Wafer-scale two-dimensional semiconductors from printed oxide skin of liquid metals

PubMed Central

Carey, Benjamin J.; Ou, Jian Zhen; Clark, Rhiannon M.; Berean, Kyle J.; Zavabeti, Ali; Chesman, Anthony S. R.; Russo, Salvy P.; Lau, Desmond W. M.; Xu, Zai-Quan; Bao, Qiaoliang; Kavehei, Omid; Gibson, Brant C.; Dickey, Michael D.; Kaner, Richard B.; Daeneke, Torben; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2017-01-01

A variety of deposition methods for two-dimensional crystals have been demonstrated; however, their wafer-scale deposition remains a challenge. Here we introduce a technique for depositing and patterning of wafer-scale two-dimensional metal chalcogenide compounds by transforming the native interfacial metal oxide layer of low melting point metal precursors (group III and IV) in liquid form. In an oxygen-containing atmosphere, these metals establish an atomically thin oxide layer in a self-limiting reaction. The layer increases the wettability of the liquid metal placed on oxygen-terminated substrates, leaving the thin oxide layer behind. In the case of liquid gallium, the oxide skin attaches exclusively to a substrate and is then sulfurized via a relatively low temperature process. By controlling the surface chemistry of the substrate, we produce large area two-dimensional semiconducting GaS of unit cell thickness (∼1.5 nm). The presented deposition and patterning method offers great commercial potential for wafer-scale processes. PMID:28211538

Batch extracting process using magneticparticle held solvents

DOEpatents

Nunez, Luis; Vandergrift, George F.

1995-01-01

A process for selectively removing metal values which may include catalytic values from a mixture containing same, wherein a magnetic particle is contacted with a liquid solvent which selectively dissolves the metal values to absorb the liquid solvent onto the magnetic particle. Thereafter the solvent-containing magnetic particles are contacted with a mixture containing the heavy metal values to transfer metal values into the solvent carried by the magnetic particles, and then magnetically separating the magnetic particles. Ion exchange resins may be used for selective solvents.

Production of anhydrous aluminum chloride composition and process for electrolysis thereof

DOEpatents

Vandegrift, George F.; Krumpelt, Michael; Horwitz, E. Philip

1983-01-01

A process for producing an anhydrous aluminum chloride composition from a water-based aluminous material such as a slurry of aluminum hydroxide in a multistage extraction process in which the aluminum ion is first extracted into an organic liquid containing an acidic extractant and then extracted from the organic phase into an alkali metal chloride or chlorides to form a melt containing a mixture of chlorides of alkali metal and aluminum. In the process, the organic liquid may be recycled. In addition, the process advantageously includes an electrolysis cell for producing metallic aluminum and the alkali metal chloride or chlorides may be recycled for extraction of the aluminum from the organic phase.

Physico-chemical treatment of liquid waste on an industrial plant for electrocoagulation.

PubMed

Mlakar, Matej; Levstek, Marjetka; Stražar, Marjeta

2017-10-01

Wastewater from washing, oil separators, the metal processing and detergent industries, was tested and treated for treatment of different types of liquid waste at industrial level at Domžale-Kamnik Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The effect of implementing the electrocoagulation (EC) and flotation processes, respectively, is analysed and includes the duration of the EC implementation, voltage, number of electrodes, and chemical addition, as well as the pH effect and conductivity. The tests were performed not only on various types of liquid waste, but also on different mixtures of liquid waste. Laboratory analysis of the samples before and after EC have shown an effective reduction not only in organic loads in accordance with the COD (chemical oxygen demand) parameter, but also in mineral oil content, toxic metal concentration, and surfactants. The COD in liquid waste from the detergent industry was reduced by 73% and the content of surfactants by 64%. In liquid waste from the metal processing industry, the COD decreased by up to 95%, while the content of toxic metals decreased from 59 to 99%. Similar phenomena were shown in liquid waste from oil separators, where the COD was reduced to 33% and the concentration of mineral oils by 99%. Some of the liquid wastes were mixed together in the ratio 1:1, thus allowing testing of the operation of EC technology in heterogeneous liquid waste, where the final result proved to be effective cleaning as well. After treatment in the process of EC, the limit values of the treated water proved appropriate for discharge into the sewerage system.

FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS AND PROCESS OF MAKING

DOEpatents

Roake, W.E.

1958-08-19

A process is described for producing uranium metal granules for use in reactor fuel elements. The granules are made by suspending powdered uramiunn metal or uranium hydride in a viscous, non-reactive liquid, such as paraffin oil, aad pouring the resulting suspension in droplet, on to a bed of powdered absorbent. In this manner the liquid vehicle is taken up by the sorbent and spherical pellets of uranium metal are obtained. The

The mechanism of liquid metal jet formation in the cathode spot of vacuum arc discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gashkov, M. A.; Zubarev, N. M.; Mesyats, G. A.; Uimanov, I. V.

2016-08-01

We have theoretically studied the dynamics of molten metal during crater formation in the cathode spot of vacuum arc discharge. At the initial stage, a liquid-metal ridge is formed around the crater. This process has been numerically simulated in the framework of the two-dimensional axisymmetric heat and mass transfer problem in the approximation of viscous incompressible liquid. At a more developed stage, the motion of liquid metal loses axial symmetry, which corresponds to a tendency toward jet formation. The development of azimuthal instabilities of the ridge is analyzed in terms of dispersion relations for surface waves. It is shown that maximum increments correspond to instability of the Rayleigh-Plateau type. Estimations of the time of formation of liquid metal jets and their probable number are obtained.

Production of anhydrous aluminum chloride composition

DOEpatents

Vandergrift, G.F. III; Krumpelt, M.; Horwitz, E.P.

1981-10-08

A process is described for producing an anhydrous aluminum chloride composition from a water-based aluminous material such as a slurry of aluminum hydroxide in a multistage extraction process in which the aluminum ion is first extracted into an organic liquid containing an acidic extractant and then extracted from the organic phase into an alkali metal chloride or chlorides to form a melt containing a mixture of chlorides of alkali metal and aluminum. In the process, the organic liquid may be recycled. In addition, the process advantageously includes an electrolysis cell for producing metallic aluminum and the alkali metal chloride or chlorides may be recycled for extraction of the aluminum from the organic phase.

Liquid metal enabled pump

PubMed Central

Tang, Shi-Yang; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Sivan, Vijay; Petersen, Phred; O’Mullane, Anthony P.; Abbott, Derek; Mitchell, Arnan; Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh

2014-01-01

Small-scale pumps will be the heartbeat of many future micro/nanoscale platforms. However, the integration of small-scale pumps is presently hampered by limited flow rate with respect to the input power, and their rather complicated fabrication processes. These issues arise as many conventional pumping effects require intricate moving elements. Here, we demonstrate a system that we call the liquid metal enabled pump, for driving a range of liquids without mechanical moving parts, upon the application of modest electric field. This pump incorporates a droplet of liquid metal, which induces liquid flow at high flow rates, yet with exceptionally low power consumption by electrowetting/deelectrowetting at the metal surface. We present theory explaining this pumping mechanism and show that the operation is fundamentally different from other existing pumps. The presented liquid metal enabled pump is both efficient and simple, and thus has the potential to fundamentally advance the field of microfluidics. PMID:24550485

Batch extracting process using magnetic particle held solvents

DOEpatents

Nunez, L.; Vandergrift, G.F.

1995-11-21

A process is described for selectively removing metal values which may include catalytic values from a mixture containing same, wherein a magnetic particle is contacted with a liquid solvent which selectively dissolves the metal values to absorb the liquid solvent onto the magnetic particle. Thereafter the solvent-containing magnetic particles are contacted with a mixture containing the heavy metal values to transfer metal values into the solvent carried by the magnetic particles, and then magnetically separating the magnetic particles. Ion exchange resins may be used for selective solvents. 5 figs.

Metallurgical technologies, energy conversion, and magnetohydrodynamic flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branover, Herman; Unger, Yeshajahu

The present volume discusses metallurgical applications of MHD, R&D on MHD devices employing liquid working medium for process applications, electromagnetic (EM) modulation of molten metal flow, EM pump performance of superconducting MHD devices, induction EM alkali-metal pumps, a physical model for EM-driven flow in channel-induction furnaces, grain refinement in Al alloys via EM vibrational method, dendrite growth of solidifying metal in dc magnetic field, MHD for mass and heat transfer in single-crystal melt growth, inverse EM shaping, and liquid-metal MHD development in Israel. Also discussed are the embrittlement of steel by lead, an open cycle MHD disk generator, the acceleration of gas-liquid piston flows for molten-metal MHD generators, MHD flow around a cylinder, new MHD drag coefficients, liquid-metal MHD two-phase flow, and two-phase liquid gas mixers for MHD energy conversion. (No individual items are abstracted in this volume)

Application of the "Full Cavitation Model" to the fundamental study of cavitation in liquid metal processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebon, G. S. B.; Pericleous, K.; Tzanakis, I.; Eskin, D.

2015-01-01

Ultrasonic cavitation treatment of melt significantly improves the downstream properties and quality of conventional and advanced metallic materials. However, the transfer of this technology has been hindered by difficulties in treating large volumes of liquid metal. To improve the understanding of cavitation processing efficiency, the Full Cavitation Model, which is derived from a reduced form of the Rayleigh-Plesset equation, is modified and applied to the two-phase problem of bubble propagation in liquid melt. Numerical simulations of the sound propagation are performed in the microsecond time scale to predict the maximum and minimum acoustic pressure amplitude fields in the domain. This field is applied to the source term of the bubble transport equation to predict the generation and destruction of cavitation bubbles in a time scale relevant to the fluid flow. The use of baffles to limit flow speed in a launder conduit is studied numerically, to determine the optimum configuration that maximizes the residence time of the liquid in high cavitation activity regions. With this configuration, it is then possible to convert the batch processing of liquid metal into a continuous process. The numerical simulations will be validated against water and aluminium alloy experiments, carried out at Brunel University.

Estimation of the viscosities of liquid binary alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Min; Su, Xiang-Yu

2018-01-01

As one of the most important physical and chemical properties, viscosity plays a critical role in physics and materials as a key parameter to quantitatively understanding the fluid transport process and reaction kinetics in metallurgical process design. Experimental and theoretical studies on liquid metals are problematic. Today, there are many empirical and semi-empirical models available with which to evaluate the viscosity of liquid metals and alloys. However, the parameter of mixed energy in these models is not easily determined, and most predictive models have been poorly applied. In the present study, a new thermodynamic parameter Δ G is proposed to predict liquid alloy viscosity. The prediction equation depends on basic physical and thermodynamic parameters, namely density, melting temperature, absolute atomic mass, electro-negativity, electron density, molar volume, Pauling radius, and mixing enthalpy. Our results show that the liquid alloy viscosity predicted using the proposed model is closely in line with the experimental values. In addition, if the component radius difference is greater than 0.03 nm at a certain temperature, the atomic size factor has a significant effect on the interaction of the binary liquid metal atoms. The proposed thermodynamic parameter Δ G also facilitates the study of other physical properties of liquid metals.

Formation of liquid-metal jets in a vacuum arc cathode spot: Analogy with drop impact on a solid surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gashkov, M. A.; Zubarev, N. M.

2018-01-01

Conditions of the liquid-metal jets formation in a cathode spot of a vacuum arc discharge are studied. Our consideration is based on the analogy between the processes, occurring in the liquid phase of the cathode spot, and the processes, accompanying a liquid drop impact on a flat solid surface. In the latter case there exists a wide variety of experimental data on the conditions under which the spreading regime of fluid motion (i.e., without formation of jets and secondary droplets) changes into the splashing one. In the present work, using the hydrodynamic similarity principle (processes in geometrically similar systems will proceed similarly when their Weber and Reynolds numbers coincide), criteria for molten metal splashing are formulated for different materials of the cathode. They are compared with the experimental data on the threshold conditions for vacuum arc burning.

Study of the physicochemical effects on the separation of the non-metallic fraction from printed circuit boards by inverse flotation.

PubMed

Flores-Campos, R; Estrada-Ruiz, R H; Velarde-Sánchez, E J

2017-11-01

Recycling printed circuit boards using green technology is increasingly important due to the metals these contain and the environmental care that must be taken when separating the different materials. Inverse flotation is a process that can be considered a Green Technology, which separates metallic from non-metallic fractions. The degree of separation depends on how much material is adhered to air bubbles. The contact angle measurement allows to determine, in an easy way, whether the flotation process will occur or not and thus establish a material as hydrophobic or not. With the material directly obtained from the milling process, it was found that the contact angle of the non-metallic fraction-liquid-air system increases as temperature increases. In the same way, the increments in concentration of frother in the liquid increase the contact angle of the non-metallic fraction-liquid-air system. 10ppm of Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol provides the highest contact angle as well as the highest material charging in the bubble. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Application of Ionic Liquids in Hydrometallurgy

PubMed Central

Park, Jesik; Jung, Yeojin; Kusumah, Priyandi; Lee, Jinyoung; Kwon, Kyungjung; Lee, Churl Kyoung

2014-01-01

Ionic liquids, low temperature molten salts, have various advantages manifesting themselves as durable and environmentally friendly solvents. Their application is expanding into various fields including hydrometallurgy due to their unique properties such as non-volatility, inflammability, low toxicity, good ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical potential window. This paper reviews previous literatures and our recent results adopting ionic liquids in extraction, synthesis and processing of metals with an emphasis on the electrolysis of active/light, rare earth, and platinum group metals. Because the research and development of ionic liquids in this area are still emerging, various, more fundamental approaches are expected to popularize ionic liquids in the metal manufacturing industry. PMID:25177864

Experimental and theoretical study of iron and mild steel combustion in oxygen flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Rabii, Hazem; Kazakov, Kirill A.; Muller, Maryse

2017-03-01

The effects of oxygen flow speed and pressure on the iron and mild steel combustion are investigated experimentally and theoretically. The studied specimens are vertical cylindrical rods subjected to an axial oxygen flow and ignited at the upper end by laser irradiation. Three main stages of the combustion process have been identified experimentally: (1) induction period, during which the rod is heated until an intensive metal oxidation begins at its upper end; (2) static combustion, during which a laminar liquid "cap'' slowly grows on the upper rod end, and, after the liquid cap detachment from the sample; (3) dynamic combustion, which is characterized by a rapid metal consumption and turbulent liquid motions. An analytical description of these stages is given. In particular, a model of the dynamic combustion is constructed based on the turbulent oxygen transport through the liquid metal-oxide flow. This model yields a simple expression for the fraction of metal burned in the process and allows one to calculate the normal propagation speed of the solid metal-liquid interface as a function of the oxygen flow speed and pressure. A comparison of the theory with the experimental results is made, and its potential application is mentioned.

Fluctuating magnetic moments in liquid metals.

PubMed

Patty, Mark; Schoen, Keary; Montfrooij, Wouter

2006-02-01

We reanalyze literature data on neutron scattering by liquid metals and show that there is an additional broad (in energy) quasielastic mode present that is absent in x-ray scattering. This mode cannot be accounted for by the standard coherent and incoherent scattering mechanisms. We argue that this mode indicates that nonmagnetic liquid metals possess a magnetic moment which fluctuates on a picosecond time scale. This time scale is the same as the time scale of the cage-diffusion process in which an ion rattles around in the cage formed by its neighbors. We find that these fluctuating magnetic moments are present in liquid Hg, Al, Ga, and Pb and possibly also in the alkali metals.

Solid oxide membrane (SOM) process for ytterbium and silicon production from their oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yihong

The Solid oxide membrane (SOM) electrolysis is an innovative green technology that produces technologically important metals directly from their respective oxides. A yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) tube, closed at one end is employed to separate the molten salt containing dissolved metal oxides from the anode inside the YSZ tube. When the applied electric potential between the cathode in the molten salt and the anode exceeds the dissociation potential of the desired metal oxides, oxygen ions in the molten salt migrate through the YSZ membrane and are oxidized at the anode while the dissolved metal cations in the flux are reduced to the desired metal at the cathode. Compared with existing metal production processes, the SOM process has many advantages such as one unit operation, less energy consumption, lower capital costs and zero carbon emission. Successful implementation of the SOM electrolysis process would provide a way to mitigate the negative environmental impact of the metal industry. Successful demonstration of producing ytterbium (Yb) and silicon (Si) directly from their respective oxides utilizing the SOM electrolysis process is presented in this dissertation. During the SOM electrolysis process, Yb2O3 was reduced to Yb metal on an inert cathode. The melting point of the supporting electrolyte (LiF-YbF3-Yb2O3) was determined by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Static stability testing confirmed that the YSZ tube was stable with the flux at operating temperature. Yb metal deposit on the cathode was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). During the SOM electrolysis process for silicon production, a fluoride based flux based on BaF2, MgF2, and YF3 was engineered to serve as the liquid electrolyte for dissolving silicon dioxide. YSZ tube was used to separate the molten salt from an anode current collector in the liquid silver. Liquid tin was chosen as cathode to dissolve the reduced silicon during SOM electrolysis. After electrolysis, upon cooling, silicon crystals precipitated out from the Si-Sn liquid alloy. The presence of high-purity silicon crystals in the liquid tin cathode was confirmed by SEM/EDS. The fluoride based flux was also optimized to improve YSZ membrane stability for long-term use.

Acidic Ionic Liquids.

PubMed

Amarasekara, Ananda S

2016-05-25

Ionic liquid with acidic properties is an important branch in the wide ionic liquid field and the aim of this article is to cover all aspects of these acidic ionic liquids, especially focusing on the developments in the last four years. The structural diversity and synthesis of acidic ionic liquids are discussed in the introduction sections of this review. In addition, an unambiguous classification system for various types of acidic ionic liquids is presented in the introduction. The physical properties including acidity, thermo-physical properties, ionic conductivity, spectroscopy, and computational studies on acidic ionic liquids are covered in the next sections. The final section provides a comprehensive review on applications of acidic ionic liquids in a wide array of fields including catalysis, CO2 fixation, ionogel, electrolyte, fuel-cell, membrane, biomass processing, biodiesel synthesis, desulfurization of gasoline/diesel, metal processing, and metal electrodeposition.

Photolithography-Based Patterning of Liquid Metal Interconnects for Monolithically Integrated Stretchable Circuits.

PubMed

Park, Chan Woo; Moon, Yu Gyeong; Seong, Hyejeong; Jung, Soon Won; Oh, Ji-Young; Na, Bock Soon; Park, Nae-Man; Lee, Sang Seok; Im, Sung Gap; Koo, Jae Bon

2016-06-22

We demonstrate a new patterning technique for gallium-based liquid metals on flat substrates, which can provide both high pattern resolution (∼20 μm) and alignment precision as required for highly integrated circuits. In a very similar manner as in the patterning of solid metal films by photolithography and lift-off processes, the liquid metal layer painted over the whole substrate area can be selectively removed by dissolving the underlying photoresist layer, leaving behind robust liquid patterns as defined by the photolithography. This quick and simple method makes it possible to integrate fine-scale interconnects with preformed devices precisely, which is indispensable for realizing monolithically integrated stretchable circuits. As a way for constructing stretchable integrated circuits, we propose a hybrid configuration composed of rigid device regions and liquid interconnects, which is constructed on a rigid substrate first but highly stretchable after being transferred onto an elastomeric substrate. This new method can be useful in various applications requiring both high-resolution and precisely aligned patterning of gallium-based liquid metals.

Effect of Electric Field on the Wetting Behavior of Eutectic Gallium-Indium Alloys in Aqueous Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Bo; He, Zhi-Zhu; Liu, Jing

2018-02-01

Room-temperature liquid metals have many intriguing properties that have not previously been fully understood. Among them, surface tension behaviors of such metals are especially critical in a group of newly emerging areas such as printed electronics, functional materials and soft machines, etc. This study is dedicated to clarifying the wettability of liquid metals on various substrate surfaces with varied roughness immersed in solutions when subject to an electric field. The contact angles of Ga75.5In24.5 in several typical liquids were comprehensively measured and interpreted, and were revealed to be affected by the components and concentration of the environmental solution. Meanwhile, the roughness of the substrates is also revealed to be an important parameter dominating the process. The dynamic wetting behaviors of liquid metal in aqueous environment under an electric field were quantified. The contact angle values of eutectic gallium-indium alloys (eGaIn) on titanium substrates with different roughness would lead to better electrowetting performances on rougher surfaces. In particular, using an electrical field to control the wetting status of liquid metal with the matching substrate have been illustrated, which would offer a practical way to flexibly control liquid metal-based functional devices working in an aqueous environment. Furthermore, Lippmann-Young's equation reveals the relationship between contact angle and applied voltage, explaining the excellent electrowetting property of eGaIn. The power law, R = αt β , was adopted to characterize the two-stage wetting process of eGaIn under different voltages. In the initial process, β ≈ 1/2 represents the complete wetting law, while the later one, β ≈ 1/10, meets with Tanner's law of a drop spontaneously spreading on a smooth surface.

[Influence of liquid ceramic additive on binding of heavy metal during the vitrification of fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerator].

PubMed

Li, Run-dong; Nie, Yong-feng; Li, Ai-min; Wang, Lei; Chi, Yong; Cen, Ke-fa

2004-09-01

Vitrification process can effectively control the leachability of heavy metals in fly ash generated from municipal solid waste incinerator (MWSI). The use of liquid ceramic (LC) additive as a heavy metal chemical stabilization agent was evaluated for MSWI fly ash. The residuals of chromium, lead and zinc in slag increase by different degree with liquid ceramic additive at 1400 degrees C, while those of cadmium and copper decreases. The migrating characteristic of nickel is hardly affected by the additive less than 10%. The volatilization of Cr and Zn occurs after 61 minute with 10% addition of LC, and the binding efficiency of Cr decreases with increasing of melting temperature. The results indicate that the binding efficiency of heavy metals was affected greatly by LC additive and showed significant differences according to type of heavy metal during melting process. The short melting time (no longer than 33 min) is useful to obtain high binding efficiency of heavy metals.

Screenable contact structure and method for semiconductor devices

DOEpatents

Ross, Bernd

1980-08-26

An ink composition for deposition upon the surface of a semiconductor device to provide a contact area for connection to external circuitry is disclosed, the composition comprising an ink system containing a metal powder, a binder and vehicle, and a metal frit. The ink is screened onto the semiconductor surface in the desired pattern and is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the metal frit to become liquid. The metal frit dissolves some of the metal powder and densifies the structure by transporting the dissolved metal powder in a liquid sintering process. The sintering process typically may be carried out in any type of atmosphere. A small amount of dopant or semiconductor material may be added to the ink systems to achieve particular results if desired.

The thermodynamics of pyrochemical processes for liquid metal reactor fuel cycles

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

Johnson, I.

1987-01-01

The thermodynamic basis for pyrochemical processes for the recovery and purification of fuel for the liquid metal reactor fuel cycle is described. These processes involve the transport of the uranium and plutonium from one liquid alloy to another through a molten salt. The processes discussed use liquid alloys of cadmium, zinc, and magnesium and molten chloride salts. The oxidation-reduction steps are done either chemically by the use of an auxiliary redox couple or electrochemically by the use of an external electrical supply. The same basic thermodynamics apply to both the salt transport and the electrotransport processes. Large deviations from idealmore » solution behavior of the actinides and lanthanides in the liquid alloys have a major influence on the solubilities and the performance of both the salt transport and electrotransport processes. Separation of plutonium and uranium from each other and decontamination from the more noble fission product elements can be achieved using both transport processes. The thermodynamic analysis is used to make process design computations for different process conditions.« less

A Solid Case for Microgravity Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grugel, Richard N.

2000-01-01

Solidification of metals, particularly alloys, is a complicated process. At some sufficiently high temperature, the components comprising an alloy fully mix, producing a single homogeneous liquid. Unfortunately, after this liquid is cast into a mold and allowed to freeze, the resulting solid is usually very inhomogeneous. In most cases the first solid to "freeze out" of the liquid has a composition very close to one of the pure metals. This initially solidifying metal usually comprises microscopic, pine-tree shaped components, collectively referred to as a dendritic array, whose distribution, alignment, and scale directly influence a materials strength and docility. During dendrite growth the adjacent liquid becomes enriched, and consequently, solidifies a much lower temperature and considerably later time. Thus, in the course of solidification, both the solid and the enriched liquid can have compositions (and local temperatures) significantly different from those of the bulk liquid. Different compositions and temperatures imply different densities that, in Earth's gravity, induce motion in the liquid. Such motion promotes formation of a casting that is denser at the bottom and lighter at the top. This condition known as macrosegregation, precludes optimized, uniform material properties.

Rare earth metal-containing ionic liquids

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

Prodius, Denis; Mudring, Anja-Verena

As an innovative tool, ionic liquids (ILs) are widely employed as an alternative, smart, reaction media (vs. traditional solvents) offering interesting technology solutions for dissolving, processing and recycling of metal-containing materials. The costly mining and refining of rare earths (RE), combined with increasing demand for high-tech and energy-related applications around the world, urgently requires effective approaches to improve the efficiency of rare earth separation and recovery. In this context, ionic liquids appear as an attractive technology solution. Finally, this paper addresses the structural and coordination chemistry of ionic liquids comprising rare earth metals with the aim to add to understandingmore » prospects of ionic liquids in the chemistry of rare earths.« less

Rare earth metal-containing ionic liquids

DOE PAGES

Prodius, Denis; Mudring, Anja-Verena

2018-03-07

As an innovative tool, ionic liquids (ILs) are widely employed as an alternative, smart, reaction media (vs. traditional solvents) offering interesting technology solutions for dissolving, processing and recycling of metal-containing materials. The costly mining and refining of rare earths (RE), combined with increasing demand for high-tech and energy-related applications around the world, urgently requires effective approaches to improve the efficiency of rare earth separation and recovery. In this context, ionic liquids appear as an attractive technology solution. Finally, this paper addresses the structural and coordination chemistry of ionic liquids comprising rare earth metals with the aim to add to understandingmore » prospects of ionic liquids in the chemistry of rare earths.« less

The Particle Distribution in Liquid Metal with Ceramic Particles Mould Filling Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Qi; Xing, Shu-ming

2017-09-01

Adding ceramic particles in the plate hammer is an effective method to increase the wear resistance of the hammer. The liquid phase method is based on the “with the flow of mixed liquid forging composite preparation of ZTA ceramic particle reinforced high chromium cast iron hammer. Preparation method for this system is using CFD simulation analysis the particles distribution of flow mixing and filling process. Taking the 30% volume fraction of ZTA ceramic composite of high chromium cast iron hammer as example, by changing the speed of liquid metal viscosity to control and make reasonable predictions of particles distribution before solidification.

Method for continuously recovering metals using a dual zone chemical reactor

DOEpatents

Bronson, Mark C.

1995-01-01

A dual zone chemical reactor continuously processes metal-containing materials while regenerating and circulating a liquid carrier. The starting materials are fed into a first reaction zone of a vessel containing a molten salt carrier. The starting materials react to form a metal product and a by-product that dissolves in the molten salt that flows to a second reaction zone in the reaction vessel. The second reaction zone is partitioned from, but in fluid communication with, the first reaction zone. The liquid carrier continuously circulates along a pathway between the first reaction zone and the second reaction zone. A reactive gas is introduced into the second reaction zone to react with the reaction by-product to generate the molten salt. The metal product, the gaseous waste products, and the excess liquid carrier are removed without interrupting the operation of the reactor. The design of the dual zone reactor can be adapted to combine a plurality of liquid carrier regeneration zones in a multiple dual zone chemical reactor for production scale processing.

Three-Dimensional Morphological and Chemical Evolution of Nanoporous Stainless Steel by Liquid Metal Dealloying [3D Morphological and Chemical Evolution of Nanoporous Stainless Steel by Liquid Metal Dealloying

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Chonghang; Wada, Takeshi; De Andrade, Vincent; ...

2017-09-04

Nanoporous materials, especially those fabricated by liquid metal dealloying processes, possess great potential in a wide range of applications due to their high surface area, bicontinuous structure with both open pores for transport and solid phase for conductivity or support, and low material cost. Here, we used X-ray nanotomography and X-ray fluorescence microscopy to reveal the three-dimensional (3D) morphology and elemental distribution within materials. Focusing on nanoporous stainless steel, we evaluated the 3D morphology of the dealloying front and established a quantitative processing-structure-property relationship at a later stage of dealloying. The morphological differences of samples created by liquid metal dealloyingmore » and aqueous dealloying methods were also discussed. Here, we concluded that it is particularly important to consider the dealloying, coarsening, and densification mechanisms in influencing the performance-determining, critical 3D parameters, such as tortuosity, pore size, porosity, curvature, and interfacial shape.« less

Three-Dimensional Morphological and Chemical Evolution of Nanoporous Stainless Steel by Liquid Metal Dealloying [3D Morphological and Chemical Evolution of Nanoporous Stainless Steel by Liquid Metal Dealloying

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

Zhao, Chonghang; Wada, Takeshi; De Andrade, Vincent

Nanoporous materials, especially those fabricated by liquid metal dealloying processes, possess great potential in a wide range of applications due to their high surface area, bicontinuous structure with both open pores for transport and solid phase for conductivity or support, and low material cost. Here, we used X-ray nanotomography and X-ray fluorescence microscopy to reveal the three-dimensional (3D) morphology and elemental distribution within materials. Focusing on nanoporous stainless steel, we evaluated the 3D morphology of the dealloying front and established a quantitative processing-structure-property relationship at a later stage of dealloying. The morphological differences of samples created by liquid metal dealloyingmore » and aqueous dealloying methods were also discussed. Here, we concluded that it is particularly important to consider the dealloying, coarsening, and densification mechanisms in influencing the performance-determining, critical 3D parameters, such as tortuosity, pore size, porosity, curvature, and interfacial shape.« less

Mathematical modeling of liquid/liquid hollow fiber membrane contactor accounting for interfacial transport phenomena: Extraction of lanthanides as a surrogate for actinides

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

Rogers, J.D.

1994-08-04

This report is divided into two parts. The second part is divided into the following sections: experimental protocol; modeling the hollow fiber extractor using film theory; Graetz model of the hollow fiber membrane process; fundamental diffusive-kinetic model; and diffusive liquid membrane device-a rigorous model. The first part is divided into: membrane and membrane process-a concept; metal extraction; kinetics of metal extraction; modeling the membrane contactor; and interfacial phenomenon-boundary conditions-applied to membrane transport.

Numerical Modeling of Inclusion Behavior in Liquid Metal Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellot, Jean-Pierre; Descotes, Vincent; Jardy, Alain

2013-09-01

Thermomechanical performance of metallic alloys is directly related to the metal cleanliness that has always been a challenge for metallurgists. During liquid metal processing, particles can grow or decrease in size either by mass transfer with the liquid phase or by agglomeration/fragmentation mechanisms. As a function of numerical density of inclusions and of the hydrodynamics of the reactor, different numerical modeling approaches are proposed; in the case of an isolated particle, the Lagrangian technique coupled with a dissolution model is applied, whereas in the opposite case of large inclusion phase concentration, the population balance equation must be solved. Three examples of numerical modeling studies achieved at Institut Jean Lamour are discussed. They illustrate the application of the Lagrangian technique (for isolated exogenous inclusion in titanium bath) and the Eulerian technique without or with the aggregation process: for precipitation and growing of inclusions at the solidification front of a Maraging steel, and for endogenous inclusions in the molten steel bath of a gas-stirred ladle, respectively.

Control of Partial Coalescence of Self-Assembled Metal Nano-Particles across Lyotropic Liquid Crystals Templates towards Long Range Meso-Porous Metal Frameworks Design

PubMed Central

Dumée, Ludovic F.; Lemoine, Jean-Baptiste; Ancel, Alice; Hameed, Nishar; He, Li; Kong, Lingxue

2015-01-01

The formation of purely metallic meso-porous metal thin films by partial interface coalescence of self-assembled metal nano-particles across aqueous solutions of Pluronics triblock lyotropic liquid crystals is demonstrated for the first time. Small angle X-ray scattering was used to study the influence of the thin film composition and processing conditions on the ordered structures. The structural characteristics of the meso-structures formed demonstrated to primarily rely on the lyotropic liquid crystal properties while the nature of the metal nano-particles used as well as the their diameters were found to affect the ordered structure formation. The impact of the annealing temperature on the nano-particle coalescence and efficiency at removing the templating lyotropic liquid crystals was also analysed. It is demonstrated that the lyotropic liquid crystal is rendered slightly less thermally stable, upon mixing with metal nano-particles and that low annealing temperatures are sufficient to form purely metallic frameworks with average pore size distributions smaller than 500 nm and porosity around 45% with potential application in sensing, catalysis, nanoscale heat exchange, and molecular separation. PMID:28347094

Electrolysis of a molten semiconductor

PubMed Central

Yin, Huayi; Chung, Brice; Sadoway, Donald R.

2016-01-01

Metals cannot be extracted by electrolysis of transition-metal sulfides because as liquids they are semiconductors, which exhibit high levels of electronic conduction and metal dissolution. Herein by introduction of a distinct secondary electrolyte, we reveal a high-throughput electro-desulfurization process that directly converts semiconducting molten stibnite (Sb2S3) into pure (99.9%) liquid antimony and sulfur vapour. At the bottom of the cell liquid antimony pools beneath cathodically polarized molten stibnite. At the top of the cell sulfur issues from a carbon anode immersed in an immiscible secondary molten salt electrolyte disposed above molten stibnite, thereby blocking electronic shorting across the cell. As opposed to conventional extraction practices, direct sulfide electrolysis completely avoids generation of problematic fugitive emissions (CO2, CO and SO2), significantly reduces energy consumption, increases productivity in a single-step process (lower capital and operating costs) and is broadly applicable to a host of electronically conductive transition-metal chalcogenides. PMID:27553525

Electrolysis of a molten semiconductor.

PubMed

Yin, Huayi; Chung, Brice; Sadoway, Donald R

2016-08-24

Metals cannot be extracted by electrolysis of transition-metal sulfides because as liquids they are semiconductors, which exhibit high levels of electronic conduction and metal dissolution. Herein by introduction of a distinct secondary electrolyte, we reveal a high-throughput electro-desulfurization process that directly converts semiconducting molten stibnite (Sb2S3) into pure (99.9%) liquid antimony and sulfur vapour. At the bottom of the cell liquid antimony pools beneath cathodically polarized molten stibnite. At the top of the cell sulfur issues from a carbon anode immersed in an immiscible secondary molten salt electrolyte disposed above molten stibnite, thereby blocking electronic shorting across the cell. As opposed to conventional extraction practices, direct sulfide electrolysis completely avoids generation of problematic fugitive emissions (CO2, CO and SO2), significantly reduces energy consumption, increases productivity in a single-step process (lower capital and operating costs) and is broadly applicable to a host of electronically conductive transition-metal chalcogenides.

Electrolysis of a molten semiconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Huayi; Chung, Brice; Sadoway, Donald R.

2016-08-01

Metals cannot be extracted by electrolysis of transition-metal sulfides because as liquids they are semiconductors, which exhibit high levels of electronic conduction and metal dissolution. Herein by introduction of a distinct secondary electrolyte, we reveal a high-throughput electro-desulfurization process that directly converts semiconducting molten stibnite (Sb2S3) into pure (99.9%) liquid antimony and sulfur vapour. At the bottom of the cell liquid antimony pools beneath cathodically polarized molten stibnite. At the top of the cell sulfur issues from a carbon anode immersed in an immiscible secondary molten salt electrolyte disposed above molten stibnite, thereby blocking electronic shorting across the cell. As opposed to conventional extraction practices, direct sulfide electrolysis completely avoids generation of problematic fugitive emissions (CO2, CO and SO2), significantly reduces energy consumption, increases productivity in a single-step process (lower capital and operating costs) and is broadly applicable to a host of electronically conductive transition-metal chalcogenides.

Stabilizing lithium metal using ionic liquids for long-lived batteries

PubMed Central

Basile, A.; Bhatt, A. I.; O'Mullane, A. P.

2016-01-01

Suppressing dendrite formation at lithium metal anodes during cycling is critical for the implementation of future lithium metal-based battery technology. Here we report that it can be achieved via the facile process of immersing the electrodes in ionic liquid electrolytes for a period of time before battery assembly. This creates a durable and lithium ion-permeable solid–electrolyte interphase that allows safe charge–discharge cycling of commercially applicable Li|electrolyte|LiFePO4 batteries for 1,000 cycles with Coulombic efficiencies >99.5%. The tailored solid–electrolyte interphase is prepared using a variety of electrolytes based on the N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide room temperature ionic liquid containing lithium salts. The formation is both time- and lithium salt-dependant, showing dynamic morphology changes, which when optimized prevent dendrite formation and consumption of electrolyte during cycling. This work illustrates that a simple, effective and industrially applicable lithium metal pretreatment process results in a commercially viable cycle life for a lithium metal battery. PMID:27292652

Double-duct liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic engine

DOEpatents

Haaland, Carsten M.

1995-01-01

An internal combustion, liquid metal (LM) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) engine and an alternating current (AC) magnetohydrodynamic generator, are used in combination to provide useful AC electric energy output. The engine design has-four pistons and a double duct configuration, with each duct containing sodium potassium liquid metal confined between free pistons located at either end of the duct. The liquid metal is forced to flow back and forth in the duct by the movement of the pistons, which are alternatively driven by an internal combustion process. In the MHD generator, the two LM-MHD ducts pass in close proximity through a Hartmann duct with output transformer. AC power is produced by operating the engine with the liquid metal in the two generator ducts always flowing in counter directions. The amount of liquid metal maintained in the ducts may be varied. This provides a variable stroke length for the pistons. The engine/generator provides variable AC power at variable frequencies that correspond to the power demands of the vehicular propulsion. Also the engine should maintain nearly constant efficiency throughout the range of power usage. Automobiles and trucks could be powered by the invention, with no transmission or power converter devices being required.

Double-duct liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic engine

DOEpatents

Haaland, Carsten M.

1997-01-01

An internal combustion, liquid metal (LM) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) engine and an alternating current (AC) magnetohydrodynamic generator, are used in combination to provide useful AC electric energy output. The engine design has four pistons and a double duct configuration, with each duct containing sodium potassium liquid metal confined between free pistons located at either end of the duct. The liquid metal is forced to flow back and forth in the duct by the movement of the pistons, which are alternatively driven by an internal combustion process. In the MHD generator, the two LM-MHD ducts pass in close proximity through a Hartmann duct with output transformer. AC power is produced by operating the engine with the liquid metal in the two generator ducts always flowing in counter directions. The amount of liquid metal maintained in the ducts may be varied. This provides a variable stroke length for the pistons. The engine/generator provides variable AC power at variable frequencies that correspond to the power demands of the vehicular propulsion. Also the engine should maintain nearly constant efficiency throughout the range of power usage. Automobiles and trucks could be powered by the invention, with no transmission or power converter devices being required.

An Efficient, Versatile, and Safe Access to Supported Metallic Nanoparticles on Porous Silicon with Ionic Liquids.

PubMed

Darwich, Walid; Haumesser, Paul-Henri; Santini, Catherine C; Gaillard, Frédéric

2016-06-03

The metallization of porous silicon (PSi) is generally realized through physical vapor deposition (PVD) or electrochemical processes using aqueous solutions. The former uses a strong vacuum and does not allow for a conformal deposition into the pores. In the latter, the water used as solvent causes oxidation of the silicon during the reduction of the salt precursors. Moreover, as PSi is hydrophobic, the metal penetration into the pores is restricted to the near-surface region. Using a solution of organometallic (OM) precursors in ionic liquid (IL), we have developed an easy and efficient way to fully metallize the pores throughout the several-µm-thick porous Si. This process affords supported metallic nanoparticles characterized by a narrow size distribution. This process is demonstrated for different metals (Pt, Pd, Cu, and Ru) and can probably be extended to other metals. Moreover, as no reducing agent is necessary (the decomposition in an argon atmosphere at 50 °C is fostered by surface silicon hydride groups borne by PSi), the safety and the cost of the process are improved.

An Efficient, Versatile, and Safe Access to Supported Metallic Nanoparticles on Porous Silicon with Ionic Liquids

PubMed Central

Darwich, Walid; Haumesser, Paul-Henri; Santini, Catherine C.; Gaillard, Frédéric

2016-01-01

The metallization of porous silicon (PSi) is generally realized through physical vapor deposition (PVD) or electrochemical processes using aqueous solutions. The former uses a strong vacuum and does not allow for a conformal deposition into the pores. In the latter, the water used as solvent causes oxidation of the silicon during the reduction of the salt precursors. Moreover, as PSi is hydrophobic, the metal penetration into the pores is restricted to the near-surface region. Using a solution of organometallic (OM) precursors in ionic liquid (IL), we have developed an easy and efficient way to fully metallize the pores throughout the several-µm-thick porous Si. This process affords supported metallic nanoparticles characterized by a narrow size distribution. This process is demonstrated for different metals (Pt, Pd, Cu, and Ru) and can probably be extended to other metals. Moreover, as no reducing agent is necessary (the decomposition in an argon atmosphere at 50 °C is fostered by surface silicon hydride groups borne by PSi), the safety and the cost of the process are improved. PMID:27271608

Oxidation-Mediated Fingering in Liquid Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eaker, Collin B.; Hight, David C.; O'Regan, John D.; Dickey, Michael D.; Daniels, Karen E.

2017-10-01

We identify and characterize a new class of fingering instabilities in liquid metals; these instabilities are unexpected due to the large interfacial tension of metals. Electrochemical oxidation lowers the effective interfacial tension of a gallium-based liquid metal alloy to values approaching zero, thereby inducing drastic shape changes, including the formation of fractals. The measured fractal dimension (D =1.3 ±0.05 ) places the instability in a different universality class than other fingering instabilities. By characterizing changes in morphology and dynamics as a function of droplet volume and applied electric potential, we identify the three main forces involved in this process: interfacial tension, gravity, and oxidative stress. Importantly, we find that electrochemical oxidation can generate compressive interfacial forces that oppose the tensile forces at a liquid interface. The surface oxide layer ultimately provides a physical and electrochemical barrier that halts the instabilities at larger positive potentials. Controlling the competition between interfacial tension and oxidative (compressive) stresses at the interface is important for the development of reconfigurable electronic, electromagnetic, and optical devices that take advantage of the metallic properties of liquid metals.

Temperature and emissivity determination of liquid steel S235

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schöpp, H.; Sperl, A.; Kozakov, R.; Gött, G.; Uhrlandt, D.; Wilhelm, G.

2012-06-01

Temperature determination of liquid metals is difficult but a necessary tool for improving materials and processes such as arc welding in the metal-working industry. A method to determine the surface temperature of the weld pool is described. A TIG welding process and absolute calibrated optical emission spectroscopy are used. This method is combined with high-speed photography. 2D temperature profiles are obtained. The emissivity of the radiating surface has an important influence on the temperature determination. A temperature dependent emissivity for liquid steel is given for the spectral region between 650 and 850 nm.

Ultrafast synchrotron X-ray imaging studies of microstructure fragmentation in solidification under ultrasound

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

Wang, Bing; Tan, Dongyue; Lee, Tung Lik

Ultrasound processing of metal alloys is an environmental friendly and promising green technology for liquid metal degassing and microstructural refinement. However many fundamental issues in this field are still not fully understood, because of the difficulties in direct observation of the dynamic behaviours caused by ultrasound inside liquid metal and semisolid metals during the solidification processes. In this paper, we report a systematic study using the ultrafast synchrotron X-ray imaging (up to 271,554 frame per second) technique available at the Advanced Photon Source, USA and Diamond Light Source, UK to investigate the dynamic interactions between the ultrasonic bubbles/acoustic flow andmore » the solidifying phases in a Bi-8%Zn alloy. The experimental results were complimented by numerical modelling. The chaotic bubble implosion and dynamic bubble oscillations were revealed in-situ for the first time in liquid metal and semisolid metal. The fragmentation of the solidifying Zn phases and breaking up of the liquid-solid interface by ultrasonic bubbles and enhanced acoustic flow were clearly demonstrated and agreed very well with the theoretical calculations. The research provides unambiguous experimental evidence and robust theoretical interpretation in elucidating the dominant mechanisms of microstructure fragmentation and refinement in solidification under ultrasound.« less

Ultrafast synchrotron X-ray imaging studies of microstructure fragmentation in solidification under ultrasound

DOE PAGES

Wang, Bing; Tan, Dongyue; Lee, Tung Lik; ...

2017-11-03

Ultrasound processing of metal alloys is an environmental friendly and promising green technology for liquid metal degassing and microstructural refinement. However many fundamental issues in this field are still not fully understood, because of the difficulties in direct observation of the dynamic behaviours caused by ultrasound inside liquid metal and semisolid metals during the solidification processes. In this paper, we report a systematic study using the ultrafast synchrotron X-ray imaging (up to 271,554 frame per second) technique available at the Advanced Photon Source, USA and Diamond Light Source, UK to investigate the dynamic interactions between the ultrasonic bubbles/acoustic flow andmore » the solidifying phases in a Bi-8%Zn alloy. The experimental results were complimented by numerical modelling. The chaotic bubble implosion and dynamic bubble oscillations were revealed in-situ for the first time in liquid metal and semisolid metal. The fragmentation of the solidifying Zn phases and breaking up of the liquid-solid interface by ultrasonic bubbles and enhanced acoustic flow were clearly demonstrated and agreed very well with the theoretical calculations. The research provides unambiguous experimental evidence and robust theoretical interpretation in elucidating the dominant mechanisms of microstructure fragmentation and refinement in solidification under ultrasound.« less

Use of triphenyl phosphate as risk mitigant for metal amide hydrogen storage materials

DOEpatents

Cortes-Concepcion, Jose A.; Anton, Donald L.

2016-04-26

A process in a resulting product of the process in which a hydrogen storage metal amide is modified by a ball milling process using an additive of TPP. The resulting product provides for a hydrogen storage metal amide having a coating that renders the hydrogen storage metal amide resistant to air, ambient moisture, and liquid water while improving useful hydrogen storage and release kinetics.

3-D printing of liquid metals for stretchable and flexible conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trlica, Chris; Parekh, Dishit Paresh; Panich, Lazar; Ladd, Collin; Dickey, Michael D.

2014-06-01

3-D printing is an emerging technology that has been used primarily on small scales for rapid prototyping, but which could also herald a wider movement towards decentralized, highly customizable manufacturing. Polymers are the most common materials to be 3-D printed today, but there is great demand for a way to easily print metals. Existing techniques for 3-D printing metals tend to be expensive and energy-intensive, and usually require high temperatures or pressures, making them incompatible with polymers, organics, soft materials, and biological materials. Here, we describe room temperature liquid metals as complements to polymers for 3-D printing applications. These metals enable the fabrication of soft, flexible, and stretchable devices. We survey potential room temperature liquid metal candidates and describe the benefits of gallium and its alloys for these purposes. We demonstrate the direct printing of a liquid gallium alloy in both 2-D and 3-D and highlight the structures and shapes that can be fabricated using these processes.

Method for continuously recovering metals using a dual zone chemical reactor

DOEpatents

Bronson, M.C.

1995-02-14

A dual zone chemical reactor continuously processes metal-containing materials while regenerating and circulating a liquid carrier. The starting materials are fed into a first reaction zone of a vessel containing a molten salt carrier. The starting materials react to form a metal product and a by-product that dissolves in the molten salt that flows to a second reaction zone in the reaction vessel. The second reaction zone is partitioned from, but in fluid communication with, the first reaction zone. The liquid carrier continuously circulates along a pathway between the first reaction zone and the second reaction zone. A reactive gas is introduced into the second reaction zone to react with the reaction by-product to generate the molten salt. The metal product, the gaseous waste products, and the excess liquid carrier are removed without interrupting the operation of the reactor. The design of the dual zone reactor can be adapted to combine a plurality of liquid carrier regeneration zones in a multiple dual zone chemical reactor for production scale processing. 6 figs.

Radioactive scrap metal decontamination technology assessment report

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

Buckentin, J.M.; Damkroger, B.K.; Schlienger, M.E.

1996-04-01

Within the DOE complex there exists a tremendous quantity of radioactive scrap metal. As an example, it is estimated that within the gaseous diffusion plants there exists in excess of 700,000 tons of contaminated stainless steel. At present, valuable material is being disposed of when it could be converted into a high quality product. Liquid metal processing represents a true recycling opportunity for this material. By applying the primary production processes towards the material`s decontamination and re-use, the value of the strategic resource is maintained while drastically reducing the volume of material in need of burial. Potential processes for themore » liquid metal decontamination of radioactively contaminated metal are discussed and contrasted. Opportunities and technology development issues are identified and discussed. The processes compared are: surface decontamination; size reduction, packaging and burial; melting technologies; electric arc melting; plasma arc centrifugal treatment; air induction melting; vacuum induction melting; and vacuum induction melting and electroslag remelting.« less

View planetary differentiation process through high-resolution 3D imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Y.

2011-12-01

Core-mantle separation is one of the most important processes in planetary evolution, defining the structure and chemical distribution in the planets. Iron-dominated core materials could migrate through silicate mantle to the core by efficient liquid-liquid separation and/or by percolation of liquid metal through solid silicate matrix. We can experimentally simulate these processes to examine the efficiency and time of core formation and its geochemical signatures. The quantitative measure of the efficiency of percolation is usually the dihedral angle, related to the interfacial energies of the liquid and solid phases. To determine the true dihedral angle at high pressure and temperatures, it is necessary to measure the relative frequency distributions of apparent dihedral angles between the quenched liquid metal and silicate grains for each experiment. Here I present a new imaging technique to visualize the distribution of liquid metal in silicate matrix in 3D by combination of focus ion beam (FIB) milling and high-resolution SEM image. The 3D volume rendering provides precise determination of the dihedral angle and quantitative measure of volume fraction and connectivity. I have conducted a series of experiments using mixtures of San Carlos olivine and Fe-S (10wt%S) metal with different metal-silicate ratios, up to 25 GPa and at temperatures above 1800C. High-quality 3D volume renderings were reconstructed from FIB serial sectioning and imaging with 10-nm slice thickness and 14-nm image resolution for each quenched sample. The unprecedented spatial resolution at nano scale allows detailed examination of textural features and precise determination of the dihedral angle as a function of pressure, temperature and composition. The 3D reconstruction also allows direct assessment of connectivity in multi-phase matrix, providing a new way to investigate the efficiency of metal percolation in a real silicate mantle.

Solidification in direct metal deposition by LENS processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmeister, William; Griffith, Michelle

2001-09-01

Thermal imaging and metallographic analysis were used to study Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) processing of 316 stainless steel and H13 tool steel. The cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface were measured over a range of conduction conditions. The length scale of the molten zone controls cooling rates during solidification in direct metal deposition. In LENS processing, the molten zone ranges from 0.5 mm in length to 1.5 mm, resulting in cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface ranging from 200 6,000 Ks-1.

Combustion synthesis of ceramic-metal composite materials - The TiC-Al2O3-Al system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feng, H. J.; Moore, John J.; Wirth, D. G.

1992-01-01

Combustion synthesis was applied for producing ceramic-metal composites with reduced levels of porosity, by allowing an excess amount of liquid metal, generated by the exothermic reaction during synthesis, to infiltrate the pores. It is shown that this method, when applied to TiC-Al2O3 system, led to a decreased level of porosity in the resulting TiC-Al2O3-Al product, as compared with that of TiC-Al2O3 system. This in situ procedure is more efficient than the two-stage conventional processes (i.e., sintering followed by liquid metal infiltration), although there are limitations with respect to total penetration of the liquid metal and maintaining a stable propagation of the combustion reaction.

Shape-transformable liquid metal nanoparticles in aqueous solution† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00057j Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Lin, Yiliang; Liu, Yang

2017-01-01

Stable suspensions of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) liquid metal nanoparticles form by probe-sonicating the metal in an aqueous solution. Positively-charged molecular or macromolecular surfactants in the solution, such as cetrimonium bromide or lysozyme, respectively, stabilize the suspension by interacting with the negative charges of the surface oxide that forms on the metal. The liquid metal breaks up into nanospheres via sonication, yet can transform into rods of gallium oxide monohydroxide (GaOOH) via moderate heating in solution either during or after sonication. Whereas heating typically drives phase transitions from solid to liquid (via melting), here heating drives the transformation of particles from liquid to solid via oxidation. Interestingly, indium nanoparticles form during the process of shape transformation due to the selective removal of gallium. This dealloying provides a mechanism to create indium nanoparticles at temperatures well below the melting point of indium. To demonstrate the versatility, we show that it is possible to shape transform and dealloy other alloys of gallium including ternary liquid metal alloys. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the dealloying and transformation mechanism. PMID:28580116

Overview: Experimental studies of crystal nucleation: Metals and colloids.

PubMed

Herlach, Dieter M; Palberg, Thomas; Klassen, Ina; Klein, Stefan; Kobold, Raphael

2016-12-07

Crystallization is one of the most important phase transformations of first order. In the case of metals and alloys, the liquid phase is the parent phase of materials production. The conditions of the crystallization process control the as-solidified material in its chemical and physical properties. Nucleation initiates the crystallization of a liquid. It selects the crystallographic phase, stable or meta-stable. Its detailed knowledge is therefore mandatory for the design of materials. We present techniques of containerless processing for nucleation studies of metals and alloys. Experimental results demonstrate the power of these methods not only for crystal nucleation of stable solids but in particular also for investigations of crystal nucleation of metastable solids at extreme undercooling. This concerns the physical nature of heterogeneous versus homogeneous nucleation and nucleation of phases nucleated under non-equilibrium conditions. The results are analyzed within classical nucleation theory that defines the activation energy of homogeneous nucleation in terms of the interfacial energy and the difference of Gibbs free energies of solid and liquid. The interfacial energy acts as barrier for the nucleation process. Its experimental determination is difficult in the case of metals. In the second part of this work we therefore explore the potential of colloidal suspensions as model systems for the crystallization process. The nucleation process of colloids is observed in situ by optical observation and ultra-small angle X-ray diffraction using high intensity synchrotron radiation. It allows an unambiguous discrimination of homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation as well as the determination of the interfacial free energy of the solid-liquid interface. Our results are used to construct Turnbull plots of colloids, which are discussed in relation to Turnbull plots of metals and support the hypothesis that colloids are useful model systems to investigate crystal nucleation.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of gold, silver, platinum and palladium nanostructures and their use in electrocatalytic applications.

PubMed

Safavi, Afsaneh; Tohidi, Maryam

2014-09-01

Microwave-assisted ionic liquid method was used for synthesis of various noble metals, such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium nanomaterials. This route does not employ any template agent, surface capping agents or reducing agents. The process is fast, simple and of high yield. Different metal precursors in various ionic liquids media (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, octyl pyridinium hexaflurophosphate and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflurophosphate) were applied to produce metal nanomaterials. Silver, platinium and palladium nanoparticles exhibit spherical morphology while nanosheets with high aspect ratio were obtained for gold. These metal nanostructures were incorporated into a carbon ionic liquid electrode to investigate their electrocatalytic properties. It was found that synthesis in different ionic liquids result in different activity. Excellent electrocatalytic effects toward adenine, hydrazine, formaldehyde and ethanol were observed for the modified electrodes with different nanoparticles synthesized in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate. The high conductivity, large surface-to-volume ratio and active sites of nanosized metal particles are responsible for their electrocatalytic activity. In contrast, the carbon ionic liquid electrode modified with synthesized metal nanoparticles in octyl pyridinium hexaflurophosphate and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexaflurophosphate showed negligible activity for detection of these probes.

Liquid-Oxygen-Compatible Cement for Gaskets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmore, N. L.; Neale, B. C.

1984-01-01

Fluorelastomer and metal bonded reliably by new procedure. To cure fluoroelastomer cement, metal plate/gasket assembly placed in vacuum bag evacuated to minimum vacuum of 27 inches (69 cm) of mercury. Vacuum maintained throughout heating process and until assembly returns to ambient room temperature. Used to seal gaskets and O-rings or used to splice layers of elastomer to form non-standard sized O-rings. Another possible use is to apply protective, liquid-oxygen-compatible coating to metal parts.

The use of ionic liquids based on choline chloride for metal deposition: A green alternative?

PubMed

Haerens, Kurt; Matthijs, Edward; Chmielarz, Andrzej; Van der Bruggen, Bart

2009-08-01

Ionic liquids are studied intensively for different applications. They tend to be denoted as "green solvents", largely because of their low vapour pressure. In recent years toxicity and biotoxicity of ionic liquids have also been investigated, which proved that not all of these are "green". In this paper the use of ionic liquids based on choline chloride and ethylene glycol in electrochemistry is discussed in the context of their use as green solvents. Due to their low toxicity and ready biodegradability, these deep eutectic solvents are promising for the electrodeposition of metals. The influence of the use of these liquids as metal deposition baths on the waste water is investigated. Drag-out was found to be the most influencing parameter on the environmental impact of the process, as it is three times higher compared to classical solutions due to the higher viscosity of the ionic liquid. There are no major changes needed in the rinsing configuration of classic electroplating plants, and ion exchange to remove the metal out of the waste water was not hindered by the presence of the ionic liquid. The formation of by-products during the deposition of metals has to be further investigated and evaluated in consideration of the environmental impact.

The influence of the structure of the metal load removal from liquid steel in electric arc furnaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pǎcurar, Cristina; Hepuť, Teodor; Crisan, Eugen

2016-06-01

One of the main technical and economic indicators in the steel industry and steel respectively the development it is the removal of liquid steel. This indicator depends on several factors, namely technology: the structure and the quality metal load, the degree of preparedness of it, and the content of non-metallic material accompanying the unit of drawing up, the technology for the elaboration, etc. research has been taken into account in drawing up steel electric arc furnace type spring EBT (Electric Bottom taping), seeking to load and removing components of liquid steel. Metal load has been composed of eight metal grades, in some cases with great differences in terms of quality. Data obtained were processed in the EXCEL spreadsheet programs and MATLAB, the results obtained being presented both graphically and analytically. On the basis of the results obtained may opt for a load optimal structure metal.

Removal of arsenic compounds from petroliferous liquids

DOEpatents

Fish, R.H.

1984-04-06

The present invention in one aspect comprises a process for removing arsenic from petroliferous-derived liquids by contacting said liquid with a divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene polymer (i.e. PS-DVB) having catechol ligands anchored to said polymer, said contacting being at an elevated temperature. In another aspect, the invention is a process for regenerating spent catecholated polystyrene polymer by removal of the arsenic bound to it from contacting petroliferous liquid in accordance with the aspect described above which regenerating process comprises: (a) treating said spent catecholated polystyrene polymer with an aqueous solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbonates and bicarbonates of ammonium, alkali metals, and alkaline earth metals, said solution having a pH between about 8 and 10, and said treating being at a temperature in the range of about 20/sup 0/ to 100/sup 0/C; (b) separating the solids and liquids from each other. In a preferred embodiment the regeneration treatment is in two steps wherein step: (a) is carried out with an aqueous alcoholic carbonate solution which includes at least one lower alkyl alcohol, and, steps (c) and (d) are added. Steps (c) and (d) comprise: (c) treating the solids with an aqueous alcoholic solution of at least one ammonium, alkali or alkaline earth metal bicarbonate at a temperature in the range of about 20 to 100/sup 0/C; and (d) separating the solids from the liquids.

Electrolysis of a molten semiconductor

DOE PAGES

Yin, Huayi; Chung, Brice; Sadoway, Donald R.

2016-08-24

Metals cannot be extracted by electrolysis of transition-metal sulfides because as liquids they are semiconductors, which exhibit high levels of electronic conduction and metal dissolution. Herein by introduction of a distinct secondary electrolyte, we reveal a high-throughput electro-desulfurization process that directly converts semiconducting molten stibnite (Sb 2S 3) into pure (99.9%) liquid antimony and sulfur vapour. At the bottom of the cell liquid antimony pools beneath cathodically polarized molten stibnite. At the top of the cell sulfur issues from a carbon anode immersed in an immiscible secondary molten salt electrolyte disposed above molten stibnite, thereby blocking electronic shorting across themore » cell. In conclusion, as opposed to conventional extraction practices, direct sulfide electrolysis completely avoids generation of problematic fugitive emissions (CO 2, CO and SO 2), significantly reduces energy consumption, increases productivity in a single-step process (lower capital and operating costs) and is broadly applicable to a host of electronically conductive transition-metal chalcogenides.« less

Catalytic hydrotreating process

DOEpatents

Karr, Jr., Clarence; McCaskill, Kenneth B.

1978-01-01

Carbonaceous liquids boiling above about 300.degree. C such as tars, petroleum residuals, shale oils and coal-derived liquids are catalytically hydrotreated by introducing the carbonaceous liquid into a reaction zone at a temperature in the range of 300.degree. to 450.degree. C and a pressure in the range of 300 to 4000 psig for effecting contact between the carbonaceous liquid and a catalytic transition metal sulfide in the reaction zone as a layer on a hydrogen permeable transition metal substrate and then introducing hydrogen into the reaction zone by diffusing the hydrogen through the substrate to effect the hydrogenation of the carbonaceous liquid in the presence of the catalytic sulfide layer.

Enhanced Endosomal Escape by Light-Fueled Liquid-Metal Transformer.

PubMed

Lu, Yue; Lin, Yiliang; Chen, Zhaowei; Hu, Quanyin; Liu, Yang; Yu, Shuangjiang; Gao, Wei; Dickey, Michael D; Gu, Zhen

2017-04-12

Effective endosomal escape remains as the "holy grail" for endocytosis-based intracellular drug delivery. To date, most of the endosomal escape strategies rely on small molecules, cationic polymers, or pore-forming proteins, which are often limited by the systemic toxicity and lack of specificity. We describe here a light-fueled liquid-metal transformer for effective endosomal escape-facilitated cargo delivery via a chemical-mechanical process. The nanoscale transformer can be prepared by a simple approach of sonicating a low-toxicity liquid-metal. When coated with graphene quantum dots (GQDs), the resulting nanospheres demonstrate the ability to absorb and convert photoenergy to drive the simultaneous phase separation and morphological transformation of the inner liquid-metal core. The morphological transformation from nanospheres to hollow nanorods with a remarkable change of aspect ratio can physically disrupt the endosomal membrane to promote endosomal escape of payloads. This metal-based nanotransformer equipped with GQDs provides a new strategy for facilitating effective endosomal escape to achieve spatiotemporally controlled drug delivery with enhanced efficacy.

Rapid and low-cost prototyping of medical devices using 3D printed molds for liquid injection molding.

PubMed

Chung, Philip; Heller, J Alex; Etemadi, Mozziyar; Ottoson, Paige E; Liu, Jonathan A; Rand, Larry; Roy, Shuvo

2014-06-27

Biologically inert elastomers such as silicone are favorable materials for medical device fabrication, but forming and curing these elastomers using traditional liquid injection molding processes can be an expensive process due to tooling and equipment costs. As a result, it has traditionally been impractical to use liquid injection molding for low-cost, rapid prototyping applications. We have devised a method for rapid and low-cost production of liquid elastomer injection molded devices that utilizes fused deposition modeling 3D printers for mold design and a modified desiccator as an injection system. Low costs and rapid turnaround time in this technique lower the barrier to iteratively designing and prototyping complex elastomer devices. Furthermore, CAD models developed in this process can be later adapted for metal mold tooling design, enabling an easy transition to a traditional injection molding process. We have used this technique to manufacture intravaginal probes involving complex geometries, as well as overmolding over metal parts, using tools commonly available within an academic research laboratory. However, this technique can be easily adapted to create liquid injection molded devices for many other applications.

Synthesis of silicon containing materials using liquid hydrosilane compositions through direct injection

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

Srinivasan, Guruvenket; Sailer, Robert A.; Hoey, Justin

An apparatus and a non-vapor-pressure dependent method of chemical vapor deposition of Si based materials using direct injection of liquid hydrosilane(s) are presented. Liquid silane precursor solutions may also include metal, non-metal or metalloid dopants, nanomaterials and solvents. An illustrative apparatus has a precursor solution and carrier gas system, atomizer and deposit head with interior chamber and a hot plate supporting the substrate. Atomized liquid silane precursor solutions and carrier gas moves through a confined reaction zone that may be heated and the aerosol and vapor are deposited on a substrate to form a thin film. The substrate may bemore » heated prior to deposition. The deposited film may be processed further with thermal or laser processing.« less

Proposal for Universality in the Viscosity of Metallic Liquids

DOE PAGES

Blodgett, M. E.; Egami, Takeshi; Nussinov, Z.; ...

2015-09-09

The range of magnitude of the liquid viscosity, η, as a function of temperature is one of the most impressive of any physical property, changing by approximately 17 orders of magnitude from its extrapolated value at infinite temperature (η o) to that at the glass transition temperature, T g. We present experimental measurements of containerlessly processed metallic liquids that suggest that log(η/η o) as a function of T A/T is a potentially universal scaled curve. In stark contrast to previous approaches, the scaling requires only two fitting parameters, which are on average predictable. The temperature T A corresponds to themore » onset of cooperative motion and is strongly correlated with T g, suggesting that the processes underlying the glass transition first appear in the high temperature liquid.« less

Liquid-metal atomization for hot working preforms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grant, N. J.; Pelloux, R. M.

1974-01-01

Rapid quenching of a liquid metal by atomization or splat cooling overcomes the major limitation of most solidification processes, namely, the segregation of alloying elements, impurities, and constituent phases. The cooling rates of different atomizing processes are related to the dendrite arm spacings and to the microstructure of the atomized powders. The increased solubility limits and the formation of metastable compounds in splat-cooled alloys are discussed. Consolidation of the powders by hot isostatic compaction, hot extrusion, or hot forging and rolling processes yields billets with properties equivalent to or better than those of the wrought alloys. The application of this powder processing technology to high-performance alloys is reviewed.

Influence of the Liquid on Femtosecond Laser Ablation of Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanitz, A.; Hoppius, J. S.; Gurevich, E. L.; Ostendorf, A.

Ultrashort pulse laser ablation has become a very important industrial method for highly precise material removal ranging from sensitive thin film processing to drilling and cutting of metals. Over the last decade, a new method to produce pure nanoparticles emerged from this technique: Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids (PLAL). By this method, the ablation of material by a laser beam is used to generate a metal vapor within the liquid in order to obtain nanoparticles from its recondensation process. It is well known that the liquid significantly alters the ablation properties of the substrate, in our case iron. For example, the ablation rate and crater morphology differ depending on the used liquid. We present our studies on the efficiency and quality of ablated grooves in water, methanol, acetone, ethanol and toluene. The produced grooves are investigated by means of white-light interferometry, EDX and SEM.

Research study on materials processing in space experiment number M512. [adhesion-cohesion properties of liquid metals under weightlessness conditions in Skylab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobin, J. M.; Kossowsky, R.

1973-01-01

Adhesion of the melted metals to the adjacent solid metals, and cohesion of the liquid metal to itself appeared to be equally as strong in zero gravity as on earth. Similar cut edge bead periodicity in cut thin plate, and similar periodic chevron patterns in full penetration welds were seen. The most significant practical result is that the design of braze joints for near zero gravity can be very tolerant of dimensional gaps in the joint. This conclusion is based on a comparison of narrow, wide and variable gap widths. Brazing is very practical as a joining or repairing technique for metal structures at zero gravity. The operation of the hardware developed to locate successive small (0.6 cm) diameter cylinders in the focus of the battery powered EB unit, melt the various metal specimens and deploy some liquid metal drops to drift in space, was generally successful. However, the sphericity and surface roughness were far from those of ball bearings.

The novel metallic states of the cuprates: Topological Fermi liquids and strange metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sachdev, Subir; Chowdhury, Debanjan

2016-12-01

We review ideas on the nature of the metallic states of the hole-doped cuprate high temperature superconductors, with an emphasis on the connections between the Luttinger theorem for the size of the Fermi surface, topological quantum field theories (TQFTs), and critical theories involving changes in the size of the Fermi surface. We begin with the derivation of the Luttinger theorem for a Fermi liquid, using momentum balance during a process of flux insertion in a lattice electronic model with toroidal boundary conditions. We then review the TQFT of the ℤ spin liquid, and demonstrate its compatibility with the toroidal momentum balance argument. This discussion leads naturally to a simple construction of "topological" Fermi liquid states: the fractionalized Fermi liquid (FL*) and the algebraic charge liquid (ACL). We present arguments for a description of the pseudogap metal of the cuprates using ℤ-FL* or ℤ-ACL states with Ising-nematic order. These pseudogap metal states are also described as Higgs phases of a SU(2) gauge theory. The Higgs field represents local antiferromagnetism, but the Higgs-condensed phase does not have long-range antiferromagnetic order: the magnitude of the Higgs field determines the pseudogap, the reconstruction of the Fermi surface, and the Ising-nematic order. Finally, we discuss the route to the large Fermi surface Fermi liquid via the critical point where the Higgs condensate and Ising nematic order vanish, and the application of Higgs criticality to the strange metal.

Processing and fabrication of mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide fuels with liquid-phase sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Travis W.; Anghaie, Samim

2002-11-01

Optimization of powder processing techniques were sought for the fabrication of single-phase, solid-solution mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide nuclear fuels - namely (U, Zr, Nb)C. These advanced, ultra-high temperature nuclear fuels have great potential for improved performance over graphite matrix, dispersed fuels tested in the Rover/NERVA program of the 1960s and early 1970s. Hypostoichiometric fuel samples with carbon-to-metal ratios of 0.98, uranium metal mole fractions of 5% and 10%, and porosities less than 5% were fabricated. These qualities should provide for the longest life and highest performance capability for these fuels. Study and optimization of processing methods were necessary to provide the quality assurance of samples for meaningful testing and assessment of performance for nuclear thermal propulsion applications. The processing parameters and benefits of enhanced sintering by uranium carbide liquid-phase sintering were established for the rapid and effective consolidation and formation of a solid-solution mixed carbide nuclear fuel.

Liquid metal magnetohydrodynamics

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

Lielpeteris, J.; Moreau, R.

1989-01-01

Liquid metal MHD is the subject of this book. It is of central importance in fields like metals processing, energy conversion, nuclear engineering (fast breeders or fusion reactors), geomagnetism and astrophysics. In some circumstances fluid flow phenomena are controlled by an existing magnetic field; the melts in induction furnaces or the liquid metal blanket around future tokamak fusion reactors being significant examples. In other cases the application of an external magnetic field (or of an electric current) may generate drastic modifications in the fluid motion and in the transfer rates; such effects may be used to develop new technologies (electromagneticmore » shaping) or to improve existing techniques (electromagnetic stirring in continuous casting). In the core of the Earth, fluid motion and magnetic fields are both present and their interaction governs important phenomena.« less

ETV REPORT AND VERIFICATION STATEMENT; EVALUATION OF LOBO LIQUIDS RINSE WATER RECOVERY SYSTEM

EPA Science Inventory

The Lobo Liquids Rinse Water Recovery System (Lobo Liquids system) was tested, under actual production conditions, processing metal finishing wastewater, at Gull Industries in Houston, Texas. The verification test evaluated the ability of the ion exchange (IX) treatment system t...

High-Speed Synchrotron X-ray Imaging Studies of the Ultrasound Shockwave and Enhanced Flow during Metal Solidification Processes

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

Tan, Dongyue; Lee, Tung Lik; Khong, Jia Chuan

2015-03-31

The highly dynamic behavior of ultrasonic bubble implosion in liquid metal, the multiphase liquid metal flow containing bubbles and particles, and the interaction between ultrasonic waves and semisolid phases during solidification of metal were studied in situ using the complementary ultrafast and high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging facilities housed, respectively, at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, US, and Diamond Light Source, UK. Real-time ultrafast X-ray imaging of 135,780 frames per second revealed that ultrasonic bubble implosion in a liquid Bi-8 wt pctZn alloy can occur in a single wave period (30 kHz), and the effective region affected by themore » shockwave at implosion was 3.5 times the original bubble diameter. Furthermore, ultrasound bubbles in liquid metal move faster than the primary particles, and the velocity of bubbles is 70 similar to 100 pct higher than that of the primary particles present in the same locations close to the sonotrode. Ultrasound waves can very effectively create a strong swirling flow in a semisolid melt in less than one second. The energetic flow can detach solid particles from the liquid-solid interface and redistribute them back into the bulk liquid very effectively.« less

Galinstan liquid metal breakup and droplet formation in a shock-induced cross-flow

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

Chen, Yi; Wagner, Justin L.; Farias, Paul Abraham

Liquid metal breakup processes are important for understanding a variety of physical phenomena including metal powder formation, thermal spray coatings, fragmentation in explosive detonations and metalized propellant combustion. Since the breakup behaviors of liquid metals are not well studied, we experimentally investigate the roles of higher density and fast elastic surface oxide formation on breakup morphology and droplet characteristics. This work compares the column breakup of water with Galinstan, a room-temperature eutectic liquid metal alloy of gallium, indium and tin. A shock tube is used to generate a step change in convective velocity and back-lit imaging is used to classifymore » morphologies for Weber numbers up to 250. Digital in-line holography (DIH) is then used to quantitatively capture droplet size, velocity and three-dimensional position information. Differences in geometry between canonical spherical drops and the liquid columns utilized in this paper are likely responsible for observations of earlier transition Weber numbers and uni-modal droplet volume distributions. Scaling laws indicate that Galinstan and water share similar droplet size-velocity trends and root-normal volume probability distributions. Furthermore, measurements indicate that Galinstan breakup occurs earlier in non-dimensional time and produces more non-spherical droplets due to fast oxide formation.« less

Galinstan liquid metal breakup and droplet formation in a shock-induced cross-flow

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yi; Wagner, Justin L.; Farias, Paul Abraham; ...

2018-05-22

Liquid metal breakup processes are important for understanding a variety of physical phenomena including metal powder formation, thermal spray coatings, fragmentation in explosive detonations and metalized propellant combustion. Since the breakup behaviors of liquid metals are not well studied, we experimentally investigate the roles of higher density and fast elastic surface oxide formation on breakup morphology and droplet characteristics. This work compares the column breakup of water with Galinstan, a room-temperature eutectic liquid metal alloy of gallium, indium and tin. A shock tube is used to generate a step change in convective velocity and back-lit imaging is used to classifymore » morphologies for Weber numbers up to 250. Digital in-line holography (DIH) is then used to quantitatively capture droplet size, velocity and three-dimensional position information. Differences in geometry between canonical spherical drops and the liquid columns utilized in this paper are likely responsible for observations of earlier transition Weber numbers and uni-modal droplet volume distributions. Scaling laws indicate that Galinstan and water share similar droplet size-velocity trends and root-normal volume probability distributions. Furthermore, measurements indicate that Galinstan breakup occurs earlier in non-dimensional time and produces more non-spherical droplets due to fast oxide formation.« less

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

Kirka, Michael M.; Nandwana, Peeyush; Lee, Yousub

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is rapidly emerging as an established manufacturing process for metal components. Unlike traditional metals fabrication processes, metals fabricated via AM undergo localized thermal cycles during fabrication. As a result, AM presents the opportunity to control the liquid-solid phase transformation, i.e. material texture. But, thermal cycling presents challenges from the standpoint of solid-solid phase transformations. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges in metals AM in the context of texture control and associated solid-solid phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718.

Generation and characterization of gas bubbles in liquid metals

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

Eckert, S.; Gerbeth, G.; Witke, W.

1996-06-01

There is an ongoing research performed in the RCR on local transport phenomena in turbulent liquid metal (LM) duct flows exposed to external magnetic fields. In this context so-called MHD flow phenomena can be observed, which are unknown in usual hydraulic engineering. The field of interest covers also the influence of magnetic fields on the behaviour of liquid metal - gas mixtures. Profound knowledge on these LMMHD two-phase flow plays an important role in a variety of technological applications, in particular, in the design of Liquid-Metal MHD generators or for several metallurgical processes employing gas-stirred reactors. However, the highly empiricalmore » nature of two-phase flow analysis gives little hope for the prediction of MHD two-phase flows without extensive experimental data. A summary is given about the authors research activities focussing on two directions: (a) Momentum transfer between gas and liquid metal in a bubbly flow regime to investigate the influence of the external magnetic field on the velocity slip ration S (b) Peculiarities of the MHD turbulence to use small gas bubbles as local tracers in order to study the turbulent mass transfer.« less

The electrode/ionic liquid interface: electric double layer and metal electrodeposition.

PubMed

Su, Yu-Zhuan; Fu, Yong-Chun; Wei, Yi-Min; Yan, Jia-Wei; Mao, Bing-Wei

2010-09-10

The last decade has witnessed remarkable advances in interfacial electrochemistry in room-temperature ionic liquids. Although the wide electrochemical window of ionic liquids is of primary concern in this new type of solvent for electrochemistry, the unusual bulk and interfacial properties brought about by the intrinsic strong interactions in the ionic liquid system also substantially influence the structure and processes at electrode/ionic liquid interfaces. Theoretical modeling and experimental characterizations have been indispensable in reaching a microscopic understanding of electrode/ionic liquid interfaces and in elucidating the physics behind new phenomena in ionic liquids. This Minireview describes the status of some aspects of interfacial electrochemistry in ionic liquids. Emphasis is placed on high-resolution and molecular-level characterization by scanning tunneling microscopy and vibrational spectroscopies of interfacial structures, and the initial stage of metal electrodeposition with application in surface nanostructuring.

Solidification and solid-state transformation sciences in metals additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Kirka, Michael M.; Nandwana, Peeyush; Lee, Yousub; ...

2017-02-11

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is rapidly emerging as an established manufacturing process for metal components. Unlike traditional metals fabrication processes, metals fabricated via AM undergo localized thermal cycles during fabrication. As a result, AM presents the opportunity to control the liquid-solid phase transformation, i.e. material texture. But, thermal cycling presents challenges from the standpoint of solid-solid phase transformations. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges in metals AM in the context of texture control and associated solid-solid phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718.

Role of Electrical Double Layer Structure in Ionic Liquid Gated Devices.

PubMed

Black, Jennifer M; Come, Jeremy; Bi, Sheng; Zhu, Mengyang; Zhao, Wei; Wong, Anthony T; Noh, Joo Hyon; Pudasaini, Pushpa R; Zhang, Pengfei; Okatan, Mahmut Baris; Dai, Sheng; Kalinin, Sergei V; Rack, Philip D; Ward, Thomas Zac; Feng, Guang; Balke, Nina

2017-11-22

Ionic liquid gating of transition metal oxides has enabled new states (magnetic, electronic, metal-insulator), providing fundamental insights into the physics of strongly correlated oxides. However, despite much research activity, little is known about the correlation of the structure of the liquids in contact with the transition metal oxide surface, its evolution with the applied electric potential, and its correlation with the measured electronic properties of the oxide. Here, we investigate the structure of an ionic liquid at a semiconducting oxide interface during the operation of a thin film transistor where the electrical double layer gates the device using experiment and theory. We show that the transition between the ON and OFF states of the amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide transistor is accompanied by a densification and preferential spatial orientation of counterions at the oxide channel surface. This process occurs in three distinct steps, corresponding to ion orientations, and consequently, regimes of different electrical conductivity. The reason for this can be found in the surface charge densities on the oxide surface when different ion arrangements are present. Overall, the field-effect gating process is elucidated in terms of the interfacial ionic liquid structure, and this provides unprecedented insight into the working of a liquid gated transistor linking the nanoscopic structure to the functional properties. This knowledge will enable both new ionic liquid design as well as advanced device concepts.

Observations of impact-induced molten metal-silicate partitioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowan, Linda R.; Ahrens, Thomas J.

1994-01-01

Observations of molten mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-molybdenum (Mo) interactions produced by shock experiments provide insight into impact and differentiation processes involving metal-silicate partitioning. Analysis of fragments recovered from experiments (achieving MORB liquid shock pressures from 0.8 to 6 GPa) revealed significant changes in the composition of the MORB and Mo due to reaction of the silicate and metal liquids on a short time scale (less than 13 s). The FeO concentration of the shocked liquid decreases systematically with increasing pressure. In fact, the most highly shocked liquid (6 GPa) contains only 0.1 wt% FeO compared to an initial concentration of 9 wt% in the MORB. We infer from the presence of micrometer-sized Fe-, Si- and Mo-rich metallic spheres in the shocked glass that the Fe and Si oxides in the MORB were reduced in an estimated oxygen fugacity of 10(exp -17) bar and subsequently alloyed with the Mo. The in-situ reduction of FeO in the shocked molten basalt implies that shock-induced reduction of impact melt should be considered a viable mechanism for the formation of metallic phases. Similar metallic phases may form during impact accretion of planets and in impacted material found on the lunar surface and near terrestrial impact craters. In particular, the minute, isolated Fe particles found in lunar soils may have formed by such a process. Furthermore, the metallic spheres within the shocked glass have a globular texture similar to the textures of metallic spheroids from lunar samples and the estimated, slow cooling rate of less than or equal to 140 C/s for our spheres is consistent with the interpretation that the lunar spheroids formed by slow cooling within a melted target.

Liquid-solid joining of bulk metallic glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yongjiang; Xue, Peng; Guo, Shu; Wu, Yang; Cheng, Xiang; Fan, Hongbo; Ning, Zhiliang; Cao, Fuyang; Xing, Dawei; Sun, Jianfei; Liaw, Peter K.

2016-07-01

Here, we successfully welded two bulk metallic glass (BMG) materials, Zr51Ti5Ni10Cu25Al9 and Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 (at. %), using a liquid-solid joining process. An atomic-scale metallurgical bonding between two BMGs can be achieved. The interface has a transition layer of ~50 μm thick. The liquid-solid joining of BMGs can shed more insights on overcoming their size limitation resulting from their limited glass-forming ability and then promoting their applications in structural components.

Liquid-solid joining of bulk metallic glasses

PubMed Central

Huang, Yongjiang; Xue, Peng; Guo, Shu; Wu, Yang; Cheng, Xiang; Fan, Hongbo; Ning, Zhiliang; Cao, Fuyang; Xing, Dawei; Sun, Jianfei; Liaw, Peter K.

2016-01-01

Here, we successfully welded two bulk metallic glass (BMG) materials, Zr51Ti5Ni10Cu25Al9 and Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 (at. %), using a liquid-solid joining process. An atomic-scale metallurgical bonding between two BMGs can be achieved. The interface has a transition layer of ~50 μm thick. The liquid-solid joining of BMGs can shed more insights on overcoming their size limitation resulting from their limited glass-forming ability and then promoting their applications in structural components. PMID:27471073

Liquid-solid joining of bulk metallic glasses.

PubMed

Huang, Yongjiang; Xue, Peng; Guo, Shu; Wu, Yang; Cheng, Xiang; Fan, Hongbo; Ning, Zhiliang; Cao, Fuyang; Xing, Dawei; Sun, Jianfei; Liaw, Peter K

2016-07-29

Here, we successfully welded two bulk metallic glass (BMG) materials, Zr51Ti5Ni10Cu25Al9 and Zr50.7Cu28Ni9Al12.3 (at. %), using a liquid-solid joining process. An atomic-scale metallurgical bonding between two BMGs can be achieved. The interface has a transition layer of ~50 μm thick. The liquid-solid joining of BMGs can shed more insights on overcoming their size limitation resulting from their limited glass-forming ability and then promoting their applications in structural components.

Liquid-solid joining of bulk metallic glasses

DOE PAGES

Huang, Yongjiang; Xue, Peng; Guo, Shu; ...

2016-07-29

Here, we successfully welded two bulk metallic glass (BMG) materials, Zr 51Ti 5Ni 10Cu 25Al 9 and Zr 50.7Cu 28Ni 9Al 12.3 (at. %), using a liquid-solid joining process. An atomic-scale metallurgical bonding between two BMGs can be achieved. The interface has a transition layer of ~50 μm thick. In conclusion, the liquid-solid joining of BMGs can shed more insights on overcoming their size limitation resulting from their limited glass-forming ability and then promoting their applications in structural components.

A Liquid Level Measurement Technique Outside a Sealed Metal Container Based on Ultrasonic Impedance and Echo Energy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bin; Wei, Yue-Juan; Liu, Wen-Yi; Zhang, Yan-Jun; Yao, Zong; Zhao, Li-Hui; Xiong, Ji-Jun

2017-01-01

The proposed method for measuring the liquid level focuses on the ultrasonic impedance and echo energy inside a metal wall, to which the sensor is attached directly, not on ultrasonic waves that penetrate the gas–liquid medium of a container. Firstly, by analyzing the sound field distribution characteristics of the sensor in a metal wall, this paper proposes the concept of an "energy circle" and discusses how to calculate echo energy under three different states in detail. Meanwhile, an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving circuit is designed to convert the echo energy inside the energy circle into its equivalent electric power. Secondly, in order to find the two critical states of the energy circle in the process of liquid level detection, a program is designed to help with calculating two critical positions automatically. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated through a series of experiments, and the experimental results indicate that the proposed method is effective and accurate in calibration of the liquid level outside a sealed metal container. PMID:28106857

Development of Casting Process for Pressings of Pistons of Car Augmented Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korostelev, V. F.; Denisov, M. S.

2017-01-01

Results of a study aimed at formation of a single-phase fine-grained structure in pistons during their production process involving isostatic pressing of liquid metal prior to the start of crystallization, pressing of the crystallizing metal, and holding under pressure in the process of cooling to the shop temperature are presented.

Catalysts for converting syngas into liquid hydrocarbons and methods thereof

DOEpatents

Yu, Fei; Yan, Qiangu; Batchelor, William

2016-03-15

The presently-disclosed subject matter includes methods for producing liquid hydrocarbons from syngas. In some embodiments the syngas is obtained from biomass and/or comprises a relatively high amount of nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide. In some embodiments the present methods can convert syngas into liquid hydrocarbons through a one-stage process. Also provided are catalysts for producing liquid hydrocarbons from syngas, wherein the catalysts include a base material, a transition metal, and a promoter. In some embodiments the base material includes a zeolite-iron material or a cobalt-molybdenum carbide material. In still further embodiments the promoter can include an alkali metal.

Impermeable flexible liquid barrier film for encapsulation of DSSC metal electrodes

PubMed Central

Yang, Junghee; Min, Misook; Yoon, Yeoheung; Kim, Won Jung; Kim, Sol; Lee, Hyoyoung

2016-01-01

Encapsulation of electronic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is prone to degradation under normal atmospheric conditions, even with hermetic barriers on the metal electrodes. Overcoming this problem is crucial to increasing DSSC lifetimes and making them commercially viable. Herein, we report a new impermeable flexible liquid barrier film using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and partially reduced graphene oxide (PrGO), which dramatically enhances the lifetime of Ag metal electrodes (typically used in DSSCs) immersed in a highly acidic iodolyte solution. The Ag metal electrode encapsulated by the PVA/PrGO film survived for over 500 hrs, superior to existing barriers of glass frits, epoxy resins and polymers. The PVA/PrGO film strongly adheres to the Ag metal surface, and the resulting PVA/PrGO/Ag electrode is stable even on a curved substrate, with a sheet resistance nearly independent of curvature. These results give new insight for the design of high-performance and solution-processable flexible liquid barrier films for a wide range of applications, in particular for the encapsulation of electronic devices with liquid electrolytes. PMID:27263654

Rapid and Low-cost Prototyping of Medical Devices Using 3D Printed Molds for Liquid Injection Molding

PubMed Central

Chung, Philip; Heller, J. Alex; Etemadi, Mozziyar; Ottoson, Paige E.; Liu, Jonathan A.; Rand, Larry; Roy, Shuvo

2014-01-01

Biologically inert elastomers such as silicone are favorable materials for medical device fabrication, but forming and curing these elastomers using traditional liquid injection molding processes can be an expensive process due to tooling and equipment costs. As a result, it has traditionally been impractical to use liquid injection molding for low-cost, rapid prototyping applications. We have devised a method for rapid and low-cost production of liquid elastomer injection molded devices that utilizes fused deposition modeling 3D printers for mold design and a modified desiccator as an injection system. Low costs and rapid turnaround time in this technique lower the barrier to iteratively designing and prototyping complex elastomer devices. Furthermore, CAD models developed in this process can be later adapted for metal mold tooling design, enabling an easy transition to a traditional injection molding process. We have used this technique to manufacture intravaginal probes involving complex geometries, as well as overmolding over metal parts, using tools commonly available within an academic research laboratory. However, this technique can be easily adapted to create liquid injection molded devices for many other applications. PMID:24998993

Analytical Applications of Transport Through Bulk Liquid Membranes.

PubMed

Diaconu, Ioana; Ruse, Elena; Aboul-Enein, Hassan Y; Bunaciu, Andrei A

2016-07-03

This review discusses the results of research in the use of bulk liquid membranes in separation processes and preconcentration for analytical purposes. It includes some theoretical aspects, definitions, types of liquid membranes, and transport mechanism, as well as advantages of using liquid membranes in laboratory studies. These concepts are necessary to understand fundamental principles of liquid membrane transport. Due to the multiple advantages of liquid membranes several studies present analytical applications of the transport through liquid membranes in separation or preconcentration processes of metallic cations and some organic compounds, such as phenol and phenolic derivatives, organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and drugs. This review presents coupled techniques such as separation through the liquid membrane coupled with flow injection analysis.

Patterned Liquid Metal Contacts for Printed Carbon Nanotube Transistors.

PubMed

Andrews, Joseph B; Mondal, Kunal; Neumann, Taylor V; Cardenas, Jorge A; Wang, Justin; Parekh, Dishit P; Lin, Yiliang; Ballentine, Peter; Dickey, Michael D; Franklin, Aaron D

2018-05-14

Flexible and stretchable electronics are poised to enable many applications that cannot be realized with traditional, rigid devices. One of the most promising options for low-cost stretchable transistors are printed carbon nanotubes (CNTs). However, a major limiting factor in stretchable CNT devices is the lack of a stable and versatile contact material that forms both the interconnects and contact electrodes. In this work, we introduce the use of eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) liquid metal for electrical contacts to printed CNT channels. We analyze thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated using two different liquid metal deposition techniques-vacuum-filling polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel structures and direct-writing liquid metals on the CNTs. The highest performing CNT-TFT was realized using vacuum-filled microchannel deposition with an in situ annealing temperature of 150 °C. This device exhibited an on/off ratio of more than 10 4 and on-currents as high as 150 μA/mm-metrics that are on par with other printed CNT-TFTs. Additionally, we observed that at room temperature the contact resistances of the vacuum-filled microchannel structures were 50% lower than those of the direct-write structures, likely due to the poor adhesion between the materials observed during the direct-writing process. The insights gained in this study show that stretchable electronics can be realized using low-cost and solely solution processing techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate methods that can be used to electrically characterize semiconducting materials as transistors without requiring elevated temperatures or cleanroom processes.

Method of foaming a liquid metal

DOEpatents

Fischer, Albert K.; Johnson, Carl E.

1980-01-01

The addition of a small quantity of barium to liquid metal NaK or sodium has been found to promote foam formation and improve bubble retention in the liquid metal. A stable liquid metal foam will provide a more homogeneous liquid metal flow through the channel of a two-phase liquid metal MHD power generator to improve operating efficiency.

METHOD OF PURIFYING URANIUM METAL

DOEpatents

Blanco, R.E.; Morrison, B.H.

1958-12-23

The removal of lmpurities from uranlum metal can be done by a process conslstlng of contacting the metal with liquid mercury at 300 icient laborato C, separating the impunitycontalnlng slag formed, cooling the slag-free liquld substantlally below the point at which uranlum mercurlde sollds form, removlng the mercury from the solids, and recovering metallic uranium by heating the solids.

Soft electronics for soft robotics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kramer, Rebecca K.

2015-05-01

As advanced as modern machines are, the building blocks have changed little since the industrial revolution, leading to rigid, bulky, and complex devices. Future machines will include electromechanical systems that are soft and elastically deformable, lending them to applications such as soft robotics, wearable/implantable devices, sensory skins, and energy storage and transport systems. One key step toward the realization of soft systems is the development of stretchable electronics that remain functional even when subject to high strains. Liquid-metal traces embedded in elastic polymers present a unique opportunity to retain the function of rigid metal conductors while leveraging the deformable properties of liquid-elastomer composites. However, in order to achieve the potential benefits of liquid-metal, scalable processing and manufacturing methods must be identified.

Metal and polymer melt jet formation by the high-power laser ablation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoh, Jack J.; Gojani, Ardian B.

2010-02-01

The laser-induced metal and polymer melt jets are studied experimentally. Two classes of physical phenomena of interest are: first, the process of explosive phase change of laser induced surface ablation and second, the hydrodynamic jetting of liquid melts ejected from a beamed spot. We focus on the dynamic link between these two distinct physical phenomena in a framework of forming and patterning of metallic and polymer jets using a high-power Nd:YAG laser. The microexplosion of ablative spot on a target first forms a pocket of hot liquid melt and then it is followed by a sudden volume change of gas-liquid mixture leading to a pressure-induced spray jet ejection into surrounding medium.

SEPARATION OF TIN FROM ALLOYS

DOEpatents

Kattner, W.T.

1959-08-11

A process is described for recovering tin from bronze comprising melting the bronze; slowly cooling the melted metal to from 280 to 240 deg C whereby eta- phase bronze crystallizes; separating the eta-bronze crystals from the liquid metal by mechanical means; melting the separated crystals; slowly cooling the melted eta-crystals to a temperature from 520 to 420 deg C whereby crystals of epsilonbronze precipitate; removing said epsilon-crystals from the remaining molten metal; and reintroducing the remaining molten metal into the process for eta-crystallization.

Numerical simulation of the heat transfer at cooling a high-temperature metal cylinder by a flow of a gas-liquid medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarov, S. S.; Lipanov, A. M.; Karpov, A. I.

2017-10-01

The numerical modeling results for the heat transfer during cooling a metal cylinder by a gas-liquid medium flow in an annular channel are presented. The results are obtained on the basis of the mathematical model of the conjugate heat transfer of the gas-liquid flow and the metal cylinder in a two-dimensional nonstationary formulation accounting for the axisymmetry of the cooling medium flow relative to the cylinder longitudinal axis. To solve the system of differential equations the control volume approach is used. The flow field parameters are calculated by the SIMPLE algorithm. To solve iteratively the systems of linear algebraic equations the Gauss-Seidel method with under-relaxation is used. The results of the numerical simulation are verified by comparing the results of the numerical simulation with the results of the field experiment. The calculation results for the heat transfer parameters at cooling the high-temperature metal cylinder by the gas-liquid flow are obtained with accounting for evaporation. The values of the rate of cooling the cylinder by the laminar flow of the cooling medium are determined. The temperature change intensity for the metal cylinder is analyzed depending on the initial velocity of the liquid flow and the time of the cooling process.

Solvent extraction of gold using ionic liquid based process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makertihartha, I. G. B. N.; Zunita, Megawati; Rizki, Z.; Dharmawijaya, P. T.

2017-01-01

In decades, many research and mineral processing industries are using solvent extraction technology for metal ions separation. Solvent extraction technique has been used for the purification of precious metals such as Au and Pd, and base metals such as Cu, Zn and Cd. This process uses organic compounds as solvent. Organic solvents have some undesired properties i.e. toxic, volatile, excessive used, flammable, difficult to recycle, low reusability, low Au recovery, together with the problems related to the disposal of spent extractants and diluents, even the costs associated with these processes are relatively expensive. Therefore, a lot of research have boosted into the development of safe and environmentally friendly process for Au separation. Ionic liquids (ILs) are the potential alternative for gold extraction because they possess several desirable properties, such as a the ability to expanse temperature process up to 300°C, good solvent properties for a wide range of metal ions, high selectivity, low vapor pressures, stability up to 200°C, easy preparation, environmentally friendly (commonly called as "green solvent"), and relatively low cost. This review paper is focused in investigate of some ILs that have the potentials as solvent in extraction of Au from mineral/metal alloy at various conditions (pH, temperature, and pressure). Performances of ILs extraction of Au are studied in depth, i.e. structural relationship of ILs with capability to separate Au from metal ions aggregate. Optimal extraction conditon in order to gain high percent of Au in mineral processing is also investigated.

On the behavior and stability of a liquid metal in quasi-planar electric contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuilov, S. D.

2016-06-01

The contacts between conductors formed under relatively low pressures can be treated as quasi-planar. Melting of the material of such contacts upon the passage of electric current is used in some technological processes, but the behavior of liquid in these conditions has not been analyzed. In this study, such an estimate was obtained for specific conditions appearing under electric-pulse compacting (briquetting) of metal shavings. Analysis of derived relations shows that this estimate is valid for any quasi-2D contacts upon passage of a pulsed current of duration from microseconds to milliseconds. It is shown that the spacing between contact surfaces decreases, the liquid metal is extruded in the lateral directions, and the area of the contact and its conductivity increase. Sausage-type magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instability and overheating instability do not evolve in these conditions because the instability wavelength is larger than the rated thickness of the molten layer; screw MHD instability can appear in slower processes.

Distributed automatic control of technological processes in conditions of weightlessness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kukhtenko, A. I.; Merkulov, V. I.; Samoylenko, Y. I.; Ladikov-Royev, Y. P.

1986-01-01

Some problems associated with the automatic control of liquid metal and plasma systems under conditions of weightlessness are examined, with particular reference to the problem of stability of liquid equilibrium configurations. The theoretical fundamentals of automatic control of processes in electrically conducting continuous media are outlined, and means of using electromagnetic fields for simulating technological processes in a space environment are discussed.

Radiation-thermometric study of isolated hot molten metal spheres by containerless and contactless measurement techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, G. W.; Jeon, S.; Park, C.; Kang, D. H.; Choi, B. I.; Park, S. N.

2013-09-01

An electrostatic levitation (ESL) device is developed to study the radiation-properties of liquid metals at high temperature. The technique provides good advantage, such as fast response of temperature change on a sample, clear features of recalescence and plateau during freezing, no contamination or no reaction with environment, easy control of supercooling deducing hypercooling limit, and relatively simple analysis of thermodynamic quantities because of only radiative cooling process under vacuum. In this study, we could obtain a hypercooling limit (i.e., maximum supercooling) of liquid Ti, 341 K using the ESL. An accurate ratio of the specific heat to total hemispherical emissivity of liquid Ti was obtained by Stefan-Boltzmann law. Then, the specific heat and total hemispherical emissivity of Ti liquid metal can be estimated with the hypercooling limit and known fusion enthalpy values of Ti, which has been rarely reported.

Topology-generating interfacial pattern formation during liquid metal dealloying

DOE PAGES

Geslin, Pierre -Antoine; McCue, Ian; Gaskey, Bernard; ...

2015-11-19

Liquid metal dealloying has emerged as a novel technique to produce topologically complex nanoporous and nanocomposite structures with ultra-high interfacial area and other unique properties relevant for diverse material applications. This process is empirically known to require the selective dissolution of one element of a multicomponent solid alloy into a liquid metal to obtain desirable structures. However, how structures form is not known. Here we demonstrate, using mesoscale phase-field modelling and experiments, that nano/microstructural pattern formation during dealloying results from the interplay of (i) interfacial spinodal decomposition, forming compositional domain structures enriched in the immiscible element, and (ii) diffusion-coupled growthmore » of the enriched solid phase and the liquid phase into the alloy. We highlight how those two basic mechanisms interact to yield a rich variety of topologically disconnected and connected structures. Furthermore, we deduce scaling laws governing microstructural length scales and dealloying kinetics.« less

Topology-generating interfacial pattern formation during liquid metal dealloying.

PubMed

Geslin, Pierre-Antoine; McCue, Ian; Gaskey, Bernard; Erlebacher, Jonah; Karma, Alain

2015-11-19

Liquid metal dealloying has emerged as a novel technique to produce topologically complex nanoporous and nanocomposite structures with ultra-high interfacial area and other unique properties relevant for diverse material applications. This process is empirically known to require the selective dissolution of one element of a multicomponent solid alloy into a liquid metal to obtain desirable structures. However, how structures form is not known. Here we demonstrate, using mesoscale phase-field modelling and experiments, that nano/microstructural pattern formation during dealloying results from the interplay of (i) interfacial spinodal decomposition, forming compositional domain structures enriched in the immiscible element, and (ii) diffusion-coupled growth of the enriched solid phase and the liquid phase into the alloy. We highlight how those two basic mechanisms interact to yield a rich variety of topologically disconnected and connected structures. Moreover, we deduce scaling laws governing microstructural length scales and dealloying kinetics.

Reactive extraction at liquid-liquid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieszczycka, Karolina

2018-01-01

The chapter summarizes the state of knowledge about a metal transport in two-phase system. The first part of this review focuses on the distribution law and main factors determination in classical solvent extraction (solubility and polarity of the solute, as well as inter- and intramolecules interaction. Next part of the chapter is devoted to the reactive solvent extraction and the molecular modeling requiring knowledge on type of extractants, complexation mechanisms, metals ions speciation and oxidation during complexes forming, and other parameters that enable to understand the extraction process. Also the kinetic data that is needed for proper modeling, simulation and design of processes needed for critical separations are discussed. Extraction at liquid-solid system using solvent impregnated resins is partially identical as in the case of the corresponding solvent extraction, therefore this subject was also presented in all aspects of separation process (equilibrium, mechanism, kinetics).

Electroslag Treatment of Liquid Cast Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grachev, V. A.

2018-01-01

The processes that occur in the liquid metal-slag system during electroslag treatment of cast iron are studied from an electrochemical standpoint. The role of electrolysis in the electroslag process is shown, and a method for producing high-strength cast iron with globular graphite using electrolysis of a slag containing magnesium oxides and fluorides is proposed and tested.

Arc spray fabrication of metal matrix composite monotape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Westfall, L. J. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

Arc metal spraying is used to spray liquid metal onto an array of high strength fibers that were previously wound onto a large drum contained inside a controlled atmosphere chamber. This chamber is first evacuated to remove gaseous contaminants and then backfilled with a neutral gas up to atmospheric pressure. This process is used to produce a large size metal matrix composite monotape.

Method for recovering hydrocarbons from molten metal halides

DOEpatents

Pell, Melvyn B.

1979-01-01

In a process for hydrocracking heavy carbonaceous materials by contacting such carbonaceous materials with hydrogen in the presence of a molten metal halide catalyst to produce hydrocarbons having lower molecular weights and thereafter recovering the hydrocarbons so produced from the molten metal halide, an improvement comprising injecting into the spent molten metal halide, a liquid low-boiling hydrocarbon stream is disclosed.

Investigating Planetesimal Evolution by Experiments with Fe-Ni Metallic Melts: Light Element Composition Effects on Trace Element Partitioning Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chabot, N. L.

2017-12-01

As planetesimals were heated up in the early Solar System, the formation of Fe-Ni metallic melts was a common occurrence. During planetesimal differentiation, the denser Fe-Ni metallic melts separated from the less dense silicate components, though some meteorites suggest that their parent bodies only experienced partial differentiation. If the Fe-Ni metallic melts did form a central metallic core, the core eventually crystallized to a solid, some of which we sample as iron meteorites. In all of these planetesimal evolution processes, the composition of the Fe-Ni metallic melt influenced the process and the resulting trace element chemical signatures. In particular, the metallic melt's "light element" composition, those elements present in the metallic melt in a significant concentration but with lower atomic masses than Fe, can strongly affect trace element partitioning. Experimental studies have provided critical data to determine the effects of light elements in Fe-Ni metallic melts on trace element partitioning behavior. Here I focus on combining numerous experimental results to identify trace elements that provide unique insight into constraining the light element composition of early Solar System Fe-Ni metallic melts. Experimental studies have been conducted at 1 atm in a variety of Fe-Ni systems to investigate the effects of light elements on trace element partitioning behavior. A frequent experimental examination of the effects of light elements in metallic systems involves producing run products with coexisting solid metal and liquid metal phases. Such solid-metal-liquid-metal experiments have been conducted in the Fe-Ni binary system as well as Fe-Ni systems with S, P, and C. Experiments with O-bearing or Si-bearing Fe-Ni metallic melts do not lend themselves to experiments with coexisting solid metal and liquid metal phases, due to the phase diagrams of these elements, but experiments with two immiscible Fe-Ni metallic melts have provided insight into the qualitative effects of O and Si relative to the well-determined effects of S. Together, these experimental studies provide a robust dataset to identify key elements that are predicted to produce distinct chemical signatures as a function of different Fe-Ni metallic melt compositions during planetesimal evolution processes.

A method of measuring a molten metal liquid pool volume

DOEpatents

Garcia, G.V.; Carlson, N.M., Donaldson, A.D.

1990-12-12

A method of measuring a molten metal liquid pool volume and in particular molten titanium liquid pools, including the steps of (a) generating an ultrasonic wave at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, (b) shining a light on the surface of a molten metal liquid pool, (c) detecting a change in the frequency of light, (d) detecting an ultrasonic wave echo at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, and (e) computing the volume of the molten metal liquid. 3 figs.

Thermophysical Property Measurements of Silicon-Transition Metal Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banish, R. Michael; Erwin, William R.; Sansoucie, Michael P.; Lee, Jonghyun; Gave, Matthew A.

2014-01-01

Metals and metallic alloys often have high melting temperatures and highly reactive liquids. Processing reactive liquids in containers can result in significant contamination and limited undercooling. This is particularly true for molten silicon and it alloys. Silicon is commonly termed "the universal solvent". The viscosity, surface tension, and density of several silicon-transition metal alloys were determined using the Electrostatic Levitator system at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The temperature dependence of the viscosity followed an Arrhenius dependence, and the surface tension followed a linear temperature dependence. The density of the melts, including the undercooled region, showed a linear behavior as well. Viscosity and surface tension values were obtain for several of the alloys in the undercooled region.

Liquid phase diffusion bonding of A1070 by using metal formate coated Zn sheet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozawa, K.; Koyama, S.; shohji, I.

2017-05-01

Aluminium alloy have high strength and easily recycle due to its low melting point. Therefore, aluminium is widely used in the manufacturing of cars and electronic devices. In recent years, the most common way for bonding aluminium alloy is brazing and friction stir welding. However, brazing requires positional accuracy and results in the formation of voids by the flax residue. Moreover, aluminium is an excellent heat radiating and electricity conducting material; therefore, it is difficult to bond together using other bonding methods. Because of these limitations, liquid phase diffusion bonding is considered to the suitable method for bonding aluminium at low temperature and low bonding pressure. In this study, the effect of metal formate coating processing of zinc surface on the bond strength of the liquid phase diffusion bonded interface of A1070 has been investigated by SEM observation of the interfacial microstructures and fractured surfaces after tensile test. Liquid phase diffusion bonding was carried out under a nitrogen gas atmosphere at a bonding temperature of 673 K and 713 K and a bonding load of 6 MPa (bonding time: 15 min). As a result of the metal formate coating processing, a joint having the ultimate tensile strength of the base aluminium was provided. It is hypothesized that this is because metallic zinc is generated as a result of thermal decomposition of formate in the bonded interface at lower bonding temperatures.

A sensitivity study of the effects of evaporation/condensation accommodation coefficients on transient heat pipe modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Michael L.; Doster, J. Michael

1990-03-01

The dynamic behavior of liquid metal heat pipe models is strongly influenced by the choice of evaporation and condensation modeling techniques. Classic kinetic theory descriptions of the evaporation and condensation processes are often inadequate for real situations; empirical accommodation coefficients are commonly utilized to reflect nonideal mass transfer rates. The complex geometries and flow fields found in proposed heat pipe systems cause considerable deviation from the classical models. the THROHPUT code, which has been described in previous works, was developed to model transient liquid metal heat pipe behavior from frozen startup conditions to steady state full power operation. It is used here to evaluate the sensitivity of transient liquid metal heat pipe models to the choice of evaporation and condensation accommodation coefficients. Comparisons are made with experimental liquid metal heat pipe data. It is found that heat pipe behavior can be predicted with the proper choice of the accommodation coefficients. However, the common assumption of spatially constant accommodation coefficients is found to be a limiting factor in the model.

Laser-assisted solar cell metallization processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dutta, S.

1984-01-01

Laser-assisted processing techniques utilized to produce the fine line, thin metal grid structures that are required to fabricate high efficiency solar cells are examined. Two basic techniques for metal deposition are investigated; (1) photochemical decomposition of liquid or gas phase organometallic compounds utilizing either a focused, CW ultraviolet laser (System 1) or a mask and ultraviolet flood illumination, such as that provided by a repetitively pulsed, defocused excimer laser (System 2), for pattern definition, and (2) thermal deposition of metals from organometallic solutions or vapors utilizing a focused, CW laser beam as a local heat source to draw the metallization pattern.

Synthesis of electroactive ionic liquids for flow battery applications

DOEpatents

Anderson, Travis Mark; Ingersoll, David; Staiger, Chad; Pratt, Harry

2015-09-01

The present disclosure is directed to synthesizing metal ionic liquids with transition metal coordination cations, where such metal ionic liquids can be used in a flow battery. A cation of a metal ionic liquid includes a transition metal and a ligand coordinated to the transition metal.

OXIDATION-RESISTANT COATING ON ARTICLES OF YTTRIUM METAL

DOEpatents

Wilder, D.R.; Wirkus, C.D.

1963-11-01

A process for protecting yttrium metal from oxidation by applying thereto and firing thereon a liquid suspension of a fritted ground silicate or phosphate glass plus from 5 to 35% by weight of CeO/sub 2/ is presented. (AEC)

Process for desulfurizing petroleum feedstocks

DOEpatents

Gordon, John Howard; Alvare, Javier

2014-06-10

A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400.degree. C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur.

Single domain YBa2Cu3Oy thick films on metallic substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reddy, E. S.; Noudem, J. G.; Goodilin, E. A.; Tarka, M.; Schmitz, G. J.

2003-03-01

The fabrication of single domain YBa2Cu3Oy (123) thick films (10-100 mum) on metallic substrates is reported. The process involves the formation of the 123 phase by a peritectic reaction between an air-brushed dense Y2BaCuO5 (211) layer on a Ag12Pd substrate and infiltrated liquid phases containing barium cuprates and copper oxides. Single domain growth is achieved by seeding the green films with a c-axis oriented NdBa2Cu3Oy crystal prior to processing. The maximum processing temperatures are lowered to 970 °C by modifying the characteristics of the liquid phases meant for infiltration by addition of Ag powder. The fabrication technique, processing conditions for single domain growth and the resulting microstructures are discussed.

Recent applications of liquid metals featuring nanoscale surface oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Taylor V.; Dickey, Michael D.

2016-05-01

This proceeding describes recent efforts from our group to control the shape and actuation of liquid metal. The liquid metal is an alloy of gallium and indium which is non-toxic, has negligible vapor pressure, and develops a thin, passivating surface oxide layer. The surface oxide allows the liquid metal to be patterned and shaped into structures that do not minimize interfacial energy. The surface oxide can be selectively removed by changes in pH or by applying a voltage. The surface oxide allows the liquid metal to be 3D printed to form free-standing structures. It also allows for the liquid metal to be injected into microfluidic channels and to maintain its shape within the channels. The selective removal of the oxide results in drastic changes in surface tension that can be used to control the flow behavior of the liquid metal. The metal can also wet thin, solid films of metal that accelerates droplets of the liquid along the metal traces .Here we discuss the properties and applications of liquid metal to make soft, reconfigurable electronics.

1-D Metal Nanobead Arrays within Encapsulated Nanowires via a Red-Ox-Induced Dewetting: Mechanism Study by Atom-Probe Tomography.

PubMed

Sun, Zhiyuan; Tzaguy, Avra; Hazut, Ori; Lauhon, Lincoln J; Yerushalmi, Roie; Seidman, David N

2017-12-13

Metal nanoparticle arrays are excellent candidates for a variety of applications due to the versatility of their morphology and structure at the nanoscale. Bottom-up self-assembly of metal nanoparticles provides an important complementary alternative to the traditional top-down lithography method and makes it possible to assemble structures with higher-order complexity, for example, nanospheres, nanocubes, and core-shell nanostructures. Here we present a mechanism study of the self-assembly process of 1-D noble metal nanoparticles arrays, composed of Au, Ag, and AuAg alloy nanoparticles. These are prepared within an encapsulated germanium nanowire, obtained by the oxidation of a metal-germanium nanowire hybrid structure. The resulting structure is a 1-D array of equidistant metal nanoparticles with the same diameter, the so-called nanobead (NB) array structure. Atom-probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the details of the morphological and chemical evolution during the oxidation of the encapsulated metal-germanium nanowire hybrid-structures. The self-assembly of nanoparticles relies on the formation of a metal-germanium liquid alloy and the migration of the liquid alloy into the nanowire, followed by dewetting of the liquid during shape-confined oxidation where the liquid column breaks-up into nanoparticles due to the Plateau-Rayleigh instability. Our results demonstrate that the encapsulating oxide layer serves as a structural scaffold, retaining the overall shape during the eutectic liquid formation and demonstrates the relationship between the oxide mechanical properties and the final structural characteristics of the 1-D arrays. The mechanistic details revealed here provide a versatile tool-box for the bottom-up fabrication of 1-D arrays nanopatterning that can be modified for multiple applications according to the RedOx properties of the material system components.

Measurement of dielectric constant of organic solvents by indigenously developed dielectric probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshari, Ajay Kumar; Rao, J. Prabhakar; Rao, C. V. S. Brahmmananda; Ramakrishnan, R.; Ramanarayanan, R. R.

2018-04-01

The extraction, separation and purification of actinides (uranium and plutonium) from various matrices are an important step in nuclear fuel cycle. One of the separation process adopted in an industrial scale is the liquid-liquid extraction or solvent extraction. Liquid-liquid extraction uses a specific ligand/extractant in conjunction with suitable diluent. Solvent extraction or liquid-liquid extraction, involves the partitioning of the solute between two immiscible phases. In most cases, one of the phases is aqueous, and the other one is an organic solvent. The solvent used in solvent extraction should be selective for the metal of interest, it should have optimum distribution ratio, and the loaded metal from the organic phase should be easily stripped under suitable experimental conditions. Some of the important physical properties which are important for the solvent are density, viscosity, phase separation time, interfacial surface tension and the polarity of the extractant.

Flotation of metal-loaded clay anion exchangers. Part II: the case of arsenates.

PubMed

Lazaridis, N K; Hourzemanoglou, A; Matis, K A

2002-04-01

Hydrotalcite-like materials, or otherwise termed layered double hydroxides, are clays with an ability to remove anions. As they usually are in powder form, these sorbents often present appreciable problems in the solid/liquid separation process following the sorption stage. Sorptive flotation of metal-loaded particles was investigated in this paper, as an alternative two-stage process. In the sorption process, satisfactory removals of arsenic(V) were obtained onto synthetic hydrotalcite particles from water. The effect of some parameters, like the solution ionic strength, concentrations, temperature, etc. was examined. During the second stage of the process, hydrotalcite fine particles were removed from the liquid phase by dispersed-air flotation; various surfactants were tested in relation to the ionic strength of the solution. The combined process of sorptive flotation provides promising results for arsenic removal.

Liquid metals: fundamentals and applications in chemistry.

PubMed

Daeneke, T; Khoshmanesh, K; Mahmood, N; de Castro, I A; Esrafilzadeh, D; Barrow, S J; Dickey, M D; Kalantar-Zadeh, K

2018-04-03

Post-transition elements, together with zinc-group metals and their alloys belong to an emerging class of materials with fascinating characteristics originating from their simultaneous metallic and liquid natures. These metals and alloys are characterised by having low melting points (i.e. between room temperature and 300 °C), making their liquid state accessible to practical applications in various fields of physical chemistry and synthesis. These materials can offer extraordinary capabilities in the synthesis of new materials, catalysis and can also enable novel applications including microfluidics, flexible electronics and drug delivery. However, surprisingly liquid metals have been somewhat neglected by the wider research community. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals underlying liquid metal research, including liquid metal synthesis, surface functionalisation and liquid metal enabled chemistry. Furthermore, we discuss phenomena that warrant further investigations in relevant fields and outline how liquid metals can contribute to exciting future applications.

Method of measuring a liquid pool volume

DOEpatents

Garcia, G.V.; Carlson, N.M.; Donaldson, A.D.

1991-03-19

A method of measuring a molten metal liquid pool volume and in particular molten titanium liquid pools is disclosed, including the steps of (a) generating an ultrasonic wave at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, (b) shining a light on the surface of a molten metal liquid pool, (c) detecting a change in the frequency of light, (d) detecting an ultrasonic wave echo at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, and (e) computing the volume of the molten metal liquid. 3 figures.

Method of measuring a liquid pool volume

DOEpatents

Garcia, Gabe V.; Carlson, Nancy M.; Donaldson, Alan D.

1991-01-01

A method of measuring a molten metal liquid pool volume and in particular molten titanium liquid pools, including the steps of (a) generating an ultrasonic wave at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, (b) shining a light on the surface of a molten metal liquid pool, (c) detecting a change in the frequency of light, (d) detecting an ultrasonic wave echo at the surface of the molten metal liquid pool, and (e) computing the volume of the molten metal liquid.

Experimental evidence for the absence of iron isotope fractionation between metal and silicate liquids at 1 GPa and 1250-1300 °C and its cosmochemical consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hin, Remco C.; Schmidt, Max W.; Bourdon, Bernard

2012-09-01

Iron isotope fractionation during metal-silicate differentiation has been proposed as a cause for differences in iron isotope compositions of chondrites, iron meteorites and the bulk silicate Earth. Stable isotope fractionation, however, rapidly decreases with increasing temperature. We have thus performed liquid metal-liquid silicate equilibration experiments at 1250-1300 °C and 1 GPa to address whether Fe isotope fractionation is resolvable at the lowest possible temperatures for magmatic metal-silicate differentiation. A centrifuging piston cylinder apparatus enabled quantitative metal-silicate segregation. Elemental tin or sulphur was used in the synthetic metal-oxide mixtures to lower the melting temperature of the metal. The analyses demonstrate that eight of the 10 experimental systems equilibrated in a closed isotopic system, as was assessed by varying run durations and starting Fe isotope compositions. Statistically significant iron isotope fractionation between quenched metals and silicates was absent in nine of the 10 experiments and all 10 experiments yield an average metal-silicate fractionation factor of 0.01 ± 0.04‰, independent of whether graphite or silica glass capsules were used. This implies that Fe isotopes do not fractionate during low pressure metal-silicate segregation under magmatic conditions. In large bodies such as the Earth, fractionation between metal and high pressure (>20 GPa) silicate phases may still be a possible process for equilibrium fractionation during metal-silicate differentiation. However, the 0.07 ± 0.02‰ heavier composition of bulk magmatic iron meteorites relative to the average of bulk ordinary/carbonaceous chondrites cannot result from equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation during core segregation. The up to 0.5‰ lighter sulphide than metal fraction in iron meteorites and in one ordinary chondrite can only be explained by fractionation during subsolidus processes.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-07-29

Paul Luz (right), an aerospace flight system engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), discusses microgravity research with a visitor at AirVenture 2000. Part of the NASA exhibits included demonstration of knowledge gained from micorgravity research aboard the Space Shuttle. These include liquid metal (Liquid metal demonstrator is three plastic drop tubes at center) and dendritic growth (in front of Luz), both leading to improvements in processes on Earth. The exhibit was part of the NASA outreach activity at AirVenture 2000 sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Investigation of low cost material processes for liquid rocket engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyentat, Thinh; Kawashige, Chester M.; Scala, James G.; Horn, Ronald M.

1993-01-01

The development of low cost material processes is essential to the achievement of economical liquid rocket propulsion systems in the next century. This paper will present the results of the evaluation of some promising material processes including powder metallurgy, vacuum plasma spray, metal spray forming, and bulge forming. The physical and mechanical test results from the samples and subscale hardware fabricated from high strength copper alloys and superalloys will be discussed.

Reversible thermodynamic cycle for AMTEC power conversion. [Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter

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

Vining, C.B.; Williams, R.M.; Underwood, M.L.

1993-10-01

An AMTEC cell, may be described as performing two distinct energy conversion processes: (i) conversion of heat to mechanical energy via a sodium-based heat engine and (ii) conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by utilizing the special properties of the electrolyte material. The thermodynamic cycle appropriate to an alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter cell is discussed for both liquid- and vapor-fed modes of operation, under the assumption that all processes can be performed reversibly. In the liquid-fed mode, the reversible efficiency is greater than 89.6% of Carnot efficiency for heat input and rejection temperatures (900--1,300 and 400--800 K, respectively) typicalmore » of practical devices. Vapor-fed cells can approach the efficiency of liquid-fed cells. Quantitative estimates confirm that the efficiency is insensitive to either the work required to pressurize the sodium liquid or the details of the state changes associated with cooling the low pressure sodium gas to the heat rejection temperature.« less

On Porosity Formation in Metal Matrix Composites Made with Dual-Scale Fiber Reinforcements Using Pressure Infiltration Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Etemadi, Reihaneh; Pillai, Krishna M.; Rohatgi, Pradeep K.; Hamidi, Sajad Ahmad

2015-05-01

This is the first such study on porosity formation phenomena observed in dual-scale fiber preforms during the synthesis of metal matrix composites (MMCs) using the gas pressure infiltration process. In this paper, different mechanisms of porosity formation during pressure infiltration of Al-Si alloys into Nextel™ 3D-woven ceramic fabric reinforcements (a dual-porosity or dual-scale porous medium) are studied. The effect of processing conditions on porosity content of the ceramic fabric infiltrated by the alloys through the gas PIP (PIP stands for "Pressure Infiltration Process" in which liquid metal is injected under pressure into a mold packed with reinforcing fibers.) is investigated. Relative density (RD), defined as the ratio of the actual MMC density and the density obtained at ideal 100 pct saturation of the preform, was used to quantify the overall porosity. Increasing the infiltration temperature led to an increase in RD due to reduced viscosity of liquid metal and enhanced wettability leading to improved feedability of the liquid metal. Similarly, increasing the infiltration pressure led to enhanced penetration of fiber tows and resulted in higher RD and reduced porosity. For the first time, the modified Capillary number ( Ca*), which is found to predict formation of porosity in polymer matrix composites quite well, is employed to study porosity in MMCs made using PIP. It is observed that in the high Ca* regime which is common in PIP, the overall porosity shows a strong downward trend with increasing Ca*. In addition, the effect of matrix shrinkage on porosity content of the samples is studied through using a zero-shrinkage Al-Si alloy as the matrix; usage of this alloy as the matrix led to a reduction in porosity content.

Platinum Partitioning at Low Oxygen Fugacity: Implications for Core Formation Processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medard, E.; Martin, A. M.; Righter, K.; Lanziroti, A.; Newville, M.

2016-01-01

Highly siderophile elements (HSE = Au, Re, and the Pt-group elements) are tracers of silicate / metal interactions during planetary processes. Since most core-formation models involve some state of equilibrium between liquid silicate and liquid metal, understanding the partioning of highly siderophile elements (HSE) between silicate and metallic melts is a key issue for models of core / mantle equilibria and for core formation scenarios. However, partitioning models for HSE are still inaccurate due to the lack of sufficient experimental constraints to describe the variations of partitioning with key variable like temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity. In this abstract, we describe a self-consistent set of experiments aimed at determining the valence of platinum, one of the HSE, in silicate melts. This is a key information required to parameterize the evolution of platinum partitioning with oxygen fugacity.

ECLSS Sustaining Metal Materials Compatibility Final Report, Electrochemical and Crevice Corrosion Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, R. E.

2015-01-01

Electrochemical test results are presented for six noble metals evaluated in two acidic test solutions which are representative of waste liquids processed in the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The two test solutions consisted of fresh waste liquid which had been modified with a proposed or alternate pretreatment formulation and its associated brine concentrate. The six test metals included three titanium grades, (Commercially Pure, 6Al-4V alloy and 6Al-4V Low Interstitial alloy), two nickel-chromium alloys (Inconel® 625 and Hastelloy® C276), and one high tier stainless steel (Cronidur® 30).

Liquid metal thermal electric converter

DOEpatents

Abbin, Joseph P.; Andraka, Charles E.; Lukens, Laurance L.; Moreno, James B.

1989-01-01

A liquid metal thermal electric converter which converts heat energy to electrical energy. The design of the liquid metal thermal electric converter incorporates a unique configuration which directs the metal fluid pressure to the outside of the tube which results in the structural loads in the tube to be compressive. A liquid metal thermal electric converter refluxing boiler with series connection of tubes and a multiple cell liquid metal thermal electric converter are also provided.

Use of a CCD camera for the thermographic study of a transient liquid phase bonding process in steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, Eduardo H.; Epelbaum, Carlos; Carnero, Angel; Arcondo, Bibiana

2001-03-01

The bonding of steel pieces and the development of novel soldering methods, appropriate to the extended variety of applications of steels nowadays, bring the sensing of temperature an outstanding role in any metallurgical process. Transient liquid phase bonding (TLPB) processes have been successfully employed to join metals, among them steels. A thin layer of metal A, with a liquids temperature TLA, is located between two pieces of metal B, with a liquids temperature TLB higher than TLA. The joining zone is heated up to a temperature T(TLA

Oscillatory vapour shielding of liquid metal walls in nuclear fusion devices.

PubMed

van Eden, G G; Kvon, V; van de Sanden, M C M; Morgan, T W

2017-08-04

Providing an efficacious plasma facing surface between the extreme plasma heat exhaust and the structural materials of nuclear fusion devices is a major challenge on the road to electricity production by fusion power plants. The performance of solid plasma facing surfaces may become critically reduced over time due to progressing damage accumulation. Liquid metals, however, are now gaining interest in solving the challenge of extreme heat flux hitting the reactor walls. A key advantage of liquid metals is the use of vapour shielding to reduce the plasma exhaust. Here we demonstrate that this phenomenon is oscillatory by nature. The dynamics of a Sn vapour cloud are investigated by exposing liquid Sn targets to H and He plasmas at heat fluxes greater than 5 MW m -2 . The observations indicate the presence of a dynamic equilibrium between the plasma and liquid target ruled by recombinatory processes in the plasma, leading to an approximately stable surface temperature.Vapour shielding is one of the interesting mechanisms for reducing the heat load to plasma facing components in fusion reactors. Here the authors report on the observation of a dynamic equilibrium between the plasma and the divertor liquid Sn surface leading to an overall stable surface temperature.

Liquid-Arc/Spark-Excitation Atomic-Emission Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schlagen, Kenneth J.

1992-01-01

Constituents of solutions identified in situ. Liquid-arc/spark-excitation atomic-emission spectroscopy (LAES) is experimental variant of atomic-emission spectroscopy in which electric arc or spark established in liquid and spectrum of light from arc or spark analyzed to identify chemical elements in liquid. Observations encourage development of LAES equipment for online monitoring of process streams in such industries as metal plating, electronics, and steel, and for online monitoring of streams affecting environment.

Electrically induced reorganization phenomena of liquid metal film printed on biological skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Cangran; Yi, Liting; Yu, Yang; Liu, Jing

2016-12-01

Liquid metal has been demonstrated to be directly printable on biological skin as physiological measurement elements. However, many fundamental issues remained unclear so far. Here, we disclosed an intriguing phenomenon of electrically induced reorganization of liquid metal film. According to the experiments, when applying an external electric field to liquid metal films which were spray printed on biological skin, it would induce unexpected transformations of the liquid metals among different morphologies and configurations. These include shape shift from a large liquid metal film into a tiny sphere and contraction of liquid metal pool into spherical one. For comprehensively understanding the issues, the impacts of the size, voltage, orientations of the liquid metal electrodes, etc., were clarified. Further, effects of various substrates such as in vitro skin and in vivo skin affecting the liquid metal transformations were experimentally investigated. Compared to the intact tissues, the contraction magnitude of the liquid metal electrode appears weaker on in vivo skin of nude mice under the same electric field. The mechanisms lying behind such phenomena were interpreted through theoretical modeling. Lastly, typical applications of applying the current effect into practical elements such as electrical gating devices were also illustrated as an example. The present findings have both fundamental and practical values, which would help design future technical strategies in fabricating electronically controlled liquid metal electronics on skin.

INEL Spray-forming Research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mchugh, Kevin M.; Key, James F.

1993-01-01

Spray forming is a near-net-shape fabrication technology in which a spray of finely atomized liquid droplets is deposited onto a suitably shaped substrate or mold to produce a coherent solid. The technology offers unique opportunities for simplifying materials processing without sacrificing, and oftentimes substantially improving, product quality. Spray forming can be performed with a wide range of metals and nonmetals, and offers property improvements resulting from rapid solidification (e.g., refined microstructures, extended solid solubilities and reduced segregation). Economic benefits result from process simplification and the elimination of unit operations. Researchers at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) are developing spray-forming technology for producing near-net-shape solids and coatings of a variety of metals, polymers, and composite materials. Results from several spray forming programs are presented to illustrate the range of capabilities of the technique as well as the accompanying technical and economic benefits. Low-carbon steel strip greater than 0.75 mm thick and polymer membranes for gas/gas and liquid/liquid separations that were spray formed are discussed; recent advances in spray forming molds, dies, and other tooling using low-melting-point metals are described.

Stabilizing electrochemical interfaces in viscoelastic liquid electrolytes

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Electrodeposition is a widely practiced method for creating metal, colloidal, and polymer coatings on conductive substrates. In the Newtonian liquid electrolytes typically used, the process is fundamentally unstable. The underlying instabilities have been linked to failure of microcircuits, dendrite formation on battery electrodes, and overlimiting conductance in ion-selective membranes. We report that viscoelastic electrolytes composed of semidilute solutions of very high–molecular weight neutral polymers suppress these instabilities by multiple mechanisms. The voltage window ΔV in which a liquid electrolyte can operate free of electroconvective instabilities is shown to be markedly extended in viscoelastic electrolytes and is a power-law function, ΔV : η1/4, of electrolyte viscosity, η. This power-law relation is replicated in the resistance to ion transport at liquid/solid interfaces. We discuss consequences of our observations and show that viscoelastic electrolytes enable stable electrodeposition of many metals, with the most profound effects observed for reactive metals, such as sodium and lithium. This finding is of contemporary interest for high-energy electrochemical energy storage. PMID:29582017

Recovery of Macro and Micro-Nutrients by Hydrothermal Carbonization of Septage.

PubMed

McGaughy, Kyle; Reza, M Toufiq

2018-02-28

In this study, septic tank waste (i.e., septage) was hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) in order to recover macro and micronutrients, while tracking the fate of residual heavy metals. Three different HTC temperatures (i.e., 180, 220, and 260 °C) at autogenous pressures and two reaction times (i.e., 30 and 120 min) were applied on both solid and liquid septages. Hydrochar and HTC process liquids were characterized using ICP, CHNS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Treatment at 260 °C for 120 min maximized ammonia recovery, producing a liquid with 1400 mg/L of ammonia. Overall, about 70% of available nitrogen ended up in the liquid phase as nitrate or ammonia. Solid hydrochars show potential for fertilizer use, with high phosphorus content of 100-130 kg/tonne. It was found that heavy metals mainly remained in the solid phase, although the concentrations of heavy metals are mostly lower than U.S. EPA regulation for biosolids with the exception of selenium.

Fabrication of magnetic nano liquid metal fluid through loading of Ni nanoparticles into gallium or its alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Mingfeng; Gao, Yunxia; Liu, Jing

2014-03-01

In this study, Ni nanoparticles were loaded into the partially oxidized gallium and its alloys to fabricate desired magnetic nanofluid. It was disclosed that the Ni nanoparticles sharply increased the freezing temperature and latent heat of the obtained magnetic nano liquid metal fluid, while the melting process was less affected. For the gallium sample added with 10 vol% coated Ni particles, a hysteresis loop was observed and the magnetization intensity decreased with the increase of the temperature. The slope for the magnetization-temperature curve within 10-30 K was about 20 times of that from 40 K to 400 K. Further, the dynamic impact experiments of striking magnetic liquid metal droplets on the magnet revealed that the regurgitating of the leading edge of the liquid disk and the subsequent wave that often occurred in the gallium-indium droplets would disappear for the magnetic fluids case due to attraction force of the magnet.

Simultaneous Evaporation of Cu and Sn from Liquid Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sung-Hoon; Kang, Youn-Bae

2016-08-01

In order to understand evaporation refining of tramp elements in molten ferrous scrap, Cu and Sn, a series of experiments were carried out using liquid-gas reaction in a levitation melting equipment. Effect of S and C, which are abundant in hot metal from ironmaking process, was examined and analyzed by employing a comprehensive evaporation kinetic model developed by the present authors (Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:250-258, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:259-266, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:267-277, 2014; Jung and Kang in Metall Mater Trans B 10.1007/s11663-016-0601-5, 2016). Evaporation of Cu and Sn were treated by evaporation of individual species such as Cu(g), CuS(g), Sn(g), and SnS(g), along with CS2(g). Decrease of Cu and Sn content in liquid steel was in good agreement with the model prediction. Optimum conditions of steel composition for the rapid evaporation of Cu and Sn were proposed by utilizing the model predictions.

Friction and wear of selected metals and of carbons in liquid natural gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wisander, D. W.

1971-01-01

Friction and wear experiments were conducted with hemispherically tipped (4.76-mm radius) rider specimens in sliding contact with a rotating disk submerged in liquid natural gas (LNG). The program included metal combinations and carbon-metal combinations. These experiments revealed that the metal combinations were not lubricated by the LNG. Carbons had much lower wear in LNG than in liquid hydrogen or in liquid nitrogen. (Wear of carbon in liquid hydrogen was 100 times that in LNG.) The friction coefficients obtained in LNG (0.6 for metal-metal and 0.2 for carbon-metal) are similar to those obtained in liquid hydrogen.

Method for converting uranium oxides to uranium metal

DOEpatents

Duerksen, Walter K.

1988-01-01

A process is described for converting scrap and waste uranium oxide to uranium metal. The uranium oxide is sequentially reduced with a suitable reducing agent to a mixture of uranium metal and oxide products. The uranium metal is then converted to uranium hydride and the uranium hydride-containing mixture is then cooled to a temperature less than -100.degree. C. in an inert liquid which renders the uranium hydride ferromagnetic. The uranium hydride is then magnetically separated from the cooled mixture. The separated uranium hydride is readily converted to uranium metal by heating in an inert atmosphere. This process is environmentally acceptable and eliminates the use of hydrogen fluoride as well as the explosive conditions encountered in the previously employed bomb-reduction processes utilized for converting uranium oxides to uranium metal.

Materials technology for Stirling space power converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baggenstoss, William; Mittendorf, Donald

1992-01-01

This program was conducted in support of the NASA LeRC development of the Stirling power converter (SPC) for space power applications. The objectives of this contract were: (1) to perform a technology review and analyses to support the evaluation of materials issues for the SPC; (2) to evaluate liquid metal compatibility issues of the SPC; (3) to evaluate and define a transient liquid phase diffusion bonding (TLPDB) process for the SPC joints to the Udimet 720 heater head; and (4) to evaluate alternative (to the TLPDB) joining techniques. In the technology review, several aspects of the current Stirling design were examined including the power converter assembly process, materials joining, gas bearings, and heat exchangers. The supporting analyses included GLIMPS power converter simulation in support of the materials studies, and system level analysis in support of the technology review. The liquid metal compatibility study evaluated process parameters for use in the Stirling power converter. The alternative joining techniques study looked at the applicability of various joining techniques to the Stirling power converter requirements.

Leaching Studies for Copper and Solder Alloy Recovery from Shredded Particles of Waste Printed Circuit Boards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavousi, Maryam; Sattari, Anahita; Alamdari, Eskandar Keshavarz; Fatmehsari, Davoud Haghshenas

2018-03-01

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprise various metals such as Cu, Sn, and Pb, as well as platinum group metals. The recovery of metals from PCBs is important not only due to the waste treatment but also for recycling of valuable metals. In the present work, the leaching process of Cu, Sn, and Pb from PCBs was studied using fluoroboric acid and hydrogen peroxide as the leaching agent and oxidant, respectively. Pertinent factors including concentration of acid, temperature, liquid-solid ratio, and concentration of oxidizing agent were evaluated. The results showed 99 pct of copper and 90 pct solder alloy were dissolved at a temperature of 298 K (25 °C) for 180 minutes using 0.6 M HBF4 for the particle size range of 0.15 to 0.4 mm. Moreover, solid/liquid ratio had insignificant effect on the recovery of metals. Kinetics analysis revealed that the chemical control regime governs the process with activation energy 41.25 and 38.9 kJ/mol for copper and lead leaching reactions, respectively.

Leaching Studies for Copper and Solder Alloy Recovery from Shredded Particles of Waste Printed Circuit Boards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavousi, Maryam; Sattari, Anahita; Alamdari, Eskandar Keshavarz; Fatmehsari, Davoud Haghshenas

2018-06-01

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprise various metals such as Cu, Sn, and Pb, as well as platinum group metals. The recovery of metals from PCBs is important not only due to the waste treatment but also for recycling of valuable metals. In the present work, the leaching process of Cu, Sn, and Pb from PCBs was studied using fluoroboric acid and hydrogen peroxide as the leaching agent and oxidant, respectively. Pertinent factors including concentration of acid, temperature, liquid-solid ratio, and concentration of oxidizing agent were evaluated. The results showed 99 pct of copper and 90 pct solder alloy were dissolved at a temperature of 298 K (25 °C) for 180 minutes using 0.6 M HBF4 for the particle size range of 0.15 to 0.4 mm. Moreover, solid/liquid ratio had insignificant effect on the recovery of metals. Kinetics analysis revealed that the chemical control regime governs the process with activation energy 41.25 and 38.9 kJ/mol for copper and lead leaching reactions, respectively.

Thermal Design, Analysis, and Testing of the Quench Module Insert Bread Board

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breeding Shawn; Khodabandeh, Julia; Turner, Larry D. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The science requirements for materials processing is to provide the desired PI requirements of thermal gradient, solid/liquid interface front velocity for a given processing temperature desired by the PI. Processing is performed by translating the furnace with the sample in a stationary position to minimize any disturbances to the solid/liquid interface front during steady state processing. Typical sample materials for this metals and alloys furnace are lead-tin alloys, lead-antimony alloys, and aluminum alloys. Samples must be safe to process and therefore typically are contained with hermetically sealed cartridge tubes (gas tight) with inner ceramic liners (liquid tight) to prevent contamination and/or reaction of the sample material with the cartridge tube.

Process for the manufacture of seamless metal-clad fiber-reinforced organic matrix composite structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluck, Raymond M. (Inventor); Bush, Harold G. (Inventor); Johnson, Robert R. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A process for producing seamless metal-clad composite structures includes providing a hollow, metallic inner member and an outer sleeve to surround the inner member and define an inner space therebetween. A plurality of continuous reinforcing fibers is attached to the distal end of the outside diameter of the inner member, and the inner member is then introduced, distal end first, into one end of the outer sleeve. The inner member is then moved, distal end first, into the outer sleeve until the inner member is completely enveloped by the outer sleeve. A liquid matrix material is then injected into the space containing the reinforcing fibers between the inner member and the outer sleeve. Next a pressurized heat transfer medium is passed through the inner member to cure the liquid matrix material. Finally, the wall thickness of both the inner member and the outer sleeve are reduced to desired dimensions by chemical etching, which adjusts the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal-clad composite structure to a desired value.

Core Formation Process and Light Elements in the Planetary Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtani, E.; Sakairi, T.; Watanabe, K.; Kamada, S.; Sakamaki, T.; Hirao, N.

2015-12-01

Si, O, and S are major candidates for light elements in the planetary core. In the early stage of the planetary formation, the core formation started by percolation of the metallic liquid though silicate matrix because Fe-S-O and Fe-S-Si eutectic temperatures are significantly lower than the solidus of the silicates. Therefore, in the early stage of accretion of the planets, the eutectic liquid with S enrichment was formed and separated into the core by percolation. The major light element in the core at this stage will be sulfur. The internal pressure and temperature increased with the growth of the planets, and the metal component depleted in S was molten. The metallic melt contained both Si and O at high pressure in the deep magma ocean in the later stage. Thus, the core contains S, Si, and O in this stage of core formation. Partitioning experiments between solid and liquid metals indicate that S is partitioned into the liquid metal, whereas O is weakly into the liquid. Partitioning of Si changes with the metallic iron phases, i.e., fcc iron-alloy coexisting with the metallic liquid below 30 GPa is depleted in Si. Whereas hcp-Fe alloy above 30 GPa coexisting with the liquid favors Si. This contrast of Si partitioning provides remarkable difference in compositions of the solid inner core and liquid outer core among different terrestrial planets. Our melting experiments of the Fe-S-Si and Fe-O-S systems at high pressure indicate the core-adiabats in small planets, Mercury and Mars, are greater than the slope of the solidus and liquidus curves of these systems. Thus, in these planets, the core crystallized at the top of the liquid core and 'snowing core' formation occurred during crystallization. The solid inner core is depleted in both Si and S whereas the liquid outer core is relatively enriched in Si and S in these planets. On the other hand, the core adiabats in large planets, Earth and Venus, are smaller than the solidus and liquidus curves of the systems. The inner core of these planets crystallized at the center of the core and it has the relatively Si rich inner core and the S enriched outer core. Based on melting and solid-liquid partitioning, the equation of state, and sound velocity of iron-light element alloys, we examined the plausible distribution of light elements in the liquid outer and solid inner cores of the terrestrial planets.

Fission Chain Restart Theory

DOE PAGES

Kim, K. S.; Nakae, L. F.; Prasad, M. K.; ...

2017-07-31

We present that fast nanosecond timescale neutron and gamma-ray counting can be performed with a (liquid) scintillator array. Fission chains in metal evolve over a timescale of tens of nanoseconds. If the metal is surrounded by moderator, neutrons leaking from the metal can thermalize and diffuse in the moderator. With finite probability, the diffusing neutrons can return to the metal and restart the fast fission chain. The timescale for this restart process is microseconds. A theory describing time evolving fission chains for metal surrounded by moderator, including this restart process, is presented. Finally, this theory is sufficiently simple for itmore » to be implemented for real-time analysis.« less

New impact sensitivity test of liquid explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiutiaev, Andrei; Trebunskih, Valeri

The sensitivity of liquid explosive in the presence of gas bubbles increases many times as compared with the liquid without gas bubbles. Local hot spot in this case formed as a result of compression and heating of the gas inside the bubbles. If we consider that in the liquid as a result of convection, wave motion, shock, etc. gas bubbles are easily generated, the need to develop a method for determining sensitivity of liquid explosives to impact and a detailed study of the ignition explosives with bubbles is obvious. On a mathematical model of a single steam bubbles in the fluid theoretically considered the process of initiating explosive liquid systems to impact. For the experimental investigation, the well-known K-44 -II with the metal cap were used. Instead of the metal cap in the standard method in this paper there was polyurethane foam cylindrical container with LHE, which is easily deforms by impact. A large number of tests with different liquid explosives were made. It was found that the test LHE to impact with polyurethane foam to a large extent reflect the real mechanical sensitivity due to the small loss of impact energy on the deformation of the metal cap, as well as the best differentiation LHE sensitivity due to the higher resolution method . Results obtained in the samara state technical university.

Critical Issues for Producing UHTC-Brazed Joints: Wetting and Reactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passerone, A.; Muolo, M. L.; Valenza, F.

2016-08-01

A brief survey is presented of the most important interaction phenomena occurring at the solid-liquid interfaces in metal-ceramic systems at high temperatures, with special attention to the most recent developments concerning wetting and joining transition metals diborides. These phenomena are described and discussed from both the experimental and theoretical points of view in relation to joining ceramic and metal-ceramic systems by means of processes in the presence of a liquid phase (brazing, TLPB etc.). It is shown that wetting and the formation of interfacial dissolution regions are the results of the competition between different phenomena: dissolution of the ceramic in the liquid phase, reaction and formation of new phases at the solid-liquid interface, and drop spreading along the substrate surface. We emphasize the role of phase diagrams to support both the design of the experiments and the choice of active alloying elements, and to interpret the evolution of the system in relation to temperature and composition. In this respect, the sessile-drop technique has been shown to be helpful in assessing critical points of newly calculated phase diagrams. These studies are essential for the design of joining processes, for the creation of composite materials, and are of a particular relevance when applied to UHTC materials.

Characteristics of the boat inductor for keeping liquid metal in the suspended state

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogel, A. A.; Siforova, T. A.; Mezdrogina, M. M.

1985-01-01

Characteristics of the boat inductor for keeping liquid metal in the suspended state are examined. Behavioral features of the liquid metal, and the suspension boundary of liquid metal in the lower position are discussed. It is concluded that the inductor can be used to crystallize metals in the suspended state.

Energy driven self-organization in nanoscale metallic liquid films.

PubMed

Krishna, H; Shirato, N; Favazza, C; Kalyanaraman, R

2009-10-01

Nanometre thick metallic liquid films on inert substrates can spontaneously dewet and self-organize into complex nanomorphologies and nanostructures with well-defined length scales. Nanosecond pulses of an ultraviolet laser can capture the dewetting evolution and ensuing nanomorphologies, as well as introduce dramatic changes to dewetting length scales due to the nanoscopic nature of film heating. Here, we show theoretically that the self-organization principle, based on equating the rate of transfer of thermodynamic free energy to rate of loss in liquid flow, accurately describes the spontaneous dewetting. Experimental measurements of laser dewetting of Ag and Co liquid films on SiO(2) substrates confirm this principle. This energy transfer approach could be useful for analyzing the behavior of nanomaterials and chemical processes in which spontaneous changes are important.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McHugh, K. M.; Key, J. F.

1994-06-01

Spray forming is a near- net- shape fabrication technology in which a spray of finely atomized liquid droplets is deposited onto a suitably shaped substrate or pattern to produce a coherent solid. The technology offers unique opportunities for simplifying materials processing, often while substantially improving product quality. Spray forming is applicable to a wide range of metals and nonmetals and offers property improvements resulting from rapid solidification (e.g., refined microstructures, extended solid solubilities, and reduced segregation). Economic benefits result from process simplification and the elimination of unit operations. Researchers at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) are developing spray forming technology for producing near- net- shape solids and coatings of a variety of metals, polymers, and composite materials using de Laval nozzles. This article briefly describes the atomization behavior of liquid metals in linear de Laval nozzles and illustrates the versatility of the process by summarizing results from two spray forming programs. In one program, low-carbon steel strip >0.75 mm thick was produced; in the other, polymer membranes ˜5 μm thick were spray formed.

Formation of microporous NiTi by transient liquid phase sintering of elemental powders.

PubMed

Ismail, Muhammad Hussain; Goodall, Russell; Davies, Hywel A; Todd, Iain

2012-08-01

Porous metallic structures are attractive for biomedical implant applications as their open porosity simultaneously improves the degree of fixation and decreases the mismatch in stiffness between bone and implant, improving bonding and reducing stress-shielding effects respectively. NiTi alloys exhibit both the shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity, and are of particular interest, though they pose substantial problems in their processing. This is because the shape memory and pseudoelastic behaviours are exceptionally sensitive to the presence of oxygen, and other minor changes in alloy chemistry. Thus in processing careful control of composition and contamination is vital. In this communication, we investigate these issues in a novel technique for producing porous NiTi parts via transient liquid phase sintering following metal injection moulding (MIM) of elemental Ni and Ti powders, and report a new mechanism for pore formation in the powder processing of metallic materials from elemental powders. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FORMING PROTECTIVE FILMS ON METAL

DOEpatents

Gurinsky, D.H.; Kammerer, O.F.; Sadofsky, J.; Weeks, J.R.

1958-12-16

Methods are described of inhibiting the corrosion of ferrous metal by contact with heavy liquid metals such as bismuth and gallium at temperatures above 500 icient laborato C generally by bringing nltrogen and either the metal zirconium, hafnium, or titanium into reactlve contact with the ferrous metal to form a thin adherent layer of the nitride of the metal and thereafter maintaining a fractional percentage of the metal absorbed in the heavy liquid metal in contact with the ferrous metal container. The general purpose for uslng such high boiling liquid metals in ferrous contalners would be as heat transfer agents in liquid-metal-fueled nuclear reactors.

Use of silicon in liquid sintered silicon nitrides and sialons

DOEpatents

Raj, Rishi; Baik, Sunggi

1984-12-11

This invention relates to the production of improved high density nitrogen based ceramics by liquid-phase densification of silicon nitride or a compound of silicon-nitrogen-oxygen-metal, e.g. a sialon. In the process and compositions of the invention minor amounts of finely divided silicon are employed together with the conventional liquid phase producing additives to enhance the densification of the resultant ceramic.

Calculations of the surface tensions of liquid metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stroud, D. G.

1981-01-01

The understanding of the surface tension of liquid metals and alloys from as close to first principles as possible is discussed. The two ingredients which are combined in these calculations are: the electron theory of metals, and the classical theory of liquids, as worked out within the framework of statistical mechanics. The results are a new theory of surface tensions and surface density profiles from knowledge purely of the bulk properties of the coexisting liquid and vapor phases. It is found that the method works well for the pure liquid metals on which it was tested; work is extended to mixtures of liquid metals, interfaces between immiscible liquid metals, and to the temperature derivative of the surface tension.

Liquid metal cold trap

DOEpatents

Hundal, Rolv

1976-01-01

A cold trap assembly for removing impurities from a liquid metal being provided with a hole between the incoming impure liquid metal and purified outgoing liquid metal which acts as a continuous bleed means and thus prevents the accumulation of cover gases within the cold trap assembly.

Liquid metal anode x-ray tubes: interesting, but are they useful?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harding, Geoffrey

2004-10-01

An analysis is presented of factors affecting the specific loadability (W mm-2 K-1) of electron impact liquid metal anode x-ray sources (LIMAX). It is shown that in general, the limit to loadability is set by energy deposited in the electron window by inelastic electron scattering. Removal of this energy through convection cooling by the liquid metal stream represents the least efficient thermal transport process in LIMAX. As the electron window energy loss is approximately inversely proportional to the electron beam energy, the power loadability of a LIMAX source operated under otherwise constant conditions scales roughly with the square of the tube voltage. A comparison of the loadability of the liquid metal anode x-ray concept to conventional stationary anode x-ray tubes demonstrates the superiority of the former. The utility of LIMAX-based computed tomography in the field of air cargo container inspection is briefly discussed. In particular its characteristics relative to linac-based air cargo container inspection are highlighted: these include a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR); compact radiation shielding and collimation; reduced detector cross-talk; improved image contrast; and the possibility of combining container CT with material-specific alarm resolution capability based on x-ray diffraction tomography.

Liquid Metal Embrittlement in Resistance Spot Welding and Hot Tensile Tests of Surface-refined TWIP Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barthelmie, J.; Schram, A.; Wesling, V.

2016-03-01

Automotive industry strives to reduce vehicle weight and therefore fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Especially in the auto body, material light weight construction is practiced, but the occupant safety must be ensured. These requirements demand high-strength steels with good forming and crash characteristics. Such an approach is the use of high- manganese-content TWIP steels, which achieve strengths of around 1,000 MPa and fracture strains of more than 60%. Welding surface-refined TWIP steels reduces their elongation at break and produces cracks due to the contact with liquid metal and the subsequent liquid metal embrittlement (LME). The results of resistance spot welds of mixed joints of high-manganese- content steel in combination with micro-alloyed ferritic steel and hot tensile tests are presented. The influence of different welding parameters on the sensitivity to liquid metal embrittlement is investigated by means of spot welding. In a high temperature tensile testing machine, the influence of different parameters is determined regardless of the welding process. Defined strains just below or above the yield point, and at 25% of elongation at break, show the correlation between the applied strain and liquid metal crack initiation. Due to the possibility to carry out tensile tests on a wide range of temperatures, dependencies of different temperatures of the zinc coating to the steel can be identified. Furthermore, the attack time of the zinc on the base material is investigated by defined heating periods.

Dewetting kinetics of metallic liquid films: Competition between unbalanced Young's force and dissolutive reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Gui; Lin, Lin; Hui, Sheng; Wang, Shuo-Lin; Wang, Xiao-Dong; Lee, Duu-Jong

2017-11-01

Dewetting kinetics of Al and NiAl metallic liquid films on NiAl (1 0 0) substrates was studied using molecular dynamics simulations. A new dewetting-spreading transitional behavior was observed for high temperature dewetting. The dewetting-spreading transition comes from the competition between unbalanced Young's force and dissolutive reaction. Without dissolutive reaction, liquid films keep dewetting, but immediately turn into spreading when the dissolutive reaction involved. The dissolutive reaction depends on the initial Ni atom contents rather than the contact areas of dewetting films. The far-away-from saturated Ni content is the main mechanism which accelerates the wetting and reverses the dewetting process at high temperatures.

Dynamics of solid nanoparticles near a liquid-liquid interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daher, Ali; Ammar, Amine; Hijazi, Abbas

2018-05-01

The liquid - liquid interface can be used as a suitable medium for generating some nanostructured films of metals, or inorganic materials such as semi conducting metals. This process can be controlled well if we study the dynamics of nanoparticles (NPs) at the liquid-liquid interface which is a new field of study, and is not understood well yet. The dynamics of NPs at liquid-liquid interfaces is investigated by solving the fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions. Our work is based on the Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation in addition to Phase Field (PF) method. We modeled the liquid-liquid interface using the diffuse interface model, where the interface is considered to have a characteristic thickness. We have shown that the concentration gradient of one fluid in the other gives rise to a hydrodynamic force that drives the NPs to agglomerate at the interface. These obtained results may introduce new applications where certain interfaces can be considered to be suitable mediums for the synthesis of nanostructured materials. In addition, some liquid interfaces can play the role of effective filters for different species of biological NPs and solid state waste NPs, which will be very important in many industrial and biomedical domains.

Process for preparing superconducting film having substantially uniform phase development

DOEpatents

Bharacharya, Raghuthan; Parilla, Philip A.; Blaugher, Richard D.

1995-01-01

A process for preparing a superconducting film, such as a thallium-barium-calcium-copper oxide superconducting film, having substantially uniform phase development. The process comprises providing an electrodeposition bath having one or more soluble salts of one or more respective potentially superconducting metals in respective amounts adequate to yield a superconducting film upon subsequent appropriate treatment. Should all of the metals required for producing a superconducting film not be made available in the bath, such metals can be a part of the ambient during a subsequent annealing process. A soluble silver salt in an amount between about 0.1% and about 4.0% by weight of the provided other salts is also provided to the bath, and the bath is electrically energized to thereby form a plated film. The film is annealed in ambient conditions suitable to cause formation of a superconductor film. Doping with silver reduces the temperature at which the liquid phase appears during the annealing step, initiates a liquid phase throughout the entire volume of deposited material, and influences the nucleation and growth of the deposited material.

Process for preparing superconducting film having substantially uniform phase development

DOEpatents

Bharacharya, R.; Parilla, P.A.; Blaugher, R.D.

1995-12-19

A process is disclosed for preparing a superconducting film, such as a thallium-barium-calcium-copper oxide superconducting film, having substantially uniform phase development. The process comprises providing an electrodeposition bath having one or more soluble salts of one or more respective potentially superconducting metals in respective amounts adequate to yield a superconducting film upon subsequent appropriate treatment. Should all of the metals required for producing a superconducting film not be made available in the bath, such metals can be a part of the ambient during a subsequent annealing process. A soluble silver salt in an amount between about 0.1% and about 4.0% by weight of the provided other salts is also provided to the bath, and the bath is electrically energized to thereby form a plated film. The film is annealed in ambient conditions suitable to cause formation of a superconductor film. Doping with silver reduces the temperature at which the liquid phase appears during the annealing step, initiates a liquid phase throughout the entire volume of deposited material, and influences the nucleation and growth of the deposited material. 3 figs.

Ultrafast dynamics of electrons in ammonia.

PubMed

Vöhringer, Peter

2015-04-01

Solvated electrons were first discovered in solutions of metals in liquid ammonia. The physical and chemical properties of these species have been studied extensively for many decades using an arsenal of electrochemical, spectroscopic, and theoretical techniques. Yet, in contrast to their hydrated counterpart, the ultrafast dynamics of ammoniated electrons remained completely unexplored until quite recently. Femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy on metal-ammonia solutions and femtosecond multiphoton ionization spectroscopy on the neat ammonia solvent have provided new insights into the optical properties and the reactivities of this fascinating species. This article reviews the nature of the optical transition, which gives the metal-ammonia solutions their characteristic blue appearance, in terms of ultrafast relaxation processes involving bound and continuum excited states. The recombination processes following the injection of an electron via photoionization of the solvent are discussed in the context of the electronic structure of the liquid and the anionic defect associated with the solvated electron.

Chemical and physical aspects of refining coal liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Y. T.; Stiegel, G. J.; Krishnamurthy, S.

1981-02-01

Increasing costs and declining reserves of petroleum are forcing oil importing countries to develop alternate energy sources. The direct liquefaction of coal is currently being investigated as a viable means of producing substitute liquid fuels. The coal liquids derived from such processes are typically high in nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur besides having a high aromatic and metals content. It is therefore envisaged that modifications to existing petroleum refining technology will be necessary in order to economically upgrade coal liquids. In this review, compositional data for various coal liquids are presented and compared with those for petroleum fuels. Studies reported on the stability of coal liquids are discussed. The feasibility of processing blends of coal liquids with petroleum feedstocks in existing refineries is evaluated. The chemistry of hydroprocessing is discussed through kinetic and mechanistic studies using compounds which are commonly detected in coal liquids. The pros and cons of using conventional petroleum refining catalysts for upgrading coal liquids are discussed.

40 CFR Table 4 to Subpart Uuuuu of... - Operating Limits for EGUs

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...-mercury HAP metals (total HAP metals, for liquid oil-fired units), or individual non-mercury HAP metals... demonstrating compliance with the filterable PM, total non-mercury HAP metals (total HAP metals, for liquid oil-fired units), or individual non-mercury HAP metals (individual HAP metals including Hg, for liquid oil...

40 CFR Table 4 to Subpart Uuuuu of... - Operating Limits for EGUs

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...-mercury HAP metals (total HAP metals, for liquid oil-fired units), or individual non-mercury HAP metals... demonstrating compliance with the filterable PM, total non-mercury HAP metals (total HAP metals, for liquid oil-fired units), or individual non-mercury HAP metals (individual HAP metals including Hg, for liquid oil...

PROCESS FOR SEPARATING PLUTONIUM BY REPEATED PRECIPITATION WITH AMPHOTERIC HYDROXIDE CARRIERS

DOEpatents

Faris, B.F.

1960-04-01

A multiple carrier precipitation method is described for separating and recovering plutonium from an aqueous solution. The hydroxide of an amphoteric metal is precipitated in an aqueous plutonium-containing solution. This precipitate, which carries plutonium, is then separated from the supernatant liquid and dissolved in an aqueous hydroxide solution, forming a second plutonium- containing solution. lons of an amphoteric metal which forms an insoluble hydroxide under the conditions existing in this second solution are added to the second solution. The precipitate which forms and which carries plutonium is separated from the supernatant liquid. Amphoteric metals which may be employed are aluminum, bibmuth, copper, cobalt, iron, lanthanum, nickel, and zirconium.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-07-29

Paul Luz (right), an aerospace flight systems engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), takes a question from a visitor as they discuss microgravity research at AirVenture 2000. Part of the NASA exhibits included demonstrations of knowledge gained from microgravity research aboard the Space Shuttle. These include liquid metal (liquid metal demonstrator is three plastic drop tubes at center) and dendritic growth (in front of Luz), both leading to improvements in processes of Earth. The exhibit was part of the NASA outreach activity at AirVenture 2000 sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Production of pure metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Philipp, W. H.; Marsik, S. J.; May, C. E. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A process for depositing elements by irradiating liquids is reported. Ultra pure elements are precipitated from aqueous solutions or suspensions of compounds. A solution of a salt of a metal to be prepared is irradiated, and the insoluble reaction product settles out. Some chemical compounds may also be prepared in this manner.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY BULLETIN: NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - GHEA ASSOCIATES PROCESS

EPA Science Inventory

The GHEA Associates process applies surfactants and additives to soil washing and wastewater treatment to make organic and metal contaminants soluble (figure 1). The process components include a 25-gal extractor, solid liquid separation, rinse, mixer-settler, and ultrafiltration ...

Critical points of metal vapors

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

Khomkin, A. L., E-mail: alhomkin@mail.ru; Shumikhin, A. S.

2015-09-15

A new method is proposed for calculating the parameters of critical points and binodals for the vapor–liquid (insulator–metal) phase transition in vapors of metals with multielectron valence shells. The method is based on a model developed earlier for the vapors of alkali metals, atomic hydrogen, and exciton gas, proceeding from the assumption that the cohesion determining the basic characteristics of metals under normal conditions is also responsible for their properties in the vicinity of the critical point. It is proposed to calculate the cohesion of multielectron atoms using well-known scaling relations for the binding energy, which are constructed for mostmore » metals in the periodic table by processing the results of many numerical calculations. The adopted model allows the parameters of critical points and binodals for the vapor–liquid phase transition in metal vapors to be calculated using published data on the properties of metals under normal conditions. The parameters of critical points have been calculated for a large number of metals and show satisfactory agreement with experimental data for alkali metals and with available estimates for all other metals. Binodals of metals have been calculated for the first time.« less

Metal Solidification Imaging Process by Magnetic Induction Tomography.

PubMed

Ma, Lu; Spagnul, Stefano; Soleimani, Manuchehr

2017-11-06

There are growing number of important applications that require a contactless method for monitoring an object surrounded inside a metallic enclosure. Imaging metal solidification is a great example for which there is no real time monitoring technique at present. This paper introduces a technique - magnetic induction tomography - for the real time in-situ imaging of the metal solidification process. Rigorous experimental verifications are presented. Firstly, a single inductive coil is placed on the top of a melting wood alloy to examine the changes of its inductance during solidification process. Secondly, an array of magnetic induction coils are designed to investigate the feasibility of a tomographic approach, i.e., when one coil is driven by an alternating current as a transmitter and a vector of phase changes are measured from the remaining of the coils as receivers. Phase changes are observed when the wood alloy state changes from liquid to solid. Thirdly, a series of static cold phantoms are created to represent various liquid/solid interfaces to verify the system performance. Finally, a powerful temporal reconstruction method is applied to realise real time in-situ visualisation of the solidification and the measurement of solidified shell thickness, a first report of its kind.

Note on heat conduction in liquid metals. A comparison of laminar and turbulent flow effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talmage, G.

1994-05-01

The difference between heat transfer in liquid metals with electric currents and magnetic fields on the one hand and heat transfer in electrically insulating fluids and in conducting solids on the other is pointed out. Laminar and turbulent flow effects in liquid metal sliding electric contacts for homopolar machines are considered. Large temperature gradients can develop within a small region of liquid metal. A model of a liquid-metal sliding electrical contact is developed and analyzed.

Use of silicon in liquid sintered silicon nitrides and sialons

DOEpatents

Raj, R.; Baik, S.

1984-12-11

This invention relates to the production of improved high density nitrogen based ceramics by liquid-phase densification of silicon nitride or a compound of silicon-nitrogen-oxygen-metal, e.g. a sialon. In the process and compositions of the invention minor amounts of finely divided silicon are employed together with the conventional liquid phase producing additives to enhance the densification of the resultant ceramic. 4 figs.

Use of free silicon in liquid phase sintering of silicon nitrides and sialons

DOEpatents

Raj, R.; Baik, S.

1985-11-12

This invention relates to the production of improved high density nitrogen based ceramics by liquid-phase densification of silicon nitride or a compound of silicon-nitrogen-oxygen-metal, e.g. a sialon. In the process and compositions of the invention minor amounts of finely divided silicon are employed together with the conventional liquid phase producing additives to enhance the densification of the resultant ceramic. 4 figs.

Use of free silicon in liquid phase sintering of silicon nitrides and sialons

DOEpatents

Raj, Rishi; Baik, Sunggi

1985-11-12

This invention relates to the production of improved high density nitrogen based ceramics by liquid-phase densification of silicon nitride or a compound of silicon-nitrogen-oxygen-metal, e.g. a sialon. In the process and compositions of the invention minor amounts of finely divided silicon are employed together with the conventional liquid phase producing additives to enhance the densification of the resultant ceramic.

Co-reduction of Copper Smelting Slag and Nickel Laterite to Prepare Fe-Ni-Cu Alloy for Weathering Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhengqi; Pan, Jian; Zhu, Deqing; Zhang, Feng

2018-02-01

In this study, a new technique was proposed for the economical and environmentally friendly recovery of valuable metals from copper smelting slag while simultaneously upgrading nickel laterite through a co-reduction followed by wet magnetic separation process. Copper slag with a high FeO content can decrease the liquidus temperature of the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO system and facilitate formation of liquid phase in a co-reduction process with nickel laterite, which is beneficial for metallic particle growth. As a result, the recovery of Ni, Cu, and Fe was notably increased. A crude Fe-Ni-Cu alloy with 2.5% Ni, 1.1% Cu, and 87.9% Fe was produced, which can replace part of scrap steel, electrolytic copper, and nickel as the burden in the production of weathering steel by an electric arc furnace. The study further found that an appropriate proportion of copper slag and nickel laterite in the mixture is essential to enhance the reduction, acquire appropriate amounts of the liquid phase, and improve the growth of the metallic alloy grains. As a result, the liberation of alloy particles in the grinding process was effectively promoted and the metal recovery was increased significantly in the subsequent magnetic separation process.

Fabrication and development of several heat pipe honeycomb sandwich panel concepts. [airframe integrated scramjet engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanzer, H. J.

1982-01-01

The feasibility of fabricating and processing liquid metal heat pipes in a low mass honeycomb sandwich panel configuration for application on the NASA Langley airframe-integrated Scramjet engine was investigated. A variety of honeycomb panel facesheet and core-ribbon wick concepts was evaluated within constraints dictated by existing manufacturing technology and equipment. The chosen design consists of an all-stainless steel structure, sintered screen facesheets, and two types of core-ribbon; a diffusion bonded wire mesh and a foil-screen composite. Cleaning, fluid charging, processing, and process port sealing techniques were established. The liquid metals potassium, sodium and cesium were used as working fluids. Eleven honeycomb panels 15.24 cm X 15.24 cm X 2.94 cm were delivered to NASA Langley for extensive performance testing and evaluation; nine panels were processed as heat pipes, and two panels were left unprocessed.

METHOD OF SEPARATING FISSION PRODUCTS FROM FUSED BISMUTH-CONTAINING URANIUM

DOEpatents

Wiswall, R.H.

1958-06-24

A process is described for removing metal selectively from liquid metal compositions. The method effects separation of flssion product metals selectively from dilute solution in fused bismuth, which contains uraniunn in solution without removal of more than 1% of the uranium. The process comprises contacting the fused bismuth with a fused salt composition consisting of sodium, potassium and lithium chlorides, adding to fused bismuth and molten salt a quantity of bismuth chloride which is stoichiometrically required to convert the flssion product metals to be removed to their chlorides which are more stable in the fused salt than in the molten metal and are, therefore, preferentially taken up in the fused salt phase.

Reclamation of heavy metals from contaminated soil using organic acid liquid generated from food waste: removal of Cd, Cu, and Zn, and soil fertility improvement.

PubMed

Dai, Shijin; Li, Yang; Zhou, Tao; Zhao, Youcai

2017-06-01

Food waste fermentation generates complicated organic and acidic liquids with low pH. In this work, it was found that an organic acid liquid with pH 3.28 and volatile low-molecular-weight organic acid (VLMWOA) content of 5.2 g/L could be produced from food wastes after 9-day fermentation. When the liquid-to-solid ratio was 50:1, temperature was 40 °C, and contact time was 0.5-1 day, 92.9, 78.8, and 52.2% of the Cd, Cu, and Zn in the contaminated soil could be washed out using the fermented food waste liquid, respectively. The water-soluble, acid-soluble, and partly reducible heavy metal fractions can be removed after 0.5-day contact time, which was more effective than that using commercially available VLMWOAs (29-72% removal), as the former contained microorganisms and adequate amounts of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and exchangeable Na, K, and Ca) which favored the washing process of heavy metals. It is thus suggested that the organic acid fractions from food waste has a considerable potential for reclaiming contaminated soil while improving soil fertility.

Process for hydrogen isotope concentration between liquid water and hydrogen gas

DOEpatents

Stevens, William H.

1976-09-21

A process for hydrogen isotope exchange and concentration between liquid water and hydrogen gas, wherein liquid water and hydrogen gas are contacted, in an exchange section, with one another and with at least one catalyst body comprising at least one metal selected from Group VIII of the Periodic Table and preferably a support therefor, the catalyst body has a liquid-water-repellent, gas permeable polymer or organic resin coating, preferably a fluorinated olefin polymer or silicone coating, so that the isotope concentration takes place by two simultaneously occurring steps, namely, ##EQU1## WHILE THE HYDROGEN GAS FED TO THE EXCHANGE SECTION IS DERIVED IN A REACTOR VESSEL FROM LIQUID WATER THAT HAS PASSED THROUGH THE EXCHANGE SECTION.

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

None

Broad Funding Opportunity Announcement Project: Led by MIT professor Donald Sadoway, the Electroville project team is creating a community-scale electricity storage device using new materials and a battery design inspired by the aluminum production process known as smelting. A conventional battery includes a liquid electrolyte and a solid separator between its 2 solid electrodes. MIT’s battery contains liquid metal electrodes and a molten salt electrolyte. Because metals and salt don’t mix, these 3 liquids of different densities naturally separate into layers, eliminating the need for a solid separator. This efficient design significantly reduces packaging materials, which reduces cost and allowsmore » more space for storing energy than conventional batteries offer. MIT’s battery also uses cheap, earth-abundant, domestically available materials and is more scalable. By using all liquids, the design can also easily be resized according to the changing needs of local communities.« less

Liquid metals for solar power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flesch, J.; Niedermeier, K.; Fritsch, A.; Musaeva, D.; Marocco, L.; Uhlig, R.; Baake, E.; Buck, R.; Wetzel, T.

2017-07-01

The use of liquid metals in solar power systems is not new. The receiver tests with liquid sodium in the 1980s at the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) already proved the feasibility of liquid metals as heat transfer fluid. Despite the high efficiency achieved with that receiver, further investigation of liquid metals in solar power systems was stopped due to a sodium spray fire. Recently, the topic has become interesting again and the gained experience during the last 30 years of liquid metals handling is applied to the concentrated solar power community. In this paper, recent activities of the Helmholtz Alliance LIMTECH concerning liquid metals for solar power systems are presented. In addition to the components and system simulations also the experimental setup and results are included.

Liquid metal embrittlement. [crack propagation in metals with liquid metal in crack space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiller, W. A.

1973-01-01

Crack propagation is discussed for metals with liquid metal in the crack space. The change in electrochemical potential of an electron in a metal due to changes in stress level along the crack surface was investigated along with the change in local chemistry, and interfacial energy due to atomic redistribution in the liquid. Coupled elastic-elastrostatic equations, stress effects on electron energy states, and crack propagation via surface roughening are discussed.

Azimuthal MHD stirring of metal in vessels with cross-sections of different configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siraev, R. R.; Khripchenko, S. Yu

2017-11-01

Continuous casting of cylindrical ingots from aluminum and preparation of aluminum-based alloys and composites require intensive mixing of liquid metal phase in the crystallization area of the melt. It is evident that the topology of the flow in the liquid phase of an ingot should influence the processes occurring during crystallization. Contemporary continuous casting machines use MHD-stirrers that generate an azimuthal motion in a crystallizer with a warm top of circular cross-section in the presence of rotating magnetic field. The flow of metal in the liquid phase of an ingot is similar to its rotation in a solid state, and transport processes are most intensively carried out in the near near-wall region and near the ingot solidification front, where shear flows are essential. In this work, we consider the possibility of amplifying transport processes in the entire volume of a stirred metal by making the cross-section shape of the warm top of the crystallizer different from a circle. It has been found numerically that the total energy of the flow in a crucible of square cross-section is twice as lower as that in a crucible with circular cross-section at the same inductor current. Turbulent pulsations in the square crucible, as well as in the circular one, are concentrated mainly in the near-wall region. The energy of pulsations in the square crucible also reduces, but the time of stirring of the passive impurity introduced into the volume of the metal is less than in the circular crucible. The effect of MHD stirring on the vertical temperature distribution on the square crucible is higher than in the “round crucible”.

Research regarding the vacuuming of liquid steel on steel degassing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magaon, M.; Radu, M.; Şerban, S.; Zgripcea, L.

2018-01-01

When the liquid steel comes in contact with the atmosphere of the elaboration aggregates, a process of gas diffusion into the metal bath takes place on the one hand, and on the other hand a process that allows them to pass from the metal bath into the atmosphere. The meaning of these processes is determined by a number of factors as follows: the quality of raw and auxiliary materials (moisture content, oils, etc.), the boiling intensity, the evacuation duration, the properties of used slags, the values of the casting ladle processing parameters (bubbling, vacuuming, etc.). The research was carried out at an electrical steelwork, equipped with an electric arc furnace type EBT (Electric Bottom Tapping) capacity 100t, LF (Ladle-Furnace) and VD (Vacuum Degassing) facilities, establishing some correlations between the vacuuming parameters from the V.D.facility and the amounts of hydrogen and nitrogen removed from the metal bath, as well as their removal efficiency, were taken into consideration. The obtained data was processed in MATLAB calculation program, the established correlations form was presented both in analytical and graphical form. The validity of these correlations was verified in practice, being particularly useful in research.

Effect of local structures on crystallization in deeply undercooled metallic glass-forming liquids

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

Jiang, S. Q.; Li, M. Z., E-mail: maozhili@ruc.edu.cn; Wu, Z. W.

2016-04-21

The crystallization mechanism in deeply undercooled ZrCu metallic glass-forming liquids was investigated via molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that the crystallization process is mainly controlled by the growth of crystal nuclei formed by the BCC-like atomic clusters, consistent with experimental speculations. The crystallization rate is found to relate to the number of growing crystal nuclei in the crystallization process. The crystallization rate in systems with more crystal nuclei is significantly hindered by the larger surface fractions of crystal nuclei and their different crystalline orientations. It is further revealed that in the crystallization in deeply undercooled regions, the BCC-like crystalmore » nuclei are formed from the inside of the precursors formed by the FCC-like atomic clusters, and growing at the expense of the precursors. Meanwhile, the precursors are expanding at the expense of the outside atomic clusters. This process is consistent with the so-called Ostwald step rule. The atomic structures of metallic glasses are found to have significant impact on the subsequent crystallization process. In the Zr{sub 85}Cu{sub 15} system, the stronger spatial correlation of Cu atoms could hinder the crystallization processes in deeply undercooled regions.« less

Electrochemical Deburring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burley, R. K.

1983-01-01

Electrochemical deburring removes burrs from assembled injector tubes. Since process uses liquid anodic dissolution in liquid electrolyte to proide deburring action, smoothes surfaces and edges in otherwise inaccessible areas. Tool consists of sleeve that contains metallic ring cathode. Sleeve is placed over tube, and electrolytic solution is forced to flow between tube and sleeve. The workpiece serves an anode.

Role of Electrical Double Layer Structure in Ionic Liquid Gated Devices

DOE PAGES

Black, Jennifer M.; Come, Jeremy; Bi, Sheng; ...

2017-10-24

Ionic liquid gating of transition metal oxides has enabled new states (magnetic, electronic, metal–insulator), providing fundamental insights into the physics of strongly correlated oxides. However, despite much research activity, little is known about the correlation of the structure of the liquids in contact with the transition metal oxide surface, its evolution with the applied electric potential, and its correlation with the measured electronic properties of the oxide. Here, we investigate the structure of an ionic liquid at a semiconducting oxide interface during the operation of a thin film transistor where the electrical double layer gates the device using experiment andmore » theory. We show that the transition between the ON and OFF states of the amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide transistor is accompanied by a densification and preferential spatial orientation of counterions at the oxide channel surface. This process occurs in three distinct steps, corresponding to ion orientations, and consequently, regimes of different electrical conductivity. The reason for this can be found in the surface charge densities on the oxide surface when different ion arrangements are present. Overall, the field-effect gating process is elucidated in terms of the interfacial ionic liquid structure, and this provides unprecedented insight into the working of a liquid gated transistor linking the nanoscopic structure to the functional properties. This knowledge will enable both new ionic liquid design as well as advanced device concepts.« less

Role of Electrical Double Layer Structure in Ionic Liquid Gated Devices

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

Black, Jennifer M.; Come, Jeremy; Bi, Sheng

Ionic liquid gating of transition metal oxides has enabled new states (magnetic, electronic, metal–insulator), providing fundamental insights into the physics of strongly correlated oxides. However, despite much research activity, little is known about the correlation of the structure of the liquids in contact with the transition metal oxide surface, its evolution with the applied electric potential, and its correlation with the measured electronic properties of the oxide. Here, we investigate the structure of an ionic liquid at a semiconducting oxide interface during the operation of a thin film transistor where the electrical double layer gates the device using experiment andmore » theory. We show that the transition between the ON and OFF states of the amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide transistor is accompanied by a densification and preferential spatial orientation of counterions at the oxide channel surface. This process occurs in three distinct steps, corresponding to ion orientations, and consequently, regimes of different electrical conductivity. The reason for this can be found in the surface charge densities on the oxide surface when different ion arrangements are present. Overall, the field-effect gating process is elucidated in terms of the interfacial ionic liquid structure, and this provides unprecedented insight into the working of a liquid gated transistor linking the nanoscopic structure to the functional properties. This knowledge will enable both new ionic liquid design as well as advanced device concepts.« less

Liquid metal actuation by electrical control of interfacial tension

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

Eaker, Collin B.; Dickey, Michael D., E-mail: michael-dickey@ncsu.edu

2016-09-15

By combining metallic electrical conductivity with low viscosity, liquid metals and liquid metal alloys offer new and exciting opportunities to serve as reconfigurable components of electronic, microfluidic, and electromagnetic devices. Here, we review the physics and applications of techniques that utilize voltage to manipulate the interfacial tension of liquid metals; such techniques include electrocapillarity, continuous electrowetting, electrowetting-on-dielectric, and electrochemistry. These techniques lower the interfacial tension between liquid metals and a surrounding electrolyte by driving charged species (or in the case of electrochemistry, chemical species) to the interface. The techniques are useful for manipulating and actuating liquid metals at sub-mm lengthmore » scales where interfacial forces dominate. We focus on metals and alloys that are liquid near or below room temperature (mercury, gallium, and gallium-based alloys). The review includes discussion of mercury—despite its toxicity—because it has been utilized in numerous applications and it offers a way of introducing several phenomena without the complications associated with the oxide layer that forms on gallium and its alloys. The review focuses on the advantages, applications, opportunities, challenges, and limitations of utilizing voltage to control interfacial tension as a method to manipulate liquid metals.« less

Electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal marbles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Shi-Yang; Sivan, Vijay; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; O'Mullane, Anthony P.; Tang, Xinke; Gol, Berrak; Eshtiaghi, Nicky; Lieder, Felix; Petersen, Phred; Mitchell, Arnan; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2013-06-01

Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads.Controlled actuation of soft objects with functional surfaces in aqueous environments presents opportunities for liquid phase electronics, novel assembled super-structures and unusual mechanical properties. We show the extraordinary electrochemically induced actuation of liquid metal droplets coated with nanoparticles, so-called ``liquid metal marbles''. We demonstrate that nanoparticle coatings of these marbles offer an extra dimension for affecting the bipolar electrochemically induced actuation. The nanoparticles can readily migrate along the surface of liquid metals, upon the application of electric fields, altering the capacitive behaviour and surface tension in a highly asymmetric fashion. Surprising actuation behaviours are observed illustrating that nanoparticle coatings can have a strong effect on the movement of these marbles. This significant novel phenomenon, combined with unique properties of liquid metal marbles, represents an exciting platform for enabling diverse applications that cannot be achieved using rigid metal beads. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00185g

Ionic Liquids as Extraction Media for Metal Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirayama, Naoki

In solvent extraction separation of metal ions, recently, many researchers have investigated possible use of hydrophobic ionic liquids as extraction media instead of organic solvents. Ionic liquids are salts of liquid state around room temperature and can act not only as solvents but also as ion-exchangers. Therefore, the extraction mechanism of metal ions into ionic liquids is complicated. This review presents current overview and perspective on evaluation of nature of hydrophobic ionic liquids as extraction media for metal ions.

Upgrades toward high-heat flux, liquid lithium plasma-facing components in the NSTX-U

DOE PAGES

Jaworski, M. A.; Brooks, A.; Kaita, R.; ...

2016-08-08

Liquid metal plasma-facing components (PFCs) provide numerous potential advantages over solid-material components. One critique of the approach is the relatively less developed technologies associated with deploying these components in a fusion plasma-experiment. Exploration of the temperature limits of liquid lithium PFCs in a tokamak divertor and the corresponding consequences on core operation are a high priority informing the possibilities for future liquid lithium PFCs. An all-metal NSTX-U is envisioned to make direct comparison between all high-Z wall operation and liquid lithium PFCs in a single device. By executing the all-metal upgrades incrementally, scientific productivity will be maintained while enabling physicsmore » and engineering-science studies to further develop the solid- and liquid-metal components. Six major elements of a flowing liquid-metal divertor system are described and a three-step program for implementing this system is laid out. The upgrade steps involve the first high-Z divertor target upgrade in NSTX-U, pre-filled liquid metal targets and finally, an integrated, flowing liquid metal divertor target. As a result, two example issues are described where the engineering and physics experiments are shown to be closely related in examining the prospects for future liquid metal PFCs.« less

Oxygen-producing inert anodes for SOM process

DOEpatents

Pal, Uday B

2014-02-25

An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.

Coupling fiber optics to a permeation liquid membrane for heavy metal sensor development.

PubMed

Ueberfeld, Jörn; Parthasarathy, Nalini; Zbinden, Hugo; Gisin, Nicolas; Buffle, Jacques

2002-02-01

We present the first sensing system for metal ions based on the combination of separation/preconcentration by a permeation liquid membrane (PLM) and fluorescence detection with an optical fiber. As a model, a system for the detection of Cu(II) ions was developed. The wall of a polypropylene hollow fiber serves as support for the permeable liquid membrane. The lumen of the fiber contains the strip solution in which Cu(II) is accumulated. Calcein, a fluorochromic dye, acts as stripping agent and at the same time as metal indicator. The quenching of the calcein fluorescence upon metal accumulation in the strip phase is detected with a multimode optical fiber, which is incorporated into the lumen. Fluorescence is excited with a blue LED and detected with a photon counter. Taking advantage of the high selectivity and sensitivity of PLM preconcentration, a detection limit for Cu(II) of approximately 50 nM was achieved. Among five tested heavy metal ions, Pb(II) was the only major interfering species. The incorporation of small silica optical fibers into the polypropylene capillary allows for real-time monitoring of the Cu(II) accumulation process.

Microfluidic platforms for gallium-based liquid metal alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Daeyoung

As an alternative to toxic mercury, non-toxic gallium-based liquid metal alloy has been gaining popularity due to its higher thermal and electrical conductivities, and low toxicity along with liquid property. However, it is difficult to handle as the alloy becomes readily oxidized in atmospheric air environment. This instant oxidation causes the gallium-based liquid metal alloy to wet almost any solid surface. Therefore, it has been primarily limited to applications which rely only on its deformability, not on its mobility. In this research, various approaches to mobilize gallium-based liquid metal alloy were investigated. Multi-scale surface patterned with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micro pillar array showed super-lyophobic property against gallium-based liquid metal alloy by minimizing the contact area between the solid surface and the liquid metal, and it was expanded to a three-dimensional tunnel shaped microfluidic channel. Vertically-aligned carbon nanotube forest leads to another promising super-lyophobic surface due to its hierarchical micro/nano scale combined structures and chemical inertness. When the carbon nanotubes were transferred onto flexible PDMS by imprinting, the super-lyophobic property was still maintained even under the mechanical deformation such as stretching and bending. Alternatively, the gallium-based liquid metal can be manipulated by modifying the surface of liquid metal itself. With chemical reaction with HCl 'vapor', the oxidized surface (mainly Ga2O3/Ga2O) of gallium-based liquid metal was converted to GaCl3/InCl 3 resulting in the recovery of non-wetting characteristics. Paper which is intrinsically porous is attractive as a super-lyophobic surface and it was found that hydrochloric acid (HCl) impregnation enhanced the anti-wetting property by the chemical reaction. As another alternative method, by coating the viscoelastic oxidized surface of liquid metal with ferromagnetic materials (CoNiMnP or Fe), it showed non-wetting property and became moveable by applying a magnetic field. Finally, using its metallic and liquid properties, microfluidic-based applications of gallium-based liquid metal alloy such as inkjet printing and reconfigurable photomask were investigated. A clog-free and oxide-free inkjet printing technique was developed by incorporating HCl-impregnated paper as orifice. Inkjet-printed liquid metal line can be used as a metallic interconnect even with significant deformation of the flexible substrate. Additionally, based on its ultraviolet light blocking property, a reconfigurable photolithography using gallium-based liquid metal alloy was demonstrated in a PDMS-based 7-segments microfluidic channel by showing single digit numbers ('0'˜'9') with attainable minimum feature size of 10 microm.

Metal biosorption-flotation. Application to cadmium removal.

PubMed

Matis, K A; Zouboulis, A I; Grigoriadou, A A; Lazaridis, N K; Ekateriniadou, L V

1996-05-01

Biosorption using suspended non-living biomass, and flotation (for consequent solid/liquid separation of the metal-loaded biomass) have been studied in the laboratory as a possible combined process, for the removal of toxic metals (i.e., cadmium) from dilute aqueous solutions. The various parameters of the process were investigated in depth, including re-use of biosorbent. A filter aid (contained in the biomass industrial waste used) was found not really to interfere. Zeta-potential measurements of the aforementioned system were also carried out. Promising results were obtained during continuous-flow experiments. A flotation residence time of 4 min was achieved. Metal removal and suspended biomass recovery were generally over 95%.

Maximum Oxygen Content of Flowing Eutectic NaK in a Stainless Steel System.

DTIC Science & Technology

EUTECTICS, ALKALI METAL ALLOYS), (*LIQUID METALS, OXYGEN), (*POTASSIUM ALLOYS, SODIUM ALLOYS), LIQUID METAL PUMPS , FLUID FLOW, CONCENTRATION...CHEMISTRY), HIGH TEMPERATURE, FLOWMETERS, STAINLESS STEEL, ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMPS , TEMPERATURE, SAMPLING, LIQUID METAL COOLANTS, OXIDES, CRYSTALLIZATION.

Liquid metal porous matrix sliding electrical contact: A concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferguson, H.

1973-01-01

Concept utilizes porous metal or nonmetal matrix containing liquid metal in porous structure and confines liquid metal to contact area between rotor and brush by capillary forces. System may also be used to lubricate bearing systems.

Low-Temperature Growth of Two-Dimensional Layered Chalcogenide Crystals on Liquid.

PubMed

Zhou, Yubing; Deng, Bing; Zhou, Yu; Ren, Xibiao; Yin, Jianbo; Jin, Chuanhong; Liu, Zhongfan; Peng, Hailin

2016-03-09

The growth of high-quality two-dimensional (2D) layered chalcogenide crystals is highly important for practical applications in future electronics, optoelectronics, and photonics. Current route for the synthesis of 2D chalcogenide crystals by vapor deposition method mainly involves an energy intensive high-temperature growth process on solid substrates, often suffering from inhomogeneous nucleation density and grain size distribution. Here, we first demonstrate a facile vapor-phase synthesis of large-area high-quality 2D layered chalcogenide crystals on liquid metal surface with relatively low surface energy at a growth temperature as low as ∼100 °C. Uniform and large-domain-sized 2D crystals of GaSe and GaxIn1-xSe were grown on liquid metal surface even supported on a polyimide film. As-grown 2D GaSe crystals have been fabricated to flexible photodetectors, showing high photoresponse and excellent flexibility. Our strategy of energy-sustainable low-temperature growth on liquid metal surface may open a route to the synthesis of high-quality 2D crystals of Ga-, In-, Bi-, Hg-, Pb-, or Sn-based chalcogenides and halides.

REMOVAL OF RADIONUCLIDES BY ELECTROKINETIC SOIL PROCESSING

EPA Science Inventory

Electrokinetics promises to be an innovative treatment process for in-situ treatment of soils and groundwater contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides. Electrokinetics refers to the movement of ionic liquids and charged particles relative to one another under the action ...

SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY Development of spin-on-glass process for triple metal interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peng; Wenbin, Zhao; Guozhang, Wang; Zongguang, Yu

2010-12-01

Spin-on-glass (SOG), an interlayer dielectric material applied in liquid form to fill narrow gaps in the sub-dielectric surface and thus conducive to planarization, is an alternative to silicon dioxide (SiO2) deposited using PECVD processes. However, its inability to adhere to metal and problems such as cracking prevent the easy application of SOG technology to provide an interlayer dielectric in multilevel metal interconnect circuits, particularly in university processing labs. This paper will show that a thin layer of CVD SiO2 and a curing temperature below the sintering temperature of the metal interconnect layer will promote adhesion, reduce gaps, and prevent cracking. Electron scanning microscope analysis has been used to demonstrate the success of the improved technique. This optimized process has been used in batches of double-poly, triple-metal CMOS wafer fabrication to date.

Gallium-rich Pd-Ga phases as supported liquid metal catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taccardi, N.; Grabau, M.; Debuschewitz, J.; Distaso, M.; Brandl, M.; Hock, R.; Maier, F.; Papp, C.; Erhard, J.; Neiss, C.; Peukert, W.; Görling, A.; Steinrück, H.-P.; Wasserscheid, P.

2017-09-01

A strategy to develop improved catalysts is to create systems that merge the advantages of heterogeneous and molecular catalysis. One such system involves supported liquid-phase catalysts, which feature a molecularly defined, catalytically active liquid film/droplet layer adsorbed on a porous solid support. In the past decade, this concept has also been extended to supported ionic liquid-phase catalysts. Here we develop this idea further and describe supported catalytically active liquid metal solutions (SCALMS). We report a liquid mixture of gallium and palladium deposited on porous glass that forms an active catalyst for alkane dehydrogenation that is resistant to coke formation and is thus highly stable. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, supported by theoretical calculations, confirm the liquid state of the catalytic phase under the reaction conditions. Unlike traditional heterogeneous catalysts, the supported liquid metal reported here is highly dynamic and catalysis does not proceed at the surface of the metal nanoparticles, but presumably at homogeneously distributed metal atoms at the surface of a liquid metallic phase.

Templated assembly of Co-Pt nanoparticles via thermal and laser-induced dewetting of bilayer metal films.

PubMed

Oh, Yong-Jun; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Thompson, Carl V; Ross, Caroline A

2013-01-07

Templated dewetting of a Co/Pt metal bilayer film on a topographic substrate was used to assemble arrays of Co-Pt alloy nanoparticles, with highly uniform particle size, shape and notably composition compared to nanoparticles formed on an untemplated substrate. Solid-state and liquid-state dewetting processes, using furnace annealing and laser irradiation respectively, were compared. Liquid state dewetting produced more uniform, conformal nanoparticles but they had a polycrystalline disordered fcc structure and relatively low magnetic coercivity. In contrast, solid state dewetting enabled formation of magnetically hard, ordered L1(0) Co-Pt single-crystal particles with coercivity >12 kOe. Furnace annealing converted the nanoparticles formed by liquid state dewetting into the L1(0) phase.

Technique for detecting liquid metal leaks

DOEpatents

Bauerle, James E.

1979-01-01

In a system employing flowing liquid metal as a heat transfer medium in contact with tubular members containing a working fluid, i.e., steam, liquid metal leaks through the wall of the tubular member are detected by dislodging the liquid metal compounds forming in the tubular member at the leak locations and subsequently transporting the dislodged compound in the form of an aerosol to a detector responsive to the liquid metal compound. In the application to a sodium cooled tubular member, the detector would consist of a sodium responsive device, such as a sodium ion detector.

Single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic device

DOEpatents

Haaland, C.M.; Deeds, W.E.

1999-07-13

A single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) device. The single channel device provides useful output AC electric energy. The generator includes a two-cylinder linear-piston engine which drives liquid metal in a single channel looped around one side of the MHD device to form a double-duct contra-flowing liquid metal MHD generator. A flow conduit network and drive mechanism are provided for moving liquid metal with an oscillating flow through a static magnetic field to produce useful AC electric energy at practical voltages and currents. Variable stroke is obtained by controlling the quantity of liquid metal in the channel. High efficiency is obtained over a wide range of frequency and power output. 5 figs.

Single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic device

DOEpatents

Haaland, Carsten M.; Deeds, W. Edward

1999-01-01

A single channel double-duct liquid metal electrical generator using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) device. The single channel device provides useful output AC electric energy. The generator includes a two-cylinder linear-piston engine which drives liquid metal in a single channel looped around one side of the MHD device to form a double-duct contra-flowing liquid metal MHD generator. A flow conduit network and drive mechanism are provided for moving liquid metal with an oscillating flow through a static magnetic field to produce useful AC electric energy at practical voltages and currents. Variable stroke is obtained by controlling the quantity of liquid metal in the channel. High efficiency is obtained over a wide range of frequency and power output.

Diffusion in liquid metal systems. [information on electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ukanwa, A. O.

1975-01-01

Physical properties of twenty liquid metals are reported; some of the data on such liquid metal properties as density, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity are summarized in graphical form. Data on laboratory handling and safety procedure are summarized for each metal; heat-transfer-correlations for liquid metals under various conditions of laminar and turbulent flow are included. Where sufficient data were available, temperature equations of properties were obtained by the method of least-squares fit. All values of properties given are valid in the given liquid phase ranges only. Additional tabular data on some 40 metals are reported in the appendix. Included is a brief description of experiments that were performed to investigate diffusion in liquid indium-gallium systems.

Anh To | NREL

Science.gov Websites

pyrolysis vapors Catalytic depolymerization of biomass Process scale-up for catalyst synthesis and testing continuous flow reactors (gas & liquid phases) Catalyst synthesis: zeolites, supported metals, and

Continuous process for forming sheet metal from an alloy containing non-dendritic primary solid

DOEpatents

Flemings, Merton C.; Matsuniya, Tooru

1983-01-01

A homogeneous mixture of liquid-solid metal is shaped by passing the composition from an agitation zone onto a surface moving relative to the exit of the agitation zone. A portion of the composition contacting the moving surface is solidified and the entire composition then is formed.

Electrostatic levitation facility optimized for neutron diffraction studies of high temperature liquids at a spallation neutron source

DOE PAGES

Mauro, N. A.; Vogt, A. J.; Derendorf, K. S.; ...

2016-01-01

Neutron diffraction studies of metallic liquids provide valuable information about inherent topological and chemical ordering on multiple length scales as well as insight into dynamical processes at the level of a few atoms. But, there exist very few facilities in the world that allow such studies to be made of reactive metallic liquids in a containerless environment, and these are designed for use at reactor-based neutron sources. We present an electrostatic levitation facility, NESL (for Neutron ElectroStatic Levitator), which takes advantage of the enhanced capabilities and increased neutron flux available at spallation neutron sources (SNSs). NESL enables high quality elasticmore » and inelastic neutron scattering experiments to be made of reactive metallic and other liquids in the equilibrium and supercooled temperature regime. The apparatus is comprised of a high vacuum chamber, external and internal neutron collimation optics, and a sample exchange mechanism that allows up to 30 samples to be processed between chamber openings. Two heating lasers allow excellent sample temperature homogeneity, even for samples approaching 500 mg, and an automated temperature control system allows isothermal measurements to be conducted for times approaching 2 h in the liquid state, with variations in the average sample temperature of less than 0.5%. Furthermore, to demonstrate the capabilities of the facility for elastic scattering studies of liquids, a high quality total structure factor for Zr 64Ni 36 measured slightly above the liquidus temperature is presented from experiments conducted on the nanoscale-ordered materials diffractometer (NOMAD) beam line at the SNS after only 30 min of acquisition time for a small sample ( 100 mg).« less

Electrostatic levitation facility optimized for neutron diffraction studies of high temperature liquids at a spallation neutron source

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

Mauro, N. A., E-mail: namauro@noctrl.edu; Vogt, A. J.; Derendorf, K. S.

2016-01-15

Neutron diffraction studies of metallic liquids provide valuable information about inherent topological and chemical ordering on multiple length scales as well as insight into dynamical processes at the level of a few atoms. However, there exist very few facilities in the world that allow such studies to be made of reactive metallic liquids in a containerless environment, and these are designed for use at reactor-based neutron sources. We present an electrostatic levitation facility, NESL (for Neutron ElectroStatic Levitator), which takes advantage of the enhanced capabilities and increased neutron flux available at spallation neutron sources (SNSs). NESL enables high quality elasticmore » and inelastic neutron scattering experiments to be made of reactive metallic and other liquids in the equilibrium and supercooled temperature regime. The apparatus is comprised of a high vacuum chamber, external and internal neutron collimation optics, and a sample exchange mechanism that allows up to 30 samples to be processed between chamber openings. Two heating lasers allow excellent sample temperature homogeneity, even for samples approaching 500 mg, and an automated temperature control system allows isothermal measurements to be conducted for times approaching 2 h in the liquid state, with variations in the average sample temperature of less than 0.5%. To demonstrate the capabilities of the facility for elastic scattering studies of liquids, a high quality total structure factor for Zr{sub 64}Ni{sub 36} measured slightly above the liquidus temperature is presented from experiments conducted on the nanoscale-ordered materials diffractometer (NOMAD) beam line at the SNS after only 30 min of acquisition time for a small sample (∼100 mg)« less

Method of treating waste water

DOEpatents

Deininger, James P.; Chatfield, Linda K.

1995-01-01

A process of treating water to remove metal ion contaminants contained therein, said metal ion contaminants selected from the group consisting of metals in Groups 8, 1b, 2b, 4a, 5a, or 6a of the periodic table, lanthanide metals, and actinide metals including transuranic element metals, by adjusting the pH of a metal ion contaminant-containing water source to within the range of about 6.5 to about 14.0, admixing the water source with a mixture of an alkali or alkaline earth ferrate and a water soluble salt, e.g., a zirconium salt, in an amount sufficient to form a precipitate within the water source, the amount the mixture of ferrate and water soluble salt effective to reduce the metal ion contaminant concentration in the water source, permitting the precipitate in the admixture to separate and thereby yield a supernatant liquid having a reduced metal ion contaminant concentration, and separating the supernatant liquid having the reduced metal ion contaminant concentration from the admixture is provided. A composition of matter including an alkali or alkaline earth ferrate and a water soluble salt, e.g., a zirconium salt, is also provided.

Si-Ge-metal ternary phase diagram calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleurial, J. P.; Borshchevsky, A.

1990-01-01

Solution crystal growth and doping conditions of Si-Ge alloys used for high-temperature thermoelectric generation are determined here. Liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) has been successfully employed recently to obtain single-crystalline homogeneous layers of Si-Ge solid solutions from a liquid metal solvent. Knowledge of Si-Ge-metallic solvent ternary phase diagrams is essential for further single-crystal growth development. Consequently, a thermodynamic equilibrium model was used to calculate the phase diagrams of the Si-Ge-M systems, including solid solubilities, where M is Al, Ga, In, Sn, Pb, Sb, or Bi. Good agreement between calculated liquidus and solidus data and experimental DTA and microprobe results was obtained. The results are used to compare the suitability of the different systems for crystal growth (by LPE-type process).

Microgravity metal processing: from undercooled liquids to bulk metallic glasses

PubMed Central

Hofmann, Douglas C; Roberts, Scott N

2015-01-01

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) are a novel class of metal alloys that are poised for widespread commercialization. Over 30 years of NASA and ESA (as well as other space agency) funding for both ground-based and microgravity experiments has resulted in fundamental science data that have enabled commercial production. This review focuses on the history of microgravity BMG research, which includes experiments on the space shuttle, the ISS, ground-based experiments, commercial fabrication and currently funded efforts. PMID:28725709

Acoustic wave-driven oxidized liquid metal-based energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Jinpyo; Chung, Sang Kug; Lee, Jeong-Bong; Doo, Seok Joo; Kim, Daeyoung

2018-06-01

We report an oxidized liquid metal droplet-based energy harvester that converts acoustic energy into electrical energy by modulating an electrical double layer that originates from the deformation of the oxidized liquid metal droplet. Gallium-based liquid metal alloy has been developed for various applications owing to the outstanding material properties, such as its high electrical conductivity (metallic property) and unlimited deformability (liquid property). In this study, we demonstrated energy harvesting using an electrical double layer between the acoustic wave-modulated liquid metal droplet and two electrodes. The proposed energy harvester consisted of top and bottom electrodes covered with the dielectric layer and a Gallium-based liquid metal droplet placed between the electrodes. When we applied an external bias voltage and acoustic wave to the proposed device, the contact area between the liquid metal droplet and the electrodes changed, leading to the variation of the capacitance in the electrical double layer and the generation of electrical output current. Using the proposed energy harvester, the maximum output current of 41.2 nA was generated with an applied acoustic wave of 30 Hz. In addition, we studied the relationships between the maximum output current and a variety of factors, such as the size of the liquid metal droplet, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer, and the distance between the top and bottom electrode plates.

Liquid Metal Machine Triggered Violin-Like Wire Oscillator.

PubMed

Yuan, Bin; Wang, Lei; Yang, Xiaohu; Ding, Yujie; Tan, Sicong; Yi, Liting; He, Zhizhu; Liu, Jing

2016-10-01

The first ever oscillation phenomenon of a copper wire embraced inside a self-powered liquid metal machine is discovered. When contacting a copper wire to liquid metal machine, it would be swallowed inside and then reciprocally moves back and forth, just like a violin bow. Such oscillation could be easily regulated by touching a steel needle on the liquid metal surface.

Development of a Non-Contact, Inductive Depth Sensor for Free-Surface, Liquid-Metal Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruhaug, Gerrit; Kolemen, Egemen; Fischer, Adam; Hvasta, Mike

2017-10-01

This paper details a non-contact based, inductive depth measurement system that can sit behind a layer of steel and measure the depth of the liquid metal flowing over the steel. Free-surface liquid metal depth measurement is usually done with invasive sensors that impact the flow of the liquid metal, or complex external sensors that require lasers and precise alignment. Neither of these methods is suitable for the extreme environment encountered in the diverter region of a nuclear fusion reactor, where liquid metal open channel flows are being investigated for future use. A sensor was developed that used the inductive coupling of a coil to liquid metal to measure the height of the liquid metal present. The sensor was built and tested experimentally, and modeled with finite element modeling software to further understand the physics involved. Future work will attempt to integrate the sensor into the Liquid Metal eXperiment (LMX) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory for more refined testing. This work was made possible by funding from the Department of Energy for the Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program. This work is supported by the US DOE Contract No.DE-AC02-09CH11466.

The atomic-scale nucleation mechanism of NiTi metallic glasses upon isothermal annealing studied via molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Li, JiaHao; Liu, BaiXin

2015-10-28

Nucleation is one of the most essential transformation paths in phase transition and exerts a significant influence on the crystallization process. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the atomic-scale nucleation mechanisms of NiTi metallic glasses upon devitrification at various temperatures (700 K, 750 K, 800 K, and 850 K). Our simulations reveal that at 700 K and 750 K, nucleation is polynuclear with high nucleation density, while at 800 K it is mononuclear. The underlying nucleation mechanisms have been clarified, manifesting that nucleation can be induced either by the initial ordered clusters (IOCs) or by the other precursors of nuclei evolved directly from the supercooled liquid. IOCs and other precursors stem from the thermal fluctuations of bond orientational order in supercooled liquids during the quenching process and during the annealing process, respectively. The simulation results not only elucidate the underlying nucleation mechanisms varied with temperature, but also unveil the origin of nucleation. These discoveries offer new insights into the devitrification mechanism of metallic glasses.

Process for exchanging hydrogen isotopes between gaseous hydrogen and water

DOEpatents

Hindin, Saul G.; Roberts, George W.

1980-08-12

A process for exchanging isotopes of hydrogen, particularly tritium, between gaseous hydrogen and water is provided whereby gaseous hydrogen depeleted in tritium and liquid or gaseous water containing tritium are reacted in the presence of a metallic catalyst.

Experimental study of hot cracking at circular welding joints of 42CrMo steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Chen, Genyu; Chen, Binghua; Wang, Jinhai; Zhou, Cong

2017-12-01

The hot cracking at circular welding joints of quenched and tempered 42CrMo steel were studied. The flow of the molten pool and the solidification process of weld were observed with a high-speed video camera. The information on the variations in the weld temperature was collected using an infrared (IR) thermal imaging system. The metallurgical factors of hot cracking were analyzed via metallographic microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The result shows that leading laser laser-metal active gas (MAG) hybrid welding process has a smaller solid-liquid boundary movement rate (VSL) and a smaller solid-liquid boundary temperature gradient (GSL) compared with leading arc laser-MAG hybrid welding process and laser welding process. Additionally, the metal in the molten pool has superior permeability while flowing toward the dendritic roots and can compensate for the inner-dendritic pressure balance. Therefore, leading laser laser-MAG hybrid welding process has the lowest hot cracking susceptibility.

Method and system to directly produce electrical power within the lithium blanket region of a magnetically confined, deuterium-tritium (DT) fueled, thermonuclear fusion reactor

DOEpatents

Woolley, Robert D.

1999-01-01

A method for integrating liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation with fusion blanket technology to produce electrical power from a thermonuclear fusion reactor located within a confining magnetic field and within a toroidal structure. A hot liquid metal flows from a liquid metal blanket region into a pump duct of an electromagnetic pump which moves the liquid metal to a mixer where a gas of predetermined pressure is mixed with the pressurized liquid metal to form a Froth mixture. Electrical power is generated by flowing the Froth mixture between electrodes in a generator duct. When the Froth mixture exits the generator the gas is separated from the liquid metal and both are recycled.

Experimental segregation of iron-nickel metal, iron-sulfide, and olivine in a thermal gradient: Preliminary results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jurewicz, Stephen R.; Jones, J. H.

1993-01-01

Speculation about the possible mechanisms for core formation in small asteroids raises more questions than answers. Petrologic evidence from iron meteorites, pallasites, and astronomical observations of M asteroids suggests that many small bodies were capable of core formation. Recent work by Taylor reviews the geochemical evidence and examines the possible physical/mechanical constraints on segregation processes. Taylor's evaluation suggests that extensive silicate partial melting (preferably 50 vol. percent or greater) is required before metal can segregate from the surrounding silicate and form a metal core. The arguments for large degrees of silicate partial melting are two-fold: (1) elemental trends in iron meteorites require that the metal was at is liquidus; and (2) experimental observations of metal/sulfide inclusions in partially molten silicate meteorites show that the metal/sulfide tends to form spherules in the liquid silicate due to surface tension effects. Taylor points out that for these metal spherules to sink through a silicate mush, high degrees of silicate partial melting are required to lower the silicate yield strength. Although some qualitative experimental data exists, little is actually known about the behavior of metals and liquid sulfides dispersed in silicate systems. In addition, we have been impressed with the ability of cumulative olivine to expel trapped liquid when placed in a thermal gradient. Consequently, we undertook to accomplish the following: (1) experimentally evaluate the potential for metal/sulfide/silicate segregation in a thermal gradient; and (2) obtain quantitative data of the wetting parameters of metal-sulfide melts among silicate grains.

Incorporation of metal nanoparticles into wood substrate and methods

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

Rector, Kirk D; Lucas, Marcel

Metal nanoparticles were incorporated into wood. Ionic liquids were used to expand the wood cell wall structure for nanoparticle incorporation into the cell wall structure. Nanoparticles of elemental gold or silver were found to be effective surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) imaging contrast or sensing agents. Nanoparticles of elemental iron were found to be efficient microwave absorbers and caused localized heating for disrupting the integrity of the lignocellulosic matrix. Controls suggest that the localized heating around the iron nanoparticles reduces losses of cellulose in the form of water, volatiles and CO.sub.2. The ionic liquid is needed during the incorporation processmore » at room temperature. The use of small amounts of ionic liquid combined with the absence of an ionic liquid purification step and a lower energy and water use are expected to reduce costs in an up-scaled pretreatment process.« less

Recrystallization as a controlling process in the wear of some f.c.c. metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, R. C.; Wisander, D.

1977-01-01

Detailed examination of copper specimens after sliding against 440 C steel in liquid methane at speeds up to 25 m/s and loads of up to 2 kg showed the metal comprising the wear surface to possess a fine cell recrystallized structure. Wear proceeded by the plastic shearing of metal in this near surface region without the occurrence of visible metal transfer. A dynamic balance between the intense shear process at the surface and the nucleation of recrystallized grains was proposed to account for the behavior of the metal at the wear surface. Sliding wear experiments were also conducted on Ag, Cu-10% Al, Cu-10% Sn, Ni and Al. It was found that low wear and the absence of heavy metal transfer were associated with those metals observed to undergo recrystallization nucleation without prior recovery.

On-Chip Production of Size-Controllable Liquid Metal Microdroplets Using Acoustic Waves.

PubMed

Tang, Shi-Yang; Ayan, Bugra; Nama, Nitesh; Bian, Yusheng; Lata, James P; Guo, Xiasheng; Huang, Tony Jun

2016-07-01

Micro- to nanosized droplets of liquid metals, such as eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) and Galinstan, have been used for developing a variety of applications in flexible electronics, sensors, catalysts, and drug delivery systems. Currently used methods for producing micro- to nanosized droplets of such liquid metals possess one or several drawbacks, including the lack in ability to control the size of the produced droplets, mass produce droplets, produce smaller droplet sizes, and miniaturize the system. Here, a novel method is introduced using acoustic wave-induced forces for on-chip production of EGaIn liquid-metal microdroplets with controllable size. The size distribution of liquid metal microdroplets is tuned by controlling the interfacial tension of the metal using either electrochemistry or electrocapillarity in the acoustic field. The developed platform is then used for heavy metal ion detection utilizing the produced liquid metal microdroplets as the working electrode. It is also demonstrated that a significant enhancement of the sensing performance is achieved by introducing acoustic streaming during the electrochemical experiments. The demonstrated technique can be used for developing liquid-metal-based systems for a wide range of applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface order in cold liquids: X-ray reflectivity studies of dielectric liquids and comparison to liquid metals

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

Chattopadhyay, S.; Ehrlich, S.; Uysal, A.

2010-05-17

Oscillatory surface-density profiles layers have previously been reported in several metallic liquids, one dielectric liquid, and in computer simulations of dielectric liquids. We have now seen surface layers in two other dielectric liquids, pentaphenyl trimethyl trisiloxane, and pentavinyl pentamethyl cyclopentasiloxane. These layers appear below T?285 K and T?130 K, respectively; both thresholds correspond to T/Tc?0.2 where Tc is the liquid-gas critical temperature. All metallic and dielectric liquid surfaces previously studied are also consistent with the existence of this T/Tc threshold, first indicated by the simulations of Chacon et al. The layer width parameters, determined using a distorted-crystal fitting model, followmore » common trends as functions of Tc for both metallic and dielectric liquids.« less

Comparative analysis of the possibility of applying low-melting metals with the capillary-porous system in tokamak conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyublinski, I. E.; Vertkov, A. V.; Semenov, V. V.

2016-12-01

The use of capillary-porous systems (CPSs) with liquid Li, Ga, and Sn is considered as an alternative for solving the problem of creating plasma-facing elements (PFEs) of the fusion neutron source (FNS) and the DEMO-type reactor. The main advantages of CPSs with liquid metal compared with hard materials are their stability with respect to the degradation of properties in tokamak conditions and capability of surface self-restoration. The evaluation of applicability of liquid metals is performed on the basis of the analysis of their physical and chemical properties, the interaction with the tokamak plasma, and constructive and process features of in-vessel elements with CPSs implementing the application of these metals in a tokamak. It is shown that the upper limit of the PFE working temperature for all low-melting metals under consideration lies in the range of 550-600°C. The decisive factor for PFEs with Li is the limitation on the admissible atomic flux into plasma, while for those with Ga and Sn it is the corrosion resistance of construction materials. The upper limit of thermal loads in the steady-state operating mode for the considered promising PFE design with the use of Li, Ga, and Sn is close to 18-20 MW/m2. It is seen from the analysis that the use of metals with a low equilibrium vapor pressure of (Ga, Sn) gives no gain in extension of the region of admissible working temperatures of PFEs. However, with respect to the totality of properties, the possibility of implementing the self-restoration and stabilization effect of the liquid surface, the influence on the plasma discharge parameters, and the ability to protect the PFE surface in conditions of plasma perturbations and disruption, lithium is the most attractive liquid metal to create CPS-based PFEs for the tokamak.

Comparative analysis of the possibility of applying low-melting metals with the capillary-porous system in tokamak conditions

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

Lyublinski, I. E., E-mail: lyublinski@yandex.ru; Vertkov, A. V., E-mail: avertkov@yandex.ru; Semenov, V. V., E-mail: darkfenix2006@mail.ru

2016-12-15

The use of capillary-porous systems (CPSs) with liquid Li, Ga, and Sn is considered as an alternative for solving the problem of creating plasma-facing elements (PFEs) of the fusion neutron source (FNS) and the DEMO-type reactor. The main advantages of CPSs with liquid metal compared with hard materials are their stability with respect to the degradation of properties in tokamak conditions and capability of surface self-restoration. The evaluation of applicability of liquid metals is performed on the basis of the analysis of their physical and chemical properties, the interaction with the tokamak plasma, and constructive and process features of in-vesselmore » elements with CPSs implementing the application of these metals in a tokamak. It is shown that the upper limit of the PFE working temperature for all low-melting metals under consideration lies in the range of 550–600°Ð¡. The decisive factor for PFEs with Li is the limitation on the admissible atomic flux into plasma, while for those with Ga and Sn it is the corrosion resistance of construction materials. The upper limit of thermal loads in the steady-state operating mode for the considered promising PFE design with the use of Li, Ga, and Sn is close to 18–20 MW/m{sup 2}. It is seen from the analysis that the use of metals with a low equilibrium vapor pressure of (Ga, Sn) gives no gain in extension of the region of admissible working temperatures of PFEs. However, with respect to the totality of properties, the possibility of implementing the self-restoration and stabilization effect of the liquid surface, the influence on the plasma discharge parameters, and the ability to protect the PFE surface in conditions of plasma perturbations and disruption, lithium is the most attractive liquid metal to create CPS-based PFEs for the tokamak.« less

Core formation in the shergottite parent body and comparison with the earth

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

Treiman, A.H.; Jones, J.H.; Drake, M.J.

1987-03-30

The mantle of the shergottite parent body (SPB) is depleted relative to the bulk SPB in siderophile and chalcophile elements; these elements are inferred to reside in the SPB's core. Our chemical model of these depletions rests on a physically plausible process of segregation of partially molten metal form partially molten silicates as the SPB grows and is heated above silicate and metallic solidi during accretion. Metallic and silicate phases equilibrate at low pressures as new material is accreted to the SPB surface. Later movement of the metallic phases to the planet's center is so rapid that high-pressure equilibration ismore » insignificant. Partitioning of siderophile and chalcophile elements among solid and liquid metal and silicate determines their abundances in the SPB mantle. Using partition coefficients and the SPB mantle composition determined in earlier studies, we model the abundances of Ag, Au, Co, Ga, Mo, Ni, P, Re, S, and W with free parameters being oxygen fugacity, proportion of solid metal formed, proportion of metallic liquid formed, and proportion of silicate that is molten.« less

Semisolid Metal Processing Consortium

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

Apelian,Diran

Mathematical modeling and simulations of semisolid filling processes remains a critical issue in understanding and optimizing the process. Semisolid slurries are non-Newtonian materials that exhibit complex rheological behavior. There the way these slurries flow in cavities is very different from the way liquid in classical casting fills cavities. Actually filling in semisolid processing is often counter intuitive

Explicit demonstration of the role of Marangoni effect in the breakup of nanoscale liquid filaments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seric, Ivana; Mahady, Kyle; Afkhami, Shahriar; Hartnett, Chris; Fowlkes, Jason; Rack, Philip; Kondic, Lou

2016-11-01

We consider a breakup of bi-metal filaments deposited on a solid substrate. These filaments are exposed to laser irradiation and, while in the liquid phase, evolve by a process resembling breakup of a liquid jet governed by the Rayleigh-Plateau instability. The novel element is that the Marangoni effect, resulting from a different surface tension of the two metals from which the filament is built, is crucial in understanding the instability development. In particular, Marangoni effect may lead to the inversion of the breakup process, producing droplets at the locations where according to the Rayleigh-Plateau theory dry spots would be expected. We present experimental results carried out with Cu-Ni filaments, as well as direct numerical simulations based on a novel algorithm that includes variable surface tension in a Volume-of-Fluid based Navier-Stokes solver. These results suggest the possibility of using Marangoni effect for the purpose of self- and directed-assembly on the nanoscale. Supported by the NSF Grant No. CBET-1604351.

Device and technique for in-process sampling and analysis of molten metals and other liquids presenting harsh sampling conditions

DOEpatents

Alvarez, Joseph L.; Watson, Lloyd D.

1989-01-01

An apparatus and method for continuously analyzing liquids by creating a supersonic spray which is shaped and sized prior to delivery of the spray to a analysis apparatus. The gas and liquid are mixed in a converging-diverging nozzle where the liquid is sheared into small particles which are of a size and uniformly to form a spray which can be controlled through adjustment of pressures and gas velocity. The spray is shaped by a concentric supplemental flow of gas.

Processing industrial wastes with the liquid-phase reduction romelt process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romenets, V.; Valavin, V.; Pokhvisnev, Yu.; Vandariev, S.

1999-08-01

The Romelt technology for liquid-phase reduction has been developed for processing metallurgical wastes containing nonferrousmetal components. Thermodynamic calculations were made to investigate the behavior of silver, copper, zinc, manganese, vanadium, chrome, and silicon when reduced from the slag melt into the metallic solution containing iron. The process can be applied to all types of iron-bearing wastes, including electric arc furnace dust. The distribution of elements between the phases can be controlled by adjusting the slag bath temperature. Experiments at a pilot Romelt plant proved the possibility of recovering the metallurgical wastes and obtaining iron.

Apparatus and method for making metal chloride salt product

DOEpatents

Miller, William E [Naperville, IL; Tomczuk, Zygmunt [Homer Glen, IL; Richmann, Michael K [Carlsbad, NM

2007-05-15

A method of producing metal chlorides is disclosed in which chlorine gas is introduced into liquid Cd. CdCl.sub.2 salt is floating on the liquid Cd and as more liquid CdCl.sub.2 is formed it separates from the liquid Cd metal and dissolves in the salt. The salt with the CdCl.sub.2 dissolved therein contacts a metal which reacts with CdCl.sub.2 to form a metal chloride, forming a mixture of metal chloride and CdCl.sub.2. After separation of bulk Cd from the salt, by gravitational means, the metal chloride is obtained by distillation which removes CdCl.sub.2 and any Cd dissolved in the metal chloride.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXAMINING FUEL ELEMENTS FOR LEAKAGE

DOEpatents

Smith, R.R.; Echo, M.W.; Doe, C.B.

1963-12-31

A process and a device for the continuous monitoring of fuel elements while in use in a liquid-metal-cooled, argonblanketed nuclear reactor are presented. A fraction of the argon gas is withdrawn, contacted with a negative electrical charge for attraction of any alkali metal formed from argon by neutron reaction, and recycled into the reactor. The electrical charge is introduced into water, and the water is examined for radioactive alkali metals. (AEC)

Facile method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an ion coater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seung Han; Jung, Hyun Kyu; Kim, Tae Cheol; Kim, Chang Hee; Shin, Chang Hwan; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Hong, A.-Ra; Jang, Ho Seong; Kim, Dong Hun

2018-03-01

Herein we report a metal nanoparticle synthesis method based on a physical vapor deposition process instead of the conventional wet process of chemical reactions in liquids. A narrow size distribution of synthesized gold nanoparticles was obtained using an ion coater on glycerin at low vapor pressure. The nanoparticle size could be modulated by controlling the sputtering conditions especially the discharge current. Due to the formation of gold nanoparticles, a surface plasmon resonance peak appeared at ∼530 nm in the absorption spectrum. The surface plasmon resonance peak exhibited red-shift with increasing size of the gold nanoparticles. Our results provide a simple, environmental friendly method for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles by combine low-cost deposition apparatus and a liquid medium, which is free from toxic reagents.

Development of a wet vapor homogeneous liquid metal MHD power system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1989-04-01

During the period covered by this report (October 1988 to March 1989), the following work was done: the mixing stream condensation process was analyzed, and a theoretical model for simulating this process was modified. A parametric study is being conducted at the present time; the separation processes were analyzed; and the experimental system was specified and its design is at present in an advanced stage. The mixing stream condensation process was analyzed. For the parameters defined in the SOW of this project the process was found to be a mist flow direct contact condensation, where the hot gas mixture consisting of inert gas and vapor is the continuous phase, and the subcooled liquid on which the vapor is condensed if the droplets dispersed phase. Two possibilities of creating the mist flow were considered. The first, injecting the cold Liquid Metal (LM) into the Mixing Streams Condenser (MSC) entrance as a jet and breaking it into LM fragments and the fragments into droplets by momentum transfer breakup mechanism. The second, atomizing the cooled LM stream into little droplets (approximately 100 micrometers in diameter) and accelerating them by the gas. The second possibility was preferred due to its much higher heat and mass transfer surface and coefficients relative to the first one.

Actively convected liquid metal divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimada, Michiya; Hirooka, Yoshi

2014-12-01

The use of actively convected liquid metals with j × B force is proposed to facilitate heat handling by the divertor, a challenging issue associated with magnetic fusion experiments such as ITER. This issue will be aggravated even more for DEMO and power reactors because the divertor heat load will be significantly higher and yet the use of copper would not be allowed as the heat sink material. Instead, reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel alloys with heat conductivities substantially lower than that of copper, will be used as the structural materials. The present proposal is to fill the lower part of the vacuum vessel with liquid metals with relatively low melting points and low chemical activities including Ga and Sn. The divertor modules, equipped with electrodes and cooling tubes, are immersed in the liquid metal. The electrode, placed in the middle of the liquid metal, can be biased positively or negatively with respect to the module. The j × B force due to the current between the electrode and the module provides a rotating motion for the liquid metal around the electrodes. The rise in liquid temperature at the separatrix hit point can be maintained at acceptable levels from the operation point of view. As the rotation speed increases, the current in the liquid metal is expected to decrease due to the v × B electromotive force. This rotating motion in the poloidal plane will reduce the divertor heat load significantly. Another important benefit of the convected liquid metal divertor is the fast recovery from unmitigated disruptions. Also, the liquid metal divertor concept eliminates the erosion problem.

Microgravity fluid management requirements of advanced solar dynamic power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Migra, Robert P.

1987-01-01

The advanced solar dynamic system (ASDS) program is aimed at developing the technology for highly efficient, lightweight space power systems. The approach is to evaluate Stirling, Brayton and liquid metal Rankine power conversion systems (PCS) over the temperature range of 1025 to 1400K, identify the critical technologies and develop these technologies. Microgravity fluid management technology is required in several areas of this program, namely, thermal energy storage (TES), heat pipe applications and liquid metal, two phase flow Rankine systems. Utilization of the heat of fusion of phase change materials offers potential for smaller, lighter TES systems. The candidate TES materials exhibit large volume change with the phase change. The heat pipe is an energy dense heat transfer device. A high temperature application may transfer heat from the solar receiver to the PCS working fluid and/or TES. A low temperature application may transfer waste heat from the PCS to the radiator. The liquid metal Rankine PCS requires management of the boiling/condensing process typical of two phase flow systems.

Ionic liquids screening for desulfurization of natural gasoline by liquid-liquid extraction.

PubMed

Likhanova, Natalya V; Guzmán-Lucero, Diego; Flores, Eugenio A; García, Paloma; Domínguez-Aguilar, Marco A; Palomeque, Jorge; Martínez-Palou, Rafael

2010-11-01

Seventy five ionic liquids (ILs) were tested as a sequestering agent of sulfured compounds in natural gasoline (NG). Desulphurization of NG was performed by means of liquid-liquid extraction method at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Experimental ILs containing imidazolium, pyridinium, and ammonium cations along with organic and inorganic anions were synthesized conventionally and under microwave and sonochemical conditions. The effect of the molecular structure of ILs on the desulfurization efficiency of NG with high sulfur content was evaluated. Analysis indicated that the anion type played a more important role than the cation on the desulphurization process. ILs based on halogen-ferrates and halogen-aluminates exhibited the highest efficiency in sulfur removal, and their efficiency is further improved when there is an excess of metallic salt in a ratio of at least 1:1.3 during the synthesis of the corresponding IL. An explanation for the ability of metallic ILs to remove sulfur-containing compounds from natural gasoline based on the ratio of the ionic charge to the atomic radius is proposed. Furthermore, a method to recover and reuse water-sensitive to halogenated precursors is described.

Ultrapure glass optical waveguide development in microgravity by the sol-gel process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukherjee, S. P.; Holman, R. A.

1981-01-01

Multicomponent, homogeneous, noncrystalline oxide gels can be prepared by the sol-gel process and these gels are promising starting materials for melting glasses in the space environment. The sol-gel process referred to here is based on the polymerization reaction of alkoxysilane with other metal alkoxy compounds or suitable metal salts. Many of the alkoxysilanes or other metal alkoxides are liquids and thus can be purified by distillation. The use of gels offers several advantages such as high purity and lower melting times and temperatures. The sol-gel process is studied for utilization in the preparation of multicomponent ultrapure glass batches for subsequent containerless melting of the batches in space to prepare glass blanks for optical waveguides.

Determination of redox reaction rates and orders by in situ liquid cell electron microscopy of Pd and Au solution growth.

PubMed

Sutter, Eli A; Sutter, Peter W

2014-12-03

In-situ liquid cell transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) experiments are important, as they provide direct insight into processes in liquids, such as solution growth of nanoparticles, among others. In liquid cell TEM/STEM redox reaction experiments, the hydrated electrons e(-)aq created by the electron beam are responsible for the reduction of metal-ion complexes. Here we investigate the rate equation of redox reactions involving reduction by e(-)aq generated by the electron beam during in situ liquid TEM/STEM. Specifically we consider the growth of Pd on Au seeds in aqueous solutions containing Pd-chloro complexes. From the quantification of the rate of Pd deposition at different electron beam currents and as a function of distance from a stationary, nanometer-sized exciting beam, we determine that the reaction is first order with respect to the concentration of hydrated electrons, [e(-)aq]. By comparing Pd- and Au-deposition, we further demonstrate that measurements of the local deposition rate on nanoparticles in the solution via real-time imaging can be used to measure not only [e(-)aq] but also the rate of reduction of a metal-ion complex to zerovalent metal atoms in solution.

Determination of redox reaction rates and orders by in situ liquid cell electron microscopy of Pd and Au solution growth

DOE PAGES

Sutter, Eli A.; Sutter, Peter W.

2014-11-19

In-situ liquid cell transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM) experiments are important as they provide direct insight into processes in liquids, such as solution growth of nanoparticles among others. In liquid cell TEM/STEM redox reaction experiments the hydrated electrons e⁻ aq created by the electron beam are responsible for the reduction of metal-ion complexes. Here we investigate the rate equation of redox reactions involving reduction by e⁻ aq generated by the electron beam during in-situ liquid TEM/STEM. Specifically we consider the growth of Pd on Au seeds in aqueous solutions containing Pd-chloro complexes. From the quantification of the ratemore » of Pd deposition at different electron beam currents and as a function of distance from a stationary, nanometer-sized exciting beam, we determine that the reaction is first order with respect to the concentration of hydrated electrons, [e⁻ aq]. In addition, by comparing Pd- and Au-deposition, we further demonstrate that measurements of the local deposition rate on nanoparticles in the solution via real-time imaging can be used to measure not only [e⁻ aq] but also the rate of reduction of a metal-ion complex to zero-valent metal atoms in solution.« less

Surface order in cold liquids: X-ray reflectivity studies of dielectric liquids and comparison to liquid metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chattopadhyay, Sudeshna; Uysal, Ahmet; Stripe, Benjamin; Ehrlich, Steven; Karapetrova, Evguenia A.; Dutta, Pulak

2010-05-01

Oscillatory surface-density profiles (layers) have previously been reported in several metallic liquids, one dielectric liquid, and in computer simulations of dielectric liquids. We have now seen surface layers in two other dielectric liquids, pentaphenyl trimethyl trisiloxane, and pentavinyl pentamethyl cyclopentasiloxane. These layers appear below T˜285K and T˜130K , respectively; both thresholds correspond to T/Tc˜0.2 where Tc is the liquid-gas critical temperature. All metallic and dielectric liquid surfaces previously studied are also consistent with the existence of this T/Tc threshold, first indicated by the simulations of Chacón [Phys. Rev. Lett. 87, 166101 (2001)]. The layer width parameters, determined using a distorted-crystal fitting model, follow common trends as functions of Tc for both metallic and dielectric liquids.

High level radioactive waste vitrification process equipment component testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siemens, D. H.; Health, W. C.; Larson, D. E.; Craig, S. N.; Berger, D. N.; Goles, R. W.

1985-04-01

Remote operability and maintainability of vitrification equipment were assessment under shielded cell conditions. The equipment tested will be applied to immobilize high level and transuranic liquid waste slurries that resulted from plutonium production for defense weapons. Equipment tested included: a turntable for handling waste canisters under the melter; a removable discharge cone in the melter overflow section; a thermocouple jumper that extends into a shielded cell; remote instrument and electrical connectors; remote, mechanical, and heat transfer aspects of the melter glass overflow section; a reamer to clean out plugged nozzles in the melter top; a closed circuit camera to view the melter interior; and a device to retrieve samples of the glass product. A test was also conduucted to evaluate liquid metals for use in a liquid metal sealing system.

Studies of Nucleation, Growth, Specific Heat, and Viscosity of Undercooled Melts of Quasicrystals and Polytetrahedral-Phase-Forming Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, K. F.; Croat, T. K.; Gangopadhyay, A.; Holland-Moritz, D.; Hyers, Robert W.; Rathz, Thomas J.; Robinson, Michael B.; Rogers, Jan R.

2001-01-01

Undercooling experiments and thermal physical property measurements of metallic alloys on the International Space Station (ISS) are planned. This recently-funded research focuses on fundamental issues of the formation and structure of highly-ordered non-crystallographic phases (quasicrystals) and related crystal phases (crystal approximants), and the connections between the atomic structures of these phases and those of liquids and glasses. It extends studies made previously by us of the composition dependence of crystal nucleation processes in silicate and metallic glasses, to the case of nucleation from the liquid phase. Motivating results from rf-levitation and drop-tube measurements of the undercooling of Ti/Zr-based liquids that form quasicrystals and crystal approximants are discussed. Preliminary measurements by electrostatic levitation (ESL) are presented.

Use of magnetic carbon composites from renewable resource materials for oil spill clean up and recovery

DOEpatents

Viswanathan, Tito

2015-10-27

A method of separating a liquid hydrocarbon material from a body of water, includes: (a) mixing magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites with a liquid hydrocarbon material dispersed in a body of water to allow the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each to be adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material to form a mixture; (b) applying a magnetic force to the mixture to attract the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material; and (c) removing the body of water from the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material while maintaining the applied magnetic force. The magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites is formed by subjecting one or more metal lignosulfonates or metal salts to microwave radiation, in presence of lignin/derivatives either in presence of alkali or a microwave absorbing material, for a period of time effective to allow the carbon-metal nanocomposites to be formed.

Apollo-Soyuz pamphlet no. 8: Zero-g technology. [experimental designispace processing and aerospace engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, L. W.; From, T. P.

1977-01-01

The behavior of liquids in zero gravity environments is discussed with emphasis on foams, wetting, and wicks. A multipurpose electric furnace (MA-010) for the high temperature processing of metals and salts in zero-g is described. Experiments discussed include: monolectic and synthetic alloys (MA-041); multiple material melting point (MA-150); zero-g processing of metals (MA-070); surface tension induced convection (MA-041); halide eutectic growth; interface markings in crystals (MA-060); crystal growth from the vapor phase (MA-085); and photography of crystal growth (MA-028).

Space- and time-resolved resistive measurements of liquid metal wall thickness

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

Mirhoseini, S. M. H.; Volpe, F. A., E-mail: fvolpe@columbia.edu

In a fusion reactor internally coated with liquid metal, it will be important to diagnose the thickness of the liquid at various locations in the vessel, as a function of time, and possibly respond to counteract undesired bulging or depletion. The electrical conductance between electrodes immersed in the liquid metal can be used as a simple proxy for the local thickness. Here a matrix of electrodes is shown to provide spatially and temporally resolved measurements of liquid metal thickness in the absence of plasma. First a theory is developed for m × n electrodes, and then it is experimentally demonstratedmore » for 3 × 1 electrodes, as the liquid stands still or is agitated by means of a shaker. The experiments were carried out with Galinstan, but are easily extended to lithium or other liquid metals.« less

Space- and time-resolved resistive measurements of liquid metal wall thickness.

PubMed

Mirhoseini, S M H; Volpe, F A

2016-11-01

In a fusion reactor internally coated with liquid metal, it will be important to diagnose the thickness of the liquid at various locations in the vessel, as a function of time, and possibly respond to counteract undesired bulging or depletion. The electrical conductance between electrodes immersed in the liquid metal can be used as a simple proxy for the local thickness. Here a matrix of electrodes is shown to provide spatially and temporally resolved measurements of liquid metal thickness in the absence of plasma. First a theory is developed for m × n electrodes, and then it is experimentally demonstrated for 3 × 1 electrodes, as the liquid stands still or is agitated by means of a shaker. The experiments were carried out with Galinstan, but are easily extended to lithium or other liquid metals.

Transverse excitations in liquid Fe, Cu and Zn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosokawa, S.; Inui, M.; Kajihara, Y.; Tsutsui, S.; Baron, A. Q. R.

2015-05-01

Transverse acoustic (TA) excitation modes were observed in inelastic x-ray scattering spectra of liquid Fe, Cu and Zn. From the analysis of current correlation functions, we concluded that TA excitation modes can experimentally be detected through the quasi-TA branches in the longitudinal current correlation spectra in these liquid metals. The microscopic elastic constants are estimated and a characteristic difference from macroscopic polycrystalline value was found in Poisson's ratio of liquid Fe, which shows an extremely softer value of ∼0.38 compared with the macroscopic value of ∼0.275. The lifetime of the TA modes were determined to be ∼0.45 ps for liquid Fe and Cu and ∼0.55 ps for liquid Zn, reflecting different interatomic correlations between liquid transition metals and non-transition metals. The propagation length of the TA modes are ∼0.85 nm in all of liquid metals, corresponding to the size of icosahedral or similar size of cages formed instantaneously in these liquid metals.

Liquid suspensions of reversible metal hydrides

DOEpatents

Reilly, J.J.; Grohse, E.W.; Winsche, W.E.

1983-12-08

The reversibility of the process M + x/2 H/sub 2/ ..-->.. MH/sub x/, where M is a metal hydride former that forms a hydride MH/sub x/ in the presence of H/sub 2/, generally used to store and recall H/sub 2/, is found to proceed under a liquid, thereby to reduce contamination, provide better temperature control and provide in situ mobility of the reactants. Thus, a slurry of particles of a metal hydride former with an inert solvent is subjected to temperature and pressure controlled atmosphere containing H/sub 2/, to store hydrogen (at high pressures) and to release (at low pressures) previously stored hydrogen. The direction of the flow of the H/sub 2/ through the liquid is dependent upon the H/sub 2/ pressure in the gas phase at a given temperature. When the former is above the equilibrium absorption pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the right, i.e., the metal hydride is formed and hydrogen is stored in the solid particle. When the H/sub 2/ pressure in the gas phase is below the equilibrium dissociation pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the left, the metal hydride is decomposed and hydrogen is released into the gas phase.

A full 3D model of fluid flow and heat transfer in an E.B. heated liquid metal bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matveichev, A.; Jardy, A.; Bellot, J. P.

2016-07-01

In order to study the dissolution of exogeneous inclusions in the liquid metal during processing of titanium alloys, a series of dipping experiments has been performed in an Electron Beam Melting laboratory furnace. Precise determination of the dissolution kinetics requires knowing and mastering the exact thermohydrodynamic behavior of the melt pool, which implies full 3D modeling of the process. To achieve this goal, one needs to describe momentum and heat transfer, phase change, as well as the development of flow turbulence in the liquid. EB power input, thermal radiation, heat loss through the cooling circuit, surface tension effects (i.e. Marangoni-induced flow) must also be addressed in the model. Therefore a new solver dealing with all these phenomena was implemented within OpenFOAM platform. Numerical results were compared with experimental data from actual Ti melting, showing a pretty good agreement. In the second stage, the immersion of a refractory sample rod in the liquid pool was simulated. Results of the simulations showed that the introduction of the sample slightly disturbs the flow field inside the bath. The amount of such disturbance depends on the exact location of the dipping.

METHOD OF FORMING A PROTECTIVE COATING ON FERROUS METAL SURFACES

DOEpatents

Schweitzer, D.G.; Weeks, J.R.; Kammerer, O.F.; Gurinsky, D.H.

1960-02-23

A method is described of protecting ferrous metal surfaces from corrosive attack by liquid metals, such as liquid bismuth or lead-bismuth alloys. The nitrogen content of the ferrous metal surface is first reduced by reacting the metal surface with a metal which forms a stable nitride. Thereafter, the surface is contacted with liquid metal containing at least 2 ppm zirconium at a temperature in the range of 550 to 1100 deg C to form an adherent zirconium carbide layer on the ferrous surface.

EXPERIMENTAL LIQUID METAL FUEL REACTOR

DOEpatents

Happell, J.J.; Thomas, G.R.; Denise, R.P.; Bunts, J.L. Jr.

1962-01-23

A liquid metal fuel nuclear fission reactor is designed in which the fissionable material is dissolved or suspended in a liquid metal moderator and coolant. The liquid suspension flows into a chamber in which a critical amount of fissionable material is obtained. The fluid leaves the chamber and the heat of fission is extracted for power or other utilization. The improvement is in the support arrangement for a segrnented graphite core to permit dif ferential thermal expansion, effective sealing between main and blanket liquid metal flows, and avoidance of excessive stress development in the graphite segments. (AEC)

Process for the production of liquid hydrocarbons

DOEpatents

Bhatt, Bharat Lajjaram; Engel, Dirk Coenraad; Heydorn, Edward Clyde; Senden, Matthijis Maria Gerardus

2006-06-27

The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons which process comprises contacting synthesis gas with a slurry of solid catalyst particles and a liquid in a reactor vessel by introducing the synthesis gas at a low level into the slurry at conditions suitable for conversion of the synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbons, the solid catalyst particles comprising a catalytic active metal selected from cobalt or iron on a porous refractory oxide carrier, preferably selected from silica, alumina, titania, zirconia or mixtures thereof, the catalyst being present in an amount between 10 and 40 vol. percent based on total slurry volume liquids and solids, and separating liquid material from the solid catalyst particles by using a filtration system comprising an asymmetric filtration medium (the selective side at the slurry side), in which filtration system the average pressure differential over the filtration medium is at least 0.1 bar, in which process the particle size distribution is such that at least a certain amount of the catalyst particles is smaller than the average pore size of the selective layer of the filtration medium. The invention also comprises an apparatus to carry out the process described above.

Post Retort, Pre Hydro-treat Upgrading of Shale Oil

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

Gordon, John

Various oil feedstocks, including oil from oil shale, bitumen from tar sands, heavy oil, and refin- ery streams were reacted with the alkali metals lithium or sodium in the presence of hydrogen or methane at elevated temperature and pressure in a reactor. The products were liquids with sub- stantially reduced metals, sulfur and nitrogen content. The API gravity typically increased. Sodi- um was found to be more effective than lithium in effectiveness. The solids formed when sodium was utilized contained sodium sulfide which could be regenerated electrochemically back to so- dium and a sulfur product using a "Nasicon", sodium ionmore » conducting membrane. In addition, the process was found to be effective reducing total acid number (TAN) to zero, dramatically reduc- ing the asphaltene content and vacuum residual fraction in the product liquid. The process has promise as a means of eliminating sulfur oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. The process al- so opens the possibility of eliminating the coking process from upgrading schemes and upgrad- ing without using hydrogen.« less

Liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor plant system

DOEpatents

Hunsbedt, Anstein; Boardman, Charles E.

1993-01-01

A liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor having a passive cooling system for removing residual heat resulting for fuel decay during reactor shutdown, or heat produced during a mishap. The reactor system is enhanced with sealing means for excluding external air from contact with the liquid metal coolant leaking from the reactor vessel during an accident. The invention also includes a silo structure which resists attack by leaking liquid metal coolant, and an added unique cooling means.

Ionic imbalance induced self-propulsion of liquid metals

PubMed Central

Zavabeti, Ali; Daeneke, Torben; Chrimes, Adam F.; O'Mullane, Anthony P.; Zhen Ou, Jian; Mitchell, Arnan; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh

2016-01-01

Components with self-propelling abilities are important building blocks of small autonomous systems and the characteristics of liquid metals are capable of fulfilling self-propulsion criteria. To date, there has been no exploration regarding the effect of electrolyte ionic content surrounding a liquid metal for symmetry breaking that generates motion. Here we show the controlled actuation of liquid metal droplets using only the ionic properties of the aqueous electrolyte. We demonstrate that pH or ionic concentration gradients across a liquid metal droplet induce both deformation and surface Marangoni flow. We show that the Lippmann dominated deformation results in maximum velocity for the self-propulsion of liquid metal droplets and illustrate several key applications, which take advantage of such electrolyte-induced motion. With this finding, it is possible to conceive the propulsion of small entities that are constructed and controlled entirely with fluids, progressing towards more advanced soft systems. PMID:27488954

Ionic imbalance induced self-propulsion of liquid metals.

PubMed

Zavabeti, Ali; Daeneke, Torben; Chrimes, Adam F; O'Mullane, Anthony P; Zhen Ou, Jian; Mitchell, Arnan; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2016-08-04

Components with self-propelling abilities are important building blocks of small autonomous systems and the characteristics of liquid metals are capable of fulfilling self-propulsion criteria. To date, there has been no exploration regarding the effect of electrolyte ionic content surrounding a liquid metal for symmetry breaking that generates motion. Here we show the controlled actuation of liquid metal droplets using only the ionic properties of the aqueous electrolyte. We demonstrate that pH or ionic concentration gradients across a liquid metal droplet induce both deformation and surface Marangoni flow. We show that the Lippmann dominated deformation results in maximum velocity for the self-propulsion of liquid metal droplets and illustrate several key applications, which take advantage of such electrolyte-induced motion. With this finding, it is possible to conceive the propulsion of small entities that are constructed and controlled entirely with fluids, progressing towards more advanced soft systems.

Liquid metal embrittlement of T91 and 316L steels by heavy liquid metals: A fracture mechanics assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Auger, T.; Hamouche, Z.; Medina-Almazàn, L.; Gorse, D.

2008-06-01

LME of the martensitic T91 and the austenitic 316L steels have been investigated in the CCT geometry in the plane-stress condition. Using such a geometry, premature cracking induced by a liquid metal (PbBi and Hg) can be studied using a fracture mechanics approach based on CTOD, J-Δ a and fracture assessment diagram. One is able to measure a reduction of the crack tip blunting and a reduction of the energy required for crack propagation induced by the liquid metal. In spite of some limitations, this qualitative evaluation shows that liquid metals do not induce strong embrittlement on steels in plane-stress condition. Rather, the effect of the liquid metal seems to promote a fracture mode by plastic collapse linked with strain localization. It indicates that the materials, in spite of a potential embrittlement, should still be acceptable in terms of safety criteria.

Sewage sludge dewatering using flowing liquid metals

DOEpatents

Carlson, Larry W.

1986-01-01

A method and apparatus for reducing the moisture content of a moist sewage sludge having a moisture content of about 50% to 80% and formed of small cellular micro-organism bodies having internally confined water is provided. A hot liquid metal is circulated in a circulation loop and the moist sewage sludge is injected in the circulation loop under conditions of temperature and pressure such that the confined water vaporizes and ruptures the cellular bodies. The vapor produced, the dried sludge, and the liquid metal are then separated. Preferably, the moist sewage sludge is injected into the hot liquid metal adjacent the upstream side of a venturi which serves to thoroughly mix the hot liquid metal and the moist sewage sludge. The venturi and the drying zone after the venturi are preferably vertically oriented. The dried sewage sludge recovered is available as a fuel and is preferably used for heating the hot liquid metal.

Ionic imbalance induced self-propulsion of liquid metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavabeti, Ali; Daeneke, Torben; Chrimes, Adam F.; O'Mullane, Anthony P.; Zhen Ou, Jian; Mitchell, Arnan; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kourosh

2016-08-01

Components with self-propelling abilities are important building blocks of small autonomous systems and the characteristics of liquid metals are capable of fulfilling self-propulsion criteria. To date, there has been no exploration regarding the effect of electrolyte ionic content surrounding a liquid metal for symmetry breaking that generates motion. Here we show the controlled actuation of liquid metal droplets using only the ionic properties of the aqueous electrolyte. We demonstrate that pH or ionic concentration gradients across a liquid metal droplet induce both deformation and surface Marangoni flow. We show that the Lippmann dominated deformation results in maximum velocity for the self-propulsion of liquid metal droplets and illustrate several key applications, which take advantage of such electrolyte-induced motion. With this finding, it is possible to conceive the propulsion of small entities that are constructed and controlled entirely with fluids, progressing towards more advanced soft systems.

Electrokinetic actuation of liquid metal for reconfigurable radio frequency devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gough, Ryan C.

Liquid metals are an attractive material choice for designers wishing to combine the advantages of metals, such as high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity, with the inherently dynamic nature of fluids. Liquid metals have been utilized for a wide variety of applications, but their high electrical conductivity, surface smoothness, and linear response makes them especially attractive as tuning elements within reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) devices. The recent introduction of non-toxic liquid metal alloys onto the commercial market has further fueled interest in this versatile material. Early experiments with liquid metal as an RF tuning element have yielded promising results, but have largely depended on externally applied pressure to actuate the liquid metal. For commercial implementation this would necessitate the use of clunky and inefficient micro-pumps, which can require both high voltages and high power consumption. This reliance on hydraulic pumping has been a significant barrier to the incorporation of liquid metal as an RF tuning element in applications outside of a laboratory setting. Here, several electrical actuation techniques are demonstrated that allow for the rapid and repeatable actuation of non-toxic gallium alloys as tuning elements within reconfigurable RF devices. These techniques leverage the naturally high surface tension of liquid metals, as well as the unique electrochemistry of gallium-based alloys, to exercise wide-ranging and high fidelity control over both the metal's shape and position. Furthermore, this control is exercised with voltage and power levels that are each better than an order of magnitude below that achievable with conventional micro-pumps. This control does not require the constant application of actuation signals in order to maintain an actuated state, and can even be 'self-actuated', with the liquid metal supplying its own kinetic energy via the electrochemical conversion of its native oxide layer. Several proof-of-concept devices are designed and tested to demonstrate the effectiveness of these electrical actuation techniques. A pair of tunable slot antennas are presented that achieve frequency reconfigurability through different implementations of liquid metal tuning elements - the first uses liquid metal as a dynamic short-circuit boundary condition for the magnetic current within the resonant aperture, and the second as a variable-length transmission stub that adds and removes reactance from the antenna. The two antennas are tunable across effective bandwidths of 19% and 15%, respectively. In addition, a tunable bandpass filter is demonstrated in which a central liquid-metal resonant element is 'stretched' to lower the passband of the filter by 10% without impacting the insertion loss. Finally, it is demonstrated how liquid metal can be formed into arbitrary shapes at high speeds (approximately 2.5 cm/s) without the need for an external power supply.

Water-based binary polyol process for the controllable synthesis of silver nanoparticles inhibiting human and foodborne pathogenic bacteria

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The polyol process is a widely used strategy for producing nanoparticles from various reducible metallic precursors; however it requires a bulk polyol liquid reaction with additional protective agents at high temperatures. Here, we report a water-based binary polyol process using low concentrations ...

Numerical studies on a plasmonic temperature nanosensor based on a metal-insulator-metal ring resonator structure for optical integrated circuit applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-mahmod, Md. Jubayer; Hyder, Rakib; Islam, Md Zahurul

2017-07-01

A nanosensor, based on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic ring resonator, is proposed for potential on-chip temperature sensing and its performance is evaluated numerically. The sensor components can be fabricated by using planar processes on a silicon substrate, making its manufacturing compatible to planar electronic fabrication technology. The sensor, constructed using silver as the metal rings and a thermo-optic liquid ethanol film between the metal layers, is capable of sensing temperature with outstanding optical sensitivity, as high as -0.53 nm/°C. The resonance wavelength is found to be highly sensitive to the refractive index of the liquid dielectric film. The resonance peak can be tuned according to the requirement of intended application by changing the radii of the ring resonator geometries in the design phase. The compact size, planar and silicon-based design, and very high resolutions- these characteristics are expected to make this sensor technology a preferred choice for lab-on-a-chip applications, as compared to other contemporary sensors.

Device and technique for in-process sampling and analysis of molten metals and other liquids presenting harsh sampling conditions

DOEpatents

Alvarez, J.L.; Watson, L.D.

1988-01-21

An apparatus and method for continuously analyzing liquids by creating a supersonic spray which is shaped and sized prior to delivery of the spray to a analysis apparatus. The gas and liquid is sheared into small particles which are of a size and uniformity to form a spray which can be controlled through adjustment of pressures and gas velocity. The spray is shaped by a concentric supplemental flow of gas. 5 figs.

Liquid-metal-piston MHD generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, J. P.

1969-01-01

Magnetohydrodynamic generator uses a slug or piston of liquid potassium as the working fluid. An expanding vapor of the metal is allowed to reciprocate the liquid-metal-piston through a magnetic field and the expansion energy is converted directly into electrical energy.

Supercritical processing as a route to high internal surface areas and permanent microporosity in metal-organic framework materials.

PubMed

Nelson, Andrew P; Farha, Omar K; Mulfort, Karen L; Hupp, Joseph T

2009-01-21

Careful processing of four representative metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide (ScD) leads to substantial, or in some cases spectacular (up to 1200%), increases in gas-accessible surface area. Maximization of surface area is key to the optimization of MOFs for many potential applications. Preliminary evidence points to inhibition of mesopore collapse, and therefore micropore accessibility, as the basis for the extraordinarily efficacious outcome of ScD-based activation.

Process for the fabrication of aluminum metallized pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Ramsey, Philip B.; Juntz, Robert S.

1995-01-01

An improved method for fabricating pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets with superior heat transfer ability, longer life, and maximum energy transmission. Anisotropic pyrolytic graphite is contoured and/or segmented to match the erosion profile of the sputter target and then oriented such that the graphite's high thermal conductivity planes are in maximum contact with a thermally conductive metal backing. The graphite contact surface is metallized, using high rate physical vapor deposition (HRPVD), with an aluminum coating and the thermally conductive metal backing is joined to the metallized graphite target by one of four low-temperature bonding methods; liquid-metal casting, powder metallurgy compaction, eutectic brazing, and laser welding.

Nonthermal processing of orange juice using a pilot-plant scale supercritical carbon dioxide system with a gas-liquid metal contactor

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

To evaluate the effect of pilot-plant scale, non-thermal supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) processing on the safety and the quality of orange juice (OJ), SCCO2 processed juice was compared with untreated fresh juice and equivalently thermal processed juice in terms of lethality. SCCO2 processing ...

Complaint liquid metal electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkenauer, Lauren R.; Majidi, Carmel

2014-03-01

This work presents a liquid-phase metal electrode to be used with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) for a dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). DEAs are favorable for soft-matter applications where high efficiency and response times are desirable. A consistent challenge faced during the fabrication of these devices is the selection and deposition of electrode material. While numerous designs have been demonstrated with a variety of conductive elastomers and greases, these materials have significant and often intrinsic shortcomings, e.g. low conductivity, hysteresis, incapability of large deformations, and complex fabrication requirements. The liquid metal alloy eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) is a promising alternative to existing compliant electrodes, having both high conductivity and complete soft-matter functionality. The liquid electrode shares almost the same electrical conductivity as conventional metal wiring and provides no mechanical resistance to bending or stretching of the DEA. This research establishes a straightforward and effective method for quickly depositing EGaIn electrodes, which can be adapted for batch fabrication, and demonstrates the successful actuation of sample curved cantilever elastomer actuators using these electrodes. As with the vast majority of electrostatically actuated elastomer devices, the voltage requirements for these curved DEAs are still quite significant, though modifications to the fabrication process show some improved electrical properties. The ease and speed with which this method can be implemented suggests that the development of a more electronically efficient device is realistic and worthwhile.

Steering liquid metal flow in microchannels using low voltages.

PubMed

Tang, Shi-Yang; Lin, Yiliang; Joshipura, Ishan D; Khoshmanesh, Khashayar; Dickey, Michael D

2015-10-07

Liquid metals based on gallium, such as eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) and Galinstan, have been integrated as static components in microfluidic systems for a wide range of applications including soft electrodes, pumps, and stretchable electronics. However, there is also a possibility to continuously pump liquid metal into microchannels to create shape reconfigurable metallic structures. Enabling this concept necessitates a simple method to control dynamically the path the metal takes through branched microchannels with multiple outlets. This paper demonstrates a novel method for controlling the directional flow of EGaIn liquid metal in complex microfluidic networks by simply applying a low voltage to the metal. According to the polarity of the voltage applied between the inlet and an outlet, two distinct mechanisms can occur. The voltage can lower the interfacial tension of the metal via electrocapillarity to facilitate the flow of the metal towards outlets containing counter electrodes. Alternatively, the voltage can drive surface oxidation of the metal to form a mechanical impediment that redirects the movement of the metal towards alternative pathways. Thus, the method can be employed like a 'valve' to direct the pathway chosen by the metal without mechanical moving parts. The paper elucidates the operating mechanisms of this valving system and demonstrates proof-of-concept control over the flow of liquid metal towards single or multiple directions simultaneously. This method provides a simple route to direct the flow of liquid metal for applications in microfluidics, optics, electronics, and microelectromechanical systems.

Characterization of the Electric Double Layer Formation Dynamics of a Metal/Ionic Liquid/Metal Structure.

PubMed

Schmidt, Elliot; Shi, Sha; Ruden, P Paul; Frisbie, C Daniel

2016-06-15

Although ionic liquids (ILs) have been used extensively in recent years as a high-capacitance "dielectric" in electric double layer transistors, the dynamics of the double layer formation have remained relatively unexplored. Better understanding of the dynamics and relaxation processes involved in electric double layer formation will guide device optimization, particularly with regard to switching speed. In this paper, we explore the dynamical characteristics of an IL in a metal/ionic liquid/metal (M/IL/M) capacitor. In particular, we examine a Au/IL/Au structure where the IL is 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate. The experiments consist of frequency-dependent impedance measurements and time-dependent current vs voltage measurements for applied linear voltage ramps and abrupt voltage steps. The parameters of an equivalent circuit model are determined by fits to the impedance vs frequency data and subsequently verified by calculating the current vs voltage characteristics for the applied potential profiles. The data analysis indicates that the dynamics of the structure are characterized by a wide distribution of relaxation times spanning the range of less than microseconds to longer than seconds. Possible causes for these time scales are discussed.

Liquid Structures and Physical Properties -- Ground Based Studies for ISS Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, K. F.; Bendert, J. C.; Mauro, N. A.

2012-01-01

Studies of electrostatically-levitated supercooled liquids have demonstrated strong short- and medium-range ordering in transition metal and alloy liquids, which can influence phase transitions like crystal nucleation and the glass transition. The structure is also related to the liquid properties. Planned ISS experiments will allow a deeper investigation of these results as well as the first investigations of a new type of coupling in crystal nucleation in primary crystallizing liquids, resulting from a linking of the stochastic processes of diffusion with interfacial-attachment. A brief description of the techniques used for ground-based studies and some results relevant to planned ISS investigations are discussed.

Solvent extraction of Cu, Mo, V, and U from leach solutions of copper ore and flotation tailings.

PubMed

Smolinski, Tomasz; Wawszczak, Danuta; Deptula, Andrzej; Lada, Wieslawa; Olczak, Tadeusz; Rogowski, Marcin; Pyszynska, Marta; Chmielewski, Andrzej Grzegorz

2017-01-01

Flotation tailings from copper production are deposits of copper and other valuable metals, such as Mo, V and U. New hydrometallurgical technologies are more economical and open up new possibilities for metal recovery. This work presents results of the study on the extraction of copper by mixed extractant consisting p -toluidine dissolved in toluene. The possibility of simultaneous liquid-liquid extraction of molybdenum and vanadium was examined. D2EHPA solutions was used as extractant, and recovery of individual elements compared for the representative samples of ore and copper flotation tailings. Radiometric methods were applied for process optimization.

Accessing thermoplastic processing windows in metallic glasses using rapid capacitive discharge

PubMed Central

Kaltenboeck, Georg; Harris, Thomas; Sun, Kerry; Tran, Thomas; Chang, Gregory; Schramm, Joseph P.; Demetriou, Marios D.; Johnson, William L.

2014-01-01

The ability of the rapid-capacitive discharge approach to access optimal viscosity ranges in metallic glasses for thermoplastic processing is explored. Using high-speed thermal imaging, the heating uniformity and stability against crystallization of Zr35Ti30Cu7.5Be27.5 metallic glass heated deeply into the supercooled region is investigated. The method enables homogeneous volumetric heating of bulk samples throughout the entire supercooled liquid region at high rates (~105 K/s) sufficient to bypass crystallization throughout. The crystallization onsets at temperatures in the vicinity of the “crystallization nose” were identified and a Time-Temperature-Transformation diagram is constructed, revealing a “critical heating rate” for the metallic glass of ~1000 K/s. Thermoplastic process windows in the optimal viscosity range of 100–104 Pa·s are identified, being confined between the glass relaxation and the eutectic crystallization transition. Within this process window, near-net forging of a fine precision metallic glass part is demonstrated. PMID:25269892

Near-net-shape manufacturing: Spray-formed metal matrix composites and tooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mchugh, Kevin M.

1994-01-01

Spray forming is a materials processing technology in which a bulk liquid metal is converted to a spray of fine droplets and deposited onto a substrate or pattern to form a near-net-shape solid. The technology offers unique opportunities for simplifying materials processing without sacrificing, and oftentimes substantially improving, product quality. Spray forming can be performed with a wide range of metals and nonmetals, and offers property improvements resulting from rapid solidification (e.g. refined microstructures, extended solid solubilities and reduced segregation). Economic benefits result from process simplification and the elimination of unit operations. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory is developing a unique spray-forming method, the Controlled Aspiration Process (CAP), to produce near-net-shape solids and coatings of metals, polymers, and composite materials. Results from two spray-accompanying technical and economic benefits. These programs involved spray forming aluminum strip reinforced with SiC particulate, and the production of tooling, such as injection molds and dies, using low-melting-point metals.

Recovery of metals from a mixture of various spent batteries by a hydrometallurgical process.

PubMed

Tanong, Kulchaya; Coudert, Lucie; Mercier, Guy; Blais, Jean-Francois

2016-10-01

Spent batteries contain hazardous materials, including numerous metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, etc.) that are present at high concentrations. Therefore, proper treatment of these wastes is necessary to prevent their harmful effects on human health and the environment. Current recycling processes are mainly applied to treat each type of spent battery separately. In this laboratory study, a hydrometallurgical process has been developed to simultaneously and efficiently solubilize metals from spent batteries. Among the various chemical leaching agents tested, sulfuric acid was found to be the most efficient and cheapest reagent. A Box-Behnken design was used to identify the influence of several parameters (acid concentration, solid/liquid ratio, retention time and number of leaching steps) on the removal of metals from spent batteries. According to the results, the solid/liquid ratio and acid concentration seemed to be the main parameters influencing the solubilization of zinc, manganese, nickel, cadmium and cobalt from spent batteries. According to the results, the highest metal leaching removals were obtained under the optimal leaching conditions (pulp density = 180 g/L (w/v), [H2SO4] = 1 M, number of leaching step = 3 and leaching time = 30 min). Under such optimum conditions, the removal yields obtained were estimated to be 65% for Mn, 99.9% for Cd, 100% for Zn, 74% for Co and 68% for Ni. Further studies will be performed to improve the solubilization of Mn and to selectively recover the metals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compositional depth profiles of the type 316 stainless steel undergone the corrosion in liquid lithium using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ying; Ke, Chuan; Liu, Xiang; Gou, Fujun; Duan, Xuru; Zhao, Yong

2017-12-01

Liquid metal lithium cause severe corrosion on the surface of metal structure material that used in the blanket and first wall of fusion device. Fast and accurate compositional depth profile measurement for the boundary layer of the corroded specimen will reveal the clues for the understanding and evaluation of the liquid lithium corrosion process as well as the involved corrosion mechanism. In this work, the feasibility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the compositional depth profile analysis of type 316 stainless steel which was corroded by liquid lithium in certain conditions was demonstrated. High sensitivity of LIBS was revealed especially for the corrosion medium Li in addition to the matrix elements of Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn by the spectral analysis of the plasma emission. Compositional depth profile analysis for the concerned elements which related to corrosion was carried out on the surface of the corroded specimen. Based on the verified local thermodynamic equilibrium shot-by-shot along the depth profile, the matrix effect was evaluated as negligible by the extracted physical parameter of the plasmas generated by each laser pulse in the longitudinal depth profile. In addition, the emission line intensity ratios were introduced to further reduce the impact on the emission line intensity variations arise from the strong inhomogeneities on the corroded surface. Compositional depth profiles for the matrix elements of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn and the corrosion medium Li were constructed with their measured relative emission line intensities. The distribution and correlations of the concerned elements in depth profile may indicate the clues to the complicated process of composition diffusion and mass transfer. The results obtained demonstrate the potentiality of LIBS as an effective technique to perform spectrochemical measurement in the research fields of liquid metal lithium corrosion.

Formation of Apollo 16 impactites and the composition of late accreted material: Constraints from Os isotopes, highly siderophile elements and sulfur abundances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleißner, Philipp; Becker, Harry

2017-03-01

Fe-Ni metal-schreibersite-troilite intergrowths in Apollo 16 impact melt rocks and new highly siderophile element (HSE) and S abundance data indicate that millimeter-scale closed-system fractional crystallization processes during cooling of impactor-derived metal melt droplets in impact-melts are the main reason for compositional variations and strong differences in abundances and ratios of HSE in multiple aliquots from Apollo 16 impact melt rocks. Element ratios obtained from linear regression of such data are therefore prone to error, but weighted averages take into account full element budgets in the samples and thus represent a more accurate estimate of their impactor contributions. Modeling of solid metal-liquid metal partitioning in the Fe-Ni-S-P system and HSE patterns in impactites from different landing sites suggest that bulk compositions of ancient lunar impactites should be representative of impact melt compositions and that large-scale fractionation of the HSE by in situ segregation of solid metal or sulfide liquid in impact melt sheets most likely did not occur. The compositional record of lunar impactites indicates accretion of variable amounts of chondritic and non-chondritic impactor material and the mixing of these components during remelting of earlier ejecta deposits. The non-chondritic composition appears most prominently in some Apollo 16 impactites and is characterized by suprachondritic HSE/Ir ratios which increase from refractory to moderately volatile HSE and exhibit a characteristic enrichment of Ru relative to Pt. Large-scale fractional crystallization of solid metal from sulfur and phosphorous rich metallic melt with high P/S in planetesimal or embryo cores is currently the most likely process that may have produced these compositions. Similar materials or processes may have contributed to the HSE signature of the bulk silicate Earth (BSE).

First Studies for the Development of Computational Tools for the Design of Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Pumps

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

Maidana, Carlos O.; Nieminen, Juha E.

Liquid alloy systems have a high degree of thermal conductivity, far superior to ordinary nonmetallic liquids and inherent high densities and electrical conductivities. This results in the use of these materials for specific heat conducting and dissipation applications for the nuclear and space sectors. Uniquely, they can be used to conduct heat and electricity between nonmetallic and metallic surfaces. The motion of liquid metals in strong magnetic fields generally induces electric currents, which, while interacting with the magnetic field, produce electromagnetic forces. Electromagnetic pumps exploit the fact that liquid metals are conducting fluids capable of carrying currents, which is amore » source of electromagnetic fields useful for pumping and diagnostics. The coupling between the electromagnetics and thermo-fluid mechanical phenomena and the determination of its geometry and electrical configuration, gives rise to complex engineering magnetohydrodynamics problems. The development of tools to model, characterize, design, and build liquid metal thermomagnetic systems for space, nuclear, and industrial applications are of primordial importance and represent a cross-cutting technology that can provide unique design and development capabilities as well as a better understanding of the physics behind the magneto-hydrodynamics of liquid metals. Here, first studies for the development of computational tools for the design of liquid metal electromagnetic pumps are discussed.« less

First Studies for the Development of Computational Tools for the Design of Liquid Metal Electromagnetic Pumps

DOE PAGES

Maidana, Carlos O.; Nieminen, Juha E.

2017-02-01

Liquid alloy systems have a high degree of thermal conductivity, far superior to ordinary nonmetallic liquids and inherent high densities and electrical conductivities. This results in the use of these materials for specific heat conducting and dissipation applications for the nuclear and space sectors. Uniquely, they can be used to conduct heat and electricity between nonmetallic and metallic surfaces. The motion of liquid metals in strong magnetic fields generally induces electric currents, which, while interacting with the magnetic field, produce electromagnetic forces. Electromagnetic pumps exploit the fact that liquid metals are conducting fluids capable of carrying currents, which is amore » source of electromagnetic fields useful for pumping and diagnostics. The coupling between the electromagnetics and thermo-fluid mechanical phenomena and the determination of its geometry and electrical configuration, gives rise to complex engineering magnetohydrodynamics problems. The development of tools to model, characterize, design, and build liquid metal thermomagnetic systems for space, nuclear, and industrial applications are of primordial importance and represent a cross-cutting technology that can provide unique design and development capabilities as well as a better understanding of the physics behind the magneto-hydrodynamics of liquid metals. Here, first studies for the development of computational tools for the design of liquid metal electromagnetic pumps are discussed.« less

Recovery of Ni Metal from Spent Catalyst with Emulsion Liquid Membrane Using Cyanex 272 as Extractant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuliusman; Huda, M.; Ramadhan, I. T.; Farry, A. R.; Wulandari, P. T.; Alfia, R.

2018-03-01

In this study was conducted to recover nickel metal from spent nickel catalyst resulting from hydrotreating process in petroleum industry. The nickel extraction study with the emulsion liquid membrane using Cyanex 272 as an extractant to extract and separate nickel from the feed phase solution. Feed phase solution was preapred from spent catalyst using sulphuric acid. Liquid membrane consists of a kerosene as diluent, a Span 80 as surfactant, a Cyanex 272 as carrier and sulphuric acid solutions have been used as the stripping solution. The important parameters governing the permeation of nickel and their effect on the separation process have been studied. These parameters are surfactant concentration, extractant concentration feed phase pH. The optimum conditions of the emulsion membrane making process is using 0.06 M Cyanex 272, 8% w/v SPAN 80, 0.05 M H2SO4, internal phase extractant / phase volume ratio: 1/1, and stirring speed 1150 rpm for 60 Minute that can produce emulsion membrane with stability level above 90% after 4 hours. In the extraction process with optimum condition pH 6 for feed phase, ratio of phase emulsion/phase of feed: 1/2, and stirring speed 175 rpm for 15 minutes with result 81.51% nickel was extracted.

Contactless Inductive Bubble Detection in a Liquid Metal Flow

PubMed Central

Gundrum, Thomas; Büttner, Philipp; Dekdouk, Bachir; Peyton, Anthony; Wondrak, Thomas; Galindo, Vladimir; Eckert, Sven

2016-01-01

The detection of bubbles in liquid metals is important for many technical applications. The opaqueness and the high temperature of liquid metals set high demands on the measurement system. The high electrical conductivity of the liquid metal can be exploited for contactless methods based on electromagnetic induction. We will present a measurement system which consists of one excitation coil and a pickup coil system on the opposite sides of the pipe. With this sensor we were able to detect bubbles in a sodium flow inside a stainless steel pipe and bubbles in a column filled with a liquid Gallium alloy. PMID:26751444

Liquid metal ion source and alloy

DOEpatents

Clark, Jr., William M.; Utlaut, Mark W.; Behrens, Robert G.; Szklarz, Eugene G.; Storms, Edmund K.; Santandrea, Robert P.; Swanson, Lynwood W.

1988-10-04

A liquid metal ion source and alloy, wherein the species to be emitted from the ion source is contained in a congruently vaporizing alloy. In one embodiment, the liquid metal ion source acts as a source of arsenic, and in a source alloy the arsenic is combined with palladium, preferably in a liquid alloy having a range of compositions from about 24 to about 33 atomic percent arsenic. Such an alloy may be readily prepared by a combustion synthesis technique. Liquid metal ion sources thus prepared produce arsenic ions for implantation, have long lifetimes, and are highly stable in operation.

Tokamak with liquid metal for inducing toroidal electrical field

DOEpatents

Ohkawa, Tihiro

1981-01-01

A tokamak apparatus includes a vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A toroidal liner disposed within said vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner confines gas therein. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside the liner. A magnetic field is established in the liquid metal to develop magnetic flux linking the toroidal space. The gas is ionized. The liquid metal and the toroidal space are moved relative to one another transversely of the space to generate electric current in the ionized gas in the toroidal space about its major axis and thereby heat plasma developed in the toroidal space.

Demonstrating electromagnetic control of free-surface, liquid-metal flows relevant to fusion reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hvasta, M. G.; Kolemen, E.; Fisher, A. E.; Ji, H.

2018-01-01

Plasma-facing components (PFC’s) made from solid materials may not be able to withstand the large heat and particle fluxes that will be produced within next-generation fusion reactors. To address the shortcomings of solid PFC’s, a variety of liquid-metal (LM) PFC concepts have been proposed. Many of the suggested LM-PFC designs rely on electromagnetic restraint (Lorentz force) to keep free-surface, liquid-metal flows adhered to the interior surfaces of a fusion reactor. However, there is very little, if any, experimental data demonstrating that free-surface, LM-PFC’s can actually be electromagnetically controlled. Therefore, in this study, electrical currents were injected into a free-surface liquid-metal that was flowing through a uniform magnetic field. The resultant Lorentz force generated within the liquid-metal affected the velocity and depth of the flow in a controllable manner that closely matched theoretical predictions. These results show the promise of electromagnetic control for LM-PFC’s and suggest that electromagnetic control could be further developed to adjust liquid-metal nozzle output, prevent splashing within a tokamak, and alter heat transfer properties for a wide-range of liquid-metal systems.

Microplasma-liquid interactions for nanomaterials synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Jenish; Maguire, Paul; Mariotti, Davide

2012-10-01

Interactions of microplasmas with solid, liquid and/or gas precursors provide new pathways for the synthesis and surface-engineering of nanomaterials. This study is focused on the plasma-induced non-euqilibrium liquid-chemistry (PiLC) as an effective approach to synthesize colloidal metal nanoparticles without using any reducing/capping agents. Highly dispersed gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in aqueous solutions without any capping agents which explore the opportunities to functionalize the surface of these surfactant-free metal NPs for a better device applications. In particular, various sizes (5 nm to 100 nm) and shapes (e.g. spherical, hexagonal, pentagonal, triangular, etc.) of the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were formed with different concentrations of gold precursor. Moreover, conductivity, pH and temperature of the solutions were measured before and after the plasma processing, in order to realize the basic chemistry initiated by plasma in/at liquid surface. Especially, to understand the basic reduction process of AuNPs synthesis by plasma, we measured the presence the of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is believed to be a strong reductant for gold and for the first time we demonstrated experimentally that H2O2 is the key factor that reduces the gold precursor to AuNPs. These investigations create the opportunities to understand how these microplasmas can be effectively explored to other materials synthesis/processing.

Method for reducing the sulfur content of a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream

DOEpatents

Mahajan, Devinder

2004-12-28

The sulfur content of a liquid hydrocarbon stream is reduced under mild conditions by contracting a sulfur-containing liquid hydrocarbon stream with transition metal particles containing the transition metal in a zero oxidation state under conditions sufficient to provide a hydrocarbon product having a reduced sulfur content and metal sulfide particles. The transition metal particles can be produced in situ by adding a transition metal precursor, e.g., a transition metal carbonyl compound, to the sulfur-containing liquid feed stream and sonicating the feed steam/transition metal precursor combination under conditions sufficient to produce the transition metal particles.

Simplified thermochemistry of oxygen in lithium and sodium for liquid metal cooling systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tower, L. K.

1972-01-01

Plots of oxygen chemical potential against composition of lithium-oxygen solutions and sodium-oxygen solutions for a range of temperature were constructed. For each liquid metal two such plots were prepared. For one plot ideal solution behavior was assumed. For the other plot, existing solubility limit data for oxygen in the liquid metal were used to determine a first-order term for departure from ideality. The use of the plots in evaluating the oxygen gettering capability of refractory metals in liquid metal cooling systems is illustrated by a simple example involving lithium, oxygen, and hafnium.

Preparation of ceramic materials using liquid metal carboxylate precursors

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

Walker, E.H.; Apblett, A.W.

We have recently discovered a novel class of metal carboxylates which are liquids at room temperature. These metal salts bear polyether organic residues and their physical properties make them highly conducive to the preparation of ceramic films and fibers. Furthermore, the liquid salts are excellent solvents for other metal salts such as nitrates. The resultant solutions are readily converted upon pyrolysis to multi-metallic oxide phases at fairly low temperatures due to the high homogeneity of the cation distribution in the liquid. The preparation of a variety of aluminum, titanium, and iron-containing ceramics in this manner will be reported.

Interphase Transformations at Metal (Copper, Iron)-Polymer Gel-Electrolyte Interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyamina, G. V.; Dubinina, O. V.; Vaitulevich, E. A.; Mokrousov, G. M.

2018-07-01

The results from studies of the interface boundaries between metals (copper and iron) and gel electrolyte based on methacrylic copolymers are organized systematically. In contrast to processes in liquid electrolytes, a number of key features of the reactions that occur at such interfaces are revealed: a diffusion limiting stage; a lack of reverse reactions; and the formation of coordination compounds of metal ions with the functional groups of polymers, the stabilities of which are several orders of magnitude greater than that of coordination with their low-molecular weight counterparts. It is shown that processes which employ polymeric organogels can be used for the careful cleaning of the metal surfaces, and for the formation of a desired phase composition on the latter.

Decomposition Mechanism and Decomposition Promoting Factors of Waste Hard Metal for Zinc Decomposition Process (ZDP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pee, J. H.; Kim, Y. J.; Kim, J. Y.; Seong, N. E.; Cho, W. S.; Kim, K. J.

2011-10-01

Decomposition promoting factors and decomposition mechanism in the zinc decomposition process of waste hard metals which are composed mostly of tungsten carbide and cobalt were evaluated. Zinc volatility amount was suppressed and zinc steam pressure was produced in the reaction graphite crucible inside an electric furnace for ZDP. Reaction was done for 2 hrs at 650 °C, which 100 % decomposed the waste hard metals that were over 30 mm thick. As for the separation-decomposition of waste hard metals, zinc melted alloy formed a liquid composed of a mixture of γ-β1 phase from the cobalt binder layer (reaction interface). The volume of reacted zone was expanded and the waste hard metal layer was decomposed-separated horizontally from the hard metal. Zinc used in the ZDP process was almost completely removed-collected by decantation and volatilization-collection process at 1000 °C. The small amount of zinc remaining in the tungsten carbide-cobalt powder which was completely decomposed was fully removed by using phosphate solution which had a slow cobalt dissolution speed.

Method and apparatus to produce and maintain a thick, flowing, liquid lithium first wall for toroidal magnetic confinement DT fusion reactors

DOEpatents

Woolley, Robert D.

2002-01-01

A system for forming a thick flowing liquid metal, in this case lithium, layer on the inside wall of a toroid containing the plasma of a deuterium-tritium fusion reactor. The presence of the liquid metal layer or first wall serves to prevent neutron damage to the walls of the toroid. A poloidal current in the liquid metal layer is oriented so that it flows in the same direction as the current in a series of external magnets used to confine the plasma. This current alignment results in the liquid metal being forced against the wall of the toroid. After the liquid metal exits the toroid it is pumped to a heat extraction and power conversion device prior to being reentering the toroid.

Galvanic Liquid Applied Coating System for Protection of Embedded Steel Surfaces from Corrosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curran, Joseph; MacDowell, Louis; Voska, N. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is an insidious problem for the Kennedy Space Center, government agencies, and the general public. Existing corrosion protection systems on the market are costly, complex, and time-consuming to install, require continuous maintenance and monitoring, and require specialized skills for installation. NASA's galvanic liquid-applied coating offers companies the ability to conveniently protect embedded steel rebar surfaces from corrosion. Liquid-applied inorganic galvanic coating contains one ore more of the following metallic particles: magnesium, zinc, or indium and may contain moisture attracting compounds that facilitate the protection process. The coating is applied to the outer surface of reinforced concrete so that electrical current is established between metallic particles and surfaces of embedded steel rebar; and electric (ionic) current is responsible for providing the necessary cathodic protection for embedded rebar surfaces.

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

10 CFR Appendix F to Part 110 - Illustrative List of Laser-Based Enrichment Plant Equipment and Components Under NRC Export...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... come into direct contact with uranium metal vapor or liquid or with process gas consisting of UF6 or a mixture of UF6 and other gases: (1) Uranium vaporization systems (AVLIS). Especially designed or prepared... laser-based enrichment items, the materials resistant to corrosion by the vapor or liquid of uranium...

Deformation of contact surfaces in a vacuum interrupter after high-current interruptions

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

Wang, Haoran; Wang, Zhenxing, E-mail: zxwang@xjtu.edu.cn; Zhou, Zhipeng

2016-08-07

In a high-current interruption, the contact surface in a vacuum interrupter might be severely damaged by constricted vacuum arcs causing a molten area on it. As a result, a protrusion will be initiated by a transient recovery voltage after current zero, enhancing the local electric field and making breakdowns occur easier. The objective of this paper is to simulate the deformation process on the molten area under a high electric field by adopting the finite element method. A time-dependent Electrohydrodynamic model was established, and the liquid-gas interface was tracked by the level-set method. From the results, the liquid metal canmore » be deformed to a Taylor cone if the applied electric field is above a critical value. This value is correlated to the initial geometry of the liquid metal, which increases as the size of the liquid metal decreases. Moreover, the buildup time of a Taylor cone obeys the power law t = k × E{sup −3}, where E is the initial electric field and k is a coefficient related to the material property, indicating a temporal self-similar characteristic. In addition, the influence of temperature has little impact on the deformation but has great impact on electron emission. Finally, the possible reason to initiate a delayed breakdown is associated with the deformation. The breakdown does not occur immediately when the voltage is just applied upon the gap but is postponed to several milliseconds later when the tip is formed on the liquid metal.« less

FLIT: Flowing LIquid metal Torus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolemen, Egemen; Majeski, Richard; Maingi, Rajesh; Hvasta, Michael

2017-10-01

The design and construction of FLIT, Flowing LIquid Torus, at PPPL is presented. FLIT focuses on a liquid metal divertor system suitable for implementation and testing in present-day fusion systems, such as NSTX-U. It is designed as a proof-of-concept fast-flowing liquid metal divertor that can handle heat flux of 10 MW/m2 without an additional cooling system. The 72 cm wide by 107 cm tall torus system consisting of 12 rectangular coils that give 1 Tesla magnetic field in the center and it can operate for greater than 10 seconds at this field. Initially, 30 gallons Galinstan (Ga-In-Sn) will be recirculated using 6 jxB pumps and flow velocities of up to 10 m/s will be achieved on the fully annular divertor plate. FLIT is designed as a flexible machine that will allow experimental testing of various liquid metal injection techniques, study of flow instabilities, and their control in order to prove the feasibility of liquid metal divertor concept for fusion reactors. FLIT: Flowing LIquid metal Torus. This work is supported by the US DOE Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Generation of Subsurface Voids, Incubation Effect, and Formation of Nanoparticles in Short Pulse Laser Interactions with Bulk Metal Targets in Liquid: Molecular Dynamics Study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The ability of short pulse laser ablation in liquids to produce clean colloidal nanoparticles and unusual surface morphology has been employed in a broad range of practical applications. In this paper, we report the results of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations aimed at revealing the key processes that control the surface morphology and nanoparticle size distributions by pulsed laser ablation in liquids. The simulations of bulk Ag targets irradiated in water are performed with an advanced computational model combining a coarse-grained representation of liquid environment and an atomistic description of laser interaction with metal targets. For the irradiation conditions that correspond to the spallation regime in vacuum, the simulations predict that the water environment can prevent the complete separation of the spalled layer from the target, leading to the formation of large subsurface voids stabilized by rapid cooling and solidification. The subsequent irradiation of the laser-modified surface is found to result in a more efficient ablation and nanoparticle generation, thus suggesting the possibility of the incubation effect in multipulse laser ablation in liquids. The simulations performed at higher laser fluences that correspond to the phase explosion regime in vacuum reveal the accumulation of the ablation plume at the interface with the water environment and the formation of a hot metal layer. The water in contact with the metal layer is brought to the supercritical state and provides an environment suitable for nucleation and growth of small metal nanoparticles from metal atoms emitted from the hot metal layer. The metal layer itself has limited stability and can readily disintegrate into large (tens of nanometers) nanoparticles. The layer disintegration is facilitated by the Rayleigh–Taylor instability of the interface between the higher density metal layer decelerated by the pressure from the lighter supercritical water. The nanoparticles emerging from the layer disintegration are rapidly cooled and solidified due to the interaction with water environment, with a cooling rate of ∼2 × 1012 K/s observed in the simulations. The computational prediction of two distinct mechanisms of nanoparticle formation yielding nanoparticles with different characteristic sizes provides a plausible explanation for the experimental observations of bimodal nanoparticle size distributions in laser ablation in liquids. The ultrahigh cooling and solidification rates suggest the possibility for generation of nanoparticles featuring metastable phases and highly nonequilibrium structures. PMID:28798858

Computer simulation of liquid metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belashchenko, D. K.

2013-12-01

Methods for and the results of the computer simulation of liquid metals are reviewed. Two basic methods, classical molecular dynamics with known interparticle potentials and the ab initio method, are considered. Most attention is given to the simulated results obtained using the embedded atom model (EAM). The thermodynamic, structural, and diffusion properties of liquid metal models under normal and extreme (shock) pressure conditions are considered. Liquid-metal simulated results for the Groups I - IV elements, a number of transition metals, and some binary systems (Fe - C, Fe - S) are examined. Possibilities for the simulation to account for the thermal contribution of delocalized electrons to energy and pressure are considered. Solidification features of supercooled metals are also discussed.

Laser diode package with enhanced cooling

DOEpatents

Deri, Robert J [Pleasanton, CA; Kotovsky, Jack [Oakland, CA; Spadaccini, Christopher M [Oakland, CA

2011-09-13

A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.

Laser diode package with enhanced cooling

DOEpatents

Deri, Robert J [Pleasanton, CA; Kotovsky, Jack [Oakland, CA; Spadaccini, Christopher M [Oakland, CA

2012-06-12

A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.

Laser diode package with enhanced cooling

DOEpatents

Deri, Robert J; Kotovsky, Jack; Spadaccini, Christopher M

2012-06-26

A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir.

Dendrite-Free Potassium–Oxygen Battery Based on a Liquid Alloy Anode

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

Yu, Wei; Lau, Kah Chun; Lei, Yu

The safety issue caused by the dendrite growth is not only a key research problem in lithium-ion batteries but also a critical concern in alkali metal (i.e., Li, Na, and K) oxygen batteries where a solid metal is usually used as the anode. Herein, we demonstrate the first dendrite-free K-O-2 battery at ambient temperature based on a liquid Na K alloy anode. The unique liquid liquid connection between the liquid alloy and the electrolyte in our alloy anode-based battery provides a homogeneous and robust anode electrolyte interface. Meanwhile, we manage to show that the Na K alloy is only compatiblemore » in K-O-2 batteries but not in Na-O-2 batteries, which is mainly attributed to the stronger reducibility of potassium and relatively more favorable thermodynamic formation of KO, over NaO2 during the discharge process. It is observed that our K-O-2 battery based on a liquid alloy anode shows a long cycle life (over 620 h) and a low discharge charge overpotential (about 0.05 V at initial cycles). Moreover, the mechanism investigation into the K-O-2 cell degradation shows that the 02 crossover effect and the ether electrolyte instability are the critical problems for K-O-2 batteries. In a word, this study provides a new route to solve the problems caused by the dendrite growth in alkali metal oxygen batteries.« less

Science Using an Electrostatic Levitation Furnace in the MUCAT Sector at the APS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldman, A.; Kelton, K. F.; Rogers, J. R.

2004-01-01

The original motivation for the construction of the BESL prototype was to obtain the first proof of a 50-year-old hypothesis regarding the solidification of liquid metals. Since the 1950s it has been known that under proper conditions liquid metals can be cooled below their melting temperature (undercooled) without crystallizing to the stable solid phase. In 1952 Frank proposed that this was because the atoms in the metallic liquid were arranged with the symmetry of an icosahedron, a Platonic solid consisting of 20 tetrahedra (4-sided pyramid-shaped polyhedra) arranged around a common center. Since this local atomic order is incompatible with the long-range translational periodicity of crystal phases, a barrier is formed to the formation of small regions of the crystal phase, the nucleation barrier. A proof of Frank's hypothesis required a direct correlation between measured icosahedral order in the undercooled liquid and the nucleation barrier. The tendency of sample containers to catalyze nucleation obscured this relation, requiring containerless techniques. Combining containerless processing techniques for electrostatically levitated droplets (ESL) with x-ray synchrotron methods, a team from Washington University, St. Louis, MO, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and MUCAT at the APS demonstrated an increasing icosahedral order in TiZrNi liquids with decreasing temperature below the melting temperature. The increased icosahedral order caused the transformation of the liquid to a metastable icosahedral quasicrystal phase, instead of the stable tetrahedrally-coordinated crystal intermetallic, giving the first clear demonstration of the connection between the nucleation barrier and the local structure of the liquid, verifying Frank's hypothesis for this alloy.

Process for removal of mineral particulates from coal-derived liquids

DOEpatents

McDowell, William J.

1980-01-01

Suspended mineral solids are separated from a coal-derived liquid containing the solids by a process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting said coal-derived liquid containing solids with a molten additive having a melting point of 100.degree.-500.degree. C. in an amount of up to 50 wt. % with respect to said coal-derived liquid containing solids, said solids present in an amount effective to increase the particle size of said mineral solids and comprising material or mixtures of material selected from the group of alkali metal hydroxides and inorganic salts having antimony, tin, lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, beryllium, aluminum, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium or iron cations and chloride, iodide, bromide, sulfate, phosphate, borate, carbonate, sulfite, or silicate anions; and (b) maintaining said coal-derived liquid in contact with said molten additive for sufficient time to permit said mineral matter to agglomerate, thereby increasing the mean particle size of said mineral solids; and (c) recovering a coal-derived liquid product having reduced mineral solids content. The process can be carried out with less than 5 wt. % additive and in the absence of hydrogen pressure.

Effect of silicon on activity coefficients of siderophile elements (Au, Pd, Pt, P, Ga, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in liquid Fe: Roles of core formation, late sulfide matte, and late veneer in shaping terrestrial mantle geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Righter, K.; Pando, K.; Humayun, M.; Waeselmann, N.; Yang, S.; Boujibar, A.; Danielson, L. R.

2018-07-01

Earth's core contains ∼10% of a light element that may be a combination of Si, S, C, O or H, with Si potentially being the major light element. Metal-silicate partitioning of siderophile elements can place important constraints on the P-T-fO2 and composition of the early Earth, but the effect of Si alloyed in Fe liquids is unknown for many of these elements. In particular, the effect of Si on the partitioning of highly siderophile elements (Au, Re and PGE) is virtually unknown. To address this gap in understanding, we have undertaken a systematic study of the highly siderophile elements Au, Pd, and Pt, and the volatile siderophile elements P, Ga, Cu, Zn, and Pb at variable Si content of metal, and 1600 °C and 1 GPa. From our experiments we derive epsilon interaction parameters between these elements and Si in Fe metallic liquids. The new parameters are used to update an activity model for trace siderophile elements in Fe alloys; Si causes large variation in the magnitude of activity coefficients of these elements in FeSi liquids. Because the interaction parameters are all positive, Si causes a decrease in their metal/silicate partition coefficients. We combine these new activity results with experimental studies of Au, Pd, Pt, P, Ga, Cu, Zn and Pb, to derive predictive expressions for metal/silicate partition coefficients which can then be applied to Earth. The expressions are applied to two scenarios for continuous accretion of Earth; specifically for constant and increasing fO2 during accretion. The results indicate that mantle concentrations of P, Ga, Cu, Zn, and Pb can be explained by metal-silicate equilibrium during accretion of the Earth where Earth's early magma ocean deepens to pressures of 40-60 GPa. Au, Pd, and Pt, on the other hand become too high in the mantle in such a scenario, and require a later removal mechanism, rather than an addition as traditionally argued. A late reduction event that removes 0.5% metal from a shallow magma ocean can lower the Au, Pd, and Pt contents to values near the current day BSE. On the other hand, removal of 0.2-1.0% of a late sulfide-rich matte to the core would lower the Au, Pd, and Pt concentrations in the mantle, but not to chondritic relative concentrations observed in the BSE. If sulfide matte is called upon to remove HSEs, they must be later added via a late veneer to re-establish the high and chondritic relative PUM concentrations. These results suggest that although accretion and core formation (involving a Si, S, and C-bearing metallic liquid) were the primary processes establishing many of Earth's mantle volatile elements and HSE, a secondary removal process is required to establish HSEs at their current and near-chondritic relative BSE levels. Mn and P - two siderophile elements that are central to biochemical processes (photosynthesis and triphosphates, respectively) - have significant and opposite interactions with FeSi liquids, and their mantle concentrations would be notably different if Earth had a Si-free core.

Selective extraction and recovery of rare earth metals from phosphor powders in waste fluorescent lamps using an ionic liquid system.

PubMed

Yang, Fan; Kubota, Fukiko; Baba, Yuzo; Kamiya, Noriho; Goto, Masahiro

2013-06-15

The recycling of rare earth metals from phosphor powders in waste fluorescent lamps by solvent extraction using ionic liquids was studied. Acid leaching of rare earth metals from the waste phosphor powder was examined first. Yttrium (Y) and europium (Eu) dissolved readily in the acid solution; however, the leaching of other rare earth metals required substantial energy input. Ionization of target rare earth metals from the waste phosphor powders into the leach solution was critical for their successful recovery. As a high temperature was required for the complete leaching of all rare earth metals, ionic liquids, for which vapor pressure is negligible, were used as an alternative extracting phase to the conventional organic diluent. An extractant, N, N-dioctyldiglycol amic acid (DODGAA), which was recently developed, showed a high affinity for rare earth metal ions in liquid-liquid extraction although a conventional commercial phosphonic extractant did not. An effective recovery of the rare earth metals, Y, Eu, La and Ce, from the metal impurities, Fe, Al and Zn, was achieved from the acidic leach solution of phosphor powders using an ionic liquid containing DODGAA as novel extractant system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a household waste treatment subsystem, volume 1. [with water conservation features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gresko, T. M.; Murray, R. W.

1973-01-01

The domestic waste treatment subsystem was developed to process the daily liquid and non-metallic solid wastes provided by a family of four people. The subsystem was designed to be connected to the sewer line of a household which contained water conservation features. The system consisted of an evaporation technique to separate liquids from solids, an incineration technique for solids reduction, and a catalytic oxidizer for eliminating noxious gases from evaporation and incineration processes. All wastes were passed through a grinder which masticated the solids and deposited them in a settling tank. The liquids were transferred through a cleanable filter into a holding tank. From here the liquids were sprayed into an evaporator and a spray chamber where evaporation occurred. The resulting vapors were processed by catalytic oxidation. Water and latent energy were recovered in a combination evaporator/condenser heat exchanger. The solids were conveyed into an incinerator and reduced to ash while the incineration gases were passed through the catalytic oxidizer along with the processed water vapor.

Removal of arsenic compounds from petroliferous liquids

DOEpatents

Fish, Richard H.

1985-01-01

Described is a process for removing arsenic from petroliferous derived liquids by contacting said liquid at an elevated temperature with a divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene having catechol ligands anchored thereon. Also, described is a process for regenerating spent catecholated polystyrene by removal of the arsenic bound to it from contacting petroliferous liquid as described above and involves: a. treating said spent catecholated polystyrene, at a temperature in the range of about 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. with an aqueous solution of at least one carbonate and/or bicarbonate of ammonium, alkali and alkaline earth metals, said solution having a pH between about 8 and 10 and, b. separating the solids and liquids from each other. Preferably the regeneration treatment is in two steps wherein step (a) is carried out with an aqueous alcoholic carbonate solution containing lower alkyl alcohol, and, steps (a) and (b) are repeated using a bicarbonate.

Perspectives on Magmatic Differentiation of Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charlier, B.; Namur, O.; Cartier, C.

2018-05-01

Silicate/metal liquid immiscibility, crystallization of a magma ocean, partial melting of mantle rocks, and surface crystallization have shaped Mercury as we know it today. We review these processes based on high-T experiments at reducing conditions.

In-situ method for treating residual sodium

DOEpatents

Sherman, Steven R.; Henslee, S. Paul

2005-07-19

A unique process for deactivating residual sodium in Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) systems which uses humidified (but not saturated) carbon dioxide at ambient temperature and pressure to convert residual sodium into solid sodium bicarbonate.

In-Situ Method for Treating Residual Sodium

DOEpatents

Sherman, Steven R.; Henslee, S. Paul

2005-07-19

A unique process for deactivating residual sodium in Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) systems which uses humidified (but not saturated) carbon dioxide at ambient temperature and pressure to convert residual sodium into solid sodium bicarbonate.

Novel waste printed circuit board recycling process with molten salt.

PubMed

Riedewald, Frank; Sousa-Gallagher, Maria

2015-01-01

The objective of the method was to prove the concept of a novel waste PCBs recycling process which uses inert, stable molten salts as the direct heat transfer fluid and, simultaneously, uses this molten salt to separate the metal products in either liquid (solder, zinc, tin, lead, etc.) or solid (copper, gold, steel, palladium, etc.) form at the operating temperatures of 450-470 °C. The PCB recovery reactor is essentially a U-shaped reactor with the molten salt providing a continuous fluid, allowing molten salt access from different depths for metal recovery. A laboratory scale batch reactor was constructed using 316L as suitable construction material. For safety reasons, the inert, stable LiCl-KCl molten salts were used as direct heat transfer fluid. Recovered materials were washed with hot water to remove residual salt before metal recovery assessment. The impact of this work was to show metal separation using molten salts in one single unit, by using this novel reactor methodology. •The reactor is a U-shaped reactor filled with a continuous liquid with a sloped bottom representing a novel reactor concept.•This method uses large PCB pieces instead of shredded PCBs as the reactor volume is 2.2 L.•The treated PCBs can be removed via leg B while the process is on-going.

Novel waste printed circuit board recycling process with molten salt

PubMed Central

Riedewald, Frank; Sousa-Gallagher, Maria

2015-01-01

The objective of the method was to prove the concept of a novel waste PCBs recycling process which uses inert, stable molten salts as the direct heat transfer fluid and, simultaneously, uses this molten salt to separate the metal products in either liquid (solder, zinc, tin, lead, etc.) or solid (copper, gold, steel, palladium, etc.) form at the operating temperatures of 450–470 °C. The PCB recovery reactor is essentially a U-shaped reactor with the molten salt providing a continuous fluid, allowing molten salt access from different depths for metal recovery. A laboratory scale batch reactor was constructed using 316L as suitable construction material. For safety reasons, the inert, stable LiCl–KCl molten salts were used as direct heat transfer fluid. Recovered materials were washed with hot water to remove residual salt before metal recovery assessment. The impact of this work was to show metal separation using molten salts in one single unit, by using this novel reactor methodology. • The reactor is a U-shaped reactor filled with a continuous liquid with a sloped bottom representing a novel reactor concept. • This method uses large PCB pieces instead of shredded PCBs as the reactor volume is 2.2 L. • The treated PCBs can be removed via leg B while the process is on-going. PMID:26150977

Material Science

NASA Image and Video Library

1992-01-22

This metal sample, which is approximately 1 cm in diameter, is typical of the metals that were studied using the German designed electromagnetic containerless processing facility. The series of experiments that use this device is known as TEMPUS which is the acronym that stands for the German Tiegelfreies Elektromanetisches Prozessieren Unter Schwerelosigkeit. Most of the TEMPUS experiments focused on various aspects of undercooling liquid metal and alloys. Undercooling is the process of melting a material and then cooling it to a temperature that is below its normal freezing or solidification point. The TEMPUS experiments that used the metal cages as shown in the photograph, often studied bulk metallic glass, a solid material with no crystalline structures. We study metals and alloys not only to build things in space, but to improve things that are made on Earth. Metals and alloys are everywhere around us; in our automobiles, in the engines of aircraft, in our power-plants, and elsewhere. Despite their presence in everyday life, there are many scientific aspects of metals that we do not understand.

Beneficiation and extraction of nonterrestrial materials, part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agosto, William N.

1992-01-01

A review of options for processing extraterrestrial materials was dominated by industrial materials scientist who tried to identify which processes utilizing space materials could be implemented in the near term. The most practical process seem to us to be the extraction of lunar oxygen and the extraction of metals and ceramics from the residues of the reduction process. The growth of space activity will be accompanied by increased demand for liquid oxygen for each round trip to the Moon. The oxygen and the intermediary product water will be needed for the life support at the base. The reduced metals and ceramics may be considered byproducts or may develop into primary products. Some of the same processes would be directly applicable to recovery of products from asteroids. We also discussed other processes for directly utilizing asteroid metals. Some of the topics covered include beneficiation and oxygen extraction methods, metallurgy, and extraterrestrial cement.

Beneficiation and extraction of nonterrestrial materials, part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agosto, William N.

A review of options for processing extraterrestrial materials was dominated by industrial materials scientist who tried to identify which processes utilizing space materials could be implemented in the near term. The most practical process seem to us to be the extraction of lunar oxygen and the extraction of metals and ceramics from the residues of the reduction process. The growth of space activity will be accompanied by increased demand for liquid oxygen for each round trip to the Moon. The oxygen and the intermediary product water will be needed for the life support at the base. The reduced metals and ceramics may be considered byproducts or may develop into primary products. Some of the same processes would be directly applicable to recovery of products from asteroids. We also discussed other processes for directly utilizing asteroid metals. Some of the topics covered include beneficiation and oxygen extraction methods, metallurgy, and extraterrestrial cement.

Metals and Oxygen Mining from Meteorites, Asteroids and Planets using Reusable Ionic Liquids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karr, Laurel J.; Paley, Mark S.; Marone, Matthew J.; Kaukler, William F.; Curreri, Peter A.

2012-01-01

In order for humans to explore beyond Low Earth Orbit both safely and economically, it will be essential to learn how to make use of in situ materials and energy in an environment much different than on earth. Precursor robotic missions will be necessary to determine what resources will be available and to demonstrate the capabilities for their use. To that end, we have recently been studying acidic Ionic Liquid (IL) systems for use in a low temperature (< 200 C) process to solubilize regolith, and to extract, as water, the oxygen available in metal oxides. Using this method, we have solubilized lunar regolith simulant (JSC-1A), as well as extraterrestrial materials in the form of meteorites, and have extracted up to 80% of the available oxygen. Moreover, by using a hydrogen gas electrode, we have shown that the IL can be regenerated at the anode and metals (e.g. iron) can be plated onto the cathode. These results indicate that IL processing is an excellent candidate for extracting oxygen in situ, for life support and propulsion, and for extracting metals to be used as feedstock in fabrication processes. We have obtained small amounts of meteorite materials believed by meteoriticists to have originated from our moon, Mars, and the asteroid Vesta, and were able to solubilize those using acidic IL systems. From the Vesta meteorite, we were able to extract about 60% of the available oxygen as water. As far as is known, this is the first time that extraterrestrial/earth hybrid water has been obtained. NMR analysis provided proof that the liquid retrieved is indeed water. We have also been able to electro-plate nickel and iron contained in meteorite material. By varying voltage they can be plated separately (electro-winning), and we plan to soon have sufficient quantities to form usable parts utilizing the additive manufacturing process.

Solute diffusion in liquid metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhat, B. N.

1973-01-01

A gas model of diffusion in liquid metals is presented. In this model, ions of liquid metals are assumed to behave like the molecules in a dense gas. Diffusion coefficient of solute is discussed with reference to its mass, ionic size, and pair potential. The model is applied to the case of solute diffusion in liquid silver. An attempt was made to predict diffusion coefficients of solutes with reasonable accuracy.

Carbonate-coordinated metal complexes precede the formation of liquid amorphous mineral emulsions of divalent metal carbonates†

PubMed Central

Wolf, Stephan E.; Müller, Lars; Barrea, Raul; Kampf, Christopher J.; Leiterer, Jork; Panne, Ulrich; Hoffmann, Thorsten

2011-01-01

During the mineralisation of metal carbonates MCO3 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Cd, Pb) liquid-like amorphous intermediates emerge. These intermediates that form via a liquid/liquid phase separation behave like a classical emulsion and are stabilized electrostatically. The occurrence of these intermediates is attributed to the formation of highly hydrated networks whose stability is mainly based on weak interactions and the variability of the metal-containing pre-critical clusters. Their existence and compositional freedom are evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Liquid intermediates in non-classical crystallisation pathways seem to be more common than assumed. PMID:21218241

Liquid metal batteries - materials selection and fluid dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weier, T.; Bund, A.; El-Mofid, W.; Horstmann, G. M.; Lalau, C.-C.; Landgraf, S.; Nimtz, M.; Starace, M.; Stefani, F.; Weber, N.

2017-07-01

Liquid metal batteries are possible candidates for massive and economically feasible large-scale stationary storage and as such could be key components of future energy systems based mainly or exclusively on intermittent renewable electricity sources. The completely liquid interior of liquid metal batteries and the high current densities give rise to a multitude of fluid flow phenomena that will primarily influence the operation of future large cells, but might be important for today’s smaller cells as well. The paper at hand starts with a discussion of the relative merits of using molten salts or ionic liquids as electrolytes for liquid metal cells and touches the choice of electrode materials. This excursus into electrochemistry is followed by an overview of investigations on magnetohydrodynamic instabilities in liquid metal batteries, namely the Tayler instability and electromagnetically excited gravity waves. A section on electro-vortex flows complements the discussion of flow phenomena. Focus of the flow related investigations lies on the integrity of the electrolyte layer and related critical parameters.

Overview of the ultrasonic instrumentation research in the MYRRHA project

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

Dierckx, M.; Leysen, W.; Van Dyck, D.

The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK.CEN is in the process of developing MYRRHA, a new generation IV fast flux research reactor to replace the aging BR2. MYRRHA is conceptualized as an accelerator driven system cooled with lead bismuth eutectic mixture (LBE). As LBE is opaque to visual light, ultrasonic measurement techniques are employed as the main technology to provide feedback where needed. This paper we will give an overview of the R and D at SCK.CEN with respect to ultrasonic instrumentation in heavy liquid metals. High temperature ultrasonic transducers are deployed into the reactor to generate and receive the requiredmore » ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic waves are generated and sensed by means of a piezo-electric disc at the heart of the transducer. The acoustic properties of commonly used piezo-electric materials match rather well with the acoustic properties of heavy liquid metals, simplifying the design and construction of high bandwidth ultrasonic transducers for use in heavy liquid metals. The ultrasonic transducers will operate in a liquid metal environment, where radiation and high temperature limit the choice of materials for construction. Moreover, the high surface tension of the liquid metal hinders proper wetting of the transducer, required for optimal transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves. In a first part of the paper, we will discuss the effect of these parameters on the performance of the overall ultrasonic system. In the second part of the paper, past, present and future ultrasonic experiments in LBE will be reviewed. We will show the results of an experiment where a transducer is scanned near the free surface of an LBE pool to render ultrasonic images of objects submerged in the heavy liquid metal. Additionally, the preliminary results of an ongoing experiment that measures the evolution of LBE wetting on different types of metals and various surface conditions will be reported. The evolution of wetting is an important parameter to assess the performance of ultrasonic systems that are submerged in LBE over longer time periods. In the last part we will briefly present the overall design of the two main ultrasonic systems that will be deployed in MYRRHA: the ultrasonic fuel identification system and the ultrasonic lost fuel localization system. (authors)« less

Environmental Benign Process for Production of Molybdenum Metal from Sulphide Based Minerals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajput, Priyanka; Janakiram, Vangada; Jayasankar, Kalidoss; Angadi, Shivakumar; Bhoi, Bhagyadhar; Mukherjee, Partha Sarathi

2017-10-01

Molybdenum is a strategic and high temperature refractory metal which is not found in nature in free state, it is predominantly found in earth's crust in the form of MoO3/MoS2. The main disadvantage of the industrial treatment of Mo concentrate is that the process contains many stages and requires very high temperature. Almost in every step many gaseous, liquid, solid chemical substances are formed which require further treatment. To overcome the above drawback, a new alternative one step novel process is developed for the treatment of sulphide and trioxide molybdenum concentrates. This paper presents the results of the investigations on molybdenite dissociation (MoS2) using microwave assisted plasma unit as well as transferred arc thermal plasma torch. It is a single step process for the preparation of pure molybdenum metal from MoS2 by hydrogen reduction in thermal plasma. Process variable such as H2 gas, Ar gas, input current, voltage and time have been examined to prepare molybdenum metal. Molybdenum recovery of the order of 95% was achieved. The XRD results confirm the phases of molybdenum metal and the chemical analysis of the end product indicate the formation of metallic molybdenum (Mo 98%).

Thermoacoustic magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator

DOEpatents

Wheatley, J.C.; Swift, G.W.; Migliori, A.

1984-11-16

A thermoacoustic magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator includes an intrinsically irreversible thermoacoustic heat engine coupled to a magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator. The heat engine includes an electrically conductive liquid metal as the working fluid and includes two heat exchange and thermoacoustic structure assemblies which drive the liquid in a push-pull arrangement to cause the liquid metal to oscillate at a resonant acoustic frequency on the order of 1000 Hz. The engine is positioned in the field of a magnet and is oriented such that the liquid metal oscillates in a direction orthogonal to the field of the magnet, whereby an alternating electrical potential is generated in the liquid metal. Low-loss, low-inductance electrical conductors electrically connected to opposite sides of the liquid metal conduct an output signal to a transformer adapted to convert the low-voltage, high-current output signal to a more usable higher voltage, lower current signal.

Thermoacoustic magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator

DOEpatents

Wheatley, John C.; Swift, Gregory W.; Migliori, Albert

1986-01-01

A thermoacoustic magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator includes an intrinsically irreversible thermoacoustic heat engine coupled to a magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator. The heat engine includes an electrically conductive liquid metal as the working fluid and includes two heat exchange and thermoacoustic structure assemblies which drive the liquid in a push-pull arrangement to cause the liquid metal to oscillate at a resonant acoustic frequency on the order of 1,000 Hz. The engine is positioned in the field of a magnet and is oriented such that the liquid metal oscillates in a direction orthogonal to the field of the magnet, whereby an alternating electrical potential is generated in the liquid metal. Low-loss, low-inductance electrical conductors electrically connected to opposite sides of the liquid metal conduct an output signal to a transformer adapted to convert the low-voltage, high-current output signal to a more usable higher voltage, lower current signal.

Analysis of Coolant Options for Advanced Metal Cooled Nuclear Reactors

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

24 Table 3.3 Hazards of Sodium Reaction Products, Hydride And Oxide...........................26 Table 3.4 Chemical Reactivity Of Selected...Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor ORIGEN Oak Ridge Isotope Generator ORIGENARP Oak Ridge Isotope Generator Automated Rapid Processing PWR ...nuclear reactors, both because of the possibility of increased reactivity due to boiling and the potential loss of effectiveness of coolant heat transfer

Methods of Fabricating a Layer of Metallic Glass-Based Material Using Immersion and Pouring Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofmann, Douglas (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement layers of metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a layer of metallic glass includes: applying a coating layer of liquid phase metallic glass to an object, the coating layer being applied in a sufficient quantity such that the surface tension of the liquid phase metallic glass causes the coating layer to have a smooth surface; where the metallic glass has a critical cooling rate less than 1000 K/s; and cooling the coating layer of liquid phase metallic glass to form a layer of solid phase metallic glass.

Spaceborne power systems preference analyses. Volume 2: Decision analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. H.; Feinberg, A.; Miles, R. F., Jr.

1985-01-01

Sixteen alternative spaceborne nuclear power system concepts were ranked using multiattribute decision analysis. The purpose of the ranking was to identify promising concepts for further technology development and the issues associated with such development. Four groups were interviewed to obtain preference. The four groups were: safety, systems definition and design, technology assessment, and mission analysis. The highest ranked systems were the heat-pipe thermoelectric systems, heat-pipe Stirling, in-core thermionic, and liquid-metal thermoelectric systems. The next group contained the liquid-metal Stirling, heat-pipe Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converter (AMTEC), heat-pipe Brayton, liquid-metal out-of-core thermionic, and heat-pipe Rankine systems. The least preferred systems were the liquid-metal AMTEC, heat-pipe thermophotovoltaic, liquid-metal Brayton and Rankine, and gas-cooled Brayton. The three nonheat-pipe technologies selected matched the top three nonheat-pipe systems ranked by this study.

Reversible Size Control of Liquid-Metal Nanoparticles under Ultrasonication.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Akihisa; Mashima, Yu; Iyoda, Tomokazu

2015-10-19

This paper describes the reversible control of the size of liquid-metal nanoparticles under ultrasonication. Gallium was utilized as a liquid metal, which has a melting point of 29.8 °C. Investigating the effects of ultrasonication (power, time, and temperature) on the formation of gallium nanoparticles revealed that the process is similar to the formation of oil in water (O/W) or water in oil (W/O) emulsions, as the temperature significantly affects the size of the gallium nanoparticles (GaNPs). Under ultrasonication, the balance between the break-up and coalescence of the GaNPs can be adjusted by changing the temperature or adding acid through modulating the natural surface oxide layer (which can be removed with acid) and the stabilizing effect of the surfactant dodecanethiol. Coalescence was predominant at higher temperatures, whereas particle break-up was found to be predominant at lower temperatures. Furthermore, the change in size was accompanied by a shift in the plasmonic absorption of the GaNPs in the UV region. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Use of magnetic carbon composites from renewable resource materials for oil spill clean up and recovery

DOEpatents

Viswanathan, Tito

2014-02-11

A method for separating a liquid hydrocarbon material from a body of water. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites with a liquid hydrocarbon material dispersed in a body of water to allow the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each to be adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material to form a mixture, applying a magnetic force to the mixture to attract the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material, and removing said plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material from said body of water while maintaining the applied magnetic force, wherein the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites is formed by subjecting one or more metal lignosulfonates or metal salts to microwave radiation, in presence of lignin/derivatives either in presence of alkali or a microwave absorbing material.

Material processing with hydrogen and carbon monoxide on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; Landis, Geoffrey A.; Linne, Diane L.

Several novel proposals are examined for propellant production from carbon dioxide and monoxide and hydrogen. Potential uses were also examined of CO as a fuel or as a reducing agent in metal oxide processing as obtained or further reduced to carbon. Hydrogen can be reacted with CO to produce a wide variety of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and other organic compounds. Methanol, produced by Fischer-Tropsch chemistry may be useful as a fuel; it is easy to store and handle because it is a liquid at Mars temperatures. The reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons such as methane or acetylene can be accomplished with hydrogen. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen require cryogenic temperatures for storage as liquids. Noncryogenic storage of hydrogen may be accomplished using hydrocarbons, inorganic hydrides, or metal hydrides. Noncryogenic storage of CO may be accomplished in the form of iron carbonyl (FE(CO)5) or other metal carbonyls. Low hydrogen content fuels such as acetylene (C2H2) may be effective propellants with low requirements for earth derived resources. The impact on manned Mars missions of alternative propellant production and utilization is discussed.

Material processing with hydrogen and carbon monoxide on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; Linne, Diane L.; Landis, Geoffrey A.

Several novel proposals are examined for propellant production from carbon dioxide and monoxide and hydrogen. Potential uses were also examined of CO as a fuel or as a reducing agent in metal oxide processing as obtained or further reduced to carbon. Hydrogen can be reacted with CO to produce a wide variety of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and other organic compounds. Methanol, produced by Fischer-Tropsch chemistry may be useful as a fuel; it is easy to store and handle because it is a liquid at Mars temperatures. The reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons such as methane or acetylene can be accomplished with hydrocarbons. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen require cryogenic temperatures for storage as liquid. Noncryogenic storage of hydrogen may be accomplished using hydrocarbons, inorganic hydrides, or metal hydrides. Noncryogenic storage of CO may be accomplished in the form of iron carbonyl (FE(CO)5) or other metal carbonyls. Low hydrogen content fuels such as acetylene (C2H2) may be effective propellants with low requirements for earth derived resources. The impact on manned Mars missions of alternative propellant production and utilization is discussed.

Material processing with hydrogen and carbon monoxide on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hepp, Aloysius F.; Landis, Geoffrey A.; Linne, Diane L.

1991-01-01

Several novel proposals are examined for propellant production from carbon dioxide and monoxide and hydrogen. Potential uses were also examined of CO as a fuel or as a reducing agent in metal oxide processing as obtained or further reduced to carbon. Hydrogen can be reacted with CO to produce a wide variety of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and other organic compounds. Methanol, produced by Fischer-Tropsch chemistry may be useful as a fuel; it is easy to store and handle because it is a liquid at Mars temperatures. The reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons such as methane or acetylene can be accomplished with hydrogen. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen require cryogenic temperatures for storage as liquids. Noncryogenic storage of hydrogen may be accomplished using hydrocarbons, inorganic hydrides, or metal hydrides. Noncryogenic storage of CO may be accomplished in the form of iron carbonyl (FE(CO)5) or other metal carbonyls. Low hydrogen content fuels such as acetylene (C2H2) may be effective propellants with low requirements for earth derived resources. The impact on manned Mars missions of alternative propellant production and utilization is discussed.

Process for the fabrication of aluminum metallized pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, D.M.; Ramsey, P.B.; Juntz, R.S.

1995-07-04

An improved method is disclosed for fabricating pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets with superior heat transfer ability, longer life, and maximum energy transmission. Anisotropic pyrolytic graphite is contoured and/or segmented to match the erosion profile of the sputter target and then oriented such that the graphite`s high thermal conductivity planes are in maximum contact with a thermally conductive metal backing. The graphite contact surface is metallized, using high rate physical vapor deposition (HRPVD), with an aluminum coating and the thermally conductive metal backing is joined to the metallized graphite target by one of four low-temperature bonding methods; liquid-metal casting, powder metallurgy compaction, eutectic brazing, and laser welding. 11 figs.

Liquid metal electric pump

DOEpatents

Abbin, J.P.; Andraka, C.E.; Lukens, L.L.; Moreno, J.B.

1992-01-14

An electrical pump for pumping liquid metals to high pressures in high temperature environments without the use of magnets or moving mechanical parts. The pump employs a non-porous solid electrolyte membrane, typically ceramic, specific to the liquid metal to be pumped. A DC voltage is applied across the thickness of the membrane causing ions to form and enter the membrane on the electrically positive surface, with the ions being neutralized on the opposite surface. This action provides pumping of the liquid metal from one side of the non-porous solid electrolyte membrane to the other. 3 figs.

Reconfigurable liquid metal circuits by Laplace pressure shaping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cumby, Brad L.; Hayes, Gerard J.; Dickey, Michael D.; Justice, Ryan S.; Tabor, Christopher E.; Heikenfeld, Jason C.

2012-10-01

We report reconfigurable circuits formed by liquid metal shaping with <10 pounds per square inch (psi) Laplace and vacuum pressures. Laplace pressure drives liquid metals into microreplicated trenches, and upon release of vacuum, the liquid metal dewets into droplets that are compacted to 10-100× less area than when in the channel. Experimental validation includes measurements of actuation speeds exceeding 30 cm/s, simple erasable resistive networks, and switchable 4.5 GHz antennas. Such capability may be of value for next generation of simple electronic switches, tunable antennas, adaptive reflectors, and switchable metamaterials.

Liquid metal electric pump

DOEpatents

Abbin, Joseph P.; Andraka, Charles E.; Lukens, Laurance L.; Moreno, James B.

1992-01-01

An electrical pump for pumping liquid metals to high pressures in high temperature environments without the use of magnets or moving mechanical parts. The pump employs a non-porous solid electrolyte membrane, typically ceramic, specific to the liquid metal to be pumped. A DC voltage is applied across the thickness of the membrane causing ions to form and enter the membrane on the electrically positive surface, with the ions being neutralized on the opposite surface. This action provides pumping of the liquid metal from one side of the non-porous solid electrolyte membrane to the other.

High thermal conductivity liquid metal pad for heat dissipation in electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Zuoye; Liu, Huiqiang; Li, Qiuguo; Liu, Han; Chu, Sheng; Yang, Yuhua; Chu, Guang

2018-05-01

Novel thermal interface materials using Ag-doped Ga-based liquid metal were proposed for heat dissipation of electronic packaging and precision equipment. On one hand, the viscosity and fluidity of liquid metal was controlled to prevent leakage; on the other hand, the thermal conductivity of the Ga-based liquid metal was increased up to 46 W/mK by incorporating Ag nanoparticles. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the heat dissipation performance on a CPU of smart-phone. The results demonstrated that the Ag-doped Ga-based liquid metal pad can effectively decrease the CPU temperature and change the heat flow path inside the smart-phone. To understand the heat flow path from CPU to screen through the interface material, heat dissipation mechanism was simulated and discussed.

Liquid metal heat sink for high-power laser diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetrovec, John; Litt, Amardeep S.; Copeland, Drew A.; Junghans, Jeremy; Durkee, Roger

2013-02-01

We report on the development of a novel, ultra-low thermal resistance active heat sink (AHS) for thermal management of high-power laser diodes (HPLD) and other electronic and photonic components. AHS uses a liquid metal coolant flowing at high speed in a miniature closed and sealed loop. The liquid metal coolant receives waste heat from an HPLD at high flux and transfers it at much reduced flux to environment, primary coolant fluid, heat pipe, or structure. Liquid metal flow is maintained electromagnetically without any moving parts. Velocity of liquid metal flow can be controlled electronically, thus allowing for temperature control of HPLD wavelength. This feature also enables operation at a stable wavelength over a broad range of ambient conditions. Results from testing an HPLD cooled by AHS are presented.

Hydrogenation of coal liquid utilizing a metal carbonyl catalyst

DOEpatents

Feder, Harold M.; Rathke, Jerome W.

1979-01-01

Coal liquid having a dissolved transition metal, catalyst as a carbonyl complex such as Co.sub.2 (CO.sub.8) is hydrogenated with hydrogen gas or a hydrogen donor. A dissociating solvent contacts the coal liquid during hydrogenation to form an immiscible liquid mixture at a high carbon monoxide pressure. The dissociating solvent, e.g. ethylene glycol, is of moderate coordinating ability, while sufficiently polar to solvate the transition metal as a complex cation along with a transition metal, carbonyl anion in solution at a decreased carbon monoxide pressure. The carbon monoxide pressure is reduced and the liquids are separated to recover the hydrogenated coal liquid as product. The dissociating solvent with the catalyst in ionized form is recycled to the hydrogenation step at the elevated carbon monoxide pressure for reforming the catalyst complex within fresh coal liquid.

Laplace-Pressure Actuation of Liquid Metal Devices For Reconfigurable Electromagnetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cumby, Brad Lee

Present day electronics are now taking on small form factors, unexpected uses, adaptability, and other features that only a decade ago were unimaginable even for most engineers. These electronic devices, such as tablets, smart phones, wearable sensors, and others, have further had a profound impact on how society interacts, works, maintains health, etc. To optimize electronics a growing trend has been to both minimize the physical space taken up by the individual electronic components as well as to maximize the number of functionalities in a single electronic device, forming a compact and efficient package. To accomplish this challenge in one step, many groups have used a design that has reconfigurable electromagnetic properties, maximizing the functionality density of the device. This would allow the replacement of multiple individual components into an integrated system that would achieve a similar result as the separate individual devices while taking up less space. For example, could a device have a reconfigurable antenna, allowing it optimal communication in various settings and across multiple communication bands, thus increasing functionality, range, and even reducing total device size. Thus far a majority of such reconfigurable devices involve connecting/disconnecting various physically static layouts to achieve a summation of individual components that give rise to multiple effects. However, this is not an ideal situation due to the fact that the individual components whether connected or not are taking up real-estate as well as electrical interference with adjacent connected components. This dissertation focuses on the reconfigurability of the metallic component of the electronic device, specifically microwave devices. This component used throughout this dissertation is that of an eutectic liquid metal alloy. The liquid metal allows the utilization of both the inherent compact form (spherical shape) of a liquid in the lowest energy state and the fact that it is resilient and shapeable to allow for reconfigurability. In this dissertation, first background information is given on the existing technology for reconfigurable microwave devices and the basic principles that these mechanisms are based upon. Then a new reconfigurable method is introduced that utilizes Laplace pressure. Materials that are associated with using liquid metals are discussed and an overall systematic view is given to provide a set of proof of concepts that are more applied and understandable by electronic designers and engineers. Finally a novel approach to making essential measurements of liquid metal microwave devices is devised and discussed. This dissertation encompasses a complete device design from materials used for fabrication, fabrication methods and measurement processes to provide a knowledge base for designing liquid metal microwave devices.

Experimental Analysis of Critical Current and Alternating Current Losses of High-Temperature Superconductor Tape with Resin and Gallium-Indium-Tin

PubMed Central

Sun, Yajie; Zhang, Huiming; Meng, Yuanzhu

2018-01-01

This paper experimentally analyzes the critical current degradation and AC (alternating current) losses of second-generation (2G) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tape during the impregnation process. Two impregnation materials were utilized: Gallium-Indium-Tin (GaInSn), and an epoxy resin, Araldite. The critical current of the impregnation materials was measured after different thermal cycles and compared with the tape with no impregnation process. The experimental results show that the critical current of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) short samples varies between differently impregnated materials. The resin, Araldite, degraded the critical current; however, the GaInSn showed no degradation. Two degradation patterns with Araldite were identified due to the impregnation process, and the corresponding causes were analyzed. We further measured the AC losses of tapes impregnated with liquid metal at different frequencies, up to 600 Hz. Based on the experimental results, GaInSn liquid metal should be the most suitable impregnation material in terms of critical current degradation. PMID:29642490

Experimental Analysis of Critical Current and Alternating Current Losses of High-Temperature Superconductor Tape with Resin and Gallium-Indium-Tin.

PubMed

Yu, Dongmin; Sun, Yajie; Zhang, Huiming; Meng, Yuanzhu; Liu, Huanan

2018-04-08

This paper experimentally analyzes the critical current degradation and AC (alternating current) losses of second-generation (2G) high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tape during the impregnation process. Two impregnation materials were utilized: Gallium-Indium-Tin (GaInSn), and an epoxy resin, Araldite. The critical current of the impregnation materials was measured after different thermal cycles and compared with the tape with no impregnation process. The experimental results show that the critical current of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) short samples varies between differently impregnated materials. The resin, Araldite, degraded the critical current; however, the GaInSn showed no degradation. Two degradation patterns with Araldite were identified due to the impregnation process, and the corresponding causes were analyzed. We further measured the AC losses of tapes impregnated with liquid metal at different frequencies, up to 600 Hz. Based on the experimental results, GaInSn liquid metal should be the most suitable impregnation material in terms of critical current degradation.

Synthesis and characterization of Al & SiCp nano particles by non-contact ultrasonic assisted method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Pradyut Kumar; Das, Ratnakar; Sahoo, Ashok Kumar; Naik, Bikash; Padhi, Payodhar

2018-05-01

The present study deals with proper mixing of SiCp nano particle in the aluminum metal matrix in two stages of processing i.e. primary and secondary. During primary processing, the breaking of agglomeration of nano particles take place and these are mixed with liquid aluminum powder using high frequency(35kHz) mechanical vibration. But, during secondary processing, mixing of nano particles along with subsequent cooling take place using high frequency non contact ultrasonic method. The study also reveals that in the liquid metal nano particle were uniformly dispersed and the segregation of the particles near the grain boundaries is due to pushing of the nano particle during grain growth. The study was performed by taking aluminum as matrix and SiCp as reinforcement with weight fraction of 2% and 3% and SiCp particles sizes of 30nm each. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) were conducted for characterization of nano composite material.

A possible structural signature of the onset of cooperativity in metallic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, R.; Ashcraft, R.; Kelton, K. F.

2018-05-01

It is widely, although not universally, believed that there must be a connection between liquid dynamics and the structure. Previous supporting studies, for example, have demonstrated a link between the structural evolution in the liquid and kinetic fragility. Here, new results are presented that strengthen the evidence for a connection. By combining the results from high-energy synchrotron X-ray scattering studies of containerlessly processed supercooled liquids with viscosity measurements, an accelerated rate of structural ordering beyond the nearest neighbors in the liquid is demonstrated to correlate with the temperature at which the viscosity transitions from Arrhenius to super-Arrhenius behavior. This is the first confirmation of predictions from several recent molecular dynamics studies.

Anodic behavior of uranium in AlCl3-1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride ionic liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yidong; Luo, Lizhu; Wang, Shaofei; Bin, Ren; Zhang, Guikai; Wang, Xiaolin

2018-01-01

The oxidation state of metals unambiguously affects its anodic behavior in ionic liquid. We systematically investigated the anodic behavior of uranium with different surface oxidation states by electrochemical measurements, spectroscopic methods and surface analysis techniques. In the anodic process, metal uranium can be oxidized to U3+. The corresponding products accumulated on the metal/ILs interface will form a viscous layer. The anodic behavior of uranium is also strongly dependent upon the surface oxide states including thickness and homogeneity of the oxide film. With an increase in the thickness of oxide film, it will be breached at potentials in excess of a critical value. A uniform oxide on uranium surface can be breached evenly, and then the underlying metal starts to dissolve forming a viscous layer which can facilitate uniformly stripping of oxide, thus giving an oxide-free surface. Otherwise, a nonuniform oxide can result in a severe pitted surface with residue oxygen.

Giant and switchable surface activity of liquid metal via surface oxidation

PubMed Central

Khan, Mohammad Rashed; Eaker, Collin B.; Bowden, Edmond F.; Dickey, Michael D.

2014-01-01

We present a method to control the interfacial tension of a liquid alloy of gallium via electrochemical deposition (or removal) of the oxide layer on its surface. In sharp contrast with conventional surfactants, this method provides unprecedented lowering of surface tension (∼500 mJ/m2 to near zero) using very low voltage, and the change is completely reversible. This dramatic change in the interfacial tension enables a variety of electrohydrodynamic phenomena. The ability to manipulate the interfacial properties of the metal promises rich opportunities in shape-reconfigurable metallic components in electronic, electromagnetic, and microfluidic devices without the use of toxic mercury. This work suggests that the wetting properties of surface oxides—which are ubiquitous on most metals and semiconductors—are intrinsic “surfactants.” The inherent asymmetric nature of the surface coupled with the ability to actively manipulate its energetics is expected to have important applications in electrohydrodynamics, composites, and melt processing of oxide-forming materials. PMID:25228767

Liquid Phase Sintering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

Industry spends billions of dollars each year on machine tools to manufacture products out of metal. This includes tools for cutting every kind of metal part from engine blocks to Shuttle main engine components. Cutting tool tips often break because of weak spots or defects in their composition. Based on a new concept called defect trapping, space offers a novel environment to study defect formation in molten metal materials as they solidify. After the return of these materials from space, researchers can evaluate the source of the defect and seek ways to eliminate them in products prepared on Earth. A widely used process for cutting tip manufacturing is liquid phase sintering. Compared to Earth-sintered samples which slump due to buoyancy induced by gravity, space samples are uniformly shaped and defects remain where they are formed. By studying metals sintered in space the US tool industry can potentially enhance its worldwide competitiveness. The Consortium for Materials Development in Space along with Wyle Labs, Teledyne Advanced Materials, and McDornell Douglas have conducted experiments in space.

Method of refining cracked oil by using metallic soaps. [desulfurization of cracked oils

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

Masakichi, M.; Marunouchi, K.K.; Yoshimura, T.

1937-04-13

The method of refining cracked oil consists in dissolving oil-soluble heavy metallic soap of oleic acid in a volatile organic solvent which will disperse homogeneously in cracked oil; pouring the solution thus obtained slowly into cracked oil to effect dispersion naturally and homogeneously at room temperature in the cracked oil. This process serves to react the mercaptans in the cracked oil with the heavy metallic soap by a double decomposition reaction and to precipitate the mercaptans as insoluble metallic salts. The remaining liquid is distilled to separate it from the remaining solvent.

Engineered metal based nanomaterials in aqueous environments: Interactions, transformations and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudunkotuwa, Imali Ama

Nanoscience and nanotechnology offer potential routes towards addressing critical issues such as clean and sustainable energy, environmental protection and human health. Specifically, metal and metal oxide nanomaterials are found in a wide range of applications and therefore hold a greater potential of possible release into the environment or for the human to be exposed. Understanding the aqueous phase behavior of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials is a key factor in the safe design of these materials because their interactions with living systems are always mediated through the aqueous phase. Broadly the transformations in the aqueous phase can be classified as dissolution, aggregation and adsorption which are dependent and linked processes to one another. The complexity of these processes at the liquid-solid interface has therefore been one of the grand challenges that has persisted since the beginning of nanotechnology. Although classical models provide guidance for understanding dissolution and aggregation of nanoparticles in water, there are many uncertainties associated with the recent findings. This is often due to a lack of fundamental knowledge of the surface structure and surface energetics for very small particles. Therefore currently the environmental health and safety studies related to nanomaterials are more focused on understanding the surface chemistry that governs the overall processes in the liquid-solid interfacial region at the molecular level. The metal based nanomaterials focused on in this dissertation include TiO2, ZnO, Cu and CuO. These are among the most heavily used in a number of applications ranging from uses in the construction industry to cosmetic formulation. Therefore they are produced in large scale and have been detected in the environment. There is debate within the scientific community related to their safety as a result of the lack of understanding on the surface interactions that arise from the detailed nature of the surfaces. Specifically, the interactions of these metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with environmental and biological ligands in the solutions have demonstrated dramatic alterations in their aqueous phase behavior in terms of dissolution and aggregation. Dissolution and aggregation are among the determining factors of nanoparticle uptake and toxicity. Furthermore, solution conditions such as ionic strength and pH can act as controlling parameters for surface ligand adsorption while adsorbed ligands themselves undergo surface induced structural and conformational changes. Because, nanomaterials in both the environment and in biological systems are subjected to a wide range of matrix conditions they are in fact dynamic and not static entities. Thus monitoring and tracking these nanomaterials in real systems can be extremely challenging which requires a thorough understanding of the surface chemistry governing their transformations. The work presented in this dissertation attempts to bridge the gap between the dynamic processing of these nanomaterials, the details of the molecular level processes that occur at the liquid-solid interfacial region and potential environmental and biological interactions. Extensive nanomaterial characterization is an integral part of these investigations and all the materials presented here are thoroughly analyzed for particle size, shape, surface area, bulk and surface compositions. Detailed spectroscopic analysis was used to acquire molecular information of the processes in the liquid-solid interfacial region and the outcomes are linked with the macroscopic analysis with the aid of dynamic and static light scattering techniques. Furthermore, emphasis is given to the size dependent behavior and theoretical modeling is adapted giving careful consideration to the details of the physicochemical characterization and molecular information unique to the nanomaterials.

Emissions model of waste treatment operations at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant

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

Schindler, R.E.

1995-03-01

An integrated model of the waste treatment systems at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) was developed using a commercially-available process simulation software (ASPEN Plus) to calculate atmospheric emissions of hazardous chemicals for use in an application for an environmental permit to operate (PTO). The processes covered by the model are the Process Equipment Waste evaporator, High Level Liquid Waste evaporator, New Waste Calcining Facility and Liquid Effluent Treatment and Disposal facility. The processes are described along with the model and its assumptions. The model calculates emissions of NO{sub x}, CO, volatile acids, hazardous metals, and organic chemicals. Some calculatedmore » relative emissions are summarized and insights on building simulations are discussed.« less

Solar-Driven Liquid-Metal MHD Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hohl, F.; Lee, J. H.

1982-01-01

Liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generator with solar oven as its heat source has potential to produce electric power in space and on Earth at high efficiency. Generator focuses radiation from Sun to heat driving gas that pushes liquid metal past magnetic coil. Power is extracted directly from electric currents set up in conducting liquid. Using solar energy as fuel can save considerable costs and payload weight, compared to previous systems.

A liquid-liquid transition can exist in monatomic transition metals with a positive melting slope

PubMed Central

Lee, Byeongchan; Lee, Geun Woo

2016-01-01

Liquid-liquid transitions under high pressure are found in many elemental materials, but the transitions are known to be associated with either sp-valent materials or f-valent rare-earth elements, in which the maximum or a negative slope in the melting line is readily suggestive of the transition. Here we find a liquid-liquid transition with a positive melting slope in transition metal Ti from structural, electronic, and thermodynamic studies using ab-initio molecular dynamics calculations, showing diffusion anomaly, but no density anomaly. The origin of the transition in liquid Ti is a pressure-induced increase of local structures containing very short bonds with directionality in electronic configurations. This behavior appears to be characteristic of the early transition metals. In contrast, the late transition metal liquid Ni does not show the L-L transition with pressure. This result suggests that the possibility of the L-L transition decreases from early to late transition metals as electronic structures of late transition metals barely have a Jahn-Teller effect and bond directionality. Our results generalize that a phase transition in disordered materials is found with any valence band regardless of the sign of the melting slope, but related to the symmetry of electronic structures of constituent elements. PMID:27762334

Containerless, Low-Gravity Undercooling of Ti-Ce Alloys in the MSFC Drop Tube

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, M. B.; Rathz, T. J.; Li, D.; Williams, G.; Workman, G.

1999-01-01

Previous tests of the classical nucleation theory as applied to liquid-liquid gap miscibility systems found a discrepancy between experiment and theory in the ability to undercool one of the liquids before the L1-L2 separation occurs. To model the initial separation process in a two-phase liquid mixture, different theoretical approaches, such as free-energy gradient and density gradient theories, have been put forth. If there is a large enough interaction between the critical liquid and the crucible, both models predict a wetting temperature (T(sub w)) above which the minority liquid perfectly wets and layers the crucible interface, but only on one side of the immiscibility dome. Materials with compositions on the other side of the dome will have simple surface adsorption by the minority liquid before bulk separation occurs when the coexistence (i.e., binoidal) line in reached. If the interaction between the critical liquid and the crucible were to decrease, T(sub w) would increase, eventually approaching the critical consolute temperature (T(sub cc)). If this situation occurs, then there could be large regions of the miscibility gap where non-perfect wetting conditions prevail resulting in droplets of L1 liquid at the surface having a non-zero contact angle. The resulting bulk structure will then depend on what happens on the surface and the subsequent processing conditions. In the past several decades, many experiments in space have been performed on liquid metal binary immiscible systems for the purpose of determining the effects that different crucibles may have on the wetting and separation process of the liquids. Potard performed experiments that showed different crucible materials could cause the majority phase to preferentially wet the container and thus produce a dispersed microstructure of the minority phase. Several other studies have been performed on immiscibles in a semi-container environment using an emulsion technique. Only one previous study was performed using completely containerless processing of immiscible metals and the results of that investigation are similar to some of the emulsion studies. In all the studies, surface wetting was attributed as the cause for the similar microstructures or the asymmetry in the ability to undercool the liquid below the binoidal on one side of the immiscibility dome. By removing the container completely from the separation process, it was proposed that the loss of the crucible/liquid interaction would produce a large shift in T(sub w) and thus change the wetting characteristics at the surface. By investigating various compositions across the miscibility gap, a change in the type and amount of liquid wetting at the surface of a containerless droplet should change the surface nucleating behavior of the droplet - whether it be the liquid-liquid wetting or the liquid-to-solid transition. Undercooling of the liquid into the metastable region should produce significant differences in the separation process and the microstructure upon solidification. In this study, we attempt to measure these transitions by monitoring the temperature of the sample by optical pyrometry. Microstructural analysis will be made to correlate with the degree of undercooling and the separation mechanisms involved.

Investigation of Liquid Metal Embrittlement of Materials for use in Fusion Reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, Daniel; Jaworski, Michael

2014-10-01

Liquid metals can provide a continually replenished material for the first wall and extraction blankets of fusion reactors. However, research has shown that solid metal surfaces will experience embrittlement when exposed to liquid metals under stress. Therefore, it is important to understand the changes in structural strength of the solid metal materials and test different surface treatments that can limit embrittlement. Research was conducted to design and build an apparatus for exposing solid metal samples to liquid metal under high stress and temperature. The apparatus design, results of tensile testing, and surface imaging of fractured samples will be presented. This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships Program (SULI).

Demonstrating electromagnetic control of free-surface, liquid-metal flows relevant to fusion reactors

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

Hvasta, Michael George; Kolemen, Egemen; Fisher, Adam

Plasma-facing components (PFC's) made from solid materials may not be able to withstand the large heat and particle fluxes that will be produced within next-generation fusion reactors. To address the shortcomings of solid PFC's, a variety of liquid-metal (LM) PFC concepts have been proposed. Many of the suggested LM-PFC designs rely on electromagnetic restraint (Lorentz force) to keep free-surface, liquid-metal flows adhered to the interior surfaces of a fusion reactor. However, there is very little, if any, experimental data demonstrating that free-surface, LM-PFC's can actually be electromagnetically controlled. Therefore, in this study, electrical currents were injected into a free-surface liquid-metalmore » that was flowing through a uniform magnetic field. The resultant Lorentz force generated within the liquid-metal affected the velocity and depth of the flow in a controllable manner that closely matched theoretical predictions. Furthermore, these results show the promise of electromagnetic control for LM-PFC's and suggest that electromagnetic control could be further developed to adjust liquid-metal nozzle output, prevent splashing within a tokamak, and alter heat transfer properties for a wide-range of liquid-metal systems.« less

Demonstrating electromagnetic control of free-surface, liquid-metal flows relevant to fusion reactors

DOE PAGES

Hvasta, Michael George; Kolemen, Egemen; Fisher, Adam; ...

2017-10-13

Plasma-facing components (PFC's) made from solid materials may not be able to withstand the large heat and particle fluxes that will be produced within next-generation fusion reactors. To address the shortcomings of solid PFC's, a variety of liquid-metal (LM) PFC concepts have been proposed. Many of the suggested LM-PFC designs rely on electromagnetic restraint (Lorentz force) to keep free-surface, liquid-metal flows adhered to the interior surfaces of a fusion reactor. However, there is very little, if any, experimental data demonstrating that free-surface, LM-PFC's can actually be electromagnetically controlled. Therefore, in this study, electrical currents were injected into a free-surface liquid-metalmore » that was flowing through a uniform magnetic field. The resultant Lorentz force generated within the liquid-metal affected the velocity and depth of the flow in a controllable manner that closely matched theoretical predictions. Furthermore, these results show the promise of electromagnetic control for LM-PFC's and suggest that electromagnetic control could be further developed to adjust liquid-metal nozzle output, prevent splashing within a tokamak, and alter heat transfer properties for a wide-range of liquid-metal systems.« less

Use of ionic liquids as coordination ligands for organometallic catalysts

DOEpatents

Li, Zaiwei [Moreno Valley, CA; Tang, Yongchun [Walnut, CA; Cheng,; Jihong, [Arcadia, CA

2009-11-10

Aspects of the present invention relate to compositions and methods for the use of ionic liquids with dissolved metal compounds as catalysts for a variety of chemical reactions. Ionic liquids are salts that generally are liquids at room temperature, and are capable of dissolving a many types of compounds that are relatively insoluble in aqueous or organic solvent systems. Specifically, ionic liquids may dissolve metal compounds to produce homogeneous and heterogeneous organometallic catalysts. One industrially-important chemical reaction that may be catalyzed by metal-containing ionic liquid catalysts is the conversion of methane to methanol.

Plasma carburizing with surface micro-melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanovsky, A. E.; Grechneva, M. V.; Van Huy, Vu; Ponomarev, B. B.

2018-03-01

This paper presents carburizing the surface of 20 low carbon steel using electric arc and graphite prior. A carbon black solution was prepared with graphite powder and sodium silicate in water. A detailed analysis of the phase structure and the distribution profile of the sample hardness after plasma treatment were given. The hardened layer consists of three different zones: 1 – the cemented layer (thin white zone) on the surface, 2 – heat-affected zone (darkly etching structure), 3 – the base metal. The experimental result shows that the various microstructures and micro-hardness profiles were produced depending on the type of graphite coating (percentage of liquid glass) and processing parameters. The experiment proved that the optimum content of liquid glass in graphite coating is 50–87.5%. If the amount of liquid glass is less than 50%, adhesion to metal is insufficient. If liquid glass content is more than 87.5%, carburization of a metal surface does not occur. A mixture of the eutectic lamellar structure, martensite and austenite was obtained by using graphite prior with 67% sodium silicate and the levels of the hardness layer increased to around 1000 HV. The thickness of the cemented layer formed on the surface was around 200 μm. It is hoped that this plasma surface carburizing treatment could improve the tribological resistance properties.

Coupled electro-thermal field in a high current electrolysis cell or liquid metal batteries

PubMed Central

Cai, Liwei; Ni, Haiou; Lu, Gui-Min; Yu, Jian-Guo

2018-01-01

Coupled electro-thermal field exists widely in chemical batteries and electrolysis industry. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model, which is based on the finite-element software ANSYS, has been built to simulate the electro-thermal field in a magnesium electrolysis cell. The adjustment of the relative position of the anode and cathode can change the energy consumption of the magnesium electrolysis process significantly. Besides, the current intensity has a nonlinear effect on heat balance, and the effects of heat transfer coefficients, electrolysis and air temperature on the heat balance have been released to maintain the thermal stability in a magnesium electrolysis cell. The relationship between structure as well as process parameters and electro-thermal field has been obtained and the simulation results can provide experience for the scale-up design in liquid metal batteries. PMID:29515848

Semisolid Metal Processing Techniques for Nondendritic Feedstock Production

PubMed Central

Mohammed, M. N.; Omar, M. Z.; Salleh, M. S.; Alhawari, K. S.; Kapranos, P.

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal (SSM) processing or thixoforming is widely known as a technology that involves the formation of metal alloys between solidus and liquidus temperatures. For the procedure to operate successfully, the microstructure of the starting material must consist of solid near-globular grains surrounded by a liquid matrix and a wide solidus-to-liquidus transition area. Currently, this process is industrially successful, generating a variety of products with high quality parts in various industrial sectors. Throughout the years since its inception, a number of technologies to produce the appropriate globular microstructure have been developed and applied worldwide. The main aim of this paper is to classify the presently available SSM technologies and present a comprehensive review of the potential mechanisms that lead to microstructural alterations during the preparation of feedstock materials for SSM processing. PMID:24194689

Process for coal liquefaction using electrodeposited catalyst

DOEpatents

Moore, Raymond H.

1978-01-01

A process for the liquefaction of solid hydrocarbonaceous materials is disclosed. Particles of such materials are electroplated with a metal catalyst and are then suspended in a hydrocarbon oil and subjected to hydrogenolysis to liquefy the solid hydrocarbonaceous material. A liquid product oil is separated from residue solid material containing char and the catalyst metal. The catalyst is recovered from the solid material by electrolysis for reuse. A portion of the product oil can be employed as the hydrocarbon oil for suspending additional particles of catalyst coated solid carbonaceous material for hydrogenolysis.

Compatibility of materials with liquid metal targets for SNS

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

DiStefano, J.R.; Pawel, S.J.; DeVan, J.H.

1996-06-01

Several heavy liquid metals are candidates as the target in a spallation neutron source: Hg, Pb, Bi, and Pb-Bi eutectic. Systems with these liquid metals have been used in the past and a data-base on compatibility already exists. Two major compatibility issues have been identified when selecting a container material for these liquid metals: temperature gradient mass transfer and liquid metal embrittlement or LME. Temperature gradient mass transfer refers to dissolution of material from the high temperature portions of a system and its deposition in the lower temperature areas. Solution and deposition rate constants along with temperature, {Delta}T, and velocitymore » are usually the most important parameters. For most candidate materials mass transfer corrosion has been found to be proportionately worse in Bi compared with Hg and Pb. For temperatures to {approx}550{degrees}C, ferritic/martensitic steels have been satisfactory in Pb or Hg systems and the maximum temperature can be extended to {approx}650{degrees}C with additions of inhibitors to the liquid metal, e.g. Mg, Ti, Zr. Above {approx}600{degrees}C, austenitic stainless steels have been reported to be unsatisfactory, largely because of the mass transfer of nickel. Blockage of flow from deposition of material is usually the life-limiting effect of this type of corrosion. However, mass transfer corrosion at lower temperatures has not been studied. At low temperatures (usually < 150{degrees}C), LME has been reported for some liquid metal/container alloy combinations. Liquid metal embrittlement, like hydrogen embrittlement, results in brittle fracture of a normally ductile material.« less

Carbon Nanotube Bonding Strength Enhancement Using Metal "Wicking" Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamb, James L.; Dickie, Matthew R.; Kowalczyk, Robert S.; Liao, Anna; Bronikowski, Michael J.

2012-01-01

Carbon nanotubes grown from a surface typically have poor bonding strength at the interface. A process has been developed for adding a metal coat to the surface of carbon nano tubes (CNTs) through a wicking process, which could lead to an enhanced bonding strength at the interface. This process involves merging CNTs with indium as a bump-bonding enhancement. Classical capillary theory would not normally allow materials that do not wet carbon or graphite to be drawn into the spacings by capillary action because the contact angle is greater than 90 degrees. However, capillary action can be induced through JPL's ability to fabricate oriented CNT bundles to desired spacings, and through the use of deposition techniques and temperature to control the size and mobility of the liquid metal streams and associated reservoirs. A reflow and plasma cleaning process has also been developed and demonstrated to remove indium oxide, and to obtain smooth coatings on the CNT bundles.

Correlation of the fragility of metallic liquids with the high temperature structure, volume, and cohesive energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangopadhyay, A. K.; Pueblo, C. E.; Dai, R.; Johnson, M. L.; Ashcraft, R.; Van Hoesen, D.; Sellers, M.; Kelton, K. F.

2017-04-01

The thermal expansion coefficients, structure factors, and viscosities of twenty-five equilibrium and supercooled metallic liquids have been measured using an electrostatic levitation (ESL) facility. The structure factor was measured at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne, using the ESL. A clear connection between liquid fragility and structural and volumetric changes at high temperatures is established; the observed changes are larger for the more fragile liquids. It is also demonstrated that the fragility of metallic liquids is determined to a large extent by the cohesive energy and is, therefore, predictable. These results are expected to provide useful guidance in the future design of metallic glasses.

The effect of metal salts on the decomposition of sweet sorghum bagasse in flow-through liquid hot water.

PubMed

Yu, Qiang; Zhuang, Xinshu; Yuan, Zhenhong; Qi, Wei; Wang, Qiong; Tan, Xuesong

2011-02-01

The impact of the metal salts NaCl, KCl, CaCl(2), MgCl(2), FeCl(3), FeCl(2), and CuCl(2), particularly the latter, on the decomposition of hemicellulose and lignin from sweet sorghum bagasse in liquid hot water pretreatment processing was studied in an attempt to enhance the recovery of sugars. Transition metal chlorides significantly enhanced the hemicellulose removal compared to the alkaline earth metal chlorides and alkaline metal chlorides, contributing to the formation of a saccharide-metal cation intermediate complex. FeCl(2) greatly increased xylose degradation and about 60% xylan was converted into non-saccharide products. In contrast, an excellent total and monomeric xylose recovery was obtained after the CuCl(2) pretreatment. Most of the lignin was deposited on the surface of the residual solid with droplet morphologies after this pretreatment, and about 20% was degraded into monomeric products. The total recovery of sugars from sweet sorghum bagasse with 0.1% CuCl(2) solution pretreatment and 48 h enzymatic digestibility, reached 90.4%, which is superior to the recovery using hot water pretreatment only. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Powder treatment process

DOEpatents

Weyand, J.D.

1988-02-09

Disclosed are: (1) a process comprising spray drying a powder-containing slurry, the slurry containing a powder constituent susceptible of oxidizing under the temperature conditions of the spray drying, while reducing the tendency for oxidation of the constituent by including as a liquid constituent of the slurry an organic liquid; (2) a process comprising spray drying a powder-containing slurry, the powder having been pretreated to reduce content of a powder constituent susceptible of oxidizing under the temperature conditions of the spray drying, the pretreating comprising heating the powder to react the constituent; and (3) a process comprising reacting ceramic powder, grinding the reacted powder, slurrying the ground powder, spray drying the slurried powder, and blending the dried powder with metal powder. 2 figs.

Powder treatment process

DOEpatents

Weyand, John D.

1988-01-01

(1) A process comprising spray drying a powder-containing slurry, the slurry containing a powder constituent susceptible of oxidizing under the temperature conditions of the spray drying, while reducing the tendency for oxidation of the constituent by including as a liquid constituent of the slurry an organic liquid; (2) a process comprising spray drying a powder-containing slurry, the powder having been pretreated to reduce content of a powder constituent susceptible of oxidizing under the temperature conditions of the spray drying, the pretreating comprising heating the powder to react the constituent; and (3) a process comprising reacting ceramic powder, grinding the reacted powder, slurrying the ground powder, spray drying the slurried powder, and blending the dried powder with metal powder.

Mössbauer characterization of joints of steel pieces in transient liquid phase bonding experiences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Luozzo, N.; Martínez Stenger, P. F.; Canal, J. P.; Fontana, M. R.; Arcondo, B.

2011-11-01

Joining of seamless, low carbon, steel tubes were performed by means of Transient Liquid Phase Bonding process employing a foil of Fe-Si-B metallic glass as filler material. The influence of the main parameters of the process was evaluated: temperature, holding time, pressure and post weld heat treatment. Powder samples were obtained from the joint of tubes and characterized employing Mössbauer Spectroscopy in transmission geometry. The sampling was performed both in tubes successfully welded and in those which show joint defects. The results obtained are correlated with the obtained microstructure and the diffusion of Si and B during the process.

Frequency-Switchable Microfluidic CSRR-Loaded QMSIW Band-Pass Filter Using a Liquid Metal Alloy

PubMed Central

Eom, Seunghyun; Memon, Muhammad Usman; Lim, Sungjoon

2017-01-01

In this paper, we have proposed a frequency-switchable complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)-loaded quarter-mode substrate-integrated-waveguide (QMSIW) band-pass filter. For frequency switching, a microfluidic channel and liquid metal are used. The liquid metal used is eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), consisting of 24.5% indium and 75.5% gallium. The microfluidic channels are built using the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and three-dimensional-printed microfluidic channel frames. The CSRR-loaded QMSIW band-pass filter is designed to have two states. Before the injection of the liquid metal, the measured center frequency and fractional bandwidths are 2.205 GHz and 6.80%, respectively. After injection, the center frequency shifts from 2.205 GHz to 2.56 GHz. Although the coupling coefficient is practically unchanged, the fractional bandwidth changes from 6.8% to 9.38%, as the CSRR shape changes and the external quality factor decreases. After the removal of the liquid metal, the measured values are similar to the values recorded before the liquid metal was injected. The repeatability of the frequency-switchable mechanism is, therefore, verified. PMID:28350355

System for exchange of hydrogen between liquid and solid phases

DOEpatents

Reilly, James J.; Grohse, Edward W.; Johnson, John R.; Winsche, deceased, Warren E.

1988-01-01

The reversible reaction M+x/2 H.sub.2 .rarw..fwdarw.MH.sub.x, wherein M is a reversible metal hydride former that forms a hydride MH.sub.x in the presence of H.sub.2, generally used to store and recall H.sub.2, is found to proceed under an inert liquid, thereby reducing contamination, providing better temperature control, providing in situ mobility of the reactants, and increasing flexibility in process design. Thus, a slurry of particles of a metal hydride former with an inert solvent is subjected to a temperature and pressure controlled atmosphere containing H.sub.2, to store hydrogen and to release previously stored hydrogen. The direction of the flow of the H.sub.2 through the liquid is dependent upon the H.sub.2 pressure in the gas phase at a given temperature. When the actual H.sub.2 pressure is above the equilibrium absorption pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the right, i.e., the metal hydride is formed and hydrogen is stored in the solid particles. When the actual pressure in the gas phase is below the equilibrium dissociation pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the left, the metal hydride is decomposed and hydrogen is released into the gas phase.

System for exchange of hydrogen between liquid and solid phases

DOEpatents

Reilly, J.J.; Grohse, E.W.; Johnson, J.R.; Winsche, W.E.

1985-02-22

The reversible reaction M + x/2 H/sub 2/ reversible MH/sub x/, wherein M is a reversible metal hydride former that forms a hydride MH/sub x/ in the presence of H/sub 2/, generally used to store and recall H/sub 2/, is found to proceed under an inert liquid, thereby reducing contamination, providing better temperature control, providing in situ mobility of the reactants, and increasing flexibility in process design. Thus, a slurry of particles of a metal hydride former with an inert solvent is subjected to a temperature and pressure controlled atmosphere containing H/sub 2/, to store hydrogen and to release previously stored hydrogen. The direction of the flow of the H/sub 2/ through the liquid is dependent upon the H/sub 2/ pressure in the gas phase at a given temperature. When the actual H/sub 2/ pressure is above the equilibrium absorption pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the right, i.e., the metal hydride is formed and hydrogen is stored in the solid particle. When the actual pressure in the gas phase is below the equilibrium dissociation pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the left, the metal hydride is decomposed and hydrogen is released into the gas phase.

Process for sequestering carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide

DOEpatents

Maroto-Valer, M Mercedes [State College, PA; Zhang, Yinzhi [State College, PA; Kuchta, Matthew E [State College, PA; Andresen, John M [State College, PA; Fauth, Dan J [Pittsburgh, PA

2009-10-20

A process for sequestering carbon dioxide, which includes reacting a silicate based material with an acid to form a suspension, and combining the suspension with carbon dioxide to create active carbonation of the silicate-based material, and thereafter producing a metal salt, silica and regenerating the acid in the liquid phase of the suspension.

NOVEL BINDERS AND METHODS FOR AGGLOMERATION OF ORE

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

S.K. Kawatra; T.C. Eisele; J.A. Gurtler

2005-04-01

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not breakdown during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that will workmore » satisfactorily. Primary examples of this are copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process. As a result, operators of many facilities see large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of a broad range of mineral agglomeration applications, particularly heap leaching.« less

Novel Binders and Methods for Agglomeration of Ore

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

S. K. Kawatra; T. C. Eisele; J. A. Gurtler

2004-03-31

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that willmore » work satisfactorily. A primary example of this is copper heap leaching, where there are no binders that will work in the acidic environment encountered in this process. As a result, operators of acidic heap-leach facilities see a large loss of process efficiency due to their inability to take advantage of agglomeration. The large quantities of ore that must be handled in metal extraction processes also means that the binder must be inexpensive and useful at low dosages to be economical. The acid-resistant binders and agglomeration procedures developed in this project will also be adapted for use in improving the energy efficiency and performance of other agglomeration applications, particularly advanced primary ironmaking.« less

A search for two types of transverse excitations in liquid polyvalent metals at ambient pressure: An ab initio molecular dynamics study of collective excitations in liquid Al, Tl and Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryk, Taras; Demchuk, Taras; Jakse, Noël; Wax, Jean-François

2018-02-01

Recent findings of pressure-induced emergence of unusual high-frequency contribution to transverse current spectral functions in several simple liquid metals at high pressures raised a question whether similar features can be observed in liquid metals at ambient conditions. We report here analysis of ab initio molecular dynamics-derived longitudinal (L) and transverse (T) current spectral functions and corresponding dispersions of collective excitations in liquid polyvalent metals Al, Tl, Ni. We have not found evidences of the second branch of high-frequency transverse modes in liquid Al and Ni, while in the case of liquid Tl they were clearly present in transverse dynamics. The vibrational density of states for liquid Tl has a pronounced high-frequency shoulder, which is located right in the frequency range of the second high-frequency transverse branch, while for liquid Al and Ni the vibrational density of states has only a weak indication of possible high-frequency shoulder. The origin of specific behavior of transverse excitations in liquid Tl is discussed.

Microstructural Evolution during DPRM Process of Semisolid Ledeburitic D2 Tool Steel

PubMed Central

Mohammed, M. N.; Omar, M. Z.; Syarif, J.; Sajuri, Z.; Salleh, M. S.; Alhawari, K. S.

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct partial remelting (DPRM) process for the production of AISI D2 with a uniform globular microstructure was revealed. The liquid fraction was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructures of the samples were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser, while X-ray phase analysis was performed to identify the phase evolution and the type of carbides. Mechanical characterisation was completed by hardness measurements. The typical microstructure after DPRM consists of metastable austenite which was located particularly in the globular grains (average grain size about 50 μm), while the remaining interspaces were filled by precipitated eutectic carbides on the grain boundaries and lamellar network. PMID:24223510

Microstructural evolution during DPRM process of semisolid ledeburitic D2 tool steel.

PubMed

Mohammed, M N; Omar, M Z; Syarif, J; Sajuri, Z; Salleh, M S; Alhawari, K S

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct partial remelting (DPRM) process for the production of AISI D2 with a uniform globular microstructure was revealed. The liquid fraction was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructures of the samples were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser, while X-ray phase analysis was performed to identify the phase evolution and the type of carbides. Mechanical characterisation was completed by hardness measurements. The typical microstructure after DPRM consists of metastable austenite which was located particularly in the globular grains (average grain size about 50 μ m), while the remaining interspaces were filled by precipitated eutectic carbides on the grain boundaries and lamellar network.

Recycling of red muds with the extraction of metals and special additions to cement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zinoveev, D. V.; Diubanov, V. G.; Shutova, A. V.; Ziniaeva, M. V.

2015-01-01

The liquid-phase reduction of iron oxides from red mud is experimentally studied. It is shown that, in addition to a metal, a slag suitable for utilization in the construction industry can be produced as a result of pyrometallurgical processing of red mud. Portland cement is shown to be produced from this slag with mineral additions and a high-aluminate expansion addition to cement.

Infiltration processing of metal matrix composites using coated ceramic particulates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leon-Patino, Carlos Alberto

2001-07-01

A new process was developed to fabricate particulate metal matrix composites (MMCs). The process involves three steps: (1) modifying the particulate surface by metal coating, (2) forming a particulate porous compact; and (3) introducing metal into the channel network by vacuum infiltration. MMCs with different reinforcements, volume fractions, and sizes can be produced by this technique. Powders of alumina and silicon carbide were successfully coated with nickel and copper in preparation for infiltration with molten aluminum. Electroless Ni and Cu deposition was used since it enhances the wettability of the reinforcements for composite fabrication. While Cu deposits were polycrystalline, traces of phosphorous co-deposited from the electroless bath gave an amorphous Ni-P coating. The effect of metal coating on wetting behavior was evaluated at 800°C on plain and metal-coated ceramic plates using a sessile drop technique. The metallic films eliminated the non-wetting behavior of the uncoated ceramics, leading to equilibrium contact angles in the order of 12° and below 58° for Ni and Cu coated ceramics, respectively. The spreading data indicated that local diffusion at the triple junction was the governing mechanism of the wetting process. Precipitation of intermetallic phases in the drop/ceramic interface delayed the formation of Al4C3. Infiltration with molten Al showed that the coated-particulates are suitable as reinforcing materials for fabricating MMCs, giving porosity-free components with a homogeneously distributed reinforcing phase. The coating promoted easy metal flow through the preform, compared to the non-infiltration behavior of the uncoated counterparts. Liquid state diffusion kinetics due to temperature dependent viscosity forces controlled the infiltration process. Microstructural analysis indicated the formation of intermetallic phases such as CuAl 2, in the case of Cu coating, and Ni2Al3 and NiAl 3 when Ni-coated powders were infiltrated. The overall Ni and Cu content increased from bottom to top of the samples due to dissolution of the metal film by the stream of liquid Al during infiltration. The strengths of the Al/Ni-SiC composites, measured by four-point bending, were 205 and 225 MPa for samples reinforced with 78 mum and 49 mum Ni-SiC, respectively. The mode of fracture was mainly controlled by SiC particle fracture.

Effects of high pressure on microstructure evolution and crystallization mechanisms during solidification of nickel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hai-Tao; Mo, Yun-Fei; Liu, Rang-Su; Tian, Ze-An; Liu, Hai-Rong; Hou, Zhao-Yang; Zhou, Li-Li; Liang, Yong-Chao; Peng, Ping

2018-03-01

To deeply understand the effects of high pressure on microstructural evolutions and crystallization mechanisms of liquid metal Ni during solidification process, MD simulation studies have been performed under 7 pressures of 0 ˜ 30 GPa, at cooling rate of 1.0 × 1011 K s-1. Adopting several microstructural analyzing methods, especially the cluster-type index method (CTIM-2) to analyze the local microstructures in the system. It is found that the pressure has important influence on the formation and evolution of microstructures, especially of the main basic clusters in the system. All the simulation systems are directly solidified into crystal structures, and the 1421, 1422, 1441 and 1661 bond-types, as well the FCC (12 0 0 0 12 0), HCP (12 0 0 0 6 6) and BCC (14 6 0 8 0 0) clusters play a key role in the microstructure transitions from liquid to crystal structures. The crystallization temperature T c is enhanced almost linearly with the increase of pressure. Highly interesting, it is found for the first time that there is an important phase transformation point from FCC to BCC structures between 20 ˜ 22.5 GPa during the solidification processes from the same initial liquid system at the same cooling rate. And the effect of increasing pressure is similar to that of decreasing cooling rate for the phase transformation of microstructures during solidification process of liquid metal Ni system, though they have different concrete effecting mechanisms.

Amphiphilic phase-transforming catalysts for transesterification of triglycerides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawaratna, Gayan Ivantha

Heterogeneous catalytic reactions that involve immiscible liquid-phase reactants are challenging to conduct due to limitations associated with mass transport. Nevertheless, there are numerous reactions such as esterification, transesterification, etherification, and hydrolysis where two immiscible liquid reactants (such as polar and non-polar liquids) need to be brought into contact with a catalyst. With the intention of alleviating mass transport issues associated with such systems but affording the ability to separate the catalyst once the reaction is complete, the overall goal of this study is geared toward developing a catalyst that has emulsification properties as well as the ability to phase-transfer (from liquid-phase to solid-phase) while the reaction is ongoing and evaluating the effectiveness of such a catalytic process in a practical reaction. To elucidate this concept, the transesterification reaction was selected. Metal-alkoxides that possess acidic and basic properties (to catalyze the reaction), amphiphilic properties (to stabilize the alcohol/oil emulsion) and that can undergo condensation polymerization when heated (to separate as a solid subsequent to the completion of the reaction) were used to test the concept. Studies included elucidating the effect of metal sites and alkoxide sites and their concentration effects on transesterification reaction, effect of various metal alkoxide groups on the phase stability of the reactant system, and kinetic effects of the reaction system. The studies revealed that several transition-metal alkoxides, especially, titanium and yttrium based, responded positively to this reaction system. These alkoxides were able to be added to the reaction medium in liquid phase and were able to stabilize the alcohol/oil system. The alkoxides were selective to the transesterification reaction giving a range of ester yields (depending on the catalyst used). It was also observed that transition-metal alkoxides were able to be recovered in the form of their polymerized counterparts as a result of condensation polymerization subsequent to completion of the transesterification reaction.

Transverse excitations in liquid metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosokawa, S.; Munejiri, S.; Inui, M.; Kajihara, Y.; Pilgrim, W.-C.; Baron, A. Q. R.; Shimojo, F.; Hoshino, K.

2013-02-01

The transverse acoustic excitation modes were detected by inelastic x-ray scattering in liquid Ga, Cu and Fe in the Q range around 10 nm-1 using a third-generation synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8, although these liquid metals are mostly described by a simple hard-sphere liquid. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations clearly support this finding for liquid Ga. From the detailed analyses for the S(Q,ω) spectra with good statistic qualities, the lifetime of less than 1 ps and the propagating length of less than 1 nm can be estimated for the transverse acoustic phonon modes, which correspond to the lifetime and size of cages formed instantaneously in these liquid metals. The microscopic Poisson's ratio estimated from the dynamic velocities of sound is 0.42 for liquid Ga and about -0.2 for liquid transition metals, indicating a rubber-like soft and extremely hard elastic properties of the cage clusters, respectively. The origin of these microscopic elastic properties is discussed in detail.

40 CFR 761.357 - Reporting the results of the procedure used to simulate leachate generation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS Sampling Non-Liquid, Non-Metal PCB Bulk Product... micrograms PCBs per liter of extract to obtain the equivalent measurement from a 100 gram sample. ...

40 CFR 761.357 - Reporting the results of the procedure used to simulate leachate generation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS Sampling Non-Liquid, Non-Metal PCB Bulk Product... micrograms PCBs per liter of extract to obtain the equivalent measurement from a 100 gram sample. ...

40 CFR 761.357 - Reporting the results of the procedure used to simulate leachate generation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS Sampling Non-Liquid, Non-Metal PCB Bulk Product... micrograms PCBs per liter of extract to obtain the equivalent measurement from a 100 gram sample. ...

40 CFR 761.357 - Reporting the results of the procedure used to simulate leachate generation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS Sampling Non-Liquid, Non-Metal PCB Bulk Product... micrograms PCBs per liter of extract to obtain the equivalent measurement from a 100 gram sample. ...

40 CFR 761.357 - Reporting the results of the procedure used to simulate leachate generation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., PROCESSING, DISTRIBUTION IN COMMERCE, AND USE PROHIBITIONS Sampling Non-Liquid, Non-Metal PCB Bulk Product... micrograms PCBs per liter of extract to obtain the equivalent measurement from a 100 gram sample. ...

Bridging the gap between ionic liquids and molten salts: group 1 metal salts of the bistriflamide anion in the gas phase.

PubMed

Leal, João P; da Piedade, Manuel E Minas; Canongia Lopes, José N; Tomaszowska, Alina A; Esperança, José M S S; Rebelo, Luís Paulo N; Seddon, Kenneth R

2009-03-19

Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry experiments showed that liquid Group 1 metal salts of the bistriflamide anion undergoing reduced-pressure distillation exhibit a remarkable behavior that is in transition between that of the vapor-liquid equilibrium characteristics of aprotic ionic liquids and that of the Group 1 metal halides: the unperturbed vapors resemble those of aprotic ionic liquids, in the sense that they are essentially composed of discrete ion pairs. However, the formation of large aggregates through a succession of ion-molecule reactions is closer to what might be expected for Group 1 metal halides. Similar experiments were also carried out with bis{(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl}amine to investigate the effect of H(+), which despite being the smallest Group 1 cation, is generally regarded as a nonmetal species. In this case, instead of the complex ion-molecule reaction pattern found for the vapors of Group 1 metal salts, an equilibrium similar to those observed for aprotic ionic liquids was observed.

A liquid-metal filling system for pumped primary loop space reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crandall, D. L.; Reed, W. C.

Some concepts for the SP-100 space nuclear power reactor use liquid metal as the primary coolant in a pumped loop. Prior to filling ground engineering test articles or reactor systems, the liquid metal must be purified and circulated through the reactor primary system to remove contaminants. If not removed, these contaminants enhance corrosion and reduce reliability. A facility was designed and built to support Department of Energy Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor tests conducted at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. This test program used liquid sodium to cool nuclear fuel in in-pile experiments; thus, a system was needed to store and purify sodium inventories and fill the experiment assemblies. This same system, with modifications and potential changeover to lithium or sodium-potassium (NaK), can be used in the Space Nuclear Power Reactor Program. This paper addresses the requirements, description, modifications, operation, and appropriateness of using this liquid-metal system to support the SP-100 space reactor program.

Heat-Powered Pump for Liquid Metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campana, R. J.

1986-01-01

Proposed thermoelectromagnetic pump for liquid metal powered by waste heat; needs no battery, generator, or other external energy source. Pump turns part of heat in liquid metal into pumping energy. In combination with primary pump or on its own, thermoelectric pump circulates coolant between reactor and radiator. As long as there is decay heat to be removed, unit performs function.

LIQUID METAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING URANIUM

DOEpatents

Teitel, R.J.

1959-04-21

Liquid metal compositions containing a solid uranium compound dispersed therein is described. Uranium combines with tin to form the intermetallic compound USn/sub 3/. It has been found that this compound may be incorporated into a liquid bath containing bismuth and lead-bismuth components, if a relatively small percentage of tin is also included in the bath. The composition has a low thermal neutron cross section which makes it suitable for use in a liquid metal fueled nuclear reactor.

Fabrication methods for low impedance lithium polymer electrodes

DOEpatents

Chern, T.S.; MacFadden, K.O.; Johnson, S.L.

1997-12-16

A process is described for fabricating an electrolyte-electrode composite suitable for high energy alkali metal battery that includes mixing composite electrode materials with excess liquid, such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, to produce an initial formulation, and forming a shaped electrode therefrom. The excess liquid is then removed from the electrode to compact the electrode composite which can be further compacted by compression. The resulting electrode exhibits at least a 75% lower resistance.

Fabrication methods for low impedance lithium polymer electrodes

DOEpatents

Chern, Terry Song-Hsing; MacFadden, Kenneth Orville; Johnson, Steven Lloyd

1997-01-01

A process for fabricating an electrolyte-electrode composite suitable for high energy alkali metal battery that includes mixing composite electrode materials with excess liquid, such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, to produce an initial formulation, and forming a shaped electrode therefrom. The excess liquid is then removed from the electrode to compact the electrode composite which can be further compacted by compression. The resulting electrode exhibits at least a 75% lower resistance.

Nonthermal inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 in buffered peptone water using a pilot-plant scale supercritical carbon dioxide system with gas-liquid porous metal contractor

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) system, with a gas-liquid CO2 contactor, for reducing Escherichia coli K12 in diluted buffered peptone water. 0.1% (w/v) buffered peptone water inoculated with E. coli K12 was processed using the SCCO2 system at CO2 con...

Liquid Metals as Plasma-facing Materials for Fusion Energy Systems: From Atoms to Tokamaks

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

Stone, Howard A.; Koel, Bruce E.; Bernasek, Steven L.

The objective of our studies was to advance our fundamental understanding of liquid metals as plasma-facing materials for fusion energy systems, with a broad scope: from atoms to tokamaks. The flow of liquid metals offers solutions to significant problems of the plasma-facing materials for fusion energy systems. Candidate metals include lithium, tin, gallium, and their eutectic combinations. However, such liquid metal solutions can only be designed efficiently if a range of scientific and engineering issues are resolved that require advances in fundamental fluid dynamics, materials science and surface science. In our research we investigated a range of significant and timelymore » problems relevant to current and proposed engineering designs for fusion reactors, including high-heat flux configurations that are being considered by leading fusion energy groups world-wide. Using experimental and theoretical tools spanning atomistic to continuum descriptions of liquid metals, and bridging surface chemistry, wetting/dewetting and flow, our research has advanced the science and engineering of fusion energy materials and systems. Specifically, we developed a combined experimental and theoretical program to investigate flows of liquid metals in fusion-relevant geometries, including equilibrium and stability of thin-film flows, e.g. wetting and dewetting, effects of electromagnetic and thermocapillary fields on liquid metal thin-film flows, and how chemical interactions and the properties of the surface are influenced by impurities and in turn affect the surface wetting characteristics, the surface tension, and its gradients. Because high-heat flux configurations produce evaporation and sputtering, which forces rearrangement of the liquid, and any dewetting exposes the substrate to damage from the plasma, our studies addressed such evaporatively driven liquid flows and measured and simulated properties of the different bulk phases and material interfaces. The range of our studies included (i) quantum mechanical calculations that allow inclusion of many thousands of atoms for the characterization of the interface of liquid metals exposed to continuous bombardment by deuterium and tritium as expected in fusion, (ii) molecular dynamics studies of the phase behavior of liquid metals, which (a) utilize thermodynamic properties computed using our quantum mechanical calculations and (b) establish material and wetting properties of the liquid metals, including relevant eutectics, (iii) experimental investigations of the surface science of liquid metals, interacting both with the solid substrate as well as gaseous species, and (iv) fluid dynamical studies that incorporate the material and surface science results of (ii) and (iii) in order to characterize flow in capillary porous materials and the thin-film flow along curved boundaries, both of which are potentially major components of plasma-facing materials. The outcome of these integrated studies was new understanding that enables developing design rules useful for future developments of the plasma-facing components critical to the success of fusion energy systems.« less

ION PUMP

DOEpatents

Milleron, N.

1961-01-01

An ion pump and pumping method are given for low vacuum pressures in which gases introduced into a pumping cavity are ionized and thereafter directed and accelerated into a quantity of liquid gettering metal where they are absorbed. In the preferred embodiment the metal is disposed as a liquid pool upon one electrode of a Phillips ion gauge type pump. Means are provided for continuously and remotely withdrawing and degassing the gettering metal. The liquid gettering metal may be heated if desired, although various combinations of gallium, indium, tin, bismuth, and lead, the preferred metals, have very low melting points. A background pressure of evaporated gettering metal may be provided by means of a resistance heated refractory metal wick protruding from the surface of the pcol of gettering metal.

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

Gordon, John Howard; Alvare, Javier

Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali monosulfide and polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution andmore » may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten.« less

Thermophysical properties of simple liquid metals: A brief review of theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stroud, David

1993-01-01

In this paper, we review the current theory of the thermophysical properties of simple liquid metals. The emphasis is on thermodynamic properties, but we also briefly discuss the nonequilibrium properties of liquid metals. We begin by defining a 'simple liquid metal' as one in which the valence electrons interact only weakly with the ionic cores, so that the interaction can be treated by perturbation theory. We then write down the equilibrium Hamiltonian of a liquid metal as a sum of five terms: the bare ion-ion interaction, the electron-electron interaction, the bare electron-ion interaction, and the kinetic energies of electrons and ions. Since the electron-ion interaction can be treated by perturbation, the electronic part contributes in two ways to the Helmholtz free energy: it gives a density-dependent term which is independent of the arrangement of ions, and it acts to screen the ion-ion interaction, giving rise to effective ion-ion pair potentials which are density-dependent, in general. After sketching the form of a typical pair potential, we briefly enumerate some methods for calculating the ionic distribution function and hence the Helmholtz free energy of the liquid: monte Carlo simulations, molecular dynamics simulations, and thermodynamic perturbation theory. The final result is a general expression for the Helmholtz free energy of the liquid metal. It can be used to calculate a wide range of thermodynamic properties of simple metal liquids, which we enumerate. They include not only a range of thermodynamic coefficients of both metals and alloys, but also many aspects of the phase diagram, including freezing curves of pure elements and phase diagrams of liquid alloys (including liquidus and solidus curves). We briefly mention some key discoveries resulting from previous applications of this method, and point out that the same methods work for other materials not normally considered to be liquid metals (such as colloidal suspensions, in which the suspended microspheres behave like ions screened by the salt solution in which they are suspended). We conclude with a brief discussion of some non-equilibrium (i.e., transport) properties which can be treated by an extension of these methods. These include electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, viscosity, atomic self-diffusion coefficients, concentration diffusion coefficients in alloys, surface tension and thermal emissivity. Finally, we briefly mention two methods by which the theory might be extended to non-simple liquid metals: these are empirical techniques (i.e., empirical two- and three-body potentials), and numerical many-body approaches. Both may be potentially applicable to extremely complex systems, such as nonstoichiometric liquid semiconductor alloys.

A Model for Siderophile Element Distribution in Planetary Differentiation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Humayun, M.; Rushmer, T.; Rankenburg, K.; Brandon, A. D.

2005-01-01

Planetary differentiation begins with partial melting of small planetesimals. At low degrees of partial melting, a sulfur-rich liquid segregates by physical mechanisms including deformation-assisted porous flow. Experimental studies of the physical mechanisms by which Fe-S melts segregate from the silicate matrix of a molten H chondrite are part of a companion paper. Geochemical studies of these experimental products revealed that metallic liquids were in equilibrium with residual metal in the H chondrite matrix. This contribution explores the geochemical signatures produced by early stages of core formation. Particularly, low-degree partial melt segregation of Fe-S liquids leaves residual metal in the silicate matrix. Some achondrites appear to be residues of partial melting, e.g., ureilites, which are known to contain metal. The metal in these achondrites may show a distinct elemental signature. To quantify the effect of sulfur on siderophile element contents of residual metal we have developed a model based on recent parametrizations of equilibrium solid metal-liquid metal partitioning experiments.

Modeling and experimental investigation of x-ray spectra from a liquid metal anode x-ray tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, Bernd R.; Thran, Axel; Eckart, Rainer

2004-11-01

This paper presents simulated and measured spectra of a novel type of x-ray tube. The bremsstrahlung generating principle of this tube is based on the interaction of high energetic electrons with a turbulently flowing liquid metal separated from the vacuum by a thin window. We simulated the interaction of 50-150 keV electrons with liquid metal targets composed of the elements Ga, In, Sn, as well as the solid elements C, W and Re used for the electron windows. We obtained x-ray spectra and energy loss curves for various liquid metal/window combinations and thicknesses of the window material. In terms of optimum heat transport a thin diamond window in combination with the liquid metal GaInSn is the best suited system. If photon flux is the optimization criteria, thin tungsten/rhenium windows cooled by GaInSn should be preferred.

Simple and robust resistive dual-axis accelerometer using a liquid metal droplet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huh, Myoung; Won, Dong-Joon; Kim, Joong Gil; Kim, Joonwon

2017-12-01

This paper presents a novel dual-axis accelerometer that consists of a liquid metal droplet in a cone-shaped channel and an electrode layer with four Nichrome electrodes. The sensor uses the advantages of the liquid metal droplet (i.e., high surface tension, electrical conductivity, high density, and deformability). The cone-shaped channel imposes a restoring force on the liquid metal droplet. We conducted simulation tests to determine the appropriate design specifications of the cone-shaped channel. Surface modifications to the channel enhanced the nonwetting performance of the liquid metal droplet. The performances of the sensor were analyzed by a tilting test. When the acceleration was applied along the axial direction, the device showed 6 kΩ/g of sensitivity and negligible crosstalk between the X- and Y-axes. In a diagonal direction test, the device showed 4 kΩ/g of sensitivity.

Stretchable and Soft Electronics using Liquid Metals.

PubMed

Dickey, Michael D

2017-07-01

The use of liquid metals based on gallium for soft and stretchable electronics is discussed. This emerging class of electronics is motivated, in part, by the new opportunities that arise from devices that have mechanical properties similar to those encountered in the human experience, such as skin, tissue, textiles, and clothing. These types of electronics (e.g., wearable or implantable electronics, sensors for soft robotics, e-skin) must operate during deformation. Liquid metals are compelling materials for these applications because, in principle, they are infinitely deformable while retaining metallic conductivity. Liquid metals have been used for stretchable wires and interconnects, reconfigurable antennas, soft sensors, self-healing circuits, and conformal electrodes. In contrast to Hg, liquid metals based on gallium have low toxicity and essentially no vapor pressure and are therefore considered safe to handle. Whereas most liquids bead up to minimize surface energy, the presence of a surface oxide on these metals makes it possible to pattern them into useful shapes using a variety of techniques, including fluidic injection and 3D printing. In addition to forming excellent conductors, these metals can be used actively to form memory devices, sensors, and diodes that are completely built from soft materials. The properties of these materials, their applications within soft and stretchable electronics, and future opportunities and challenges are considered. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Emerging Applications of Liquid Metals Featuring Surface Oxides

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Gallium and several of its alloys are liquid metals at or near room temperature. Gallium has low toxicity, essentially no vapor pressure, and a low viscosity. Despite these desirable properties, applications calling for liquid metal often use toxic mercury because gallium forms a thin oxide layer on its surface. The oxide interferes with electrochemical measurements, alters the physicochemical properties of the surface, and changes the fluid dynamic behavior of the metal in a way that has, until recently, been considered a nuisance. Here, we show that this solid oxide “skin” enables many new applications for liquid metals including soft electrodes and sensors, functional microcomponents for microfluidic devices, self-healing circuits, shape-reconfigurable conductors, and stretchable antennas, wires, and interconnects. PMID:25283244

Radiopure Metal-Loaded Liquid Scintillator

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

Rosero, Richard; Yeh, Minfang

2015-03-18

Metal-loaded liquid scintillator plays a key role in particle and nuclear physics experiments. The applications of metal ions in various neutrino experiments and the purification methods for different scintillator components are discussed in this paper.

Radiopure metal-loaded liquid scintillator

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

Rosero, Richard; Yeh, Minfang, E-mail: yeh@bnl.gov

2015-08-17

Metal-loaded liquid scintillator plays a key role in particle and nuclear physics experiments. The applications of metal ions in various neutrino experiments and the purification methods for different scintillator components are discussed in this paper.

Fabrication methods and applications of microstructured gallium based liquid metal alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khondoker, M. A. H.; Sameoto, D.

2016-09-01

This review contains a comparative study of reported fabrication techniques of gallium based liquid metal alloys embedded in elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane or other rubbers as well as the primary challenges associated with their use. The eutectic gallium-indium binary alloy (EGaIn) and gallium-indium-tin ternary alloy (galinstan) are the most common non-toxic liquid metals in use today. Due to their deformability, non-toxicity and superior electrical conductivity, these alloys have become very popular among researchers for flexible and reconfigurable electronics applications. All the available manufacturing techniques have been grouped into four major classes. Among them, casting by needle injection is the most widely used technique as it is capable of producing features as small as 150 nm width by high-pressure infiltration. One particular fabrication challenge with gallium based liquid metals is that an oxide skin is rapidly formed on the entire exposed surface. This oxide skin increases wettability on many surfaces, which is excellent for keeping patterned metal in position, but is a drawback in applications like reconfigurable circuits, where the position of liquid metal needs to be altered and controlled accurately. The major challenges involved in many applications of liquid metal alloys have also been discussed thoroughly in this article.

History of Metal Veins in Acapulcoite-Lodranite Clan Meteorite GRA 95209

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrin, J. S.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Humayun, M.

2006-01-01

Graves Nunataks (GRA) 95209 has been hailed as the missing link of core formation processes in the acapulcoitelodranite parent asteroid because of the presence of a complex cm-scale metal vein network. Because the apparent liquid temperature of the metal vein (approximately 1500 C) is higher than inferred for the metamorphic grade of the meteorite, questions regarding the vein s original composition, temperature, and mechanism of emplacement have arisen. We have determined trace siderophile element compositions of metals in veins and surrounding matrix in an effort to clarify matters. We analyzed metals in GRA 95209 in a portion of thick metal vein and adjacent metal-rich (30-40 modal%), sulfide poor (less than 1%) matrix by EPMA and LA-ICP-MS for major and trace siderophile elements using methods described by [3]. We also examined metals from a metal-poor (approximately 15 modal%) and relatively sulfide-rich (2-5 modal%) region of the sample. Kamacite is the dominant metal phase in all portions of the sample. In comparison to matrix metal, vein metal contains more schreibersite and less tetrataenite, and is less commonly associated with Fe,Mn,Mg-bearing phosphates and graphite. Vein kamacite contains higher Co, P, and Cr and lower Cu and Ge. These minor variations aside, all metal types in GRA 95209 are fairly homogeneous in terms of their levels of enrichment of compatible siderophile elements (e.g. Pt, Ir, Os) relative to incompatible siderophile elements (e.g. As, Pd, Au), consistent with the loss of metal-sulfide partial melt that characterizes much of the clan. Whatever compositional differences between matrix and vein metal that may have originally existed, they have since largely co-equilibrated to similar restitic trace element compositions. We agree with [2] that metal veins, in their present state, do not represent a liquid composition. The original vein liquid was much more S-rich and emplaced at correspondingly lower liquid temperatures. Much of the Fe,Ni component solidified in cm scale conduits while S-rich melts were expelled and continued to migrate by percolation. The higher troilite content in metal poor regions of the sample results mostly from trapping of a small portion of these melts. The troilite is not remnant primary sulfide. Strong depletions of W, Mo, and especially Ga (greater than 50%, greater than 60%, and greater than 90% depletion, respectively) in metals of the metalpoor GRA 95209 lithology are localized at scales of 10-100 micrometers in the vicinity of graphite spherules. These depletions must have occurred below the temperatures at which cm-scale equilibration occurred, and future work will seek to determine their cause.

Storage, generation, and use of hydrogen

DOEpatents

McClaine, Andrew W.; Rolfe, Jonathan L.; Larsen, Christopher A.; Konduri, Ravi K.

2006-05-30

A composition comprising a carrier liquid; a dispersant; and a chemical hydride. The composition can be used in a hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen for use, e.g., as a fuel. A regenerator recovers elemental metal from byproducts of the hydrogen generation process.

Tokamak with liquid metal toroidal field coil

DOEpatents

Ohkawa, Tihiro; Schaffer, Michael J.

1981-01-01

Tokamak apparatus includes a pressure vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A toroidal liner disposed within the pressure vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside said liner. Electric current is passed through the liquid metal over a conductive path linking the toroidal space to produce a toroidal magnetic field within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof. Toroidal plasma is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof.

Design study for a liquid metal slip ring solar array orientation mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, R. B.

1972-01-01

The design of a single axis orientation mechanism for solar arrays on high power synchronous satellites is studied primarily with respect to providing 116 liquid metal slip rings for reduced friction and improved electrical characteristics. Designs and tradeoff studies for the slip rings and other components are presented. An assembly containing 33 slip rings of three design approaches was designed, fabricated, and vacuum tested to 30 amperes and 30,000 volts. Containment of the liquid metal gallium in large diameter slip rings was difficult. A design approach is presented which is expected to provide improved retention of the liquid metal.

Advances in liquid metals for biomedical applications.

PubMed

Yan, Junjie; Lu, Yue; Chen, Guojun; Yang, Min; Gu, Zhen

2018-04-23

To date, liquid metals have been widely applied in many fields such as electronics, mechanical engineering and energy. In the last decade, with a better understanding of the physicochemical properties such as low viscosity, good fluidity, high thermal/electrical conductivity and good biocompatibility, gallium and gallium-based low-melting-point (near or below physiological temperature) alloys have attracted considerable attention in bio-related applications. This tutorial review introduces the common performances of liquid metals, highlights their featured properties, as well as summarizes various state-of-the-art bio-applications involving carriers for drug delivery, molecular imaging, cancer therapy and biomedical devices. Challenges for the clinical translation of liquid metals are also discussed.

Development of a liquid metal slip ring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinberger, S. M.

1972-01-01

A liquid metal slip ring/solar orientation mechanism was designed and a model tested. This was a follow-up of previous efforts for the development of a gallium liquid metal slip ring in which the major problem was the formation and ejection of debris. A number of slip ring design approaches were studied. The probe design concept was fully implemented with detail drawings and a model was successfully tested for dielectric strength, shock vibration, acceleration and operation. The conclusions are that a gallium liquid metal slip ring/solar orientation mechanism is feasible and that the problem of debris formation and ejection has been successfully solved.

Application of IR imaging for free-surface velocity measurement in liquid-metal systems

DOE PAGES

Hvasta, M. G.; Kolemen, E.; Fisher, A.

2017-01-05

Measuring free-surface, liquid-metal flow velocity is challenging to do in a reliable and accurate manner. This paper presents a non-invasive, easily calibrated method of measuring the surface velocities of open-channel liquid-metal flows using an IR camera. Unlike other spatially limited methods, this IR camera particle tracking technique provides full field-of-view data that can be used to better understand open-channel flows and determine surface boundary conditions. Lastly, this method could be implemented and automated for a wide range of liquid-metal experiments, even if they operate at high-temperatures or within strong magnetic fields.

ECLSS Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) Metal Materials Compatibility Study- Electrochemical and Crevice Corrosion Evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, R. E.

2017-01-01

Electrochemical and crevice corrosion laboratory test results are presented for three noble metal candidates with possible application on the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) in support of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The three metal candidates, which included Inconel 625, Hastelloy C276 and Titanium 6Al-4V, were evaluated in two solutions representative of the acidic pretreatment formulations utilized during processing of waste liquids within the ECLSS. Final test results and data analysis indicated that the passive layer on all three metals provides excellent corrosion protection in both solutions under standard test conditions.

Thorium Fuel Utilization Analysis on Small Long Life Reactor for Different Coolant Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Permana, Sidik

2017-07-01

A small power reactor and long operation which can be deployed for less population and remote area has been proposed by the IAEA as a small and medium reactor (SMR) program. Beside uranium utilization, it can be used also thorium fuel resources for SMR as a part of optimalization of nuclear fuel as a “partner” fuel with uranium fuel. A small long-life reactor based on thorium fuel cycle for several reactor coolant types and several power output has been evaluated in the present study for 10 years period of reactor operation. Several key parameters are used to evaluate its effect to the reactor performances such as reactor criticality, excess reactivity, reactor burnup achievement and power density profile. Water-cooled types give higher criticality than liquid metal coolants. Liquid metal coolant for fast reactor system gives less criticality especially at beginning of cycle (BOC), which shows liquid metal coolant system obtains almost stable criticality condition. Liquid metal coolants are relatively less excess reactivity to maintain longer reactor operation than water coolants. In addition, liquid metal coolant gives higher achievable burnup than water coolant types as well as higher power density for liquid metal coolants.

Grain boundaries structures and wetting in doped silicon, nickel and copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meshinchi Asl, Kaveh

This thesis reports a series of fundamental investigations of grain boundary wetting, adsorption and structural (phases) transitions in doped Ni, Cu and Si with technological relevance to liquid metal embrittlement, liquid metal corrosion and device applications. First, intrinsically ductile metals are prone to catastrophic failure when exposed to certain liquid metals, but the atomic level mechanism for this effect is not fully understood. A nickel sample infused with bismuth atoms was characterized and a bilayer interfacial phase that is the underlying cause of embrittlement was observed. In a second related study, we showed that addition of minor impurities can significantly enhance the intergranular penetration of bismuth based liquids in polycrystalline nickel and copper, thereby increasing the liquid metal corrosion rates. Furthermore, we extended a concept that was initially proposed in the Rice-Wang model for grain boundary embrittlement to explain our observations of the impurity-enhanced intergranular penetration of liquid metals. Finally, a grain-boundary transition from a bilayer to an intrinsic is observed in the Si-Au system. This observation directly shows that a grain boundary can exhibit a first-order "phase" transition, which often implies abrupt changes in properties.

Nanostructured transition metal dichalcogenide electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction in ionic liquid

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

Asadi, M.; Kim, K.; Liu, C.

2016-07-28

Conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into fuels is an attractive solution to many energy and environmental challenges. However, the chemical inertness of CO2 renders many electrochemical and photochemical conversion processes inefficient. We report a transition metal dichalcogenide nanoarchitecture for catalytic electrochemical CO2 conversion to carbon monoxide (CO) in an ionic liquid. We found that tungsten diselenide nanoflakes show a current density of 18.95 milliamperes per square centimeter, CO faradaic efficiency of 24%, and CO formation turnover frequency of 0.28 per second at a low overpotential of 54 millivolts. We also applied this catalyst in a light-harvesting artificial leaf platform thatmore » concurrently oxidized water in the absence of any external potential.« less

Experimental determination of the Mo isotope fractionation factor between metal and silicate liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hin, R. C.; Burkhardt, C.; Schmidt, M. W.; Bourdon, B.

2011-12-01

The conditions and chemical consequences of core formation have mainly been reconstructed from experimentally determined element partition coefficients between metal and silicate liquids. However, first order questions such as the mode of core formation or the nature of the light element(s) in the Earth's core are still debated [1]. In addition, the geocentric design of most experimental studies leaves the conditions of core formation on other terrestrial planets and asteroids even more uncertain than for Earth. Through mass spectrometry, records of mass-dependent stable isotope fractionation during high-temperature processes such as metal-silicate segregation are detectable. Stable isotope fractionation may thus yield additional constrains on core formation conditions and its consequences for the chemical evolution of planetary objects. Experimental investigations of equilibrium mass-dependent stable isotope fractionation have shown that Si isotopes fractionate between metal and silicate liquids at temperatures of 1800°C and pressures of 1 GPa, while Fe isotopes leave no resolvable traces of core formation processes [2,3]. Molybdenum is a refractory and siderophile trace element in the Earth, and thus much less prone to complications arising from mass balancing core and mantle and from potential volatile behaviour than other elements. To determine equilibrium mass-dependent Mo isotope fractionation during metal-silicate segregation, we have designed piston cylinder experiments with a basaltic silicate composition and an iron based metal with ~8 wt% Mo, using both graphite and MgO capsules. Metal and silicate phases are completely segregated by the use of a centrifuging piston cylinder at ETH Zurich, thus preventing analysis of mixed metal and silicate signatures. Molybdenum isotope compositions were measured using a Nu Instruments 1700 MC-ICP-MS at ETH Zurich. To ensure an accurate correction of analytical mass fractionation a 100Mo-97Mo double spike was admixed before chemical purification. Initial results provide an equilibrium 98Mo/95Mo isotope fractionation factor between metal and silicate liquids of -0.18±0.10% (2σ) at 1400°C and 1 GPa. Although the relative mass difference of these Mo isotopes is smaller than for Fe isotopes, this result implies that metal-silicate segregation may have led to mass-dependent stable Mo isotope fractionation, as opposed to Fe isotopes. A possible explanation is that the bonding environment of Mo may counterbalance its relatively small mass separation. At reducing conditions, Mo occurs in 4+ valence state in silicates [4] and thus its bond strength difference between metal and silicate may be more similar to that of Si than Fe. Stable Mo isotopes may thus become an important tool for constraining the conditions of core formation in asteroids and terrestrial planets. [1] Rubie et al. (2011) EPSL 301, 31-42. [2] Shahar et al. (2009) EPSL 288, 228-234. [3] Poitrasson et al. (2009) EPSL 278, 376-385. [4] Farges et al. (2006) Can. Min. 44, 731-753.

Rapid ultrasound-induced transient-liquid-phase bonding of Al-50Si alloys with Zn interlayer in air for electrical packaging application.

PubMed

Wang, Qian; Chen, Xiaoguang; Zhu, Lin; Yan, Jiuchun; Lai, Zhiwei; Zhao, Pizhi; Bao, Juncheng; Lv, Guicai; You, Chen; Zhou, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Jian; Li, Yuntao

2017-01-01

Al-50Si alloys were joined by rapid ultrasound-induced transient-liquid-phase bonding method using Zn foil as interlayer at 390°C in air, below the melt point of interlayer. The fracture of oxide films along the edge of Si particles led to contact and inter-diffusion between aluminum substrate and Zn interlayer, and liquefied Zn-Al alloys were developed. The width of Zn-Al alloys gradually decreased with increasing the ultrasonic vibration time due to liquid squeezing out and accelerated diffusion. A stage of isothermal solidification existed, and the completion time was significantly shortened. In the liquid metal, the acoustic streaming and ultrasonic cavitations were induced. As the process developed, much more Si particles, which were particulate-reinforced phases of Al-50Si, gradually migrated to the center of soldering seam. The highest average shear strength of joints reached to 94.2MPa, and the fracture mainly occurred at the base metal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Biomedical Implementation of Liquid Metal Ink as Drawable ECG Electrode and Skin Circuit

PubMed Central

Yu, Yang; Zhang, Jie; Liu, Jing

2013-01-01

Background Conventional ways of making bio-electrodes are generally complicated, expensive and unconformable. Here we describe for the first time the method of applying Ga-based liquid metal ink as drawable electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. Such material owns unique merits in both liquid phase conformability and high electrical conductivity, which provides flexible ways for making electrical circuits on skin surface and a prospective substitution of conventional rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs). Methods Fundamental measurements of impedance and polarization voltage of the liquid metal ink were carried out to evaluate its basic electrical properties. Conceptual experiments were performed to draw the alloy as bio-electrodes to acquire ECG signals from both rabbit and human via a wireless module developed on the mobile phone. Further, a typical electrical circuit was drawn in the palm with the ink to demonstrate its potential of implementing more sophisticated skin circuits. Results With an oxide concentration of 0.34%, the resistivity of the liquid metal ink was measured as 44.1 µΩ·cm with quite low reactance in the form of straight line. Its peak polarization voltage with the physiological saline was detected as −0.73 V. The quality of ECG wave detected from the liquid metal electrodes was found as good as that of conventional electrodes, from both rabbit and human experiments. In addition, the circuit drawn with the liquid metal ink in the palm also runs efficiently. When the loop was switched on, all the light emitting diodes (LEDs) were lit and emitted colorful lights. Conclusions The liquid metal ink promises unique printable electrical properties as both bio-electrodes and electrical wires. The implemented ECG measurement on biological surface and the successfully run skin circuit demonstrated the conformability and attachment of the liquid metal. The present method is expected to innovate future physiological measurement and biological circuit manufacturing technique in a large extent. PMID:23472220

Biomedical implementation of liquid metal ink as drawable ECG electrode and skin circuit.

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Zhang, Jie; Liu, Jing

2013-01-01

Conventional ways of making bio-electrodes are generally complicated, expensive and unconformable. Here we describe for the first time the method of applying Ga-based liquid metal ink as drawable electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. Such material owns unique merits in both liquid phase conformability and high electrical conductivity, which provides flexible ways for making electrical circuits on skin surface and a prospective substitution of conventional rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs). Fundamental measurements of impedance and polarization voltage of the liquid metal ink were carried out to evaluate its basic electrical properties. Conceptual experiments were performed to draw the alloy as bio-electrodes to acquire ECG signals from both rabbit and human via a wireless module developed on the mobile phone. Further, a typical electrical circuit was drawn in the palm with the ink to demonstrate its potential of implementing more sophisticated skin circuits. With an oxide concentration of 0.34%, the resistivity of the liquid metal ink was measured as 44.1 µΩ·cm with quite low reactance in the form of straight line. Its peak polarization voltage with the physiological saline was detected as -0.73 V. The quality of ECG wave detected from the liquid metal electrodes was found as good as that of conventional electrodes, from both rabbit and human experiments. In addition, the circuit drawn with the liquid metal ink in the palm also runs efficiently. When the loop was switched on, all the light emitting diodes (LEDs) were lit and emitted colorful lights. The liquid metal ink promises unique printable electrical properties as both bio-electrodes and electrical wires. The implemented ECG measurement on biological surface and the successfully run skin circuit demonstrated the conformability and attachment of the liquid metal. The present method is expected to innovate future physiological measurement and biological circuit manufacturing technique in a large extent.

Proceedings of the international workshop on the technology and thermal hydraulics of heavy liquid metals (Hg, Pb, Bi, and their eutectics)

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

Appleton, B.R.; Bauer, G.S.

1996-06-01

The International Workshop on the Technology and Thermal Hydraulics of Heavy Liquid Metals (Schruns Workshop) was organized to assess the R&D and technology problems associated with designing and building a heavy liquid metal target for a spallation neutron source. The European scientific community is completing a feasibility study for a future, accelerator-based, pulsed spallation neutron source that would deliver a beam power of 5 megawatts (MW) to a target. They have concluded that a liquid metal target is preferable to conventional solid targets for handling the extreme radiation environments, high heat loads, and pulsed power. Similarly, the ORNL has beenmore » funded by the DOE to design a high-power, pulsed spallation neutron source that would begin operation at about 1 MW but that could be upgraded to significantly higher powers in the future. Again, the most feasible target design appears to be a liquid metal target. Since the expertise needed to consider these problems resides in a number of disparate disciplines not normally covered by existing conferences, this workshop was organized to bring a small number of scientists and engineers together to assess the opportunities for building such a target. The objectives and goals of the Schruns Workshop were to: review and share existing information on the science and technology of heavy liquid metal systems. Evaluate the opportunities and limitations of materials compatibility, thermal hydraulics and heat transfer, chemical reactions, corrosion, radiation effects, liquid-gas mixtures, systems designs, and circuit components for a heavy liquid metal target. Establish the critical R & D and technology that is necessary to construct a liquid metal target. Explore opportunities for cooperative R & D among members of the international community that could expedite results, and share expertise and resources. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.« less

Removal of arsenic compounds from spent catecholated polymer

DOEpatents

Fish, Richard H.

1985-01-01

Described is a process for removing arsenic from petroliferous derived liquids by contacting said liquid at an elevated temperature with a divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene having catechol ligands anchored thereon. Also, described is a process for regenerating spent catecholated polystyrene by removal of the arsenic bound to it from contacting petroliferous liquid as described above and involves: a. treating said spent catecholated polystyrene, at a temperature in the range of about 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. with an aqueous solution of at least one carbonate and/or bicarbonate of ammonium, alkali and alkaline earth metals, said solution having a pH between about 8 and 10 and, b. separating the solids and liquids from each other. Preferably the regeneration treatment is in two steps wherein step (a) is carried out with an aqueous alcoholic carbonate solution containing lower alkyl alcohol, and, steps (a) and (b) are repeated using a bicarbonate.

Material Science Experiments on Mir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kroes, Roger L.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the microgravity materials experiments carried out on the Shuttle/Mir program. There were six experiments, all of which investigated some aspect of diffusivity in liquid melts. The Liquid Metal Diffusion (LMD) experiment investigated the diffusivity of molten Indium samples at 185 C using a radioactive tracer, In-114m. By monitoring two different gamma ray energies (190 keV and 24 keV) emitted by the samples it was possible to measure independently the diffusion rates in the bulk and at the surface of the samples. The Queens University Experiment in Liquid Diffusion (QUELD) was the furnace facility used to process 213 samples for the five other experiments. These experiments investigated the diffusion, ripening, crystal growth, and glass formation in metal, semiconductor, and glass samples. This facility had the capability to process samples in an isothermal or gradient configuration for varying periods of time at temperatures up to 900 C. Both the LMD and the QUELD furnaces were mounted on the Microgravity Isolation Mount (MIM) which provided isolation from g-jitter. All the microgravity experiments were supported by the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS); a three head three axes acceleration monitoring system which measured and recorded the acceleration environment.

METHOD OF PREPARATION OF MATERIAL FOR NEUTRON BOMBARDMENT

DOEpatents

Ura, C.L.; Sisman, O.; Briggs, R.B.

1959-02-01

A method is presented for forming slugs or cartridges of sample material to be proeessed in a neutronic reactor. Aceording to this invention, the sample material is originally in the fcrm of powder. The powder is placed within a tube formed of a metallic foil. The material encased in the foil is then placed in a die and compressed under sufficient pressure to form a rigid cartridge. The cartridge is then sealed in a metallic can. As a result of this process, crumbling of the compact during handling is eliminated and it is not necessary to clean ana relubricate the die after compression of each cartridge. ~ A method is presented for producing small spherical shot-type pellets from ceramic or refractory materials. According to this process the material to be pelletized is first formed into a powder. The powdered material is then suspended in a liquid carrier or vehicle. Small drops of the suspension, produced by a capillary-drop apparatus, are deposited on the surfacc of a liquid repellent powder, which causes the drops to assume a spherical shape. The liquid is then evaporated from the spherical pellets and tbe pellets are collected and fired to produce the finished product.

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) III Task Order 0077: Fundamental Studies of Plasticity, Interfacial Boundaries and Liquid Metals

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

Interfacial Boundaries and Liquid Metals Dallas Trinkle Independent Contractor JUNE 2013 Final Report Approved for public...SIGNATURE//_________________ CHRISTOPHER WOODWARD, Project Engineer DANIEL EVANS, Chief Metals Branch Metals Branch Structural ...Materials Division Structural Materials Division ____//SIGNATURE//___________________ ROBERT T. MARSHALL, Deputy Chief

Liquid on Paper: Rapid Prototyping of Soft Functional Components for Paper Electronics.

PubMed

Han, Yu Long; Liu, Hao; Ouyang, Cheng; Lu, Tian Jian; Xu, Feng

2015-07-01

This paper describes a novel approach to fabricate paper-based electric circuits consisting of a paper matrix embedded with three-dimensional (3D) microchannels and liquid metal. Leveraging the high electric conductivity and good flowability of liquid metal, and metallophobic property of paper, it is possible to keep electric and mechanical functionality of the electric circuit even after a thousand cycles of deformation. Embedding liquid metal into paper matrix is a promising method to rapidly fabricate low-cost, disposable, and soft electric circuits for electronics. As a demonstration, we designed a programmable displacement transducer and applied it as variable resistors and pressure sensors. The unique metallophobic property, combined with softness, low cost and light weight, makes paper an attractive alternative to other materials in which liquid metal are currently embedded.

Analysis of Dependence of the Properties of Alloy V95 on the Pressure Applied to Crystallizing Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korostelev, V. F.; Khromova, L. P.; Denisov, M. S.

2017-05-01

Results of a study aimed at formation of a single-phase fine-grained structure in pistons from aluminum alloy V95 in the process of their fabrication, which involves isostatic pressing of liquid metal before the start of crystallization, application of pressure to the crystallizing metal, and holding under pressure in the process of cooling to the shop temperature, are presented. The ultimate strength and the structure of alloy V95 after casting with imposition of pressure are determined. An example of application of the method suggested for fabricating cast billets ∅ 82 × 70 mm in size with a uniform dense structure without gas shrinkage defects, volume and dendritic segregation is considered.

Restoration Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

In the accompanying photos, a laboratory technician is restoring the once-obliterated serial number of a revolver. The four-photo sequence shows the gradual progression from total invisibility to clear readability. The technician is using a new process developed in an applications engineering project conducted by NASA's Lewis Research Center in conjunction with Chicago State University. Serial numbers and other markings are frequently eliminated from metal objects to prevent tracing ownership of guns, motor vehicles, bicycles, cameras, appliances and jewelry. To restore obliterated numbers, crime laboratory investigators most often employ a chemical etching technique. It is effective, but it may cause metal corrosion and it requires extensive preparatory grinding and polishing. The NASA-Chicago State process is advantageous because it can be applied without variation to any kind of metal, it needs no preparatory work and number recovery can be accomplished without corrosive chemicals; the liquid used is water.

Controlling the metal to semiconductor transition of MoS 2 and WS 2 in solution

DOE PAGES

Chou, Stanley Shihyao; Yi-Kai Huang; Kim, Jaemyung; ...

2015-01-22

Lithiation-exfoliation produces single to few-layered MoS 2 and WS 2 sheets dispersible in water. However, the process transforms them from the pristine semiconducting 2H phase to a distorted metallic phase. Recovery of the semiconducting properties typically involves heating of the chemically exfoliated sheets at elevated temperatures. Therefore, it has been largely limited to sheets deposited on solid substrates. We report the dispersion of chemically exfoliated MoS 2 sheets in high boiling point organic solvents enabled by surface functionalization and the controllable recovery of their semiconducting properties directly in solution. Ultimately, this process connects the scalability of chemical exfoliation with themore » simplicity of solution processing, enabling a facile method for tuning the metal to semiconductor transitions of MoS 2 and WS 2 within a liquid medium.« less

Ultrapure glass optical waveguide development in microgravity by the sol-gel process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Containerless melting of glasses in space for the preparation of ultrapure homogeneous glass for optical waveguides is discussed. The homogenization of the glass using conventional raw materials is normally achieved on Earth either by the gravity induced convection currents or by the mechanical stirring of the melt. Because of the absence of gravity induced convection currents, the homogenization of glass using convectional raw materials is difficult in the space environment. Multicomponent, homogeneous, noncrystalline oxide gels can be prepared by the sol-gel process and these gels are promising starting materials for melting glasses in the space environment. The sol-gel process is based on the polymerization reaction of alkoxysilane with other metal alkoxy compounds or suitable metal salts. Many of the alkoxysilanes or other metal alkoxides are liquids and thus can be purified by distillation.

Grain boundary imaging, gallium diffusion and the fracture behavior of Al-Zn Alloy - An in situ study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, W. L.; Hwu, Y.; Chen, C. H.; Chang, L. W.; Je, J. H.; Lin, H. M.; Margaritondo, G.

2003-01-01

Phase contrast radiology using unmonochromatic synchrotron X-ray successfully imaged the grain boundaries of Al and AlZn alloy without contrast agent. Combining the high penetration of X-ray and the possibility of 3D reconstruction by tomorgraphy or stereography method, this approach can be very used for nondestructive characterization of polycrystalline materials. By examine the images with 3D perspective, we were able locate the observed void-like defects which lies exclusively on the grain boundary and identify their origin from last stage of the rolling process. We studied the Ga Liquid metal diffusion in the AlZn alloy, under different temperature and stress conditions. High resolution images, ˜2 μm, of Ga liquid metal diffusion in AlZn were obtained in real time and diffusion paths alone grain boundaries and surfaces were clearly identified. Embrittled AlZn responses to the tensile stress and fractures in a drastic different manner than the pure AlZn. These results, although very much expected from the known weakening effect of the liquid metal embrittlement demonstrated, however, that this particular radiology method is fully capable of dynamic study in the micrometer scale.

Engineering: Liquid metal pumped at a record temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrinou, Konstantina

2017-10-01

Although liquid metals are effective fluids for heat transfer, pumping them at high temperatures is limited by their corrosiveness to solid metals. A clever pump design addresses this challenge using only ceramics. See Article p.199

Tuning bad metal and non-Fermi liquid behavior in a Mott material: Rare-earth nickelate thin films

PubMed Central

Mikheev, Evgeny; Hauser, Adam J.; Himmetoglu, Burak; Moreno, Nelson E.; Janotti, Anderson; Van de Walle, Chris G.; Stemmer, Susanne

2015-01-01

Resistances that exceed the Mott-Ioffe-Regel limit (known as bad metal behavior) and non-Fermi liquid behavior are ubiquitous features of the normal state of many strongly correlated materials. We establish the conditions that lead to bad metal and non-Fermi liquid phases in NdNiO3, which exhibits a prototype bandwidth-controlled metal-insulator transition. We show that resistance saturation is determined by the magnitude of Ni eg orbital splitting, which can be tuned by strain in epitaxial films, causing the appearance of bad metal behavior under certain conditions. The results shed light on the nature of a crossover to a non-Fermi liquid metal phase and provide a predictive criterion for Anderson localization. They elucidate a seemingly complex phase behavior as a function of film strain and confinement and provide guidelines for orbital engineering and novel devices. PMID:26601140

Coincidence of collective relaxation anomaly and specific heat peak in a bulk metallic glass-forming liquid

DOE PAGES

Jaiswal, Abhishek; Podlesynak, Andrey; Ehlers, Georg; ...

2015-07-21

The study of multicomponent metallic liquids' relaxational behavior is still the key to understanding and improving the glass-forming abilities of bulk metallic glasses. Here, we report measurements of the collective relaxation times in a melted bulk metallic glass (LM601Zr 51Cu 36Ni 4Al 9) in the kinetic regime (Q: 1.5–4.0Å –1) using quasielastic neutron scattering. The results reveal an unusual slope change in the Angell plots of this metallic liquid's collective relaxation time around 950°C, beyond the material's melting point. Measurement of specific heat capacity also reveals a peak around the same temperature. Adams-Gibbs theory is used to rationalize the coincidence,more » which motivates more careful experimental and computational studies of the metallic liquids in the future.« less

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-07-29

An entranced youngster watches a demonstration of the enhanced resilience of undercooled metal alloys as compared to conventional alloys. Steel bearings are dropped onto plates made of steel, titanium alloy, and zirconium liquid metal alloy, so-called because its molecular structure is amorphous and not crystalline. The bearing on the liquid metal plate bounces for a minute or more longer than on the other plates. Experiments aboard the Space Shuttle helped scientists refine their understanding of the physical properties of certain metal alloys when undercooled (i.e., kept liquid below their normal solidification temperature). This new knowledge then allowed scientists to modify a terrestrial production method so they can now make limited quantities marketed under the Liquid Metal trademark. The exhibit was a part of the NASA outreach activity at AirVenture 2000 sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, WI.

Assembly of metals and nanoparticles into novel nanocomposite superstructures

PubMed Central

Xu, Jiaquan; Chen, Lianyi; Choi, Hongseok; Konish, Hiromi; Li, Xiaochun

2013-01-01

Controlled assembly of nanoscale objects into superstructures is of tremendous interests. Many approaches have been developed to fabricate organic-nanoparticle superstructures. However, effective fabrication of inorganic-nanoparticle superstructures (such as nanoparticles linked by metals) remains a difficult challenge. Here we show a novel, general method to assemble metals and nanoparticles rationally into nanocomposite superstructures. Novel metal-nanoparticle superstructures are achieved by self-assembly of liquid metals and nanoparticles in immiscible liquids driven by reduction of free energy. Superstructures with various architectures, such as metal-core/nanoparticle-shell, nanocomposite-core/nanoparticle-shell, network of metal-linked core/shell nanostructures, and network of metal-linked nanoparticles, were successfully fabricated by simply tuning the volume ratio between nanoparticles and liquid metals. Our approach provides a simple, general way for fabrication of numerous metal-nanoparticle superstructures and enables a rational design of these novel superstructures with desired architectures for exciting applications.

Liquid Metal Infiltration Processing of Metallic Composites: A Critical Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sree Manu, K. M.; Ajay Raag, L.; Rajan, T. P. D.; Gupta, Manoj; Pai, B. C.

2016-10-01

Metal matrix composites (MMC) are one of the advanced materials widely used for aerospace, automotive, defense, and general engineering applications. MMC can be tailored to have superior properties such as enhanced high-temperature performance, high specific strength and stiffness, increased wear resistance, better thermal and mechanical fatigue, and creep resistance than those of unreinforced alloys. To fabricate such composites with ideal properties, the processing technique has to ensure high volume fraction of reinforcement incorporation, uniform distribution of the reinforcement, and acceptable adhesion between the matrix and the reinforcing phase without unwanted interfacial reactions which degrades the mechanical properties. A number of processing techniques such as stir casting/vortex method, powder metallurgy, infiltration, casting etc. have been developed to synthesize MMC employing a variety of alloy and the reinforcement's combinations. Among these, infiltration process is widely used for making MMC with high volume fraction of reinforcements and offers many more advantages compared to other conventional manufacturing processes. The present paper critically reviews the various infiltration techniques used for making the MMC, their process parameters, characteristics, and selected studies carried out worldwide and by authors on the development of metal ceramic composites by squeeze infiltration process.

Effects of surface tension and viscosity on gold and silver sputtered onto liquid substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Luna, Mark M.; Gupta, Malancha

2018-05-01

In this paper, we study DC magnetron sputtering of gold and silver onto liquid substrates of varying viscosities and surface tensions. We were able to separate the effects of viscosity from surface tension by depositing the metals onto silicone oils with a range of viscosities. The effects of surface tension were studied by depositing the metals onto squalene, poly(ethylene glycol), and glycerol. It was found that dispersed nanoparticles were formed on liquids with low surface tension and low viscosity whereas dense films were formed on liquids with low surface tension and high viscosity. Nanoparticles were formed on both the liquid surface and within the bulk liquid for high surface tension liquids. Our results can be used to tailor the metal and liquid interaction to fabricate particles and films for various applications in optics, electronics, and catalysis.

Two-component Fermi-liquid theory - Equilibrium properties of liquid metallic hydrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oliva, J.; Ashcroft, N. W.

1981-01-01

It is reported that the transition of condensed hydrogen from an insulating molecular crystal phase to a metallic liquid phase, at zero temperature and high pressure, appears possible. Liquid metallic hydrogen (LMH), comprising interpenetrating proton and electron fluids, would constitute a two-component Fermi liquid with both a very high component-mass ratio and long-range, species-dependent bare interactions. The low-temperature equilibrium properties of LMH are examined by means of a generalization to the case of two components of the phenomenological Landau Fermi-liquid theory, and the low-temperature specific heat, compressibility, thermal expansion coefficient and spin susceptibility are given. It is found that the specific heat and the thermal expansion coefficient are vastly greater in the liquid than in the corresponding solid, due to the presence of proton quasiparticle excitations in the liquid.

Environmentally Assisted Cracking: Overview of Evidence for an Adsorption-Induced Localised-Slip Process,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

Prior to examination of LME fractures, liquid or solid metals were removed from fracture surfaces as follows: Mercury was evaporated from fractures in a...1 mm/s. Under these conditions, the appearance of fracture surfaces was identical to that produced by rapid fracture (-1 mm/s) in liquid mercury ...Furthermore, the appearance of fractures depended somewhat on the orientation of crystals but was the same in hydrogen and mercury environments for each

Catalyst and process for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels

DOEpatents

Coughlin, Peter K.

1987-01-01

The addition of an inert metal component, such as gold, silver or copper, to a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising cobalt enables said catalyst to convert synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels at about 240.degree.-370.degree. C. with advantageously reduced selectivity of said cobalt for methane in said conversion. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

On Thermocapillary Mechanism of Spatial Separation of Metal Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demin, V. A.; Mizev, A. I.; Petukhov, M. I.

2018-02-01

Theoretical research has been devoted to the study of binary metal melts behavior in a thin capillary. Earlier it has been found experimentally that unusually significant and quick redistribution of melts components takes place along capillary after the cooling. Numerical simulation of concentration-induced convection has been carried out to explain these experimental data. Two-component melt of both liquid metals filling vertical thin capillary with non-uniform temperature distribution on the boundaries is considered. It is assumed that the condition of absolute non-wetting is valid on the sidewalls. Because of this effect there is a free surface on vertical boundaries, where thermocapillary force is appeared due to the external longitudinal temperature gradient. It makes to move liquid elements at a big distance, compared with axial size of capillary. Effects of adsorption-desorption on the surface, thermal and concentration-capillary forces, convective motion in a volume and diffusion generate the large-scale circulation. This process includes the admixture carrying-out on the surface in the more hot higher part of the channel, its following transfer down along the boundary due to the thermocapillary force and its return in the volume over the desorption in the lower part of capillary. Intensity of motion and processes of adsorption-desorption on the free boundary have the decisive influence upon the formation of concentration fields and speed of components redistribution. Thus, one of the possible mechanisms of longitudinal division on components of liquid binary mixtures in thin channels has been demonstrated.

Theoretical model of gravitational perturbation of current collector axisymmetric flow field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, John S.; Brown, Samuel H.; Sondergaard, Neal A.

1989-03-01

Some designs of liquid metal collectors in homopolar motors and generators are essentially rotating liquid metal fluids in cylindrical channels with free surfaces and will, at critical rotational speeds, become unstable. The role of gravity in modifying this ejection instability is investigated. Some gravitational effects can be theoretically treated by perturbation techniques on the axisymmetric base flow of the liquid metal. This leads to a modification of previously calculated critical current collector ejection values neglecting gravity effects. The derivation of the mathematical model which determines the perturbation of the liquid metal base flow due to gravitational effects is documented. Since gravity is a small force compared with the centrifugal effects, the base flow solutions can be expanded in inverse powers of the Froude number and modified liquid flow profiles can be determined as a function of the azimuthal angle. This model will be used in later work to theoretically study the effects of gravity on the ejection point of the current collector. A rederivation of the hydrodynamic instability threshold of a liquid metal current collector is presented.

Highly stable noble-metal nanoparticles in tetraalkylphosphonium ionic liquids for in situ catalysis.

PubMed

Banerjee, Abhinandan; Theron, Robin; Scott, Robert W J

2012-01-09

Gold and palladium nanoparticles were prepared by lithium borohydride reduction of the metal salt precursors in tetraalkylphosphonium halide ionic liquids in the absence of any organic solvents or external nanoparticle stabilizers. These colloidal suspensions remained stable and showed no nanoparticle agglomeration over many months. A combination of electrostatic interactions between the coordinatively unsaturated metal nanoparticle surface and the ionic-liquid anions, bolstered by steric protection offered by the bulky alkylated phosphonium cations, is likely to be the reason behind such stabilization. The halide anion strongly absorbs to the nanoparticle surface, leading to exceptional nanoparticle stability in halide ionic liquids; other tetraalkylphosphonium ionic liquids with non-coordinating anions, such as tosylate and hexafluorophosphate, show considerably lower affinities towards the stabilization of nanoparticles. Palladium nanoparticles stabilized in the tetraalkylphosphonium halide ionic liquid were stable, efficient, and recyclable catalysts for a variety of hydrogenation reactions at ambient pressures with sustained activity. Aerial oxidation of the metal nanoparticles occurred over time and was readily reversed by re-reduction of oxidized metal salts. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Recovery of zinc and manganese from spent alkaline batteries by liquid-liquid extraction with Cyanex 272

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salgado, Aline L.; Veloso, Aline M. O.; Pereira, Daniel D.; Gontijo, Glayson S.; Salum, Adriane; Mansur, Marcelo B.

A hydrometallurgical route based on the liquid-liquid extraction technique using Cyanex 272 as extractant is investigated for the selective separation of metal values, in particular, zinc and manganese from spent alkaline batteries. The recycling route consists of following steps: (1) cryogenic dismantling of the spent batteries, (2) pre-treatment of the internal material consisting of drying, grinding and screening steps in order to produce a dry homogeneous powder, (3) leaching of the powder with sulphuric acid and (4) metal separation by liquid-liquid extraction. Bench scale experiments have shown that zinc and manganese are easily separated (ΔpH 1/2≈2.0) using 20% (v/v) Cyanex 272 dissolved in Escaid 110 at 50 °C. Therefore, the proposed route can treat residues from both zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries because metal composition of these batteries is quite similar. The metal content of other batteries such as Ni-Cd and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) has been also determined in order to include them in future investigations.

Numerical Simulation of Liquid Metal RF MEMS Switch Based on EWOD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tingting; Gao, Yang; Yang, Tao; Guo, Huihui

2018-03-01

Conventional RF MEMS switches rely on metal-to-dielectric or metal-to-metal contacts. Some problems in the “solid-solid” contact, such as contact degradation, signal bounce and poor reliability, can be solved by using “liquid-solid” contact. The RF MEMS switch based on liquid metal is characterized by small contact resistance, no moving parts, high reliability and long life. Using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) way to control the movement of liquid metal in the RF MEMS switch, to achieve the “on” and “off” of the switch. In this paper, the electrical characteristics and RF characteristics of RF MEMS switches are simulated by fluid mechanics software FLUENT and electromagnetic simulation software HFSS. The effects of driving voltage, switching time, dielectric layer, hydrophobic layer material and thickness, switching channel height on the RF characteristics are studied. The results show that to increase the external voltage to the threshold voltage of 58V, the liquid metal began to move, and the switching time from “off” state to “on” state is 16ms. In the 0~20GHz frequency range, the switch insertion loss is less than 0.28dB, isolation is better than 23.32dB.

Ultrasonic cavitation erosion of 316L steel weld joint in liquid Pb-Bi eutectic alloy at 550°C.

PubMed

Lei, Yucheng; Chang, Hongxia; Guo, Xiaokai; Li, Tianqing; Xiao, Longren

2017-11-01

Liquid lead-bismuth eutectic alloy (LBE) is applied in the Accelerator Driven transmutation System (ADS) as the high-power spallation neutron targets and coolant. A 19.2kHz ultrasonic device was deployed in liquid LBE at 550°C to induce short and long period cavitation erosion damage on the surface of weld joint, SEM and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to map out the surface properties, and Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) was applied to the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements in the micro region of the surface. The erosion mechanism for how the cavitation erosion evolved by studying the element changes, their morphology evolution, the surface hardness and the roughness evolution, was proposed. The results showed that the pits, caters and cracks appeared gradually on the erode surface after a period of cavitation. The surface roughness increased along with exposure time. Work hardening by the bubbles impact in the incubation stage strengthened the cavitation resistance efficiently. The dissolution and oxidation corrosion and cavitation erosion that simultaneously happened in liquid LBE accelerated corrosion-erosion process, and these two processes combined to cause more serious damage on the material surface. Contrast to the performance of weld metal, base metal exhibited a much better cavitation resistance. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Transient liquid phase ceramic bonding

DOEpatents

Glaeser, Andreas M.

1994-01-01

Ceramics are joined to themselves or to metals using a transient liquid phase method employing three layers, one of which is a refractory metal, ceramic or alloy. The refractory layer is placed between two metal layers, each of which has a lower melting point than the refractory layer. The three layers are pressed between the two articles to be bonded to form an assembly. The assembly is heated to a bonding temperature at which the refractory layer remains solid, but the two metal layers melt to form a liquid. The refractory layer reacts with the surrounding liquid and a single solid bonding layer is eventually formed. The layers may be designed to react completely with each other and form refractory intermetallic bonding layers. Impurities incorporated into the refractory metal may react with the metal layers to form refractory compounds. Another method for joining ceramic articles employs a ceramic interlayer sandwiched between two metal layers. In alternative embodiments, the metal layers may include sublayers. A method is also provided for joining two ceramic articles using a single interlayer. An alternate bonding method provides a refractory-metal oxide interlayer placed adjacent to a strong oxide former. Aluminum or aluminum alloys are joined together using metal interlayers.

Denitrogenation model for vacuum tank degasser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gobinath, R.; Vetrivel Murugan, R.

2018-02-01

Nitrogen in steel is both beneficial and detrimental depending on grade of steel and its application. To get desired low nitrogen during vacuum degassing process, VD parameters namely vacuum level, argon flow rate and holding time has to optimized depending upon initial nitrogen level. In this work a mathematical model to simulate nitrogen removal in tank degasser is developed and how various VD parameters affects nitrogen removal is studied. Ladle water model studies with bottom purging have shown two distinct flow regions, namely the plume region and the outside plume region. The two regions are treated as two separate reactors exchanging mass between them and complete mixing is assumed in both the reactors. In the plume region, transfer of nitrogen to single bubble is simulated. At the gas-liquid metal interface (bubble interface) thermodynamic equilibrium is assumed and the transfer of nitrogen from bulk liquid metal in the plume region to the gas-metal interface is obtained using mass transport principles. The model predicts variation of Nitrogen content in both the reactors with time. The model is validated with industrial process and the predicted results were found to have fair agreement with the measured results.

A metastable liquid melted from a crystalline solid under decompression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chuanlong; Smith, Jesse S.; Sinogeikin, Stanislav V.; Kono, Yoshio; Park, Changyong; Kenney-Benson, Curtis; Shen, Guoyin

2017-01-01

A metastable liquid may exist under supercooling, sustaining the liquid below the melting point such as supercooled water and silicon. It may also exist as a transient state in solid-solid transitions, as demonstrated in recent studies of colloidal particles and glass-forming metallic systems. One important question is whether a crystalline solid may directly melt into a sustainable metastable liquid. By thermal heating, a crystalline solid will always melt into a liquid above the melting point. Here we report that a high-pressure crystalline phase of bismuth can melt into a metastable liquid below the melting line through a decompression process. The decompression-induced metastable liquid can be maintained for hours in static conditions, and transform to crystalline phases when external perturbations, such as heating and cooling, are applied. It occurs in the pressure-temperature region similar to where the supercooled liquid Bi is observed. Akin to supercooled liquid, the pressure-induced metastable liquid may be more ubiquitous than we thought.

A metastable liquid melted from a crystalline solid under decompression

DOE PAGES

Lin, Chuanlong; Smith, Jesse S.; Sinogeikin, Stanislav V.; ...

2017-01-23

A metastable liquid may exist under supercooling, sustaining the liquid below the melting point such as supercooled water and silicon. It may also exist as a transient state in solid–solid transitions, as demonstrated in recent studies of colloidal particles and glass-forming metallic systems. One important question is whether a crystalline solid may directly melt into a sustainable metastable liquid. By thermal heating, a crystalline solid will always melt into a liquid above the melting point. Here we report that a high-pressure crystalline phase of bismuth can melt into a metastable liquid below the melting line through a decompression process. Themore » decompression-induced metastable liquid can be maintained for hours in static conditions, and transform to crystalline phases when external perturbations, such as heating and cooling, are applied. It occurs in the pressure–temperature region similar to where the supercooled liquid Bi is observed. Finally, akin to supercooled liquid, the pressure-induced metastable liquid may be more ubiquitous than we thought.« less

A metastable liquid melted from a crystalline solid under decompression

PubMed Central

Lin, Chuanlong; Smith, Jesse S.; Sinogeikin, Stanislav V.; Kono, Yoshio; Park, Changyong; Kenney-Benson, Curtis; Shen, Guoyin

2017-01-01

A metastable liquid may exist under supercooling, sustaining the liquid below the melting point such as supercooled water and silicon. It may also exist as a transient state in solid–solid transitions, as demonstrated in recent studies of colloidal particles and glass-forming metallic systems. One important question is whether a crystalline solid may directly melt into a sustainable metastable liquid. By thermal heating, a crystalline solid will always melt into a liquid above the melting point. Here we report that a high-pressure crystalline phase of bismuth can melt into a metastable liquid below the melting line through a decompression process. The decompression-induced metastable liquid can be maintained for hours in static conditions, and transform to crystalline phases when external perturbations, such as heating and cooling, are applied. It occurs in the pressure–temperature region similar to where the supercooled liquid Bi is observed. Akin to supercooled liquid, the pressure-induced metastable liquid may be more ubiquitous than we thought. PMID:28112152

Pressure Induced Liquid-to-Liquid Transition in Zr-based Supercooled Melts and Pressure Quenched Glasses.

PubMed

Dmowski, W; Gierlotka, S; Wang, Z; Yokoyama, Y; Palosz, B; Egami, T

2017-07-26

Through high-energy x-ray diffraction and atomic pair density function analysis we find that Zr-based metallic alloy, heated to the supercooled liquid state under hydrostatic pressure and then quenched to room temperature, exhibits a distinct glassy structure. The PDF indicates that the Zr-Zr distances in this glass are significantly reduced compared to those quenched without pressure. Annealing at the glass transition temperature at ambient pressure reverses structural changes and the initial glassy state is recovered. This result suggests that pressure causes a liquid-to-liquid phase transition in this metallic alloy supercooled melt. Such a pressure induced transition is known for covalent liquids, but has not been observed for metallic liquids. The High Pressure Quenched glasses are stable in ambient conditions after decompression.

Interfacial growth of large-area single-layer metal-organic framework nanosheets

PubMed Central

Makiura, Rie; Konovalov, Oleg

2013-01-01

The air/liquid interface is an excellent platform to assemble two-dimensional (2D) sheets of materials by enhancing spontaneous organizational features of the building components and encouraging large length scale in-plane growth. We have grown 2D molecularly-thin crystalline metal-organic-framework (MOF) nanosheets composed of porphyrin building units and metal-ion joints (NAFS-13) under operationally simple ambient conditions at the air/liquid interface. In-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of the formation process performed directly at the interface were employed to optimize the NAFS-13 growth protocol leading to the development of a post-injection method –post-injection of the metal connectors into the water subphase on whose surface the molecular building blocks are pre-oriented– which allowed us to achieve the formation of large-surface area morphologically-uniform preferentially-oriented single-layer nanosheets. The growth of such large-size high-quality sheets is of interest for the understanding of the fundamental physical/chemical properties associated with ultra-thin sheet-shaped materials and the realization of their use in applications. PMID:23974345

Investigation of the Matrix Effect on the Accuracy of Quantitative Analysis of Trace Metals in Liquids Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with Solid Substrates.

PubMed

Xiu, Junshan; Dong, Lili; Qin, Hua; Liu, Yunyan; Yu, Jin

2016-12-01

The detection limit of trace metals in liquids has been improved greatly by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) using solid substrate. A paper substrate and a metallic substrate were used as a solid substrate for the detection of trace metals in aqueous solutions and viscous liquids (lubricating oils) respectively. The matrix effect on quantitative analysis of trace metals in two types of liquids was investigated. For trace metals in aqueous solutions using paper substrate, the calibration curves established for pure solutions and mixed solutions samples presented large variation on both the slope and the intercept for the Cu, Cd, and Cr. The matrix effects among the different elements in mixed solutions were observed. However, good agreement was obtained between the measured and known values in real wastewater. For trace metals in lubricating oils, the matrix effect between the different oils is relatively small and reasonably negligible under the conditions of our experiment. A universal calibration curve can be established for trace metals in different types of oils. The two approaches are verified that it is possible to develop a feasible and sensitive method with accuracy results for rapid detection of trace metals in industrial wastewater and viscous liquids by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. © The Author(s) 2016.

The leaching kinetics of cadmium from hazardous Cu-Cd zinc plant residues.

PubMed

Li, Meng; Zheng, Shili; Liu, Biao; Du, Hao; Dreisinger, David Bruce; Tafaghodi, Leili; Zhang, Yi

2017-07-01

A large amount of Cu-Cd zinc plant residues (CZPR) are produced from the hydrometallurgical zinc plant operations. Since these residues contain substantial amount of heavy metals including Cd, Zn and Cu, therefore, they are considered as hazardous wastes. In order to realize decontamination treatment and efficient extraction of the valuable metals from the CZPR, a comprehensive recovery process using sulfuric acid as the leaching reagent and air as the oxidizing reagent has been proposed. The effect of temperature, sulfuric acid concentration, particle size, solid/liquid ratio and stirring speed on the cadmium extraction efficiency was investigated. The leaching kinetics of cadmium was also studied. It was concluded that the cadmium leaching process was controlled by the solid film diffusion process. Moreover, the order of the reaction rate constant versus H 2 SO 4 concentration, particle size, solid/liquid ratio and stirring speed was calculated. The XRD and SEM-EDS analysis results showed that the main phases of the secondary sulfuric acid leaching residues were lead sulfate and calcium sulfate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Creation of energetic biothermite inks using ferritin liquid protein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slocik, Joseph M.; McKenzie, Ruel; Dennis, Patrick B.; Naik, Rajesh R.

2017-04-01

Energetic liquids function mainly as fuels due to low energy densities and slow combustion kinetics. Consequently, these properties can be significantly increased through the addition of metal nanomaterials such as aluminium. Unfortunately, nanoparticle additives are restricted to low mass fractions in liquids because of increased viscosities and severe particle agglomeration. Nanoscale protein ionic liquids represent multifunctional solvent systems that are well suited to overcoming low mass fractions of nanoparticles, producing stable nanoparticle dispersions and simultaneously offering a source of oxidizing agents for combustion of reactive nanomaterials. Here, we use iron oxide-loaded ferritin proteins to create a stable and highly energetic liquid composed of aluminium nanoparticles and ferritin proteins for printing and forming 3D shapes and structures. In total, this bioenergetic liquid exhibits increased energy output and performance, enhanced dispersion and oxidation stability, lower activation temperatures, and greater processability and functionality.

Frequency-Switchable Metamaterial Absorber Injecting Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) Liquid Metal Alloy

PubMed Central

Ling, Kenyu; Kim, Hyung Ki; Yoo, Minyeong; Lim, Sungjoon

2015-01-01

In this study, we demonstrated a new class of frequency-switchable metamaterial absorber in the X-band. Eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn), a liquid metal alloy, was injected in a microfluidic channel engraved on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to achieve frequency switching. Numerical simulation and experimental results are presented for two cases: when the microfluidic channels are empty, and when they are filled with liquid metal. To evaluate the performance of the fabricated absorber prototype, it is tested with a rectangular waveguide. The resonant frequency was successfully switched from 10.96 GHz to 10.61 GHz after injecting liquid metal while maintaining absorptivity higher than 98%. PMID:26561815

Process technology and effects of spallation products: Circuit components, maintenance, and handling

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

Sigg, B.; Haines, S.J.; Dressler, R.

1996-06-01

Working Session D included an assessment of the status of the technology and components required to: (1) remove impurities from the liquid metal (mercury or Pb-Bi) target flow loop including the effects of spallation products, (2) provide the flow parameters necessary for target operations, and (3) maintain the target system. A series of brief presentations were made to focus the discussion on these issues. The subjects of these presentations, and presenters were: (1) Spallation products and solubilities - R. Dressler; (2) Spallation products for Pb-Bi - Y. Orlov; (3) Clean/up/impurity removal components - B. Sigg; (4) {open_quotes}Road-Map{close_quotes} and remote handlingmore » needs - T. McManamy; (5) Remote handling issues and development - M. Holding. The overall conclusion of this session was that, with the exception of (i) spallation product related processing issues, (ii) helium injection and clean-up, and (iii) specialized remote handling equipment, the technology for all other circuit components (excluding the target itself) exists. Operating systems at the Institute of Physics in Riga, Latvia (O. Lielausis) and at Ben-Gurion University in Beer Shiva, Israel (S. Lesin) have demonstrated that other liquid metal circuit components including pumps, heat exchangers, valves, seals, and piping are readily available and have been reliably used for many years. In the three areas listed above, the designs and analysis are not judged to be mature enough to determine whether and what types of technology development are required. Further design and analysis of the liquid metal target system is therefore needed to define flow circuit processing and remote handling equipment requirements and thereby identify any development needs.« less

Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Aviation Fuel Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLaRee, Ana B.; Best, Lauren M.; Bradford, Robyn L.; Gonzalez-Arroyo, Richard; Hepp, Aloysius F.

2012-01-01

As the oil supply declines, there is a greater need for cleaner alternative fuels. There will undoubtedly be a shift from crude oil to nonpetroleum sources as a feedstock for aviation (and other transportation) fuels. The Fischer-Tropsch process uses a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen which is converted into various liquid hydrocarbons; this versatile gas-to-liquid technology produces a complex product stream of paraffins, olefins, and oxygenated compounds such as alcohols and aldehydes. The Fischer-Tropsch process can produce a cleaner diesel oil fraction with a high cetane number (typically above 70) without any sulfur and aromatic compounds. It is most commonly catalyzed by cobalt supported on alumina, silica, or titania or unsupported alloyed iron powders. Cobalt is typically used more often than iron, in that cobalt is a longer-active catalyst, has lower water-gas shift activity, and lower yield of modified products. Promoters are valuable in improving Fischer-Tropsch catalyst as they can increase cobalt oxide dispersion, enhance the reduction of cobalt oxide to the active metal phase, stabilize a high metal surface area, and improve mechanical properties. Our goal is to build up the specificity of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst while adding less-costly transition metals as promoters; the more common promoters used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are rhenium, platinum, and ruthenium. In this report we will describe our preliminary efforts to design and produce catalyst materials to achieve our goal of preferentially producing C8 to C18 paraffin compounds in the NASA Glenn Research Center Gas-To-Liquid processing plant. Efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center for producing green fuels using non-petroleum feedstocks support both the Sub-sonic Fixed Wing program of Fundamental Aeronautics and the In Situ Resource Utilization program of the Exploration Technology Development and Demonstration program.

Fischer-Tropsch Catalyst for Aviation Fuel Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deLaRee, Ana B.; Best, Lauren M.; Hepp, Aloysius F.

2011-01-01

As the oil supply declines, there is a greater need for cleaner alternative fuels. There will undoubtedly be a shift from crude oil to non-petroleum sources as a feedstock for aviation (and other transportation) fuels. The Fischer-Tropsch process uses a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen which is converted into various liquid hydrocarbons; this versatile gas-to-liquid technology produces a complex product stream of paraffins, olefins, and oxygenated compounds such as alcohols and aldehydes. The Fischer-Tropsch process can produce a cleaner diesel oil fraction with a high cetane number (typically above 70) without any sulfur and aromatic compounds. It is most commonly catalyzed by cobalt supported on alumina, silica, or titania or unsupported alloyed iron powders. Cobalt is typically used more often than iron, in that cobalt is a longer-active catalyst, has lower water-gas shift activity, and lower yield of modified products. Promoters are valuable in improving Fischer-Tropsch catalyst as they can increase cobalt oxide dispersion, enhance the reduction of cobalt oxide to the active metal phase, stabilize a high metal surface area, and improve mechanical properties. Our goal is to build up the specificity of the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst while adding less-costly transition metals as promoters; the more common promoters used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are rhenium, platinum, and ruthenium. In this report we will describe our preliminary efforts to design and produce catalyst materials to achieve our goal of preferentially producing C8 to C18 paraffin compounds in the NASA Glenn Research Center Gas-To-Liquid processing plant. Efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center for producing green fuels using non-petroleum feedstocks support both the Sub-sonic Fixed Wing program of Fundamental Aeronautics and the In Situ Resource Utilization program of the Exploration Technology Development and Demonstration program.

Alkali Metal Handling Practices at NASA MSFC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salvail, Patrick G.; Carter, Robert R.

2002-01-01

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is NASA s principle propulsion development center. Research and development is coordinated and carried out on not only the existing transportation systems, but also those that may be flown in the near future. Heat pipe cooled fast fission cores are among several concepts being considered for the Nuclear Systems Initiative. Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a capability to handle high-purity alkali metals for use in heat pipes or liquid metal heat transfer loops. This capability is a low budget prototype of an alkali metal handling system that would allow the production of flight qualified heat pipe modules or alkali metal loops. The processing approach used to introduce pure alkali metal into heat pipe modules and other test articles are described in this paper.

Design and characterization of a single channel two-liquid capacitor and its application to hyperelastic strain sensing.

PubMed

Liu, Shanliangzi; Sun, Xiaoda; Hildreth, Owen J; Rykaczewski, Konrad

2015-03-07

Room temperature liquid-metal microfluidic devices are attractive systems for hyperelastic strain sensing. These liquid-phase electronics are intrinsically soft and retain their functionality even when stretched to several times their original length. Currently two types of liquid metal-based strain sensors exist for in-plane measurements: single-microchannel resistive and two-microchannel capacitive devices. With a winding serpentine channel geometry, these sensors typically have a footprint of about a square centimeter. This large footprint of an individual device limits the number of sensors that can be embedded into, for example, electronic fabric or skin. In this work we introduce an alternative capacitor design consisting of two liquid metal electrodes separated by a liquid dielectric material within a single straight channel. Using a liquid insulator instead of a solid elastomer enables us to tailor the system's capacitance by selecting high or low dielectric constant liquids. We quantify the effects of the electrode geometry including the diameter, spacing, and meniscus shape as well as the dielectric constant of the insulating liquid on the overall system's capacitance. We also develop a procedure for fabricating the two-liquid capacitor within a single straight polydiemethylsiloxane channel and demonstrate that this device can have about 25 times higher capacitance per sensor's base area when compared to two-channel liquid metal capacitors. Lastly, we characterize the response of this compact device to strain and identify operational issues arising from complex hydrodynamics near liquid-liquid and liquid-elastomer interfaces.

Turbulent convection in liquid metal with and without rotation

PubMed Central

King, Eric M.; Aurnou, Jonathan M.

2013-01-01

The magnetic fields of Earth and other planets are generated by turbulent, rotating convection in liquid metal. Liquid metals are peculiar in that they diffuse heat more readily than momentum, quantified by their small Prandtl numbers, . Most analog models of planetary dynamos, however, use moderate fluids, and the systematic influence of reducing is not well understood. We perform rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection experiments in the liquid metal gallium over a range of nondimensional buoyancy forcing and rotation periods (E). Our primary diagnostic is the efficiency of convective heat transfer . In general, we find that the convective behavior of liquid metal differs substantially from that of moderate fluids, such as water. In particular, a transition between rotationally constrained and weakly rotating turbulent states is identified, and this transition differs substantially from that observed in moderate fluids. This difference, we hypothesize, may explain the different classes of magnetic fields observed on the Gas and Ice Giant planets, whose dynamo regions consist of and fluids, respectively. PMID:23569262