the deep water formation sites, characterized by significant differences in the winter mixing intensity. Heat storage rates (HSR) were calculated as the time rate of change of the heat content integrated from the surface down to a specific depth that is defined as the MLD plus an integration constant. Monthly climatology of net heat flux (NHF) from ERA-Interim reanalysis was balanced by the 1°x1° resolution heat storage rate climatology. Local heat budget balance and seasonal variability in the horizontal heat flux are then discussed by taking into account uncertainties, due to errors in monthly value estimation and to intra-annual and inter-annual variability.

A Model for Particle Microphysics,Turbulent Mixing, and Radiative Transfer in the Stratocumulus-Topped Marine Boundary Layer and Comparisons with Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackerman, Andrew S.; Toon, Owen B.; Hobbs, Peter V.

1995-01-01

A detailed 1D model of the stratocumulus-topped marine boundary layer is described. The model has three coupled components: a microphysics module that resolves the size distributions of aerosols and cloud droplets, a turbulence module that treats vertical mixing between layers, and a multiple wavelength radiative transfer module that calculates radiative heating rates and cloud optical properties. The results of a 12-h model simulation reproduce reasonably well the bulk thermodynamics, microphysical properties, and radiative fluxes measured in an approx. 500-m thick, summertime marine stratocumulus cloud layer by Nicholls. However, in this case, the model predictions of turbulent fluxes between the cloud and subcloud layers exceed the measurements. Results of model simulations are also compared to measurements of a marine stratus layer made under gate conditions and with measurements of a high, thin marine stratocumulus layer. The variations in cloud properties are generally reproduced by the model, although it underpredicts the entrainment of overlying air at cloud top under gale conditions. Sensitivities of the model results are explored. The vertical profile of cloud droplet concentration is sensitive to the lower size cutoff of the droplet size distribution due to the presence of unactivated haze particles in the lower region of the modeled cloud. Increases in total droplet concentrations do not always produce less drizzle and more cloud water in the model. The radius of the mean droplet volume does not correlate consistently with drizzle, but the effective droplet radius does. The greatest impacts on cloud properties predicted by the model are produced by halving the width of the size distribution of input condensation nuclei and by omitting the effect of cloud-top radiative cooling on the condensational growth of cloud droplets. The omission of infrared scattering produces noticeable changes in cloud properties. The collection efficiencies for droplets less than 30-micron radius, and the value of the accommodation coefficient for condensational droplet growth, have noticeable effects on cloud properties. The divergence of the horizontal wind also has a significant effect on a 12-h model simulation of cloud structure. Conclusions drawn from the model are tentative because of the limitations of the 1D model framework. A principal simplification is that the model assumes horizontal homogeneity, and, therefore, does not resolve updrafts and downdrafts. Likely consequences of this simplification include overprediction of the growth of droplets by condensation in the upper region of the cloud, underprediction of droplet condensational growth in the lower region of the cloud, and under-prediction of peak supersaturations.

A Model for Particle Microphysics, Turbulent Mixing, and Radiative Transfer in the Stratocumulus-Topped Marine Boundary Layer and Comparisons with Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ackerman, Andrew S.; Toon, Owen B.; Hobbs, Peter V.

1995-01-01

A detailed 1D model of the stratocumulus-topped marine boundary layer is described. The model has three coupled components: a microphysics module that resolves the size distributions of aerosols and cloud droplets, a turbulence module that treats vertical mixing between layers, and a multiple wavelength radiative transfer module that calculates radiative heating rates and cloud optical properties. The results of a 12-h model simulation reproduce reasonably well the bulk thermodynamics, microphysical properties, and radiative fluxes measured in an approx. 500-m thick, summertime marine stratocumulus cloud layer by Nicholls. However, in this case, the model predictions of turbulent fluxes between the cloud and subcloud layers exceed the measurements. Results of model simulations are also compared to measurements of a marine stratus layer made under gale conditions and with measurements of a high, thin marine stratocumulus layer. The variations in cloud properties are generally reproduced by the model, although it underpredicts the entrainment of overlying air at cloud top under gale conditions. Sensitivities of the model results are explored. The vertical profile of cloud droplet concentration is sensitive to the lower size cutoff of the droplet size distribution due to the presence of unactivated haze particles in the lower region of the modeled cloud. Increases in total droplet concentrations do not always produce less drizzle and more cloud water in the model. The radius of the mean droplet volume does not correlate consistently with drizzle, but the effective droplet radius does. The greatest impacts on cloud properties predicted by the model are produced by halving the width of the size distribution of input condensation nuclei and by omitting the effect of cloud-top radiative cooling on the condensational growth of cloud droplets. The omission of infrared scattering produces noticeable changes in cloud properties. The collection efficiencies for droplets less than 30-micrometers radius, and the value of the accommodation coefficient for condensational droplet growth, have noticeable effects on cloud properties. The divergence of the horizontal wind also has a significant effect on a 12-h model simulation of cloud structure. Conclusions drawn from the model are tentative because of the limitations of the 1D model framework. A principal simplification is that the model assumes horizontal homogeneity, and, therefore, does not resolve updrafts and downdrafts. Likely consequences of this simplification include overprediction of the growth of droplets by condensation in the upper region of the cloud, underprediction of droplet condensational growth in the lower region of the cloud, and underprediction of peak supersaturations.

Mixed layer warming-deepening in the Mediterranean Sea and its effect on the marine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivetti, Irene; Boero, Ferdinando; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Zambianchi, Enrico; Lionello, Piero

2015-04-01

This work aims at investigating the evolution of the ocean mixed layer in the Mediterranean Sea and linking it to the occurrence of mass mortalities of benthic invertebrates. The temporal evolution of selected parameters describing the mixed layer and the seasonal thermocline is provided for the whole Mediterranean Sea for spring, summer and autumn and for the period 1945-2011. For this analysis all temperature profiles collected in the basin with bottles, Mechanical Bathy-Thermographs (MBT), eXpendable Bathy-Thermographs (XBT), and Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) have been used (166,990). These data have been extracted from three public sources: the MEDAR-MEDATLAS, the World Ocean Database 2013 and the MFS-VOS program. Five different methods for estimating the mixed layer depth are compared using temperature profiles collected at the DYFAMED station in the Ligurian Sea and one method, the so-called three-segment method, has been selected for a systematic analysis of the evolution of the uppermost part of the whole Mediterranean Sea. This method approximates the upper water column with three segments representing mixed layer, thermocline and deep layer and has shown to be the most suitable method for capturing the mixed layer depth for most shapes of temperature profiles. Mass mortalities events of benthic invertebrates have been identified by an extensive search of all data bases in ISI Web of Knowledge considering studies published from 1945 to 2011. Studies reporting the geographical coordinates, the timing of the events, the species involved and the depth at which signs of stress occurred have been considered. Results show a general increase of thickness and temperature of the mixed layer, deepening and cooling of the thermocline base in summer and autumn. Possible impacts of these changes are mass mortalities events of benthic invertebrates that have been documented since 1983 mainly in summer and autumn. It is also shown that most mass mortalities occurred in months with anomalously high mixed layer depth temperature leading to the conclusion that warming of upper Mediterranean Sea has allowed interannual temperature variability to reach environmental conditions beyond the thermal tolerance of some species.

A New Theory of Mix in Omega Capsule Implosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knoll, Dana; Chacon, Luis; Rauenzahn, Rick; Simakov, Andrei; Taitano, William; Welser-Sherrill, Leslie

2014-10-01

We put forth a new mix model that relies on the development of a charge-separation electrostatic double-layer at the fuel-pusher interface early in the implosion of an Omega plastic ablator capsule. The model predicts a sizable pusher mix (several atom %) into the fuel. The expected magnitude of the double-layer field is consistent with recent radial electric field measurements in Omega plastic ablator implosions. Our theory relies on two distinct physics mechanisms. First, and prior to shock breakout, the formation of a double layer at the fuel-pusher interface due to fast preheat-driven ionization. The double-layer electric field structure accelerates pusher ions fairly deep into the fuel. Second, after the double-layer mix has occurred, the inward-directed fuel velocity and temperature gradients behind the converging shock transports these pusher ions inward. We first discuss the foundations of this new mix theory. Next, we discuss our interpretation of the radial electric field measurements on Omega implosions. Then we discuss the second mechanism that is responsible for transporting the pusher material, already mixed via the double-layer deep into the fuel, on the shock convergence time scale. Finally we make a connection to recent mix motivated experimental data on. This work conducted under the auspices of the National Nuclear Security Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy at Los Alamos National Laboratory, managed by LANS, LLC under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396.

Functioning of microbial complexes in aerated layers of a highmoor peat bog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golovchenko, A. V.; Bogdanova, O. Yu.; Stepanov, A. L.; Polyanskaya, L. M.; Zvyagintsev, D. G.

2010-09-01

Monitoring was carried out using the luminescent-microscopic method of the abundance parameters of different groups of microorganisms in a monolith and in the mixed layers of a highmoor peat bog (oligotrophic residual-eutrophic peat soil) in a year-long model experiment. The increase of the aeration as a result of mixing of the layers enhanced the activity of the soil fungi. This was attested to by the following changes: the increase of the fungal mycelium length by 6 times and of the fungal biomass by 4 times and the double decrease of the fraction of spores in the fungal complex. The response of the fungal complex to mixing was different in the different layers of the peat bog. The maximal effect was observed in the T1 layer and the minimal one in the T2 layer. The emission of CO2 in the mixed samples was 1.5-2 times higher than that from the undisturbed peat samples. In contrast with the fungi, the bacteria and actinomycetes were not affected by the aeration of the highmoor layers.

Estimating diffusivity from the mixed layer heat and salt balances in the North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, M. F.; Pelland, N.; Emerson, S. R.; Crawford, W. R.

2015-12-01

Data from two National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) surface moorings in the North Pacific, in combination with data from satellite, Argo floats and glider (when available), are used to evaluate the residual diffusive flux of heat across the base of the mixed layer from the surface mixed layer heat budget. The diffusion coefficient (i.e., diffusivity) is then computed by dividing the diffusive flux by the temperature gradient in the 20-m transition layer just below the base of the mixed layer. At Station Papa in the NE Pacific subpolar gyre, this diffusivity is 1×10-4 m2/s during summer, increasing to ~3×10-4 m2/s during fall. During late winter and early spring, diffusivity has large errors. At other times, diffusivity computed from the mixed layer salt budget at Papa correlate with those from the heat budget, giving confidence that the results are robust for all seasons except late winter-early spring and can be used for other tracers. In comparison, at the Kuroshio Extension Observatory (KEO) in the NW Pacific subtropical recirculation gyre, somewhat larger diffusivity are found based upon the mixed layer heat budget: ~ 3×10-4 m2/s during the warm season and more than an order of magnitude larger during the winter, although again, wintertime errors are large. These larger values at KEO appear to be due to the increased turbulence associated with the summertime typhoons, and weaker wintertime stratification.

Estimating diffusivity from the mixed layer heat and salt balances in the North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cronin, Meghan F.; Pelland, Noel A.; Emerson, Steven R.; Crawford, William R.

2015-11-01

Data from two National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) surface moorings in the North Pacific, in combination with data from satellite, Argo floats and glider (when available), are used to evaluate the residual diffusive flux of heat across the base of the mixed layer from the surface mixed layer heat budget. The diffusion coefficient (i.e., diffusivity) is then computed by dividing the diffusive flux by the temperature gradient in the 20 m transition layer just below the base of the mixed layer. At Station Papa in the NE Pacific subpolar gyre, this diffusivity is 1 × 10-4 m2/s during summer, increasing to ˜3 × 10-4 m2/s during fall. During late winter and early spring, diffusivity has large errors. At other times, diffusivity computed from the mixed layer salt budget at Papa correlate with those from the heat budget, giving confidence that the results are robust for all seasons except late winter-early spring and can be used for other tracers. In comparison, at the Kuroshio Extension Observatory (KEO) in the NW Pacific subtropical recirculation gyre, somewhat larger diffusivities are found based upon the mixed layer heat budget: ˜ 3 × 10-4 m2/s during the warm season and more than an order of magnitude larger during the winter, although again, wintertime errors are large. These larger values at KEO appear to be due to the increased turbulence associated with the summertime typhoons, and weaker wintertime stratification.

Regional-scale input of dispersed and discrete volcanic ash to the Izu-Bonin and Mariana subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scudder, Rachel P.; Murray, Richard W.; Schindlbeck, Julie C.; Kutterolf, Steffen; Hauff, Folkmar; McKinley, Claire C.

2014-11-01

We have geochemically and statistically characterized bulk marine sediment and ash layers at Ocean Drilling Program Site 1149 (Izu-Bonin Arc) and Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 52 (Mariana Arc), and have quantified that multiple dispersed ash sources collectively comprise ˜30-35% of the hemipelagic sediment mass entering the Izu-Bonin-Mariana subduction system. Multivariate statistical analyses indicate that the bulk sediment at Site 1149 is a mixture of Chinese Loess, a second compositionally distinct eolian source, a dispersed mafic ash, and a dispersed felsic ash. We interpret the source of these ashes as, respectively, being basalt from the Izu-Bonin Front Arc (IBFA) and rhyolite from the Honshu Arc. Sr-, Nd-, and Pb isotopic analyses of the bulk sediment are consistent with the chemical/statistical-based interpretations. Comparison of the mass accumulation rate of the dispersed ash component to discrete ash layer parameters (thickness, sedimentation rate, and number of layers) suggests that eruption frequency, rather than eruption size, drives the dispersed ash record. At Site 52, the geochemistry and statistical modeling indicates that Chinese Loess, IBFA, dispersed BNN (boninite from Izu-Bonin), and a dispersed felsic ash of unknown origin are the sources. At Site 1149, the ash layers and the dispersed ash are compositionally coupled, whereas at Site 52 they are decoupled in that there are no boninite layers, yet boninite is dispersed within the sediment. Changes in the volcanic and eolian inputs through time indicate strong arc-related and climate-related controls.

Ray-theory approach to electrical-double-layer interactions.

PubMed

Schnitzer, Ory

2015-02-01

A novel approach is presented for analyzing the double-layer interaction force between charged particles in electrolyte solution, in the limit where the Debye length is small compared with both interparticle separation and particle size. The method, developed here for two planar convex particles of otherwise arbitrary geometry, yields a simple asymptotic approximation limited to neither small zeta potentials nor the "close-proximity" assumption underlying Derjaguin's approximation. Starting from the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann formulation, boundary-layer solutions describing the thin diffuse-charge layers are asymptotically matched to a WKBJ expansion valid in the bulk, where the potential is exponentially small. The latter expansion describes the bulk potential as superposed contributions conveyed by "rays" emanating normally from the boundary layers. On a special curve generated by the centers of all circles maximally inscribed between the two particles, the bulk stress-associated with the ray contributions interacting nonlinearly-decays exponentially with distance from the center of the smallest of these circles. The force is then obtained by integrating the traction along this curve using Laplace's method. We illustrate the usefulness of our theory by comparing it, alongside Derjaguin's approximation, with numerical simulations in the case of two parallel cylinders at low potentials. By combining our result and Derjaguin's approximation, the interaction force is provided at arbitrary interparticle separations. Our theory can be generalized to arbitrary three-dimensional geometries, nonideal electrolyte models, and other physical scenarios where exponentially decaying fields give rise to forces.

Shear flow of dense granular materials near smooth walls. I. Shear localization and constitutive laws in the boundary region.

PubMed

Shojaaee, Zahra; Roux, Jean-Noël; Chevoir, François; Wolf, Dietrich E

2012-07-01

We report on a numerical study of the shear flow of a simple two-dimensional model of a granular material under controlled normal stress between two parallel smooth frictional walls moving with opposite velocities ± V. Discrete simulations, which are carried out with the contact dynamics method in dense assemblies of disks, reveal that, unlike rough walls made of strands of particles, smooth ones can lead to shear strain localization in the boundary layer. Specifically, we observe, for decreasing V, first a fluidlike regime (A), in which the whole granular layer is sheared, with a homogeneous strain rate except near the walls, then (B) a symmetric velocity profile with a solid block in the middle and strain localized near the walls, and finally (C) a state with broken symmetry in which the shear rate is confined to one boundary layer, while the bulk of the material moves together with the opposite wall. Both transitions are independent of system size and occur for specific values of V. Transient times are discussed. We show that the first transition, between regimes A and B, can be deduced from constitutive laws identified for the bulk material and the boundary layer, while the second one could be associated with an instability in the behavior of the boundary layer. The boundary zone constitutive law, however, is observed to depend on the state of the bulk material nearby.

Plasmon enhanced power conversion efficiency in inverted bulk heterojunction organic solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, Minu; Ramkumar, S.; Namboothiry, Manoj A. G.

2017-08-01

P3HT:PCBM is one of the most studied polymer-fullerene system. However the reported power conversion efficiency (PCE) values falls within the range of 4% to 5%. The thin film architecture in OPVs exhibits low PCE compared to inorganic photovoltaic cells. This is mainly due to the low exciton diffusion length that limits the active layer thickness which in turn reduces the absorption of incident light. Several strategies are adapted in order to increase the absorption in the active layer without increasing the film thickness. Inclusion of metal nanoparticles into the polymer layer of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells is one of the promising methods. Incorporation of metal nanostructures increases the absorption of organic materials due to the high electromagnetic field strength in the vicinity of the excited surface plasmons. In this work, we used 60 nm Au plasmonic structures to improve the efficiency of organic solar cell. The prepared metal nano structures were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques. These prepared metallic nanoparticles can be incorporated either into the electron transport layer (ETL) or into the active P3HT:PC71BM layer. The effect of incorporation of plasmonic gold (Au) nanoparticle in the inverted bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) of P3HT:PC71BM fabricated in ambient air condition is in progress. Initial studies shows an 8.5% enhancement in the PCE with the incorporation of Au nanoparticles under AM1.5G light of intensity 1 Sun.

Effects of interfacial stability between electron transporting layer and cathode on the degradation process of organic light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Ta-Ya; Lee, Yong-Han; Song, Ok-Keun

2007-11-01

The authors have demonstrated that the increase of electron injection barrier height between tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) and LiF /Al cathode is one of the most critical parameters to determine the reliability of organic light-emitting diode with the typical structure of indium tin oxide/N ,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N ,N'-bis(phenyl) benzidine/Alq3/LiF /Al. The electrical properties of several devices (hole only, electron only, and integrated double-layered devices) have been measured in the function of operating time to analyze the bulk and interface property changes. Bulk properties of trap energy and mobility in an organic layer have been estimated by using trap-charge-limited currents and transient electroluminescence measurements.

Raman Spectra of High-κ Dielectric Layers Investigated with Micro-Raman Spectroscopy Comparison with Silicon Dioxide

PubMed Central

Borowicz, P.; Taube, A.; Rzodkiewicz, W.; Latek, M.; Gierałtowska, S.

2013-01-01

Three samples with dielectric layers from high-κ dielectrics, hafnium oxide, gadolinium-silicon oxide, and lanthanum-lutetium oxide on silicon substrate were studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained for high-κ dielectrics were compared with spectra recorded for silicon dioxide. Raman spectra suggest the similarity of gadolinium-silicon oxide and lanthanum-lutetium oxide to the bulk nondensified silicon dioxide. The temperature treatment of hafnium oxide shows the evolution of the structure of this material. Raman spectra recorded for as-deposited hafnium oxide are similar to the results obtained for silicon dioxide layer. After thermal treatment especially at higher temperatures (600°C and above), the structure of hafnium oxide becomes similar to the bulk non-densified silicon dioxide. PMID:24072982

Depth-profile investigations of triterpenoid varnishes by KrF excimer laser ablation and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Theodorakopoulos, C.; Zafiropulos, V.

2009-07-01

The ablation properties of aged triterpenoid dammar and mastic films were investigated using a Krypton Fluoride excimer laser (248 nm, 25 ns). Ablation rate variations between surface and bulk layers indicated changes of the ablation mechanisms across the depth profiles of the films. In particular, after removal of the uppermost surface varnish layers there was a reduction of the ablation step in the bulk that was in line with a significant reduction of carbon dimer emission beneath the surface layers as detected by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The results are explicable by the generation of condensation, cross-linking and oxidative gradients across the depth profile of triterpenoid varnish films during the aging degradation process, which were recently quantified and established on the molecular level.

Boundary layer ozone - An airborne survey above the Amazon Basin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, Gerald L.; Browell, Edward V.; Warren, Linda S.

1988-01-01

Ozone data obtained over the forest canopy of the Amazon Basin during July and August 1985 in the course of NASA's Amazon Boundary Layer Experiment 2A are discussed, and ozone profiles obtained during flights from Belem to Tabatinga, Brazil, are analyzed to determine any cross-basin effects. The analyses of ozone data indicate that the mixed layer of the Amazon Basin, for the conditions of undisturbed meteorology and in the absence of biomass burning, is a significant sink for tropospheric ozone. As the coast is approached, marine influences are noted at about 300 km inland, and a transition from a forest-controlled mixed layer to a marine-controlled mixed layer is noted.

Spatial and temporal distribution of pore gas concentrations during mainstream large-scale trough composting in China.

PubMed

Zeng, Jianfei; Shen, Xiuli; Sun, Xiaoxi; Liu, Ning; Han, Lujia; Huang, Guangqun

2018-05-01

With the advantages of high treatment capacity and low operational cost, large-scale trough composting has become one of the mainstream composting patterns in composting plants in China. This study measured concentrations of O 2 , CO 2 , CH 4 and NH 3 on-site to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of pore gas concentrations during mainstream large-scale trough composting in China. The results showed that the temperature in the center of the pile was obviously higher than that in the side of the pile. Pore O 2 concentration rapidly decreased and maintained <5% (in volume) for 38 days or more in both the center and side of the pile and effective O 2 diffusion occurred at most in every two contiguous layers. Pore CO 2 and CH 4 concentrations at each measurement point were positively correlated (0.436 ≤ r ≤ 0.570, P < 0.01) and the concentrations in the side of the pile were obviously lower than those in the center. The top layer exhibited highest pore O 2 concentration and lowest CO 2 and CH 4 concentrations, and the bottom layer was on the contrary. No significant differences in pore NH 3 concentrations between different layers or between different measurement points in the same layer were found. Therefore, mixing the center and the side of the pile when mechanical turning and adjusting the height of the pile according to the physical properties of bulking agents are suggested to optimize the oxygen distribution and promote the composting process during large-scale trough composting when the pile was naturally aerated, which will contribute to improving the current undesirable atmosphere environment in China. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modulating in vitro gastric digestion of emulsions using composite whey protein-cellulose nanocrystal interfaces.

PubMed

Sarkar, Anwesha; Zhang, Shuning; Murray, Brent; Russell, Jessica A; Boxal, Sally

2017-10-01

In this study, we designed emulsions with an oil-water interface consisting of a composite layer of whey protein isolate (WPI, 1wt%) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) (1-3wt%). The hypothesis was that a secondary layer of CNCs at the WPI-stabilized oil-water interface could protect the interfacial protein layer against in vitro gastric digestion by pepsin at 37°C. A combination of transmission electron microscopy, ζ-potential measurements, interfacial shear viscosity measurements and theoretical surface coverage considerations suggested the presence of CNCs and WPI together at the O/W interface, owing to the electrostatic attraction between complementarily charged WPI and CNCs at pH 3. Microstructural analysis and droplet sizing revealed that the presence of CNCs increased the resistance of the interfacial protein film to rupture by pepsin, thus inhibiting droplet coalescence in the gastric phase, which occurs rapidly in an emulsion stabilized by WPI alone. It appeared that there was an optimum concentration of CNCs at the interface for such barrier effects. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results further confirmed that the presence of 3wt% of CNCs reduced the rate and extent of proteolysis of protein at the interface. Besides, evidence of adsorption of CNCs to the protein-coated droplets to form more rigid layers, there is also the possibility that network formation by the CNCs in the bulk (continuous) phase reduced the kinetics of proteolysis. Nevertheless, structuring emulsions with mixed protein-particle layers could be an effective strategy to tune and control interfacial barrier properties during gastric passage of emulsions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contributions of organic and inorganic matter to sediment volume and accretion in tidal wetlands at steady state

EPA Science Inventory

A mixing model derived from first principles describes the bulk density (BD) of intertidal wetland sediments as a function of loss on ignition (LOI). The model assumes the bulk volume of sediment equates to the sum of self-packing volumes of organic and mineral components or BD =...

Using a hybrid model to predict solute transfer from initially saturated soil into surface runoff with controlled drainage water.

PubMed

Tong, Juxiu; Hu, Bill X; Yang, Jinzhong; Zhu, Yan

2016-06-01

The mixing layer theory is not suitable for predicting solute transfer from initially saturated soil to surface runoff water under controlled drainage conditions. By coupling the mixing layer theory model with the numerical model Hydrus-1D, a hybrid solute transfer model has been proposed to predict soil solute transfer from an initially saturated soil into surface water, under controlled drainage water conditions. The model can also consider the increasing ponding water conditions on soil surface before surface runoff. The data of solute concentration in surface runoff and drainage water from a sand experiment is used as the reference experiment. The parameters for the water flow and solute transfer model and mixing layer depth under controlled drainage water condition are identified. Based on these identified parameters, the model is applied to another initially saturated sand experiment with constant and time-increasing mixing layer depth after surface runoff, under the controlled drainage water condition with lower drainage height at the bottom. The simulation results agree well with the observed data. Study results suggest that the hybrid model can accurately simulate the solute transfer from initially saturated soil into surface runoff under controlled drainage water condition. And it has been found that the prediction with increasing mixing layer depth is better than that with the constant one in the experiment with lower drainage condition. Since lower drainage condition and deeper ponded water depth result in later runoff start time, more solute sources in the mixing layer are needed for the surface water, and larger change rate results in the increasing mixing layer depth.

27 CFR 19.456 - Adding denaturants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... methods of mixing denaturants and spirits if he deems such denaturation will not hinder effective... Denaturation § 19.456 Adding denaturants. Denaturants and spirits shall be mixed in packages, tanks, or bulk... proprietor shall submit a flow diagram of the intended process or method of adding denaturants. (Sec. 201...

LIF measurements of scalar mixing in turbulent shear layers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karasso, Paris S.; Mungal, M. G.

1993-01-01

The structure of shear layer flows at high Reynolds numbers remains a very interesting problem. Straight mixing layers have been studied and yielded information on the probability density function (pdf) of a passive scalar across the layer. Konrad and Koochesfahani & Dimotakis measured the pdf of the mixture fraction for mixing layers of moderate Reynolds numbers, each about 25,000 (Re based on velocity difference and visual thickness). Their measurements showed a 'non-marching' pdf (central hump which is invariant from edge to edge across the layer), a result which is linked to the visualizations of the spanwise Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability mode, which is the primary instability for plane shear layer flows. A secondary instability mode, the Taylor-Gortler (T-G) instability, which is associated with streamwise vortical structures, has also been observed in shear layers. Image reconstruction by Jimenez et al. and volume renderings by Karasso & Mungal at low Re numbers have demonstrated that the K-H and the T-G instability modes occur simultaneously in a non-mutually destructive way, evidence that supports the quasi two-dimensional aspect of these flows and the non-marching character of the pdf at low Reynolds numbers. At higher Re numbers though, the interaction of these two instability modes is still unclear and may affect the mixing process. In this study, we perform measurements of the concentration pdf of plane mixing layers for different operating conditions. At a speed ratio of r = U(sub 1)/U(sub 2) = 4:1, we examine three Reynolds number cases: Re = 14,000, Re = 31,000, and Re = 62,000. Some other Re number cases' results, not presented in detail, are invoked to explain the behavior of the pdf of the concentration field. A case of r = 2.6:1 at Re = 20,000 is also considered. The planar laser-induced fluorescence technique is used to yield quantitative measurements. The different Re are obtained by changing the velocity magnitudes of the two streams. The question of resolution of these measurements is addressed. In order to investigate the effects of the initial conditions on the development and the structure of the mixing layer, the boundary layer on the high-speed side of the splitter plate is tripped. The average concentration and the average mixed fluid concentration are also calculated to further understand the changes in the shear layer for the different cases examined.

Lidar Characterization of Boundary Layer Transport and Mixing for Estimating Urban-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardesty, R. Michael; Brewer, W. Alan; Sandberg, Scott P.; Weickmann, Ann M.; Shepson, Paul B.; Cambaliza, Maria; Heimburger, Alexie; Davis, Kenneth J.; Lauvaux, Thomas; Miles, Natasha L.; Sarmiento, Daniel P.; Deng, A. J.; Gaudet, Brian; Karion, Anna; Sweeney, Colm; Whetstone, James

2016-06-01

A compact commercial Doppler lidar has been deployed in Indianapolis for two years to measure wind profiles and mixing layer properties as part of project to improve greenhouse measurements from large area sources. The lidar uses vertical velocity variance and aerosol structure to measure mixing layer depth. Comparisons with aircraft and the NOAA HRDL lidar generally indicate good performance, although sensitivity might be an issue under low aerosol conditions.

Characteristics of the nocturnal boundary layer inferred from ozone measurements onboard a Zeppelin airship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohrer, Franz; Li, Xin; Hofzumahaus, Andreas; Ehlers, Christian; Holland, Frank; Klemp, Dieter; Lu, Keding; Mentel, Thomas F.; Kiendler-Scharr, Astrid; Wahner, Andreas

2014-05-01

The nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) is a sublayer within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) which evolves above solid land each day in the late afternoon due to radiation cooling of the surface. It is a region of several hundred meters thickness which inhibits vertical mixing. A residual and a surface layer remain above and below the NBL. Inside the surface layer, almost all direct emissions of atmospheric constituents take place during this time. This stratification lasts until the next morning after sunrise. Then, the heating of the surface generates a new convectionally mixed layer which successively eats up the NBL from below. This process lasts until shortly before noon when the NBL disappears completely and the PBL is mixed convectionally. Ozone measurements onboard a Zeppelin airship in The Netherlands, in Italy, and in Finland are used to analyse this behaviour with respect to atmospheric constituents and consequences for the diurnal cycles observed in the surface layer, the nocturnal boundary layer, and the residual layer are discussed.

Turbulent mixing layers in the interstellar medium of galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slavin, J. D.; Shull, J. M.; Begelman, M. C.

1993-01-01

We propose that turbulent mixing layers are common in the interstellar medium (ISM). Injection of kinetic energy into the ISM by supernovae and stellar winds, in combination with density and temperature inhomogeneities, results in shear flows. Such flows will become turbulent due to the high Reynolds number (low viscosity) of the ISM plasma. These turbulent boundary layers will be particularly interesting where the shear flow occurs at boundaries of hot (approximately 10(exp 6) K) and cold or warm (10(exp 2) - 10(exp 4) K) gas. Mixing will occur in such layers producing intermediate-temperature gas at T is approximately equal to 10(exp 5.0) - 10(exp 5.5) that radiates strongly in the optical, ultraviolet, and EUV. We have modeled these layers under the assumptions of rapid mixing down to the atomic level and steady flow. By including the effects of non-equilibrium ionization and self-photoionization of the gas as it cools after mixing, we predict the intensities of numerous optical, infrared, and ultraviolet emission lines, as well as absorption column densities of C 4, N 5, Si 4, and O 6.

An approach to the research on ion and water properties in the interphase between the plasma membrane and bulk extracellular solution.

PubMed

Hibino, Hiroshi; Takai, Madoka; Noguchi, Hidenori; Sawamura, Seishiro; Takahashi, Yasufumi; Sakai, Hideki; Shiku, Hitoshi

2017-07-01

In vivo, cells are immersed in an extracellular solution that contains a variety of bioactive substances including ions and water. Classical electrophysiological analyses of epithelial cells in the stomach and small intestine have revealed that within a distance of several hundred micrometers above their apical plasma membrane, lies an extracellular layer that shows ion concentration gradients undetectable in the bulk phase. This "unstirred layer", which contains stagnant solutes, may also exist between the bulk extracellular solution and membranes of other cells in an organism and may show different properties. On the other hand, an earlier study using a bacterial planar membrane indicated that H + released from a transporter migrates in the horizontal direction along the membrane surface much faster than it diffuses vertically toward the extracellular space. This result implies that between the membrane surface and unstirred layer, there is a "nanointerface" that has unique ionic dynamics. Advanced technologies have revealed that the nanointerface on artificial membranes possibly harbors a highly ordered assembly of water molecules. In general, hydrogen bonds are involved in formation of the ordered water structure and can mediate rapid transfer of H + between neighboring molecules. This description may match the phenomenon on the bacterial membrane. A recent study has suggested that water molecules in the nanointerface regulate the gating of K + channels. Here, the region comprising the unstirred layer and nanointerface is defined as the interphase between the plasma membrane and bulk extracellular solution (iMES). This article briefly describes the physicochemical properties of ions and water in the iMES and their physiological significance. We also describe the methodologies that are currently used or will be applicable to the interphase research.

Synthesis and characterization of nanotubes from misfit compounds (LnS)1+yTaS2 (Ln= Pr, Sm, Gd, Yb).

PubMed

Tenne, Reshef; Serra, Marco; Stolovas, Dalit; Houben, Lothar; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Pinkas, Iddo; Kampmann, Felix; Maultzsch, Janina; Joselevich, Ernesto

2018-06-06

The synthesis and characterization of nanotubes from the misfit layered compounds (MLC) (LnS)1+yTaS2 (shortly denoted as LnS-TaS2) (Ln= Pr, Sm, Gd and Yb), not reported before, are described (the bulk compound YbS-LaS2 was not documented before). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) show that the interlayer spacing along the c-axis decrease with increasing atomic number of the lanthanide atom, suggesting tighter interaction between the LnS layer and the TaS2 for the late lanthanides. The Raman spectra of the tubules were studied and compared to the bulk MLC compounds. Like bulk MLC, the Raman spectra can be divided into the low frequency modes (110-150 cm-1) of the LnS lattice and the high frequency (250-400 cm-1) of the TaS2 lattice. The Raman spectra indicate that the vibrational lattice modes of the strained layers in the tubes are stiffer than those in the bulk compounds. Furthermore, the modes of the late lanthanides are higher in energy compared with the earlier lanthanides, suggesting larger charge transfer between the LnS and the TaS2 layers for the late lanthanides. Polarized Raman measurements showed the expected binodal intensity profile (antenna effect). The intensity ratio of the Raman signal showed that the E2g mode of TaS2 is more sensitive to the light polarization effect than its A1g mode. These nanotubes are expected to reveal interesting low temperature quasi-1D transport behavior. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

How the charge-neutrality level of interface states controls energy level alignment in cathode contacts of organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Guerrero, Antonio; Marchesi, Luís F; Boix, Pablo P; Ruiz-Raga, Sonia; Ripolles-Sanchis, Teresa; Garcia-Belmonte, Germà; Bisquert, Juan

2012-04-24

Electronic equilibration at the metal-organic interface, leading to equalization of the Fermi levels, is a key process in organic optoelectronic devices. How the energy levels are set across the interface determines carrier extraction at the contact and also limits the achievable open-circuit voltage under illumination. Here, we report an extensive investigation of the cathode energy equilibration of organic bulk-heterojunction solar cells. We show that the potential to balance the mismatch between the cathode metal and the organic layer Fermi levels is divided into two contributions: spatially extended band bending in the organic bulk and voltage drop at the interface dipole layer caused by a net charge transfer. We scan the operation of the cathode under a varied set of conditions, using metals of different work functions in the range of ∼2 eV, different fullerene acceptors, and several cathode interlayers. The measurements allow us to locate the charge-neutrality level within the interface density of sates and calculate the corresponding dipole layer strength. The dipole layer withstands a large part of the total Fermi level mismatch when the polymer:fullerene blend ratio approaches ∼1:1, producing the practical alignment between the metal Fermi level and the charge-neutrality level. Origin of the interface states is linked with fullerene reduced molecules covering the metal contact. The dipole contribution, and consequently the band bending, is highly sensitive to the nature and amount of fullerene molecules forming the interface density of states. Our analysis provides a detailed picture of the evolution of the potentials in the bulk and the interface of the solar cell when forward voltage is applied or when photogeneration takes place.

Mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic characteristics of hydrothermal alteration processes in the active, submarine, felsic-hosted PACMANUS field, Manus Basin, Papua New Guinea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lackschewitz, K. S.; Devey, C. W.; Stoffers, P.; Botz, R.; Eisenhauer, A.; Kummetz, M.; Schmidt, M.; Singer, A.

2004-11-01

During ODP Leg 193, 4 sites were drilled in the active PACMANUS hydrothermal field on the crest of the felsic Pual Ridge to examine the vertical and lateral variations in mineralization and alteration patterns. We present new data on clay mineral assemblages, clay and whole rock chemistry and clay mineral strontium and oxygen isotopic compositions of altered rocks from a site of diffuse low-temperature venting (Snowcap, Site 1188) and a site of high-temperature venting (Roman Ruins, Site 1189) in order to investigate the water-rock reactions and associated elemental exchanges. The volcanic succession at Snowcap has been hydrothermally altered, producing five alteration zones: (1) chlorite ± illite-cristobalite-plagioclase alteration apparently overprinted locally by pyrophyllite bleaching at temperatures of 260-310°C; (2) chlorite ± mixed-layer clay alteration at temperatures of 230°C; (3) chlorite and illite alteration; (4) illite and chlorite ± illite mixed-layer alteration at temperatures of 250-260°C; and (5) illite ± chlorite alteration at 290-300°C. Felsic rocks recovered from two holes (1189A and 1189B) at Roman Ruins, although very close together, show differing alteration features. Hole 1189A is characterized by a uniform chlorite-illite alteration formed at ˜250°C, overprinted by quartz veining at 350°C. In contrast, four alteration zones occur in Hole 1189B: (1) illite ± chlorite alteration formed at ˜300°C; (2) chlorite ± illite alteration at 235°C; (3) chlorite ± illite and mixed layer clay alteration; and (4) chlorite ± illite alteration at 220°C. Mass balance calculations indicate that the chloritization, illitization and bleaching (silica-pyrophyllite assemblages) alteration stages are accompanied by different chemical changes relative to a calculated pristine precursor lava. The element Cr appears to have a general enrichment in the altered samples from PACMANUS. The clay concentrate data show that Cr and Cu are predominantly present in the pyrophyllites. Illite shows a significant enrichment for Cs and Cu relative to the bulk altered samples. Considerations of mineral stability allow us to place some constraints on fluid chemistry. Hydrothermal fluid pH for the chloritization and illitization was neutral to slightly acidic and relatively acidic for the pyrophyllite alteration. In general the fluids, especially from Roman Ruins and at intermediate depths below Snowcap, show only a small proportion of seawater mixing (<10%). Fluids in shallow and deep parts of the Snowcap holes, in contrast, show stronger seawater influence.

Tropical Cyclone Induced Air-Sea Interactions Over Oceanic Fronts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shay, L. K.

2012-12-01

Recent severe tropical cyclones underscore the inherent importance of warm background ocean fronts and their interactions with the atmospheric boundary layer. Central to the question of heat and moisture fluxes, the amount of heat available to the tropical cyclone is predicated by the initial mixed layer depth and strength of the stratification that essentially set the level of entrainment mixing at the base of the mixed layer. In oceanic regimes where the ocean mixed layers are thin, shear-induced mixing tends to cool the upper ocean to form cold wakes which reduces the air-sea fluxes. This is an example of negative feedback. By contrast, in regimes where the ocean mixed layers are deep (usually along the western part of the gyres), warm water advection by the nearly steady currents reduces the levels of turbulent mixing by shear instabilities. As these strong near-inertial shears are arrested, more heat and moisture transfers are available through the enthalpy fluxes (typically 1 to 1.5 kW m-2) into the hurricane boundary layer. When tropical cyclones move into favorable or neutral atmospheric conditions, tropical cyclones have a tendency to rapidly intensify as observed over the Gulf of Mexico during Isidore and Lili in 2002, Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005, Dean and Felix in 2007 in the Caribbean Sea, and Earl in 2010 just north of the Caribbean Islands. To predict these tropical cyclone deepening (as well as weakening) cycles, coupled models must have ocean models with realistic ocean conditions and accurate air-sea and vertical mixing parameterizations. Thus, to constrain these models, having complete 3-D ocean profiles juxtaposed with atmospheric profiler measurements prior, during and subsequent to passage is an absolute necessity framed within regional scale satellite derived fields.

Bioavailable Carbon and the Relative Degradation State of Organic Matter in Active Layer and Permafrost Soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jastrow, J. D.; Burke, V. J.; Vugteveen, T. W.; Fan, Z.; Hofmann, S. M.; Lederhouse, J. S.; Matamala, R.; Michaelson, G. J.; Mishra, U.; Ping, C. L.

2015-12-01

The decomposability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in permafrost regions is a key uncertainty in efforts to predict carbon release from thawing permafrost and its impacts. The cold and often wet environment is the dominant factor limiting decomposer activity, and soil organic matter is often preserved in a relatively undecomposed and uncomplexed state. Thus, the impacts of soil warming and permafrost thaw are likely to depend at least initially on the genesis and past history of organic matter degradation before its stabilization in permafrost. We compared the bioavailability and relative degradation state of SOC in active layer and permafrost soils from Arctic tundra in Alaska. To assess readily bioavailable SOC, we quantified salt (0.5 M K2SO4) extractable organic matter (SEOM), which correlates well with carbon mineralization rates in short-term soil incubations. To assess the relative degradation state of SOC, we used particle size fractionation to isolate fibric (coarse) from more degraded (fine) particulate organic matter (POM) and separated mineral-associated organic matter into silt- and clay-sized fractions. On average, bulk SOC concentrations in permafrost were lower than in comparable active layer horizons. Although SEOM represented a very small proportion of the bulk SOC, this proportion was greater in permafrost than in comparable active layer soils. A large proportion of bulk SOC was found in POM for all horizons. Even for mineral soils, about 40% of bulk SOC was in POM pools, indicating that organic matter in both active layer and permafrost mineral soils was relatively undecomposed compared to typical temperate soils. Not surprisingly, organic soils had a greater proportion of POM and mineral soils had greater silt- and clay-sized carbon pools, while cryoturbated soils were intermediate. For organic horizons, permafrost organic matter was generally more degraded than in comparable active layer horizons. However, in mineral and cryoturbated horizons, the presence of permafrost appeared to have little effect on SOC distribution among size fractions. Future studies will investigate the utility of using organic matter pools defined by SEOM and particle size to predict the bioavailable pools characterized through more time-consuming long-term incubation studies of permafrost region soils.

Airborne lidar observations of long-range transport in the free troposphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shipley, S. T.; Browell, E. V.; Mcdougal, D. S.; Orndorff, B. L.; Haagenson, P.

1984-01-01

Airborne lidar measurements of ozone and aerosols in the lower troposphere show the presence of pollutant layers above the mixed layer. Two case studies are analyzed to identify probable source regions and mechanisms for material injection into the free troposphere above local mixed layers. An elevated haze/oxidant layer observed over South Carolina on Aug. 2, 1980, was found to originate in cumulus convection over Georgia on Aug. 1, 1980. An extensive haze/oxidant layer observed over southeastern Virginia on July 31, 1981, is shown to have been in contact with the New England mixed layer on July 30, 1981. This transported air mass is estimated to contribute approximately 30 percent of the ozone maximum measured at the surface in the Norfolk, VA, area on July 31, 1981. Such elevated 'reservoir' layers are transported over long ranges and are not detected by sensors which are confined to the surface.

Comparing Production and Placement of Warm-Mix Asphalt to Traditional Hot-Mix Asphalt for Constructing Airfield Pavements

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

Sasobit® STA 0+35 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed............................... 36  Figure 50. Evotherm ™ center-line layer thicknesses...as constructed. ................................................ 37  Figure 51. Evotherm ™ STA 0+15 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed...37  Figure 52. Evotherm ™ STA 0+25 cross-section layer thicknesses as constructed. .......................... 38  Figure 53

Dipole-allowed direct band gap silicon superlattices

PubMed Central

Oh, Young Jun; Lee, In-Ho; Kim, Sunghyun; Lee, Jooyoung; Chang, Kee Joo

2015-01-01

Silicon is the most popular material used in electronic devices. However, its poor optical properties owing to its indirect band gap nature limit its usage in optoelectronic devices. Here we present the discovery of super-stable pure-silicon superlattice structures that can serve as promising materials for solar cell applications and can lead to the realization of pure Si-based optoelectronic devices. The structures are almost identical to that of bulk Si except that defective layers are intercalated in the diamond lattice. The superlattices exhibit dipole-allowed direct band gaps as well as indirect band gaps, providing ideal conditions for the investigation of a direct-to-indirect band gap transition. The fact that almost all structural portions of the superlattices originate from bulk Si warrants their stability and good lattice matching with bulk Si. Through first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, we confirmed their thermal stability and propose a possible method to synthesize the defective layer through wafer bonding. PMID:26656482

Landau-de Gennes theory of surface-enhanced ordering in smectic films.

PubMed

Shalaginov, A N; Sullivan, D E

2001-03-01

A Landau theory for surface-enhanced ordering in smectic-A free-standing films is described, based on a generalization of de Gennes' model for a "presmectic" fluid confined between two walls. According to the theory, smectic ordering in free-standing films heated above the bulk smectic melting temperature is due to an intrinsic surface contribution rather than an external field. The theory yields a persistent finite-size effect, in that the film melting temperatures do not tend to the bulk transition temperature in the limit of infinite film thickness. It also predicts that a continuous transition from (N+1)- to N-layer films is impossible without an external field. The theory closely fits existing experimental data on layer-thinning transitions in compounds which exhibit a bulk smectic-A to nematic phase transition. Possible origins of the intrinsic surface contribution are discussed.

Quantum Hall effect in a bulk antiferromagnet EuMnBi2 with magnetically confined two-dimensional Dirac fermions.

PubMed

Masuda, Hidetoshi; Sakai, Hideaki; Tokunaga, Masashi; Yamasaki, Yuichi; Miyake, Atsushi; Shiogai, Junichi; Nakamura, Shintaro; Awaji, Satoshi; Tsukazaki, Atsushi; Nakao, Hironori; Murakami, Youichi; Arima, Taka-hisa; Tokura, Yoshinori; Ishiwata, Shintaro

2016-01-01

For the innovation of spintronic technologies, Dirac materials, in which low-energy excitation is described as relativistic Dirac fermions, are one of the most promising systems because of the fascinating magnetotransport associated with extremely high mobility. To incorporate Dirac fermions into spintronic applications, their quantum transport phenomena are desired to be manipulated to a large extent by magnetic order in a solid. We report a bulk half-integer quantum Hall effect in a layered antiferromagnet EuMnBi2, in which field-controllable Eu magnetic order significantly suppresses the interlayer coupling between the Bi layers with Dirac fermions. In addition to the high mobility of more than 10,000 cm(2)/V s, Landau level splittings presumably due to the lifting of spin and valley degeneracy are noticeable even in a bulk magnet. These results will pave a route to the engineering of magnetically functionalized Dirac materials.

A Photoferroelectric Perovskite-Type Organometallic Halide with Exceptional Anisotropy of Bulk Photovoltaic Effects.

PubMed

Sun, Zhihua; Liu, Xitao; Khan, Tariq; Ji, Chengmin; Asghar, Muhammad Adnan; Zhao, Sangen; Li, Lina; Hong, Maochun; Luo, Junhua

2016-05-23

Perovskite-type ferroelectrics composed of organometallic halides are emerging as a promising alternative to conventional photovoltaic devices because of their unique photovoltaic effects (PVEs). A new layered perovskite-type photoferroelectric, bis(cyclohexylaminium) tetrabromo lead (1), is presented. The material exhibits an exceptional anisotropy of bulk PVEs. Upon photoexcitation, superior photovoltaic behaviors are created along its inorganic layers, which are composed of corner-sharing PbBr6 octahedra. Semiconducting activity with remarkable photoconductivity is achieved in the vertical direction, showing sizeable on/off current ratios (>10(4) ), which compete with the most active photovoltaic material CH3 NH3 PbI3 . In 1 the temperature-dependence of photovoltage coincides fairly well with that of polarization, confirming the dominant role of ferroelectricity in such highly anisotropic PVEs. This finding sheds light on bulk PVEs in ferroelectric materials, and promotes their application in optoelectronic devices. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A numerical study of mixing enhancement in supersonic reacting flow fields. [in scramjets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, J. Philip; Mukunda, H. S.

1988-01-01

NASA Langley has intensively investigated the components of ramjet and scramjet systems for endoatmospheric, airbreathing hypersonic propulsion; attention is presently given to the optimization of scramjet combustor fuel-air mixing and reaction characteristics. A supersonic, spatially developing and reacting mixing layer has been found to serve as an excellent physical model for the mixing and reaction process. Attention is presently given to techniques that have been applied to the enhancement of the mixing processes and the overall combustion efficiency of the mixing layer. A fuel injector configuration has been computationally designed which significantly increases mixing and reaction rates.

Three-dimensional impedance engineering for mixed-signal system-on-chip applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Kyuchul

A novel approach for three-dimensional substrate impedance engineering of p-/p+ epi substrate is proposed for mixed-signal integrated circuit applications. This technology requires minimum intrusion to conventional Si CMOS processing, but offers astounding improvements with regard to RF crosstalk via substrate and RF passive device performance. The engineered substrate consists of conducting as well as semi-insulating regions strategically placed three-dimensionally throughout the volume of the substrate. The p-/p+ epi substrate is used to prevent latch-up at tight design rules in high performance digital CMOS. Metal vias are fabricated from the front side using electroless plating method for Faraday cage isolation structure as well as "true ground" contacts. A self-limiting micro-PS formation process is employed to allow the insertion of semi-insulating regions from the backside of the wafer and RIE etch to remove p- layer is performed from the front side completely eliminating any parasitic pathways for crosstalk. The crosstalk isolation methods in this study are based on the principle of RF noise shielding in addition to insulating. Both the suppression of crosstalk by the metal vias and micro-PS trench isolation are so significant that the crosstalk goes down to the noise floor of the conventional measurement instruments. The use of micro-PS layer effectively can reduce the parasitic substrate effect. These reductions result in higher Q and fr of inductors on micro-PS region. Inductors located on micro-PS are subjected to a much less stringent set of constraints than that on bulk Si substrates, allowing for much higher inductance without severe sacrifice in Q and fr, and much higher Q for with reasonable inductance and fr. The bond pad structure using micro-PS can significantly reduce the parasitic bond pad capacitance and increases the crosstalk isolation characteristic. Reducing the parasitic pad capacitance by using micro-PS results in high bond pad resonant frequency of up to 56.2 GHz. The crosstalk between bond pads becomes much smaller than that of conventional p- bulk substrate by using micro-PS. In addition, the use of micro-PS leads to greatly improved transformer performances including higher Q and fr, mutual reactive coupling coefficients with larger useable band-width and maximum available gain by reducing the substrate effect.

Estimating canopy bulk density and canopy base height for conifer stands in the interior Western United States using the Forest Vegetation Simulator Fire and Fuels Extension.

Treesearch

Seth Ex; Frederick Smith; Tara Keyser; Stephanie Rebain

2017-01-01

The Forest Vegetation Simulator Fire and Fuels Extension (FFE-FVS) is often used to estimate canopy bulk density (CBD) and canopy base height (CBH), which are key indicators of crown fire hazard for conifer stands in the Western United States. Estimated CBD from FFE-FVS is calculated as the maximum 4 m running mean bulk density of predefined 0.3 m thick canopy layers (...

Large Eddy Simulation of Heat Entrainment Under Arctic Sea Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramudu, Eshwan; Gelderloos, Renske; Yang, Di; Meneveau, Charles; Gnanadesikan, Anand

2018-01-01

Arctic sea ice has declined rapidly in recent decades. The faster than projected retreat suggests that free-running large-scale climate models may not be accurately representing some key processes. The small-scale turbulent entrainment of heat from the mixed layer could be one such process. To better understand this mechanism, we model the Arctic Ocean's Canada Basin, which is characterized by a perennial anomalously warm Pacific Summer Water (PSW) layer residing at the base of the mixed layer and a summertime Near-Surface Temperature Maximum (NSTM) within the mixed layer trapping heat from solar radiation. We use large eddy simulation (LES) to investigate heat entrainment for different ice-drift velocities and different initial temperature profiles. The value of LES is that the resolved turbulent fluxes are greater than the subgrid-scale fluxes for most of our parameter space. The results show that the presence of the NSTM enhances heat entrainment from the mixed layer. Additionally there is no PSW heat entrained under the parameter space considered. We propose a scaling law for the ocean-to-ice heat flux which depends on the initial temperature anomaly in the NSTM layer and the ice-drift velocity. A case study of "The Great Arctic Cyclone of 2012" gives a turbulent heat flux from the mixed layer that is approximately 70% of the total ocean-to-ice heat flux estimated from the PIOMAS model often used for short-term predictions. Present results highlight the need for large-scale climate models to account for the NSTM layer.

Mixing Layer Formation near the Tropopause Due to Gravity Wave Critical Level Interactions in a Cloud-Resolving Model.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustaoui, Mohamed; Joseph, Binson; Teitelbaum, Hector

2004-12-01

A plausible mechanism for the formation of mixing layers in the lower stratosphere above regions of tropical convection is demonstrated numerically using high-resolution, two-dimensional (2D), anelastic, nonlinear, cloud-resolving simulations. One noteworthy point is that the mixing layer simulated in this study is free of anvil clouds and well above the cloud anvil top located in the upper troposphere. Hence, the present mechanism is complementary to the well-known process by which overshooting cloud turrets causes mixing within stratospheric anvil clouds. The paper is organized as a case study verifying the proposed mechanism using atmospheric soundings obtained during the Central Equatorial Pacific Experiment (CEPEX), when several such mixing layers, devoid of anvil clouds, had been observed. The basic dynamical ingredient of the present mechanism is (quasi stationary) gravity wave critical level interactions, occurring in association with a reversal of stratospheric westerlies to easterlies below the tropopause region. The robustness of the results is shown through simulations at different resolutions. The insensitivity of the qualitative results to the details of the subgrid scheme is also evinced through further simulations with and without subgrid mixing terms. From Lagrangian reconstruction of (passive) ozone fields, it is shown that the mixing layer is formed kinematically through advection by the resolved-scale (nonlinear) velocity field.

Receptivity to Unsteady Disturbances at the Trailing Edge in a Finite-Width Mixing Layer Flow.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabchuk, James Allen

1995-01-01

A theoretical study of the receptivity to harmonic disturbances at the trailing edge of a finite-width mixing layer has been carried out. The unsteady Kutta condition at the trailing edge has been reexamined at the vorticity scale of the steady mixing layer profile, and the underlying physical mechanism of this condition explained. The receptivity problem of harmonic forcing at the trailing edge is shown to reduce to an initial-value problem for the downstream mixing layer or wake. A linear coupling term for the response field amplitude is derived which is proportional to the square root of the Strouhal number and the difference in the gradient of the forcing pressure field tangential to the plate near the trailing edge. An initial-value problem is then solved for an inviscid, incompressible mixing layer with a piecewise linear velocity profile leaving the trailing edge of a flat plate, subject to harmonic forcing. The Wiener-Hopf technique is used to solve for the stream function of the response field over a range of forcing frequencies and mean flow velocities. The solutions are shown to agree with previous solutions for infinitesimally thin shear layers from Bechert, 1988 and Orszag and Crow, 1970, in the limit that the Strouhal number relative to the mixing layer thickness, S, is small. In addition, solutions are obtained for moderate values of S, for which the mixing layer is most unstable. It is shown that for increasing S, the initial amplitudes of the discrete modes of instability decrease like 1 over S and then level off, while the neutrally stable mode of response is increasingly amplified. It is also shown that the overall phase of the response is nearly independent of S, except at a cross-stream position where the phase shifts by 180 degrees and the amplitude of the response goes to zero, which moves from the low to the high speed flow as S increases.

Predicting Hidden bulk phases in Sr3Ru2O7 from surface phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivero, Pablo; Chen, Chen; Jin, Roying; Meunier, Vincent; Plummer, E. W.; Shelton, William

Double-layered Sr3Ru2O7 has received phenomenal attention as it exhibits an overabundance of exotic phases when perturbed. Recently it has been shown that the surface of this material displays significantly different properties than in the bulk due to the surface induced tilt of the RuO6 octahedra. Here we report detailed first principles calculations of the surface structure, and the structure property relationship. Tilt of the octahedra drive the surface into a much less conducting state than in the bulk due in part to the different electronic properties of the two Ru atoms in the first RuO2 layer of the bilayer. The broken symmetry at the surface causes a tilt and enhanced rotation of the octahedra only present in the first (surface) bilayer. Theoretically the surface is ferromagnetically ordered but the stability with respect to the antiferromagnetic phase is small ( = 11 meV). We have calculated the bulk properties under uniaxial pressure, which induces a tilt and drives the bulk into an antiferromagnetic-insulating state. Support of this project came from DoE contract No. DE-SCOO12432 and the Louisiana Board of Regents. V. M. acknowledges support from New York State under NYSTAR program C080117.

Quantitative crystallinity determination for E1010, a novel carbapenem antibiotic, using differential scanning calorimetry.

PubMed

Kushida, Ikuo

2012-03-01

The objective of this study was to develop a quantitative crystallinity analysis method for the bulk drug of E1010 ((+)-(4R,5S,6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-3-[(2S,4S)-2-[(R)-1-hydroxy-1-[(R)-pyrrolidin-3 -yl]methyl]pyrrolidin-4-yl]thio-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene-2-carboxylic acid monohydrochloride), a novel carbapenem antibiotic. X-ray analyses, thermal analyses and hygroscopicity measurements were used to elucidate the crystal structure and the solid state properties. To develop a quantitative method for the crystallinity of E1010 bulk drug, the relationship between enthalpy change obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and crystalline form ratio was investigated. E1010 bulk drug was found to exist in a crystalline trihydrate formed in two layers, i.e. a layer of E1010 free form, and a layer consisting of chloride ions and water molecules. The thermal analysis showed an endothermic peak derived from dehydration with the loss of crystal lattices at around 100°C as an onset. The enthalpy change value for the endothermic peak correlated well with crystalline content in binary physical mixtures of the crystalline trihydrate and the amorphous form. In addition, for nine lots of the bulk drug, a positive correlation between the enthalpy change and chemical stability in the solid state was observed. This quantitative analysis of crystallinity using DSC could be applicable for the quality control of the bulk drug to detect variability among manufacturing batches and to estimate the chemical stability of partially amorphous samples. © 2011 The Author. JPP © 2011 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The role of ice nuclei recycling in the maintenance of cloud ice in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus

DOE PAGES

Solomon, Amy; Feingold, G.; Shupe, M. D.

2015-09-25

This study investigates the maintenance of cloud ice production in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus in large eddy simulations that include a prognostic ice nuclei (IN) formulation and a diurnal cycle. Balances derived from a mixed-layer model and phase analyses are used to provide insight into buffering mechanisms that maintain ice in these cloud systems. We find that, for the case under investigation, IN recycling through subcloud sublimation considerably prolongs ice production over a multi-day integration. This effective source of IN to the cloud dominates over mixing sources from above or below the cloud-driven mixed layer. Competing feedbacks between dynamical mixing andmore » recycling are found to slow the rate of ice lost from the mixed layer when a diurnal cycle is simulated. Furthermore, the results of this study have important implications for maintaining phase partitioning of cloud ice and liquid that determine the radiative forcing of Arctic mixed-phase clouds.« less

The role of ice nuclei recycling in the maintenance of cloud ice in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Solomon, Amy; Feingold, G.; Shupe, M. D.

This study investigates the maintenance of cloud ice production in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus in large eddy simulations that include a prognostic ice nuclei (IN) formulation and a diurnal cycle. Balances derived from a mixed-layer model and phase analyses are used to provide insight into buffering mechanisms that maintain ice in these cloud systems. We find that, for the case under investigation, IN recycling through subcloud sublimation considerably prolongs ice production over a multi-day integration. This effective source of IN to the cloud dominates over mixing sources from above or below the cloud-driven mixed layer. Competing feedbacks between dynamical mixing andmore » recycling are found to slow the rate of ice lost from the mixed layer when a diurnal cycle is simulated. Furthermore, the results of this study have important implications for maintaining phase partitioning of cloud ice and liquid that determine the radiative forcing of Arctic mixed-phase clouds.« less

A new method for estimating the turbulent heat flux at the bottom of the daily mixed layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imawaki, Shiro; Niiler, Pearn P.; Gautier, Catherine H.; Knox, Robert A.; Halpern, David

1988-01-01

Temperature data in the mixed layer and net solar irradiance data at the sea surface are used to estimate the vertical turbulent heat flux at the bottom of the daily mixed layer. The method is applied to data obtained in the eastern tropical Pacific, where the daily cycle in the temperature field is confined to the upper 10-25 m. Equatorial turbulence measurements indicate that the turbulent heat flux is much greater during nighttime than daytime.

Electric Field-Dependent Photoluminescence in Multilayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanev, T. K.; Henning, A.; Sangwan, V. K.; Speiser, N.; Stern, N. P.; Lauhon, L. J.; Hersam, M. C.; Wang, K.; Valencia, D.; Charles, J.; Kubis, T. C.

Owing to interlayer coupling, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) such as MoS2 exhibit strong layer dependence of optical and electronic phenomena such as the band gap and trion and neutral exciton population dynamics. Here, we systematically measure the effect of layer number on the optical response of multilayer MoS2 in an external electric field, observing field and layer number dependent emission energy and photoluminescence intensity. These effects are studied in few (2-6) and bulk (11 +) layered structures at low temperatures. In MoS2\\ the observed layer dependence arises from several mechanisms, including interlayer charge transfer, band structure, Stark Effect, Fermi level changes, screening, and surface effects, so it can be challenging to isolate how these mechanisms impact the observables. Because it behaves like a stack of weakly interacting monolayers rather than multilayer or bulk, ReS2 provides a comparison to traditional TMDCs to help isolate the underlying physical mechanisms dictating the response of multilayers. This work is supported by the National Science Foundation MRSEC program (DMR-1121262), and the 2-DARE Grant (EFRI-1433510). N.P.S. is an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow.

Atomically thick bismuth selenide freestanding single layers achieving enhanced thermoelectric energy harvesting.

PubMed

Sun, Yongfu; Cheng, Hao; Gao, Shan; Liu, Qinghua; Sun, Zhihu; Xiao, Chong; Wu, Changzheng; Wei, Shiqiang; Xie, Yi

2012-12-19

Thermoelectric materials can realize significant energy savings by generating electricity from untapped waste heat. However, the coupling of the thermoelectric parameters unfortunately limits their efficiency and practical applications. Here, a single-layer-based (SLB) composite fabricated from atomically thick single layers was proposed to optimize the thermoelectric parameters fully. Freestanding five-atom-thick Bi(2)Se(3) single layers were first synthesized via a scalable interaction/exfoliation strategy. As revealed by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, surface distortion gives them excellent structural stability and a much increased density of states, resulting in a 2-fold higher electrical conductivity relative to the bulk material. Also, the surface disorder and numerous interfaces in the Bi(2)Se(3) SLB composite allow for effective phonon scattering and decreased thermal conductivity, while the 2D electron gas and energy filtering effect increase the Seebeck coefficient, resulting in an 8-fold higher figure of merit (ZT) relative to the bulk material. This work develops a facile strategy for synthesizing atomically thick single layers and demonstrates their superior ability to optimize the thermoelectric energy harvesting.

Achieving polydimethylsiloxane/carbon nanotube (PDMS/CNT) composites with extremely low dielectric loss and adjustable dielectric constant by sandwich structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Benhui; Liu, Yu; He, Delong; Bai, Jinbo

2018-01-01

Sandwich-structured composites of polydimethylsiloxane/carbon nanotube (PDMS/CNT) bulk between two neat PDMS thin films with different thicknesses are prepared by the spin-coating method. Taking advantage of CNT's percolation behavior, the composite keeps relatively high dielectric constant (ɛ' = 40) at a low frequency (at 100 Hz). Meanwhile, due to the existence of PDMS isolated out-layers which limits the conductivity of the composite, the composite maintains an extremely low dielectric loss (tan δ = 0.01) (at 100 Hz). Moreover, the same matrix of the out-layer and bulk can achieve excellent interfacial adhesion, and the thickness of the coating layer can be controlled by a multi-cycle way. Then, based on the experimental results, the calculation combining the percolation theory and core-shell model is used to analyze the thickness effect of the coating layer on ɛ'. The obtained relationship between the ɛ' of the composite and the thickness of the coating layer can help to optimize the sandwich structure in order to obtain the adjustable ɛ' and the extremely low tan δ.

The turblent mixing layer - Geometry of large vortices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Browand, F. K.; Troutt, T. R.

1985-09-01

Large spanwide vortices in a mixing layer have been studied in numerous investigations. The present study represents an attempt to define the geometry of the large vortices. In the conducted experiments, the flow develops from a laminar boundary layer, or from an intentionally tripped turbulent boundary layer. However, no other forcing is provided. It is pointed out that in both cases the downstream structure becomes indistinguishable. The experimental apparatus and the employed techniques are discussed, taking into account details regarding the wind tunnel, the detection of the structure, and aspects of digitization. Attention is given to the mean growth of the mixing layer, the mean vortex spacing, the spanwise correlation of vortex structure, velocity-field visualizations, the transition criterion, and the permanence of structure.

Radon Measurements of Atmospheric Mixing (RAMIX) 2006–2014 Final Campaign Summary

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fischer, ML; Biraud, SC

2015-05-01

Uncertainty in vertical mixing between the surface layer, boundary layer, and free troposphere leads to large uncertainty in “top-down” estimates of regional land-atmosphere carbon exchange (i.e., estimates based on measurements of atmospheric CO2 mixing ratios. Radon-222 (222Rn) is a valuable tracer for measuring atmospheric mixing because it is emitted from the land surface and has a short enough half-life (3.8 days) to allow characterization of mixing processes based on vertical profile measurements.

Radon Measurements of Atmospheric Mixing (RAMIX) 2006–2014 Final Campaign Summary

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fischer, ML; Biraud, SC; Hirsch, A

2015-05-01

Uncertainty in vertical mixing between the surface layer, boundary layer, and free troposphere leads to large uncertainty in “top-down” estimates of regional land-atmosphere carbon exchange (i.e., estimates based on measurements of atmospheric CO 2 mixing ratios). The radioisotope radon-222 ( 222Rn) is a valuable tracer for measuring atmospheric mixing because it is emitted from the land surface and has a short enough half-life (3.8 days) to allow characterization of mixing processes based on vertical profile measurements.

The Ekman Layer and Why Tea Leaves Go to the Center of the Cup

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heavers, Richard M.; Dapp, Rachel M.

2010-01-01

Consider a transparent, cylindrical container filled with water and sitting in the center of a record player turntable. When the turntable is started suddenly, the container rotates with the turntable, but the bulk of the fluid initially remains at rest. A thin ([approximately]1 mm) viscous boundary layer (Ekman layer) forms almost immediately at…

Functionally Graded Multifunctional Hybrid Composites for Extreme Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

Develop multifunctional FGHC with multiple layers: a ceramic thermal barrier layer, a graded ceramic /metal composite (GCMeC) layer and a high...AFOSR-MURI Functionally Graded Hybrid Composites Actively Cooled PMC White (UIUC) FGHC Fabrication Team Graded Ceramic Metal Composites (GCMeC...Composites Fabrication and Characterization of Bulk Ceramic MAX Phase and MAX–Metal Composites AFOSR-MURI Functionally Graded Hybrid Composites Mn

Strong anisotropy and magnetostriction in the two-dimensional Stoner ferromagnet Fe 3 GeTe 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhuang, Houlong L.; Kent, P. R. C.; Hennig, Richard G.

Comore » mputationally characterizing magnetic properies of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials serves as an important first step of exploring possible applications. Using density-functional theory, we show that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is a potential 2D material with sufficiently low formation energy to be synthesized by mechanical exfoliation from the bulk phase with a van der Waals layered structure. In addition, we calculated the phonon dispersion demonstrating that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is dynamically stable. Furthermore, we find that similar to the bulk phase, 2D Fe 3 GeTe 2 exhibits amagnetic moment that originates from a Stoner instability. In contrast to other 2D materials, we find that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 exhibits a significant uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of 920μ eV per Fe atom originating from spin-orbit coupling. In conclusion, we show that applying biaxial tensile strains enhances the anisotropy energy, which reveals strong magnetostriction in single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 with a sizable magneostrictive coefficient. Our results indicate that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is potentially useful for magnetic storage applications.« less

Strong anisotropy and magnetostriction in the two-dimensional Stoner ferromagnet Fe 3 GeTe 2

DOE PAGES

Zhuang, Houlong L.; Kent, P. R. C.; Hennig, Richard G.

2016-04-06

Comore » mputationally characterizing magnetic properies of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials serves as an important first step of exploring possible applications. Using density-functional theory, we show that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is a potential 2D material with sufficiently low formation energy to be synthesized by mechanical exfoliation from the bulk phase with a van der Waals layered structure. In addition, we calculated the phonon dispersion demonstrating that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is dynamically stable. Furthermore, we find that similar to the bulk phase, 2D Fe 3 GeTe 2 exhibits amagnetic moment that originates from a Stoner instability. In contrast to other 2D materials, we find that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 exhibits a significant uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of 920μ eV per Fe atom originating from spin-orbit coupling. In conclusion, we show that applying biaxial tensile strains enhances the anisotropy energy, which reveals strong magnetostriction in single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 with a sizable magneostrictive coefficient. Our results indicate that single-layer Fe 3 GeTe 2 is potentially useful for magnetic storage applications.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Biao; Zhou, Keqing; Jiang, Saihua

Highlights: • Layered zinc sulfide (LZnS) was synthesized successfully via hydrothermal method. • We prepare PMMA/LZnS nanocomposites by in situ bulk polymerization of MMA. • PMMA/LZnS nanocomposites were investigated by TGA, DSC, MCC, UV–vis and PL test. • The thermal stability, flame retardant and optical properties of PMMA are improved. - Abstract: Layered zinc sulfide (LZnS) was synthesized successfully via hydrothermal method and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/layered zinc sulfide nanocomposites were obtained by in situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the as-synthesized layered zinc sulfide and PMMA/layered zincmore » sulfide nanocomposites. Microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to test the thermal properties of the composites. Ultraviolet visible (UV–vis) transmittance spectra and photoluminence (PL) spectra were obtained to investigate the optical properties of the composites. From the results, the thermal degradation temperature is increased by 20–50 °C, the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) are both decreased by above 30%, and the photoluminence intensity is enhanced with the increasing loading of layered zinc sulfide.« less

Organic heterojunctions: Contact-induced molecular reorientation, interface states, and charge re-distribution

PubMed Central

Opitz, Andreas; Wilke, Andreas; Amsalem, Patrick; Oehzelt, Martin; Blum, Ralf-Peter; Rabe, Jürgen P.; Mizokuro, Toshiko; Hörmann, Ulrich; Hansson, Rickard; Moons, Ellen; Koch, Norbert

2016-01-01

We reveal the rather complex interplay of contact-induced re-orientation and interfacial electronic structure – in the presence of Fermi-level pinning – at prototypical molecular heterojunctions comprising copper phthalocyanine (H16CuPc) and its perfluorinated analogue (F16CuPc), by employing ultraviolet photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. For both layer sequences, we find that Fermi-level (EF) pinning of the first layer on the conductive polymer substrate modifies the work function encountered by the second layer such that it also becomes EF-pinned, however, at the interface towards the first molecular layer. This results in a charge transfer accompanied by a sheet charge density at the organic/organic interface. While molecules in the bulk of the films exhibit upright orientation, contact formation at the heterojunction results in an interfacial bilayer with lying and co-facial orientation. This interfacial layer is not EF-pinned, but provides for an additional density of states at the interface that is not present in the bulk. With reliable knowledge of the organic heterojunction’s electronic structure we can explain the poor performance of these in photovoltaic cells as well as their valuable function as charge generation layer in electronic devices. PMID:26887445

Li-Doped Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: From Bulk Phase to Interfacial Behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haskins, Justin B.; Lawson, John W.

2016-01-01

Ionic liquids have been proposed as candidate electrolytes for high-energy density, rechargeable batteries. We present an extensive computational analysis supported by experimental comparisons of the bulk and interfacial properties of a representative set of these electrolytes as a function of Li-salt doping. We begin by investigating the bulk electrolyte using quantum chemistry and ab initio molecular dynamics to elucidate the solvation structure of Li(+). MD simulations using the polarizable force field of Borodin and coworkers were then performed, from which we obtain an array of thermodynamic and transport properties. Excellent agreement is found with experiments for diffusion, ionic conductivity, and viscosity. Combining MD simulations with electronic structure computations, we computed the electrochemical window of the electrolytes across a range of Li(+)-doping levels and comment on the role of the liquid environment. Finally, we performed a suite of simulations of these Li-doped electrolytes at ideal electrified interfaces to evaluate the differential capacitance and the equilibrium Li(+) distribution in the double layer. The magnitude of differential capacitance is in good agreement with our experiments and exhibits the characteristic camel-shaped profile. In addition, the simulations reveal Li(+) to be highly localized to the second molecular layer of the double layer, which is supported by additional computations that find this layer to be a free energy minimum with respect to Li(+) translation.

Reaction Heterogeneity in LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 Induced by Surface Layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grenier, Antonin; Liu, Hao; Wiaderek, Kamila M.

2017-08-15

Through operando synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of layered transition metal oxide electrodes of composition LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), we decouple the intrinsic bulk reaction mechanism from surface-induced effects. For identically prepared and cycled electrodes stored in different environments, we demonstrate that the intrinsic bulk reaction for pristine NCA follows solid-solution mechanism, not a two-phase as suggested previously. By combining high resolution powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and surface sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we demonstrate that adventitious Li2CO3 forms on the electrode particle surface during exposure to air, through reaction with atmospheric CO2. This surfacemore » impedes ionic and electronic transport to the underlying electrode, with progressive erosion of this layer during cycling giving rise to different reaction states in particles with an intact vs an eroded Li2CO3 surface-coating. This reaction heterogeneity, with a bimodal distribution of reaction states, has previously been interpreted as a “two-phase” reaction mechanism for NCA, as an activation step that only occurs during the first cycle. Similar surface layers may impact the reaction mechanism observed in other electrode materials using bulk probes such as operando powder XRD.« less

Interactions of PAMAM dendrimers with SDS at the solid-liquid interface.

PubMed

Arteta, Marianna Yanez; Eltes, Felix; Campbell, Richard A; Nylander, Tommy

2013-05-14

This work addresses structural and nonequilibrium effects of the interactions between well-defined cationic poly(amidoamine) PAMAM dendrimers of generations 4 and 8 and the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at the hydrophilic silica-water interface. Neutron reflectometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring were used to reveal the adsorption from premixed dendrimer/surfactant solutions as well as sequential addition of the surfactant to preadsorbed layers of dendrimers. PAMAM dendrimers of both generations adsorb to hydrophilic silica as a compact monolayer, and the adsorption is irreversible upon rinsing with salt solution. SDS adsorbs on the dendrimer layer and at low bulk concentrations causes the expansion of the dendrimer layers on the surface. When the bulk concentration of SDS is increased, the surfactant layer consists of aggregates or bilayer-like structures. The adsorption of surfactant is reversible upon rinsing, but slight changes of the structure of the preadsorbed PAMAM monolayer were observed. The adsorption from premixed solutions close to charge neutrality results in thick multilayers, but the surface excess is lower when the bulk complexes have a net negative charge. A critical examination of the pathway of adsorption for the interactions of SDS with preadsorbed PAMAM monolayers and premixed PAMAM/SDS solutions with hydrophilic silica revealed that nonequilibrium effects are important only in the latter case, and the application of a thermodynamic model to such experimental data would be inappropriate.

A perspective view of the plane mixing layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jimenez, J.; Cogollos, M.; Bernal, L. P.

1984-01-01

A three-dimensional model of the plane mixing layer is constructed by applying digital image processing and computer graphic techniques to laser fluorescent motion pictures of its transversal sections. A system of streamwise vortex pairs is shown to exist on top of the classical spanwise eddies. Its influence on mixing is examined.

Temperature-Dependent Helium Ion-Beam Mixing in an Amorphous SiOC/Crystalline Fe Composite

DOE PAGES

Su, Qing; Price, Lloyd; Shao, Lin; ...

2016-10-31

Temperature dependent He-irradiation-induced ion-beam mixing between amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and crystalline Fe was examined with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) and via Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The Fe marker layer (7.2 ± 0.8 nm) was placed in between two amorphous SiOC layers (200 nm). The amount of ion-beam mixing after 298, 473, 673, 873, and 1073 K irradiation was investigated. Both TEM and RBS results showed no ion-beam mixing between Fe and SiOC after 473 and 673 K irradiation and a very trivial amount of ion-beam mixing (~2 nm) after 298 K irradiation. At irradiation temperatures higher than 873more » K, the Fe marker layer broke down and RBS could no longer be used to quantitatively examine the amount of ion mixing. The results indicate that the Fe/SiOC nanocomposite is thermally stable and tends to demix in the temperature range from 473 to 673 K. For application of this composite structure at temperatures of 873 K or higher, layer stability is a key consideration.« less

Numerical Investigation of a Cavitating Mixing Layer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Behind a Flat Plate Splitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahbarimanesh, Saeed; Brinkerhoff, Joshua

2017-11-01

The mutual interaction of shear layer instabilities and phase change in a two-dimensional cryogenic cavitating mixing layer is investigated using a numerical model. The developed model employs the homogeneous equilibrium mixture (HEM) approach in a density-based framework to compute the temperature-dependent cavitation field for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Thermal and baroclinic effects are captured via iterative coupled solution of the governing equations with dynamic thermophysical models that accurately capture the properties of LNG. The mixing layer is simulated for vorticity-thickness Reynolds numbers of 44 to 215 and cavitation numbers of 0.1 to 1.1. Attached cavity structures develop on the splitter plate followed by roll-up of the separated shear layer via the well-known Kelvin-Helmholtz mode, leading to streamwise accumulation of vorticity and eventual shedding of discrete vortices. Cavitation occurs as vapor cavities nucleate and grow from the low-pressure cores in the rolled-up vortices. Thermal effects and baroclinic vorticity production are found to have significant impacts on the mixing layer instability and cavitation processes.

Passivation of Plasmonic Colors on Bulk Silver by Atomic Layer Deposition of Aluminum Oxide.

PubMed

Guay, Jean-Michel; Killaire, Graham; Gordon, Peter G; Barry, Sean T; Berini, Pierre; Weck, Arnaud

2018-05-01

We report the passivation of angle-independent plasmonic colors on bulk silver by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin films of aluminum oxide. The colors are rendered by silver nanoparticles produced by laser ablation and redeposition on silver. We then apply a two-step approach to aluminum oxide conformal film formation via ALD. In the first step, a low-density film is deposited at low temperature to preserve and pin the silver nanoparticles. In the second step, a second denser film is deposited at a higher temperature to provide tarnish protection. This approach successfully protects the silver and plasmonic colors against tarnishing, humidity, and temperature, as demonstrated by aggressive exposure trials. The processing time associated with deposition of the conformal passivation layers meets industry requirements, and the approach is compatible with mass manufacturing.