Transparent Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes on Muscovite Mica for High-Temperature-Processed Flexible Optoelectronic Devices.

PubMed

Ke, Shanming; Chen, Chang; Fu, Nianqing; Zhou, Hua; Ye, Mao; Lin, Peng; Yuan, Wenxiang; Zeng, Xierong; Chen, Lang; Huang, Haitao

2016-10-26

Sn-doped In 2 O 3 (ITO) electrodes were deposited on transparent and flexible muscovite mica. The use of mica substrate makes a high-temperature annealing process (up to 500 °C) possible. ITO/mica retains its low electric resistivity even after continuous bending of 1000 times on account of the unique layered structure of mica. When used as a transparent flexible heater, ITO/mica shows an extremely fast ramping (<15 s) up to a high temperature of over 438 °C. When used as a transparent electrode, ITO/mica permits a high-temperature annealing (450 °C) approach to fabricate flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high efficiency.

Correlative Microscopy of Neutron-Irradiated Materials

DOE PAGES

Briggs, Samuel A.; Sridharan, Kumar; Field, Kevin G.

2016-12-31

A nuclear reactor core is a highly demanding environment that presents several unique challenges for materials performance. Materials in modern light water reactor (LWR) cores must survive several decades in high-temperature (300-350°C) aqueous corrosion conditions while being subject to large amounts of high-energy neutron irradiation. Next-generation reactor designs seek to use more corrosive coolants (e.g., molten salts) and even greater temperatures and neutron doses. The high amounts of disorder and unique crystallographic defects and microchemical segregation effects induced by radiation inevitably lead to property degradation of materials. Thus, maintaining structural integrity and safety margins over the course of the reactor'smore » service life thus necessitates the ability to understand and predict these degradation phenomena in order to develop new, radiation-tolerant materials that can maintain the required performance in these extreme conditions.« less

Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite high temperature component design considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winsa, E. A.

1982-01-01

Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composites (TFRS) are intended for use in high temperature turbine components. Current turbine component design methodology is based on applying the experience, sometimes semiempirical, gained from over 30 years of superalloy component design. Current composite component design capability is generally limited to the methodology for low temperature resin matrix composites. Often the tendency is to treat TFRS as just another superalloy or low temperature composite. However, TFRS behavior is significantly different than that of superalloys, and the high environment adds consideration not common in low temperature composite component design. The methodology used for preliminary design of TFRS components are described. Considerations unique to TFRS are emphasized.

Metal spray apparatus with a U-shaped electric inlet gas heater and a one-piece electric heater surrounding a nozzle

DOEpatents

Glovan, Ronald J.; Tierney, John C.; McLean, Leroy L.; Johnson, Lawrence L.; Verbael, David J.

1995-01-01

An electrically heated metal spray apparatus is provided with a supersonic nozzle. Molten metal is injected into a gas stream flowing through the nozzle under pressure. By varying the pressure of the injected metal, the droplet can be made in various selected sizes with each selected size having a high degree of size uniformity. A unique one piece graphite heater provides easily controlled uniformity of temperature in the nozzle and an attached tundish which holds the pressurized molten metal. A unique U-shaped gas heater provides extremely hot inlet gas temperatures to the nozzle. A particularly useful application of the spray apparatus is coating of threads of a fastener with a shape memory alloy. This permits a fastener to be easily inserted and removed but provides for a secure locking of the fastener in high temperature environments.

Metal spray apparatus with a U-shaped electric inlet gas heater and a one-piece electric heater surrounding a nozzle

DOEpatents

Glovan, R.J.; Tierney, J.C.; McLean, L.L.; Johnson, L.L.; Verbael, D.J.

1995-10-17

An electrically heated metal spray apparatus is provided with a supersonic nozzle. Molten metal is injected into a gas stream flowing through the nozzle under pressure. By varying the pressure of the injected metal, the droplet can be made in various selected sizes with each selected size having a high degree of size uniformity. A unique one piece graphite heater provides easily controlled uniformity of temperature in the nozzle and an attached tundish which holds the pressurized molten metal. A unique U-shaped gas heater provides extremely hot inlet gas temperatures to the nozzle. A particularly useful application of the spray apparatus is coating of threads of a fastener with a shape memory alloy. This permits a fastener to be easily inserted and removed but provides for a secure locking of the fastener in high temperature environments. 12 figs.

Unique sodium phosphosilicate glasses designed through extended topological constraint theory.

PubMed

Zeng, Huidan; Jiang, Qi; Liu, Zhao; Li, Xiang; Ren, Jing; Chen, Guorong; Liu, Fude; Peng, Shou

2014-05-15

Sodium phosphosilicate glasses exhibit unique properties with mixed network formers, and have various potential applications. However, proper understanding on the network structures and property-oriented methodology based on compositional changes are lacking. In this study, we have developed an extended topological constraint theory and applied it successfully to analyze the composition dependence of glass transition temperature (Tg) and hardness of sodium phosphosilicate glasses. It was found that the hardness and Tg of glasses do not always increase with the content of SiO2, and there exist maximum hardness and Tg at a certain content of SiO2. In particular, a unique glass (20Na2O-17SiO2-63P2O5) exhibits a low glass transition temperature (589 K) but still has relatively high hardness (4.42 GPa) mainly due to the high fraction of highly coordinated network former Si((6)). Because of its convenient forming and manufacturing, such kind of phosphosilicate glasses has a lot of valuable applications in optical fibers, optical amplifiers, biomaterials, and fuel cells. Also, such methodology can be applied to other types of phosphosilicate glasses with similar structures.

Unique reliability characteristics of fully depleted silicon-on-insulator tunneling FET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Soo Cheol; Lim, Donghwan; Lim, Sung Kwan; Noh, Jinwoo; Kim, Seung-Mo; Lee, Sang Kyung; Choi, Changhwan; Lee, Byoung Hun

2018-04-01

This study investigated the unique reliability characteristics of tunneling field effect transistors (TFETs) by comparing the effects of positive bias temperature instability (PBTI) and hot carrier injection (HCI) stresses. In case of hot carrier injection (HCI) stress, the interface trap generation near a p/n+ region was the primary degradation mechanism. However, strong recovery after a high-pressure hydrogen annealing and weak degradation at low temperature indicates that the degradation mechanism of TFET under the HCI stress is different from the high-energy carrier stress induced permanent defect generation mechanism observed in MOSFETs. Further study is necessary to identify the exact location and defect species causing TFET degradation; however, a significant difference is evident between the dominant reliability mechanism of TFET and MOSFET.

NETL- High-Pressure Combustion Research Facility

ScienceCinema

None

2018-02-14

NETL's High-Pressure Combustion Facility is a unique resource within the National Laboratories system. It provides the test capabilities needed to evaluate new combustion concepts for high-pressure, high-temperature hydrogen and natural gas turbines. These concepts will be critical for the next generation of ultra clean, ultra efficient power systems.

Potential of Brillouin scattering in polymer optical fiber for strain-insensitive high-accuracy temperature sensing.

PubMed

Mizuno, Yosuke; Nakamura, Kentaro

2010-12-01

We investigated the dependences of Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) on strain and temperature in a perfluorinated graded-index polymer optical fiber (PFGI-POF) at 1.55 μm wavelength. They showed negative dependences with coefficients of -121.8 MHz/% and -4.09 MHz/K, respectively, which are -0.2 and -3.5 times as large as those in silica fibers. These unique BFS dependences indicate that the Brillouin scattering in PFGI-POFs has a big potential for strain-insensitive high-accuracy temperature sensing.

ASTM and VAMAS activities in titanium matrix composites test methods development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.; Harmon, D. M.; Bartolotta, P. A.; Russ, S. M.

1994-01-01

Titanium matrix composites (TMC's) are being considered for a number of aerospace applications ranging from high performance engine components to airframe structures in areas that require high stiffness to weight ratios at temperatures up to 400 C. TMC's exhibit unique mechanical behavior due to fiber-matrix interface failures, matrix cracks bridged by fibers, thermo-viscoplastic behavior of the matrix at elevated temperatures, and the development of significant thermal residual stresses in the composite due to fabrication. Standard testing methodology must be developed to reflect the uniqueness of this type of material systems. The purpose of this paper is to review the current activities in ASTM and Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) that are directed toward the development of standard test methodology for titanium matrix composites.

Ultrahigh-sensitive sensing platform based on p-type dumbbell-like Co3O4 network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Tingting; Zhang, Tong; Zhang, Rui; Lou, Zheng; Deng, Jianan; Wang, Lili

2017-12-01

Development of high performance room temperature sensors remains a grand challenge for high demand of practical application. Metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) have many advantages over others due to their easy functionalization, high surface area, and low cost. However, they typically need a high work temperature during sensing process. Here, p-type sensing layer is reported, consisting of pore-rich dumbbell-like Co3O4 particles (DP-Co3O4) with intrinsic high catalytic activity. The gas sensor (GS) based DP-Co3O4 catalyst exhibits ultrahigh NH3 sensing activity along with excellent stability over other structure based NH3 GSs in room temperature work environment. In addition, the unique structure of DP-Co3O4 with pore-rich and high catalytic activity endows fast gas diffusion rate and high sensitivity at room temperature. Taken together, the findings in this work highlight the merit of integrating highly active materials in p-type materials, offering a framework to develop high-sensitivity room temperature sensing platforms.

Low temperature oxidative desulfurization with hierarchically mesoporous titaniumsilicate Ti-SBA-2 single crystals.

PubMed

Shi, Chengxiang; Wang, Wenxuan; Liu, Ni; Xu, Xueyan; Wang, Danhong; Zhang, Minghui; Sun, Pingchuan; Chen, Tiehong

2015-07-21

Hierarchically porous Ti-SBA-2 with high framework Ti content (up to 5 wt%) was firstly synthesized by employing organic mesomorphous complexes of a cationic surfactant (CTAB) and an anionic polyelectrolyte (PAA) as templates. The material exhibited excellent performance in oxidative desulfurization of diesel fuel at low temperature (40 °C or 25 °C) due to the unique hierarchically porous structure and high framework Ti content.

Multiple extreme environmental conditions of intermittent soda pans in the Carpathian Basin (Central Europe).

PubMed

Boros, Emil; Katalin, V-Balogh; Vörös, Lajos; Horváth, Zsófia

2017-01-01

Soda lakes and pans represent saline ecosystems with unique chemical composition, occurring on all continents. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterise the main environmental gradients and trophic state that prevail in the soda pans (n=84) of the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe. Underwater light conditions, dissolved organic matter, phosphorus and chlorophyll a were investigated in 84 pans during 2009-2010. Besides, water temperature was measured hourly with an automatic sensor throughout one year in a selected pan. The pans were very shallow (median depth: 15 cm), and their extremely high turbidity (Secchi depth median: 3 cm, min: 0.5 cm) was caused by high concentrations of inorganic suspended solids (median: 0.4 g L -1 , max: 16 g L -1 ), which was the dominant (>50%) contributing factor to the vertical attenuation coefficient in 67 pans (80%). All pans were polyhumic (median DOC: 47 mg L -1 ), and total phosphorus concentration was also extremely high (median: 2 mg L -1 , max: 32 mg L -1 ). The daily water temperature maximum (44 °C) and fluctuation maximum (28 °C) were extremely high during summertime. The combination of environmental boundaries: shallowness, daily water temperature fluctuation, intermittent hydroperiod, high turbidity, polyhumic organic carbon concentration, high alkalinity and hypertrophy represent a unique extreme aquatic ecosystem.

Very high temperature fiber processing and testing through the use of ultrahigh solar energy concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, Benjamin A.; Gleckman, Philip L.; Holman, Robert L.; Sagie, Daniel; Winston, Roland

1991-10-01

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a high temperature cool-wall optical furnace that harnesses the unique power of concentrated solar heating for advanced materials processing and testing. Out small-scale test furnace achieved temperatures as high as 2400 C within a 10 mm X 0.44 mm cylindrical hot-zone. Optimum performance and efficiency resulted from an innovative two-stage optical design using a long-focal length, point-focus, conventional primary concentrator and a non-imaging secondary concentrator specifically designed for the cylindrical geometry of the target fiber. A scale-up analysis suggests that even higher temperatures can be achieved over hot zones large enough for practical commercial fiber post- processing and testing.

A new method of efficient heat transfer and storage at very high temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, D.; Bruckner, A. P.; Hertzberg, A.

1980-01-01

A unique, high temperature (1000-2000 K) continuously operating capacitive heat exchanger system is described. The system transfers heat from a combustion or solar furnace to a working gas by means of a circulating high temperature molten refractory. A uniform aggregate of beads of a glass-like refractory is injected into the furnace volume. The aggregate is melted and piped to a heat exchanger where it is sprayed through a counter-flowing, high pressure working gas. The refractory droplets transfer their heat to the gas, undergoing a phase change into the solid bead state. The resulting high temperature gas is used to drive a suitable high efficiency heat engine. The solidified refractory beads are delivered back to the furnace and melted to continue the cycle. This approach avoids the important temperature limitations of conventional tube-type heat exchangers, giving rise to the potential of converting heat energy into useful work at considerably higher efficiencies than currently attainable and of storing energy at high thermodynamic potential.

Helium (3) Rich Solar Flares

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Colgate, S. A.; Audouze, J.; Fowler, W. A.

1977-05-03

The extreme enrichment of {sup 3} He {sup 4} He greater than or equal to 1 in some solar flares as due to spallation and the subsequent confinement of the products in a high temperature, kT approx. = 200 keV, high density, n{sub e} approx. = 3 x 10{sup 15} cm {sup -3} plasma associated with the magnetic instability producing the flare is interpreted. The pinch or filament is a current of high energy protons that creates the spallation and maintains the temperature that produces the high energy x-ray spectrum and depletes other isotopes D, Li, Be, and B as observed. Finally the high temperature plasma is a uniquely efficient spallation target that is powered by the interaction of stellar convection and self generated magnetic field.

Report on the Installation and Preparedness of a Protochips Fusion in-situ Heating Holder for TEM

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

Edmondson, Philip D.

2017-03-01

This brief report documents the procurement and installation of a Protochips Fusion (formerly Aduro) high-temperature, high stability transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen holder that allows for the high spatial resolution characterization of material specimens at high temperature in situ of an electron microscope. This specimen holder was specifically procured for use with The FEI Talos F200X Scanning/Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory. The Protochips Fusion holder will enable high-resolution structural and chemical analysis of irradiated materials at high temperature, becoming a unique capability worldwide, and would encourage high-qualitymore » in situ experiments to be conducted on irradiated materials.« less

Unique thermocouple to measure the temperatures of squibs, igniters, propellants, and rocket nozzles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nanigian, Jacob; Nanigian, Dan

2006-05-01

The temperatures produced by the various components in the propulsion system of rockets and missiles determine the performance of the rocket. Since these temperatures occur very rapidly and under extreme conditions, standard thermocouples fail before any meaningful temperatures are measured. This paper describes the features of a special family of high performance thermocouples, which can measure these transient temperatures with millisecond response times and under the most severe conditions of erosion. Examples of igniter, propellant and rocket nozzle temperatures are included in this paper. Also included is heat flux measurements made by these sensors in rocket applications.

Modification of NASA Langley 8 foot high temperature tunnel to provide a unique national research facility for hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelly, H. N.; Wieting, A. R.

1984-01-01

A planned modification of the NASA Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel to make it a unique national research facility for hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems is described, and some of the ongoing supporting research for that modification is discussed. The modification involves: (1) the addition of an oxygen-enrichment system which will allow the methane-air combustion-heated test stream to simulate air for propulsion testing; and (2) supplemental nozzles to expand the test simulation capability from the current nominal Mach number to 7.0 include Mach numbers 3.0, 4.5, and 5.0. Detailed design of the modifications is currently underway and the modified facility is scheduled to be available for tests of large scale propulsion systems by mid 1988.

Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Silicon Carbide-Silicon Carbide Composites at Elevated Temperatures Using a Unique Combustion Facility

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-10

Calibration Tool(s) Surface Temperature ~1250oC Furnace, R-type TC & IR Gas Temperature < 1800oC R-type TC Gas Velocity ~ Mach 0.5 XS -4 High Speed...Camera Equivalence Ratio ~ 0.9 HVOFTM Flow Controller Gas Composition H 2 O, O 2 ,CO 2 , CO, NOx Testo XL 350 Gas Analyzer Mechanical Loading Fatigue...unavailability, however, gas velocity was measured using the X-StreamTM XS -4 High Speed Camera. The range of our interest was the velocity in the upstream of a

Potential High-Temperature Shape-Memory Alloys Identified in the Ti(Ni,Pt) System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noebe, Ronald D.; Biles, Tiffany A.; Garg, Anita; Nathal, Michael V.

2004-01-01

"Shape memory" is a unique property of certain alloys that, when deformed (within certain strain limits) at low temperatures, will remember and recover to their original predeformed shape upon heating. It occurs when an alloy is deformed in the low-temperature martensitic phase and is then heated above its transformation temperature back to an austenitic state. As the material passes through this solid-state phase transformation on heating, it also recovers its original shape. This behavior is widely exploited, near room temperature, in commercially available NiTi alloys for connectors, couplings, valves, actuators, stents, and other medical and dental devices. In addition, there are limitless applications in the aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and many other industries for materials that exhibit this type of shape-memory behavior at higher temperatures. But for high temperatures, there are currently no commercial shape-memory alloys. Although there are significant challenges to the development of high-temperature shape-memory alloys, at the NASA Glenn Research Center we have identified a series of alloy compositions in the Ti-Ni-Pt system that show great promise as potential high-temperature shape-memory materials.

High resolution study of magnetic ordering at absolute zero.

PubMed

Lee, M; Husmann, A; Rosenbaum, T F; Aeppli, G

2004-05-07

High resolution pressure measurements in the zero-temperature limit provide a unique opportunity to study the behavior of strongly interacting, itinerant electrons with coupled spin and charge degrees of freedom. Approaching the precision that has become the hallmark of experiments on classical critical phenomena, we characterize the quantum critical behavior of the model, elemental antiferromagnet chromium, lightly doped with vanadium. We resolve the sharp doubling of the Hall coefficient at the quantum critical point and trace the dominating effects of quantum fluctuations up to surprisingly high temperatures.

Turbine Seal Research at NASA GRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Proctor, Margaret P.; Steinetz, Bruce M.; Delgado, Irebert R.; Hendricks, Robert C.

2011-01-01

Low-leakage, long-life turbomachinery seals are important to both Space and Aeronautics Missions. (1) Increased payload capability (2) Decreased specific fuel consumption and emissions (3) Decreased direct operating costs. NASA GRC has a history of significant accomplishments and collaboration with industry and academia in seals research. NASA's unique, state-of-the-art High Temperature, High Speed Turbine Seal Test Facility is an asset to the U.S. Engine / Seal Community. Current focus is on developing experimentally validated compliant, non-contacting, high temperature seal designs, analysis, and design methodologies to enable commercialization.

Terapascal static pressure generation with ultrahigh yield strength nanodiamond.

PubMed

Dubrovinskaia, Natalia; Dubrovinsky, Leonid; Solopova, Natalia A; Abakumov, Artem; Turner, Stuart; Hanfland, Michael; Bykova, Elena; Bykov, Maxim; Prescher, Clemens; Prakapenka, Vitali B; Petitgirard, Sylvain; Chuvashova, Irina; Gasharova, Biliana; Mathis, Yves-Laurent; Ershov, Petr; Snigireva, Irina; Snigirev, Anatoly

2016-07-01

Studies of materials' properties at high and ultrahigh pressures lead to discoveries of unique physical and chemical phenomena and a deeper understanding of matter. In high-pressure research, an achievable static pressure limit is imposed by the strength of available strong materials and design of high-pressure devices. Using a high-pressure and high-temperature technique, we synthesized optically transparent microballs of bulk nanocrystalline diamond, which were found to have an exceptional yield strength (~460 GPa at a confining pressure of ~70 GPa) due to the unique microstructure of bulk nanocrystalline diamond. We used the nanodiamond balls in a double-stage diamond anvil cell high-pressure device that allowed us to generate static pressures beyond 1 TPa, as demonstrated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Outstanding mechanical properties (strain-dependent elasticity, very high hardness, and unprecedented yield strength) make the nanodiamond balls a unique device for ultrahigh static pressure generation. Structurally isotropic, homogeneous, and made of a low-Z material, they are promising in the field of x-ray optical applications.

Terapascal static pressure generation with ultrahigh yield strength nanodiamond

PubMed Central

Dubrovinskaia, Natalia; Dubrovinsky, Leonid; Solopova, Natalia A.; Abakumov, Artem; Turner, Stuart; Hanfland, Michael; Bykova, Elena; Bykov, Maxim; Prescher, Clemens; Prakapenka, Vitali B.; Petitgirard, Sylvain; Chuvashova, Irina; Gasharova, Biliana; Mathis, Yves-Laurent; Ershov, Petr; Snigireva, Irina; Snigirev, Anatoly

2016-01-01

Studies of materials’ properties at high and ultrahigh pressures lead to discoveries of unique physical and chemical phenomena and a deeper understanding of matter. In high-pressure research, an achievable static pressure limit is imposed by the strength of available strong materials and design of high-pressure devices. Using a high-pressure and high-temperature technique, we synthesized optically transparent microballs of bulk nanocrystalline diamond, which were found to have an exceptional yield strength (~460 GPa at a confining pressure of ~70 GPa) due to the unique microstructure of bulk nanocrystalline diamond. We used the nanodiamond balls in a double-stage diamond anvil cell high-pressure device that allowed us to generate static pressures beyond 1 TPa, as demonstrated by synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Outstanding mechanical properties (strain-dependent elasticity, very high hardness, and unprecedented yield strength) make the nanodiamond balls a unique device for ultrahigh static pressure generation. Structurally isotropic, homogeneous, and made of a low-Z material, they are promising in the field of x-ray optical applications. PMID:27453944

Spatial and temporal variation of water temperature regimes on the Snoqualmie River network

Treesearch

Ashley E. Steel; Colin Sowder; Erin E. Peterson

2016-01-01

Although mean temperatures change annually and are highly correlated with elevation, the entire thermal regime on the Snoqualmie River, Washington, USA does not simply shift with elevation or season. Particular facets of the thermal regime have unique spatial patterns on the river network and at particular times of the year. We used a spatially and temporally dense...

Use of a variable exposure photographic pyrometer to measure surface temperatures on a hemispherical-face model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantsios, A. G.; Henley, W. C., Jr.; Snow, W. L.

1982-01-01

The use of a photographic pyrometer for nonintrusive measurement of high temperature surfaces in a wind tunnel test is described. The advantages of the pyrometer for measuring surfaces whose unique shape makes use of thermocouples difficult are pointed out. The use of computer operated densitometers or optical processors for the data reduction is recommended.

High Temperature Carbonized Grass as a High Performance Sodium Ion Battery Anode.

PubMed

Zhang, Fang; Yao, Yonggang; Wan, Jiayu; Henderson, Doug; Zhang, Xiaogang; Hu, Liangbing

2017-01-11

Hard carbon is currently considered the most promising anode candidate for room temperature sodium ion batteries because of its relatively high capacity, low cost, and good scalability. In this work, switchgrass as a biomass example was carbonized under an ultrahigh temperature, 2050 °C, induced by Joule heating to create hard carbon anodes for sodium ion batteries. Switchgrass derived carbon materials intrinsically inherit its three-dimensional porous hierarchical architecture, with an average interlayer spacing of 0.376 nm. The larger interlayer spacing than that of graphite allows for the significant Na ion storage performance. Compared to the sample carbonized under 1000 °C, switchgrass derived carbon at 2050 °C induced an improved initial Coulombic efficiency. Additionally, excellent rate capability and superior cycling performance are demonstrated for the switchgrass derived carbon due to the unique high temperature treatment.

High Temperature Transfer Molding Resins Based on 2,3,3',4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. G., Jr.; Connell, J. W.; Hergenrother, P. M.; Yokota, R.; Criss, J. M.

2002-01-01

As part of an ongoing effort to develop materials for resin transfer molding (RTM) processes to fabricate high performance/high temperature composite structures, phenylethynyl containing imides have been under investigation. New phenylethynyl containing imide compositions were prepared using 2,3,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA) and evaluated for cured glass transition temperature (Tg), melt flow behavior, and for processability into flat composite panels via RTM. The a-BPDA imparts a unique combination of properties that are desirable for high temperature transfer molding resins. In comparison to its symmetrical counterpart (i.e. 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride), a-BPDA affords oligomers with lower melt viscosities and when cured, higher Tgs. Several candidates exhibited the appropriate combination of properties such as a low and stable melt viscosity required for RTM processes, high cured Tg, and moderate toughness. The chemistry, physical, and composite properties of select resins will be discussed.

Substitution of ceramics for high temperature alloys. [advantages of using silicon carbides and silicon nitrides in gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Probst, H. B.

1978-01-01

The high temperature capability of ceramics such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide can result in turbine engines of improved efficiency. Other advantages when compared to the nickel and cobalt alloys in current use are raw material availability, lower weight, erosion/corrosion resistance, and potentially lower cost. The use of ceramics in three different sizes of gas turbine is considered; these are the large utility turbines, advanced aircraft turbines, and small automotive turbines. Special consideration, unique to each of these applications, arise when one considers substituting ceramics for high temperature alloys. The effects of material substitutions are reviewed in terms of engine performance, operating economy, and secondary effects.

Plasma technologies application for building materials surface modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volokitin, G. G.; Skripnikova, N. K.; Volokitin, O. G.; Shehovtzov, V. V.; Luchkin, A. G.; Kashapov, N. F.

2016-01-01

Low temperature arc plasma was used to process building surface materials, such as silicate brick, sand lime brick, concrete and wood. It was shown that building surface materials modification with low temperature plasma positively affects frost resistance, water permeability and chemical resistance with high adhesion strength. Short time plasma processing is rather economical than traditional processing thermic methods. Plasma processing makes wood surface uniquely waterproof and gives high operational properties, dimensional and geometrical stability. It also increases compression resistance and decreases inner tensions level in material.

Composite casting/bonding construction of an air-cooled, high temperature radial turbine wheel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammer, A. N.; Aigret, G.; Rodgers, C.; Metcalfe, A. G.

1983-01-01

A composite casting/bonding technique has been developed for the fabrication of a unique air-cooled, high temperature radial inflow turbine wheel design applicable to auxilliary power units with small rotor diameters and blade entry heights. The 'split blade' manufacturing procedure employed is an alternative to complex internal ceramic coring. Attention is given to both aerothermodynamic and structural design, of which the latter made advantageous use of the exploration of alternative cooling passage configurations through CAD/CAM system software modification.

High temperature thermocouple and heat flux gauge using a unique thin film-hardware hot juncture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebert, C. H.; Holanda, R.; Hippensteele, S. A.; Andracchio, C. A.

1984-01-01

A special thin film-hardware material thermocouple (TC) and heat flux gauge concept for a reasonably high temperature and high flux flat plate heat transfer experiment was fabricated and tested to gauge temperatures of 911 K. This concept was developed for minimal disturbance of boundary layer temperature and flow over the plates and minimal disturbance of heat flux through the plates. Comparison of special heat flux gauge Stanton number output at steady-state conditions with benchmark literature data was good and agreement was within a calculated uncertainty of the measurement system. Also, good agreement of special TC and standard TC outputs was obtained and the results are encouraging. Oxidation of thin film thermoelements was a primary failure mode after about 5 of operation.

High-temperature thermocouple and heat flux gauge using a unique thin film-hardware hot junction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liebert, C. H.; Holanda, R.; Hippensteele, S. A.; Andracchio, C. A.

1985-01-01

A special thin film-hardware material thermocouple (TC) and heat flux gauge concept for a reasonably high temperature and high flux flat plate heat transfer experiment was fabricated and tested to gauge temperatures of 911 K. This concept was developed for minimal disturbance of boundary layer temperature and flow over the plates and minimal disturbance of heat flux through the plates. Comparison of special heat flux gauge Stanton number output at steady-state conditions with benchmark literature data was good and agreement was within a calculated uncertainty of the measurement system. Also, good agreement of special TC and standard TC outputs was obtained and the results are encouraging. Oxidation of thin film thermoelements was a primary failure mode after about 5 of operation.

High temperature braided rope seals for static sealing applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Michael L.; Olsen, Andrew; Darolia, Ram; Steinetz, Bruce M.; Bartolotta, Paul A.

1996-01-01

Achieving efficiency and performance goals of advanced aircraft and industrial systems are leading designers to implement high temperature materials such as ceramics and intermetallics. Generally these advanced materials are applied selectively in the highest temperature sections of the engine system including the combustor and high pressure turbine, amongst others. Thermal strains that result in attaching the low expansion-rate components to high expansion rate superalloy structures can cause significant life reduction in the components. Seals are being designed to both seal and to serve as compliant mounts allowing for relative thermal growths between high temperature but brittle primary structures and the surrounding support structures. Designers require high temperature, low-leakage, compliant seals to mitigate thermal stresses and control parasitic and cooling airflow between structures. NASA is developing high temperature braided rope seals in a variety of configurations to help solve these problems. This paper will describe the types of seals being developed, describe unique test techniques used to assess seal performance, and present leakage flow data under representative pressure, temperature and scrubbing conditions. Feasibility of the braided rope seals for both an industrial tube seal and a turbine vane seal application is also demonstrated.

Multiple extreme environmental conditions of intermittent soda pans in the Carpathian Basin (Central Europe)

PubMed Central

Boros, Emil; Katalin, V.-Balogh; Vörös, Lajos; Horváth, Zsófia

2017-01-01

Soda lakes and pans represent saline ecosystems with unique chemical composition, occurring on all continents. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterise the main environmental gradients and trophic state that prevail in the soda pans (n=84) of the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe. Underwater light conditions, dissolved organic matter, phosphorus and chlorophyll a were investigated in 84 pans during 2009–2010. Besides, water temperature was measured hourly with an automatic sensor throughout one year in a selected pan. The pans were very shallow (median depth: 15 cm), and their extremely high turbidity (Secchi depth median: 3 cm, min: 0.5 cm) was caused by high concentrations of inorganic suspended solids (median: 0.4 g L–1, max: 16 g L–1), which was the dominant (>50%) contributing factor to the vertical attenuation coefficient in 67 pans (80%). All pans were polyhumic (median DOC: 47 mg L–1), and total phosphorus concentration was also extremely high (median: 2 mg L–1, max: 32 mg L–1). The daily water temperature maximum (44 °C) and fluctuation maximum (28 °C) were extremely high during summertime. The combination of environmental boundaries: shallowness, daily water temperature fluctuation, intermittent hydroperiod, high turbidity, polyhumic organic carbon concentration, high alkalinity and hypertrophy represent a unique extreme aquatic ecosystem. PMID:28572691

Large-Scale Wireless Temperature Monitoring System for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Tanks.

PubMed

Fan, Guangwen; Shen, Yu; Hao, Xiaowei; Yuan, Zongming; Zhou, Zhi

2015-09-18

Temperature distribution is a critical indicator of the health condition for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage tanks. In this paper, we present a large-scale wireless temperature monitoring system to evaluate the safety of LPG storage tanks. The system includes wireless sensors networks, high temperature fiber-optic sensors, and monitoring software. Finally, a case study on real-world LPG storage tanks proves the feasibility of the system. The unique features of wireless transmission, automatic data acquisition and management, local and remote access make the developed system a good alternative for temperature monitoring of LPG storage tanks in practical applications.

Epitaxial thin film growth in outer space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ignatiev, Alex; Chu, C. W.

1988-01-01

A new concept for materials processing in space exploits the ultravacuum component of space for thin-film epitaxial growth. The unique LEO space environment is expected to yield 10-ftorr or better pressures, semiinfinite pumping speeds, and large ultravacuum volume (about 100 cu m) without walls. These space ultravacuum properties promise major improvement in the quality, unique nature, and throughput of epitaxially grown materials, including semiconductors, magnetic materials, and thin-film high-temperature superconductors.

Miniaturized Ion Mobility Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stimac, Robert M. (Inventor); Kaye, William J (Inventor)

2017-01-01

By utilizing the combination of a unique electronic ion injection control circuit in conjunction with a particularly designed drift cell construction, the instantly disclosed ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) achieves increased levels of sensitivity, while achieving significant reductions in size and weight. The instant IMS is of a much simpler and easy to manufacture design, rugged and hermetically sealed, capable of operation at high temperatures to at least 250 degrees Centigrade, and is uniquely sensitive, particularly to explosive chemicals.

Miniaturized Ion Mobility Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaye, William J. (Inventor); Stimac, Robert M. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

By utilizing the combination of a unique electronic ion injection control circuit in conjunction with a particularly designed drift cell construction, the instantly disclosed ion mobility spectrometer achieves increased levels of sensitivity, while achieving significant reductions in size and weight. The instant IMS is of a much simpler and easy to manufacture design, rugged and hermetically sealed, capable of operation at high temperatures to at least 250.degree. C., and is uniquely sensitive, particularly to explosive chemicals.

Development of high frequency low weight power magnetics for aerospace power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarze, G. E.

1984-01-01

A dominant design consideration in the development of space type power mangetic devices is the application of reliable thermal control methods to prevent device failure which is due to excessive temperature rises and hot temperatures in critical areas. The resultant design must also yield low weight, high efficiency, high reliability and maintainability, and long life. The weight savings and high efficiency that results by going to high frequency and unique thermal control techniques is demonstrated by the development of a 25 kVA, 20 kHz space type transformer under the power magnetics technology program. Work in the area of power rotary transformer is also discussed.

Lunar oxygen and metal for use in near-Earth space: Magma electrolysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, Russell O.; Haskin, Larry A.

1990-01-01

Because it is energetically easier to get material from the Moon to Earth orbit than from the Earth itself, the Moon is a potentially valuable source of materials for use in space. The unique conditions on the Moon, such as vacuum, absence of many reagents common on the Earth, and the presence of very nontraditional ores suggest that a unique and nontraditional process for extracting materials from the ores may prove the most practical. With this in mind, an investigation of unfluxed silicate electrolysis as a method for extracting oxygen, iron, and silicon from lunar regolith was initiated and is discussed. The advantages of the process include simplicity of concept, absence of need to supply reagents from Earth, and low power and mass requirements for the processing plant. Disadvantages include the need for uninterrupted high temperature and the highly corrosive nature of the high-temperature silicate melts which has made identifying suitable electrode and container materials difficult.

Anisotropic nanocrystalline MnBi with high coercivity at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J. B.; Yang, Y. B.; Chen, X. G.; Ma, X. B.; Han, J. Z.; Yang, Y. C.; Guo, S.; Yan, A. R.; Huang, Q. Z.; Wu, M. M.; Chen, D. F.

2011-08-01

Magnetic hard nanocrystalline MnBi has been prepared by melt spinning and subsequent low temperature annealing. A coercivity of 2.5 T can be achieved at 540 K for MnBi with an average grain size of about 20-30 nm. The coercivity iHc, mainly controlled by the coherent magnetization rotation, shows a strong dependence on the time of grinding and exhibits a positive temperature coefficient from 100 up to 540 K. The unique temperature dependent behavior of the coercivity (magnetocrystalline anisotropy) has a relationship with the variations in the crystal lattice ratio of c/a with temperatures. In addition, discontinuity can not be found in the lattice parameters of a, c, and c/a ratio at the magnetostructural transition temperature. The nanocrystalline MnBi powder fixed in an epoxy resin and under an applied magnetic field of 24 kOe shows a maximum energy product of 7.1 MGOe at room temperature and shows anisotropic characteristics with high Mr/Ms ratio up to 560 K.

Thermal Testing and Analysis of an Efficient High-Temperature Multi-Screen Internal Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiland, Stefan; Handrick, Karin; Daryabeigi, Kamran

2007-01-01

Conventional multi-layer insulations exhibit excellent insulation performance but they are limited to the temperature range to which their components reflective foils and spacer materials are compatible. For high temperature applications, the internal multi-screen insulation IMI has been developed that utilizes unique ceramic material technology to produce reflective screens with high temperature stability. For analytical insulation sizing a parametric material model is developed that includes the main contributors for heat flow which are radiation and conduction. The adaptation of model-parameters based on effective steady-state thermal conductivity measurements performed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) allows for extrapolation to arbitrary stack configurations and temperature ranges beyond the ones that were covered in the conductivity measurements. Experimental validation of the parametric material model was performed during the thermal qualification test of the X-38 Chin-panel, where test results and predictions showed a good agreement.

Accelerated life testing effects on CMOS microcircuit characteristics, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maximow, B.

1976-01-01

An accelerated life test of sufficient duration to generate a minimum of 50% cumulative failures in lots of CMOS devices was conducted to provide a basis for determining the consistency of activation energy at 250 C. An investigation was made to determine whether any thresholds were exceeded during the high temperature testing, which could trigger failure mechanisms unique to that temperature. The usefulness of the 250 C temperature test as a predictor of long term reliability was evaluated.

The uniquely high-temperature character of Cullinan diamonds: A signature of the Bushveld mantle plume?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korolev, N. M.; Kopylova, M.; Bussweiler, Y.; Pearson, D. G.; Gurney, J.; Davidson, J.

2018-04-01

The mantle beneath the Cullinan kimberlite (formerly known as "Premier") is a unique occurrence of diamondiferous cratonic mantle where diamonds were generated contemporaneously and shortly following a mantle upwelling that led to the formation of a Large Igneous Province that produced the world's largest igneous intrusion - the 2056 Ma Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). We studied 332 diamond inclusions from 202 Cullinan diamonds to investigate mantle thermal effects imposed by the formation of the BIC. The overwhelming majority of diamonds come from three parageneses: (1) lithospheric eclogitic (69%), (2) lithospheric peridotitic (21%), and (3) sublithospheric mafic (9%). The lithospheric eclogitic paragenesis is represented by clinopyroxene, garnet, coesite and kyanite. Main minerals of the lithospheric peridotitic paragenesis are forsterite, enstatite, Cr-pyrope, Cr-augite and spinel; the sublithospheric mafic association includes majorite, CaSiO3 phases and omphacite. Diamond formation conditions were calculated using an Al-in-olivine thermometer, a garnet-clinopyroxene thermometer, as well as majorite and Raman barometers. The Cullinan diamonds may be unique on the global stage in recording a cold geotherm of 40 mW/m2 in cratonic lithosphere that was in contact with underlying convecting mantle at temperatures of 1450-1550 °C. The studied Cullinan diamonds contain a high proportion of inclusions equilibrated at temperatures exceeding the ambient 1327 °C adiabat, i.e. 54% of eclogitic diamonds and 41% of peridotitic diamonds. By contrast, ≤ 1% of peridotitic diamond inclusions globally yield equally high temperatures. We propose that the Cullinan diamond inclusions recorded transient, slow-dissipating thermal perturbations associated with the plume-related formation of the 2 Ga Bushveld igneous province. The presence of inclusions in diamond from the mantle transition zone at 300-650 km supports this view. Cullinan xenoliths indicative of the thermal state of the cratonic lithosphere at 1.2 Ga are equilibrated at the relatively low temperatures, not exceeding adiabatic. The ability of diamonds to record super-adiabatic temperatures may relate to their entrainment from the deeper, hotter parts of the upper mantle un-sampled by the kimberlite in the form of xenoliths or their equilibration in a younger lithosphere after a decay of the thermal disturbance.

NASA Lewis Research Center's Preheated Combustor and Materials Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemets, Steve A.; Ehlers, Robert C.; Parrott, Edith

1995-01-01

The Preheated Combustor and Materials Test Facility (PCMTF) in the Engine Research Building (ERB) at the NASA Lewis Research Center is one of two unique combustor facilities that provide a nonvitiated air supply to two test stands, where the air can be used for research combustor testing and high-temperature materials testing. Stand A is used as a research combustor stand, whereas stand B is used for cyclic and survivability tests of aerospace materials at high temperatures. Both stands can accommodate in-house and private industry research programs. The PCMTF is capable of providing up to 30 lb/s (pps) of nonvitiated, 450 psig combustion air at temperatures ranging from 850 to 1150 g F. A 5000 gal tank located outdoors adjacent to the test facility can provide jet fuel at a pressure of 900 psig and a flow rate of 11 gal/min (gpm). Gaseous hydrogen from a 70,000 cu ft (CF) tuber is also available as a fuel. Approximately 500 gpm of cooling water cools the research hardware and exhaust gases. Such cooling is necessary because the air stream reaches temperatures as high as 3000 deg F. The PCMTF provides industry and Government with a facility for studying the combustion process and for obtaining valuable test information on advanced materials. This report describes the facility's support systems and unique capabilities.

High temperature corrosion of austenitic stainless steel coils in a direct reduction plant in Mexico

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

Juarez-Islas, J.A.; Campillo, B.; Chaudhary, N.

1996-08-01

The subject of this study is related to the performance of austenitic steels coils and tubes, in a range of temperatures between 425 to 870 C for the transport of reducing gases, in an installation involving the direct reduction of iron-ore by reforming natural gas. Evidence is presented that metal dusting is not the only unique high temperature corrosion mechanism that caused catastrophic failures of austenitic 304 (UNS S30400) coils and HK-40 (UNS J94204) tubes. Sensitization as well as stress corrosion cracking occurred in 304 stainless steel coils, and metal dusting occurred in tubes of HK-40, a high resistance alloy.more » The role of a continuous injection of H{sub 2}S to the process is suggested to avoid the high temperature metal dusting corrosion mechanism found in these kind of installations.« less

Room-Temperature Synthesis of GaN Driven by Kinetic Energy beyond the Limit of Thermodynamics.

PubMed

Imaoka, Takane; Okada, Takeru; Samukawa, Seiji; Yamamoto, Kimihisa

2017-12-06

The nitridation reaction is significantly important to utilize the unique properties of nitrides and nitrogen-doped materials. However, nitridation generally requires a high temperature or highly reactive reagents (often explosive) because the energies of N-N bond cleavage and nitrogen anion formation (N 3- ) are very high. We demonstrate the first room-temperature synthesis of GaN directly from GaCl 3 by nanoscale atom exchange reaction. Nonequilibrium nitrogen molecules with very high translational energy were used as a chemically stable and safe nitrogen source. The irradiation of molecular nitrogen to the desired reaction area successfully provided a gallium nitride (GaN) nanosheet that exhibited a typical photoluminescence spectrum. Because this process retains the target substrate room temperature and does not involve any photon nor charged ion, it allows damage-less synthesis of the semiconducting metal nitrides, even directly on plastic substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

ALH85085: a unique volatile-poor carbonaceous chondrite with possible implications for nebular fractionation processes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grossman, J.N.; Rubin, A.E.; MacPherson, G.J.

1988-01-01

Allan Hills 85085 is a unique chondrite with affinities to the Al Rais-Renazzo clan of carbonaceous chondrites. Its constituents are less than 50 ??m in mean size. Chondrules and microchondrules of all textures are present; nonporphyritic chondrules are unusually abundant. The mean compositions of porphyritic, nonporphyritic and barred olivine chondrules resemble those in ordinary chondrites except that they are depleted in volatile elements. Ca-, Al-rich inclusions are abundant and largely free of nebular alteration; they comprise types similar to those in CM and CO chondrites, as well as unique types. Calcium dialuminate occurs in several inclusions. Metal, silicate and sulfide compositions are close to those in CM-CO chondrites and Al Rais and Renazzo. C1-chondrite clasts and metal-rich "reduced" clasts are present, but opaque matrix is absent. Siderophile abundances in ALH85085 are extremely high (e.g., Fe Si = 1.7 ?? solar), and volatiles are depleted (e.g., Na Si = 0.25 ?? solar, S Si = 0.03 ?? solar). Nonvolatile lithophile abundances are similar to those in Al Rais, Renazzo, and CM and CO chondrites. ALH85085 agglomerated when temperatures in the nebula were near 1000 K, in the same region where Renazzo, Al Rais and the CI chondrites formed. Agglomeration of high-temperature material may thus be a mechanism by which the fractionation of refractory lithophiles occurred in the nebula. Chondrule formation must have occurred at high temperatures when clumps of precursors were small. After agglomeration, ALH85085 was annealed and lightly shocked. C1 and other clasts were subsequently incorporated during late-stage brecciation. ?? 1988.

A Small Particle Solar Receiver for High Temperature Brayton Power Cycles

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

Miller, Fletcher John

The objective of this project is to design, construct, and test at the Sandia NSTTF a revolutionary high temperature air-cooled solar receiver in the multi-MW range that can be used to drive a gas turbine, to generate low-cost electricity at $.06/kWh when considered as part of an optimized CSP combined cycle system. The receiver being developed in this research uses a dilute suspension of selectively absorbing carbon nano-particles to absorb highly concentrated solar flux. The concept of a volumetric, selective, and continually replenishable absorber is unique in the solar field.

Observations and statistical simulations of a proposed solar cycle/QBO/weather relationship

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

Baldwin, M.P.; Dunkerton, T.J.

1989-08-01

The 10.7 cm solar flux is observed to be highly correlated with north pole stratospheric temperatures when partitioned according to the phase of the equatorial stratospheric winds (the quasi-biennial oscillation, or QBO). The authors supplement observations with calculations showing that temperatures over most of the northern hemisphere are highly correlated or anticorrelated with north pole temperatures. The observed spatial pattern of solar cycle correlations at high latitudes is shown to be not unique to the solar cycle. The authors present results, similar to the observed solar cycle correlations, with simulated harmonics of various periods replacing the solar cycle. These calculationsmore » demonstrate the correlations at least as high as those for the solar cycle results may be obtained using simulated harmonics.« less

High-temperature superconductivity for avionic electronic warfare and radar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, Paul A.

1994-01-01

The electronic warfare (EW) and radar communities expect to be major beneficiaries of the performance advantages high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) has to offer over conventional technology. Near term upgrades to system hardware can be envisioned using extremely small, high Q, microwave filters and resonators; compact, wideband, low loss, microwave delay and transmission lines; as well as, wideband, low loss, monolithic microwave integrated circuit phase shifters. The most dramatic impact will be in the far term, using HTS to develop new, real time threat identification and response strategy receiver/processing systems designed to utilize the unique high frequency properties of microwave and ultimately digital HTS.

Superior room-temperature ductility of typically brittle quasicrystals at small sizes

PubMed Central

Zou, Yu; Kuczera, Pawel; Sologubenko, Alla; Sumigawa, Takashi; Kitamura, Takayuki; Steurer, Walter; Spolenak, Ralph

2016-01-01

The discovery of quasicrystals three decades ago unveiled a class of matter that exhibits long-range order but lacks translational periodicity. Owing to their unique structures, quasicrystals possess many unusual properties. However, a well-known bottleneck that impedes their widespread application is their intrinsic brittleness: plastic deformation has been found to only be possible at high temperatures or under hydrostatic pressures, and their deformation mechanism at low temperatures is still unclear. Here, we report that typically brittle quasicrystals can exhibit remarkable ductility of over 50% strains and high strengths of ∼4.5 GPa at room temperature and sub-micrometer scales. In contrast to the generally accepted dominant deformation mechanism in quasicrystals—dislocation climb, our observation suggests that dislocation glide may govern plasticity under high-stress and low-temperature conditions. The ability to plastically deform quasicrystals at room temperature should lead to an improved understanding of their deformation mechanism and application in small-scale devices. PMID:27515779

Temperature-Controlled High-Speed AFM: Real-Time Observation of Ripple Phase Transitions.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hirohide; Miyagi, Atsushi; Redondo-Morata, Lorena; Scheuring, Simon

2016-11-01

With nanometer lateral and Angstrom vertical resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has contributed unique data improving the understanding of lipid bilayers. Lipid bilayers are found in several different temperature-dependent states, termed phases; the main phases are solid and fluid phases. The transition temperature between solid and fluid phases is lipid composition specific. Under certain conditions some lipid bilayers adopt a so-called ripple phase, a structure where solid and fluid phase domains alternate with constant periodicity. Because of its narrow regime of existence and heterogeneity ripple phase and its transition dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, a temperature control device to high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to observe dynamics of phase transition from ripple phase to fluid phase reversibly in real time is developed and integrated. Based on HS-AFM imaging, the phase transition processes from ripple phase to fluid phase and from ripple phase to metastable ripple phase to fluid phase could be reversibly, phenomenologically, and quantitatively studied. The results here show phase transition hysteresis in fast cooling and heating processes, while both melting and condensation occur at 24.15 °C in quasi-steady state situation. A second metastable ripple phase with larger periodicity is formed at the ripple phase to fluid phase transition when the buffer contains Ca 2+ . The presented temperature-controlled HS-AFM is a new unique experimental system to observe dynamics of temperature-sensitive processes at the nanoscopic level. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Large-Scale Wireless Temperature Monitoring System for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage Tanks

PubMed Central

Fan, Guangwen; Shen, Yu; Hao, Xiaowei; Yuan, Zongming; Zhou, Zhi

2015-01-01

Temperature distribution is a critical indicator of the health condition for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) storage tanks. In this paper, we present a large-scale wireless temperature monitoring system to evaluate the safety of LPG storage tanks. The system includes wireless sensors networks, high temperature fiber-optic sensors, and monitoring software. Finally, a case study on real-world LPG storage tanks proves the feasibility of the system. The unique features of wireless transmission, automatic data acquisition and management, local and remote access make the developed system a good alternative for temperature monitoring of LPG storage tanks in practical applications. PMID:26393596

n/p-Type changeable semiconductor TiO2 prepared from NTA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qiuye; Wang, Xiaodong; Jin, Zhensheng; Yang, Dagang; Zhang, Shunli; Guo, Xinyong; Yang, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhijun

2007-10-01

A novel kind of nano-sized TiO2 (anatase) was obtained by high-temperature (400-700°C) dehydration of nanotube titanic acid (H2Ti2O4(OH)2, NTA). The high-temperature (400-700°C) dehydrated nanotube titanic acids (HD-NTAs) with a unique defect structure exhibited a p-type semiconductor behavior under visible-light irradiation (λ≥420 nm, E photon=2.95 eV), whereas exhibited an n-type semiconductor behavior irradiated with UV light (λ=365 nm, E photon=3.40 eV).

Temperature-induced band shift in bulk γ-InSe by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Huanfeng; Wang, Wei; Zhao, Yafei; Zhang, Xiaoqian; Feng, Yue; Tu, Jian; Gu, Chenyi; Sun, Yizhe; Liu, Chang; Nie, Yuefeng; Edmond Turcu, Ion C.; Xu, Yongbing; He, Liang

2018-05-01

Indium selenide (InSe) has recently become popular research topics because of its unique layered crystal structure, direct band gap and high electron mobilities. In this work, we have acquired the electronic structure of bulk γ-InSe at various temperatures using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). We have also found that as the temperature decreases, the valence bands of γ-InSe exhibit a monotonic shift to lower binding energies. This band shift is attributed to the change of lattice parameters and has been validated by variable temperature X-ray diffraction measurements and theoretical calculations.

Hygrothermal behavior of polybenzimidazole

DOE PAGES

Liu, Peng; Mullins, Michael; Bremner, Tim; ...

2016-04-11

Poly[2,2’-(m-phenylene)-5,5’-bibenzimidazole] (PBI) is used in extremely high temperature harsh environment applications. It is a unique engineering material that is formed into parts by powder-sintering at temperatures as high as 500 °C. Recently, ever increasing demands for high temperature polymers have led to significant interest in PBI such that engineering guidelines could be established for its application in high temperature and highly humid environments. The goal of this work was to understand the material science of PBI in hot-wet environments at temperatures up to 288 °C. Thermal gravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry were employed to identify the degraded volatile products. Themore » molecular scale damping behavior of PBI was probed using dynamic mechanical analysis. The changes in tensile properties and fracture toughness due to environmental exposure were also characterized. Upon heating above 250 °C, moisture-containing PBI exhibits obvious molecular structure change. Evidence of crosslinking and degradation is observed. With 288 °C hot water treatment severe degradation of PBI is observed. As a result, fundamental structure-property relationships of PBI affected by these higher temperature, high moisture content environments are discussed.« less

Separating heat stress from moisture stress: analyzing yield response to high temperature in irrigated maize

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Elizabeth K.; Melkonian, Jeff; Riha, Susan J.; Shaw, Stephen B.

2016-09-01

Several recent studies have indicated that high air temperatures are limiting maize (Zea mays L.) yields in the US Corn Belt and project significant yield losses with expected increases in growing season temperatures. Further work has suggested that high air temperatures are indicative of high evaporative demand, and that decreases in maize yields which correlate to high temperatures and vapor pressure deficits (VPD) likely reflect underlying soil moisture limitations. It remains unclear whether direct high temperature impacts on yields, independent of moisture stress, can be observed under current temperature regimes. Given that projected high temperature and moisture may not co-vary the same way as they have historically, quantitative analyzes of direct temperature impacts are critical for accurate yield projections and targeted mitigation strategies under shifting temperature regimes. To evaluate yield response to above optimum temperatures independent of soil moisture stress, we analyzed climate impacts on irrigated maize yields obtained from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) corn yield contests for Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. In irrigated maize, we found no evidence of a direct negative impact on yield by daytime air temperature, calculated canopy temperature, or VPD when analyzed seasonally. Solar radiation was the primary yield-limiting climate variable. Our analyses suggested that elevated night temperature impacted yield by increasing rates of phenological development. High temperatures during grain-fill significantly interacted with yields, but this effect was often beneficial and included evidence of acquired thermo-tolerance. Furthermore, genetics and management—information uniquely available in the NCGA contest data—explained more yield variability than climate, and significantly modified crop response to climate. Thermo-acclimation, improved genetics and changes to management practices have the potential to partially or completely offset temperature-related yield losses in irrigated maize.

Ion heating and flows in a high power helicon source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Derek S.; Agnello, Riccardo; Furno, Ivo; Howling, Alan; Jacquier, Rémy; Plyushchev, Gennady; Scime, Earl E.

2017-06-01

We report experimental measurements of ion temperatures and flows in a high power, linear, magnetized, helicon plasma device, the Resonant Antenna Ion Device (RAID). Parallel and perpendicular ion temperatures on the order of 0.6 eV are observed for an rf power of 4 kW, suggesting that higher power helicon sources should attain ion temperatures in excess of 1 eV. The unique RAID antenna design produces broad, uniform plasma density and perpendicular ion temperature radial profiles. Measurements of the azimuthal flow indicate rigid body rotation of the plasma column of a few kHz. When configured with an expanding magnetic field, modest parallel ion flows are observed in the expansion region. The ion flows and temperatures are derived from laser induced fluorescence measurements of the Doppler resolved velocity distribution functions of argon ions.

The DUV Stability of Superlattice-Doped CMOS Detector Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoenk, M. E.; Carver, A.; Jones, T.; Dickie, M.; Cheng, P.; Greer, H. F.; Nikzad, S.; Sgro, J.

2013-01-01

In this paper, we present experimental results and band structure calculations that illuminate the unique properties of superlattice-doped detectors. Numerical band structure calculations are presented to analyze the dependencies of surface passivation on dopant profiles and interface trap densities (Figure 3). Experiments and calculations show that quantum-engineered surfaces, grown at JPL by low temperature molecular beam epitaxy, achieve a qualitative as well as quantitative uniqueness in their near-immunity to high densities of surface and interface traps.

Geospatial methods provide timely and comprehensive urban forest information

Treesearch

Kathleen T. Ward; Gary R. Johnson

2007-01-01

Urban forests are unique and highly valued resources. However, trees in urban forests are often under greater stress than those in rural or undeveloped areas due to soil compaction, restricted growing spaces, high temperatures, and exposure to air and water pollution. In addition, conditions change more quickly in urban as opposed to rural and undeveloped settings....

Temperature and heat flux measurements: Challenges for high temperature aerospace application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neumann, Richard D.

1992-01-01

The measurement of high temperatures and the influence of heat transfer data is not strictly a problem of either the high temperatures involved or the level of the heating rates to be measured at those high temperatures. It is a problem of duration during which measurements are made and the nature of the materials in which the measurements are made. Thermal measurement techniques for each application must respect and work with the unique features of that application. Six challenges in the development of measurement technology are discussed: (1) to capture the character and localized peak values within highly nonuniform heating regions; (2) to manage large volumes of thermal instrumentation in order to efficiently derive critical information; (3) to accommodate thermal sensors into practical flight structures; (4) to broaden the capabilities of thermal survey techniques to replace discrete gages in flight and on the ground; (5) to provide supporting instrumentation conduits which connect the measurement points to the thermally controlled data acquisition system; and (6) to develop a class of 'vehicle tending' thermal sensors to assure the integrity of flight vehicles in an efficient manner.

Low-Cost Metal Hydride Thermal Energy Storage System for Concentrating Solar Power Systems

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

Zidan, Ragaiy; Hardy, B. J.; Corgnale, C.

2016-01-31

The objective of this research was to evaluate and demonstrate a metal hydride-based TES system for use with a CSP system. A unique approach has been applied to this project that combines our modeling experience with the extensive material knowledge and expertise at both SRNL and Curtin University (CU). Because of their high energy capacity and reasonable kinetics many metal hydride systems can be charged rapidly. Metal hydrides for vehicle applications have demonstrated charging rates in minutes and tens of minutes as opposed to hours. This coupled with high heat of reaction allows metal hydride TES systems to produce verymore » high thermal power rates (approx. 1kW per 6-8 kg of material). A major objective of this work is to evaluate some of the new metal hydride materials that have recently become available. A problem with metal hydride TES systems in the past has been selecting a suitable high capacity low temperature metal hydride material to pair with the high temperature material. A unique aspect of metal hydride TES systems is that many of these systems can be located on or near dish/engine collectors due to their high thermal capacity and small size. The primary objective of this work is to develop a high enthalpy metal hydride that is capable of reversibly storing hydrogen at high temperatures (> 650 °C) and that can be paired with a suitable low enthalpy metal hydride with low cost materials. Furthermore, a demonstration of hydrogen cycling between the two hydride beds is desired.« less

Enhanced electrocaloric analysis and energy-storage performance of lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics for potential solid-state refrigeration applications.

PubMed

Zhang, Tian-Fu; Huang, Xian-Xiong; Tang, Xin-Gui; Jiang, Yan-Ping; Liu, Qiu-Xiang; Lu, Biao; Lu, Sheng-Guo

2018-01-10

The unique properties and great variety of relaxer ferroelectrics make them highly attractive in energy-storage and solid-state refrigeration technologies. In this work, lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics are prepared and studied. The giant electrocaloric effect in lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics is revealed for the first time. Large refrigeration efficiency (27.4) and high adiabatic temperature change (1.67 K) are achieved by indirect analysis. Direct measurements of electrocaloric effect show that reversible adiabatic temperature change is also about 1.67 K, which exceeds many electrocaloric effect values in current direct measured electrocaloric studies. Both theoretical calculated and direct measured electrocaloric effects are in good agreements in high temperatures. Temperature and electric field related energy storage properties are also analyzed, maximum energy-storage density and energy-storage efficiency are about 0.31 J/cm 3 and 91.2%, respectively.

High temperature sensitivity is intrinsic to voltage-gated potassium channels

PubMed Central

Yang, Fan; Zheng, Jie

2014-01-01

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are members of the large tetrameric cation channels superfamily but are considered to be uniquely sensitive to heat, which has been presumed to be due to the existence of an unidentified temperature-sensing domain. Here we report that the homologous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels also exhibit high temperature sensitivity comparable to that of TRPV1, which is detectable under specific conditions when the voltage sensor is functionally decoupled from the activation gate through either intrinsic mechanisms or mutations. Interestingly, mutations could tune Shaker channel to be either heat-activated or heat-deactivated. Therefore, high temperature sensitivity is intrinsic to both TRP and Kv channels. Our findings suggest important physiological roles of heat-induced variation in Kv channel activities. Mechanistically our findings indicate that temperature-sensing TRP channels may not contain a specialized heat-sensor domain; instead, non-obligatory allosteric gating permits the intrinsic heat sensitivity to drive channel activation, allowing temperature-sensitive TRP channels to function as polymodal nociceptors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03255.001 PMID:25030910

A New Foil Air Bearing Test Rig for Use to 700 C and 70,000 rpm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DellaCorte, Chris

1997-01-01

A new test rig has been developed for evaluating foil air bearings at high temperatures and speeds. These bearings are self acting hydrodynamic air bearings which have been successfully applied to a variety of turbomachinery operating up to 650 C. This unique test rig is capable of measuring bearing torque during start-up, shut-down and high speed operation. Load capacity and general performance characteristics, such as durability, can be measured at temperatures to 700 C and speeds to 70,000 rpm. This paper describes the new test rig and demonstrates its capabilities through the preliminary characterization of several bearings. The bearing performance data from this facility can be used to develop advanced turbomachinery incorporating high temperature oil-free air bearing technology.

Addition polymers from 1,4,5,8-tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene and Bis-dienes: Processable resins for high temperature application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann B.

1987-01-01

1,4,5,8-Tetrahydro-1,4;5,8-diepoxyanthracene reacts with various anthracene endcapped polyimide oligomers to form Diels-Alder cycloaddition copolymers. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents, and have molecular weights of approximately 21,000 to 32,000. Interestingly, these resins appear to be more stable in air then in nitrogen. This is shown to be due to a unique dehydration (loss of water ranges from 2 to 5 percent) at temperatures of 390 to 400 C to give thermo-oxidatively stable pentiptycene units along the polymer backbone. Because of their high softening points and good thermo-oxidative stability, the polymers have potential as processible, matrix resins for high temperature composite applications.

Voronoi-Tessellated Graphite Produced by Low-Temperature Catalytic Graphitization from Renewable Resources.

PubMed

Zhao, Leyi; Zhao, Xiuyun; Burke, Luke T; Bennett, J Craig; Dunlap, Richard A; Obrovac, Mark N

2017-09-11

A highly crystalline graphite powder was prepared from the low temperature (800-1000 °C) graphitization of renewable hard carbon precursors using a magnesium catalyst. The resulting graphite particles are composed of Voronoi-tessellated regions comprising irregular sheets; each Voronoi-tessellated region having a small "seed" particle located near their centroid on the surface. This suggests nucleated outward growth of graphitic carbon, which has not been previously observed. Each seed particle consists of a spheroidal graphite shell on the inside of which hexagonal graphite platelets are perpendicularly affixed. This results in a unique high surface area graphite with a high degree of graphitization that is made with renewable feedstocks at temperatures far below that conventionally used for artificial graphites. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High power densities from high-temperature material interactions. [in thermionic energy conversion and metallic fluid heat pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, J. F.

1981-01-01

Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) and metallic-fluid heat pipes (MFHPs), offering unique advantages in terrestrial and space energy processing by virtue of operating on working-fluid vaporization/condensation cycles that accept great thermal power densities at high temperatures, share complex materials problems. Simplified equations are presented that verify and solve such problems, suggesting the possibility of cost-effective applications in the near term for TEC and MFHP devices. Among the problems discussed are: the limitation of alkali-metal corrosion, protection against hot external gases, external and internal vaporization, interfacial reactions and diffusion, expansion coefficient matching, and creep deformation.

Unique Observations in Hurricane Maria (2017) using the Coyote Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryan, G. H.; Cione, J.; Aksoy, A.; Baker, B.; Dahl, B. A.; de Boer, G.; Dobosy, R.; Dumas, E. J.; Fairall, C. W.; Farber, A. M.; Halliwell, G. R., Jr.; Kalina, E. A.; Kent, B.; Klotz, B.; Lee, T.; Marks, F.; Ryan, K. E.; Troudt, C.; Wiggins, R.; Zawislak, J.; Zhang, J.

2017-12-01

Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collected valuable and highly unique data from six Coyote Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) deployed into Hurricane Maria on 22-24 September 2017. Using NOAA's crewed P-3 reconnaissance aircraft as a deployment vehicle, low-level observations of wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric pressure, temperature, moisture and sea surface temperature were measured and transmitted by the UAS. In all cases, high-definition observations collected by the Coyote were transmitted to NOAA's National Hurricane Center and made available to forecasters in near-real time. A brief synopsis of the data collected will be given. Highlights include: 1) the highest (to our knowledge) UAS-measured wind speed in a hurricane (64 m/s at 340 m above sea level); 2) record endurance for a Coyote UAS mission in a hurricane (42 minutes); and 3) high-frequency (>2 Hz) measurements in the hurricane boundary layer, which allow for calculations of turbulence intensity. Plans for data analysis and future UAS deployments in hurricanes will also be discussed.

Thermal design and test of a high power spacecraft transponder platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stipandic, E. A.; Gray, A. M.; Gedeon, L.

1975-01-01

The high power transponder subsystem on board the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) requires some unique thermal control techniques to maintain the required temperature limits throughout all mission phases. The transponder subsystem includes redundant 20-W output travelling wave tubes and a single 200-W output TWT with highly concentrated thermal dissipations of 70 W and 143 W, respectively. A thermal control system which maintains all components within the required temperature ranges has been designed and verified in thermal balance testing. Included in the design are second surface quartz mirrors on an aluminum honeycomb platform, high thermal conductivity aluminum doubler plates, commandable thermal control heaters and a Variable Conductance Heat Pipe System (VCHPS).

A Fine Grain, High Mn Steel with Excellent Cryogenic Temperature Properties and Corresponding Constitutive Behaviour

PubMed Central

Wang, Yuhui; Shi, Baodong; He, Yanming; Zhang, Hongwang; Peng, Yan

2018-01-01

A Fe-34.5 wt % Mn-0.04 wt % C ultra-high Mn steel with a fully recrystallised fine-grained structure was produced by cold rolling and subsequent annealing. The steel exhibited excellent cryogenic temperature properties with enhanced work hardening rate, high tensile strength, and high uniform elongation. In order to capture the unique mechanical behaviour, a constitutive model within finite strain plasticity framework based on Hill-type yield function was established with standard Armstrong-Frederick type isotropic hardening. In particular, the evolution of isotropic hardening was determined by the content of martensite; thus, a relationship between model parameters and martensite content is built explicitly. PMID:29414840

Europium-based iron pnictides: a unique laboratory for magnetism, superconductivity and structural effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapf, Sina; Dressel, Martin

2017-01-01

Despite decades of intense research, the origin of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates and iron-based compounds is still a mystery. Magnetism and superconductivity are traditionally antagonistic phenomena; nevertheless, there is basically no doubt left that unconventional superconductivity is closely linked to magnetism. But this is not the whole story; recently, also structural effects related to the so-called nematic phase gained considerable attention. In order to obtain more information about this peculiar interplay, systematic material research is one of the most important attempts, revealing from time to time unexpected effects. Europium-based iron pnictides are the latest example of such a completely paradigmatic material, as they display not only spin-density-wave and superconducting ground states, but also local Eu2+ magnetism at a similar temperature scale. Here we review recent experimental progress in determining the complex phase diagrams of europium-based iron pnictides. The conclusions drawn from the observations reach far beyond these model systems. Thus, although europium-based iron pnictides are very peculiar, they provide a unique platform to study the common interplay of structural-nematic, magnetic and electronic effects in high-temperature superconductors.

Temperature-induced local and average structural changes in BaTiO3-xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 solid solutions: The origin of high temperature dielectric permittivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Dong; Usher, Tedi-Marie; Zhou, Hanhan; Raengthon, Natthaphon; Triamnak, Narit; Cann, David P.; Forrester, Jennifer S.; Jones, Jacob L.

2017-08-01

The existence of local tetragonal distortions is evidenced in the BaTiO3-xBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BT-xBZT) relaxor dielectric material system at elevated temperatures. The local and average structures of BT-xBZT with different compositions are characterized using in situ high temperature total scattering techniques. Using the box-car fitting method, it is inferred that there are tetragonal polar clusters embedded in a non-polar pseudocubic matrix for BT-xBZT relaxors. The diameter of these polar clusters is estimated as 2-3 nm at room temperature. Sequential temperature series fitting shows the persistence of the tetragonal distortion on the local scale, while the average structure transforms to a pseudocubic paraelectric phase at high temperatures. The fundamental origin of the temperature stable permittivity of BT-xBZT and the relationship with the unique local scale structures are discussed. This systematic structural study of the BT-xBZT system provides both insight into the nature of lead-free perovskite relaxors, and advances the development of a wide range of electronics with reliable high temperature performance.

Temperature-induced local and average structural changes in BaTiO 3- xBi(Zn 1/2Ti 1/2)O 3 solid solutions: The origin of high temperature dielectric permittivity

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

Hou, Dong; Usher, Tedi -Marie; Zhou, Hanhan

The existence of local tetragonal distortions is evidenced in the BaTiO 3–xBi(Zn 1/2Ti 1/2)O 3 (BT–xBZT) relaxor dielectric material system at elevated temperatures. The local and average structures of BT-xBZT with different compositions are characterized using in situ high temperature total scattering techniques. Using the box-car fitting method, it is inferred that there are tetragonal polar clusters embedded in a non-polar pseudocubic matrix for BT-xBZT relaxors. The diameter of these polar clusters is estimated as 2–3 nm at room temperature. Sequential temperature series fitting shows the persistence of the tetragonal distortion on the local scale, while the average structure transformsmore » to a pseudocubic paraelectric phase at high temperatures. The fundamental origin of the temperature stable permittivity of BT-xBZT and the relationship with the unique local scale structures are discussed. This systematic structural study of the BT-xBZT system provides both insight into the nature of lead-free perovskite relaxors, and advances the development of a wide range of electronics with reliable high temperature performance.« less

Temperature-induced local and average structural changes in BaTiO 3- xBi(Zn 1/2Ti 1/2)O 3 solid solutions: The origin of high temperature dielectric permittivity

DOE PAGES

Hou, Dong; Usher, Tedi -Marie; Zhou, Hanhan; ...

2017-08-11

The existence of local tetragonal distortions is evidenced in the BaTiO 3–xBi(Zn 1/2Ti 1/2)O 3 (BT–xBZT) relaxor dielectric material system at elevated temperatures. The local and average structures of BT-xBZT with different compositions are characterized using in situ high temperature total scattering techniques. Using the box-car fitting method, it is inferred that there are tetragonal polar clusters embedded in a non-polar pseudocubic matrix for BT-xBZT relaxors. The diameter of these polar clusters is estimated as 2–3 nm at room temperature. Sequential temperature series fitting shows the persistence of the tetragonal distortion on the local scale, while the average structure transformsmore » to a pseudocubic paraelectric phase at high temperatures. The fundamental origin of the temperature stable permittivity of BT-xBZT and the relationship with the unique local scale structures are discussed. This systematic structural study of the BT-xBZT system provides both insight into the nature of lead-free perovskite relaxors, and advances the development of a wide range of electronics with reliable high temperature performance.« less

Ion Heating and Flows in a High Power Helicon Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scime, Earl; Agnello, Riccardo; Furno, Ivo; Howling, Alan; Jacquier, Remy; Plyushchev, Gennady; Thompson, Derek

2017-10-01

We report experimental measurements of ion temperatures and flows in a high power, linear, magnetized, helicon plasma device, the Resonant Antenna Ion Device (RAID). RAID is equipped with a high power helicon source. Parallel and perpendicular ion temperatures on the order of 0.6 eV are observed for an rf power of 4 kW, suggesting that higher power helicon sources should attain ion temperatures in excess of 1 eV. The unique RAID antenna design produces broad, uniform plasma density and perpendicular ion temperature radial profiles. Measurements of the azimuthal flow indicate rigid body rotation of the plasma column of a few kHz. When configured with an expanding magnetic field, modest parallel ion flows are observed in the expansion region. The ion flows and temperatures are derived from laser induced fluorescence measurements of the Doppler resolved velocity distribution functions of argon ions. This work supported by U.S. National Science Foundation Grant No. PHY-1360278.

Small temperature coefficient of resistivity of graphene/graphene oxide hybrid membranes.

PubMed

Sun, Pengzhan; Zhu, Miao; Wang, Kunlin; Zhong, Minlin; Wei, Jinquan; Wu, Dehai; Zhu, Hongwei

2013-10-09

Materials with low temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) are of great importance in some areas, for example, highly accurate electronic measurement instruments and microelectronic integrated circuits. In this work, we demonstrated the ultrathin graphene-graphene oxide (GO) hybrid films prepared by layer-by-layer assembly with very small TCR (30-100 °C) in the air. Electrical response of the hybrid films to temperature variation was investigated along with the progressive reduction of GO sheets. The mechanism of electrical response to temperature variation of the hybrid film was discussed, which revealed that the interaction between graphene and GO and the chemical doping effect were responsible for the tunable control of its electrical response to temperature variation. The unique properties of graphene-GO hybrid film made it a promising candidate in many areas, such as high-end film electronic device and sensor applications.

A constitutive theory for shape memory polymers: coupling of small and large deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Qiao; Liu, Liwu; Liu, Yanju; Leng, Jinsong; Yan, Xiangqiao; Wang, Haifang

2013-04-01

At high temperatures, SMPs share attributes like rubber and exhibit long-range reversibility. In contrast, at low temperatures they become very rigid and are susceptible to plastic, only small strains are allowable. But there relatively little literature has considered the unique small stain (rubber phase) and large stain (glass phase) coupling in SMPs when developing the constitutive modeling. In this work, we present a 3D constitutive model for shape memory polymers in both low temperature small strain regime and high temperature large strain regime. The theory is based on the work of Liu et al. [15]. Four steps of SMP's thermomechanical loadings cycle are considered in the constitutive model completely. The linear elastic and hyperelastic effects of SMP in different temperatures are also fully accounted for in the proposed model by adopt the neo-Hookean model and the Generalized Hooke's laws.

Toward High-Energy-Density, High-Efficiency, and Moderate-Temperature Chip-Scale Thermophotovoltaics

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-02

this architecture include concentrated solar photovoltaics , thermoelectrics , and fuel cells. System Testing. Themicroreactorwas ignitedbyhydrogen...2, 3), thermoelectrics (4, 5), and thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) (6, 7). TPVs present an extremely appealing approach for small-scale power sources due...into spectrally confined thermal radiation, optically coupled to low-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) diodes that are electrically interfaced with a unique

Cryogenic probe station for on-wafer characterization of electrical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, Damon; Cleary, Kieran; Reeves, Rodrigo

2012-04-01

A probe station, suitable for the electrical characterization of integrated circuits at cryogenic temperatures is presented. The unique design incorporates all moving components inside the cryostat at room temperature, greatly simplifying the design and allowing automated step and repeat testing. The system can characterize wafers up to 100 mm in diameter, at temperatures <20 K. It is capable of highly repeatable measurements at millimeter-wave frequencies, even though it utilizes a Gifford McMahon cryocooler which typically imposes limits due to vibration. Its capabilities are illustrated by noise temperature and S-parameter measurements on low noise amplifiers for radio astronomy, operating at 75-116 GHz.

Spatial Patterns in Water Temperature in Pacific Northwest Rivers: Diversity at Multiple Scales and Potential Influence of Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torgersen, C. E.; Fullerton, A.; Lawler, J. J.; Ebersole, J. L.; Leibowitz, S. G.; Steel, E. A.; Beechie, T. J.; Faux, R.

2016-12-01

Understanding spatial patterns in water temperature will be essential for evaluating vulnerability of aquatic biota to future climate and for identifying and protecting diverse thermal habitats. We used high-resolution remotely sensed water temperature data for over 16,000 km of 2nd to 7th-order rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest and California to evaluate spatial patterns of summertime water temperature at multiple spatial scales. We found a diverse and geographically distributed suite of whole-river patterns. About half of rivers warmed asymptotically in a downstream direction, whereas the rest exhibited complex and unique spatial patterns. Patterns were associated with both broad-scale hydroclimatic variables as well as characteristics unique to each basin. Within-river thermal heterogeneity patterns were highly river-specific; across rivers, median size and spacing of cool patches <15 °C were around 250 m. Patches of this size are large enough for juvenile salmon rearing and for resting during migration, and the distance between patches is well within the movement capabilities of both juvenile and adult salmon. We found considerable thermal heterogeneity at fine spatial scales that may be important to fish that would be missed if data were analyzed at coarser scales. We estimated future thermal heterogeneity and concluded that climate change will cause warmer temperatures overall, but that thermal heterogeneity patterns may remain similar in the future for many rivers. We demonstrated considerable spatial complexity in both current and future water temperature, and resolved spatial patterns that could not have been perceived without spatially continuous data.

Shock-induced synthesis of high temperature superconducting materials

DOEpatents

Ginley, D.S.; Graham, R.A.; Morosin, B.; Venturini, E.L.

1987-06-18

It has now been determined that the unique features of the high pressure shock method, especially the shock-induced chemical synthesis technique, are fully applicable to high temperature superconducting materials. Extraordinarily high yields are achievable in accordance with this invention, e.g., generally in the range from about 20% to about 99%, often in the range from about 50% to about 90%, lower and higher yields, of course, also being possible. The method of this invention involves the application of a controlled high pressure shock compression pulse which can be produced in any conventional manner, e.g., by detonation of a high explosive material, the impact of a high speed projectile or the effect of intense pulsed radiation sources such as lasers or electron beams. Examples and a discussion are presented.

Quenchable compressed graphite synthesized from neutron-irradiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in high pressure treatment at 1500 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niwase, Keisuke; Terasawa, Mititaka; Honda, Shin-ichi; Niibe, Masahito; Hisakuni, Tomohiko; Iwata, Tadao; Higo, Yuji; Hirai, Takeshi; Shinmei, Toru; Ohfuji, Hiroaki; Irifune, Tetsuo

2018-04-01

The super hard material of "compressed graphite" (CG) has been reported to be formed under compression of graphite at room temperature. However, it returns to graphite under decompression. Neutron-irradiated graphite, on the other hand, is a unique material for the synthesis of a new carbon phase, as reported by the formation of an amorphous diamond by shock compression. Here, we investigate the change of structure of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) irradiated with neutrons to a fluence of 1.4 × 1024 n/m2 under static pressure. The neutron-irradiated HOPG sample was compressed to 15 GPa at room temperature and then the temperature was increased up to 1500 °C. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy on the recovered sample clearly showed the formation of a significant amount of quenchable-CG with ordinary graphite. Formation of hexagonal and cubic diamonds was also confirmed. The effect of irradiation-induced defects on the synthesis of quenchable-CG under high pressure and high temperature treatment was discussed.

Carbon nanotube materials for hydrogen storage

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

Dillon, A.C.; Parilla, P.A.; Jones, K.M.

1998-08-01

Carbon single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) are essentially elongated pores of molecular dimensions and are capable of adsorbing hydrogen at relatively high temperatures and low pressures. This behavior is unique to these materials and indicates that SWNTs are the ideal building block for constructing safe, efficient, and high energy density adsorbents for hydrogen storage applications. In past work the authors developed methods for preparing and opening SWNTs, discovered the unique adsorption properties of these new materials, confirmed that hydrogen is stabilized by physical rather than chemical interactions, measured the strength of interaction to be {approximately} 5 times higher than for adsorption onmore » planar graphite, and performed infrared absorption spectroscopy to determine the chemical nature of the surface terminations before, during, and after oxidation. This year the authors have made significant advances in synthesis and characterization of SWNT materials so that they can now prepare gram quantities of high-purity SWNT samples and measure and control the diameter distribution of the tubes by varying key parameters during synthesis. They have also developed methods which purify nanotubes and cut nanotubes into shorter segments. These capabilities provide a means for opening the tubes which were unreactive to the oxidation methods that successfully opened tubes, and offer a path towards organizing nanotube segments to enable high volumetric hydrogen storage densities. They also performed temperature programmed desorption spectroscopy on high purity carbon nanotube material obtained from collaborator Prof. Patrick Bernier and finished construction of a high precision Seivert`s apparatus which will allow the hydrogen pressure-temperature-composition phase diagrams to be evaluated for SWNT materials.« less

Short review of high-pressure crystal growth and magnetic and electrical properties of solid-state osmium oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaura, Kazunari

2016-04-01

High-pressure crystal growth and synthesis of selected solid-state osmium oxides, many of which are perovskite-related types, are briefly reviewed, and their magnetic and electrical properties are introduced. Crystals of the osmium oxides, including NaOsO3, LiOsO3, and Na2OsO4, were successfully grown under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions at 6 GPa in the presence of an appropriate amount of flux in a belt-type apparatus. The unexpected discovery of a magnetic metal-insulator transition in NaOsO3, a ferroelectric-like transition in LiOsO3, and high-temperature ferrimagnetism driven by a local structural distortion in Ca2FeOsO6 may represent unique features of the osmium oxides. The high-pressure and high-temperature synthesis and crystal growth has played a central role in the development of solid-state osmium oxides and the elucidation of their magnetic and electronic properties toward possible use in multifunctional devices.

NBS (National Bureau of Standards): Materials measurements. [space processing experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manning, J. R.

1983-01-01

Work directed toward the measurement of materials properties important to the design and interpretation of space processing experiments and determinations of how the space environment may offer a unique opportunity for performing improved measurements and producing materials with improved properties is reported. Surface tensions and their variations with temperature and impurities; convection during undirectional solidification; and measurement of the high temperature thermophysical properties of tungsten group liquids and solids are discussed and results are summarized.

Electron microscopy observation of TiO2 nanocrystal evolution in high-temperature atomic layer deposition.

PubMed

Shi, Jian; Li, Zhaodong; Kvit, Alexander; Krylyuk, Sergiy; Davydov, Albert V; Wang, Xudong

2013-01-01

Understanding the evolution of amorphous and crystalline phases during atomic layer deposition (ALD) is essential for creating high quality dielectrics, multifunctional films/coatings, and predictable surface functionalization. Through comprehensive atomistic electron microscopy study of ALD TiO2 nanostructures at designed growth cycles, we revealed the transformation process and sequence of atom arrangement during TiO2 ALD growth. Evolution of TiO2 nanostructures in ALD was found following a path from amorphous layers to amorphous particles to metastable crystallites and ultimately to stable crystalline forms. Such a phase evolution is a manifestation of the Ostwald-Lussac Law, which governs the advent sequence and amount ratio of different phases in high-temperature TiO2 ALD nanostructures. The amorphous-crystalline mixture also enables a unique anisotropic crystal growth behavior at high temperature forming TiO2 nanorods via the principle of vapor-phase oriented attachment.

Production & Characterization of a Unique Dextran from an Indigenous Leuconostoc mesenteroides CMG713

PubMed Central

Sarwat, Farwa; Qader, Shah Ali Ul; Aman, Afsheen; Ahmed, Nuzhat

2008-01-01

On the basis of high enzyme activity a newly isolated strain of L. mesenteroides CMG713 was selected for dextran production. For maximum yield of dextran, effects of various parameters such as pH, temperature, sucrose concentration and incubation period were studied. L. mesenteroides CMG713 produced maximum dextran after 20 hours of incubation at 30ºC with 15% sucrose at pH 7.0. The molecular mass distribution of dextran produced by this strain showed that its molecular mass was about 2.0 million Da. Dextran analysis by 13C-NMR spectrometry showed no signals corresponding to any other linkages except α-(1→6) glycosidic linkage in the main chain, which has not been reported before. Physico-chemical properties of this unique dextran were also studied. These optimised conditions could be used for the commercial production of this unique high molecular weight dextran, which have significant industrial perspectives. PMID:18953402

A proposal for epitaxial thin film growth in outer space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ignatiev, Alex; Chu, C. W.

1988-01-01

A new concept for materials processing in space exploits the ultravacuum component of space for thin film epitaxial growth. The unique low earth orbit space environment is expected to yield 10 to the -14th torr or better pressures, semiinfinite pumping speeds, and large ultravacuum volume without walls. These space ultravacuum properties promise major improvement in the quality, unique nature, and the throughput of epitaxially grown materials. Advanced thin film materials to be epitaxially grown in space include semiconductors, magnetic materials, and thin film high temperature superconductors.

Industrial uses and applications of ionic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutowski, Keith E.

2018-02-01

Ionic liquids are salts that melt at low temperatures (usually defined as less than 100 °C) and have a number of interesting properties that make them useful for industrial applications. Typical ionic liquid properties include high thermal stabilities, negligible vapor pressures, wide liquidus ranges, broad electrochemical windows, and unique solvation properties. Furthermore, the potential combinations of cations and anions provide nearly unlimited chemical tunability. This article will describe the diverse industrial uses of ionic liquids and how their unique properties are leveraged, with examples ranging from chemical processing to consumer packaged goods.

A unique high heat flux facility for testing hypersonic engine components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melis, Matthew E.; Gladden, Herbert J.

1990-01-01

This paper describes the Hot Gas Facility, a unique, reliable, and cost-effective high-heat-flux facility for testing hypersonic engine components developed at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The Hot Gas Facility is capable of providing heat fluxes ranging from 200 Btu/sq ft per sec on flat surfaces up to 8000 Btu/sq ft per sec at a leading edge stagnation point. The usefulness of the Hot Gas Facility for the NASP community was demonstrated by testing hydrogen-cooled structures over a range of temperatures and pressures. Ranges of the Reynolds numbers, Prandtl numbers, enthalpy, and heat fluxes similar to those expected during hypersonic flights were achieved.

Multifunctional transparent ZnO nanorod films.

PubMed

Kwak, Geunjae; Jung, Sungmook; Yong, Kijung

2011-03-18

Transparent ZnO nanorod (NR) films that exhibit extreme wetting states (either superhydrophilicity or superhydrophobicity through surface chemical modification), high transmittance, UV protection and antireflection have been prepared via the facile ammonia hydrothermal method. The periodic 1D ZnO NR arrays showed extreme wetting states as well as antireflection properties due to their unique surface structure and prevented the UVA region from penetrating the substrate due to the unique material property of ZnO. Because of the simple, time-efficient and low temperature preparation process, ZnO NR films with useful functionalities are promising for fabrication of highly light transmissive, antireflective, UV protective, antifogging and self-cleaning optical materials to be used for optical devices and photovoltaic energy devices.

The design of an air-cooled metallic high temperature radial turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Philip H.; Roelke, Richard J.

1988-01-01

Recent trends in small advanced gas turbine engines call for higher turbine inlet temperatures. Advances in radial turbine technology have opened the way for a cooled metallic radial turbine capable of withstanding turbine inlet temperatures of 2500 F while meeting the challenge of high efficiency in this small flow size range. In response to this need, a small air-cooled radial turbine has been designed utilizing internal blade coolant passages. The coolant flow passage design is uniquely tailored to simultaneously meet rotor cooling needs and rotor fabrication constraints. The rotor flow-path design seeks to realize improved aerodynamic blade loading characteristics and high efficiency while satisfying rotor life requirements. An up-scaled version of the final engine rotor is currently under fabrication and, after instrumentation, will be tested in the warm turbine test facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center.

Superior Thermally Stable and Nonflammable Porous Polybenzimidazole Membrane with High Wettability for High-Power Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Li, Dan; Shi, Dingqin; Xia, Yonggao; Qiao, Lin; Li, Xianfeng; Zhang, Huamin

2017-03-15

Separators with high security, reliability, and rate capacity are in urgent need for the advancement of high power lithium ion batteries. The currently used porous polyolefin membranes are critically hindered by their low thermal stability and poor electrolyte wettability, which further lead to low rate capacity. Here we present a novel promising porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane with super high thermal stability and electrolyte wettability. The rigid structure and functional groups in the PBI chain enable membranes to be stable at temperature as high as 400 °C, and the unique flame resistance of PBI could ensure the high security of a battery as well. In particular, the prepared membrane owns 328% electrolyte uptake, which is more than two times higher than commercial Celgard 2325 separator. The unique combination of high thermal stability, high flame resistance and super high electrolyte wettability enable the PBI porous membranes to be highly promising for high power lithium battery.

High-Temperature Modal Survey of a Hot-Structure Control Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spivey, Natalie Dawn

2010-01-01

Ground vibration tests or modal surveys are routinely conducted for supporting flutter analysis for subsonic and supersonic vehicles; however, for hypersonic vehicle applications, thermoelastic vibration testing techniques are not well established and are not routinely performed for supporting hypersonic flutter analysis. New high-temperature material systems, fabrication technologies and high-temperature sensors expand the opportunities to develop advanced techniques for performing ground vibration tests at elevated temperatures. High-temperature materials have the unique property of increasing in stiffness when heated. When these materials are incorporated into a hot-structure, which includes metallic components that decrease in stiffness with increasing temperature, the interaction between the two materials systems needs to be understood because that interaction could ultimately affect the hypersonic flutter analysis. Performing a high-temperature modal survey will expand the research database for hypersonics and will help build upon the understanding of the dual material interaction. This paper will discuss the vibration testing of the Carbon-Silicon Carbide Ruddervator Subcomponent Test Article which is a truncated version of the full-scale X-37 hot-structure control surface. In order to define the modal characteristics of the test article during the elevated-temperature modal survey, two series of room-temperature modal test configurations had to be performed. The room-temperature test series included one with the test article suspended from a bungee cord (free-free) and the second with it mounted on the strongback (fixed boundary condition) in NASA Dryden's Flight Loads Lab large nitrogen test chamber.

Electronic Power System Application of Diamond-Like Carbon Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Richard L. C.; Kosai, H.; Fries-Carr, S.; Weimer, J.; Freeman, M.; Schwarze, G. E.

2003-01-01

A prototype manufacturing technology for producing high volume efficiency and high energy density diamond-like carbon (DLC) capacitors has been developed. Unique dual ion-beam deposition and web-handling systems have been designed and constructed to deposit high quality DLC films simultaneously on both sides of capacitor grade aluminum foil and aluminum-coated polymer films. An optimized process, using inductively coupled RF ion sources, has been used to synthesize electrically robust DLC films. DLC films are amorphous and highly flexible, making them suitable for the production of wound capacitors. DLC capacitors are reliable and stable over a wide range of AC frequencies from 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and over a temperature range from .500 C to 3000 C. The compact DLC capacitors offer at least a 50% decrease in weight and volume and a greater than 50% increase in temperature handling capability over equal value capacitors built with existing technologies. The DLC capacitors will be suitable for high temperature, high voltage, pulsed power and filter applications.

Golden Rays - December 2016 | Solar Research | NREL

Science.gov Websites

CSP system. Next-generation Gen3 systems will incorporate high-temperature receivers and thermal able to quickly and effectively support each of these companies with technical assistance, on-site storage, cell manufacture, or installation methodologies. NREL supports each company with a unique scope

The effects of microfluidization on the physical, microbial, chemical, and coagulation properties of milk

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This work examines the use of mild heat treatments in conjunction with multiple pass microfluidization to generate unique cheesemilk for potential use in soft cheeses such as Queso Fresco and Cottage Cheese. Raw, thermized, and high temperature, short time pasteurized milk samples, standardized to ...

SCC500: next-generation infrared imaging camera core products with highly flexible architecture for unique camera designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rumbaugh, Roy N.; Grealish, Kevin; Kacir, Tom; Arsenault, Barry; Murphy, Robert H.; Miller, Scott

2003-09-01

A new 4th generation MicroIR architecture is introduced as the latest in the highly successful Standard Camera Core (SCC) series by BAE SYSTEMS to offer an infrared imaging engine with greatly reduced size, weight, power, and cost. The advanced SCC500 architecture provides great flexibility in configuration to include multiple resolutions, an industry standard Real Time Operating System (RTOS) for customer specific software application plug-ins, and a highly modular construction for unique physical and interface options. These microbolometer based camera cores offer outstanding and reliable performance over an extended operating temperature range to meet the demanding requirements of real-world environments. A highly integrated lens and shutter is included in the new SCC500 product enabling easy, drop-in camera designs for quick time-to-market product introductions.

Etched Polymer Fibre Bragg Gratings and Their Biomedical Sensing Applications

PubMed Central

Rajan, Ginu; Bhowmik, Kishore; Xi, Jiangtao; Peng, Gang-Ding

2017-01-01

Bragg gratings in etched polymer fibres and their unique properties and characteristics are discussed in this paper. Due to the change in material and mechanical properties of the polymer fibre through etching, Bragg gratings inscribed in such fibres show high reflectivity and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity towards strain, temperature, and pressure. The short-term and long-term stability of the gratings and the effect of hysteresis on the dynamic characteristics are also discussed. The unique properties and enhanced intrinsic sensitivity of etched polymer fibre Bragg grating are ideal for the development of high-sensitivity sensors for biomedical applications. To demonstrate their biomedical sensing capabilities, a high-sensitivity pressure transducer that operates in the blood pressure range, and a breathing rate monitoring device are developed and presented. PMID:29027945

Nanostructure and strain effects in active thin films for novel electronic device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zheng

2007-12-01

There are many potential applications of ferroelectric thin films that take advantage of their unique dielectric and piezoelectric properties, such as tunable microwave devices and thin-film active sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM). However, many technical issues still restrict practical applications of ferroelectric thin films, including high insertion loss, limited figure of merit, soft mode effect, large temperature coefficients, and others. The main theme of this thesis is the advanced technique developments, and the new ferroelectric thin films syntheses and investigations for novel device applications. A novel method of additional doping has been adopted to (Ba,Sr)TiO 3 (BSTO) thin films on MgO. By introducing 2% Mn into the stoichiometric BSTO, Mn:BSTO thin films have shown a greatly enhanced dielectric tunability and a reduced insertion loss at high frequencies (10-30 GHz). A new record of a large tunability of 80% with a high dielectric constant of 3800 and an extra low dielectric loss of 0.001 at 1 MHz at room-temperature was achieved. Meanwhile, the new highly epitaxial ferroelectric (Pb,Sr)TiO3 (PSTO) thin films have been synthesized on (001) MgO substrates. PSTO films demonstrated excellent high frequency dielectric properties with high dielectric constants above 1420 and large dielectric tunabilities above 34% at room-temperature up to 20 GHz. In addition, a smaller temperature coefficient from 80 K to 300 K was observed in PSTO films compared to BSTO films. These results indicate that the Mn:BSTO and PSTO films are both good candidates for developing room-temperature tunable microwave devices. Furthermore, crystalline ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films have been deposited directly on metal substrate Ni through a unique in-situ substrate pre-oxidation treatment. The highly oriented nanopillar structural BTO films were grown on the buffered layers created by the pre-oxidation treatment. No interdiffusion or reaction was observed at the interface. As-grown BTO films demonstrated good ferroelectric properties and an extremely large piezoelectric response of 130 (x 10-12 C/N). These excellent preliminary results enable the long-term perspective on the unobtrusive ferroelectric thin-film active sensors for SHM applications.

Microstructure and High Temperature Oxidation Property of Fe-Cr-B Based Metal/Ceramic Composite Manufactured by Powder Injection Molding Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, Yeun-Ah; Kim, Young-Kyun; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Lee, Kee-Ahn

2018-03-01

This study investigated the microstructure and high temperature oxidation property of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding process. Observations of initial microstructure showed a unique structure where α-Fe and (Cr, Fe)2B form a continuous three-dimensional network. High temperature oxidation tests were performed at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C, for 24 h, and the oxidation weight gain according to each temperature condition was 0.13, 0.84 and 6.4 mg/cm2, respectively. The oxidation results according to time at 900 and 1000 °C conditions represented parabolic curves, and at 1100 °C condition formed a rectilinear curve. Observation and phase analysis results of the oxides identified Cr2O3 and SiO2 at 900 and 1000 °C. In addition to Cr2O3 and SiO2, CrBO3 and FeCr2O4 formed due to phase decomposition of boride were identified at 1100 °C. Based on the findings above, this study suggested the high temperature oxidation mechanism of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding, and the possibility of its application as a high temperature component material was also discussed.

An Overview of High Temperature Seal Development and Testing Capabilities at the NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Demange, Jeffrey J.; Taylor, Shawn C.; Dunlap, Patrick H.; Steinetz, Bruce M.; Finkbeiner, Joshua R.; Proctor, Margaret P.

2014-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), partnering with the University of Toledo, has a long history of developing and testing seal technologies for high-temperature applications. The GRC Seals Team has conducted research and development on high-temperature seal technologies for applications including advanced propulsion systems, thermal protection systems (airframe and control surface thermal seals), high-temperature preloading technologies, and other extreme-environment seal applications. The team has supported several high-profile projects over the past 30 years and has partnered with numerous organizations, including other government entities, academic institutions, and private organizations. Some of these projects have included the National Aerospace Space Plane (NASP), Space Shuttle Space Transport System (STS), the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), and the Dream Chaser Space Transportation System, as well as several high-speed vehicle programs for other government organizations. As part of the support for these programs, NASA GRC has developed unique seal-specific test facilities that permit evaluations and screening exercises in relevant environments. The team has also embarked on developing high-temperature preloaders to help maintain seal functionality in extreme environments. This paper highlights several propulsion-related projects that the NASA GRC Seals Team has supported over the past several years and will provide an overview of existing testing capabilities

The Interplay of Quantum Confinement and Hydrogenation in Amorphous Silicon Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Askari, Sadegh; Svrcek, Vladmir; Maguire, Paul; Mariotti, Davide

2015-12-22

Hydrogenation in amorphous silicon quantum dots (QDs) has a dramatic impact on the corresponding optical properties and band energy structure, leading to a quantum-confined composite material with unique characteristics. The synthesis of a-Si:H QDs is demonstrated with an atmospheric-pressure plasma process, which allows for accurate control of a highly chemically reactive non-equilibrium environment with temperatures well below the crystallization temperature of Si QDs. © 2015 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Temperature dependence of 2DEG and excitonic optical transitions in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litton, C. W.; Reynolds, D. C.; Hoelscher, J. E.; Collins, T. C.; Fitch, R.; Via, G. D.; Gillespie, J.; Crespo, A.; Jenkins, T. J.; Worley, R.; Saxler, A.

2005-05-01

Four (4) unique optical transitions are reported in both the emission and reflection spectra of high-quality AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. Study of the shifts of spectral peak energies and their intensity variations with temperature, reveal that these transitions arise from Free Exciton recombination and transitions between the A- and B-valence bands and the excited states of the 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the heterointerface.

Temperature Dependent Performance of Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) on Substrates of Various Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taub, Susan R.; Young, Paul

1994-01-01

The attenuation (a) and effective dielectric constant (E(sub eff)) of Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) transmission lines on high-resistivity silicon and diamond substrates as a function of both temperature and frequency are presented. The technique used to obtain the values for a and E(sub eff) involves the use of a unique cryogenic probe station designed and built by NASA. Attenuation of gold CPW lines on diamond substrates is compared with that of superconducting CPW lines.

Elevated temperature biaxial fatigue

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jordan, E. H.

1984-01-01

A three year experimental program for studying elevated temperature biaxial fatigue of a nickel based alloy Hastelloy-X has been completed. A new high temperature fatigue test facility with unique capabilities has been developed. Effort was directed toward understanding multiaxial fatigue and correlating the experimental data to the existing theories of fatigue failure. The difficult task of predicting fatigue lives for non-proportional loading was used as an ultimate test for various life prediction methods being considered. The primary means of reaching improved undertanding were through several critical non-proportional loading experiments. It was discovered that the cracking mode switched from primarily cracking on the maximum shear planes at room temperature to cracking on the maximum normal strain planes at 649 C.

Recent advance in high manufacturing readiness level and high temperature CMOS mixed-signal integrated circuits on silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, M. H.; Clark, D. T.; Wright, S. N.; Gordon, D. L.; Duncan, M. A.; Kirkham, S. J.; Idris, M. I.; Chan, H. K.; Young, R. A. R.; Ramsay, E. P.; Wright, N. G.; Horsfall, A. B.

2017-05-01

A high manufacturing readiness level silicon carbide (SiC) CMOS technology is presented. The unique process flow enables the monolithic integration of pMOS and nMOS transistors with passive circuit elements capable of operation at temperatures of 300 °C and beyond. Critical to this functionality is the behaviour of the gate dielectric and data for high temperature capacitance-voltage measurements are reported for SiO2/4H-SiC (n and p type) MOS structures. In addition, a summary of the long term reliability for a range of structures including contact chains to both n-type and p-type SiC, as well as simple logic circuits is presented, showing function after 2000 h at 300 °C. Circuit data is also presented for the performance of digital logic devices, a 4 to 1 analogue multiplexer and a configurable timer operating over a wide temperature range. A high temperature micro-oven system has been utilised to enable the high temperature testing and stressing of units assembled in ceramic dual in line packages, including a high temperature small form-factor SiC based bridge leg power module prototype, operated for over 1000 h at 300 °C. The data presented show that SiC CMOS is a key enabling technology in high temperature integrated circuit design. In particular it provides the ability to realise sensor interface circuits capable of operating above 300 °C, accommodate shifts in key parameters enabling deployment in applications including automotive, aerospace and deep well drilling.

Linear topology in amorphous metal oxide electrochromic networks obtained via low-temperature solution processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llordés, Anna; Wang, Yang; Fernandez-Martinez, Alejandro; Xiao, Penghao; Lee, Tom; Poulain, Agnieszka; Zandi, Omid; Saez Cabezas, Camila A.; Henkelman, Graeme; Milliron, Delia J.

2016-12-01

Amorphous transition metal oxides are recognized as leading candidates for electrochromic window coatings that can dynamically modulate solar irradiation and improve building energy efficiency. However, their thin films are normally prepared by energy-intensive sputtering techniques or high-temperature solution methods, which increase manufacturing cost and complexity. Here, we report on a room-temperature solution process to fabricate electrochromic films of niobium oxide glass (NbOx) and `nanocrystal-in-glass’ composites (that is, tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanocrystals embedded in NbOx glass) via acid-catalysed condensation of polyniobate clusters. A combination of X-ray scattering and spectroscopic characterization with complementary simulations reveals that this strategy leads to a unique one-dimensional chain-like NbOx structure, which significantly enhances the electrochromic performance, compared to a typical three-dimensional NbOx network obtained from conventional high-temperature thermal processing. In addition, we show how self-assembled ITO-in-NbOx composite films can be successfully integrated into high-performance flexible electrochromic devices.

Strong, ductile, and thermally stable Cu-based metal-intermetallic nanostructured composites.

PubMed

Dusoe, Keith J; Vijayan, Sriram; Bissell, Thomas R; Chen, Jie; Morley, Jack E; Valencia, Leopolodo; Dongare, Avinash M; Aindow, Mark; Lee, Seok-Woo

2017-01-09

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) and nanocrystalline metals (NMs) have been extensively investigated due to their superior strengths and elastic limits. Despite these excellent mechanical properties, low ductility at room temperature and poor microstructural stability at elevated temperatures often limit their practical applications. Thus, there is a need for a metallic material system that can overcome these performance limits of BMGs and NMs. Here, we present novel Cu-based metal-intermetallic nanostructured composites (MINCs), which exhibit high ultimate compressive strengths (over 2 GPa), high compressive failure strain (over 20%), and superior microstructural stability even at temperatures above the glass transition temperature of Cu-based BMGs. Rapid solidification produces a unique ultra-fine microstructure that contains a large volume fraction of Cu 5 Zr superlattice intermetallic compound; this contributes to the high strength and superior thermal stability. Mechanical and microstructural characterizations reveal that substantial accumulation of phase boundary sliding at metal/intermetallic interfaces accounts for the extensive ductility observed.

Diffuser/ejector system for a very high vacuum environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggs, K. E.; Wojciechowski, C. J. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

Turbo jet engines are used to furnish the necessary high temperature, high volume, medium pressure gas to provide a high vacuum test environment at comparatively low cost for space engines at sea level. Moreover, the invention provides a unique way by use of the variable area ratio ejectors with a pair of meshing cones are used. The outer cone is arranged to translate fore and aft, and the inner cone is interchangeable with other cones having varying angles of taper.

No-insulation multi-width winding technique for high temperature superconducting magnet.

PubMed

Hahn, Seungyong; Kim, Youngjae; Keun Park, Dong; Kim, Kwangmin; Voccio, John P; Bascuñán, Juan; Iwasa, Yukikazu

2013-10-21

We present a No-Insulation ( NI ) Multi-Width ( MW ) winding technique for an HTS (high temperature superconductor) magnet consisting of double-pancake (DP) coils. The NI enables an HTS magnet self-protecting and the MW minimizes the detrimental anisotropy in current-carrying capacity of HTS tape by assigning tapes of multiple widths to DP coils within a stack, widest tape to the top and bottom sections and the narrowest in the midplane section. This paper presents fabrication and test results of an NI-MW HTS magnet and demonstrates the unique features of the NI-MW technique: self-protecting and enhanced field performance, unattainable with the conventional technique.

In situ strain and temperature measurement and modelling during arc welding

DOE PAGES

Chen, Jian; Yu, Xinghua; Miller, Roger G.; ...

2014-12-26

In this study, experiments and numerical models were applied to investigate the thermal and mechanical behaviours of materials adjacent to the weld pool during arc welding. In the experiment, a new high temperature strain measurement technique based on digital image correlation (DIC) was developed and applied to measure the in situ strain evolution. In contrast to the conventional DIC method that is vulnerable to the high temperature and intense arc light involved in fusion welding processes, the new technique utilised a special surface preparation method to produce high temperature sustaining speckle patterns required by the DIC algorithm as well asmore » a unique optical illumination and filtering system to suppress the influence of the intense arc light. These efforts made it possible for the first time to measure in situ the strain field 1 mm away from the fusion line. The temperature evolution in the weld and the adjacent regions was simultaneously monitored by an infrared camera. Finally and additionally, a thermal–mechanical finite element model was applied to substantiate the experimental measurement.« less

Large-area high-power VCSEL pump arrays optimized for high-energy lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chad; Geske, Jonathan; Garrett, Henry; Cardellino, Terri; Talantov, Fedor; Berdin, Glen; Millenheft, David; Renner, Daniel; Klemer, Daniel

2012-06-01

Practical, large-area, high-power diode pumps for one micron (Nd, Yb) as well as eye-safer wavelengths (Er, Tm, Ho) are critical to the success of any high energy diode pumped solid state laser. Diode efficiency, brightness, availability and cost will determine how realizable a fielded high energy diode pumped solid state laser will be. 2-D Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) arrays are uniquely positioned to meet these requirements because of their unique properties, such as low divergence circular output beams, reduced wavelength drift with temperature, scalability to large 2-D arrays through low-cost and high-volume semiconductor photolithographic processes, high reliability, no catastrophic optical damage failure, and radiation and vacuum operation tolerance. Data will be presented on the status of FLIR-EOC's VCSEL pump arrays. Analysis of the key aspects of electrical, thermal and mechanical design that are critical to the design of a VCSEL pump array to achieve high power efficient array performance will be presented.

Glasses and Liquids Low on the Energy Landscape Prepared by Physical Vapor Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalal, Shakeel; Fakhraai, Zahra; Ediger, Mark

2014-03-01

The lower portions of the potential energy landscape for glass-forming materials such as polymers and small molecules were historically inaccessible by experiments. Physical vapor deposition is uniquely able to prepare materials in this portion of the energy landscape, with the properties of the deposited material primarily modulated by the substrate temperature. Here we report on high-throughput experiments which utilize a temperature gradient stage to enable rapid screening of vapor-deposited organic glasses. Using ellipsometry, we characterize a 100 K range of substrate temperatures in a single experiment, allowing us to rapidly determine the density, kinetic stability, fictive temperature and molecular orientation of these glasses. Their properties fall into three temperature regimes. At substrate temperatures as low as 0.97Tg, we prepare materials which are equivalent to the supercooled liquid produced by cooling the melt. Below 0.9Tg (1.16TK) the properties of materials are kinetically controlled and highly tunable. At intermediate substrate temperatures we are able to produce materials whose bulk properties match those expected for the equilibrium supercooled liquid, down to 1.16TK, but are structurally anisotropic.

Ladder polymers for use as high temperature stable resins or coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meador, Mary Ann (Inventor)

1990-01-01

An object of the invention is to synthesize a new class of ladder and partial ladder polymers. In accordance with the invention, the new class of ladder and partial ladder polymers are synthesized by polymerizing a bis-dienophile with a bis-diene. Another object of the invention is to provide a fabricated, electrically conducting, void free composite comprising the new class of the ladder and partial ladder polymers described above. The novelty of the invention relates to a new class of ladder and partial ladder polymers and a process for synthesizing these polymers. These polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and are characterized with a unique dehydration property at temperatures of 300 to 400 C to provide thermo-oxidatively stable pentiptycene units along the polymeric backbone. These polymers are further characterized with high softening points and good thermo-oxidative stability properties. Thus these polymers have potential as processable, matrix resins for high temperature composite applications.

New developments in thermally stable polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hergenrother, Paul M.

1991-01-01

Advances in high-temperature polymers since 1985 are discussed with the emphasis on the chemistry. High-temperature polymers refer to materials that exhibit glass-transition temperatures greater than 200 C and have the chemical structure expected to provide high thermooxidative stability. Specific polymers or series of polymers were selected to show how the chemical structure influences certain properties. Poly(arylene ethers) and polyimides are the two principal families of polymers discussed. Recent work on poly(arylene ethers) has concentrated on incorporating heterocyclic units within the polymer backbone. Recent polyimide work has centered on the synthesis of new polymers from novel monomers, several containing the trifluoromethyl group strategically located on the molecule. Various members in each of these polymer families display a unique combination of properties, heretofore unattainable. Other families of polymers are also briefly discussed with a polymer from an AB maleimidobenzocyclobutene exhibiting an especially attractive combination of properties.

Annual variation in the timing of coral spawning in a high-latitude environment: influence of temperature.

PubMed

Nozawa, Yoko

2012-06-01

This study was conducted at a high-latitude location (32°N; Kochi, Japan), where annual seawater temperatures show large fluctuations due to the meandering of the Kuroshio Current, providing a unique opportunity to examine the influence of temperature on coral reproduction. Annual spawning of individual colonies of four reef coral species-two Acropora species (Acropora hyacinthus and A. japonica) and two faviid species (Favites pentagona and Platygyra contorta)-was monitored in situ for 4 years in 2006-2009. The spawning of the four species always occurred around the last quarter moon in the local summer, July or August, irrespective of high annual variations in seawater temperatures (from 23.7 to 29.5 °C) and weather during the spawning period. However, the exact timing of spawning during the spawning period varied among the years and was correlated with the cumulative seawater temperature during the late period of gametogenesis (0-3 months before spawning). When seawater temperatures were higher, spawning occurred in the earlier spawning month (July) and vice versa, except in A. hyacinthus, which always spawned in July. In the case of the two Acropora species, higher (lower) temperatures led to spawning earlier (later) in the lunar cycle. Seawater temperature may have an influence on gametogenesis, causing the shift in spawning timing.

Petrology and mineral chemistry of 67667, a unique feldspathic lherzolite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, E. C.; Smith, J. V.; Steele, I. M.

1980-01-01

The petrography and mineral chemistry of 67667 lherzolite suggests cataclasis of a fine-grained high-temperature rock, perhaps formed as a cumulate in a high-level pluton. With the exception of the Sr content of plagioclase, the mineral chemistry fits with that of major rock types ascribed to the lunar crust. No evidence is found to favor a relationship between 67667 and present-day meteorites falling on the earth.

Thermal decomposition of fullerene nanowhiskers protected by amorphous carbon mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hongxuan; Wang, Chengxiang; Miyazawa, Kun'Ichi; Wang, Hongxin; Masuda, Hideki; Fujita, Daisuke

2016-12-01

Fullerene nanostructures are well known for their unique morphology, physical and mechanical properties. The thermal stability of fullerene nanostructures, such as their sublimation at high temperature is also very important for studying their structures and applications. In this work, We observed fullerene nanowhiskers (FNWs) in situ with scanning helium ion microscopy (HIM) at elevated temperatures. The FNWs exhibited different stabilities with different thermal histories during the observation. The pristine FNWs were decomposed at the temperatures higher than 300 °C in a vacuum environment. Other FNWs were protected from decomposition with an amorphous carbon (aC) film deposited on the surface. Based on high spacial resolution, aC film with periodic structure was deposited by helium ion beam induced deposition (IBID) on the surface of FNWs. Annealed at the high temperature, the fullerene molecules were selectively sublimated from the FNWs. The periodic structure was formed on the surface of FNWs and observed by HIM. Monte Carlo simulation and Raman characterization proved that the morphology of the FNWs was changed by helium IBID at high temperature. This work provides a new method of fabricating artificial structure on the surface of FNWs with periodic aC film as a mask.

Preliminary Flight Deck Observations During Flight in High Ice Water Content Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratvasky, Thomas; Duchanoy, Dominque; Bourdinot, Jean-Francois; Harrah, Steven; Strapp, Walter; Schwarzenboeck, Alfons; Dezitter, Fabien; Grandin, Alice

2015-01-01

In 2006, Mason et al. identified common observations that occurred in engine power-loss events attributed to flight in high concentrations of ice crystals. Observations included light to moderate turbulence, precipitation on the windscreen (often reported as rain), aircraft total temperature anomalies, lack of significant airframe icing, and no flight radar echoes at the location and altitude of the engine event. Since 2006, Mason et al. and others have collected information from pilots who experienced engine power-loss events via interviews and questionnaires to substantiate earlier observations and support event analyses. In 2011, Mason and Grzych reported that vertical acceleration data showed increases in turbulence prior to engine events, although the turbulence was usually light to moderate and not unique to high ice water content (HIWC) clouds. Mason concluded that the observation of rain on the windscreen was due to melting of ice high concentrations of ice crystals on the windscreen, coalescing into drops. Mason also reported that these pilot observations of rain on the windscreen were varied. Many pilots indicated no rain was observed, while others observed moderate rain with unique impact sounds. Mason concluded that the variation in the reports may be due to variation in the ice concentration, particle size, and temperature.

A steady-state high-temperature apparatus for measuring thermal conductivity of ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filla, B. James

1997-07-01

A one-sided very-high-temperature guarded hot plate has been built to measure thermal conductivity of monolithic ceramics, ceramic composites, thermal barrier coatings, functional graded materials, and high-temperature metal alloys. It is an absolute, steady-state measurement device with an operational temperature range of 400-1400 K. Measurements are made in an atmosphere of low-pressure helium. Specimens examined in this apparatus are 70 mm in diameter, with thicknesses ranging between 1 and 8 mm. Optimal specimen thermal conductivities fall in the range of 0.5-30 W/(mK). Internal heated components are composed entirely of high-purity aluminum oxide, boron nitride, beryllium oxide, and fibrous alumina insulation board. Pure nickel and thermocouple-grade platinum-based alloys are the only metals used in the system. Apparatus design, modeling, and operation are described, along with the methods of data analysis that are unique to this system. An analysis of measurement uncertainty yields a combined measurement uncertainty of ±5%. Experimental measurements on several materials are presented to illustrate the precision and bias of the apparatus.

Pedigreed mutant library- a unique resource for sorghum improvement and genomics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a versatile crop used for food, feeder, fodder, and biofuel. Due to its superior resilience to drought and high temperature stresses and low soil fertility, sorghum is becoming increasingly important in meeting the growing need for food and energy in face of de...

Testing of the 3M Company Composite Conductor

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

Stovall, John P; Rizy, D Tom; Kisner, Roger A

2010-10-01

The 3M Company has developed a high-temperature low-sag conductor referred to as Aluminum-Conductor Composite-Reinforced or ACCR. The conductor uses an aluminum metal matrix material to replace the steel in conventional conductors. The objective of this work is to accelerate the commercial acceptance by electric utilities of this new conductor design by testing four representative conductor classes in controlled conditions. A unique facility called the Powerline Conductor Accelerated Testing (PCAT) Facility was built at ORNL for testing overhead conductors. The PCAT has been uniquely designed for testing overhead bare transmission line conductors at high currents and temperatures after they have beenmore » installed and tensioned to the manufacturer's specifications. The ability to operate a transmission line conductor in this manner does not exist elsewhere in the United States. Four classes of ACCR cable designed by the 3M Company have been successfully test at ORNL small, medium, large and small/compact. Based on these and other manufacturer tests, the 3M Company has successfully introduced the ACCR into the commercial market and has completed over twenty installations for utility companies.« less

Design of a High Temperature Radiator for the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheth, Rubik B.; Ungar, Eugene K.; Chambliss, Joe P.

2012-01-01

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), currently under development by Ad Astra Rocket Company (Webster, TX), is a unique propulsion system that could change the way space propulsion is performed. VASIMR's efficiency, when compared to that of a conventional chemical rocket, reduces the propellant needed for exploration missions by a factor of 10. Currently plans include flight tests of a 200 kW VASIMR system, titled VF-200, on the International Space Station (ISS). The VF-200 will consist of two 100 kW thruster units packaged together in one engine bus. Each thruster core generates 27 kW of waste heat during its 15 minute firing time. The rocket core will be maintained between 283 and 573 K by a pumped thermal control loop. The design of a high temperature radiator is a unique challenge for the vehicle design. This paper will discuss the path taken to develop a steady state and transient-based radiator design. The paper will describe the radiator design option selected for the VASIMR thermal control system for use on ISS, and how the system relates to future exploration vehicles.

Exploration of the nature of a unique natural polymer-based thermosensitive hydrogel.

PubMed

Lu, Shanling; Yang, Yuhong; Yao, Jinrong; Shao, Zhengzhong; Chen, Xin

2016-01-14

The chitosan (CS)/β-glycerol phosphate (GP) system is a heat induced gelling system with a promising potential application, such as an injectable biomedical material. Unlike most thermosensitive gelling systems, the CS/GP system is only partially reversible. That is once the hydrogel is fully matured, it only softens but cannot go back to its initial liquid state when cooled down. Here, we perform both the small and large amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS and LAOS) tests on the fully matured CS/GP hydrogel samples at a variety of temperatures within the cooling process. The purpose of such tests is to investigate the structural change of the hydrogel network and thus to understand the possible gelation mechanism of this unique thermosensitive hydrogel. From the LAOS results and the further analysis with the Chebyshev expansion method, it shows that the CS/GP hydrogel is composed of a colloidal network dominated by hydrophobic interactions at high temperature, and gradually turns into a flexible network dominated by hydrogen bonding when the temperature goes down. Therefore, we may conclude that LOAS is a powerful tool to study the nonlinear behaviour of a polymer system that is closely related to its structure, and as a practical example, we achieve a clearer vision on the gelation mechanism of the unique CS/GP thermosensitive hydrogel on the basis of considerable previous studies and assumptions in this laboratory and other research groups.

Hierarchical layered double hydroxides with Ag nanoparticle modification for ethanol sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Yuxiang; Wang, Liping; Wang, Xiaofei

2018-07-01

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have recently been revealed to be promising in gas sensor applications due to their compositional flexibility and unique 2D-interlayer channel for gas diffusion and adsorption. This work demonstrates highly porous hierarchical LDHs containing Mg2+ and Al3+ (MgAl-LDHs) for ethanol sensing at room temperature. These MgAl-LDHs, with unique flower-like hierarchical structure and mesoporous interlayer, were synthesized hydrothermally using sodium dodecyl sulfate as soft template as well as intercalating agent. Further modification by discrete Ag nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved via an environmentally friendly glucose-reduction method to improve the gas-sensing response of the LDH-based sensor. It is found that the hierarchical MgAl-LDHs show potential in sensing ethanol gas with rapid dynamic characteristics at room temperature; their response magnitude towards ethanol can be enhanced significantly by Ag NP modification. The gas-response value of the Ag-modified MgAl-LDH sensor is about twice that of pristine MgAl-LDH sensors, towards 5–200 ppm ethanol at room temperature. Meanwhile, rapid response-recovery characteristics are achieved, with response and recovery times shorter than 10 and 50 s, respectively. The satisfactory sensing performance and remarkable response enhancement by Ag NP modification are demonstrated in terms of the unique microstructure of the hierarchical MgAl-LDHs and a constructed conductive effect model of Ag functionalized LDHs.

Hierarchical layered double hydroxides with Ag nanoparticle modification for ethanol sensing.

PubMed

Qin, Yuxiang; Wang, Liping; Wang, Xiaofei

2018-07-06

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have recently been revealed to be promising in gas sensor applications due to their compositional flexibility and unique 2D-interlayer channel for gas diffusion and adsorption. This work demonstrates highly porous hierarchical LDHs containing Mg 2+ and Al 3+ (MgAl-LDHs) for ethanol sensing at room temperature. These MgAl-LDHs, with unique flower-like hierarchical structure and mesoporous interlayer, were synthesized hydrothermally using sodium dodecyl sulfate as soft template as well as intercalating agent. Further modification by discrete Ag nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved via an environmentally friendly glucose-reduction method to improve the gas-sensing response of the LDH-based sensor. It is found that the hierarchical MgAl-LDHs show potential in sensing ethanol gas with rapid dynamic characteristics at room temperature; their response magnitude towards ethanol can be enhanced significantly by Ag NP modification. The gas-response value of the Ag-modified MgAl-LDH sensor is about twice that of pristine MgAl-LDH sensors, towards 5-200 ppm ethanol at room temperature. Meanwhile, rapid response-recovery characteristics are achieved, with response and recovery times shorter than 10 and 50 s, respectively. The satisfactory sensing performance and remarkable response enhancement by Ag NP modification are demonstrated in terms of the unique microstructure of the hierarchical MgAl-LDHs and a constructed conductive effect model of Ag functionalized LDHs.

Stretchable silicon nanoribbon electronics for skin prosthesis.

PubMed

Kim, Jaemin; Lee, Mincheol; Shim, Hyung Joon; Ghaffari, Roozbeh; Cho, Hye Rim; Son, Donghee; Jung, Yei Hwan; Soh, Min; Choi, Changsoon; Jung, Sungmook; Chu, Kon; Jeon, Daejong; Lee, Soon-Tae; Kim, Ji Hoon; Choi, Seung Hong; Hyeon, Taeghwan; Kim, Dae-Hyeong

2014-12-09

Sensory receptors in human skin transmit a wealth of tactile and thermal signals from external environments to the brain. Despite advances in our understanding of mechano- and thermosensation, replication of these unique sensory characteristics in artificial skin and prosthetics remains challenging. Recent efforts to develop smart prosthetics, which exploit rigid and/or semi-flexible pressure, strain and temperature sensors, provide promising routes for sensor-laden bionic systems, but with limited stretchability, detection range and spatio-temporal resolution. Here we demonstrate smart prosthetic skin instrumented with ultrathin, single crystalline silicon nanoribbon strain, pressure and temperature sensor arrays as well as associated humidity sensors, electroresistive heaters and stretchable multi-electrode arrays for nerve stimulation. This collection of stretchable sensors and actuators facilitate highly localized mechanical and thermal skin-like perception in response to external stimuli, thus providing unique opportunities for emerging classes of prostheses and peripheral nervous system interface technologies.

Toroidal plasmoid generation via extreme hydrodynamic shear

PubMed Central

Gharib, Morteza; Mendoza, Sean; Rosenfeld, Moshe; Beizai, Masoud

2017-01-01

Saint Elmo’s fire and lightning are two known forms of naturally occurring atmospheric pressure plasmas. As a technology, nonthermal plasmas are induced from artificially created electromagnetic or electrostatic fields. Here we report the observation of arguably a unique case of a naturally formed such plasma, created in air at room temperature without external electromagnetic action, by impinging a high-speed microjet of deionized water on a dielectric solid surface. We demonstrate that tribo-electrification from extreme and focused hydrodynamic shear is the driving mechanism for the generation of energetic free electrons. Air ionization results in a plasma that, unlike the general family, is topologically well defined in the form of a coherent toroidal structure. Possibly confined through its self-induced electromagnetic field, this plasmoid is shown to emit strong luminescence and discrete-frequency radio waves. Our experimental study suggests the discovery of a unique platform to support experimentation in low-temperature plasma science. PMID:29146825

A high temperature testing system for ceramic composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemann, John

1994-01-01

Ceramic composites are presently being developed for high temperature use in heat engine and space power system applications. The operating temperature range is expected to be 1090 to 1650 C (2000 F to 3000 F). Very little material data is available at these temperatures and, therefore, it is desirable to thoroughly characterize the basic unidirectional fiber reinforced ceramic composite. This includes testing mainly for mechanical material properties at high temperatures. The proper conduct of such characterization tests requires the development of a tensile testing system includes unique gripping, heating, and strain measuring devices which require special considerations. The system also requires an optimized specimen shape. The purpose of this paper is to review various techniques for measuring displacements or strains, preferably at elevated temperatures. Due to current equipment limitations it is assumed that the specimen is to be tested at a temperature of 1430 C (2600F) in an oxidizing atmosphere. For the most part, previous high temperature material characterization tests, such as flexure and tensile tests, have been performed in inert atmospheres. Due to the harsh environment in which the ceramic specimen is to be tested, many conventional strain measuring techniques can not be applied. Initially a brief description of the more commonly used mechanical strain measuring techniques is given. Major advantages and disadvantages with their application to high temperature tensile testing of ceramic composites are discussed. Next, a general overview is given for various optical techniques. Advantages and disadvantages which are common to these techniques are noted. The optical methods for measuring strain or displacement are categorized into two sections. These include real-time techniques. Finally, an optical technique which offers optimum performance with the high temperature tensile testing of ceramic composites is recommended.

Flexible diaphragm-extreme temperature usage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerma, Guillermo

1991-02-01

A diaphragm suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials. The materials include multilayered lay-ups of diaphragm materials sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabrics. After being formed in the desired shape on a mold, they are vacuum sealed and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave. A bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures are produced.

Flexible diaphragm-extreme temperature usage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerma, Guillermo (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A diaphragm suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials. The materials include multilayered lay-ups of diaphragm materials sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabrics. After being formed in the desired shape on a mold, they are vacuum sealed and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave. A bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures are produced.

Second-Generation High-Temperature Superconductor Wires for the Electric Power Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malozemoff, A. P.

2012-08-01

Superconductors offer major advantages for the electric power grid, including high current and power capacity, high efficiency arising from the lossless current flow, and a unique current-limiting functionality arising from a superconductor-to-resistive transition. These advantages can be brought to bear on equipment such as underground power cables, fault current limiters, rotating machinery, transformers, and energy storage. The first round of significant commercial-scale superconductor power-equipment demonstrations, carried out during the past decade, relied on a first-generation high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wire. However, during the past few years, with the recent commercial availability of high-performance second-generation HTS wires, power-equipment demonstrations have increasingly been carried out with these new wires, which bring important advantages. The foundation is being laid for commercial expansion of this important technology into the power grid.

Strong, tough and stiff bioinspired ceramics from brittle constituents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouville, Florian; Maire, Eric; Meille, Sylvain; van de Moortèle, Bertrand; Stevenson, Adam J.; Deville, Sylvain

2014-05-01

High strength and high toughness are usually mutually exclusive in engineering materials. In ceramics, improving toughness usually relies on the introduction of a metallic or polymeric ductile phase, but this decreases the material’s strength and stiffness as well as its high-temperature stability. Although natural materials that are both strong and tough rely on a combination of mechanisms operating at different length scales, the relevant structures have been extremely difficult to replicate. Here, we report a bioinspired approach based on widespread ceramic processing techniques for the fabrication of bulk ceramics without a ductile phase and with a unique combination of high strength (470 MPa), high toughness (22 MPa m1/2), and high stiffness (290 GPa). Because only mineral constituents are needed, these ceramics retain their mechanical properties at high temperatures (600 °C). Our bioinspired, material-independent approach should find uses in the design and processing of materials for structural, transportation and energy-related applications.

Were the original eubacteria thermophiles?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Achenbach-Richter, L.; Gupta, R.; Stetter, K. O.; Woese, C. R.; Johnson, P. C. (Principal Investigator)

1987-01-01

Thermotoga maritima is one of the more unusual eubacteria: It is highly thermophilic, growing at temperatures higher than any other eubacterium; its cell wall appears to have a unique structure and its lipids a unique composition; and the organism is surrounded by a loose-fitting sheath of unknown function. Its phenotypic uniqueness is matched by its phylogenetic position; Thermotoga maritima represents the deepest known branching in the eubacterial line of descent, as measured by ribosomal RNA sequence comparisons. T. maritima also represents the most slowly evolving of eubacterial lineages. The fact that the two deepest branchings in the eubacterial line of descent (the other, the green non-sulfur bacteria and relatives, i.e. Chloroflexus, Thermomicrobium, etc.) are both basically thermophilic and slowly evolving, strongly suggests that all eubacteria have ultimately arisen from a thermophilic ancestor.

Highly Conductive Solid-State Hybrid Electrolytes Operating at Subzero Temperatures.

PubMed

Kwon, Taeyoung; Choi, Ilyoung; Park, Moon Jeong

2017-07-19

We report a unique, highly conductive, dendrite-inhibited, solid-state polymer electrolyte platform that demonstrates excellent battery performance at subzero temperatures. A design based on functionalized inorganic nanoparticles with interconnected mesopores that contain surface nitrile groups is the key to this development. Solid-state hybrid polymer electrolytes based on succinonitrile (SN) electrolytes and porous nanoparticles were fabricated via a simple UV-curing process. SN electrolytes were effectively confined within the mesopores. This stimulated favorable interactions with lithium ions, reduced leakage of SN electrolytes over time, and improved mechanical strength of membranes. Inhibition of lithium dendrite growth and improved electrochemical stability up to 5.2 V were also demonstrated. The hybrid electrolytes exhibited high ionic conductivities of 2 × 10 -3 S cm -1 at room temperature and >10 -4 S cm -1 at subzero temperatures, leading to stable and improved battery performance at subzero temperatures. Li cells made with lithium titanate anodes exhibited stable discharge capacities of 151 mAh g -1 at temperatures below -10 °C. This corresponds to 92% of the capacity achieved at room temperature (164 mAh g -1 ). Our work represents a significant advance in solid-state polymer electrolyte technology and far exceeds the performance available with conventional polymeric battery separators.

Spectroscopy of metal "superatom" nanoclusters and high-Tc superconducting pairing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halder, Avik; Kresin, Vitaly V.

2015-12-01

A unique property of metal nanoclusters is the "superatom" shell structure of their delocalized electrons. The electronic shell levels are highly degenerate and therefore represent sharp peaks in the density of states. This can enable exceptionally strong electron pairing in certain clusters composed of tens to hundreds of atoms. In a finite system, such as a free nanocluster or a nucleus, pairing is observed most clearly via its effect on the energy spectrum of the constituent fermions. Accordingly, we performed a photoionization spectroscopy study of size-resolved aluminum nanoclusters and observed a rapid rise in the near-threshold density of states of several clusters (A l37 ,44 ,66 ,68 ) with decreasing temperature. The characteristics of this behavior are consistent with compression of the density of states by a pairing transition into a high-temperature superconducting state with Tc≳100 K. This value exceeds that of bulk aluminum by two orders of magnitude. These results highlight the potential of novel pairing effects in size-quantized systems and the possibility to attain even higher critical temperatures by optimizing the particles' size and composition. As a new class of high-temperature superconductors, such metal nanocluster particles are promising building blocks for high-Tc materials, devices, and networks.

Time dependent and temperature dependent properties of the forward voltage characteristic of InGaN high power LEDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulmek, P. L.; Haumer, P.; Wenzl, F. P.; Nemitz, W.; Nicolics, J.

2017-03-01

Estimating the junction temperature and its dynamic behavior in dependence of various operating conditions is an important issue, since these properties influence the optical characteristics as well as the aging processes of a light-emitting diode (LED). Particularly for high-power LEDs and pulsed operation, the dynamic behavior and the resulting thermal cycles are of interest. The forward voltage method relies on the existence of a time-independent unique triple of forward-voltage, forward-current, and junction temperature. These three figures should as well uniquely define the optical output power and spectrum, as well as the loss power of the LED, which is responsible for an increase of the junction temperature. From transient FEM-simulations one may expect an increase of the temperature of the active semiconductor layer of some 1/10 K within the first 10 μs. Most of the well-established techniques for junction temperature measurement via forward voltage method evaluate the measurement data several dozens of microseconds after switching on or switching off and estimate the junction temperature by extrapolation towards the time of switching. In contrast, the authors developed a measurement procedure with the focus on the first microseconds after switching. Besides a fast data acquisition system, a precise control of the switching process is required, i.e. a precisely defined current pulse amplitude with fast rise-time and negligible transient by-effects. We start with a short description of the measurement setup and the newly developed control algorithm for the generation of short current pulses. The thermal characterization of the LED chip during the measurement procedures is accomplished by an IR thermography system and transient finite element simulations. The same experimental setup is used to investigate the optical properties of the LED in an Ulbricht-sphere. Our experiments are performed on InGaN LED chips mounted on an Al based insulated metal substrate (IMS), giving a comprehensive picture of the transient behavior of the forward voltage of this type of high power LED.

Dome-shaped magnetic order competing with high-temperature superconductivity at high pressures in FeSe.

PubMed

Sun, J P; Matsuura, K; Ye, G Z; Mizukami, Y; Shimozawa, M; Matsubayashi, K; Yamashita, M; Watashige, T; Kasahara, S; Matsuda, Y; Yan, J-Q; Sales, B C; Uwatoko, Y; Cheng, J-G; Shibauchi, T

2016-07-19

The coexistence and competition between superconductivity and electronic orders, such as spin or charge density waves, have been a central issue in high transition-temperature (Tc) superconductors. Unlike other iron-based superconductors, FeSe exhibits nematic ordering without magnetism whose relationship with its superconductivity remains unclear. Moreover, a pressure-induced fourfold increase of Tc has been reported, which poses a profound mystery. Here we report high-pressure magnetotransport measurements in FeSe up to ∼15 GPa, which uncover the dome shape of magnetic phase superseding the nematic order. Above ∼6 GPa the sudden enhancement of superconductivity (Tc≤38.3 K) accompanies a suppression of magnetic order, demonstrating their competing nature with very similar energy scales. Above the magnetic dome, we find anomalous transport properties suggesting a possible pseudogap formation, whereas linear-in-temperature resistivity is observed in the normal states of the high-Tc phase above 6 GPa. The obtained phase diagram highlights unique features of FeSe among iron-based superconductors, but bears some resemblance to that of high-Tc cuprates.

Quantum Confined Semiconductors for High Efficiency Photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beard, Matthew

2014-03-01

Semiconductor nanostructures, where at least one dimension is small enough to produce quantum confinement effects, provide new pathways for controlling energy flow and therefore have the potential to increase the efficiency of the primary photon-to-free energy conversion step. In this discussion, I will present the current status of research efforts towards utilizing the unique properties of colloidal quantum dots (NCs confined in three dimensions) in prototype solar cells and demonstrate that these unique systems have the potential to bypass the Shockley-Queisser single-junction limit for solar photon conversion. The solar cells are constructed using a low temperature solution based deposition of PbS or PbSe QDs as the absorber layer. Different chemical treatments of the QD layer are employed in order to obtain good electrical communication while maintaining the quantum-confined properties of the QDs. We have characterized the transport and carrier dynamics using a transient absorption, time-resolved THz, and temperature-dependent photoluminescence. I will discuss the interplay between carrier generation, recombination, and mobility within the QD layers. A unique aspect of our devices is that the QDs exhibit multiple exciton generation with an efficiency that is ~ 2 to 3 times greater than the parental bulk semiconductor.

Single-step synthesis and magnetic separation of graphene and carbon nanotubes in arc discharge plasmas.

PubMed

Volotskova, O; Levchenko, I; Shashurin, A; Raitses, Y; Ostrikov, K; Keidar, M

2010-10-01

The unique properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes made them the most promising nanomaterials attracting enormous attention, due to the prospects for applications in various nanodevices, from nanoelectronics to sensors and energy conversion devices. Here we report on a novel deterministic, single-step approach to simultaneous production and magnetic separation of graphene flakes and carbon nanotubes in an arc discharge by splitting the high-temperature growth and low-temperature separation zones using a non-uniform magnetic field and tailor-designed catalyst alloy, and depositing nanotubes and graphene in different areas. Our results are very relevant to the development of commercially-viable, single-step production of bulk amounts of high-quality graphene.

No-insulation multi-width winding technique for high temperature superconducting magnet

PubMed Central

Hahn, Seungyong; Kim, Youngjae; Keun Park, Dong; Kim, Kwangmin; Voccio, John P.; Bascuñán, Juan; Iwasa, Yukikazu

2013-01-01

We present a No-Insulation (NI) Multi-Width (MW) winding technique for an HTS (high temperature superconductor) magnet consisting of double-pancake (DP) coils. The NI enables an HTS magnet self-protecting and the MW minimizes the detrimental anisotropy in current-carrying capacity of HTS tape by assigning tapes of multiple widths to DP coils within a stack, widest tape to the top and bottom sections and the narrowest in the midplane section. This paper presents fabrication and test results of an NI-MW HTS magnet and demonstrates the unique features of the NI-MW technique: self-protecting and enhanced field performance, unattainable with the conventional technique. PMID:24255549

Species distribution and richness patterns of avian communities in the high-elevation forests of Virginia

Treesearch

Heather Lessig; William J. McShea; Jeffrey R. Walters

2010-01-01

The southern Appalachians support a unique forest ecosystem at higher elevations in which the breeding distribution of several bird species of conservation concern extends to unusually southern latitudes. The dual threats of rising global temperatures and potential wind energy development may impact these forests by reducing or fragmenting preferred habitat.

Thermal signatures of voluntary deception in ecological conditions

PubMed Central

Panasiti, Maria Serena; Cardone, Daniela; Pavone, Enea F.; Mancini, Alessandra; Merla, Arcangelo; Aglioti, Salvatore M.

2016-01-01

Deception is a pervasive phenomenon that greatly influences dyadic, groupal and societal interactions. Behavioural, physiological and neural signatures of this phenomenon have imporant implications for theoretical and applied research, but, because it is difficult for a laboratory to replicate the natural context in which deception occurs, contemporary research is still struggling to find such signatures. In this study, we tracked the facial temperature of participants who decided whether or not to deceive another person, in situations where their reputation was at risk or not. We used a high-sensitivity infrared device to track temperature changes to check for unique patterns of autonomic reactivity. Using a region-of-interest based approach we found that prior to any response there was a minimal increase in periorbital temperature (which indexes sympathetic activation, together with reduced cheek temperature) for the self-gain lies in the reputation-risk condition. Crucially, we found a rise in nose temperature (which indexes parasympathetic activation) for self-gain lies in the reputation-risk condition, not only during response preparation but also after the choice was made. This finding suggests that the entire deception process may be tracked by the nose region. Furthermore, this nasal temperature modulation was negatively correlated with machiavellian traits, indicating that sympathetic/parasympathetic regulation is less important for manipulative individuals who may care less about the consequences of lie-related moral violations. Our results highlight a unique pattern of autonomic reactivity for spontaneous deception in ecological contexts. PMID:27734927

Novel experimental design for high pressure-high temperature electrical resistance measurements in a "Paris-Edinburgh" large volume press.

PubMed

Matityahu, Shlomi; Emuna, Moran; Yahel, Eyal; Makov, Guy; Greenberg, Yaron

2015-04-01

We present a novel experimental design for high sensitivity measurements of the electrical resistance of samples at high pressures (0-6 GPa) and high temperatures (300-1000 K) in a "Paris-Edinburgh" type large volume press. Uniquely, the electrical measurements are carried out directly on a small sample, thus greatly increasing the sensitivity of the measurement. The sensitivity to even minor changes in electrical resistance can be used to clearly identify phase transitions in material samples. Electrical resistance measurements are relatively simple and rapid to execute and the efficacy of the present experimental design is demonstrated by measuring the electrical resistance of Pb, Sn, and Bi across a wide domain of temperature-pressure phase space and employing it to identify the loci of phase transitions. Based on these results, the phase diagrams of these elements are reconstructed to high accuracy and found to be in excellent agreement with previous studies. In particular, by mapping the locations of several well-studied reference points in the phase diagram of Sn and Bi, it is demonstrated that a standard calibration exists for the temperature and pressure, thus eliminating the need for direct or indirect temperature and pressure measurements. The present technique will allow simple and accurate mapping of phase diagrams under extreme conditions and may be of particular importance in advancing studies of liquid state anomalies.

Discovery of a Superconducting Cu-Bi Intermetallic Compound by High-Pressure Synthesis

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

Clarke, Samantha M.; Walsh, James P. S.; Amsler, Maximilian

A new intermetallic compound, the first to be structurally identified in the Cu-Bi binary system, is reported. This compound is accessed by high-pressure reaction of the elements. Its detailed characterization, physical property measurements, and ab initio calculations are described. The commensurate crystal structure of Cu 11Bi 7 is a unique variation of the NiAs structure type. Temperature-dependent electrical resistivity and heat capacity measurements reveal a bulk superconducting transition at T c=1.36 K. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that Cu 11Bi 7 can be stabilized (relative to decomposition into the elements) at high pressure and temperature. These results highlight themore » ability of high-pressure syntheses to allow for inroads into heretofore-undiscovered intermetallic systems for which no thermodynamically stable binaries are known.« less

High temperature chlorosilane corrosion of iron and AISI 316L stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aller, Joshua Loren

Chlorosilane gas streams are used at high temperatures (>500°C) throughout the semiconductor, polycrystalline silicon, and fumed silica industries, primarily as a way to refine, deposit, and produce silicon and silicon containing materials. The presence of both chlorine and silicon in chlorosilane species creates unique corrosion environments due to the ability of many metals to form both metal-chlorides and metal-silicides, and it is further complicated by the fact that many metal-chlorides are volatile at high-temperatures while metal-silicides are generally stable. To withstand the uniquely corrosive environments, expensive alloys are often utilized, which increases the cost of final products. This work focuses on the corrosion behavior of iron, the primary component of low-cost alloys, and AISI 316L, a common low-cost stainless steel, in environments representative of industrial processes. The experiments were conducted using a customized high temperature chlorosilane corrosion system that exposed samples to an atmospheric pressure, high temperature, chlorosilane environment with variable input amounts of hydrogen, silicon tetrachloride, and hydrogen chloride plus the option of embedding samples in silicon during the exposure. Pre and post exposure sample analysis including scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and gravimetric analysis showed the surface corrosion products varied depending on the time, temperature, and environment that the samples were exposed to. Most commonly, a volatile chloride product formed first, followed by a stratified metal silicide layer. The chlorine and silicon activities in the corrosion environment were changed independently and were found to significantly alter the corrosion behavior; a phenomenon supported by computational thermodynamic equilibrium simulations. It was found that in comparable environments, the stainless steel corroded significantly less than the pure iron. This is likely due to the alloying elements present in stainless steel that promote formation of other stable silicides. Mechanistic models were developed to describe the formation and evolution of metal silicide and/or metal chloride surface corrosion products in chlorosilane environments. These models will help inform materials selection and/or support process development for next-generation chlorosilane-based production and deposition systems. The implementation of low cost materials of construction in these systems could lower the cost of final products in these industries.

Field study of thermal comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings in a tropical island climate.

PubMed

Lu, Shilei; Pang, Bo; Qi, Yunfang; Fang, Kun

2018-01-01

The unique geographical location of Hainan makes its climate characteristics different from inland areas in China. The thermal comfort of Hainan also owes its uniqueness to its tropical island climate. In the past decades, there have been very few studies on thermal comfort of the residents in tropical island areas in China. A thermal environment test for different types of buildings in Hainan and a thermal comfort field investigation of 1944 subjects were conducted over a period of about two months. The results of the survey data show that a high humidity environment did not have a significant impact on human comfort. The neutral temperature for the residents in tropical island areas was 26.1 °C, and the acceptable temperature range of thermal comfort was from 23.1 °C to 29.1 °C. Residents living in tropical island areas showed higher heat resistance capacity, but lower cold tolerance than predicted. The neutral temperature for females (26.3 °C) was higher than for males (25.8 °C). Additionally, females were more sensitive to air temperature than males. The research conclusions can play a guiding role in the thermal environment design of green buildings in Hainan Province. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanoengineering of an Si/MnGe quantum dot superlattice for high Curie-temperature ferromagnetism.

PubMed

Nie, Tianxiao; Kou, Xufeng; Tang, Jianshi; Fan, Yabin; Lee, Shengwei; He, Qinglin; Chang, Li-Te; Murata, Koichi; Gen, Yin; Wang, Kang L

2017-03-02

The realization and application of spintronic devices would be dramatically advanced if room-temperature ferromagnetism could be integrated into semiconductor nanostructures, especially when compatible with mature silicon technology. Herein, we report the observation of such a system - an Si/MnGe superlattice with quantum dots well aligned in the vertical direction successfully grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Such a unique system could take full advantage of the type-II energy band structure of the Si/Ge heterostructure, which could trap the holes inside MnGe QDs, significantly enhancing the hole-mediated ferromagnetism. Magnetic measurements indeed found that the superlattice structure exhibited a Curie temperature of above 400 K. Furthermore, zero-field cooling and field cooling curves could confirm the absence of ferromagnetic compounds, such as Ge 8 Mn 11 (T c ∼ 270 K) and Ge 3 Mn 5 (T c ∼ 296 K) in our system. Magnetotransport measurement revealed a clear magnetoresistance transition from negative to positive and a pronounced anomalous Hall effect. Such a unique Si/MnGe superlattice sets a new stage for strengthening ferromagnetism due to the enhanced hole-mediation by quantum confinement, which can be exploited for realizing the room-temperature Ge-based spin field-effect transistors in the future.

Stability of rhombohedral phases in vanadium at high-pressure and high-temperature: first-principles investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi X.; Wu, Q.; Chen, Xiang R.; Geng, Hua Y.

2016-09-01

The pressure-induced transition of vanadium from BCC to rhombohedral structures is unique and intriguing among transition metals. In this work, the stability of these phases is revisited by using density functional theory. At finite temperatures, a novel transition of rhombohedral phases back to BCC phase induced by thermal electrons is discovered. This reentrant transition is found not driven by phonons, instead it is the electronic entropy that stabilizes the latter phase, which is totally out of expectation. Parallel to this transition, we find a peculiar and strong increase of the shear modulus C44 with increasing temperature. It is counter-intuitive in the sense that it suggests an unusual harding mechanism of vanadium by temperature. With these stability analyses, the high-pressure and finite-temperature phase diagram of vanadium is proposed. Furthermore, the dependence of the stability of RH phases on the Fermi energy and chemical environment is investigated. The results demonstrate that the position of the Fermi level has a significant impact on the phase stability, and follows the band-filling argument. Besides the Fermi surface nesting, we find that the localization/delocalization of the d orbitals also contributes to the instability of rhombohedral distortions in vanadium.

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

Walters, M.A.; Sternfeld, J.N.; Haizlip, J.R.

A high-temperature, vapor-dominated reservoir underlies a portion of the northwest Geysers area, Sonoma County, California. The high-temperature reservoir (HTR) is defined by flowing fluid temperatures exceeding 500/sup 0/F, rock temperatures apparently exceeding 600/sup 0/F, and steam enthalpies of about 1320 Btu/lb. The HTR in the northwest Geysers is probably a deep, evolving system in contrast to the shallower, leaky, and mature steam reservoir(s) in the central and southeastern portions of the field. Before natural venting and nearby production caused pressures to decline, the HTR was a liquid-dominated system with some connate water - the connate water being the source ofmore » the high gas contents, chloride, and unique isotopic composition relative to steam from a typical Geysers reservoir. Therefore, the present boundary between the typical reservoir and HTR is a transient, thermodynamic condition due to the recent evolution of a vapor-dominated zone from a liquid-dominated zone that has yet to cool down. It also demarks a previous liquid-to-vapor interface. Pressure in the two reservoirs is essentially the same because they are in communication with each other. In other words, the temperature change in the HTR is lagging (behind) the pressure change.« less

Mesoporous Germanium Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery with Exceptional Cycling Stability in Wide Temperature Range.

PubMed

Choi, Sinho; Cho, Yoon-Gyo; Kim, Jieun; Choi, Nam-Soon; Song, Hyun-Kon; Wang, Guoxiu; Park, Soojin

2017-04-01

Porous structured materials have unique architectures and are promising for lithium-ion batteries to enhance performances. In particular, mesoporous materials have many advantages including a high surface area and large void spaces which can increase reactivity and accessibility of lithium ions. This study reports a synthesis of newly developed mesoporous germanium (Ge) particles prepared by a zincothermic reduction at a mild temperature for high performance lithium-ion batteries which can operate in a wide temperature range. The optimized Ge battery anodes with the mesoporous structure exhibit outstanding electrochemical properties in a wide temperature ranging from -20 to 60 °C. Ge anodes exhibit a stable cycling retention at various temperatures (capacity retention of 99% after 100 cycles at 25 °C, 84% after 300 cycles at 60 °C, and 50% after 50 cycles at -20 °C). Furthermore, full cells consisting of the mesoporous Ge anode and an LiFePO 4 cathode show an excellent cyclability at -20 and 25 °C. Mesoporous Ge materials synthesized by the zincothermic reduction can be potentially applied as high performance anode materials for practical lithium-ion batteries. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantum Critical Behavior in a Concentrated Ternary Solid Solution

PubMed Central

Sales, Brian C.; Jin, Ke; Bei, Hongbin; Stocks, G. Malcolm; Samolyuk, German D.; May, Andrew F.; McGuire, Michael A.

2016-01-01

The face centered cubic (fcc) alloy NiCoCrx with x ≈ 1 is found to be close to the Cr concentration where the ferromagnetic transition temperature, Tc, goes to 0. Near this composition these alloys exhibit a resistivity linear in temperature to 2 K, a linear magnetoresistance, an excess –TlnT (or power law) contribution to the low temperature heat capacity, and excess low temperature entropy. All of the low temperature electrical, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the alloys with compositions near x ≈ 1 are not typical of a Fermi liquid and suggest strong magnetic fluctuations associated with a quantum critical region. The limit of extreme chemical disorder in this simple fcc material thus provides a novel and unique platform to study quantum critical behavior in a highly tunable system. PMID:27188715

Quantum critical behavior in a concentrated ternary solid solution

DOE PAGES

Sales, Brian C.; Bei, Hongbin; Stocks, George Malcolm; ...

2016-05-18

The face centered cubic (fcc) alloy NiCoCr x with x ≈ 1 is found to be close to the Cr concentration where the ferromagnetic transition temperature, Tc, goes to 0. Near this composition these alloys exhibit a resistivity linear in temperature to 2 K, a linear magnetoresistance, an excess –TlnT (or power law) contribution to the low temperature heat capacity, and excess low temperature entropy. All of the low temperature electrical, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the alloys with compositions near x ≈ 1 are not typical of a Fermi liquid and suggest strong magnetic fluctuations associated with a quantummore » critical region. Lastly, the limit of extreme chemical disorder in this simple fcc material thus provides a novel and unique platform to study quantum critical behavior in a highly tunable system.« less

Curious kinetic behavior in silica polymorphs solves seifertite puzzle in shocked meteorite

PubMed Central

Kubo, Tomoaki; Kato, Takumi; Higo, Yuji; Funakoshi, Ken-ichi

2015-01-01

The presence of seifertite, one of the high-pressure polymorphs of silica, in achondritic shocked meteorites has been problematic because this phase is thermodynamically stable at more than ~100 GPa, unrealistically high-pressure conditions for the shock events in the early solar system. We conducted in situ x-ray diffraction measurements at high pressure and temperatures, and found that it metastably appears down to ~11 GPa owing to the clear difference in kinetics between the metastable seifertite and stable stishovite formations. The temperature-insensitive but time-sensitive kinetics for the formation of seifertite uniquely constrains that the critical shock duration and size of the impactor on differentiated parental bodies are at least ~0.01 s and ~50 to 100 m, respectively, from the presence of seifertite. PMID:26601182

Acoustic travel time gauges for in-situ determination of pressure and temperature in multi-anvil apparatus

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

Wang, Xuebing; Chen, Ting; Qi, Xintong

In this study, we developed a new method for in-situ pressure determination in multi-anvil, high-pressure apparatus using an acoustic travel time approach within the framework of acoustoelasticity. The ultrasonic travel times of polycrystalline Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were calibrated against NaCl pressure scale up to 15 GPa and 900 °C in a Kawai-type double-stage multi-anvil apparatus in conjunction with synchrotron X-radiation, thereby providing a convenient and reliable gauge for pressure determination at ambient and high temperatures. The pressures derived from this new travel time method are in excellent agreement with those from the fixed-point methods. Application of this new pressure gauge in anmore » offline experiment revealed a remarkable agreement of the densities of coesite with those from the previous single crystal compression studies under hydrostatic conditions, thus providing strong validation for the current travel time pressure scale. The travel time approach not only can be used for continuous in-situ pressure determination at room temperature, high temperatures, during compression and decompression, but also bears a unique capability that none of the previous scales can deliver, i.e., simultaneous pressure and temperature determination with a high accuracy (±0.16 GPa in pressure and ±17 °C in temperature). Therefore, the new in-situ Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} pressure gauge is expected to enable new and expanded opportunities for offline laboratory studies of solid and liquid materials under high pressure and high temperature in multi-anvil apparatus.« less

Amorphization of cobalt monoxide nanocrystals and related explosive gas sensing applications.

PubMed

Li, L H; Xiao, J; Yang, G W

2015-10-16

Amorphous nanomaterials have attracted attention due to their excellent performances, highly comparable to their crystalline counterparts. Sensor materials with amorphous phases are usually evaluated to be unsuitable for sensors because of poor performance. As a matter of fact, amorphous nanomaterials have rather unique sensor behaviors. Here, we report the amorphousization of cobalt monoxide (CoO) nanocrystals driven by a unique process involved in laser ablation in liquid (LAL). We also established that a fast and nonequilibrium process created by LAL results in the amorphousization of nanocrystals. The as-prepared amorphous CoO (a-CoO) nanoflakes possess a high aspect ratio, which showed good sensing of explosive gases. The fabricated gas sensor can detect CO and H2 at levels as low as 5 and 10 ppm, respectively, at 100 °C. The performance characteristics of this sensor, including high sensitivity, low working temperature, and low detection limit, are superior to those of sensors made with crystalline phase oxides. Meanwhile, a temperature-dependent p-n transition was observed in the sensor's response to CO, suggesting that the sensing properties can be tailored by changing the carrier type, thus tuning the selectivity of sensors to different gases. These findings demonstrate the potential applications of amorphous nanomaterials as gas sensor components.

Niche partitioning and biogeography of high light adapted Prochlorococcus across taxonomic ranks in the North Pacific

PubMed Central

Larkin, Alyse A; Blinebry, Sara K; Howes, Caroline; Lin, Yajuan; Loftus, Sarah E; Schmaus, Carrie A; Zinser, Erik R; Johnson, Zackary I

2016-01-01

The distribution of major clades of Prochlorococcus tracks light, temperature and other environmental variables; yet, the drivers of genomic diversity within these ecotypes and the net effect on biodiversity of the larger community are poorly understood. We examined high light (HL) adapted Prochlorococcus communities across spatial and temporal environmental gradients in the Pacific Ocean to determine the ecological drivers of population structure and diversity across taxonomic ranks. We show that the Prochlorococcus community has the highest diversity at low latitudes, but seasonality driven by temperature, day length and nutrients adds complexity. At finer taxonomic resolution, some ‘sub-ecotype' clades have unique, cohesive responses to environmental variables and distinct biogeographies, suggesting that presently defined ecotypes can be further partitioned into ecologically meaningful units. Intriguingly, biogeographies of the HL-I sub-ecotypes are driven by unique combinations of environmental traits, rather than through trait hierarchy, while the HL-II sub-ecotypes appear ecologically similar, thus demonstrating differences among these dominant HL ecotypes. Examining biodiversity across taxonomic ranks reveals high-resolution dynamics of Prochlorococcus evolution and ecology that are masked at phylogenetically coarse resolution. Spatial and seasonal trends of Prochlorococcus communities suggest that the future ocean may be comprised of different populations, with implications for ecosystem structure and function. PMID:26800235

Cast-in-place, ambiently-dried, silica-based, high-temperature insulation

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

Cheng, Eric Jianfeng; Thompson, Travis; Salvador, James R.

A novel sol-gel chemistry approach was developed to enable the simple integration of a cast-in-place, ambiently-dried insulation into high temperature applications. The insulation was silica based, synthesized using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as the precursor. MTMS created a unique silica microstructure that was mechanically robust, macroporous, and superhydrophobic. To allow for casting into and around small, orthogonal features, zirconia fibers were added to increase stiffness and minimize contraction that could otherwise cause cracking during drying. Radiative heat transport was reduced by adding titania powder as an opacifier. To assess relevance to high temperature thermoelectric generator technology, a comprehensive set of materials characterizationsmore » were conducted. The silica gel was thermally stable, retained superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle > 150° , and showed a high electrical resistance > 1 GΩ, regardless of heating temperature (up to 600 °C in Ar for 4 h). In addition, it exhibited a Young's modulus ~3.7 MPa in room temperature and a low thermal conductivity < 0.08 W/m.K before and after heat treatment. Thus, based on the simplicity of the manufacturing process and optimized material properties, we believe this technology can act as an effective cast-in-place thermal insulation (CTI) for thermoelectric generators and myriad other applications requiring improved thermal efficiency.« less

Cast-in-place, ambiently-dried, silica-based, high-temperature insulation

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Eric Jianfeng; Thompson, Travis; Salvador, James R.; ...

2017-02-03

A novel sol-gel chemistry approach was developed to enable the simple integration of a cast-in-place, ambiently-dried insulation into high temperature applications. The insulation was silica based, synthesized using methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as the precursor. MTMS created a unique silica microstructure that was mechanically robust, macroporous, and superhydrophobic. To allow for casting into and around small, orthogonal features, zirconia fibers were added to increase stiffness and minimize contraction that could otherwise cause cracking during drying. Radiative heat transport was reduced by adding titania powder as an opacifier. To assess relevance to high temperature thermoelectric generator technology, a comprehensive set of materials characterizationsmore » were conducted. The silica gel was thermally stable, retained superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle > 150° , and showed a high electrical resistance > 1 GΩ, regardless of heating temperature (up to 600 °C in Ar for 4 h). In addition, it exhibited a Young's modulus ~3.7 MPa in room temperature and a low thermal conductivity < 0.08 W/m.K before and after heat treatment. Thus, based on the simplicity of the manufacturing process and optimized material properties, we believe this technology can act as an effective cast-in-place thermal insulation (CTI) for thermoelectric generators and myriad other applications requiring improved thermal efficiency.« less

Using Quantum Confinement to Uniquely Identify Devices

PubMed Central

Roberts, J.; Bagci, I. E.; Zawawi, M. A. M.; Sexton, J.; Hulbert, N.; Noori, Y. J.; Young, M. P.; Woodhead, C. S.; Missous, M.; Migliorato, M. A.; Roedig, U.; Young, R. J.

2015-01-01

Modern technology unintentionally provides resources that enable the trust of everyday interactions to be undermined. Some authentication schemes address this issue using devices that give a unique output in response to a challenge. These signatures are generated by hard-to-predict physical responses derived from structural characteristics, which lend themselves to two different architectures, known as unique objects (UNOs) and physically unclonable functions (PUFs). The classical design of UNOs and PUFs limits their size and, in some cases, their security. Here we show that quantum confinement lends itself to the provision of unique identities at the nanoscale, by using fluctuations in tunnelling measurements through quantum wells in resonant tunnelling diodes (RTDs). This provides an uncomplicated measurement of identity without conventional resource limitations whilst providing robust security. The confined energy levels are highly sensitive to the specific nanostructure within each RTD, resulting in a distinct tunnelling spectrum for every device, as they contain a unique and unpredictable structure that is presently impossible to clone. This new class of authentication device operates with minimal resources in simple electronic structures above room temperature. PMID:26553435

Magnetic Phase Transition in Spark-Produced Ternary LaFeSi Nanoalloys.

PubMed

Feng, Jicheng; Geutjens, Ruben; Thang, Nguyen V; Li, Junjie; Guo, Xiaoai; Kéri, Albert; Basak, Shibabrata; Galbács, Gábor; Biskos, George; Nirschl, Hermann; Zandbergen, Henny W; Brück, Ekkes; Schmidt-Ott, Andreas

2018-02-21

Using the magnetocaloric effect in nanoparticles holds great potential for efficient refrigeration and energy conversion. The most promising candidate materials for tailoring the Curie temperature to room temperature are rare-earth-based magnetic nanoalloys. However, only few high-nuclearity lanthanide/transition-metal nanoalloys have been produced so far. Here we report, for the first time, the observation of magnetic response in spark-produced LaFeSi nanoalloys. The results suggest that these nanoalloys can be used to exploit the magnetocaloric effect near room temperature; such a finding can lead to the creation of unique multicomponent materials for energy conversion, thus helping toward the realization of a sustainable energy economy.

Self-Healing Technologies for Wiring and Surfaces in Aerospace and Deep Space Exploration Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Martha Kay; Gibson, Tracy L.; Jolley, Scott T.; Caraccio-Meier, Anne Joan

2017-01-01

Self-healing technologies have been identified as critical technology gaps for future exploration. NASA and KSC have been working in this area for multiple years with established intellectual property; however, there are many challenges that remain in this area of research. How do we mimic what the body does so naturally when we as NASA have unique requirements? We have been investigating several mechanisms for self-healing: microencapsulation with a healant core to fill in voids in the case of mechanical puncture and flowable (or sealable)systems that have inherent chemical properties that allow the materials to flow back together when cut or damaged. The microcapsules containing healant have to be durable and robust, must be able to take high temperatures to meet NASA unique requirements, provide good capillary flow of the healant, and be small in diameters to fill in damage voids in thin films or surfaces. Sealable systems have to flow in a range of temperatures and yet be lightweight and chemically resistant. The systems currently being developed are based on polyimide and polyurethane matrices and have been studied for use in high performance wiring systems, inflatable systems, and habitation structures. Self-healing or self-sealing capability would significantly reduce maintenance requirements and increase the safety and reliability performance of critical systems. Advances in these self-healing technologies and some of the unique challenges needed to be overcome in order to incorporate a self-healing mechanism into wiring or thin films systems will be addressed.

Physical and chemical characterization of biochars derived from different agricultural residues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jindo, K.; Mizumoto, H.; Sawada, Y.; Sanchez-Monedero, M. A.; Sonoki, T.

2014-12-01

Biochar is widely recognized as an efficient tool for carbon sequestration and soil fertility. The understanding of its chemical and physical properties, which are strongly related to the type of the initial material used and pyrolysis conditions, is crucial to identify the most suitable application of biochar in soil. A selection of organic wastes with different characteristics (e.g., rice husk (RH), rice straw (RS), wood chips of apple tree (Malus pumila) (AB), and oak tree (Quercus serrata) (OB)) were pyrolyzed at different temperatures (400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 °C) in order to optimize the physicochemical properties of biochar as a soil amendment. Low-temperature pyrolysis produced high biochar yields; in contrast, high-temperature pyrolysis led to biochars with a high C content, large surface area, and high adsorption characteristics. Biochar obtained at 600 °C leads to a high recalcitrant character, whereas that obtained at 400 °C retains volatile and easily labile compounds. The biochar obtained from rice materials (RH and RS) showed a high yield and unique chemical properties because of the incorporation of silica elements into its chemical structure. The biochar obtained from wood materials (AB and OB) showed high carbon content and a high absorption character.

ASME Material Challenges for Advanced Reactor Concepts

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

Piyush Sabharwall; Ali Siahpush

2013-07-01

This study presents the material Challenges associated with Advanced Reactor Concept (ARC) such as the Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR). ACR are the next generation concepts focusing on power production and providing thermal energy for industrial applications. The efficient transfer of energy for industrial applications depends on the ability to incorporate cost-effective heat exchangers between the nuclear heat transport system and industrial process heat transport system. The heat exchanger required for AHTR is subjected to a unique set of conditions that bring with them several design challenges not encountered in standard heat exchangers. The corrosive molten salts, especially at highermore » temperatures, require materials throughout the system to avoid corrosion, and adverse high-temperature effects such as creep. Given the very high steam generator pressure of the supercritical steam cycle, it is anticipated that water tube and molten salt shell steam generators heat exchanger will be used. In this paper, the ASME Section III and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section VIII requirements (acceptance criteria) are discussed. Also, the ASME material acceptance criteria (ASME Section II, Part D) for high temperature environment are presented. Finally, lack of ASME acceptance criteria for thermal design and analysis are discussed.« less

Immersion-scanning-tunneling-microscope for long-term variable-temperature experiments at liquid-solid interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ochs, Oliver; Heckl, Wolfgang M.; Lackinger, Markus

2018-05-01

Fundamental insights into the kinetics and thermodynamics of supramolecular self-assembly on surfaces are uniquely gained by variable-temperature high-resolution Scanning-Tunneling-Microscopy (STM). Conventionally, these experiments are performed with standard ambient microscopes extended with heatable sample stages for local heating. However, unavoidable solvent evaporation sets a technical limit on the duration of these experiments, hence prohibiting long-term experiments. These, however, would be highly desirable to provide enough time for temperature stabilization and settling of drift but also to study processes with inherently slow kinetics. To overcome this dilemma, we propose a STM that can operate fully immersed in solution. The instrument is mounted onto the lid of a hermetically sealed heatable container that is filled with the respective solution. By closing the container, both the sample and microscope are immersed in solution. Thereby solvent evaporation is eliminated and an environment for long-term experiments with utmost stable and controllable temperatures between room-temperature and 100 °C is provided. Important experimental requirements for the immersion-STM and resulting design criteria are discussed, the strategy for protection against corrosive media is described, the temperature stability and drift behavior are thoroughly characterized, and first long-term high resolution experiments at liquid-solid interfaces are presented.

Extrinsic origins of the apparent relaxorlike behavior in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics at high temperatures: A cautionary tale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Sinclair, Derek C.; West, Anthony R.

2011-04-01

Although the origins of the high effective permittivity observed in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics and single crystals at ˜100-400 K have been resolved, the relaxorlike temperature- and frequency-dependence of permittivity obtained from fixed frequency capacitance measurements at higher temperatures reported in the literature remains unexplained, especially as CCTO adopts a centrosymmetric cubic crystal structure in the range of ˜35-1273 K. Impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that this type of relaxorlike behavior is an artifact induced mainly by a nonohmic sample-electrode contact impedance. In addition, an instrument-related parasitic series inductance and resistance effect modifies the measured capacitance values as the sample resistance decreases with increasing temperature. This can lead to an underestimation of the sample capacitance and, in extreme cases, to so-called `negative capacitance.' Such a relaxorlike artifact and negative capacitance behavior are not unique to CCTO and may be expected in other leaky dielectrics whose resistance is low.

Is frictional heating needed to cause dramatic weakening of nanoparticle gouge during seismic slip? Insights from friction experiments with variable thermal evolutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Lu; Ma, Shengli; Niemeijer, André R.; Shimamoto, Toshihiko; Platt, John D.

2016-07-01

To examine whether faults can be lubricated by preexisting and newly formed nanoparticles, we perform high-velocity friction experiments on periclase (MgO) nanoparticles and on bare surfaces of Carrara marble cylinders/slices, respectively. Variable temperature conditions were simulated by using host blocks of different thermal conductivities. When temperature rises are relatively low, we observe high friction in nano-MgO tests and unexpected slip strengthening following initial weakening in marble slice tests, suggesting that the dominant weakening mechanisms are of thermal origin. Solely the rolling of nanoparticles without significant temperature rise is insufficient to cause dynamic fault weakening. For nano-MgO experiments, comprehensive investigations suggest that flash heating is the most likely weakening mechanism. In marble experiments, flash heating controls the unique evolutions of friction, and the competition between bulk temperature rise and wear-induced changes of asperity contact numbers seems to strongly affect the efficiency of flash heating.

Rigid High Temperature Heat-Shrinkable Polyimide Tubes with Functionality as Reducer Couplings

PubMed Central

Kong, Deyan; Xiao, Xinli

2017-01-01

Flexible and semi-rigid heat-shrinkable tubes (HSTs) have been used in thousands of applications, and here rigid high temperature HSTs are reported for the first time. These rigid HSTs are prepared with shape memory polyimides possessing glass transition temperatures (Tgs) from 182 to 295 °C, and the relationships between Tg and their molecular structures are studied. The polyimide HSTs (PIHSTs) can fix expanded diameters and shrink back to original diameters very well, and the mechanisms of their heat-shrinkage performance are discussed. Their differences from commercially available HSTs in heat-shrinkage are also analyzed. They can withstand low temperature of −196 °C, much lower than those of other HSTs. The PIHSTs can also connect subjects of different sizes by heat-shrinkage and then fix them upon cooling like reducer couplings, and the possible mechanisms of their reducer coupling effect are analyzed. With their unique characteristics, PIHSTs will expand the application areas of HSTs enormously. PMID:28317905

One-step synthesis of multi-emission carbon nanodots for ratiometric temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Vanthan; Yan, Lihe; Xu, Huanhuan; Yue, Mengmeng

2018-01-01

Measuring temperature with greater precision at localized small length scales or in a nonperturbative manner is a necessity in widespread applications, such as integrated photonic devices, micro/nano electronics, biology, and medical diagnostics. To this context, use of nanoscale fluorescent temperature probes is regarded as the most promising method for temperature sensing because they are noninvasive, accurate, and enable remote micro/nanoscale imaging. Here, we propose a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor for nanothermometry using carbon nanodots (C-dots). The C-dots were synthesized by one-step method using femtosecond laser ablation and exhibit unique multi-emission property due to emissions from abundant functional groups on its surface. The as-prepared C-dots demonstrate excellent ratiometric temperature sensing under single wavelength excitation that achieves high temperature sensitivity with a 1.48% change per °C ratiometric response over wide-ranging temperature (5-85 °C) in aqueous buffer. The ratiometric sensor shows excellent reversibility and stability, holding great promise for the accurate measurement of temperature in many practical applications.

Long-term, high frequency in situ measurements of intertidal mussel bed temperatures using biomimetic sensors

PubMed Central

Helmuth, Brian; Choi, Francis; Matzelle, Allison; Torossian, Jessica L.; Morello, Scott L.; Mislan, K.A.S.; Yamane, Lauren; Strickland, Denise; Szathmary, P. Lauren; Gilman, Sarah E.; Tockstein, Alyson; Hilbish, Thomas J.; Burrows, Michael T.; Power, Anne Marie; Gosling, Elizabeth; Mieszkowska, Nova; Harley, Christopher D.G.; Nishizaki, Michael; Carrington, Emily; Menge, Bruce; Petes, Laura; Foley, Melissa M.; Johnson, Angela; Poole, Megan; Noble, Mae M.; Richmond, Erin L.; Robart, Matt; Robinson, Jonathan; Sapp, Jerod; Sones, Jackie; Broitman, Bernardo R.; Denny, Mark W.; Mach, Katharine J.; Miller, Luke P.; O’Donnell, Michael; Ross, Philip; Hofmann, Gretchen E.; Zippay, Mackenzie; Blanchette, Carol; Macfarlan, J.A.; Carpizo-Ituarte, Eugenio; Ruttenberg, Benjamin; Peña Mejía, Carlos E.; McQuaid, Christopher D.; Lathlean, Justin; Monaco, Cristián J.; Nicastro, Katy R.; Zardi, Gerardo

2016-01-01

At a proximal level, the physiological impacts of global climate change on ectothermic organisms are manifest as changes in body temperatures. Especially for plants and animals exposed to direct solar radiation, body temperatures can be substantially different from air temperatures. We deployed biomimetic sensors that approximate the thermal characteristics of intertidal mussels at 71 sites worldwide, from 1998-present. Loggers recorded temperatures at 10–30 min intervals nearly continuously at multiple intertidal elevations. Comparisons against direct measurements of mussel tissue temperature indicated errors of ~2.0–2.5 °C, during daily fluctuations that often exceeded 15°–20 °C. Geographic patterns in thermal stress based on biomimetic logger measurements were generally far more complex than anticipated based only on ‘habitat-level’ measurements of air or sea surface temperature. This unique data set provides an opportunity to link physiological measurements with spatially- and temporally-explicit field observations of body temperature. PMID:27727238

Long-term, high frequency in situ measurements of intertidal mussel bed temperatures using biomimetic sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helmuth, Brian; Choi, Francis; Matzelle, Allison; Torossian, Jessica L.; Morello, Scott L.; Mislan, K. A. S.; Yamane, Lauren; Strickland, Denise; Szathmary, P. Lauren; Gilman, Sarah E.; Tockstein, Alyson; Hilbish, Thomas J.; Burrows, Michael T.; Power, Anne Marie; Gosling, Elizabeth; Mieszkowska, Nova; Harley, Christopher D. G.; Nishizaki, Michael; Carrington, Emily; Menge, Bruce; Petes, Laura; Foley, Melissa M.; Johnson, Angela; Poole, Megan; Noble, Mae M.; Richmond, Erin L.; Robart, Matt; Robinson, Jonathan; Sapp, Jerod; Sones, Jackie; Broitman, Bernardo R.; Denny, Mark W.; Mach, Katharine J.; Miller, Luke P.; O'Donnell, Michael; Ross, Philip; Hofmann, Gretchen E.; Zippay, Mackenzie; Blanchette, Carol; Macfarlan, J. A.; Carpizo-Ituarte, Eugenio; Ruttenberg, Benjamin; Peña Mejía, Carlos E.; McQuaid, Christopher D.; Lathlean, Justin; Monaco, Cristián J.; Nicastro, Katy R.; Zardi, Gerardo

2016-10-01

At a proximal level, the physiological impacts of global climate change on ectothermic organisms are manifest as changes in body temperatures. Especially for plants and animals exposed to direct solar radiation, body temperatures can be substantially different from air temperatures. We deployed biomimetic sensors that approximate the thermal characteristics of intertidal mussels at 71 sites worldwide, from 1998-present. Loggers recorded temperatures at 10-30 min intervals nearly continuously at multiple intertidal elevations. Comparisons against direct measurements of mussel tissue temperature indicated errors of ~2.0-2.5 °C, during daily fluctuations that often exceeded 15°-20 °C. Geographic patterns in thermal stress based on biomimetic logger measurements were generally far more complex than anticipated based only on ‘habitat-level’ measurements of air or sea surface temperature. This unique data set provides an opportunity to link physiological measurements with spatially- and temporally-explicit field observations of body temperature.

A new approach to the analysis of Type 1 non-uniqueness of the ITS-90 above 0 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaita, Sonia; Bonnier, Georges

2018-04-01

The Type 1 non-uniqueness (NU-1) is the difference between interpolated values at the same temperature in the resistance thermometer subranges of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) that overlap. The paper argues for a method of evaluating the NU-1 at a given temperature which considers all subranges of the Scale that contain the respective temperature, not only combinations of two, and it proposes mathematical models to determine the values of NU-1 for temperatures above 0 °C. The paper demonstrates that NU-1 is not the right contributor to the uncertainty associated with the realisation of the ITS-90. Therefore, a new concept of Correction for the Type 1 non-uniqueness of the Scale, CNU-1, is introduced and its mathematical model is established. Also, the estimate of CNU-1 and its standard uncertainty are defined and they are assessed through statistical analysis. The values of standard uncertainty determined by the novel methodology do not exceed 0.26 mK and they are smaller than the values given in the specific Guides developed by the Consultative Committee for Thermometry. The proposed models allow authors to single out and analyse the factors that generate Type 1 non-uniqueness of the Scale and influence its value.

High-pressure Experimental Studies on Geo-liquids Using Synchrotron Radiation at the Advanced Photon Source

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

Wang, Yanbin; Shen, Guoyin

2014-12-23

Here, we review recent progress in studying silicate, carbonate, and metallic liquids of geological and geophysical importance at high pressure and temperature, using the large-volume high-pressure devices at the third-generation synchrotron facility of the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. These integrated high-pressure facilities now offer a unique combination of experimental techniques that allow researchers to investigate structure, density, elasticity, viscosity, and interfacial tension of geo-liquids under high pressure, in a coordinated and systematic fashion. Moreover, we describe experimental techniques, along with scientific highlights. Future developments are also discussed.

Global insights into high temperature and drought stress regulated genes by RNA-Seq in economically important oilseed crop Brassica juncea.

PubMed

Bhardwaj, Ankur R; Joshi, Gopal; Kukreja, Bharti; Malik, Vidhi; Arora, Priyanka; Pandey, Ritu; Shukla, Rohit N; Bankar, Kiran G; Katiyar-Agarwal, Surekha; Goel, Shailendra; Jagannath, Arun; Kumar, Amar; Agarwal, Manu

2015-01-21

Brassica juncea var. Varuna is an economically important oilseed crop of family Brassicaceae which is vulnerable to abiotic stresses at specific stages in its life cycle. Till date no attempts have been made to elucidate genome-wide changes in its transcriptome against high temperature or drought stress. To gain global insights into genes, transcription factors and kinases regulated by these stresses and to explore information on coding transcripts that are associated with traits of agronomic importance, we utilized a combinatorial approach of next generation sequencing and de-novo assembly to discover B. juncea transcriptome associated with high temperature and drought stresses. We constructed and sequenced three transcriptome libraries namely Brassica control (BC), Brassica high temperature stress (BHS) and Brassica drought stress (BDS). More than 180 million purity filtered reads were generated which were processed through quality parameters and high quality reads were assembled de-novo using SOAPdenovo assembler. A total of 77750 unique transcripts were identified out of which 69,245 (89%) were annotated with high confidence. We established a subset of 19110 transcripts, which were differentially regulated by either high temperature and/or drought stress. Furthermore, 886 and 2834 transcripts that code for transcription factors and kinases, respectively, were also identified. Many of these were responsive to high temperature, drought or both stresses. Maximum number of up-regulated transcription factors in high temperature and drought stress belonged to heat shock factors (HSFs) and dehydration responsive element-binding (DREB) families, respectively. We also identified 239 metabolic pathways, which were perturbed during high temperature and drought treatments. Analysis of gene ontologies associated with differentially regulated genes forecasted their involvement in diverse biological processes. Our study provides first comprehensive discovery of B. juncea transcriptome under high temperature and drought stress conditions. Transcriptome resource generated in this study will enhance our understanding on the molecular mechanisms involved in defining the response of B. juncea against two important abiotic stresses. Furthermore this information would benefit designing of efficient crop improvement strategies for tolerance against conditions of high temperature regimes and water scarcity.

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

Wilke, Rudeger H. T.; Baker, Amanda; Brown-Shaklee, Harlan

Here, alkali-free glasses, which exhibit high energy storage densities (~35 J/cc), present a unique opportunity to couple high temperature stability with high breakdown strength, and thus provide an avenue for capacitor applications with stringent temperature and power requirements. Realizing the potential of these materials in kilovolt class capacitors with >1 J/cc recoverable energy density requires novel packaging strategies that incorporate these extremely fragile dielectrics. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating wound capacitors using 50-μm-thick glass. Two capacitors were fabricated from 2.8-m-long ribbons of thin (50 μm) glass wound into 125-140-mm-diameter spools. The capacitors exhibit a capacitance ofmore » 70-75 nF with loss tangents below 1%. The wound capacitors can operate up to 1 kV and show excellent temperature stability to 150 °C. By improving the end terminations, the self-resonance can be shifted to above 1 MHz, indicating that these materials may be useful for pulsed power applications with microsecond discharge times.« less

Surfaces for high heat dissipation with no Leidenfrost limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajadi, Seyed Mohammad; Irajizad, Peyman; Kashyap, Varun; Farokhnia, Nazanin; Ghasemi, Hadi

2017-07-01

Heat dissipation from hot surfaces through cooling droplets is limited by the Leidenfrost point (LFP), in which an insulating vapor film prevents direct contact between the cooling droplet and the hot surface. A range of approaches have been developed to raise this limit to higher temperatures, but the limit still exists. Recently, a surface architecture, decoupled hierarchical structure, was developed that allows the suppression of LFP completely. However, heat dissipation by the structure in the low superheat region was inferior to other surfaces and the structure required an extensive micro/nano fabrication procedure. Here, we present a metallic surface structure with no LFP and high heat dissipation capacity in all temperature ranges. The surface features the nucleate boiling phenomenon independent of the temperature with an approximate heat transfer coefficient of 20 kW m-2 K-1. This surface is developed in a one-step process with no micro/nano fabrication. We envision that this metallic surface provides a unique platform for high heat dissipation in power generation, photonics/electronics, and aviation systems.

High Temperature Multilayer Environmental Barrier Coatings Deposited Via Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harder, Bryan James; Zhu, Dongming; Schmitt, Michael P.; Wolfe, Douglas E.

2014-01-01

Si-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) require environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) in combustion environments to avoid rapid material loss. Candidate EBC materials have use temperatures only marginally above current technology, but the addition of a columnar oxide topcoat can substantially increase the durability. Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition (PS-PVD) allows application of these multilayer EBCs in a single process. The PS-PVD technique is a unique method that combines conventional thermal spray and vapor phase methods, allowing for tailoring of thin, dense layers or columnar microstructures by varying deposition conditions. Multilayer coatings were deposited on CMC specimens and assessed for durability under high heat flux and load. Coated samples with surface temperatures ranging from 2400-2700F and 10 ksi loads using the high heat flux laser rigs at NASA Glenn. Coating morphology was characterized in the as-sprayed condition and after thermomechanical loading using electron microscopy and the phase structure was tracked using X-ray diffraction.

Cooperative role of electrical stimulation on microbial metabolism and selection of thermophilic communities for p-fluoronitrobenzene treatment.

PubMed

Zhang, Xueqin; Shen, Dongsheng; Feng, Huajun; Wang, Yanfeng; Li, Na; Han, Jingyi; Long, Yuyang

2015-01-01

A novel thermophilic bioelectrochemical system (TBES) based on electrical stimulation was established for the enhanced treatment of p-fluoronitrobenzene (p-FNB) wastewater. p-FNB removal rate constant in the TBES was 78.6% higher than that of the mesophilic BES (MBES), the elevation of which owing to high-temperature overtook the rate improvement of 50.8% in the electrocatalytic system (ECS). Additionally, an overwhelming mineralization efficiency of 91.96% ± 5.70% was obtained in the TBES. The superiority of TBES was attributed to the integrated role of electrical stimulation and high-temperature. Electrical stimulation provided an alternative for the microbial growth independent energy requirements, compensating insufficient energy support from p-FNB metabolism under the high-temperature stress. Besides, electrical stimulation facilitated microbial community evolution to form specific thermophilic biocatalysis. The uniquely selected thermophilic microorganisms including Coprothermobacter sp. and other ones cooperated to enhance p-FNB mineralization. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenging the Metallothionein (MT) Gene of Biomphalaria glabrata: Unexpected Response Patterns Due to Cadmium Exposure and Temperature Stress.

PubMed

Niederwanger, Michael; Dvorak, Martin; Schnegg, Raimund; Pedrini-Martha, Veronika; Bacher, Katharina; Bidoli, Massimo; Dallinger, Reinhard

2017-08-11

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-mass, cysteine-rich, metal binding proteins. In most animal species, they are involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification, and provide protection from oxidative stress. Gastropod MTs are highly diversified, exhibiting unique features and adaptations like metal specificity and multiplications of their metal binding domains. Here, we show that the MT gene of Biomphalaria glabrata , one of the largest MT genes identified so far, is composed in a unique way. The encoding for an MT protein has a three-domain structure and a C-terminal, Cys-rich extension. Using a bioinformatic approach involving structural and in silico analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBs), we found that this MT gene consists of five exons and four introns. It exhibits a regulatory promoter region containing three metal-responsive elements (MREs) and several TFBs with putative involvement in environmental stress response, and regulation of gene expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data indicate that the MT gene is not inducible by cadmium (Cd) nor by temperature challenges (heat and cold), despite significant Cd uptake within the midgut gland and the high Cd tolerance of metal-exposed snails.

Challenging the Metallothionein (MT) Gene of Biomphalaria glabrata: Unexpected Response Patterns Due to Cadmium Exposure and Temperature Stress

PubMed Central

Dvorak, Martin; Schnegg, Raimund; Pedrini-Martha, Veronika; Bacher, Katharina; Bidoli, Massimo; Dallinger, Reinhard

2017-01-01

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-mass, cysteine-rich, metal binding proteins. In most animal species, they are involved in metal homeostasis and detoxification, and provide protection from oxidative stress. Gastropod MTs are highly diversified, exhibiting unique features and adaptations like metal specificity and multiplications of their metal binding domains. Here, we show that the MT gene of Biomphalaria glabrata, one of the largest MT genes identified so far, is composed in a unique way. The encoding for an MT protein has a three-domain structure and a C-terminal, Cys-rich extension. Using a bioinformatic approach involving structural and in silico analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBs), we found that this MT gene consists of five exons and four introns. It exhibits a regulatory promoter region containing three metal-responsive elements (MREs) and several TFBs with putative involvement in environmental stress response, and regulation of gene expression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data indicate that the MT gene is not inducible by cadmium (Cd) nor by temperature challenges (heat and cold), despite significant Cd uptake within the midgut gland and the high Cd tolerance of metal-exposed snails. PMID:28800079

In Situ Observations of Thermoreversible Gelation and Phase Separation of Agarose and Methylcellulose Solutions under High Pressure.

PubMed

Kometani, Noritsugu; Tanabe, Masahiro; Su, Lei; Yang, Kun; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi

2015-06-04

Thermoreversible sol-gel transitions of agarose and methylcellulose (MC) aqueous solutions on isobaric cooling or heating under high pressure up to 400 MPa have been investigated by in situ observations of optical transmittance and falling-ball experiments. For agarose, which undergoes the gelation on cooling, the application of pressure caused a gradual rise in the cloud-point temperature over the whole pressure range examined, which is almost consistent with the pressure dependence of gelling temperature estimated by falling-ball experiments, suggesting that agarose gel is stabilized by compression and that the gelation occurs nearly in parallel with phase separation under ambient and high-pressure conditions. For MC, which undergoes the gelation on heating, the cloud-point temperature showed a slight rise with an initial elevation of pressure up to ∼150 MPa, whereas it showed a marked depression above 200 MPa. In contrast, the gelling temperature of MC, which is nearly identical to the cloud-point temperature at ambient pressure, showed a monotonous rise with increasing pressure up to 350 MPa, which means that MC undergoes phase separation prior to gelation on heating under high pressure above 200 MPa. Similar results were obtained for the melting process of MC gel on cooling. The unique behavior of the sol-gel transition of MC under high pressure has been interpreted in terms of the destruction of hydrophobic hydration by compression.

Single-Mode Near-Infrared Lasing in a GaAsSb-Based Nanowire Superlattice at Room Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Dingding; Ahtapodov, Lyubomir; Nilsen, Julie S.; Yang, Jianfeng; Gustafsson, Anders; Huh, Junghwan; Conibeer, Gavin J.; van Helvoort, Antonius T. J.; Fimland, Bjørn-Ove; Weman, Helge

2018-04-01

Semiconductor nanowire lasers can produce guided coherent light emission with miniaturized geometry, bringing about new possibility for a variety of applications including nanophotonic circuits, optical sensing, and on-chip and chip-to-chip optical communications. Here, we report on the realization of single-mode room-temperature lasing from 890 nm to 990 nm utilizing a novel design of single nanowires with GaAsSb-based multiple superlattices as gain medium under optical pumping. The wavelength tunability with comprehensively enhanced lasing performance is shown to result from the unique nanowire structure with efficient gain materials, which delivers a lasing quality factor as high as 1250, a reduced lasing threshold ~ 6 kW cm-2 and a high characteristic temperature ~ 129 K. These results present a major advancement for the design and synthesis of nanowire laser structures, which can pave the way towards future nanoscale integrated optoelectronic systems with stunning performance.

The structural properties of InGaN alloys and the interdependence on the thermoelectric behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucukgok, Bahadir; Wu, Xuewang; Wang, Xiaojia; Liu, Zhiqiang; Ferguson, Ian T.; Lu, Na

2016-02-01

The III-Nitrides are promising candidate for high efficiency thermoelectric (TE) materials and devices due to their unique features which includes high thermal stability. A systematic study of the room temperature TE properties of metalorganic chemical vapor deposition grown InxGa1-xN were investigated for x = 0.07 to 0.24. This paper investigated the role of indium composition on the TE properties of InGaN alloys in particular the structural properties for homogenous material that did not show significant phase separation. The highest Seebeck and power factor values of 507 μV K-1 and 21.84 × 10-4 Wm-1K-1 were observed, respectively for In0.07Ga0.93N at room temperature. The highest value of figure-of-merit (ZT) was calculated to be 0.072 for In0.20Ga0.80N alloy at room temperature.

Nonlinear analysis for high-temperature multilayered fiber composite structures. M.S. Thesis; [turbine blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopkins, D. A.

1984-01-01

A unique upward-integrated top-down-structured approach is presented for nonlinear analysis of high-temperature multilayered fiber composite structures. Based on this approach, a special purpose computer code was developed (nonlinear COBSTRAN) which is specifically tailored for the nonlinear analysis of tungsten-fiber-reinforced superalloy (TFRS) composite turbine blade/vane components of gas turbine engines. Special features of this computational capability include accounting of; micro- and macro-heterogeneity, nonlinear (stess-temperature-time dependent) and anisotropic material behavior, and fiber degradation. A demonstration problem is presented to mainfest the utility of the upward-integrated top-down-structured approach, in general, and to illustrate the present capability represented by the nonlinear COBSTRAN code. Preliminary results indicate that nonlinear COBSTRAN provides the means for relating the local nonlinear and anisotropic material behavior of the composite constituents to the global response of the turbine blade/vane structure.

Description of A 2.3 kW power transformer for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, I.

1979-01-01

The paper describes the principal features and special testing of a high-frequency high-power low-specific-weight (0.57 kg/kW) 2.3-kW electronic power transformer developed for space applications. The transformer is operated in a series resonant inverter supplying beam power to a 30-cm mercury ion thruster. High efficiency (above 98.5%) is obtained through careful detailed design. A number of unique heat removal techniques are discussed which control the winding temperature using only the available conductive cooling.

Design of Donor Polymers with Strong Temperature-Dependent Aggregation Property for Efficient Organic Photovoltaics.

PubMed

Hu, Huawei; Chow, Philip C Y; Zhang, Guangye; Ma, Tingxuan; Liu, Jing; Yang, Guofang; Yan, He

2017-10-17

Bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted intensive research attention over the past two decades owing to their unique advantages including mechanical flexibility, light weight, large area, and low-cost fabrications. To date, OSC devices have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 12%. Much of the progress was enabled by the development of high-performance donor polymers with favorable morphological, electronic, and optical properties. A key problem in morphology control of OSCs is the trade-off between achieving small domain size and high polymer crystallinity, which is especially important for the realization of efficient thick-film devices with high fill factors. For example, the thickness of OSC blends containing state-of-the-art PTB7 family donor polymers are restricted to ∼100 nm due to their relatively low hole mobility and impure polymer domains. To further improve the device performance and promote commercialization of OSCs, there is a strong demand for the design of new donor polymers that can achieve an optimal blend morphology containing highly crystalline yet reasonably small domains. In this Account, we highlight recent progress on a new family of conjugated polymers with strong temperature-dependent aggregation (TDA) property. These polymers are mostly disaggregated and can be easily dissolved in solution at high temperatures, yet they can strongly aggregate when the solution is cooled to room temperature. This unique aggregation property allows us to control the disorder-order transition of the polymer during solution processing. By preheating the solution to high temperature (∼100 °C), the polymer chains are mostly disaggregated before spin coating; as the temperature of the solution drops during the spin coating process, the polymer can strongly aggregate and form crystalline domains yet that are not excessivelylarge. The overall blend morphology can be optimized by various processing conditions (e.g., temperature, spin-rates, concentration, etc.). This well-controlled and near-optimal BHJ morphology produced over a dozen cases of efficient OSCs with an active layer nearly 300 nm thick that can still achieve high FFs (70-77%) and efficiencies (10-11.7%). By studying the structure-property relationships of the donor polymers, we show that the second position branched alkyl chains and the fluorination on the polymer backbone are two key structural features that enable the strong TDA property. Our comparative studies also show that the TDA polymer family can be used to match with non-fullerene acceptors yielding OSCs with low voltage losses. The key difference between the empirical matching rules for fullerene and non-fullerene OSCs is that TDA polymers with slightly reduced crystallinity appear to match better with small molecular acceptors and yield higher OSC performances.

Buoyant Low Stretch Diffusion Flames Beneath Cylindrical PMMA Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, S. L.; Tien, J. S.

1999-01-01

A unique new way to study low gravity flames in normal gravity has been developed. To study flame structure and extinction characteristics in low stretch environments, a normal gravity low-stretch diffusion flame is generated using a cylindrical PMMA sample of varying large radii. Burning rates, visible flame thickness, visible flame standoff distance, temperature profiles in the solid and gas, and radiative loss from the system were measured. A transition from the blowoff side of the flammability map to the quenching side of the flammability map is observed at approximately 6-7/ sec, as determined by curvefits to the non-monotonic trends in peak temperatures, solid and gas-phase temperature gradients, and non-dimensional standoff distances. A surface energy balance reveals that the fraction of heat transfer from the flame that is lost to in-depth conduction and surface radiation increases with decreasing stretch until quenching extinction is observed. This is primarily due to decreased heat transfer from the flame, while the magnitude of the losses remains the same. A unique local extinction flamelet phenomena and associated pre-extinction oscillations are observed at very low stretch. An ultimate quenching extinction limit is found at low stretch with sufficiently high induced heat losses.

Study on Characteristic of Temperature Coefficient of Reactivity for Plutonium Core of Pebbled Bed Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuhair; Suwoto; Setiadipura, T.; Bakhri, S.; Sunaryo, G. R.

2018-02-01

As a part of the solution searching for possibility to control the plutonium, a current effort is focused on mechanisms to maximize consumption of plutonium. Plutonium core solution is a unique case in the high temperature reactor which is intended to reduce the accumulation of plutonium. However, the safety performance of the plutonium core which tends to produce a positive temperature coefficient of reactivity should be examined. The pebble bed inherent safety features which are characterized by a negative temperature coefficient of reactivity must be maintained under any circumstances. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristic of temperature coefficient of reactivity for plutonium core of pebble bed reactor. A series of calculations with plutonium loading varied from 0.5 g to 1.5 g per fuel pebble were performed by the MCNPX code and ENDF/B-VII library. The calculation results show that the k eff curve of 0.5 g Pu/pebble declines sharply with the increase in fuel burnup while the greater Pu loading per pebble yields k eff curve declines slighter. The fuel with high Pu content per pebble may reach long burnup cycle. From the temperature coefficient point of view, it is concluded that the reactor containing 0.5 g-1.25 g Pu/pebble at high burnup has less favorable safety features if it is operated at high temperature. The use of fuel with Pu content of 1.5 g/pebble at high burnup should be considered carefully from core safety aspect because it could affect transient behavior into a fatal accident situation.

Ionized cluster beam deposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirkpatrick, A. R.

1983-01-01

Ionized Cluster Beam (ICB) deposition, a new technique originated by Takagi of Kyoto University in Japan, offers a number of unique capabilities for thin film metallization as well as for deposition of active semiconductor materials. ICB allows average energy per deposited atom to be controlled and involves impact kinetics which result in high diffusion energies of atoms on the growth surface. To a greater degree than in other techniques, ICB involves quantitative process parameters which can be utilized to strongly control the characteristics of films being deposited. In the ICB deposition process, material to be deposited is vaporized into a vacuum chamber from a confinement crucible at high temperature. Crucible nozzle configuration and operating temperature are such that emerging vapor undergoes supercondensation following adiabatic expansion through the nozzle.

The proteomic response of the reef coral Pocillopora acuta to experimentally elevated temperatures

PubMed Central

Chen, Yi-Jyun; Lu, Chi-Yu; Chen, Chii-Shiarng

2018-01-01

Although most reef-building corals live near the upper threshold of their thermotolerance, some scleractinians are resilient to temperature increases. For instance, Pocillopora acuta specimens from an upwelling habitat in Southern Taiwan survived a nine-month experimental exposure to 30°C, a temperature hypothesized to induce stress. To gain a greater understanding of the molecular pathways underlying such high-temperature acclimation, the protein profiles of experimental controls incubated at 27°C were compared to those of conspecific P. acuta specimens exposed to 30°C for two, four, or eight weeks, and differentially concentrated proteins (DCPs) were removed from the gels and sequenced with mass spectrometry. Sixty unique DCPs were uncovered across both eukaryotic compartments of the P. acuta-dinoflagellate (genus Symbiodinium) mutualism, and Symbiodinium were more responsive to high temperature at the protein-level than the coral hosts in which they resided at the two-week sampling time. Furthermore, proteins involved in the stress response were more likely to be documented at different cellular concentrations across temperature treatments in Symbiodinium, whereas the temperature-sensitive host coral proteome featured numerous proteins involved in cytoskeletal structure, immunity, and metabolism. These proteome-scale data suggest that the coral host and its intracellular dinoflagellates have differing strategies for acclimating to elevated temperatures. PMID:29385204

Redox Catalysis Facilitates Lignin Depolymerization

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Lignin is a recalcitrant and underexploited natural feedstock for aromatic commodity chemicals, and its degradation generally requires the use of high temperatures and harsh reaction conditions. Herein we present an ambient temperature one-pot process for the controlled oxidation and depolymerization of this potent resource. Harnessing the potential of electrocatalytic oxidation in conjugation with our photocatalytic cleavage methodology, we have developed an operationally simple procedure for selective fragmentation of β-O-4 bonds with excellent mass recovery, which provides a unique opportunity to expand the existing lignin usage from energy source to commodity chemicals and synthetic building block source. PMID:28691074

Degradation of Silicone Encapsulants in CPV Optics

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

Cai, Can; Miller, David C.; Tappan, Ian A.

High efficiency multijunction solar cells in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules are becoming an increasingly cost effective and viable option in utility scale power generation. As with other utility scale photovoltaics, CPV modules need to guarantee operational lifetimes of at least 25 years. The reliability of optical elements in CPV modules poses a unique materials challenge due to the increased UV irradiance and enhanced temperature cycling associated with concentrated solar flux. The polymeric and thin film materials used in the optical elements are especially susceptible to UV damage, diurnal temperature cycling and active chemical species from the environment. We usedmore » fracture mechanics approaches to study the degradation modes including: the adhesion between the encapsulant and the cell or secondary optical element; and the cohesion of the encapsulant itself. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of materials degradation under elevated stress conditions is critical for commercialization of CPV technology and can offer unique insights into degradation modes in similar encapsulants used in other photovoltaic modules.« less

Degradation of Silicone Encapsulants in CPV Optics: Preprint

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

Miller, David C.; Tappan, Ian A.; Cai, Can

High efficiency multijunction solar cells in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules are becoming an increasingly cost effective and viable option in utility scale power generation. As with other utility scale photovoltaics, CPV modules need to guarantee operational lifetimes of at least 25 years. The reliability of optical elements in CPV modules poses a unique materials challenge due to the increased UV irradiance and enhanced temperature cycling associated with concentrated solar flux. The polymeric and thin film materials used in the optical elements are especially susceptible to UV damage, diurnal temperature cycling and active chemical species from the environment. We usedmore » fracture mechanics approaches to study the degradation modes including: the adhesion between the encapsulant and the cell or secondary optical element; and the cohesion of the encapsulant itself. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of materials degradation under elevated stress conditions is critical for commercialization of CPV technology and can offer unique insights into degradation modes in similar encapsulants used in other photovoltaic modules.« less

Deformation and recrystallization behavior of super high-purity niobium for SRF cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Y.; Doryo, H.; Yuasa, M.; Miyamoto, H.; Yamanaka, M.

2017-05-01

Deformation and recyrstallization behavior of pure niobium was investigated in order to clarify the origin of its low hydro-formability despite of its high ductility comparable with pure iron. It was found that pure niobium exhibits lower strain hardening in cold rolling compared with pure iron. Furthermore, in post-deformation annealing, the hardness of niobium decreased monotonously with an increase of temperature, and the typical sharp drop by recrystallization was not evident. This softening behavior was contrasted with the high-purity iron. It is suggested that niobium exhibit the so-called in-situ recrystallization possibly because of low elastic modulus and low accumulative plastic strain energy in spite of high melting temperature. The low hydro-formability of pure niobium sheets or tubes is caused by its low strain hardening and its unique plastic anisotropy which is associated with this recovered residual rolled texture.

Flexible and self-powered temperature-pressure dual-parameter sensors using microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric materials.

PubMed

Zhang, Fengjiao; Zang, Yaping; Huang, Dazhen; Di, Chong-an; Zhu, Daoben

2015-09-21

Skin-like temperature- and pressure-sensing capabilities are essential features for the next generation of artificial intelligent products. Previous studies of e-skin and smart elements have focused on flexible pressure sensors, whereas the simultaneous and sensitive detection of temperature and pressure with a single device remains a challenge. Here we report developing flexible dual-parameter temperature-pressure sensors based on microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric (MFSOTE) materials. The effective transduction of temperature and pressure stimuli into two independent electrical signals permits the instantaneous sensing of temperature and pressure with an accurate temperature resolution of <0.1 K and a high-pressure-sensing sensitivity of up to 28.9 kPa(-1). More importantly, these dual-parameter sensors can be self-powered with outstanding sensing performance. The excellent sensing properties of MFSOTE-based devices, together with their unique advantages of low cost and large-area fabrication, make MFSOTE materials possess promising applications in e-skin and health-monitoring elements.

Flexible and self-powered temperature-pressure dual-parameter sensors using microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fengjiao; Zang, Yaping; Huang, Dazhen; di, Chong-An; Zhu, Daoben

2015-09-01

Skin-like temperature- and pressure-sensing capabilities are essential features for the next generation of artificial intelligent products. Previous studies of e-skin and smart elements have focused on flexible pressure sensors, whereas the simultaneous and sensitive detection of temperature and pressure with a single device remains a challenge. Here we report developing flexible dual-parameter temperature-pressure sensors based on microstructure-frame-supported organic thermoelectric (MFSOTE) materials. The effective transduction of temperature and pressure stimuli into two independent electrical signals permits the instantaneous sensing of temperature and pressure with an accurate temperature resolution of <0.1 K and a high-pressure-sensing sensitivity of up to 28.9 kPa-1. More importantly, these dual-parameter sensors can be self-powered with outstanding sensing performance. The excellent sensing properties of MFSOTE-based devices, together with their unique advantages of low cost and large-area fabrication, make MFSOTE materials possess promising applications in e-skin and health-monitoring elements.

Pristine carbon nanotubes based resistive temperature sensor

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

Alam, Md Bayazeed, E-mail: bayazeed786@gmail.com; Jamia Millia Islamia; Saini, Sudhir Kumar, E-mail: sudhirsaini1310@gmail.com

A good sensor must be highly sensitive, faster in response, of low cost cum easily producible, and highly reliable. Incorporation of nano-dimensional particles/ wires makes conventional sensors more effective in terms of fulfilling the above requirements. For example, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are promising sensing element because of its large aspect ratio, unique electronic and thermal properties. In addition to their use for widely reported chemical sensing, it has also been explored for temperature sensing. This paper presents the fabrication of CNTs based temperature sensor, prepared on silicon substrate using low cost spray coating method, which is reliable and reproducible methodmore » to prepare uniform CNTs thin films on any substrate. Besides this, simple and inexpensive method of preparation of dispersion of single walled CNTs (SWNTs) in 1,2 dichlorobenzene by using probe type ultrasonicator for debundling the CNTs for improving sensor response were used. The electrical contacts over the dispersed SWNTs were taken using silver paste electrodes. Fabricated sensors clearly show immediate change in resistance as a response to change in temperature of SWNTs. The measured sensitivity (change in resistance with temperature) of the sensor was found ∼ 0.29%/°C in the 25°C to 60°C temperature range.« less

High-speed noncontacting instrumentation for jet engine testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scotto, M. J.; Eismeier, M. E.

1980-03-01

This paper discusses high-speed, noncontacting instrumentation systems for measuring the operating characteristics of jet engines. The discussion includes optical pyrometers for measuring blade surface temperatures, capacitance clearanceometers for measuring blade tip clearance and vibration, and optoelectronic systems for measuring blade flex and torsion. In addition, engine characteristics that mandate the use of such unique instrumentation are pointed out as well as the shortcomings of conventional noncontacting devices. Experimental data taken during engine testing are presented and recommendations for future development discussed.

Error free physically unclonable function with programmed resistive random access memory using reliable resistance states by specific identification-generation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tseng, Po-Hao; Hsu, Kai-Chieh; Lin, Yu-Yu; Lee, Feng-Min; Lee, Ming-Hsiu; Lung, Hsiang-Lan; Hsieh, Kuang-Yeu; Chung Wang, Keh; Lu, Chih-Yuan

2018-04-01

A high performance physically unclonable function (PUF) implemented with WO3 resistive random access memory (ReRAM) is presented in this paper. This robust ReRAM-PUF can eliminated bit flipping problem at very high temperature (up to 250 °C) due to plentiful read margin by using initial resistance state and set resistance state. It is also promised 10 years retention at the temperature range of 210 °C. These two stable resistance states enable stable operation at automotive environments from -40 to 125 °C without need of temperature compensation circuit. The high uniqueness of PUF can be achieved by implementing a proposed identification (ID)-generation method. Optimized forming condition can move 50% of the cells to low resistance state and the remaining 50% remain at initial high resistance state. The inter- and intra-PUF evaluations with unlimited separation of hamming distance (HD) are successfully demonstrated even under the corner condition. The number of reproduction was measured to exceed 107 times with 0% bit error rate (BER) at read voltage from 0.4 to 0.7 V.

Thermal Conductivity of Advanced Ceramic Thermal Barrier Coatings Determined by a Steady-state Laser Heat-flux Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dong-Ming; Miller, Robert A.

2004-01-01

The development of low conductivity and high temperature capable thermal barrier coatings requires advanced testing techniques that can accurately and effectively evaluate coating thermal conductivity under future high-performance and low-emission engine heat-flux conditions. In this paper, a unique steady-state CO2 laser (wavelength 10.6 microns) heat-flux approach is described for determining the thermal conductivity and conductivity deduced cyclic durability of ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coating systems at very high temperatures (up to 1700 C) under large thermal gradients. The thermal conductivity behavior of advanced thermal and environmental barrier coatings for metallic and Si-based ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component applications has also been investigated using the laser conductivity approach. The relationships between the lattice and radiation conductivities as a function of heat flux and thermal gradient at high temperatures have been examined for the ceramic coating systems. The steady-state laser heat-flux conductivity approach has been demonstrated as a viable means for the development and life prediction of advanced thermal barrier coatings for future turbine engine applications.

A unique approach to demonstrating that apical bud temperature specifically determines leaf initiation rate in the dicot Cucumis sativus.

PubMed

Savvides, Andreas; Dieleman, Janneke A; van Ieperen, Wim; Marcelis, Leo F M

2016-04-01

Leaf initiation rate is largely determined by the apical bud temperature even when apical bud temperature largely deviates from the temperature of other plant organs. We have long known that the rate of leaf initiation (LIR) is highly sensitive to temperature, but previous studies in dicots have not rigorously demonstrated that apical bud temperature controls LIR independent of other plant organs temperature. Many models assume that apical bud and leaf temperature are the same. In some environments, the temperature of the apical bud, where leaf initiation occurs, may differ by several degrees Celsius from the temperature of other plant organs. In a 28-days study, we maintained temperature differences between the apical bud and the rest of the individual Cucumis sativus plants from -7 to +8 °C by enclosing the apical buds in transparent, temperature-controlled, flow-through, spheres. Our results demonstrate that LIR was completely determined by apical bud temperature independent of other plant organs temperature. These results emphasize the need to measure or model apical bud temperatures in dicots to improve the prediction of crop development rates in simulation models.

Aerospace Ceramic Materials: Thermal, Environmental Barrier Coatings and SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites for Turbine Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dongming

2018-01-01

Ceramic materials play increasingly important roles in aerospace applications because ceramics have unique properties, including high temperature capability, high stiffness and strengths, excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Ceramic materials also generally have lower densities as compared to metallic materials, making them excellent candidates for light-weight hot-section components of aircraft turbine engines, rocket exhaust nozzles, and thermal protection systems for space vehicles when they are being used for high-temperature and ultra-high temperature ceramics applications. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), including non-oxide and oxide CMCs, are also recently being incorporated in gas turbine engines for high pressure and high temperature section components and exhaust nozzles. However, the complexity and variability of aerospace ceramic processing methods, compositions and microstructures, the relatively low fracture toughness of the ceramic materials, still remain the challenging factors for ceramic component design, validation, life prediction, and thus broader applications. This ceramic material section paper presents an overview of aerospace ceramic materials and their characteristics. A particular emphasis has been placed on high technology level (TRL) enabling ceramic systems, that is, turbine engine thermal and environmental barrier coating systems and non-oxide type SiC/SiC CMCs. The current status and future trend of thermal and environmental barrier coatings and SiC/SiC CMC development and applications are described.

Dome-shaped magnetic order competing with high-temperature superconductivity at high pressures in FeSe

DOE PAGES

Sun, J. P.; Matsuura, K.; Ye, G. Z.; ...

2016-07-19

The coexistence and competition between superconductivity and electronic orders, such as spin or charge density waves, have been a central issue in high transition-temperature (T c) superconductors. Unlike other iron-based superconductors, FeSe exhibits nematic ordering without magnetism whose relationship with its superconductivity remains unclear. Moreover, a pressure-induced fourfold increase of T c has been reported, which poses a profound mystery. Here we report high-pressure magnetotransport measurements in FeSe up to ~15 GPa, which uncover the dome shape of magnetic phase superseding the nematic order. Above ~6 GPa the sudden enhancement of superconductivity (T c ≤ 38.3 K) accompanies a suppressionmore » of magnetic order, demonstrating their competing nature with very similar energy scales. Above the magnetic dome, we find anomalous transport properties suggesting a possible pseudogap formation, whereas linear-in-temperature resistivity is observed in the normal states of the high-T c phase above 6 GPa. In conclusion, the obtained phase diagram highlights unique features of FeSe among iron-based superconductors, but bears some resemblance to that of high-T c cuprates.« less

FINAL REPORT. DOE Grant Award Number DE-SC0004062

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

Chiesa, Luisa

With the support of the DOE-OFES Early Career Award and the Tufts startup support the PI has developed experimental and analytical expertise on the electromechanical characterization of Low Temperature Superconductor (LTS) and High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) for high magnetic field applications. These superconducting wires and cables are used in fusion and high-energy physics magnet applications. In a short period of time, the PI has built a laboratory and research group with unique capabilities that include both experimental and numerical modeling effort to improve the design and performance of superconducting cables and magnets. All the projects in the PI’s laboratory exploremore » the fundamental electromechanical behavior of superconductors but the types of materials, geometries and operating conditions are chosen to be directly relevant to real machines, in particular fusion machines like ITER.« less

Characterizing the Chemical Stability of High Temperature Materials for Application in Extreme Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Opila, Elizabeth

2005-01-01

The chemical stability of high temperature materials must be known for use in the extreme environments of combustion applications. The characterization techniques available at NASA Glenn Research Center vary from fundamental thermodynamic property determination to material durability testing in actual engine environments. In this paper some of the unique techniques and facilities available at NASA Glenn will be reviewed. Multiple cell Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry is used to determine thermodynamic data by sampling gas species formed by reaction or equilibration in a Knudsen cell held in a vacuum. The transpiration technique can also be used to determine thermodynamic data of volatile species but at atmospheric pressures. Thermodynamic data in the Si-O-H(g) system were determined with this technique. Free Jet Sampling Mass Spectrometry can be used to study gas-solid interactions at a pressure of one atmosphere. Volatile Si(OH)4(g) was identified by this mass spectrometry technique. A High Pressure Burner Rig is used to expose high temperature materials in hydrocarbon-fueled combustion environments. Silicon carbide (SiC) volatility rates were measured in the burner rig as a function of total pressure, gas velocity and temperature. Finally, the Research Combustion Lab Rocket Test Cell is used to expose high temperature materials in hydrogen/oxygen rocket engine environments to assess material durability. SiC recession due to rocket engine exposures was measured as a function of oxidant/fuel ratio, temperature, and total pressure. The emphasis of the discussion for all techniques will be placed on experimental factors that must be controlled for accurate acquisition of results and reliable prediction of high temperature material chemical stability.

An Experimental Test Facility to Support Development of the Fluoride Salt Cooled High Temperature Reactor

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

Yoder Jr, Graydon L; Aaron, Adam M; Cunningham, Richard Burns

2014-01-01

The need for high-temperature (greater than 600 C) energy exchange and delivery systems is significantly increasing as the world strives to improve energy efficiency and develop alternatives to petroleum-based fuels. Liquid fluoride salts are one of the few energy transport fluids that have the capability of operating at high temperatures in combination with low system pressures. The Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor design uses fluoride salt to remove core heat and interface with a power conversion system. Although a significant amount of experimentation has been performed with these salts, specific aspects of this reactor concept will require experimental confirmation during themore » development process. The experimental facility described here has been constructed to support the development of the Fluoride Salt Cooled High Temperature Reactor concept. The facility is capable of operating at up to 700 C and incorporates a centrifugal pump to circulate FLiNaK salt through a removable test section. A unique inductive heating technique is used to apply heat to the test section, allowing heat transfer testing to be performed. An air-cooled heat exchanger removes added heat. Supporting loop infrastructure includes a pressure control system; trace heating system; and a complement of instrumentation to measure salt flow, temperatures, and pressures around the loop. The initial experiment is aimed at measuring fluoride salt heat transfer inside a heated pebble bed similar to that used for the core of the pebble bed advanced high-temperature reactor. This document describes the details of the loop design, auxiliary systems used to support the facility, the inductive heating system, and facility capabilities.« less

Thermodynamical transcription of density functional theory with minimum Fisher information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagy, Á.

2018-03-01

Ghosh, Berkowitz and Parr designed a thermodynamical transcription of the ground-state density functional theory and introduced a local temperature that varies from point to point. The theory, however, is not unique because the kinetic energy density is not uniquely defined. Here we derive the expression of the phase-space Fisher information in the GBP theory taking the inverse temperature as the Fisher parameter. It is proved that this Fisher information takes its minimum for the case of constant temperature. This result is consistent with the recently proven theorem that the phase-space Shannon information entropy attains its maximum at constant temperature.

Low-Temperature Properties of Silver

PubMed Central

Smith, David R.; Fickett, F. R.

1995-01-01

Pure silver is used extensively in the preparation of high-temperature superconductor wires, tapes, films, and other configurations in which the silver not only shields the superconducting material from the surrounding materials, but also provides a degree of flexibility and strain relief, as well as stabilization and low-resistance electrical contact. Silver is relatively expensive, but at this stage of superconductor development, its unique combination of properties seems to offer the only reasonable means of achieving usable lengths of conductor. In this role, the low-temperature physical (electrical, thermal, magnetic, optical) and mechanical properties of the silver all become important. Here we present a collection of properties data extracted from the cryogenic literature and, to the extent possible, selected for reliability. PMID:29151733

Atomistic Modeling of Surface and Bulk Properties of Cu, Pd and the Cu-Pd System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozzolo, Guillermo; Garces, Jorge E.; Noebe, Ronald D.; Abel, Phillip; Mosca, Hugo O.; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The BFS (Bozzolo-Ferrante-Smith) method for alloys is applied to the study of the Cu-Pd system. A variety of issues are analyzed and discussed, including the properties of pure Cu or Pd crystals (surface energies, surface relaxations), Pd/Cu and Cu/Pd surface alloys, segregation of Pd (or Cu) in Cu (or Pd), concentration dependence of the lattice parameter of the high temperature fcc CuPd solid solution, the formation and properties of low temperature ordered phases, and order-disorder transition temperatures. Emphasis is made on the ability of the method to describe these properties on the basis of a minimum set of BFS universal parameters that uniquely characterize the Cu-Pd system.

Design and Laboratory Evaluation of Future Elongation and Diameter Measurements at the Advanced Test Reactor

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

K. L. Davis; D. L. Knudson; J. L. Rempe

New materials are being considered for fuel, cladding, and structures in next generation and existing nuclear reactors. Such materials can undergo significant dimensional and physical changes during high temperature irradiations. In order to accurately predict these changes, real-time data must be obtained under prototypic irradiation conditions for model development and validation. To provide such data, researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL) are developing several instrumented test rigs to obtain data real-time from specimens irradiated in well-controlled pressurized water reactor (PWR) coolant conditions in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This paper reports the status ofmore » INL efforts to develop and evaluate prototype test rigs that rely on Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) in laboratory settings. Although similar LVDT-based test rigs have been deployed in lower flux Materials Testing Reactors (MTRs), this effort is unique because it relies on robust LVDTs that can withstand higher temperatures and higher fluxes than often found in other MTR irradiations. Specifically, the test rigs are designed for detecting changes in length and diameter of specimens irradiated in ATR PWR loops. Once implemented, these test rigs will provide ATR users with unique capabilities that are sorely needed to obtain measurements such as elongation caused by thermal expansion and/or creep loading and diameter changes associated with fuel and cladding swelling, pellet-clad interaction, and crud buildup.« less

Potential High-Temperature Shape-Memory-Alloy Actuator Material Identified

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noebe, Ronald D.; Gaydosh, Darrell J.; Biles, Tiffany A.; Garg, Anita

2005-01-01

Shape-memory alloys are unique "smart materials" that can be used in a wide variety of adaptive or "intelligent" components. Because of a martensitic solid-state phase transformation in these materials, they can display rather unusual mechanical properties including shape-memory behavior. This phenomenon occurs when the material is deformed at low temperatures (below the martensite finish temperature, Mf) and then heated through the martensite-to-austenite phase transformation. As the material is heated to the austenite finish temperature Af, it is able to recover its predeformed shape. If a bias is applied to the material as it tries to recover its original shape, work can be extracted from the shape-memory alloy as it transforms. Therefore, shape-memory alloys are being considered for compact solid-state actuation devices to replace hydraulic, pneumatic, or motor-driven systems.

Thermal protection using very high temperature ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamczyk, George R.

1992-01-01

The purpose of the paper is to expose the reader to a technology that may solve some of the toughest materials problems facing thermal protection for use in aerospace. Supermaterials has created a system capable of producing unique material properties. Over 10 years and many man-hours have been invested in the development of this technology. Applications range from the food industry to the rigors of outer space. The flexibility of the system allows for customization not found in many other processes and at a reasonable cost. The ranges of materials and alloys that can be created are endless. Many cases with unique characteristics have been identified and we can expect even more with further development.

Stability of rhombohedral phases in vanadium at high-pressure and high-temperature: first-principles investigations

PubMed Central

Wang, Yi X.; Wu, Q.; Chen, Xiang R.; Geng, Hua Y.

2016-01-01

The pressure-induced transition of vanadium from BCC to rhombohedral structures is unique and intriguing among transition metals. In this work, the stability of these phases is revisited by using density functional theory. At finite temperatures, a novel transition of rhombohedral phases back to BCC phase induced by thermal electrons is discovered. This reentrant transition is found not driven by phonons, instead it is the electronic entropy that stabilizes the latter phase, which is totally out of expectation. Parallel to this transition, we find a peculiar and strong increase of the shear modulus C44 with increasing temperature. It is counter-intuitive in the sense that it suggests an unusual harding mechanism of vanadium by temperature. With these stability analyses, the high-pressure and finite-temperature phase diagram of vanadium is proposed. Furthermore, the dependence of the stability of RH phases on the Fermi energy and chemical environment is investigated. The results demonstrate that the position of the Fermi level has a significant impact on the phase stability, and follows the band-filling argument. Besides the Fermi surface nesting, we find that the localization/delocalization of the d orbitals also contributes to the instability of rhombohedral distortions in vanadium. PMID:27581551

Speckle measurements of density and temperature profiles in a model gas circuit breaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoller, P. C.; Panousis, E.; Carstensen, J.; Doiron, C. B.; Färber, R.

2015-01-01

Speckle imaging was used to measure the density and temperature distribution in the arc zone of a model high voltage circuit breaker during the high current phase and under conditions simulating those present during current-zero crossings (current-zero-like arc); the arc was stabilized by a transonic, axial flow of synthetic air. A single probe beam was used; thus, accurate reconstruction was only possible for axially symmetric gas flows and arc channels. The displacement of speckles with respect to a reference image was converted to a line-of-sight integrated deflection angle, which was in turn converted into an axially symmetric refractive index distribution using a multistep process that made use of the inverse Radon transform. The Gladstone-Dale relation, which gives the index of refraction as a function of density, was extended to high temperatures by taking into account dissociation and ionization processes. The temperature and density were determined uniquely by assuming that the pressure distribution in the case of cold gas flow (in the absence of an arc) is not modified significantly by the arc. The electric conductivity distribution was calculated from the temperature profile and compared to measurements of the arc voltage and to previous results published in the literature for similar experimental conditions.

Complete Mie-Gruneisen Equation of State (update)

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

Menikoff, Ralph

2016-03-14

The Mie-Gruneisen equation of state (EOS) is frequently used in hydro simulations to model solids at high pressure (up to a few Mb). It is an incomplete EOS characterized by a Gr¨uneisen coefficient, = -V (@eP)V , that is a function of only V . Expressions are derived for isentropes and isotherms. This enables the extension to a complete EOS. Thermodynamic consistency requires that the specific heat is a function of a single scaled-temperature. A complete extension is uniquely determined by the temperature dependence of the specific heat at a fixed reference density. In addition we show that if themore » domain of the EOS extends to T = 0 and the specific heat vanishes on the zero isotherm then a function of only V is equivalent to a specific heat with a single temperature scale. If the EOS domain does not include the zero isotherm, then a specific heat with a single temperature scale leads to a generalization of the Mie-Gr¨uneisen EOS in which the pressure is linear in both the specific energy and the temperature. This corresponds to the limiting case of two temperature scales with one of the scales in the high temperature limit. Such an EOS has previously been used to model liquid nitromethane.« less

Realizing one-dimensional quantum and high-frequency transport features in aligned single-walled carbon nanotube ropes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ncube, Siphephile; Chimowa, George; Chiguvare, Zivayi; Bhattacharyya, Somnath

2014-07-01

The superiority of the electronic transport properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) ropes over SWNT mats is verified from low temperature and frequency-dependent transport. The overall change of resistance versus in nanotube mats shows that 3D variable range hopping is the dominant conduction mechanism within the 2-300 K range. The magneto-resistance (MR) is found to be predominantly negative with a parabolic nature, which can also be described by the hopping model. Although the positive upturn of the MR at low temperatures establishes the contribution from quantum interference, the inherent quantum transport in individual tubes is suppressed at elevated temperatures. Therefore, to minimize multi-channel effects from inter-tube interactions and other defects, two-terminal devices were fabricated from aligned SWNT (extracted from a mat) for low temperature transport as well as high-frequency measurements. In contrast to the mat, the aligned ropes exhibit step-like features in the differential conductance within the 80-300 K temperature range. The effects of plasmon propagation, unique to one dimension, were identified in electronic transport as a non-universal power-law dependence of the differential conductance on temperature and source-drain voltage. The complex impedance showed high power transmission capabilities up to 65 GHz as well as oscillations in the frequency range up to 30 GHz. The measurements suggest that aligned SWNT ropes have a realistic potential for high-speed device applications.

Distinguishing magnetic blocking and surface spin-glass freezing in nickel ferrite nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadeem, K.; Krenn, H.; Traussing, T.; Letofsky-Papst, I.

2011-01-01

Nickel ferrite nanoparticles dispersed in SiO2 matrix have been synthesized by sol-gel method. Structural analysis has been performed by using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic properties have been investigated by using superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. In addition to the average blocking temperature peak at TB=120 K measured by a zero field cooled temperature scan of the dc susceptibility, an additional hump near 15 K is observed. Temperature dependent out-of-phase ac susceptibility shows the same features: one broad peak at high temperature and a second narrow peak at low temperature. The high temperature peak corresponds to magnetic blocking of individual nanoparticles, while the low temperature peak is attributed to surface spin-glass freezing which becomes dominant for decreasing particle diameter. To prove the dynamics of the spin (dis)order in both regimes of freezing and blocking, the frequency dependent ac susceptibility is investigated under a biasing dc field. The frequency shift in the "frozen" low-temperature ac susceptibility peak is fitted to a dynamic scaling law with a critical exponent zv=7.5, which indicates a spin-glass phase. Exchange bias is turned on at low temperature which signifies the existence of a strong core-shell interaction. Aging and memory effects are further unique fingerprints of a spin-glass freezing on the surface of isolated magnetic nanoparticles.

Direct observation of how the heavy-fermion state develops in CeCoIn5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Q. Y.; Xu, D. F.; Niu, X. H.; Jiang, J.; Peng, R.; Xu, H. C.; Wen, C. H. P.; Ding, Z. F.; Huang, K.; Shu, L.; Zhang, Y. J.; Lee, H.; Strocov, V. N.; Shi, M.; Bisti, F.; Schmitt, T.; Huang, Y. B.; Dudin, P.; Lai, X. C.; Kirchner, S.; Yuan, H. Q.; Feng, D. L.

2017-07-01

Heavy-fermion systems share some of the strange metal phenomenology seen in other unconventional superconductors, providing a unique opportunity to set strange metals in a broader context. Central to understanding heavy-fermion systems is the interplay of localization and itinerancy. These materials acquire high electronic masses and a concomitant Fermi volume increase as the f electrons delocalize at low temperatures. However, despite the wide-spread acceptance of this view, a direct microscopic verification has been lacking. Here we report high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements on CeCoIn5, a prototypical heavy-fermion compound, which spectroscopically resolve the development of band hybridization and the Fermi surface expansion over a wide temperature region. Unexpectedly, the localized-to-itinerant transition occurs at surprisingly high temperatures, yet f electrons are still largely localized even at the lowest temperature. These findings point to an unanticipated role played by crystal-field excitations in the strange metal behavior of CeCoIn5. Our results offer a comprehensive experimental picture of the heavy-fermion formation, setting the stage for understanding the emergent properties, including unconventional superconductivity, in this and related materials.

Control of Thermal Deflection, Panel Flutter and Acoustic Fatigue at Elevated Temperatures Using Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mei, Chuh; Huang, Jen-Kuang

1996-01-01

The High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) will have to be designed to withstand high aerodynamic load at supersonic speeds (panel flutter) and high acoustic load (acoustic or sonic fatigue) due to fluctuating boundary layer or jet engine acoustic pressure. The thermal deflection of the skin panels will also alter the vehicle's configuration, thus it may affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle and lead to poor performance. Shape memory alloys (SMA) have an unique ability to recover large strains completely when the alloy is heated above the characteristic transformation (austenite finish T(sub f)) temperature. The recovery stress and elastic modulus are both temperature dependent, and the recovery stress also depends on the initial strain. An innovative concept is to utilize the recovery stress by embedding the initially strained SMA wire in a graphite/epoxy composite laminated panel. The SMA wires are thus restrained and large inplane forces are induced in the panel at elevated temeperatures. By embedding SMA in composite panel, the panel becomes much stiffer at elevated temperatures. That is because the large tensile inplane forces induced in the panel from the SMA recovery stress. A stiffer panel would certainly yield smaller dynamic responses.

Structural transformations of heat treated Co-less high entropy alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitrica, D.; Tudor, A.; Rinaldi, A.; Soare, V.; Predescu, C.; Berbecaru, A.; Stoiciu, F.; Badilita, V.

2018-03-01

Co is considered to be one of the main ingredients in superalloys. Co is considered a critical element and its substitution is difficult due to its unique ability to form high temperature stable structures with high mechanical and corrosion/oxidation resistance. High entropy alloys (HEA) represent a relatively new concept in material design. HEA are characterised by a high number of alloying elements, in unusually high proportion. Due to their specific particularities, high entropy alloys tend to form predominant solid solution structures that develop potentially high chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Present paper is studying Co-less high entropy alloys with high potential in severe environment applications. The high entropy alloys based on Al-Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni system were prepared by induction melting and casting under protective atmosphere. The as-cast specimens were heat treated at various temperatures to determine the structure and property behaviour. Samples taken before and after heat treatment were investigated for chemical, physical, structural and mechanical characteristics. Sigma phase composition and heat treatment parameters had major influence over the resulted alloy structure and properties.

Enhancements to High Temperature In-Pile Thermocouple Performance

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

J.C. Crepeau; J.L. Rempe; J.E. Daw

2008-03-31

A joint University of Idaho (UI) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) University Nuclear Research Initiative (UNERI) was to initiated to extend initial INL efforts to develop doped molybdenum/niobium alloy High Temperature Irradiation Resistant Thermocouples (HTIR-TCs). The overall objective of this UNERI was to develop recommendations for an optimized thermocouple design for high temperature, long duration, in-pile testing by expanding upon results from initial INL efforts. Tasks to quantify the impact of candidate enhancements, such as alternate alloys, alternate geometries, and alternate thermocouple fabrication techniques, on thermocouple performance were completed at INL's High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL), a state of themore » art facility equipped with specialized equipment and trained staff in the area of high temperature instrumentation development and evaluation. Key results of these evaluations, which are documented in this report, are as follows. The doped molybdenum and Nb-1%Zr, which were proposed in the initial INL HTIR-TC design, were found to retain ductility better than the developmental molybdenum-low niobium alloys and the niobium-low molybdenum alloys evaluated. Hence, the performance and lower cost of the commercially available KW-Mo makes a thermocouple containing KW-Mo and Nb-1%Zr the best option at this time. HTIR-TCs containing larger diameter wires offer the potential to increase HTIR-TC stability and reliability at higher temperatures. HTIR-TC heat treatment temperatures and times should be limited to not more than 100 C above the proposed operating temperatures and to durations of at least 4 to 5 hours. Preliminary investigations suggest that the performance of swaged and loose assembly HTIR-TC designs is similar. However, the swaged designs are less expensive and easier to construct. In addition to optimizing HTIR-TC performance, This UNERI project provided unique opportunities to several University of Idaho students, allowing them to become familiar with the techniques and equipment used for specialized high temperature instrumentation fabrication and evaluation and to author/coauthor several key conference papers and journal articles.« less

Enhancements to High Temperature In-Pile Thermocouple Performance

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

J. C. Crepeau; J. L. Rempe; J. E. Daw

2008-03-01

A joint University of Idaho (UI) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) University Nuclear Research Initiative (UNERI) was to initiated to extend initial INL efforts to develop doped lybdenum/niobium alloy High Temperature Irradiation Resistant Thermocouples (HTIR-TCs). The overall objective of this UNERI was to develop recommendations for an optimized thermocouple design for high temperature, long duration, in-pile testing by expanding upon results from initial INL efforts. Tasks to quantify the impact of candidate enhancements, such as alternate alloys, alternate geometries, and alternate thermocouple fabrication techniques, on thermocouple performance were completed at INL's High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL), a state of themore » art facility equipped with specialized equipment and trained staff in the area of high temperature instrumentation development and evaluation. Key results of these evaluations, which are documented in this report, are as follows. The doped molybdenum and Nb-1%Zr, which were proposed in the initial INL HTIR-TC design, were found to retain ductility better than the developmental molybdenum-low niobium alloys and the niobium-low molybdenum alloys evaluated. Hence, the performance and lower cost of the commercially available KW-Mo makes a thermocouple containing KW-Mo and Nb-1%Zr the best option at this time. HTIR-TCs containing larger diameter wires offer the potential to increase HTIR-TC stability and reliability at higher temperatures. HTIR-TC heat treatment temperatures and times should be limited to not more than 100 °C above the proposed operating temperatures and to durations of at least 4 to 5 hours. Preliminary investigations suggest that the performance of swaged and loose assembly HTIR-TC designs is similar. However, the swaged designs are less expensive and easier to construct. In addition to optimizing HTIR-TC performance, This UNERI project provided unique opportunities to several University of Idaho students, allowing them to become familiar with the techniques and equipment used for specialized high temperature instrumentation fabrication and evaluation and to author/coauthor several key conference papers and journal articles.« less

The Scaled-Up Synthesis of Nanostructured Ultra-High-Temperature Ceramics and Resistance Sintering of Tantalum Carbide Nanopowders and Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, James P.

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are a unique class of materials with the potential to withstand harsh environments due to covalent bonding, which gives these materials high melting temperatures, although decomposition temperatures should also be considered. For example, the melting temperature of TaC is near 4000 K, but may vaporize at lower temperatures. The high melting temperatures also make them difficult to process without high pressures and temperatures and to achieve dense ceramics with a nanostructure. Such materials however are appealing for aerospace technologies. The ability to generate high density compacts and maintain a nanostructure could allow for unprecedented control and improvement to the mechanical properties. The goal of this work is to develop processes for the synthesis and consolidation of nanostructured UHTCs. A self-propagating solvothermal synthesis technique for making UHTC nanopowders is presented. The technique is fast, scalable, and requires minimal external energy input. Synthesis of transition metal boride, carbide, and nitride powders is demonstrated. TaC is synthesized using a range of synthesis conditions and characterized to determine the fundamental mechanisms controlling the nanopowder characteristics. Discussion on purification of the powders is also presented. The sintering of TaC nanopowders produced by the solvothermal synthesis method is performed by resistance sintering. The effects of temperature, heating rate, and dwell time on densification and grain growth is presented. Adequate powder processing, carbon content, volatilization, and additives are found to be critical factors affecting the densification, microstructure, and grain growth. The optimal range of carbon addition for minimizing oxygen content is determined. WC and ZrC are evaluated as additives for reducing grain growth of TaC. Secondary phases and/or solid solutions are capable of suppressing grain growth. A unified approach to solid solution chemistries to control the densification, microstructure, and properties of UHTCs in general is presented. This work has important consequences on advancing the properties of UHTCs.

Persistent electrochemical performance in epitaxial VO 2(B)

DOE PAGES

Lee, Shinbuhm; Sun, Xiao -Guang; Lubimtsev, Andrew A.; ...

2017-03-07

Discovering high-performance energy storage materials is indispensable for renewable energy, electric vehicle performance, and mobile computing. Owing to the open atomic framework and good room temperature conductivity, bronze-phase vanadium dioxide [VO 2(B)] has been regarded as a highly promising electrode material for Li ion batteries. However, previous attempts were unsuccessful to show the desired cycling performance and capacity without chemical modification. Here, we show with epitaxial VO 2(B) films that one can accomplish the theoretical limit for capacity with persistent charging–discharging cyclability owing to the high structural stability and unique open pathways for Li ion conduction. Atomic-scale characterization by scanningmore » transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory calculations also reveal that the unique open pathways in VO 2(B) provide the most stable sites for Li adsorption and diffusion. Furthermore, this work ultimately demonstrates that VO 2(B) is a highly promising energy storage material and has no intrinsic hindrance in achieving superior cyclability with a very high power and capacity in a Li-ion conductor.« less

Development of an autonomous, wireless pH and temperature sensing system for monitoring pig meat quality.

PubMed

Frisby, June; Raftery, Declan; Kerry, Joe P; Diamond, Dermot

2005-06-01

This paper focuses on the development of a unique wireless pH and temperature monitoring system to assess pig meat quality. Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pig meat continues to be a major problem in the pig meat industry today. The PSE condition in pork is related to a number of factors including genetics, pre-slaughter stress and insufficient chilling of pig carcasses, which cause a rapid rate of glycolysis post-mortem (<1h). As a result the pH drops to low levels while the muscle temperature is still high. A wireless dual channel system that monitors pH and temperature simultaneously has been developed to provide pH and temperature data of the carcass during the first 24h after slaughter. We have demonstrated that this approach can distinguish in real time, pH and temperature profiles that are 'non-normal', and identify carcasses that are PSE positive quickly and easily.

Temperature Dependent Modal Test/Analysis Correlation of X-34 Fastrac Composite Rocket Nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Andrew M.; Brunty, Joseph A. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

A unique high temperature modal test and model correlation/update program has been performed on the composite nozzle of the FASTRAC engine for the NASA X-34 Reusable Launch Vehicle. The program was required to provide an accurate high temperature model of the nozzle for incorporation into the engine system structural dynamics model for loads calculation; this model is significantly different from the ambient case due to the large decrease in composite stiffness properties due to heating. The high-temperature modal test was performed during a hot-fire test of the nozzle. Previously, a series of high fidelity modal tests and finite element model correlation of the nozzle in a free-free configuration had been performed. This model was then attached to a modal-test verified model of the engine hot-fire test stand and the ambient system mode shapes were identified. A reduced set of accelerometers was then attached to the nozzle, the engine fired full-duration, and the frequency peaks corresponding to the ambient nozzle modes individually isolated and tracked as they decreased during the test. To update the finite-element model of the nozzle to these frequency curves, the percentage differences of the anisotropic composite moduli due to temperature variation from ambient, which had been used in the initial modeling and which were obtained by small sample coupon testing, were multiplied by an iteratively determined constant factor. These new properties were used to create high-temperature nozzle models corresponding to 10 second engine operation increments and tied into the engine system model for loads determination.

High-Temperature Surface-Acoustic-Wave Transducer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhao, Xiaoliang; Tittmann, Bernhard R.

2010-01-01

Aircraft-engine rotating equipment usually operates at high temperature and stress. Non-invasive inspection of microcracks in those components poses a challenge for the non-destructive evaluation community. A low-profile ultrasonic guided wave sensor can detect cracks in situ. The key feature of the sensor is that it should withstand high temperatures and excite strong surface wave energy to inspect surface/subsurface cracks. As far as the innovators know at the time of this reporting, there is no existing sensor that is mounted to the rotor disks for crack inspection; the most often used technology includes fluorescent penetrant inspection or eddy-current probes for disassembled part inspection. An efficient, high-temperature, low-profile surface acoustic wave transducer design has been identified and tested for nondestructive evaluation of structures or materials. The development is a Sol-Gel bismuth titanate-based surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensor that can generate efficient surface acoustic waves for crack inspection. The produced sensor is very thin (submillimeter), and can generate surface waves up to 540 C. Finite element analysis of the SAW transducer design was performed to predict the sensor behavior, and experimental studies confirmed the results. One major uniqueness of the Sol-Gel bismuth titanate SAW sensor is that it is easy to implement to structures of various shapes. With a spray coating process, the sensor can be applied to surfaces of large curvatures. Second, the sensor is very thin (as a coating) and has very minimal effect on airflow or rotating equipment imbalance. Third, it can withstand temperatures up to 530 C, which is very useful for engine applications where high temperature is an issue.

Unique Proton Transportation Pathway in a Robust Inorganic Coordination Polymer Leading to Intrinsically High and Sustainable Anhydrous Proton Conductivity.

PubMed

Gui, Daxiang; Dai, Xing; Tao, Zetian; Zheng, Tao; Wang, Xiangxiang; Silver, Mark A; Shu, Jie; Chen, Lanhua; Wang, Yanlong; Zhang, Tiantian; Xie, Jian; Zou, Lin; Xia, Yuanhua; Zhang, Jujia; Zhang, Jin; Zhao, Ling; Diwu, Juan; Zhou, Ruhong; Chai, Zhifang; Wang, Shuao

2018-05-16

Although comprehensive progress has been made in the area of coordination polymer (CP)/metal-organic framework (MOF)-based proton-conducting materials over the past decade, searching for a CP/MOF with stable, intrinsic, high anhydrous proton conductivity that can be directly used as a practical electrolyte in an intermediate-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell assembly for durable power generation remains a substantial challenge. Here, we introduce a new proton-conducting CP, (NH 4 ) 3 [Zr(H 2/3 PO 4 ) 3 ] (ZrP), which consists of one-dimensional zirconium phosphate anionic chains and fully ordered charge-balancing NH 4 + cations. X-ray crystallography, neutron powder diffraction, and variable-temperature solid-state NMR spectroscopy suggest that protons are disordered within an inherent hydrogen-bonded infinite chain of acid-base pairs (N-H···O-P), leading to a stable anhydrous proton conductivity of 1.45 × 10 -3 S·cm -1 at 180 °C, one of the highest values among reported intermediate-temperature proton-conducting materials. First-principles and quantum molecular dynamics simulations were used to directly visualize the unique proton transport pathway involving very efficient proton exchange between NH 4 + and phosphate pairs, which is distinct from the common guest encapsulation/dehydration/superprotonic transition mechanisms. ZrP as the electrolyte was further assembled into a H 2 /O 2 fuel cell, which showed a record-high electrical power density of 12 mW·cm -2 at 180 °C among reported cells assembled from crystalline solid electrolytes, as well as a direct methanol fuel cell for the first time to demonstrate real applications. These cells were tested for over 15 h without notable power loss.

Modification to the Langley 8-foot high temperature tunnel for hypersonic propulsion testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reubush, D. E.; Puster, R. L.; Kelly, H. N.

1987-01-01

Described are the modifications currently under way to the Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel to produce a new, unique national resource for testing hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems. The current tunnel, which has been used for aerothermal loads and structures research since its inception, is being modified with the addition of a LOX system to bring the oxygen content of the test medium up to that of air, the addition of alternate Mach number capability (4 and 5) to augment the current M=7 capability, improvements to the tunnel hardware to reduce maintenance downtime, the addition of a hydrogen system to allow the testing of hydrogen powered engines, and a new data system to increase both the quantity and quality of the data obtained.

Welding of unique and advanced alloys for space and high-temperature applications: welding and weldability of iridium and platinum alloys

DOE PAGES

David, Stan A.; Miller, Roger G.; Feng, Zhili

2016-08-31

Advances have been made in developing alloys for space power systems for spacecraft that travel long distances to various planets. The spacecraft are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and the fuel element in RTGs is plutonia. For safety and containment of the radioactive fuel element, the heat source is encapsulated in iridium or platinum alloys. Ir and Pt alloys are the alloys of choice for encapsulating radioisotope fuel pellets. Ir and Pt alloys were chosen because of their high-temperature properties and compatibility with the oxide fuel element and the graphite impact shells. This review addresses the alloy design andmore » welding and weldability of Ir and Pt alloys for use in RTGs.« less

Welding of unique and advanced alloys for space and high-temperature applications: welding and weldability of iridium and platinum alloys

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

David, Stan A.; Miller, Roger G.; Feng, Zhili

Advances have been made in developing alloys for space power systems for spacecraft that travel long distances to various planets. The spacecraft are powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and the fuel element in RTGs is plutonia. For safety and containment of the radioactive fuel element, the heat source is encapsulated in iridium or platinum alloys. Ir and Pt alloys are the alloys of choice for encapsulating radioisotope fuel pellets. Ir and Pt alloys were chosen because of their high-temperature properties and compatibility with the oxide fuel element and the graphite impact shells. This review addresses the alloy design andmore » welding and weldability of Ir and Pt alloys for use in RTGs.« less

Mass Spectrometry for Planetary Probes: Past, Present and Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niemann, Hasso B.; Harpold, Dan N.; Jamieson, Brian G.; Mahaffy, Paul R.

2005-01-01

Atmospheric entry probes present a unique opportunity for performing quantitative analysis of extra-terrestrial atmospheres in cases where remote sensing alone may not be sufficient and measurements with balloons or aircraft is not practical. An entry probe can provide a complete vertical profile of atmospheric parameters including chemical composition, which cannot be obtained with most other techniques. There are, however, unique challenges associated with building instruments for an entry probe, as compared to orbiters, landers, or rovers. Conditions during atmospheric entry are extreme, there are inherent time constraints due to the short duration of the experiment, and the instrument experiences rapid environmental changes in temperature and pressure as it descends. In addition, there are resource limitations, i.e. mass, power, size and bandwidth. Finally, the demands on the instrument design are determined in large part by conditions (pressure, temperature, composition) unique to the particular body under study, and as a result there is no one-size-fits-all instrument for an atmospheric probe. Many of these requirements can be more easily met by miniaturizing the probe instrument. Our experience building mass spectrometers for atmospheric entry probes leads us to believe that the time is right for a fundamental change in the way spaceflight mass spectrometers are built. The emergence over the past twenty years of Micro-electro- mechanical Systems (MEMS), utilizing lithographic semiconductor fabrication techniques to produce instrument systems in miniature, holds great promise for application to spaceflight mass spectrometry. A highly miniaturized, high performance and low-power mass spectrometer would be an enormous benefit to future entry probe missions, allowing, for example, parallel measurements (e.g., multiple simultaneous gas chromatographic analyses and direct atmospheric leaks.) Such an instrument would also enable mass spectrometry on board small multiple entry probes. In the development of a MEMS Mass Spectrometer, the challenge facing us is to move beyond the proof-of-concept, where research dollars tend to focus, and carry out the detailed work of developing a high performance mass spectrometer system on a chip which meets the unique technical requirements for an atmospheric entry probe described above.

Method of making a flexible diaphragm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerma, Guillermo (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A diaphragm suitable for extreme temperature usage, such as encountered in critical aerospace applications, is fabricated by a unique method, and of a unique combination of materials, which include multilayered lay-ups of diaphragm materials sandwiched between layers of bleeder fabrics which, after being formed in the desired shape on a mold, are vacuum sealed and then cured under pressure, in a heated autoclave, to produce a bond capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.

Enhancing electric-field control of ferromagnetism through nanoscale engineering of high-Tc MnxGe1-x nanomesh.

PubMed

Nie, Tianxiao; Tang, Jianshi; Kou, Xufeng; Gen, Yin; Lee, Shengwei; Zhu, Xiaodan; He, Qinglin; Chang, Li-Te; Murata, Koichi; Fan, Yabin; Wang, Kang L

2016-10-20

Voltage control of magnetism in ferromagnetic semiconductor has emerged as an appealing solution to significantly reduce the power dissipation and variability beyond current CMOS technology. However, it has been proven to be very challenging to achieve a candidate with high Curie temperature (T c ), controllable ferromagnetism and easy integration with current Si technology. Here we report the effective electric-field control of both ferromagnetism and magnetoresistance in unique Mn x Ge 1-x nanomeshes fabricated by nanosphere lithography, in which a T c above 400 K is demonstrated as a result of size/quantum confinement. Furthermore, by adjusting Mn doping concentration, extremely giant magnetoresistance is realized from ∼8,000% at 30 K to 75% at 300 K at 4 T, which arises from a geometrically enhanced magnetoresistance effect of the unique mesh structure. Our results may provide a paradigm for fundamentally understanding the high T c in ferromagnetic semiconductor nanostructure and realizing electric-field control of magnetoresistance for future spintronic applications.

Enhancing electric-field control of ferromagnetism through nanoscale engineering of high-Tc MnxGe1−x nanomesh

PubMed Central

Nie, Tianxiao; Tang, Jianshi; Kou, Xufeng; Gen, Yin; Lee, Shengwei; Zhu, Xiaodan; He, Qinglin; Chang, Li-Te; Murata, Koichi; Fan, Yabin; Wang, Kang L.

2016-01-01

Voltage control of magnetism in ferromagnetic semiconductor has emerged as an appealing solution to significantly reduce the power dissipation and variability beyond current CMOS technology. However, it has been proven to be very challenging to achieve a candidate with high Curie temperature (Tc), controllable ferromagnetism and easy integration with current Si technology. Here we report the effective electric-field control of both ferromagnetism and magnetoresistance in unique MnxGe1−x nanomeshes fabricated by nanosphere lithography, in which a Tc above 400 K is demonstrated as a result of size/quantum confinement. Furthermore, by adjusting Mn doping concentration, extremely giant magnetoresistance is realized from ∼8,000% at 30 K to 75% at 300 K at 4 T, which arises from a geometrically enhanced magnetoresistance effect of the unique mesh structure. Our results may provide a paradigm for fundamentally understanding the high Tc in ferromagnetic semiconductor nanostructure and realizing electric-field control of magnetoresistance for future spintronic applications. PMID:27762320

Did Lizards Follow Unique Pathways in Sex Chromosome Evolution?

PubMed Central

Gleeson, Dianne; Georges, Arthur

2018-01-01

Reptiles show remarkable diversity in modes of reproduction and sex determination, including high variation in the morphology of sex chromosomes, ranging from homomorphic to highly heteromorphic. Additionally, the co-existence of genotypic sex determination (GSD) and temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) within and among sister clades makes this group an attractive model to study and understand the evolution of sex chromosomes. This is particularly so with Lizards (Order Squamata) which, among reptiles, show extraordinary morphological diversity. They also show no particular pattern of sex chromosome degeneration of the kind observed in mammals, birds and or even in snakes. We therefore speculate that sex determination sensu sex chromosome evolution is labile and rapid and largely follows independent trajectories within lizards. Here, we review the current knowledge on the evolution of sex chromosomes in lizards and discuss how sex chromosome evolution within that group differs from other amniote taxa, facilitating unique evolutionary pathways. PMID:29751579

Monitoring and guidance of HIFU beams with dual-mode ultrasound arrays.

PubMed

Ballard, John R; Casper, Andrew J; Ebbini, Emad S

2009-01-01

We present experimental results illustrating the unique advantages of dual-mode array (DMUA) systems in monitoring and guidance of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lesion formation. DMUAs offer a unique paradigm in image-guided surgery; one in which images obtained using the same therapeutic transducer provide feedback for: 1) refocusing the array in the presence of strongly scattering objects, e.g. the ribs, 2) temperature change at the intended location of the HIFU focus, and 3) changes in the echogenicity of the tissue in response to therapeutic HIFU. These forms of feedback have been demonstrated in vitro in preparation for the design and implementation of a real-time system for imaging and therapy with DMUAs. The results clearly demonstrate that DMUA image feedback is spatially accurate and provide sufficient spatial and contrast resolution for identification of high contrast objects like the ribs and significant blood vessels in the path of the HIFU beam.

Prospects and progress of high Tc superconductivity for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Romanofsky, Robert R.; Sokoloski, Marty M.

1991-01-01

Current research in the area of high temperature superconductivity is organized around four key areas: communications and data, sensors and cryogenics, propulsion and power, and space materials technology. Recently, laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-x) films on LaAlO3 produced far superior RF characteristics when compared to metallic films on the same substrate. The achievement has enabled a number of unique microwave device applications, such as low insertion loss phase shifters and high-Q filters. Melt texturing and melt-quenched techniques are being used to produce bulk material with optimized magnetic properties. These yttrium-enriched materials possess enhanced flux pinning characteristics and could lead to prototype cryocooler bearings. Significant progress has also occurred in bolometer and current lead technology. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of high temperature superconducting materials on the performance and life of high power magnetoplasma-dynamic thrusters. Extended studies were also performed to evaluate the benefit of superconducting magnetic energy storage for LEO space station, lunar, and Mars mission applications.

Applications using high-Tc superconducting terahertz emitters

PubMed Central

Nakade, Kurama; Kashiwagi, Takanari; Saiwai, Yoshihiko; Minami, Hidetoshi; Yamamoto, Takashi; Klemm, Richard A.; Kadowaki, Kazuo

2016-01-01

Using recently-developed THz emitters constructed from single crystals of the high-Tc superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ, we performed three prototype tests of the devices to demonstrate their unique characteristic properties for various practical applications. The first is a compact and simple transmission type of THz imaging system using a Stirling cryocooler. The second is a high-resolution Michelson interferometer used as a phase-sensitive reflection-type imaging system. The third is a system with precise temperature control to measure the liquid absorption coefficient. The detailed characteristics of these systems are discussed. PMID:26983905

Feasibility Study of Vapor-Mist Phase Reaction Lubrication Using a Thioether Liquid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morales, Wilfredo; Handschuh, Robert F.; Krantz, Timothy L.

2007-01-01

A primary technology barrier preventing the operation of gas turbine engines and aircraft gearboxes at higher temperatures is the inability of currently used liquid lubricants to survive at the desired operating conditions over an extended time period. Current state-of-the-art organic liquid lubricants rapidly degrade at temperatures above 300 C; hence, another form of lubrication is necessary. Vapor or mist phase reaction lubrication is a unique, alternative technology for high temperature lubrication. The majority of past studies have employed a liquid phosphate ester that was vaporized or misted, and delivered to bearings or gears where the phosphate ester reacted with the metal surfaces generating a solid lubricious film. This method resulted in acceptable operating temperatures suggesting some good lubrication properties, but the continuous reaction between the phosphate ester and the iron surfaces led to wear rates unacceptable for gas turbine engine or aircraft gearbox applications. In this study, an alternative non-phosphate liquid was used to mist phase lubricate a spur gearbox rig operating at 10,000 rpm under highly loaded conditions. After 21 million shaft revolutions of operation the gears exhibited only minor wear.

Schottky Barrier Height Tuning via the Dopant Segregation Technique through Low-Temperature Microwave Annealing.

PubMed

Fu, Chaochao; Zhou, Xiangbiao; Wang, Yan; Xu, Peng; Xu, Ming; Wu, Dongping; Luo, Jun; Zhao, Chao; Zhang, Shi-Li

2016-04-27

The Schottky junction source/drain structure has great potential to replace the traditional p/n junction source/drain structure of the future ultra-scaled metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), as it can form ultimately shallow junctions. However, the effective Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the Schottky junction needs to be tuned to be lower than 100 meV in order to obtain a high driving current. In this paper, microwave annealing is employed to modify the effective SBH of NiSi on Si via boron or arsenic dopant segregation. The barrier height decreased from 0.4-0.7 eV to 0.2-0.1 eV for both conduction polarities by annealing below 400 °C. Compared with the required temperature in traditional rapid thermal annealing, the temperature demanded in microwave annealing is ~60 °C lower, and the mechanisms of this observation are briefly discussed. Microwave annealing is hence of high interest to future semiconductor processing owing to its unique capability of forming the metal/semiconductor contact at a remarkably lower temperature.

Schottky Barrier Height Tuning via the Dopant Segregation Technique through Low-Temperature Microwave Annealing

PubMed Central

Fu, Chaochao; Zhou, Xiangbiao; Wang, Yan; Xu, Peng; Xu, Ming; Wu, Dongping; Luo, Jun; Zhao, Chao; Zhang, Shi-Li

2016-01-01

The Schottky junction source/drain structure has great potential to replace the traditional p/n junction source/drain structure of the future ultra-scaled metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), as it can form ultimately shallow junctions. However, the effective Schottky barrier height (SBH) of the Schottky junction needs to be tuned to be lower than 100 meV in order to obtain a high driving current. In this paper, microwave annealing is employed to modify the effective SBH of NiSi on Si via boron or arsenic dopant segregation. The barrier height decreased from 0.4–0.7 eV to 0.2–0.1 eV for both conduction polarities by annealing below 400 °C. Compared with the required temperature in traditional rapid thermal annealing, the temperature demanded in microwave annealing is ~60 °C lower, and the mechanisms of this observation are briefly discussed. Microwave annealing is hence of high interest to future semiconductor processing owing to its unique capability of forming the metal/semiconductor contact at a remarkably lower temperature. PMID:28773440

Thermal stability of MBE-grown epitaxial MoSe2 and WSe2 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Young Jun; Choy, Byoung Ki; Phark, Soo-Hyon; Kim, Minu

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) draw much attention, because of its unique optical properties and band structures depending on the layer thicknesses. However, MBE growth of epitaxial films demands information about thermal stability of stoichiometry and related electronic structure for high temperature range. We grow epitaxial MoSe2 and WSe2 ultrathin films by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We characterize stoichiometry of films grown at various growth temperature by using various methods, XPS, EDX, and TOF-MEIS. We further test high temperature stability of electronic structure for those films by utilizing in-situ ellipsometry attached to UHV chamber. We discuss threshold temperatures up to 700~1000oC, at which electronic phases changes from semiconductor to metal due to selenium deficiency. This information can be useful for potential application of TMDs for fabrication of Van der Waals multilayers and related devices. This research was supported by Nano.Material Technology Development Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning. (2009-0082580), NRF-2014R1A1A1002868.

Single-Mode Near-Infrared Lasing in a GaAsSb-Based Nanowire Superlattice at Room Temperature.

PubMed

Ren, Dingding; Ahtapodov, Lyubomir; Nilsen, Julie S; Yang, Jianfeng; Gustafsson, Anders; Huh, Junghwan; Conibeer, Gavin J; van Helvoort, Antonius T J; Fimland, Bjørn-Ove; Weman, Helge

2018-04-11

Semiconductor nanowire lasers can produce guided coherent light emission with miniaturized geometry, bringing about new possibilities for a variety of applications including nanophotonic circuits, optical sensing, and on-chip and chip-to-chip optical communications. Here, we report on the realization of single-mode and room-temperature lasing from 890 to 990 nm, utilizing a novel design of single nanowires with GaAsSb-based multiple axial superlattices as a gain medium under optical pumping. The control of lasing wavelength via compositional tuning with excellent room-temperature lasing performance is shown to result from the unique nanowire structure with efficient gain material, which delivers a low lasing threshold of ∼6 kW/cm 2 (75 μJ/cm 2 per pulse), a lasing quality factor as high as 1250, and a high characteristic temperature of ∼129 K. These results present a major advancement for the design and synthesis of nanowire laser structures, which can pave the way toward future nanoscale integrated optoelectronic systems with superior performance.

Electrostatic Levitation for Studies of Additive Manufactured Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

SanSoucie, Michael P.; Rogers, Jan R.; Tramel, Terri

2014-01-01

The electrostatic levitation (ESL) laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is a unique facility for investigators studying high temperature materials. The laboratory boasts two levitators in which samples can be levitated, heated, melted, undercooled, and resolidified. Electrostatic levitation minimizes gravitational effects and allows materials to be studied without contact with a container or instrumentation. The lab also has a high temperature emissivity measurement system, which provides normal spectral and normal total emissivity measurements at use temperature. The ESL lab has been instrumental in many pioneering materials investigations of thermophysical properties, e.g., creep measurements, solidification, triggered nucleation, and emissivity at high temperatures. Research in the ESL lab has already led to the development of advanced high temperature materials for aerospace applications, coatings for rocket nozzles, improved medical and industrial optics, metallic glasses, ablatives for reentry vehicles, and materials with memory. Modeling of additive manufacturing materials processing is necessary for the study of their resulting materials properties. In addition, the modeling of the selective laser melting processes and its materials property predictions are also underway. Unfortunately, there is very little data for the properties of these materials, especially of the materials in the liquid state. Some method to measure thermophysical properties of additive manufacturing materials is necessary. The ESL lab is ideal for these studies. The lab can provide surface tension and viscosity of molten materials, density measurements, emissivity measurements, and even creep strength measurements. The ESL lab can also determine melting temperature, surface temperatures, and phase transition temperatures of additive manufactured materials. This presentation will provide background on the ESL lab and its capabilities, provide an approach to using the ESL in supporting the development and modeling of the selective laser melting process for metals, and provide an overview of the results to date.

Alpine glacier-fed turbid lakes are discontinuous cold polymictic rather than dimictic

PubMed Central

Peter, Hannes; Sommaruga, Ruben

2017-01-01

Abstract Glacier retreat as a consequence of climate change influences freshwater ecosystems in manifold ways, yet the physical and chemical bases of these effects are poorly studied. Here, we characterize how water temperature differs between alpine lakes with and without direct glacier influence on seasonal and diurnal timescales. Using high temporal resolution monitoring of temperature in 4 lakes located in a catchment influenced by glacier retreat, we reported unexpectedly high surface temperatures, even in proglacial lakes located 2600 m a.s.l. Cold glacier meltwater and low nighttime air temperatures caused a distinct diurnal pattern of water temperature in the water column of glacier-influenced lakes. Precipitation onto glacier surfaces apparently leads to rapid cooling of the glacier-fed lakes and disrupts the thermal stratification with several mixing events during the summer. Taken together, these mechanisms contribute to the unique seasonal and diurnal dynamics of glacier-influenced lakes that contrast with the typical dimictic pattern of clear alpine lakes and represent an example of discontinuous cold polymictic lake type. This work contributes to the basic description of how climate and meteorology affect the physical properties of an increasingly common lake type. PMID:28690780

High-temperature supersolid of He 4 in a one-dimensional periodic potential

DOE PAGES

Olsen, Raina J.

2015-03-02

The search for robust experimental proof of supersolidity has encountered many complicating factors, such as temperature dependent changes in the mechanical properties of solid 4He which mimic the signature of superfluid flow. As a result, the physical existence and true nature of this unique state of matter are still under debate. Here we consider 4He stabilized by a one-dimensional periodic potential whose lattice spacing is similar to the length scale of the 4He- 4He interaction. We use the Bogoliubov transformation to calculate the excitation spectrum, finding that when interactions between nearest or next-nearest neighbors are attractive, there is a finitemore » positive gap in energy between the delocalized ground state and the lowest energy excitations which, under certain conditions, is significantly larger than both the melting temperature and the lambda temperature. This means that it should be possible to observe a supersolid at a high enough temperature that superfluidity in bulk liquid 4He or changes in the mechanical properties of bulk solid 4He do not obscure it. Lastly, we also discuss the properties of experimentally achievable materials which could support this type of supersolid.« less

Force-dependent melting of supercoiled DNA at thermophilic temperatures.

PubMed

Galburt, E A; Tomko, E J; Stump, W T; Ruiz Manzano, A

2014-01-01

Local DNA opening plays an important role in DNA metabolism as the double-helix must be melted before the information contained within may be accessed. Cells finely tune the torsional state of their genomes to strike a balance between stability and accessibility. For example, while mesophilic life forms maintain negatively superhelical genomes, thermophilic life forms use unique mechanisms to maintain relaxed or even positively supercoiled genomes. Here, we use a single-molecule magnetic tweezers approach to quantify the force-dependent equilibrium between DNA melting and supercoiling at high temperatures populated by Thermophiles. We show that negatively supercoiled DNA denatures at 0.5 pN lower tension at thermophilic vs. mesophilic temperatures. This work demonstrates the ability to monitor DNA supercoiling at high temperature and opens the possibility to perform magnetic tweezers assays on thermophilic systems. The data allow for an estimation of the relative energies of base-pairing and DNA bending as a function of temperature and support speculation as to different general mechanisms of DNA opening in different environments. Lastly, our results imply that average in vivo DNA tensions range between 0.3 and 1.1 pN. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High Strength-High Ductility Combination Ultrafine-Grained Dual-Phase Steels Through Introduction of High Degree of Strain at Room Temperature Followed by Ultrarapid Heating During Continuous Annealing of a Nb-Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yonggang; Di, Hongshuang; Hu, Meiyuan; Zhang, Jiecen; Misra, R. D. K.

2017-07-01

Ultrafine-grained dual-phase (UFG-DP) steel consisting of ferrite (1.2 μm) and martensite (1 μm) was uniquely processed via combination of hot rolling, cold rolling and continuous annealing of a low-carbon Nb-microalloyed steel. Room temperature tensile properties were evaluated and fracture mechanisms studied and compared to the coarse-grained (CG) counterpart. In contrast to the CG-DP steel, UFG-DP had 12.7% higher ultimate tensile strength and 10.7% greater uniform elongation. This is partly attributed to the increase in the initial strain-hardening rate, decrease in nanohardness ratio of martensite and ferrite. Moreover, a decreasing number of ferrite grains with {001} orientation increased the cleavage fracture stress and increased the crack initiation threshold stress with consequent improvement in ductility UFG-DP steel.

The Next Generation of Space Cells for Diverse Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, Sheila; Landis, Geoffrey; Raffaelle, Ryne

2002-01-01

Future science, military and commercial space missions are incredibly diverse. Military and commercial missions range from large arrays of hundreds of kilowatt to small arrays of ten watts in various Earth orbits. While science missions also have small to very large power needs there are additional unique requirements to provide power for near-sun missions and planetary exploration including orbiters, landers and rovers both to the inner planets and the outer planets with a major emphasis in the near term on Mars. These mission requirements demand cells for low intensity, low temperature applications, high intensity, high temperature applications, dusty environments and often high radiation environments. This paper discusses mission requirements, the current state of the art of space solar cells, and a variety of both evolving thin-film cells as well as new technologies that may impact the future choice of space solar cells for a specific mission application.

Thermal design concept for a high resolution UV spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caruso, P.; Stipandic, E.

1979-01-01

The thermal design concept described has been developed for the High Resolution UV Spectrometer/Polarimeter to be flown on the Solar Maximum Mission. Based on experience gained from a similar Orbiting Solar Observatory mission payload, it has been recognized that initial protection of the optical elements, contamination control, reduction of scattered light, tight bulk temperature, and gradient constraints are key elements that must be accommodated in any thermal control concept for this class of instrument. Salient features of the design include: (1) a telescope door providing contamination protection of an aplanatic Gregorian telescope; (2) a rastering system for the secondary mirror; (3) a unique solar heat absorbing device; (4) heat pipes and special radiators; (5) heaters for active temperature control and optics contamination protection; and (6) high precision platinum resistance thermometers. Viability of the design concept has been established by extensive thermal analysis and some subsystem testing. A summary of analytical and test results is included.

Deposition of hard elastic hydrogenated fullerenelike carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhou; Zhang, Junyan

2011-05-01

Hydrogenated fullerenelike carbon (H-FLC) films, with high hardness of 41.7 ± 1.4 GPa and elastic recovery of ˜75.1%, have been uniformly deposited at low temperature by pulse direct current plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (pulse DC PECVD). The superior mechanical properties of the H-FLC films are attributed to the unique curvature and interconnection of graphitic basal planes. We propose the fullerenelike structures are formed in the far nonequilibrium pulse plasma environment and stabilized in the sequential fast quenching process. It is expected that the facile deposition of H-FLC films will promote the large-scale low-temperature preparation of engineering protective films for industrial applications.

Enabling aspects of fiber optic acoustic sensing in harsh environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saxena, Indu F.

2013-05-01

The advantages of optical fiber sensing in harsh electromagnetic as well as physical stress environments make them uniquely suited for structural health monitoring and non-destructive testing. In addition to aerospace applications they are making a strong footprint in geophysical monitoring and exploration applications for higher temperature and pressure environments, due to the high temperature resilience of fused silica glass sensors. Deeper oil searches and geothermal exploration and harvesting are possible with these novel capabilities. Progress in components and technologies that are enabling these systems to be fieldworthy are reviewed and emerging techniques summarized that could leapfrog the system performance and reliability.

Strong field-matching effects in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-δ films with vortex energy landscapes engineered via masked ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swiecicki, I.; Ulysse, C.; Wolf, T.; Bernard, R.; Bergeal, N.; Briatico, J.; Faini, G.; Lesueur, J.; Villegas, Javier E.

2012-06-01

We have developed a masked ion irradiation technique to engineer the energy landscape for vortices in oxide superconductors. This approach associates the possibility to design the landscape geometry at the nanoscale with the unique capability to adjust the depth of the energy wells for vortices. This enabled us to unveil the key role of vortex channeling in modulating the amplitude of the field matching effects with the artificial energy landscape, and to make the latter govern flux dynamics over an unusually wide range of temperatures and applied fields for high-temperature superconducting films.

Fuels Combustion Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-09

benzene and toluene have been greatly improved and show even better corre- spondence with flow reactor results. The studies of alkylated aromatics have...of the flow reactor ; the use of a unique high temperature sampling system; and an automated gas chromatographic apparatus , and the presence of the gas...In these studies a clear analogy between the reactions of the alkylated aromatics and those of the, corresponding alkanes wqs observed [7,8,93. This

A Mega-fire event in Central Russia: fire weather, radiative, and optical properties of the atmosphere, and consequences for subboreal forest plants

Treesearch

Nataly Y. Chubarova; Nickolay G. Prilepsky; Alexei N. Rublev; Allen R. Riebau

2009-01-01

In 2002, a major drought and prolonged high temperatures occurred in central Russia that resulted in unprecedented wildland fires. These fires occurred under extreme fire danger conditions and were impossible for the Russian authorities to extinguish. It is perhaps somewhat unique that the fires were first burning peat bogs and later forests, causing very massive smoke...

Thermophysical Properties of Matter - The TPRC Data Series. Volume 3. Thermal Conductivity - Nonmetallic Liquids and Gases

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-01-01

design and experimentation. I. The Shock- Tube Method Smiley [546] introduced the use of shock waves...one of the greatest disadvantages of this technique. Both the unique adaptability of the shock tube method for high -temperature measurement of...Line-Source Flow Method H. The Hot-Wire Thermal Diffusion Column Method I. The Shock- Tube Method J. The Arc Method K. The Ultrasonic Method .

Effect of polymer properties and adherend surfaces on adhesion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwight, D. W.; Wightman, J. P.

1976-01-01

High temperature polymer surface characteristics associated with joint strength were evaluated. Selected samples represented composite adherends, aluminum filler and fiber glass carrier cloth. Detailed analysis of fractured joint surfaces revealed unique characteristics typical of the specific adhesive formulations and test conditions. A fracture mechanism model was developed for correlating macroscopic shear strength and microstructure of fracture surfaces. Applications were made to unpublished data on polyimides and fluoropolymers.

Texture analysis of radiometric signatures of new sea ice forming in Arctic leads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eppler, Duane T.; Farmer, L. Dennis

1991-01-01

Analysis of 33.6-GHz, high-resolution, passive microwave images suggests that new sea ice accumulating in open leads is characterized by a unique textural signature which can be used to discriminate new ice forming in this environment from adjacent surfaces of similar radiometric temperature. Ten training areas were selected from the data set, three of which consisted entirely of first-year ice, four entirely of multilayer ice, and three of new ice in open leads in the process of freezing. A simple gradient operator was used to characterize the radiometric texture in each training region in terms of the degree to which radiometric gradients are oriented. New ice in leads has a sufficiently high proportion of well-oriented features to distinguish it uniquely from first-year ice and multiyear ice. The predominance of well-oriented features probably reflects physical processes by which new ice accumulates in open leads. Banded structures, which are evident in aerial photographs of new ice, apparently give rise to the radiometric signature observed, in which the trend of brightness temperature gradients is aligned parallel to lead trends. First-year ice and multiyear ice, which have been subjected to a more random growth and process history, lack this banded structure and therefore are characterized by signatures in which well-aligned elements are less dominant.

Eddy covarianace measurements in a hyper-arid and hyper-saline mangroves ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perri, S.; Marpu, P.; Molini, A.; Armstrong, P.

2017-12-01

The natural environment of mangroves provides a number of ecosystem services for improving water quality, supporting healthy fisheries, and protecting the coasts. Also, their carbon storage is larger than any other forest type. Several authors have recognized the importance of mangroves in global carbon cycles. However, energy, water and carbon exchanges between ecosystem and atmosphere are still not completely understood. Eddy covariance measurements are extremely valuable to understand the role of the unique stressors of costal ecosystems in gas exchange. In particular, periodic flooding and elevated soil pore water salinity influence land-atmosphere interactions. Despites the importance of flux measurements in mangroves forests, such in-situ observations are extremely rare. Our research team set up an eddy covariance tower in the Mangrove National Park of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The study site (24.4509° N, 54.4288° E) is located in a dwarf Avicennia marina ecosystem experiencing extremely high temperatures and salinity. CO2 and H2O exchanges are estimated and related to water level and salinity measurements. This unique dataset will shed some light on the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide, on energy fluxes and on evapotranspiration rates for a halophyte ecosystem under severe salt-stress and high temperature.

Low-Power, Chip-Scale, Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensors for Spacesuit Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rani, Asha; Shi, Chen; Thomson, Brian; Debnath, Ratan; Wen, Boamei; Motayed, Abhishek; Chullen, Cinda

2018-01-01

N5 Sensors, Inc. through a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract award has been developing ultra-small, low-power carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensors, suited for monitoring CO2 levels inside NASA spacesuits. Due to the unique environmental conditions within the spacesuits, such as high humidity, large temperature swings, and operating pressure swings, measurement of key gases relevant to astronaut's safety and health such as(CO2), is quite challenging. Conventional non-dispersive infrared absorption based CO2 sensors present challenges inside the spacesuits due to size, weight, and power constraints, along with the ability to sense CO2 in a high humidity environment. Unique chip-scale, nanoengineered chemiresistive gas-sensing architecture has been developed for this application, which can be operated in a typical space-suite environmental conditions. Unique design combining the selective adsorption properties of the nanophotocatalytic clusters of metal-oxides and metals, provides selective detection of CO2 in high relative humidity conditions. All electronic design provides a compact and low-power solution, which can be implemented for multipoint detection of CO2 inside the spacesuits. This paper will describe the sensor architecture, development of new photocatalytic material for better sensor response, and advanced structure for better sensitivity and shorter response times.

PTFE-based microreactor system for the continuous synthesis of full-visible-spectrum emitting cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals.

PubMed

Zhang, Chengxi; Luan, Weiling; Yin, Yuhang; Yang, Fuqian

2017-01-01

Colloidal perovskite nanocrystals comprised of all inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX 3 , X = Cl, Br, I or a mixture thereof) have potential as optical gain materials due to their high luminescence efficiency. In this work, cesium lead halide nanocrystals are continuously synthesized via a microreactor system consisting of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) capillaries. The synthesized nanocrystals possess excellent optical properties, including a full width at half maximum of 19-35 nm, high fluorescence quantum yield of 47.8-90.55%, and photoluminescence emission in the range of 450-700 nm. For the same precursor concentrations, the photoluminescence emission peak generally increases with increasing reaction temperature, revealing a controllable temperature effect on the photoluminescence characteristics of the synthesized nanocrystals. For quantum dots synthesized with a Br/I ratio of 1:3, a slight blue shift was observed for reaction temperatures greater than 100 °C. This PTFE-based microreactor system provides the unique capability of continuously synthesizing high-quality perovskite nanocrystals that emit over the full visible spectrum with applications ranging from displays and optoelectronic devices.

PTFE-based microreactor system for the continuous synthesis of full-visible-spectrum emitting cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chengxi; Yin, Yuhang

2017-01-01

Colloidal perovskite nanocrystals comprised of all inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I or a mixture thereof) have potential as optical gain materials due to their high luminescence efficiency. In this work, cesium lead halide nanocrystals are continuously synthesized via a microreactor system consisting of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) capillaries. The synthesized nanocrystals possess excellent optical properties, including a full width at half maximum of 19–35 nm, high fluorescence quantum yield of 47.8–90.55%, and photoluminescence emission in the range of 450–700 nm. For the same precursor concentrations, the photoluminescence emission peak generally increases with increasing reaction temperature, revealing a controllable temperature effect on the photoluminescence characteristics of the synthesized nanocrystals. For quantum dots synthesized with a Br/I ratio of 1:3, a slight blue shift was observed for reaction temperatures greater than 100 °C. This PTFE-based microreactor system provides the unique capability of continuously synthesizing high-quality perovskite nanocrystals that emit over the full visible spectrum with applications ranging from displays and optoelectronic devices. PMID:29259867

Electrical properties of nano-resistors made from the Zr-doped HfO2 high-k dielectric film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shumao; Kuo, Yue

2018-03-01

Electrical properties of nano-sized resistors made from the breakdown of the metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor composed of the amorphous high-k gate dielectric have been investigated under different stress voltages and temperatures. The effective resistance of nano-resistors in the device was estimated from the I-V curve in the high voltage range. It decreased with the increase of the number of resistors. The resistance showed complicated temperature dependence, i.e. it neither behaves like a conductor nor a semiconductor. In the low voltage operation range, the charge transfer was controlled by the Schottky barrier at the nano-resistor/Si interface. The barrier height decreased with the increase of stress voltage, which was probably caused by the change of the nano-resistor composition. Separately, it was observed that the barrier height was dependent on the temperature, which was probably due to the dynamic nano-resistor formation process and the inhomogeneous barrier height distribution. The unique electrical characteristics of this new type of nano-resistors are important for many electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Fabrication of wound capacitors using flexible alkali-free glass

DOE PAGES

Wilke, Rudeger H. T.; Baker, Amanda; Brown-Shaklee, Harlan; ...

2016-10-01

Here, alkali-free glasses, which exhibit high energy storage densities (~35 J/cc), present a unique opportunity to couple high temperature stability with high breakdown strength, and thus provide an avenue for capacitor applications with stringent temperature and power requirements. Realizing the potential of these materials in kilovolt class capacitors with >1 J/cc recoverable energy density requires novel packaging strategies that incorporate these extremely fragile dielectrics. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating wound capacitors using 50-μm-thick glass. Two capacitors were fabricated from 2.8-m-long ribbons of thin (50 μm) glass wound into 125-140-mm-diameter spools. The capacitors exhibit a capacitance ofmore » 70-75 nF with loss tangents below 1%. The wound capacitors can operate up to 1 kV and show excellent temperature stability to 150 °C. By improving the end terminations, the self-resonance can be shifted to above 1 MHz, indicating that these materials may be useful for pulsed power applications with microsecond discharge times.« less

Lowering the temperature of solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Wachsman, Eric D; Lee, Kang Taek

2011-11-18

Fuel cells are uniquely capable of overcoming combustion efficiency limitations (e.g., the Carnot cycle). However, the linking of fuel cells (an energy conversion device) and hydrogen (an energy carrier) has emphasized investment in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells as part of a larger hydrogen economy and thus relegated fuel cells to a future technology. In contrast, solid oxide fuel cells are capable of operating on conventional fuels (as well as hydrogen) today. The main issue for solid oxide fuel cells is high operating temperature (about 800°C) and the resulting materials and cost limitations and operating complexities (e.g., thermal cycling). Recent solid oxide fuel cells results have demonstrated extremely high power densities of about 2 watts per square centimeter at 650°C along with flexible fueling, thus enabling higher efficiency within the current fuel infrastructure. Newly developed, high-conductivity electrolytes and nanostructured electrode designs provide a path for further performance improvement at much lower temperatures, down to ~350°C, thus providing opportunity to transform the way we convert and store energy.

Multidetector thermal field-flow fractionation as a unique tool for the tacticity-based separation of poly(methyl methacrylate)-polystyrene block copolymer micelles.

PubMed

Greyling, Guilaume; Pasch, Harald

2015-10-02

Poly(methyl methacrylate)-polystyrene (PMMA-PS) micelles with isotactic and syndiotactic coronas are prepared in acetonitrile and subjected to thermal field-flow fractionation (ThFFF) analysis at various conditions of increasing temperature gradients. It is shown for the first time that multidetector ThFFF provides comprehensive information on important micelle characteristics such as size (Dh), shape (Rg/Rh), aggregation number (Z), thermal diffusion (DT) and Soret coefficients (ST) as a function of temperature from a single injection. Moreover, it is found that micelles exhibit a unique decreasing trend in DT as a function of temperature which is independent of the tacticity of the corona and the micelle preparation method used. It is also demonstrated that ThFFF can monitor micelle to vesicle transitions as a function of temperature. In addition to ThFFF, it is found from DLS analysis that the tacticity of the corona influences the critical micelle concentration and the magnitude to which micelles expand/contract with temperature. The tacticity does not, however, influence the critical micelle temperature. Furthermore, the separation of micelles based on the tacticity of the corona highlight the unique capabilities of ThFFF. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a High-Pressure Gaseous Burner for Calibrating Optical Diagnostic Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kojima, Jun; Nguyen, Quang-Viet

2003-01-01

In this work-in-progress report, we show the development of a unique high-pressure burner facility (up to 60 atm) that provides steady, reproducible premixed flames with high precision, while having the capability to use multiple fuel/oxidizer combinations. The highpressure facility has four optical access ports for applying different laser diagnostic techniques and will provide a standard reference flame for the development of a spectroscopic database in high-pressure/temperature conditions. Spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) was the first diagnostic applied, and was used to successfully probe premixed hydrogen-air flames generated in the facility using a novel multi-jet micro-premixed array burner element. The SRS spectral data include contributions from H2, N2, O2, and H2O and were collected over a wide range of equivalence ratios ranging from 0.16 to 4.9 at an initial pressure of 10-atm via a spatially resolved point SRS measurement with a high-performance optical system. Temperatures in fuel-lean to stoichiometric conditions were determined from the ratio of the Stokes to anti-Stokes scattering of the Q-branch of N2, and those in fuel-rich conditions via the rotational temperature of H2. The SRS derived temperatures using both techniques were consistent and indicated that the flame temperature was approximately 500 K below that predicted by adiabatic equilibrium, indicating a large amount of heat-loss at the measurement zone. The integrated vibrational SRS signals show that SRS provides quantitative number density data in high-pressure H2-air flames.

High-temperature apparatus for chaotic mixing of natural silicate melts.

PubMed

Morgavi, D; Petrelli, M; Vetere, F P; González-García, D; Perugini, D

2015-10-01

A unique high-temperature apparatus was developed to trigger chaotic mixing at high-temperature (up to 1800 °C). This new apparatus, which we term Chaotic Magma Mixing Apparatus (COMMA), is designed to carry out experiments with high-temperature and high-viscosity (up to 10(6) Pa s) natural silicate melts. This instrument allows us to follow in time and space the evolution of the mixing process and the associated modulation of chemical composition. This is essential to understand the dynamics of magma mixing and related chemical exchanges. The COMMA device is tested by mixing natural melts from Aeolian Islands (Italy). The experiment was performed at 1180 °C using shoshonite and rhyolite melts, resulting in a viscosity ratio of more than three orders of magnitude. This viscosity ratio is close to the maximum possible ratio of viscosity between high-temperature natural silicate melts. Results indicate that the generated mixing structures are topologically identical to those observed in natural volcanic rocks highlighting the enormous potential of the COMMA to replicate, as a first approximation, the same mixing patterns observed in the natural environment. COMMA can be used to investigate in detail the space and time development of magma mixing providing information about this fundamental petrological and volcanological process that would be impossible to investigate by direct observations. Among the potentials of this new experimental device is the construction of empirical relationships relating the mixing time, obtained through experimental time series, and chemical exchanges between the melts to constrain the mixing-to-eruption time of volcanic systems, a fundamental topic in volcanic hazard assessment.

Asphalt pavement aging and temperature dependent properties using functionally graded viscoelastic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dave, Eshan V.

Asphalt concrete pavements are inherently graded viscoelastic structures. Oxidative aging of asphalt binder and temperature cycling due to climatic conditions being the major cause of non-homogeneity. Current pavement analysis and simulation procedures dwell on the use of layered approach to account for these non-homogeneities. The conventional finite-element modeling (FEM) technique discretizes the problem domain into smaller elements, each with a unique constitutive property. However the assignment of unique material property description to an element in the FEM approach makes it an unattractive choice for simulation of problems with material non-homogeneities. Specialized elements such as "graded elements" allow for non-homogenous material property definitions within an element. This dissertation describes the development of graded viscoelastic finite element analysis method and its application for analysis of asphalt concrete pavements. Results show that the present research improves efficiency and accuracy of simulations for asphalt pavement systems. Some of the practical implications of this work include the new technique's capability for accurate analysis and design of asphalt pavements and overlay systems and for the determination of pavement performance with varying climatic conditions and amount of in-service age. Other application areas include simulation of functionally graded fiber-reinforced concrete, geotechnical materials, metal and metal composites at high temperatures, polymers, and several other naturally existing and engineered materials.

NBS/NIST Gas Thermometry From 0 to 660 °C

PubMed Central

Schooley, J. F.

1990-01-01

In the NBS/NIST Gas Thermometry program, constant-volume gas thermometers, a unique mercury manometer, and a highly accurate thermal expansion apparatus have been employed to evaluate temperatures on the Kelvin Thermodynamic Temperature Scale (KTTS) that correspond to particular temperatures on the 1968 International Practical Temperature Scale (IPTS-68). In this paper, we present a summary of the NBS/NIST Gas Thermometry project, which originated with planning activities in the late 1920s and was completed by measurements of the differences t(KTTS)-t(IPTS-68) in the range 0 to 660 °C. Early results of this project were the first to demonstrate the surprisingly large inaccuracy of the IPTS-68 with respect to the KTTS above 0 °C. Advances in several different measurement techniques, development of new, specialized instruments, and two distinct sets of gas thermometry observations have resulted from the project. PMID:28179778

Room temperature current injection polariton light emitting diode with a hybrid microcavity.

PubMed

Lu, Tien-Chang; Chen, Jun-Rong; Lin, Shiang-Chi; Huang, Si-Wei; Wang, Shing-Chung; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2011-07-13

The strong light-matter interaction within a semiconductor high-Q microcavity has been used to produce half-matter/half-light quasiparticles, exciton-polaritons. The exciton-polaritons have very small effective mass and controllable energy-momentum dispersion relation. These unique properties of polaritons provide the possibility to investigate the fundamental physics including solid-state cavity quantum electrodynamics, and dynamical Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). Thus far the polariton BEC has been demonstrated using optical excitation. However, from a practical viewpoint, the current injection polariton devices operating at room temperature would be most desirable. Here we report the first realization of a current injection microcavity GaN exciton-polariton light emitting diode (LED) operating under room temperature. The exciton-polariton emission from the LED at photon energy 3.02 eV under strong coupling condition is confirmed through temperature-dependent and angle-resolved electroluminescence spectra.

Human Milk Warming Temperatures Using a Simulation of Currently Available Storage and Warming Methods

PubMed Central

Bransburg-Zabary, Sharron; Virozub, Alexander; Mimouni, Francis B.

2015-01-01

Human milk handling guidelines are very demanding, based upon solid scientific evidence that handling methods can make a real difference in infant health and nutrition. Indeed, properly stored milk maintains many of its unique qualities and continues to be the second and third best infant feeding alternatives, much superior to artificial feeding. Container type and shape, mode of steering, amount of air exposure and storage temperature may adversely affect milk stability and composition. Heating above physiological temperatures significantly impacts nutritional and immunological properties of milk. In spite of this knowledge, there are no strict guidelines regarding milk warming. Human milk is often heated in electrical-based bottle warmers that can exceed 80°C, a temperature at which many beneficial human milk properties disappear. High temperatures can also induce fat profile variations as compared with fresh human milk. In this manuscript we estimate the amount of damage due to overheating during warming using a heat flow simulation of a regular water based bottle warmer. To do so, we carried out a series of warming simulations which provided us with dynamic temperature fields within bottled milk. We simulated the use of a hot water-bath at 80°C to heat bottled refrigerated milk (60ml and 178 ml) to demonstrate that large milk portions are overheated (above 40°C). It seems that the contemporary storage method (upright feeding tool, i.e. bottle) and bottle warming device, are not optimize to preserve the unique properties of human milk. Health workers and parents should be aware of this problem especially when it relates to sick neonates and preemies that cannot be directly fed at the breast. PMID:26061694

Electrostatic levitation technology for thermophysical properties of molten materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhim, Won-Kyu

1993-01-01

Measurements of thermophysical properties of undercooled liquids often require some kind of levitator which isolates samples from container walls. We introduce in this presentation a high temperature/high vacuum electrostatic levitator (HTHVESL) which promises some unique capabilities for the studies of thermophysical properties of molten materials. Although substantial progress has been made in the past several months, this technology is still in the development stage, therefore, in this presentation we only focus on the present state of the HTHVESL(1) and point out other capabilities which might be realized in the near future.

Cryogenic Behavior of the High Temperature Crystal Oscillator PX-570

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patterson, Richard; Hammoud, Ahmad; Scherer, Steven

2011-01-01

Microprocessors, data-acquisition systems, and electronic controllers usually require timing signals for proper and accurate operation. These signals are, in most cases, provided by circuits that utilize crystal oscillators due to availability, cost, ease of operation, and accuracy. Stability of these oscillators, i.e. crystal characteristics, is usually governed, amongst other things, by the ambient temperature. Operation of these devices under extreme temperatures requires, therefore, the implementation of some temperature-compensation mechanism either through the manufacturing process of the oscillator part or in the design of the circuit to maintain stability as well as accuracy. NASA future missions into deep space and planetary exploration necessitate operation of electronic instruments and systems in environments where extreme temperatures along with wide-range thermal swings are countered. Most of the commercial devices are very limited in terms of their specified operational temperature while very few custom-made and military-grade parts have the ability to operate in a slightly wider range of temperature. Thus, it is becomes mandatory to design and develop circuits that are capable of operation efficiently and reliably under the space harsh conditions. This report presents the results obtained on the evaluation of a new (COTS) commercial-off-the-shelf crystal oscillator under extreme temperatures. The device selected for evaluation comprised of a 10 MHz, PX-570-series crystal oscillator. This type of device was recently introduced by Vectron International and is designed as high temperature oscillator [1]. These parts are fabricated using proprietary manufacturing processes designed specifically for high temperature and harsh environment applications [1]. The oscillators have a wide continuous operating temperature range; making them ideal for use in military and aerospace industry, industrial process control, geophysical fields, avionics, and engine control. They exhibit low jitter and phase noise, consume little power, and are suited for high shock and vibration applications. The unique package design of these crystal oscillators offers a small ceramic package footprint, as well as providing both through-hole mounting and surface mount options.

Simulating natural light and temperature cycles in the laboratory reveals differential effects on activity/rest rhythm of four Drosophilids.

PubMed

Prabhakaran, Priya M; Sheeba, Vasu

2014-10-01

Recent studies under semi-natural conditions have revealed various unique features of activity/rest rhythms in Drosophilids that differ from those under standard laboratory conditions. An additional afternoon peak (A-peak) has been reported for Drosophila melanogaster and another species D. malerkotliana while D. ananassae exhibited mostly unimodal diurnal activity. To tease apart the role of light and temperature in mediating these species-specific behaviours of four Drosophilid species D. melanogaster, D. malerkotliana, D. ananassae, and Zaprionus indianus we simulated gradual natural light and/or temperature cycles conditions in laboratory. The pattern observed under semi-natural conditions could be reproduced in the laboratory for all the species under a variety of simulated conditions. D. melanogaster and D. malerkotliana showed similar patterns where as D. ananassae consistently exhibited predominant morning activity under almost all regimes. Z. indianus showed clearly rhythmic activity mostly when temperature cycles were provided. We find that gradually changing light intensities reaching a sufficiently high peak value can elicit A-peak in D. melanogaster, D. malerkotliana, and D. ananassae even at mild ambient temperature. Furthermore, we show that high mid-day temperature could induce A-peak in all species even under constant light conditions suggesting that this A-peak is likely to be a stress response.

Development of a 300°C 3C Fiber Optic Downhole Seismic Receiver Array for Surveying and Monitoring of Geothermal Reservoirs

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

Paulsson, Bjorn N.P.

2016-06-29

To address the critical site characterization and monitoring needs for Enhance Geothermal Systems (EGS) programs, US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Paulsson, Inc. in 2011 a contract to design, build and test a high temperature fiber optic based ultra-large bandwidth clamped borehole seismic vector array capable of deploying a large number of 3C sensor pods suitable for deployment into high temperature and high pressure boreholes. Paulsson, Inc. has completed a design or a unique borehole seismic system consisting of a novel drill pipe based deployment system that includes a hydraulic clamping mechanism for the sensor pods, a new sensor podmore » design and most important – a unique fiber optic seismic vector sensor with technical specifications and capabilities that far exceed the state of the art seismic sensor technologies. These novel technologies were all applied to the new borehole seismic system. In combination these technologies will allow for the deployment of up to 1,000 3C sensor pods in vertical, deviated or horizontal wells. Laboratory tests of the fiber optic seismic vector sensors developed during this project have shown that the new borehole seismic sensor technology is capable of generating outstanding high vector fidelity data with extremely large bandwidth: 0.01 – 6,000 Hz. Field tests have shown that the system can record events at magnitudes much smaller than M-4.0 at frequencies over 2,000 Hz. The sensors have also proved to be about 100 times more sensitive than the regular coil geophones that are used in borehole seismic systems today. The fiber optic seismic sensors have furthermore been qualified to operate at temperatures over 300°C (572°F). The data telemetry fibers used for the seismic vector sensors in the system are also used to simultaneously record Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) and Distributed Acoustic Sensor (DAS) data allowing additional value added data to be recorded simultaneously with the seismic vector sensor data.« less

Understanding Phase-Change Memory Alloys from a Chemical Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolobov, A. V.; Fons, P.; Tominaga, J.

2015-09-01

Phase-change memories (PCM) are associated with reversible ultra-fast low-energy crystal-to-amorphous switching in GeTe-based alloys co-existing with the high stability of the two phases at ambient temperature, a unique property that has been recently explained by the high fragility of the glass-forming liquid phase, where the activation barrier for crystallisation drastically increases as the temperature decreases from the glass-transition to room temperature. At the same time the atomistic dynamics of the phase-change process and the associated changes in the nature of bonding have remained unknown. In this work we demonstrate that key to this behavior is the formation of transient three-center bonds in the excited state that is enabled due to the presence of lone-pair electrons. Our findings additionally reveal previously ignored fundamental similarities between the mechanisms of reversible photoinduced structural changes in chalcogenide glasses and phase-change alloys and offer new insights into the development of efficient PCM materials.

Understanding Phase-Change Memory Alloys from a Chemical Perspective.

PubMed

Kolobov, A V; Fons, P; Tominaga, J

2015-09-01

Phase-change memories (PCM) are associated with reversible ultra-fast low-energy crystal-to-amorphous switching in GeTe-based alloys co-existing with the high stability of the two phases at ambient temperature, a unique property that has been recently explained by the high fragility of the glass-forming liquid phase, where the activation barrier for crystallisation drastically increases as the temperature decreases from the glass-transition to room temperature. At the same time the atomistic dynamics of the phase-change process and the associated changes in the nature of bonding have remained unknown. In this work we demonstrate that key to this behavior is the formation of transient three-center bonds in the excited state that is enabled due to the presence of lone-pair electrons. Our findings additionally reveal previously ignored fundamental similarities between the mechanisms of reversible photoinduced structural changes in chalcogenide glasses and phase-change alloys and offer new insights into the development of efficient PCM materials.

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

Wang, Hui; Chen, Yan; Hood, Zachary D.

All-solid-state sodium batteries, using abundant sodium resources and solid electrolyte, hold much promise for safe, low cost, large-scale energy storage. To realize the practical applications of all solid Na-ion batteries at ambient temperature, the solid electrolytes are required to have high ionic conductivity, chemical stability, and ideally, easy preparation. Ceramic electrolytes show higher ionic conductivity than polymers, but they often require extremely stringent synthesis conditions, either high sintering temperature above 1000 C or long-time, low-energy ball milling. Herein, we report a new synthesis route for Na 3SbS 4, a novel Na superionic conductor that needs much lower processing temperature belowmore » 200 C and easy operation. This new solid electrolyte exhibits a remarkable ionic conductivity of 1.05 mS cm -1 at 25 °C and is chemically stable under ambient atmosphere. In conclusion, this synthesis process provides unique insight into the current state-of-the-art solid electrolyte preparation and opens new possibilities for the design of similar materials.« less

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

Zhan, Wangcheng; He, Qian; Liu, Xiaofei

Supported gold (Au) nanocatalysts hold great promise for heterogeneous catalysis; however, their practical application is greatly hampered by poor thermodynamic stability. Herein, a general synthetic strategy is reported where discrete metal nanoparticles are made resistant to sintering, preserving their catalytic activities in high-temperature oxidation processes. Taking advantage of the unique coating chemistry of dopamine, sacrificial carbon layers are constructed on the material surface, stabilizing the supported catalyst. Upon annealing at high temperature under an inert atmosphere, the interactions between support and metal nanoparticle are dramatically enhanced, while the sacrificial carbon layers can be subsequently removed through oxidative calcination in air.more » Owing to the improved metal-support contact and strengthened electronic interactions, the resulting Au nanocatalysts are resistant to sintering and exhibit excellent durability for catalytic combustion of propylene at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the facile synthetic strategy can be extended to the stabilization of other supported catalysts on a broad range of supports, providing a general approach to enhancing the thermal stability and sintering resistance of supported nanocatalysts.« less

Novel biomaterials: plasma-enabled nanostructures and functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levchenko, Igor; Keidar, Michael; Cvelbar, Uroš; Mariotti, Davide; Mai-Prochnow, Anne; Fang, Jinghua; (Ken Ostrikov, Kostya

2016-07-01

Material processing techniques utilizing low-temperature plasmas as the main process tool feature many unique capabilities for the fabrication of various nanostructured materials. As compared with the neutral-gas based techniques and methods, the plasma-based approaches offer higher levels of energy and flux controllability, often leading to higher quality of the fabricated nanomaterials and sometimes to the synthesis of the hierarchical materials with interesting properties. Among others, nanoscale biomaterials attract significant attention due to their special properties towards the biological materials (proteins, enzymes), living cells and tissues. This review briefly examines various approaches based on the use of low-temperature plasma environments to fabricate nanoscale biomaterials exhibiting high biological activity, biological inertness for drug delivery system, and other features of the biomaterials make them highly attractive. In particular, we briefly discuss the plasma-assisted fabrication of gold and silicon nanoparticles for bio-applications; carbon nanoparticles for bioimaging and cancer therapy; carbon nanotube-based platforms for enzyme production and bacteria growth control, and other applications of low-temperature plasmas in the production of biologically-active materials.

Transcriptional activation by heat and cold of a thiol protease gene in tomato. [Lycopersicon esculentum

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

Schaffer, M.A.; Fischer, R.L.

We previously determined that low temperature induces the accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit of a cloned mRNA, designated C14, encoding a polypeptide related to thiol proteases. We now demonstrate that C14 mRNA accumulation is a response common to both high (40{degree}C) and low (4{degree}C) temperature stresses. Exposure of tomato fruit to 40{degree}C results in the accumulation of C14 mRNA, by 8 hours. This response is more rapid than that to 4{degree}C, but slower than the induction of many heat shock messages by 40{degree}C, and therefore unique. We have also studied the mechanism by which heat and cold exposure activatemore » C14 gene expression. Both high and low temperature regulate protease gene expression through transcriptional induction of a single C14 gene. A hypothesis for the function of C14 thiol protease gene expression in response to heat and cold is discussed.« less

Compensated Ferrimagnetism in the Zero-Moment Heusler Alloy Mn3Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamer, Michelle E.; Wang, Yung Jui; Stephen, Gregory M.; McDonald, Ian J.; Grutter, Alexander J.; Sterbinsky, George E.; Arena, Dario A.; Borchers, Julie A.; Kirby, Brian J.; Lewis, Laura H.; Barbiellini, Bernardo; Bansil, Arun; Heiman, Don

2017-06-01

While antiferromagnets have been proposed as components to limit stray magnetic fields, their inability to be spin polarized inhibits their use in spintronic devices. Compensated ferrimagnets are a unique solution to this dilemma since they have zero net moment, but their nonsymmetric density of states allows the achievement of high spin polarization. Density-functional theory predicts Mn3Al in the D 03 structure to be fully compensated and retain half-metallicity at room temperature. In this work, 50-nm Mn3Al thin films are synthesized using molecular beam epitaxy and annealed at various temperatures in order to investigate their magnetic properties. Magnetometry measurements confirm the high Curie temperature of 605 K. Polarized-neutron reflectometry (PNR) indicates a low net magnetic moment, along with depth profiles of the structure and magnetization. From the PNR data, a saturation moment of 0.11 ±0.04 μB/f .u . is extracted, confirming the nominal zero moment present in these thin films.

Synthesis of multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia powders and their enhanced thermophysical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Fengmei; Gao, Yanfeng; Chen, Hongfei; Liu, Xinling; Tang, Xiaoping; Luo, Hongjie

2013-06-01

Multi-hierarchical structured yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powders were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal-calcination process. The morphology, crystallinity, and microstructure of the products were characterized by SEM, XRD, TEM, and BET. A possible formation mechanism of the unique structure formed during hydrothermal processing was also investigated. The measured thermophysical results indicated that the prepared YSZ powders had a low thermal conductivity (0.63-1.27 W m-1 K-1), good short-term high-temperature stability up to 1300 °C. The influence of the morphology and microstructure on their thermophysical properties was briefly discussed. The unique multi-hierarchical structure makes the prepared YSZ powders candidates for use in enhanced applications involving thermal barrier coatings.

High spectral resolution of gamma-rays at room temperature by perovskite CsPbBr 3 single crystals

DOE PAGES

He, Yihui; Matei, Liviu; Jung, Hee Joon; ...

2018-04-23

Gamma-ray detection and spectroscopy is the quantitative determination of their energy spectra, and is of critical value and critically important in diverse technological and scientific fields. Here we report an improved melt growth method for cesium lead bromide and a special detector design with asymmetrical metal electrode configuration that leads to a high performance at room temperature. As-grown centimeter-sized crystals possess extremely low impurity levels (below 10 p.p.m. for total 69 elements) and detectors achieve 3.9% energy resolution for 122 keV 57Co gamma-ray and 3.8% for 662 keV 137Cs gamma-ray. Cesium lead bromide is unique among all gamma-ray detection materialsmore » in that its hole transport properties are responsible for the high performance. The superior mobility-lifetime product for holes (1.34 × 10 –3 cm 2 V –1) derives mainly from the record long hole carrier lifetime (over 25 μs). Here, the easily scalable crystal growth and high-energy resolution, highlight cesium lead bromide as an exceptional next generation material for room temperature radiation detection.« less

High spectral resolution of gamma-rays at room temperature by perovskite CsPbBr 3 single crystals

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

He, Yihui; Matei, Liviu; Jung, Hee Joon

Gamma-ray detection and spectroscopy is the quantitative determination of their energy spectra, and is of critical value and critically important in diverse technological and scientific fields. Here we report an improved melt growth method for cesium lead bromide and a special detector design with asymmetrical metal electrode configuration that leads to a high performance at room temperature. As-grown centimeter-sized crystals possess extremely low impurity levels (below 10 p.p.m. for total 69 elements) and detectors achieve 3.9% energy resolution for 122 keV 57Co gamma-ray and 3.8% for 662 keV 137Cs gamma-ray. Cesium lead bromide is unique among all gamma-ray detection materialsmore » in that its hole transport properties are responsible for the high performance. The superior mobility-lifetime product for holes (1.34 × 10 –3 cm 2 V –1) derives mainly from the record long hole carrier lifetime (over 25 μs). Here, the easily scalable crystal growth and high-energy resolution, highlight cesium lead bromide as an exceptional next generation material for room temperature radiation detection.« less

Estimates of crystalline LiF thermal conductivity at high temperature and pressure by a Green-Kubo method

DOE PAGES

Jones, R. E.; Ward, D. K.

2016-07-18

Here, given the unique optical properties of LiF, it is often used as an observation window in high-temperature and -pressure experiments; hence, estimates of its transmission properties are necessary to interpret observations. Since direct measurements of the thermal conductivity of LiF at the appropriate conditions are difficult, we resort to molecular simulation methods. Using an empirical potential validated against ab initio phonon density of states, we estimate the thermal conductivity of LiF at high temperatures (1000–4000 K) and pressures (100–400 GPa) with the Green-Kubo method. We also compare these estimates to those derived directly from ab initio data. To ascertainmore » the correct phase of LiF at these extreme conditions, we calculate the (relative) phase stability of the B1 and B2 structures using a quasiharmonic ab initio model of the free energy. We also estimate the thermal conductivity of LiF in an uniaxial loading state that emulates initial stages of compression in high-stress ramp loading experiments and show the degree of anisotropy induced in the conductivity due to deformation.« less

Sensing Using Rare-Earth-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Hao, Shuwei; Chen, Guanying; Yang, Chunhui

2013-01-01

Optical sensing plays an important role in theranostics due to its capability to detect hint biochemical entities or molecular targets as well as to precisely monitor specific fundamental psychological processes. Rare-earth (RE) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for these endeavors due to their unique frequency converting capability; they emit efficient and sharp visible or ultraviolet (UV) luminescence via use of ladder-like energy levels of RE ions when excited at near infrared (NIR) light that are silent to tissues. These features allow not only a high penetration depth in biological tissues but also a high detection sensitivity. Indeed, the energy transfer between UCNPs and biomolecular or chemical indicators provide opportunities for high-sensitive bio- and chemical-sensing. A temperature-sensitive change of the intensity ratio between two close UC bands promises them for use in temperature mapping of a single living cell. In this work, we review recent investigations on using UCNPs for the detection of biomolecules (avidin, ATP, etc.), ions (cyanide, mecury, etc.), small gas molecules (oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc.), as well as for in vitro temperature sensing. We also briefly summarize chemical methods in synthesizing UCNPs of high efficiency that are important for the detection limit. PMID:23650480

Potential of membrane distillation for production of high quality fruit juice concentrate.

PubMed

Onsekizoglu Bagci, Pelin

2015-01-01

Fruit juices are generally concentrated in order to improve the stability during storage and to reduce handling, packaging, and transportation costs. Thermal evaporation is the most widely used technique in industrial fruit juice concentrate production. In addition to high energy consumption, a large part of the characteristics determining the quality of the fresh juice including aroma, color, vitamins, and antioxidants undergoes remarkable alterations through the use of high operation temperatures. Increasing consumer demand for minimally or naturally processed stable products able to retain as much possible the uniqueness of the fresh fruit has engendered a growing interest for development of nonthermal approaches for fruit juice concentration. Among them, membrane distillation (MD) and its variants have attracted much attention for allowing very high concentrations to be reached under atmospheric pressure and temperatures near ambient temperature. This review will provide an overview of the current status and recent developments in the use of MD for concentration of fruit juices. In addition to the most basic concepts of MD variants, crucial suggestions for membrane selection and operating parameters will be presented. Challenges and future trends for industrial adaptation taking into account the possibility of integrating MD with other existing processes will be discussed.

The ecological foundations of transmission potential and vector-borne disease in urban landscapes.

PubMed

LaDeau, Shannon L; Allan, Brian F; Leisnham, Paul T; Levy, Michael Z

2015-07-01

Urban transmission of arthropod-vectored disease has increased in recent decades. Understanding and managing transmission potential in urban landscapes requires integration of sociological and ecological processes that regulate vector population dynamics, feeding behavior, and vector-pathogen interactions in these unique ecosystems. Vectorial capacity is a key metric for generating predictive understanding about transmission potential in systems with obligate vector transmission. This review evaluates how urban conditions, specifically habitat suitability and local temperature regimes, and the heterogeneity of urban landscapes can influence the biologically-relevant parameters that define vectorial capacity: vector density, survivorship, biting rate, extrinsic incubation period, and vector competence.Urban landscapes represent unique mosaics of habitat. Incidence of vector-borne disease in urban host populations is rarely, if ever, evenly distributed across an urban area. The persistence and quality of vector habitat can vary significantly across socio-economic boundaries to influence vector species composition and abundance, often generating socio-economically distinct gradients of transmission potential across neighborhoods.Urban regions often experience unique temperature regimes, broadly termed urban heat islands (UHI). Arthropod vectors are ectothermic organisms and their growth, survival, and behavior are highly sensitive to environmental temperatures. Vector response to UHI conditions is dependent on regional temperature profiles relative to the vector's thermal performance range. In temperate climates UHI can facilitate increased vector development rates while having countervailing influence on survival and feeding behavior. Understanding how urban heat island (UHI) conditions alter thermal and moisture constraints across the vector life cycle to influence transmission processes is an important direction for both empirical and modeling research.There remain persistent gaps in understanding of vital rates and drivers in mosquito-vectored disease systems, and vast holes in understanding for other arthropod vectored diseases. Empirical studies are needed to better understand the physiological constraints and socio-ecological processes that generate heterogeneity in critical transmission parameters, including vector survival and fitness. Likewise, laboratory experiments and transmission models must evaluate vector response to realistic field conditions, including variability in sociological and environmental conditions.

The chlorine abundance of Earth: Implications for a habitable planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharp, Z. D.; Draper, D. S.

2013-05-01

The Cl, Br and I contents of Earth are depleted by a factor of 10 relative to predicted values from chondritic and solar abundances. Possible explanations for the apparent discrepancy include (1) unrecognized sequestration of Cl in the core, (2) a much higher nebular volatility than normally presumed or (3) a preferential loss of the heavy halogens during planetary accretion. We tested the first assumption by conducting high pressure-temperature equilibration experiments between silicate and metal. At 15 GPa and 1900 °C, the DCl(metal-silicate) value for Cl is less than 0.007, indicating that the core is not a significant reservoir for Cl. The concentration of Cl in all chondritic classes follows a depletion trend very similar to that of Na and Mn, arguing against a low condensation temperature for Cl. Instead, we propose that the depletion of the heavy halogens is due to their unique hydrophilic behavior. Almost half of Earth's Cl and Br inventory resides in the ocean and evaporites, demonstrating the unique affinity for aqueous solutions for these elements. During planetary accretion, there would have been a strong sequestration of halogens into the crustal reservoir. 'Collisional erosion' during planetary accretion provides a mechanism that would uniquely strip the heavy halogens out of an accreting Earth. Had such loss not occurred, the salinity of the oceans would be 10× the present value, and complex life would probably never have evolved.

Hysteretic and intermittent regimes in the subcritical bifurcation of a quasi-one-dimensional system of interacting particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dessup, Tommy; Coste, Christophe; Saint Jean, Michel

2016-01-01

In this article, we study the effects of white Gaussian additive thermal noise on a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation. We consider a quasi-one-dimensional system of particles that are transversally confined, with short-range (non-Coulombic) interactions and periodic boundary conditions in the longitudinal direction. In such systems, there is a structural transition from a linear order to a staggered row, called the zigzag transition. There is a finite range of transverse confinement stiffnesses for which the stable configuration at zero temperature is a localized zigzag pattern surrounded by aligned particles, which evidences the subcriticality of the bifurcation. We show that these configurations remain stable for a wide temperature range. At zero temperature, the transition between a straight line and such localized zigzag patterns is hysteretic. We have studied the influence of thermal noise on the hysteresis loop. Its description is more difficult than at T =0 K since thermally activated jumps between the two configurations always occur and the system cannot stay forever in a unique metastable state. Two different regimes have to be considered according to the temperature value with respect to a critical temperature Tc(τobs) that depends on the observation time τobs. An hysteresis loop is still observed at low temperature, with a width that decreases as the temperature increases toward Tc(τobs) . In contrast, for T >Tc(τobs) the memory of the initial condition is lost by stochastic jumps between the configurations. The study of the mean residence times in each configuration gives a unique opportunity to precisely determine the barrier height that separates the two configurations, without knowing the complete energy landscape of this many-body system. We also show how to reconstruct the hysteresis loop that would exist at T =0 K from high-temperature simulations.

Spatially Resolved Temperature and Water Vapor Concentration Distributions in Supersonic Combustion Facilities by TDLAT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Busa, K. M.; McDaniel J. C.; Diskin, G. S.; DePiro, M. J.; Capriotti, D. P.; Gaffney, R. L.

2012-01-01

Detailed knowledge of the internal structure of high-enthalpy flows can provide valuable insight to the performance of scramjet combustors. Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) is often employed to measure temperature and species concentration. However, TDLAS is a path-integrated line-of-sight (LOS) measurement, and thus does not produce spatially resolved distributions. Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Tomography (TDLAT) is a non-intrusive measurement technique for determining two-dimensional spatially resolved distributions of temperature and species concentration in high enthalpy flows. TDLAT combines TDLAS with tomographic image reconstruction. More than 2500 separate line-of-sight TDLAS measurements are analyzed in order to produce highly resolved temperature and species concentration distributions. Measurements have been collected at the University of Virginia's Supersonic Combustion Facility (UVaSCF) as well as at the NASA Langley Direct-Connect Supersonic Combustion Test Facility (DCSCTF). Due to the UVaSCF s unique electrical heating and ability for vitiate addition, measurements collected at the UVaSCF are presented as a calibration of the technique. Measurements collected at the DCSCTF required significant modifications to system hardware and software designs due to its larger measurement area and shorter test duration. Tomographic temperature and water vapor concentration distributions are presented from experimentation on the UVaSCF operating at a high temperature non-reacting case for water vitiation level of 12%. Initial LOS measurements from the NASA Langley DCSCTF operating at an equivalence ratio of 0.5 are also presented. Results show the capability of TDLAT to adapt to several experimental setups and test parameters.

Ignition characteristics of the nickel-based alloy UNS N07001 in pressurized oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bransford, J. W.; Billiard, P. A.

1990-01-01

The development of ignition and combustion in pressurized oxygen atmospheres was studied for the nickel-based alloy UNS N07001. Ignition of the alloy was achieved by heating the top surface of a cylindrical specimen with a continuous-wave CO2 laser. Two heating procedures were used. In the first, laser power was adjusted to maintain an approximately linear increase in surface temperature. In the second, laser power was periodically increased until autoheating (self-heating) was established. It was found that the alloy would autoheat to combustion from temperatures below the solidus temperature. In addition, the alloy had a tendency to develop combustion zones (hot spots) at high oxygen pressures when the incremental (step) heating test mode was used. Unique points on the temperature-time curves that describe certain events are defined and the temperatures at which these events occur are given for the oxygen pressure range of 1.72 to 13.8 MPa (250 to 2000 psia).

Reversible shear-induced crystallization above equilibrium freezing temperature in a lyotropic surfactant system

PubMed Central

Rathee, Vikram; Krishnaswamy, Rema; Pal, Antara; Raghunathan, V. A.; Impéror-Clerc, Marianne; Pansu, Brigitte; Sood, A. K.

2013-01-01

We demonstrate a unique shear-induced crystallization phenomenon above the equilibrium freezing temperature in weakly swollen isotropic and lamellar mesophases with bilayers formed in a cationic-anionic mixed surfactant system. Synchrotron rheological X-ray diffraction study reveals the crystallization transition to be reversible under shear (i.e., on stopping the shear, the nonequilibrium crystalline phase melts back to the equilibrium mesophase). This is different from the shear-driven crystallization below , which is irreversible. Rheological optical observations show that the growth of the crystalline phase occurs through a preordering of the phase to an phase induced by shear flow, before the nucleation of the phase. Shear diagram of the phase constructed in the parameter space of shear rate vs. temperature exhibits and transitions above the equilibrium crystallization temperature , in addition to the irreversible shear-driven nucleation of in the phase below . In addition to revealing a unique class of nonequilibrium phase transition, the present study urges a unique approach toward understanding shear-induced phenomena in concentrated mesophases of mixed amphiphilic systems. PMID:23986497

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chui, T.; Holmes, W.; Lai, A.; Croonquist, A.; Eraker, J.; Abbott, R.; Mills, G.; Mohl, J.; Craig, J.; Balachandra, B.;

High-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy.

PubMed

Sanz, Alejandro; Hansen, Henriette Wase; Jakobsen, Bo; Pedersen, Ib H; Capaccioli, Simone; Adrjanowicz, Karolina; Paluch, Marian; Gonthier, Julien; Frick, Bernhard; Lelièvre-Berna, Eddy; Peters, Judith; Niss, Kristine

2018-02-01

In this article, we report on the design, manufacture, and testing of a high-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy. This cell is a unique tool for studying dynamics on different time scales, from kilo- to picoseconds, covering universal features such as the α relaxation and fast vibrations at the same time. The cell, constructed in cylindrical geometry, is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy and operates up to 500 MPa in a temperature range between roughly 2 and 320 K. In order to measure the scattered neutron intensity and the sample capacitance simultaneously, a cylindrical capacitor is positioned within the bore of the high-pressure container. The capacitor consists of two concentric electrodes separated by insulating spacers. The performance of this setup has been successfully verified by collecting simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy data on dipropylene glycol, using both backscattering and time-of-flight instruments. We have carried out the experiments at different combinations of temperature and pressure in both the supercooled liquid and glassy state.

Fossil evidence for serpentinization fluids fueling chemosynthetic assemblages

PubMed Central

Lartaud, Franck; Little, Crispin T. S.; de Rafelis, Marc; Bayon, Germain; Dyment, Jerome; Ildefonse, Benoit; Gressier, Vincent; Fouquet, Yves; Gaill, Françoise; Le Bris, Nadine

2011-01-01

Among the deep-sea hydrothermal vent sites discovered in the past 30 years, Lost City on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is remarkable both for its alkaline fluids derived from mantle rock serpentinization and the spectacular seafloor carbonate chimneys precipitated from these fluids. Despite high concentrations of reduced chemicals in the fluids, this unique example of a serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal system currently lacks chemosynthetic assemblages dominated by large animals typical of high-temperature vent sites. Here we report abundant specimens of chemosymbiotic mussels, associated with gastropods and chemosymbiotic clams, in approximately 100 kyr old Lost City-like carbonates from the MAR close to the Rainbow site (36 °N). Our finding shows that serpentinization-related fluids, unaffected by high-temperature hydrothermal circulation, can occur on-axis and are able to sustain high-biomass communities. The widespread occurrence of seafloor ultramafic rocks linked to likely long-range dispersion of vent species therefore offers considerably more ecospace for chemosynthetic fauna in the oceans than previously supposed. PMID:21518892

High-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz, Alejandro; Hansen, Henriette Wase; Jakobsen, Bo; Pedersen, Ib H.; Capaccioli, Simone; Adrjanowicz, Karolina; Paluch, Marian; Gonthier, Julien; Frick, Bernhard; Lelièvre-Berna, Eddy; Peters, Judith; Niss, Kristine

2018-02-01

In this article, we report on the design, manufacture, and testing of a high-pressure cell for simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy. This cell is a unique tool for studying dynamics on different time scales, from kilo- to picoseconds, covering universal features such as the α relaxation and fast vibrations at the same time. The cell, constructed in cylindrical geometry, is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy and operates up to 500 MPa in a temperature range between roughly 2 and 320 K. In order to measure the scattered neutron intensity and the sample capacitance simultaneously, a cylindrical capacitor is positioned within the bore of the high-pressure container. The capacitor consists of two concentric electrodes separated by insulating spacers. The performance of this setup has been successfully verified by collecting simultaneous dielectric and neutron spectroscopy data on dipropylene glycol, using both backscattering and time-of-flight instruments. We have carried out the experiments at different combinations of temperature and pressure in both the supercooled liquid and glassy state.

Fossil evidence for serpentinization fluids fueling chemosynthetic assemblages.

PubMed

Lartaud, Franck; Little, Crispin T S; de Rafelis, Marc; Bayon, Germain; Dyment, Jerome; Ildefonse, Benoit; Gressier, Vincent; Fouquet, Yves; Gaill, Françoise; Le Bris, Nadine

2011-05-10

Among the deep-sea hydrothermal vent sites discovered in the past 30 years, Lost City on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is remarkable both for its alkaline fluids derived from mantle rock serpentinization and the spectacular seafloor carbonate chimneys precipitated from these fluids. Despite high concentrations of reduced chemicals in the fluids, this unique example of a serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal system currently lacks chemosynthetic assemblages dominated by large animals typical of high-temperature vent sites. Here we report abundant specimens of chemosymbiotic mussels, associated with gastropods and chemosymbiotic clams, in approximately 100 kyr old Lost City-like carbonates from the MAR close to the Rainbow site (36 °N). Our finding shows that serpentinization-related fluids, unaffected by high-temperature hydrothermal circulation, can occur on-axis and are able to sustain high-biomass communities. The widespread occurrence of seafloor ultramafic rocks linked to likely long-range dispersion of vent species therefore offers considerably more ecospace for chemosynthetic fauna in the oceans than previously supposed.

Influence of thiourea application on some physiological and molecular criteria of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants under conditions of heat stress.

PubMed

Akladious, Samia Ageeb

2014-05-01

High temperature is a major factor limiting the growth of plant species during summer. Understanding the mechanisms of plant tolerance to high temperature would help in developing effective management practices and heat-tolerant cultivars through breeding or biotechnology. The present investigation was carried out to study the role of thiourea in enhancing the tolerance of sunflower plants to heat stress. Sunflower plants were subjected to temperature stress by exposing plants to 35 or 45 °C for 12 h. Two levels of thiourea (10 and 20 mM) were applied before sowing (seed treatment). The results indicated that the plants exposed to temperature stress exhibited a significant decline in growth parameters, chlorophylls, relative leaf water content, oil content, leaf nutrient status, and nitrate reductase activity. Treatment with thiourea, especially when applied at 10 mM, improved the above parameters and induced non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants responsible for antioxidation. SDS-PAGE of protein revealed that high-temperature treatments alone or in combination with thiourea were associated with the disappearance of some bands or the appearance of unique ones. The result of RAPD analysis using five primers showed variable qualitative and quantitative changes. These findings confirm the effectiveness of applying thiourea on alleviating heat injuries in sunflower plants.

A gyrokinetic perspective on the JET-ILW pedestal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatch, D. R.; Kotschenreuther, M.; Mahajan, S.; Valanju, P.; Liu, X.

2017-03-01

JET has been unable to recover historical confinement levels when operating with an ITER-like wall (ILW) due largely to the inaccessibility of high pedestal temperatures. Finding a path to overcome this challenge is of utmost importance for both a prospective JET DT campaign and for future ITER operation. Gyrokinetic simulations (using the Gene code) quantitatively capture experimental transport levels for a representative experimental discharge and qualitatively recover the major experimental trends. Microtearing turbulence is a major transport mechanisms for the low-temperature pedestals characteristic of unseeded JET-ILW discharges. At higher temperatures and/or lower {ρ\\ast} , we identify electrostatic ITG transport of a type that is strongly shear-suppressed on smaller machines. Consistent with observations, this transport mechanism is strongly reduced by the presence of a low-Z impurity (e.g. carbon or nitrogen at the level of {{Z}\\text{eff}}∼ 2 ), recovering the accessibility of high pedestal temperatures. Notably, simulations based on dimensionless {ρ\\ast} scans recover historical scaling behavior except in the unique JET-ILW parameter regime where ITG turbulence becomes important. Our simulations also elucidate the observed degradation of confinement caused by gas puffing, emphasizing the important role of the density pedestal structure. This study maps out important regions of parameter space, providing insights that may point to optimal physical regimes that can enable the recovery of high pedestal temperatures on JET.

The flavoprotein Tah18-dependent NO synthesis confers high-temperature stress tolerance on yeast cells

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

Nishimura, Akira; Kawahara, Nobuhiro; Takagi, Hiroshi, E-mail: hiro@bs.naist.jp

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer NO is produced from L-arginine in response to elevated temperature in yeast. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Tah18 was first identified as the yeast protein involved in NO synthesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Tah18-dependent NO synthesis confers tolerance to high-temperature on yeast cells. -- Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule involved in the regulation of a large number of cellular functions. In the unicellular eukaryote yeast, NO may be involved in stress response pathways, but its role is poorly understood due to the lack of mammalian NO synthase (NOS) orthologues. Previously, we have proposed the oxidative stress-induced L-arginine synthesis and its physiologicalmore » role under stress conditions in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, our experimental results indicated that increased conversion of L-proline into L-arginine led to NO production in response to elevated temperature. We also showed that the flavoprotein Tah18, which was previously reported to transfer electrons to the Fe-S cluster protein Dre2, was involved in NO synthesis in yeast. Gene knockdown analysis demonstrated that Tah18-dependent NO synthesis confers high-temperature stress tolerance on yeast cells. As it appears that such a unique cell protection mechanism is specific to yeasts and fungi, it represents a promising target for antifungal activity.« less

Comparative miRNAs analysis of Two contrasting broccoli inbred lines with divergent head-forming capacity under temperature stress.

PubMed

Chen, Chi-Chien; Fu, Shih-Feng; Norikazu, Monma; Yang, Yau-Wen; Liu, Yu-Ju; Ikeo, Kazuho; Gojobori, Takashi; Huang, Hao-Jen

2015-12-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in growth, development, and stress response at the post-transcriptional level. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var italic) is an important vegetable crop, and the yield and quality of broccoli are decreased by heat stress. The broccoli inbred lines that are capable of producing head at high temperature in summer are unique varieties in Taiwan. However, knowledge of miRNAomes during the broccoli head formation under heat stress is limited. In this study, molecular characterization of two nearly isogenic lines with contrasting head-forming capacity was investigated. Head-forming capacity was better for heat-tolerant (HT) than heat-sensitive (HS) broccoli under heat stress. By deep sequencing and computational analysis, 20 known miRNAs showed significant differential expression between HT and HS genotypes. According to the criteria for annotation of new miRNAs, 24 novel miRNA sequences with differential expression between the two genotypes were identified. To gain insight into functional significance, 213 unique potential targets of these 44 differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. These targets were implicated in shoot apical development, phase change, response to temperature stimulus, hormone and energy metabolism. The head-forming capacity of the unique HT line was related to autonomous regulation of Bo-FT genes and less expression level of heat shock protein genes as compared to HS. For the genotypic comparison, a set of miRNAs and their targets had consistent expression patterns in various HT genotypes. This large-scale characterization of broccoli miRNAs and their potential targets is to unravel the regulatory roles of miRNAs underlying heat-tolerant head-forming capacity.

NASA GRC's High Pressure Burner Rig Facility and Materials Test Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, R. Craig

1999-01-01

The High Pressure Burner Rig (HPBR) at NASA Glenn Research Center is a high-velocity. pressurized combustion test rig used for high-temperature environmental durability studies of advanced materials and components. The facility burns jet fuel and air in controlled ratios, simulating combustion gas chemistries and temperatures that are realistic to those in gas turbine engines. In addition, the test section is capable of simulating the pressures and gas velocities representative of today's aircraft. The HPBR provides a relatively inexpensive. yet sophisticated means for researchers to study the high-temperature oxidation of advanced materials. The facility has the unique capability of operating under both fuel-lean and fuel-rich gas mixtures. using a fume incinerator to eliminate any harmful byproduct emissions (CO, H2S) of rich-burn operation. Test samples are easily accessible for ongoing inspection and documentation of weight change, thickness, cracking, and other metrics. Temperature measurement is available in the form of both thermocouples and optical pyrometery. and the facility is equipped with quartz windows for observation and video taping. Operating conditions include: (1) 1.0 kg/sec (2.0 lbm/sec) combustion and secondary cooling airflow capability: (2) Equivalence ratios of 0.5- 1.0 (lean) to 1.5-2.0 (rich), with typically 10% H2O vapor pressure: (3) Gas temperatures ranging 700-1650 C (1300-3000 F): (4) Test pressures ranging 4-12 atmospheres: (5) Gas flow velocities ranging 10-30 m/s (50-100) ft/sec.: and (6) Cyclic and steady-state exposure capabilities. The facility has historically been used to test coupon-size materials. including metals and ceramics. However complex-shaped components have also been tested including cylinders, airfoils, and film-cooled end walls. The facility has also been used to develop thin-film temperature measurement sensors.

Product screening of fast reactions in IR-laser-heated liquid water filaments in a vacuum by mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Charvat, A; Stasicki, B; Abel, B

2006-03-09

In the present article a novel approach for rapid product screening of fast reactions in IR-laser-heated liquid microbeams in a vacuum is highlighted. From absorbed energies, a shock wave analysis, high-speed laser stroboscopy, and thermodynamic data of high-temperature water the enthalpy, temperature, density, pressure, and the reaction time window for the hot water filament could be characterized. The experimental conditions (30 kbar, 1750 K, density approximately 1 g/cm3) present during the lifetime of the filament (20-30 ns) were extreme and provided a unique environment for high-temperature water chemistry. For the probe of the reaction products liquid beam desorption mass spectrometry was employed. A decisive feature of the technique is that ionic species, as well as neutral products and intermediates may be detected (neutrals as protonated aggregates) via time-of-flight mass spectrometry without any additional ionization laser. After the explosive disintegration of the superheated beam, high-temperature water reactions are efficiently quenched via expansion and evaporative cooling. For first exploratory experiments for chemistry in ultrahigh-temperature, -pressure and -density water, we have chosen resorcinol as a benchmark system, simple enough and well studied in high-temperature water environments much below 1000 K. Contrary to oxidation reactions usually present under less extreme and dense supercritical conditions, we have observed hydration and little H-atom abstraction during the narrow time window of the experiment. Small amounts of radicals but no ionic intermediates other than simple proton adducts were detected. The experimental findings are discussed in terms of the energetic and dense environment and the small time window for reaction, and they provide firm evidence for additional thermal reaction channels in extreme molecular environments.

High-speed mixture fraction and temperature imaging of pulsed, turbulent fuel jets auto-igniting in high-temperature, vitiated co-flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papageorge, Michael J.; Arndt, Christoph; Fuest, Frederik; Meier, Wolfgang; Sutton, Jeffrey A.

2014-07-01

In this manuscript, we describe an experimental approach to simultaneously measure high-speed image sequences of the mixture fraction and temperature fields during pulsed, turbulent fuel injection into a high-temperature, co-flowing, and vitiated oxidizer stream. The quantitative mixture fraction and temperature measurements are determined from 10-kHz-rate planar Rayleigh scattering and a robust data processing methodology which is accurate from fuel injection to the onset of auto-ignition. In addition, the data processing is shown to yield accurate temperature measurements following ignition to observe the initial evolution of the "burning" temperature field. High-speed OH* chemiluminescence (CL) was used to determine the spatial location of the initial auto-ignition kernel. In order to ensure that the ignition kernel formed inside of the Rayleigh scattering laser light sheet, OH* CL was observed in two viewing planes, one near-parallel to the laser sheet and one perpendicular to the laser sheet. The high-speed laser measurements are enabled through the use of the unique high-energy pulse burst laser system which generates long-duration bursts of ultra-high pulse energies at 532 nm (>1 J) suitable for planar Rayleigh scattering imaging. A particular focus of this study was to characterize the fidelity of the measurements both in the context of the precision and accuracy, which includes facility operating and boundary conditions and measurement of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The mixture fraction and temperature fields deduced from the high-speed planar Rayleigh scattering measurements exhibited SNR values greater than 100 at temperatures exceeding 1,300 K. The accuracy of the measurements was determined by comparing the current mixture fraction results to that of "cold", isothermal, non-reacting jets. All profiles, when properly normalized, exhibited self-similarity and collapsed upon one another. Finally, example mixture fraction, temperature, and OH* emission sequences are presented for a variety for fuel and vitiated oxidizer combinations. For all cases considered, auto-ignition occurred at the periphery of the fuel jet, under very "lean" conditions, where the local mixture fraction was less than the stoichiometric mixture fraction ( ξ < ξ s). Furthermore, the ignition kernel formed in regions of low scalar dissipation rate, which agrees with previous results from direct numerical simulations.

Spark plasma sintering of titanium aluminide intermetallics and its composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldoshan, Abdelhakim Ahmed

Titanium aluminide intermetallics are a distinct class of engineering materials having unique properties over conventional titanium alloys. gamma-TiAl compound possesses competitive physical and mechanical properties at elevated temperature applications compared to Ni-based superalloys. gamma-TiAl composite materials exhibit high melting point, low density, high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is one of the powder metallurgy techniques where powder mixture undergoes simultaneous application of uniaxial pressure and pulsed direct current. Unlike other sintering techniques such as hot iso-static pressing and hot pressing, SPS compacts the materials in shorter time (< 10 min) with a lower temperature and leads to highly dense products. Reactive synthesis of titanium aluminide intermetallics is carried out using SPS. Reactive sintering takes place between liquid aluminum and solid titanium. In this work, reactive sintering through SPS was used to fabricate fully densified gamma-TiAl and titanium aluminide composites starting from elemental powders at different sintering temperatures. It was observed that sintering temperature played significant role in the densification of titanium aluminide composites. gamma-TiAl was the predominate phase at different temperatures. The effect of increasing sintering temperature on microhardness, microstructure, yield strength and wear behavior of titanium aluminide was studied. Addition of graphene nanoplatelets to titanium aluminide matrix resulted in change in microhardness. In Ti-Al-graphene composites, a noticeable decrease in coefficient of friction was observed due to the influence of self-lubrication caused by graphene.

Lightweight, Ultra-High-Temperature, CMC-Lined Carbon/Carbon Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Matthew J.; Ramachandran, Gautham; Williams, Brian E.

2011-01-01

Carbon/carbon (C/C) is an established engineering material used extensively in aerospace. The beneficial properties of C/C include high strength, low density, and toughness. Its shortcoming is its limited usability at temperatures higher than the oxidation temperature of carbon . approximately 400 C. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are used instead, but carry a weight penalty. Combining a thin laminate of CMC to a bulk structure of C/C retains all of the benefits of C/C with the high temperature oxidizing environment usability of CMCs. Ultramet demonstrated the feasibility of combining the light weight of C/C composites with the oxidation resistance of zirconium carbide (ZrC) and zirconium- silicon carbide (Zr-Si-C) CMCs in a unique system composed of a C/C primary structure with an integral CMC liner with temperature capability up to 4,200 F (.2,315 C). The system effectively bridged the gap in weight and performance between coated C/C and bulk CMCs. Fabrication was demonstrated through an innovative variant of Ultramet fs rapid, pressureless melt infiltration processing technology. The fully developed material system has strength that is comparable with that of C/C, lower density than Cf/SiC, and ultra-high-temperature oxidation stability. Application of the reinforced ceramic casing to a predominantly C/C structure creates a highly innovative material with the potential to achieve the long-sought goal of long-term, cyclic high-temperature use of C/C in an oxidizing environment. The C/C substructure provided most of the mechanical integrity, and the CMC strengths achieved appeared to be sufficient to allow the CMC to perform its primary function of protecting the C/C. Nozzle extension components were fabricated and successfully hot-fire tested. Test results showed good thermochemical and thermomechanical stability of the CMC, as well as excellent interfacial bonding between the CMC liner and the underlying C/C structure. In particular, hafnium-containing CMCs on C/C were shown to perform well at temperatures exceeding 3,500 F (.1,925 C). The melt-infiltrated CMC-lined C/C composites offered a lower density than Cf/SiC. The melt-infiltrated composites offer greater use temperature than Cf/SiC because of the more refractory ceramic matrices and the C/C substructure provides greater high-temperature strength. The progress made in this work will allow multiple high-temperature components used in oxidizing environments to take advantage of the low density and high strength of C/C combined with the high-temperature oxidation resistance of melt-infiltrated CMCs.

High Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage to Augment Solar Thermal Propulsion for Microsatellites

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-30

Solar Thermal Propulsion for Micro. Sats 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Matthew R. Gilpin 5d...ABSTRACT Solar thermal propulsion (STP) offers an unique combination of thrust and efficiency, providing greater total V capability than chemical...to conventional technologies. The trend in solar thermal research over the past two decades has been towards simplification and miniaturization to

Estimation of the Barrier Layer Thickness in the Indian Ocean Using Aquarius Salinity

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-08

number of temperature and salinity measurements in ocean basins . In 2005, buoy coverage in the Indian Ocean began meeting Argo program sampling...distribution of salinity in the Indian Ocean is unique when compared to the other basins with higher salinity in the western contrasted Journal of...eastern regions of the basin (Figure 2). In the Arabian Sea, evaporation (E) greatly exceeds precipitation (P) resulting in high salinity (>36 PSU

Cavity cooling of an optically levitated submicron particle

PubMed Central

Kiesel, Nikolai; Blaser, Florian; Delić, Uroš; Grass, David; Kaltenbaek, Rainer; Aspelmeyer, Markus

2013-01-01

The coupling of a levitated submicron particle and an optical cavity field promises access to a unique parameter regime both for macroscopic quantum experiments and for high-precision force sensing. We report a demonstration of such controlled interactions by cavity cooling the center-of-mass motion of an optically trapped submicron particle. This paves the way for a light–matter interface that can enable room-temperature quantum experiments with mesoscopic mechanical systems. PMID:23940352

Characterization of Rhenium Oxides Using ESCA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panda, Binayak; Gentz, Steven J. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

High melting point and inherent ductility (toughness) over a wide range of temperature has made Rhenium an engineering material of choice for several thrust chambers in propulsion systems. Although the material remains tough at high temperatures, it still can readily transform to several oxides. As many as eight different oxides have been reported in literature. When characterized using ESCA (Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analyses) these oxides show large shifts in the Re 4f line positions. While this unique property could be used as a tool for oxide characterization, literature indicates that only a few of these oxides have been characterized. Current work focuses on characterizing oxides of Rhenium using ESCA. Spectral line Re 4f have been measured for various oxides and the results have been compared with the Re 4f line positions of real-time oxidation products from space hardware.

Ensuring near-optimum homogeneity and densification levels in nano-reinforced ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dassios, Konstantinos G.; Barkoula, Nektaria-Marianthi; Alafogianni, Panagiota; Bonnefont, Guillaume; Fantozzi, Gilbert; Matikas, Theodore E.

2016-04-01

The development of a new generation of high temperature ceramic materials for aerospace applications, reinforced at a scale closer to the molecular level and three orders of magnitude less than conventional fibrous reinforcements, by embedded carbon nanotubes, has recently emerged as a uniquely challenging scientific effort. The properties of such materials depend strongly on two main factors: i) the homogeneity of the dispersion of the hydrophobic medium throughout the ceramic volume and ii) the ultimate density of the resultant product after sintering of the green body at the high-temperatures and pressures required for ceramic consolidation. The present works reports the establishment of two independent experimental strategies which ensure achievement of near perfect levels of tube dispersion homogeneity and fully dense final products. The proposed methodologies are validated across non-destructive evaluation data of materials performance.

Using solute and heat tracers for aquifer characterization in a strongly heterogeneous alluvial aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarris, Theo S.; Close, Murray; Abraham, Phillip

2018-03-01

A test using Rhodamine WT and heat as tracers, conducted over a 78 day period in a strongly heterogeneous alluvial aquifer, was used to evaluate the utility of the combined observation dataset for aquifer characterization. A highly parameterized model was inverted, with concentration and temperature time-series as calibration targets. Groundwater heads recorded during the experiment were boundary dependent and were ignored during the inversion process. The inverted model produced a high resolution depiction of the hydraulic conductivity and porosity fields. Statistical properties of these fields are in very good agreement with estimates from previous studies at the site. Spatially distributed sensitivity analysis suggests that both solute and heat transport were most sensitive to the hydraulic conductivity and porosity fields and less sensitive to dispersivity and thermal distribution factor, with sensitivity to porosity greatly reducing outside the monitored area. The issues of model over-parameterization and non-uniqueness are addressed through identifiability analysis. Longitudinal dispersivity and thermal distribution factor are highly identifiable, however spatially distributed parameters are only identifiable near the injection point. Temperature related density effects became observable for both heat and solute, as the temperature anomaly increased above 12 degrees centigrade, and affected down gradient propagation. Finally we demonstrate that high frequency and spatially dense temperature data cannot inform a dual porosity model in the absence of frequent solute concentration measurements.

High temperature (Al2O3) insulation and light weight conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, H.

1981-01-01

The of an aluminum conductor with an aluminum oxide insulation film was investigated. Aluminum oxide insulated wire or strip (with a melting point of 2050 C) is unique for applications in the electronic, missile, atomic reactor, aerospace, and aircraft industries. The oxide film is highly flexible, suitable for all windings of any size and shape of coil (magnetic). Briefly touched upon are the ultraviolet, proton gamma radiation uses, as well as high vacuum and cryogenic applications. Since the film is inorganic and chemically inert, it does not age or deteriorate in storage and has good dielectric properties (1000 volts per mil).

Development of a (Hg, Cd)Te photodiode detector, Phase 2. [for 10.6 micron spectral region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

High speed sensitive (Hg,Cd)Te photodiode detectors operating in the 77 to 90 K temperature range have been developed for the 10.6 micron spectral region. P-N junctions formed by impurity (gold) diffusion in p-type (Hg, Cd) Te have been investigated. It is shown that the bandwidth and quantum efficiency of a diode are a constant for a fixed ratio of mobility/lifetime ratio of minority carriers. The minority carrier mobility and lifetime uniquely determine the bandwidth and quantum efficiency and indicate the shallow n on p (Hg,Cd) Te diodes are preferable as high performance, high frequency devices.

Corrosion tests in Hawaiian geothermal fluids

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

Larsen-Basse, J.; Lam, Kam-Fai

1984-01-01

Exposure tests were conductd in binary geothermal brine on the island of Hawaii. The steam which flashes from the high pressure, high temperature water as it is brought to ambient pressure contains substantial amounts of H{sub 2}S. In the absence of oxygen this steam is only moderately aggressive but in the aerated state it is highly aggressive to carbon steels and copper alloys. The liquid after flasing is intermediately aggressive. The Hawaiian fluid is unique in chemistry and corrosion behavior; its corrosiveness is relatively mild for a geothermal fluid falling close to the Iceland-type resources. 24 refs., 7 figs., 5more » tabs.« less

High temperature (Al2O3) insulation and light weight conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walker, H.

The of an aluminum conductor with an aluminum oxide insulation film was investigated. Aluminum oxide insulated wire or strip (with a melting point of 2050 C) is unique for applications in the electronic, missile, atomic reactor, aerospace, and aircraft industries. The oxide film is highly flexible, suitable for all windings of any size and shape of coil (magnetic). Briefly touched upon are the ultraviolet, proton gamma radiation uses, as well as high vacuum and cryogenic applications. Since the film is inorganic and chemically inert, it does not age or deteriorate in storage and has good dielectric properties (1000 volts per mil).

Observational Evidence of Changes in Soil Temperatures across Eurasian Continent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, T.

2015-12-01

Soil temperature is one of the key climate change indicators and plays an important role in plant growth, agriculture, carbon cycle and ecosystems as a whole. In this study, variability and changes in ground surface and soil temperatures up to 3.20 m were investigated based on data and information obtained from hydrometeorological stations across Eurasian continent since the early 1950s. Ground surface and soil temperatures were measured daily by using the same standard method and by the trained professionals across Eurasian continent, which makes the dataset unique and comparable over a large study region. Using the daily soil temperature profiles, soil seasonal freeze depth was also obtained through linear interpolation. Preliminary results show that soil temperatures at various depths have increased dramatically, almost twice as much as air temperature increase over the same period. Regionally, soil temperature increase was more dramatically in high northern latitudes than mid/lower latitude regions. Air temperature changes alone may not be able to fully explain the magnitude of changes in soil temperatures. Further study indicates that snow cover establishment started later in autumn and snow cover disappearance occurred earlier in spring, while winter snow depth became thicker with a decreasing trend of snow density. Changes in snow cover conditions may play an important role in changes of soil temperatures over the Eurasian continent.

Nanoparticle Selective Laser Processing for a Flexible Display Fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seung Hwan Ko,; Heng Pan,; Daeho Lee,; Costas P. Grigoropoulos,; Hee K. Park,

2010-05-01

To demonstrate a first step for a novel fabrication method of a flexible display, nanomaterial based laser processing schemes to demonstrate organic light emitting diode (OLED) pixel transfer and organic field effect transistor (OFET) fabrication on a polymer substrate without using any conventional vacuum or photolithography processes were developed. The unique properties of nanomaterials allow laser induced forward transfer of organic light emitting material at low laser energy while maintaining good fluorescence and also allow high resolution transistor electrode patterning at plastic compatible low temperature. These novel processes enable an environmentally friendly and cost effective process as well as a low temperature manufacturing sequence to realize inexpensive, large area, flexible electronics on polymer substrates.

MHD conversion of solar energy. [space electric power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lau, C. V.; Decher, R.

1978-01-01

Low temperature plasmas wherein an alkali metal vapor is a component are uniquely suited to simultaneously absorb solar radiation by coupling to the resonance lines and produce electrical power by the MHD interaction. This work is an examination of the possibility of developing space power systems which take advantage of concentrated solar power to produce electricity. It is shown that efficient cycles in which expansion work takes place at nearly constant top cycle temperature can be devised. The power density of the solar MHD generator is lower than that of conventional MHD generators because of the relatively high seed concentration required for radiation absorption and the lower flow velocity permitted to avoid total pressure losses due to heating.

Polyimide resin composites via in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cavano, P. J.

1974-01-01

Thermo-oxidatively stable polyimide/graphite-fiber composites were prepared using a unique in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants directly on reinforcing fibers. This was accomplished by using an aromatic diamine and two ester-acids in a methyl alcohol solvent, rather than a previously synthesized prepolymer varnish, as with other A-type polyimides. A die molding procedure was developed and a composite property characterization conducted with high modulus graphite fiber tow. Flexure, tensile, compressive, and shear tests were conducted at temperatures from 72 to 650 F on laminates before and after exposures at the given temperatures in an air environment for times up to 1000 hours. The composite material was determined to be oxidatively, thermally, and hydrolytically stable.

High-Pressure Gaseous Burner (HPGB) Facility Completed for Quantitative Laser Diagnostics Calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Quang-Viet

2002-01-01

A gas-fueled high-pressure combustion facility with optical access, which was developed over the last 2 years, has just been completed. The High Pressure Gaseous Burner (HPGB) rig at the NASA Glenn Research Center can operate at sustained pressures up to 60 atm with a variety of gaseous fuels and liquid jet fuel. The facility is unique as it is the only continuous-flow, hydrogen-capable, 60-atm rig in the world with optical access. It will provide researchers with new insights into flame conditions that simulate the environment inside the ultra-high-pressure-ratio combustion chambers of tomorrow's advanced aircraft engines. The facility provides optical access to the flame zone, enabling the calibration of nonintrusive optical diagnostics to measure chemical species and temperature. The data from the HPGB rig enables the validation of numerical codes that simulate gas turbine combustors, such as the National Combustor Code (NCC). The validation of such numerical codes is often best achieved with nonintrusive optical diagnostic techniques that meet these goals: information-rich (multispecies) and quantitative while providing good spatial and time resolution. Achieving these goals is a challenge for most nonintrusive optical diagnostic techniques. Raman scattering is a technique that meets these challenges. Raman scattering occurs when intense laser light interacts with molecules to radiate light at a shifted wavelength (known as the Raman shift). This shift in wavelength is unique to each chemical species and provides a "fingerprint" of the different species present. The facility will first be used to gather a comprehensive data base of laser Raman spectra at high pressures. These calibration data will then be used to quantify future laser Raman measurements of chemical species concentration and temperature in this facility and other facilities that use Raman scattering.

Structural and magnetic transitions in spinel FeM n 2 O 4 single crystals

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

Nepal, Roshan; Zhang, Qiang; Dai, Samuel

Materials that form the spinel structure are known to exhibit geometric frustration, which can lead to magnetic frustration as well. Through magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements, we find that FeMn 2O 4 undergoes one structural and two magnetic transitions. The structural transition occurs at T s ~595K from cubic at high temperatures to tetragonal at low temperatures. Here, two magnetic transitions are ferrimagnetic at T FI–1 ~373K and T FI–2 ~50K, respectively. Further investigation of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient confirms both magnetic transitions. Of particular interest is that there is a significant magnetic contribution to themore » low-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity, providing a unique system to study heat transport by magnetic excitations.« less

Structural and magnetic transitions in spinel FeM n 2 O 4 single crystals

DOE PAGES

Nepal, Roshan; Zhang, Qiang; Dai, Samuel; ...

2018-01-11

Materials that form the spinel structure are known to exhibit geometric frustration, which can lead to magnetic frustration as well. Through magnetization and neutron diffraction measurements, we find that FeMn 2O 4 undergoes one structural and two magnetic transitions. The structural transition occurs at T s ~595K from cubic at high temperatures to tetragonal at low temperatures. Here, two magnetic transitions are ferrimagnetic at T FI–1 ~373K and T FI–2 ~50K, respectively. Further investigation of the specific heat, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient confirms both magnetic transitions. Of particular interest is that there is a significant magnetic contribution to themore » low-temperature specific heat and thermal conductivity, providing a unique system to study heat transport by magnetic excitations.« less

Elementary solutions of coupled model equations in the kinetic theory of gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kriese, J. T.; Siewert, C. E.; Chang, T. S.

1974-01-01

The method of elementary solutions is employed to solve two coupled integrodifferential equations sufficient for determining temperature-density effects in a linearized BGK model in the kinetic theory of gases. Full-range completeness and orthogonality theorems are proved for the developed normal modes and the infinite-medium Green's function is constructed as an illustration of the full-range formalism. The appropriate homogeneous matrix Riemann problem is discussed, and half-range completeness and orthogonality theorems are proved for a certain subset of the normal modes. The required existence and uniqueness theorems relevant to the H matrix, basic to the half-range analysis, are proved, and an accurate and efficient computational method is discussed. The half-space temperature-slip problem is solved analytically, and a highly accurate value of the temperature-slip coefficient is reported.

High-temperature apparatus for chaotic mixing of natural silicate melts

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

Morgavi, D.; Petrelli, M.; Vetere, F. P.

2015-10-15

A unique high-temperature apparatus was developed to trigger chaotic mixing at high-temperature (up to 1800 °C). This new apparatus, which we term Chaotic Magma Mixing Apparatus (COMMA), is designed to carry out experiments with high-temperature and high-viscosity (up to 10{sup 6} Pa s) natural silicate melts. This instrument allows us to follow in time and space the evolution of the mixing process and the associated modulation of chemical composition. This is essential to understand the dynamics of magma mixing and related chemical exchanges. The COMMA device is tested by mixing natural melts from Aeolian Islands (Italy). The experiment was performed atmore » 1180 °C using shoshonite and rhyolite melts, resulting in a viscosity ratio of more than three orders of magnitude. This viscosity ratio is close to the maximum possible ratio of viscosity between high-temperature natural silicate melts. Results indicate that the generated mixing structures are topologically identical to those observed in natural volcanic rocks highlighting the enormous potential of the COMMA to replicate, as a first approximation, the same mixing patterns observed in the natural environment. COMMA can be used to investigate in detail the space and time development of magma mixing providing information about this fundamental petrological and volcanological process that would be impossible to investigate by direct observations. Among the potentials of this new experimental device is the construction of empirical relationships relating the mixing time, obtained through experimental time series, and chemical exchanges between the melts to constrain the mixing-to-eruption time of volcanic systems, a fundamental topic in volcanic hazard assessment.« less

High-efficiency VCSEL arrays for illumination and sensing in consumer applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seurin, Jean-Francois; Zhou, Delai; Xu, Guoyang; Miglo, Alexander; Li, Daizong; Chen, Tong; Guo, Baiming; Ghosh, Chuni

2016-03-01

There has been increased interest in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for illumination and sensing in the consumer market, especially for 3D sensing ("gesture recognition") and 3D image capture. For these applications, the typical wavelength range of interest is 830~950nm and power levels vary from a few milli-Watts to several Watts. The devices are operated in short pulse mode (a few nano-seconds) with fast rise and fall times for time-of-flight applications (ToF), or in CW/quasi-CW for structured light applications. In VCSELs, the narrow spectrum and its low temperature dependence allows the use of narrower filters and therefore better signal-to-noise performance, especially for outdoor applications. In portable devices (mobile devices, wearable devices, laptops etc.) the size of the illumination module (VCSEL and optics) is a primary consideration. VCSELs offer a unique benefit compared to other laser sources in that they are "surface-mountable" and can be easily integrated along with other electronics components on a printed circuit board (PCB). A critical concern is the power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of the illumination source operating at high temperatures (>50 deg C). We report on various VCSEL based devices and diffuser-integrated modules with high efficiency at high temperatures. Over 40% PCE was achieved in broad temperature range of 0-70 °C for either low power single devices or high power VCSEL arrays, with sub- nano-second rise and fall time. These high power VCSEL arrays show excellent reliability, with extracted mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) of over 500 years at 60 °C ambient temperature and 8W peak output.

[Effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on drying characteristics of sewage sludge].

PubMed

Li, Run-Dong; Yang, Yu-Ting; Li, Yan-Long; Niu, Hui-Chang; Wei, Li-Hong; Sun, Yang; Ke, Xin

2009-11-01

The high water content of sewage sludge has engendered many inconveniences to its treatment and disposal. While ultrasonic takes on unique advantages on the sludge drying because of its high ultrasonic power, mighty penetrating capability and the ability of causing cavitations. Thus this research studies the characteristics influences of ultrasonic bring to the sludge drying and effects of the exposure time, ultrasonic generator power, temperatures of ultrasonic and drying temperature on the drying characteristics of dewatered sludge. Results indicate that ultrasonic pretreatment could speed up evaporation of the free water in sludge surface and help to end the drying stage with constant speed. In addition, ultrasonic treatment can effectively improve the sludge drying efficiency which could be more evident with the rise of the ultrasonic power (100-250 W), ultrasonic temperature and drying temperature. If dried under low temperature such as 105 degrees C, sludge will have premium drying characteristics when radiated under ultrasound for a shorter time such as 3 min. In the end, the ultrasonic treatment is expected to be an effective way to the low-cost sludge drying and also be an important reference to the optimization of the sludge drying process because of its effects on the increase of sludge drying efficiency.

Heat and mass transport during a groundwater replenishment trial in a highly heterogeneous aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seibert, Simone; Prommer, Henning; Siade, Adam; Harris, Brett; Trefry, Mike; Martin, Michael

2014-12-01

Changes in subsurface temperature distribution resulting from the injection of fluids into aquifers may impact physiochemical and microbial processes as well as basin resource management strategies. We have completed a 2 year field trial in a hydrogeologically and geochemically heterogeneous aquifer below Perth, Western Australia in which highly treated wastewater was injected for large-scale groundwater replenishment. During the trial, chloride and temperature data were collected from conventional monitoring wells and by time-lapse temperature logging. We used a joint inversion of these solute tracer and temperature data to parameterize a numerical flow and multispecies transport model and to analyze the solute and heat propagation characteristics that prevailed during the trial. The simulation results illustrate that while solute transport is largely confined to the most permeable lithological units, heat transport was also affected by heat exchange with lithological units that have a much lower hydraulic conductivity. Heat transfer by heat conduction was found to significantly influence the complex temporal and spatial temperature distribution, especially with growing radial distance and in aquifer sequences with a heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity distribution. We attempted to estimate spatially varying thermal transport parameters during the data inversion to illustrate the anticipated correlations of these parameters with lithological heterogeneities, but estimates could not be uniquely determined on the basis of the collected data.

NUCLEAR REACTOR

DOEpatents

Grebe, J.J.

1959-07-14

High temperature reactors which are uniquely adapted to serve as the heat source for nuclear pcwered rockets are described. The reactor is comprised essentially of an outer tubular heat resistant casing which provides the main coolant passageway to and away from the reactor core within the casing and in which the working fluid is preferably hydrogen or helium gas which is permitted to vaporize from a liquid storage tank. The reactor core has a generally spherical shape formed entirely of an active material comprised of fissile material and a moderator material which serves as a diluent. The active material is fabricated as a gas permeable porous material and is interlaced in a random manner with very small inter-connecting bores or capillary tubes through which the coolant gas may flow. The entire reactor is divided into successive sections along the direction of the temperature gradient or coolant flow, each section utilizing materials of construction which are most advantageous from a nuclear standpoint and which at the same time can withstand the operating temperature of that particular zone. This design results in a nuclear reactor characterized simultaneously by a minimum critiral size and mass and by the ability to heat a working fluid to an extremely high temperature.

High-temperature solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) in graphite electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Marco-Tulio F.; Sayed, Farheen N.; Gullapalli, Hemtej; Ajayan, Pulickel M.

2018-03-01

Thermal fragility of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a major source of performance decay in graphite anodes, and efforts to overcome the issues offered by extreme environments to Li-ion batteries have had limited success. Here, we demonstrate that the SEI can be extensively reinforced by carrying the formation cycles at elevated temperatures. Under these conditions, decomposition of the ionic liquid present in the electrolyte favored the formation of a thicker and more protective layer. Cells in which the solid electrolyte interphase was cast at 90 °C were significantly less prone to self-discharge when exposed to high temperature, with no obvious damages to the formed SEI. This additional resilience was accomplished at the expense of rate capability, as charge transfer became growingly inefficient in these systems. At slower rates, however, cells that underwent SEI formation at 90 °C presented superior performances, as a result of improved Li+ transport through the SEI, and optimal wetting of graphite by the electrolyte. This work analyzes different graphite hosts and ionic liquids, showing that this effect is more pervasive than anticipated, and offering the unique perspective that, for certain systems, temperature can actually be an asset for passivation.

Surface Power Radiative Cooling Tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaughn, Jason; Schneider, Todd

2006-01-01

Terrestrial nuclear power plants typically maintain their temperature through convective cooling, such as water and forced air. However, the space environment is a vacuum environment, typically 10-8 Torr pressure, therefore in proposed missions to the lunar surface, power plants would have to rely on radiative cooling to remove waste heat. Also, the Martian surface has a very tenuous atmosphere (e.g. ~5 Torr CO2), therefore, the main heat transfer method on the Martian surface is also radiative. Because of the lack of atmosphere on the Moon and the tenuous atmosphere on Mars, surface power systems on both the Lunar and Martian surface must rely heavily on radiative heat transfer. Because of the large temperature swings on both the lunar and the Martian surfaces, trying to radiate heat is inefficient. In order to increase power system efficiency, an effort is underway to test various combinations of materials with high emissivities to demonstrate their ability to survive these degrading atmospheres to maintain a constant radiator temperature improving surface power plant efficiency. An important part of this effort is the development of a unique capability that would allow the determination of a materials emissivity at high temperatures. A description of the test capability as well as initial data is presented.

Thermal Effects on Microstructural Heterogeneity of Inconel 718 Materials Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting

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

Sames, William J.; Unocic, Kinga A.; Dehoff, Ryan R.

2014-07-28

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, also known as 3D printing, have demonstrated the potential to fabricate complex geometrical components, but the resulting microstructures and mechanical properties of these materials are not well understood due to unique and complex thermal cycles observed during processing. The electron beam melting (EBM) process is unique because the powder bed temperature can be elevated and maintained at temperatures over 1000 °C for the duration of the process. This results in three specific stages of microstructural phase evolution: (a) rapid cool down from the melting temperature to the process temperature, (b) extended hold at the process temperature,more » and (c) slow cool down to the room temperature. In this work, the mechanisms for reported microstructural differences in EBM are rationalized for Inconel 718 based on measured thermal cycles, preliminary thermal modeling, and computational thermodynamics models. The relationship between processing parameters, solidification microstructure, interdendritic segregation, and phase precipitation (δ, γ´, and γ´´) are discussed.« less

Carbon-coated Li3 N nanofibers for advanced hydrogen storage.

PubMed

Xia, Guanglin; Li, Dan; Chen, Xiaowei; Tan, Yingbin; Tang, Ziwei; Guo, Zaiping; Liu, Huakun; Liu, Zongwen; Yu, Xuebin

2013-11-20

3D porous carbon-coated Li3 N nanofibers are successfully fabricated via the electrospinning technique. The as-prepared nanofibers exhibit a highly improved hydrogen-sorption performance in terms of both thermodynamics and kinetics. More interestingly, a stable regeneration can be achieved due to the unique structure of the nanofibers, over 10 cycles of H2 sorption at a temperature as low as 250 °C. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Three-Dimensional Ordered State in Laser-Cooled Heavy-Ion Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuri, Yosuke

A molecular dynamics simulation is performed to study the formation of three-dimensional ordered beams by laser cooling in a cooler storage ring. Ultralow-temperature heavy-ion beams are generated by transverse cooling with displaced Gaussian lasers and resonant coupling. A three-dimensional ordered state of the ion beam is attained at a high line density. The ordered beam exhibits several unique characteristics different from those of an ideal crystalline beam.

System Applies Polymer Powder To Filament Tow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baucom, Robert M.; Snoha, John J.; Marchello, Joseph M.

1993-01-01

Polymer powder applied uniformly and in continuous manner. Powder-coating system applies dry polymer powder to continuous fiber tow. Unique filament-spreading technique, combined with precise control of tension on fibers in system, ensures uniform application of polymer powder to web of spread filaments. Fiber tows impregnated with dry polymer powders ("towpregs") produced for preform-weaving and composite-material-molding applications. System and process valuable to prepreg industry, for production of flexible filament-windable tows and high-temperature polymer prepregs.

Laboratory astrophysics on ASDEX Upgrade: Measurements and analysis of K-shell O, F, and Ne spectra in the 9 - 20 A region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hansen, S. B.; Fournier, K. B.; Finkenthal, M. J.; Smith, R.; Puetterich, T.; Neu, R.

2006-01-01

High-resolution measurements of K-shell emission from O, F, and Ne have been performed at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak in Garching, Germany. Independently measured temperature and density profiles of the plasma provide a unique test bed for model validation. We present comparisons of measured spectra with calculations based on transport and collisional-radiative models and discuss the reliability of commonly used diagnostic line ratios.

Antiferromagnetism in Bulk Rutile RuO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berlijn, T.; Snijders, P. C.; Kent, P. R. C.; Maier, T. A.; Zhou, H.-D.; Cao, H.-B.; Delaire, O.; Wang, Y.; Koehler, M.; Weitering, H. H.

While bulk rutile RuO2 has long been considered to be a Pauli paramagnet, we conclude it to host antiferromagnetism based on our combined theoretical and experimental study. This constitutes an important finding given the large amount of applications of RuO2 in the electrochemical and electronics industry. Furthermore the high onset temperature of the antiferromagnetism around 1000K together with the high electrical conductivity makes RuO2 unique among the ruthenates and among oxide materials in general. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.

Infrared Heterodyne Spectroscopy and its Unique Application to Planetary Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kostiuk, Theodore

2009-01-01

Since the early 1970's the infrared heterodyne technique has evolved into a powerful tool for the study of molecular constituents, temperatures, and dynamics in planetary atmospheres. Its extremely high spectral resolution (Lambda/(Delta)Lambda/>10(exp 6)) and highly accurate frequency measurement (to 1 part in 10(exp 8)) enabled the detection of nonthermal/natural lasing phenomena on Mars and Venus; direct measurements of winds on Venus, Mars, and Titan; study of mid-infrared aurorae on Jupiter; direct measurement of species abundances on Mars (ozone, isotopic CO2), hydrocarbons on Jupiter, Saturn., Neptune, and Titan, and stratospheric composition in the Earth's stratosphere (O3, CIO, N2O, CO2 ....). Fully resolved emission and absorption line shapes measured by this method enabled the unambiguous retrieval of molecular abundances and local temperatures and thermal structure in regions not probed by other techniques. The mesosphere of Mars and thermosphere of Venus are uniquely probed by infrared heterodyne spectroscopy. Results of these studies tested and constrained photochemical and dynamical theoretical models describing the phenomena measured. The infrared heterodyne technique will be described. Highlights in its evolution to today's instrumentation and resultant discoveries will be presented, including work at Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Koln. Resultant work will include studies supporting NASA and ESA space missions and collaborations between instrumental and theoretical groups.

Gene cloning and characterization of a novel esterase from activated sludge metagenome

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

A metagenomic library was prepared using pCC2FOS vector containing about 3.0 Gbp of community DNA from the microbial assemblage of activated sludge. Screening of a part of the un-amplified library resulted in the finding of 1 unique lipolytic clone capable of hydrolyzing tributyrin, in which an esterase gene was identified. This esterase/lipase gene consists of 834 bp and encodes a polypeptide (designated EstAS) of 277 amino acid residuals with a molecular mass of 31 kDa. Sequence analysis indicated that it showed 33% and 31% amino acid identity to esterase/lipase from Gemmata obscuriglobus UQM 2246 (ZP_02733109) and Yarrowia lipolytica CLIB122 (XP_504639), respectively; and several conserved regions were identified, including the putative active site, HSMGG, a catalytic triad (Ser92, His125 and Asp216) and a LHYFRG conserved motif. The EstAS was overexpressed, purified and shown to hydrolyse p-nitrophenyl (NP) esters of fatty acids with short chain lengths (≤ C8). This EstAS had optimal temperature and pH at 35°C and 9.0, respectively, by hydrolysis of p-NP hexanoate. It also exhibited the same level of stability over wide temperature and pH ranges and in the presence of metal ions or detergents. The high level of stability of esterase EstAS with its unique substrate specificities make itself highly useful for biotechnological applications. PMID:20028524

Highly Efficient Gas Sensor Using a Hollow SnO2 Microfiber for Triethylamine Detection.

PubMed

Zou, Yihui; Chen, Shuai; Sun, Jin; Liu, Jingquan; Che, Yanke; Liu, Xianghong; Zhang, Jun; Yang, Dongjiang

2017-07-28

Triethylamine (TEA) gas sensors having excellent response and selectivity are in great demand to monitor the real environment. In this work, we have successfully prepared a hollow SnO 2 microfiber by a unique sustainable biomass conversion strategy and shown that the microfiber can be used in a high-performance gas sensor. The sensor based on the hollow SnO 2 microfiber shows a quick response/recovery toward triethylamine. The response of the hollow SnO 2 microfiber is up to 49.5 when the concentration of TEA gas is 100 ppm. The limit of detection is as low as 2 ppm. Furthermore, the sensor has a relatively low optimal operation temperature of 270 °C, which is lower than those of many other reported sensors. The excellent sensing properties are largely attributed to the high sensitivity provided by SnO 2 and the good permeability and conductivity of the one-dimensional hollow structure. Thus, the hollow SnO 2 microfiber using sustainable biomass as a template is a significant strategy for a unique TEA gas sensor.

3D printing functional materials and devices (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAlpine, Michael C.

2017-05-01

The development of methods for interfacing high performance functional devices with biology could impact regenerative medicine, smart prosthetics, and human-machine interfaces. Indeed, the ability to three-dimensionally interweave biological and functional materials could enable the creation of devices possessing unique geometries, properties, and functionalities. Yet, most high quality functional materials are two dimensional, hard and brittle, and require high crystallization temperatures for maximal performance. These properties render the corresponding devices incompatible with biology, which is three-dimensional, soft, stretchable, and temperature sensitive. We overcome these dichotomies by: 1) using 3D printing and scanning for customized, interwoven, anatomically accurate device architectures; 2) employing nanotechnology as an enabling route for overcoming mechanical discrepancies while retaining high performance; and 3) 3D printing a range of soft and nanoscale materials to enable the integration of a diverse palette of high quality functional nanomaterials with biology. 3D printing is a multi-scale platform, allowing for the incorporation of functional nanoscale inks, the printing of microscale features, and ultimately the creation of macroscale devices. This three-dimensional blending of functional materials and `living' platforms may enable next-generation 3D printed devices.

Fast and high resolution thermal detector based on an aluminum nitride piezoelectric microelectromechanical resonator with an integrated suspended heat absorbing element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Yu; Rinaldi, Matteo

2013-03-01

This letter presents a miniaturized, fast, and high resolution thermal detector, in which a heat absorbing element and a temperature sensitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonator are perfectly overlapped but separated by a microscale air gap. This unique design guarantees efficient and fast (˜10s μs) heat transfer from the absorbing element to the temperature sensitive device and enables high resolution thermal power detection (˜nW), thanks to the low noise performance of the high quality factor (Q = 2305) MEMS resonant thermal detector. A device prototype was fabricated, and its detection capabilities were experimentally characterized. A thermal power as low as 150 nW was experimentally measured, and a noise equivalent power of 6.5 nW/Hz1/2 was extracted. A device thermal time constant of only 350 μs was measured (smallest ever reported for MEMS resonant thermal detectors), indicating the great potential of the proposed technology for the implementation of ultra-fast and high resolution un-cooled resonant thermal detectors.

Investigations of a novel fauna from hydrothermal vents along the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge (AMOR) (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, H.; Schander, C.; Halanych, K. M.; Levin, L. A.; Sweetman, A.; Tverberg, J.; Hoem, S.; Steen, I.; Thorseth, I. H.; Pedersen, R.

2010-12-01

The Arctic deep ocean hosts a variety of habitats ranging from fairly uniform sedimentary abyssal plains to highly variable hard bottoms on mid ocean ridges, including biodiversity hotspots like seamounts and hydrothermal vents. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are usually associated with a highly specialized fauna, and since their discovery in 1977 more than 400 species of animals have been described. This fauna includes various animal groups of which the most conspicuous and well known are annelids, mollusks and crustaceans. The newly discovered deep sea hydrothermal vents on the Mohns-Knipovich ridge north of Iceland harbour unique biodiversity. The Jan Mayen field consists of two main areas with high-temperature white smoker venting and wide areas with low-temperature seepage, located at 5-700 m, while the deeper Loki Castle vent field at 2400 m depth consists of a large area with high temperature black smokers surrounded by a sedimentary area with more diffuse low-temperature venting and barite chimneys. The Jan Mayen sites show low abundance of specialized hydrothermal vent fauna. Single groups have a few specialized representatives but groups otherwise common in hydrothermal vent areas are absent. Slightly more than 200 macrofaunal species have been identified from this vent area, comprising mainly an assortment of bathyal species known from the surrounding area. Analysis of stable isotope data also indicates that the majority of the species present are feeding on phytodetritus and/or phytoplankton. However, the deeper Loki Castle vent field contains a much more diverse vent endemic fauna with high abundances of specialized polychaetes, gastropods and amphipods. These specializations also include symbioses with a range of chemosynthetic microorganisms. Our data show that the fauna composition is a result of high degree of local specialization with some similarities to the fauna of cold seeps along the Norwegian margin and wood-falls in the abyssal Norwegian Sea. Few species are common to both the deep and the shallow vents, but some gastropod species show a structured population difference between the sites. Our data indicate that there has been a migration of vent fauna into the Arctic Ocean from the Pacific Ocean rather than from the known vent sites further south in the Atlantic Ocean. The discovery and sampling of these new arctic vent fields provide unique data to further understand the migration of vent organisms and interactions between different deep sea chemosynthetic environments. Based on the high degree of local adaptation and specialization of fauna from the studied sites we propose the AMOR to be a new zoogeographical province for vent fauna.

Disentangling vortex pinning landscape in chemical solution deposited superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-x films and nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palau, A.; Vallès, F.; Rouco, V.; Coll, M.; Li, Z.; Pop, C.; Mundet, B.; Gàzquez, J.; Guzman, R.; Gutierrez, J.; Obradors, X.; Puig, T.

2018-07-01

In-field angular pinning performances at different temperatures have been analysed on chemical solution deposited (CSD) YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) pristine films and nanocomposites. We show that with this analysis we are able to quantify the vortex pinning strength and energies, associated with different kinds of natural and artificial pinning defects, acting as efficient pinning centres at different regions of the H-T phase diagram. A good quantification of the variety of pinning defects active at different temperatures and magnetic fields provides a unique tool to design the best vortex pinning landscape under different operating conditions. We have found that by artificially introducing a unique defect in the YBCO matrix, the stacking faults, we are able to modify three different contributions to vortex pinning (isotropic-strong, anisotropic-strong, and isotropic-weak). The isotropic-strong contribution, widely studied in CSD YBCO nanocomposites, is associated with nanostrained regions induced at the partial dislocations surrounding the stacking faults. Moreover, the stacking fault itself acts as a planar defect which provides a very effective anisotropic-strong pinning at H//ab. Finally, the large presence of Cu-O cluster vacancies found in the stacking faults have been revealed as a source of isotropic-weak pinning sites, very active at low temperatures and high fields.

Three-Dimensional Measurements of Fuel Distribution in High-Pressure, High- Temperature, Next-Generation Aviation Gas Turbine Combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hicks, Yolanda R.; Locke, Randy J.; Anderson, Robert C.; Zaller, Michelle M.

1998-01-01

In our world-class, optically accessible combustion facility at the NASA Lewis Research Center, we have developed the unique capability of making three-dimensional fuel distribution measurements of aviation gas turbine fuel injectors at actual operating conditions. These measurements are made in situ at the actual operating temperatures and pressures using the JP-grade fuels of candidate next-generation advanced aircraft engines for the High Speed Research (HSR) and Advanced Subsonics Technology (AST) programs. The inlet temperature and pressure ranges used thus far are 300 to 1100 F and 80 to 250 psia. With these data, we can obtain the injector spray angles, the fuel mass distributions of liquid and vapor, the degree of fuel vaporization, and the degree to which fuel has been consumed. The data have been used to diagnose the performance of injectors designed both in-house and by major U.S. engine manufacturers and to design new fuel injectors with overall engine performance goals of increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Mie scattering is used to visualize the liquid fuel, and laser-induced fluorescence is used to visualize both liquid and fuel vapor.

Aerobic function in mitochondria persists beyond death by heat stress in insects.

PubMed

Heinrich, Erica C; Gray, Emilie M; Ossher, Ashley; Meigher, Stephen; Grun, Felix; Bradley, Timothy J

2017-10-01

The critical thermal maximum (CT max ) of insects can be determined using flow-through thermolimit respirometry. It has been demonstrated that respiratory patterns cease and insects do not recover once the CT max temperature has been reached. However, if high temperatures are maintained following the CT max , researchers have observed a curious phenomenon whereby the insect body releases a large burst of carbon dioxide at a rate and magnitude that often exceed that of the live insect. This carbon dioxide release has been termed the post-mortal peak (PMP). We demonstrate here that the PMP is observed only at high temperatures, is oxygen-dependent, is prevented by cyanide exposure, and is associated with concomitant consumption of oxygen. We conclude that the PMP derives from highly active, aerobic metabolism in the mitochondria. The insect tracheal system contains air-filled tubes that reach deep into the tissues and allow mitochondria access to oxygen even upon organismal death. This unique condition permits the investigation of mitochondrial function during thermal failure in a manner that cannot be achieved using vertebrate organisms or in vitro preparations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Assessment of Research Gaps Related to Deep Water Wellbore Integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkach, M. K.; Radonjic, M.; Kutchko, B. G.

2017-12-01

In order for a deep-water wellbore to uphold its integrity under high pressure - high temperature conditions, the wellbore must possess complete zonal isolation while surrounded in an extreme environment. Highly variable temperature and pressure ranges, shallow flow zones, as well as potentially corrosive fluids and gasses all present unique challenges to the job of the cement which maintains that zonal isolation. As such, alternative options to mainstream choices often present themselves as attractive avenues of discovery. As it is of utmost importance to maintain structural integrity under HPHT conditions, cement slurries are pumped downhole to provide zonal isolation and structural support to offshore wells. The wellbore system potentially faces a variety of temperature and pressure fluctuations from the immediate onset. These fluctuations may affect the hydration properties of the cement. It is also important to consider the chemical interactions that the cement may have at the rock-cement interface where potential degradation or annulus gaps may occur further risking a decrease in zonal isolation. This presentation intends to review some of the important issues regarding zonal isolation in HPHT conditions and to highlight critical knowledge gaps in order to generate important research questions.

High-energy synchrotron x-ray techniques for studying irradiated materials

DOE PAGES

Park, Jun-Sang; Zhang, Xuan; Sharma, Hemant; ...

2015-03-20

High performance materials that can withstand radiation, heat, multiaxial stresses, and corrosive environment are necessary for the deployment of advanced nuclear energy systems. Nondestructive in situ experimental techniques utilizing high energy x-rays from synchrotron sources can be an attractive set of tools for engineers and scientists to investigate the structure–processing–property relationship systematically at smaller length scales and help build better material models. In this paper, two unique and interconnected experimental techniques, namely, simultaneous small-angle/wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and far-field high-energy diffraction microscopy (FF-HEDM) are presented. Finally, the changes in material state as Fe-based alloys are heated to high temperatures ormore » subject to irradiation are examined using these techniques.« less

Censored Glauber Dynamics for the Mean Field Ising Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Jian; Lubetzky, Eyal; Peres, Yuval

2009-11-01

We study Glauber dynamics for the Ising model on the complete graph on n vertices, known as the Curie-Weiss Model. It is well known that at high temperature ( β<1) the mixing time is Θ( nlog n), whereas at low temperature ( β>1) it is exp ( Θ( n)). Recently, Levin, Luczak and Peres considered a censored version of this dynamics, which is restricted to non-negative magnetization. They proved that for fixed β>1, the mixing-time of this model is Θ( nlog n), analogous to the high-temperature regime of the original dynamics. Furthermore, they showed cutoff for the original dynamics for fixed β<1. The question whether the censored dynamics also exhibits cutoff remained unsettled. In a companion paper, we extended the results of Levin et al. into a complete characterization of the mixing-time for the Curie-Weiss model. Namely, we found a scaling window of order 1/sqrt{n} around the critical temperature β c =1, beyond which there is cutoff at high temperature. However, determining the behavior of the censored dynamics outside this critical window seemed significantly more challenging. In this work we answer the above question in the affirmative, and establish the cutoff point and its window for the censored dynamics beyond the critical window, thus completing its analogy to the original dynamics at high temperature. Namely, if β=1+ δ for some δ>0 with δ 2 n→∞, then the mixing-time has order ( n/ δ)log ( δ 2 n). The cutoff constant is (1/2+[2(ζ2 β/ δ-1)]-1), where ζ is the unique positive root of g( x)=tanh ( β x)- x, and the cutoff window has order n/ δ.

Carbon Dioxide Separation Using Thermally Optimized Membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, J. S.; Jorgensen, B. S.; Espinoza, B. F.; Weimer, M. W.; Jarvinen, G. D.; Greenberg, A.; Khare, V.; Orme, C. J.; Wertsching, A. K.; Peterson, E. S.; Hopkins, S. D.; Acquaviva, J.

2002-05-01

The purpose of this project is to develop polymeric-metallic membranes for carbon dioxide separations that operate under a broad range of industrially relevant conditions not accessible with present membrane units. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of polymer membranes as an effective, economic and flexible tool for many commercial gas separations including air separation, the recovery of hydrogen from nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane mixtures, and the removal of carbon dioxide from natural gas. In each of these applications, high fluxes and excellent selectivities have relied on glassy polymer membranes which separate gases based on both size and solubility differences. To date, however, this technology has focused on optimizing materials for near ambient conditions. The development of polymeric materials that achieve the important combination of high selectivity, high permeability, and mechanical stability at temperatures significantly above 25oC and pressures above 10 bar, respectively, has been largely ignored. Consequently, there is a compelling rationale for the exploration of a new realm of polymer membrane separations. Indeed, the development of high temperature polymeric-metallic composite membranes for carbon dioxide separation at temperatures of 100-450 oC and pressures of 10-150 bar would provide a pivotal contribution with both economic and environmental benefits. Progress to date includes the first ever fabrication of a polymeric-metallic membrane that is selective from room temperature to 370oC. This achievement represents the highest demonstrated operating temperature at which a polymeric based membrane has successfully functioned. Additionally, we have generated the first polybenzamidizole silicate molecular composites. Finally, we have developed a technique that has enabled the first-ever simultaneous measurements of gas permeation and membrane compaction at elevated temperatures. This technique provides a unique approach to the optimization of long-term membrane performance under challenging operating conditions.

Three-dimensional laser window formation for industrial application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhoff, Vincent G.; Kowalski, David

1993-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center has developed and implemented a unique process for forming flawless three-dimensional, compound-curvature laser windows to extreme accuracies. These windows represent an integral component of specialized nonintrusive laser data acquisition systems that are used in a variety of compressor and turbine research testing facilities. These windows are molded to the flow surface profile of turbine and compressor casings and are required to withstand extremely high pressures and temperatures. This method of glass formation could also be used to form compound-curvature mirrors that would require little polishing and for a variety of industrial applications, including research view ports for testing devices and view ports for factory machines with compound-curvature casings. Currently, sodium-alumino-silicate glass is recommended for three-dimensional laser windows because of its high strength due to chemical strengthening and its optical clarity. This paper discusses the main aspects of three-dimensional laser window formation. It focuses on the unique methodology and the peculiarities that are associated with the formation of these windows.

High efficiency vapor-fed AMTEC system for direct conversion. Final report

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

Anderson, W.G.; Bland, J.J.

1997-05-23

The Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) is a high temperature, high efficiency system for converting thermal to electrical energy, with no moving parts. It is based on the unique properties of {beta}{double_prime}-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE), which is an excellent conductor of sodium ions, but an extremely poor conductor of electrons. When the inside of the BASE is maintained at a higher temperature and pressure, a concentration gradient is created across the BASE. Electrons and sodium atoms cannot pass through the BASE. However, the sodium atoms are ionized, and the sodium ions move through the BASE to the lowermore » potential (temperature) region. The electrons travel externally to the AMTEC cell, providing power. There are a number of potential advantages to a wick-pumped, vapor-fed AMTEC system when compared with other designs. A wick-pumped system uses capillary forces to passively return liquid to the evaporator, and to distribute the liquid in the evaporator. Since the fluid return is self-regulating, multiple BASE tubes can use a single remote condenser, potentially improving efficiency in advanced AMTEC designs. Since the system is vapor-fed, sodium vapor is supplied at a uniform temperature and flux to the BASE tube, even with non-uniform heat fluxes and temperatures at the evaporator. The primary objective of the Phase 2 program was to develop wick-pumped AMTEC cells. During the program, procedures to fabricate wicks with smaller pore sizes were developed, to allow operation of an AMTEC cell at 800 C. A revised design was made for a High-Temperature, Wick-Fed AMTEC cell. In addition to the smaller wick pore size, several other changes were made to increase the cell efficiency: (1) internal artery return of condensate; (2) high temperature electrical feedthrough; and (3) separate heat pipe for providing heat to the BASE.« less

High thermoelectric power factor in two-dimensional crystals of Mo S2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hippalgaonkar, Kedar; Wang, Ying; Ye, Yu; Qiu, Diana Y.; Zhu, Hanyu; Wang, Yuan; Moore, Joel; Louie, Steven G.; Zhang, Xiang

2017-03-01

The quest for high-efficiency heat-to-electricity conversion has been one of the major driving forces toward renewable energy production for the future. Efficient thermoelectric devices require high voltage generation from a temperature gradient and a large electrical conductivity while maintaining a low thermal conductivity. For a given thermal conductivity and temperature, the thermoelectric power factor is determined by the electronic structure of the material. Low dimensionality (1D and 2D) opens new routes to a high power factor due to the unique density of states (DOS) of confined electrons and holes. The 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors represent a new class of thermoelectric materials not only due to such confinement effects but especially due to their large effective masses and valley degeneracies. Here, we report a power factor of Mo S2 as large as 8.5 mW m-1K-2 at room temperature, which is among the highest measured in traditional, gapped thermoelectric materials. To obtain these high power factors, we perform thermoelectric measurements on few-layer Mo S2 in the metallic regime, which allows us to access the 2D DOS near the conduction band edge and exploit the effect of 2D confinement on electron scattering rates, resulting in a large Seebeck coefficient. The demonstrated high, electronically modulated power factor in 2D TMDCs holds promise for efficient thermoelectric energy conversion.

Femtosecond fiber laser additive manufacturing and welding for 3D manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Huan; Nie, Bai; Wan, Peng; Yang, Lih-Mei; Bai, Shuang; Liu, Jian

2015-03-01

Due to the unique ultra-short pulse duration and high peak power, femtosecond (fs) laser has emerged as a powerful tool for many applications but has rarely been studied for 3D printing. In this paper, welding of both bulk and powder materials is demonstrated for the first time by using high energy and high repetition rate fs fiber lasers. It opens up new scenarios and opportunities for 3D printing with the following advantages - greater range of materials especially with high melting temperature, greater-than-ever level of precision (sub-micron) and less heat-affected-zone (HAZ). Mechanical properties (strength and hardness) and micro-structures (grain size) of the fabricated parts are investigated. For dissimilar materials bulk welding, good welding quality with over 210 MPa tensile strength is obtained. Also full melting of the micron-sized refractory powders with high melting temperature (above 3000 degree C) is achieved for the first time. 3D parts with shapes like ring and cube are fabricated. Not only does this study explore the feasibility of melting dissimilar and high melting temperature materials using fs lasers, but it also lays out a solid foundation for 3D printing of complex structure with designed compositions, microstructures and properties. This can greatly benefit the applications in automobile, aerospace and biomedical industries, by producing parts like nozzles, engines and miniaturized biomedical devices.

Iron in the Fire: Searching for Fire's Magnetic Fingerprint using Controlled Heating Experiments, High-Resolution FORCs, IRM Coercivity Spectra, and Low-Temperature Remanence Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lippert, P. C.; Reiners, P. W.

2014-12-01

Evidence for recent climate-wildfire linkages underscores the need for better understanding of relationships between wildfire and major climate shifts in Earth history, which in turn offers the potential for prognoses for wildfire and human adaptations to it. In particular, what are the links between seasonality and wildfire frequency and severity, and what are the feedbacks between wildfire, landscape evolution, and biogeochemical cycles, particularly the carbon and iron cycles? A key first step in addressing these questions is recovering well-described wildfire records from a variety of paleolandscapes and paleoclimate regimes. Although charcoal and organic biomarkers are commonly used indicators of fire, taphonomic processes and time-consuming analytical preparations often preclude their routine use in some environments and in high-stratigraphic resolution paleowildfire surveying. The phenomenological relationship between fire and magnetic susceptibility can make it a useful surveying tool, but increased magnetic susceptibility in sediments is not unique to fire, and thus limits its diagnostic power. Here we utilize component-specific rock magnetic methods and analytical techniques to identify the rock magnetic fingerprint of wildfire. We use a custom-designed air furnace, a series of iron-free laboratory soils, natural saprolites and soils, and fuels from Arizona Ponderosa pine forests and grasslands to simulate wildfire in a controlled and monitored environment. Soil-ash residues and soil and fuel controls were then characterized using First Order Reversal Curve (FORC) patterns, DC backfield IRM coercivity spectra, low-temperature SIRM demagnetization behavior, and low-temperature cycling of room-temperature SIRM behavior. We will complement these magnetic analyses with high-resolution TEM of magnetic extracts. Here we summarize the systematic changes to sediment magnetism as pyrolitized organic matter is incorporated into artificial and natural soils. These observations help us elucidate the processes and sources responsible for increases in magnetic susceptibility observed in natural burned soils, as well as identify a unique rock magnetic fingerprint for natural wildfire that has the potential to be preserved in sedimentary sequences in the geological record.

Global comparisons between the modified Pathfinder derived sea surface temperature and skin temperatures from the along-track scanning radiometer on board ERS-2: how close are we getting?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vazquez, J.

2001-01-01

Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) as derived from the Pathfinder Sea Surface Temperature Data Set and the Along-Track Scanning Radiometer on-board the European Remote Sensing Satellite provide a unique opportunity for comparing two independent SST data sets.

Promotion of Oxygen Reduction by Exsolved Silver Nanoparticles on a Perovskite Scaffold for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Zhu, Yinlong; Zhou, Wei; Ran, Ran; Chen, Yubo; Shao, Zongping; Liu, Meilin

2016-01-13

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have potential to be the cleanest and most efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices with excellent fuel flexibility. To make SOFC systems more durable and economically competitive, however, the operation temperature must be significantly reduced, which depends sensitively on the development of highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at low temperatures. Here we report a novel silver nanoparticle-decorated perovskite oxide, prepared via a facile exsolution process from a Sr0.95Ag0.05Nb0.1Co0.9O3-δ (SANC) perovskite precursor, as a highly active and robust ORR electrocatalyst for low-temperature SOFCs. The exsolved Sr0.95Ag0.05Nb0.1Co0.9O3-δ (denoted as e-SANC) electrode is very active for ORR, achieving a very low area specific resistance (∼0.214 Ω cm(2) at 500 °C). An anode-supported cell with the new heterostructured cathode demonstrates very high peak power density (1116 mW cm(-2) at 500 °C) and stable operation for 140 h at a current density of 625 mA cm(-2). The superior ORR activity and stability are attributed to the fast oxygen surface exchange kinetics and the firm adhesion of the Ag nanoparticles to the Sr0.95Nb0.1Co0.9O3-δ (SNC0.95) support. Moreover, the e-SANC cathode displays improved tolerance to CO2. These unique features make the new heterostructured material a highly promising cathode for low-temperature SOFCs.

High-speed spectral infrared imaging of spark ignition engine combustion. (Reannouncement with new availability information)

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

McComiskey, T.; Jiang, H.; Qian, Y.

1993-03-05

In-cylinder flame propagation and its impact on thermal characteristics of the combustion chamber were studied by using a new high-speed spectral infrared imaging system. In this work, successive spectral IR images of combustion chamber events were captured while varying several parameters, including fuel/air, spark timing, speed, and warming-up period. Some investigation of cyclic variation, knock, and high-temperature components during the non-combustion period was also conducted. It was found that the spectral images obtained in both short and long wavelength bands exhibited unique pieces of in-cylinder information, i.e., (qualitative) distributions of temperature and combustion products, respectively. During the combustion period, themore » temperature of early-formed combustion products continued to increase while the flame front temperature, e.g. near the end gas zone, remained relatively low. The exhaust valve emitted strong radiation starting from the early stage of the combustion period. The spark plug emitted the strongest radiation during the non-combustion period. Considerable cyclic variation in growth of the flame front and completion of the reaction was observable. The radiation from both spectral bands became stronger as the engine warm-up period in While operating the engine with the addition of n-heptane in the intake to produce knock, we captured spectral IR images of the end gas right before it was abruptly consumed. The combustion products that were formed in the end-gas volume upon knock, showed no evidence of higher temperature than other zones in the combustion chamber.... Spectral infrared imaging, High-speed, Digital data, Instantaneous distribution, Spark ignition combustion.« less

Irradiation response of commercial, high-Tc superconducting tapes: Electromagnetic transport properties

DOE PAGES

Gapud, A. A.; Greenwood, N. T.; Alexander, J. A.; ...

2015-07-01

Effects of low dose irradiation on the electrical transport current properties of commercially available high-temperature superconducting, coated-conductor tapes were investigated, in view of potential applications in the irradiative environment of fusion reactors. Three different tapes, each with unique as-grown flux-pinning structures, were irradiated with Au and Ni ions at energies that provide a range of damage effects, with accumulated damage levels near that expected for conductors in a fusion reactor environment. Measurements using transport current determined the pre- and post-irradiation resistivity, critical current density, and pinning force density, yielding critical temperatures, irreversibility lines, and inferred vortex creep rates. Results showmore » that at the irradiation damage levels tested, any detriment to as-grown pre-irradiation properties is modest; indeed in one case already-superior pinning forces are enhanced, leading to higher critical currents.« less

Organic thermoelectric materials for energy harvesting and temperature control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russ, Boris; Glaudell, Anne; Urban, Jeffrey J.; Chabinyc, Michael L.; Segalman, Rachel A.

2016-10-01

Conjugated polymers and related processing techniques have been developed for organic electronic devices ranging from lightweight photovoltaics to flexible displays. These breakthroughs have recently been used to create organic thermoelectric materials, which have potential for wearable heating and cooling devices, and near-room-temperature energy generation. So far, the best thermoelectric materials have been inorganic compounds (such as Bi2Te3) that have relatively low Earth abundance and are fabricated through highly complex vacuum processing routes. Molecular materials and hybrid organic-inorganic materials now demonstrate figures of merit approaching those of these inorganic materials, while also exhibiting unique transport behaviours that are suggestive of optimization pathways and device geometries that were not previously possible. In this Review, we discuss recent breakthroughs for organic materials with high thermoelectric figures of merit and indicate how these materials may be incorporated into new module designs that take advantage of their mechanical and thermoelectric properties.

Electrochemical Liquid Phase Epitaxy (ec-LPE): A New Methodology for the Synthesis of Crystalline Group IV Semiconductor Epifilms.

PubMed

Demuth, Joshua; Fahrenkrug, Eli; Ma, Luyao; Shodiya, Titilayo; Deitz, Julia I; Grassman, Tyler J; Maldonado, Stephen

2017-05-24

Deposition of epitaxial germanium (Ge) thin films on silicon (Si) wafers has been achieved over large areas with aqueous feedstock solutions using electrochemical liquid phase epitaxy (ec-LPE) at low temperatures (T ≤ 90 °C). The ec-LPE method uniquely blends the simplicity and control of traditional electrodeposition with the material quality of melt growth. A new electrochemical cell design based on the compression of a liquid metal electrode into a thin cavity that enables ec-LPE is described. The epitaxial nature, low strain character, and crystallographic defect content of the resultant solid Ge films were analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, high resolution X-ray diffraction, and electron channeling contrast imaging. The results here show the first step toward a manufacturing infrastructure for traditional crystalline inorganic semiconductor epifilms that does not require high temperature, gaseous precursors, or complex apparatus.

Ultralong room temperature phosphorescence from amorphous organic materials toward confidential information encryption and decryption.

PubMed

Su, Yan; Phua, Soo Zeng Fiona; Li, Youbing; Zhou, Xianju; Jana, Deblin; Liu, Guofeng; Lim, Wei Qi; Ong, Wee Kong; Yang, Chaolong; Zhao, Yanli

2018-05-01

Ultralong room temperature phosphorescence (URTP) emitted from pure amorphous organic molecules is very rare. Although a few crystalline organic molecules could realize URTP with long lifetimes (>100 ms), practical applications of these crystalline organic phosphors are still challenging because the formation and maintenance of high-quality crystals are very difficult and complicated. Herein, we present a rational design for minimizing the vibrational dissipation of pure amorphous organic molecules to achieve URTP. By using this strategy, a series of URTP films with long lifetimes and high phosphorescent quantum yields (up to 0.75 s and 11.23%, respectively) were obtained from amorphous organic phosphors without visible fluorescence and phosphorescence under ambient conditions. On the basis of the unique features of URTP films, a new green screen printing technology without using any ink was developed toward confidential information encryption and decryption. This work presents a breakthrough strategy in applying amorphous organic materials for URTP.

A low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope capable of microscopy and spectroscopy in a Bitter magnet at up to 34 T.

PubMed

Tao, W; Singh, S; Rossi, L; Gerritsen, J W; Hendriksen, B L M; Khajetoorians, A A; Christianen, P C M; Maan, J C; Zeitler, U; Bryant, B

2017-09-01

We present the design and performance of a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (STM) which operates inside a water-cooled Bitter magnet, which can attain a magnetic field of up to 38 T. Due to the high vibration environment generated by the magnet cooling water, a uniquely designed STM and a vibration damping system are required. The STM scan head is designed to be as compact and rigid as possible, to minimize the effect of vibrational noise as well as fit the size constraints of the Bitter magnet. The STM uses a differential screw mechanism for coarse tip-sample approach, and operates in helium exchange gas at cryogenic temperatures. The reliability and performance of the STM are demonstrated through topographic imaging and scanning tunneling spectroscopy on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at T = 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 34 T.

Superconductor-Magnet Bearings With Inherent Stability and Velocity-Independent Drag Torque

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Eun-Jeong; Ma, Ki Bui; Wilson, Thomas L.; Chu, Wei-Kan

1999-01-01

A hybrid superconductor magnet bearing system has been developed based on passive magnetic levitation and the flux pinning effect of high-temperature superconductivity. The rationale lies in the unique capability of a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) to enhance system stability passively without power consumption. Characterization experiments have been conducted to understand its dynamic behavior and to estimate the required motor torque for its driving system design. These experiments show that the hybrid HTS-magnet bearing system has a periodic oscillation of drag torque due mainly to the nonuniform magnetic field density of permanent magnets. Furthermore, such a system also suffers from a small superimposed periodic oscillation introduced by the use of multiple HTS disks rather than a uniform annulus of HTS material. The magnitude of drag torque is velocity independent and very small. These results make this bearing system appealing for high-speed application. Finally, design guidelines for superconducting bearing systems are suggested based on these experimental results.

Optical waveguide and room temperature high-quality nanolasers from tin-catalyzed CdSSe nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Pengfei; Shen, Xia; Zhang, Baolong; Sun, Haibin; Zou, Zhijun; Yang, Wenchao; Gong, Ke; Luo, Yongsong

2018-05-01

A simple two-step CVD method is developed to realize the growth of high-quality tin-catalyzed CdSSe alloy nanowires. Microstructural characterizations demonstrate that these wires are high-quality crystalline nanostructures. Local photoluminescence investigation of these nanostructures shows a typical band edge emission at 656 nm with a full-width at half-maximum of 22.3 nm. Optical waveguide measurement along an individual nanowire indicates that the output signal of the guided light has a rapid linear decrease accompanied with maximum red-shift about 109 meV after the transmission of 102 μm. This obvious red-shift is caused by the intensive band-tail absorption during the optical transmission process. Moreover, optically pumped nanolasers are successfully realized at room temperature based on these unique wires, further demonstrating the achievement of stimulated emission from spontaneous emission, promoted by the pump power intensity. This work may find a simple route to the manufacture of superior nanowires for applications in waveguide and integrated photonic devices.

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

Kim, Soowhan; Thomsen, Edwin; Xia, Guanguang

This paper explores demonstration of an advanced vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) using a mixed acid (sulfuric and hydrochloric acid) supporting electrolyte in a kW scale. The prototype VRFB is capable of delivering more than 1.1 kW in the whole operation range (15~85% state of charge) at 80 mA/cm2 with high energy efficiency of 82% and energy content of 1.4 kWh. The system has been operated stably without any precipitation even at elevated electrolyte temperatures of > 45°C, while the control tests with the conventional sulfuric acid electrolyte suffered from precipitation after 80 cycles. The mixed acid system enabled operationmore » at elevated temperature (> 40°C), providing unique advantages over the conventional pure sulfate system; 1) high stack energy efficiency due to better kinetics and low electrolyte resistance, 2) low viscosity, resulting in reduced pumping loss, 3) elimination of additional heat exchanger, 4) high system efficiency and 5) simple system design and operation.« less

Optical waveguide and room temperature high-quality nanolasers from tin-catalyzed CdSSe nanostructures.

PubMed

Guo, Pengfei; Shen, Xia; Zhang, Baolong; Sun, Haibin; Zou, Zhijun; Yang, Wenchao; Gong, Ke; Luo, Yongsong

2018-05-04

A simple two-step CVD method is developed to realize the growth of high-quality tin-catalyzed CdSSe alloy nanowires. Microstructural characterizations demonstrate that these wires are high-quality crystalline nanostructures. Local photoluminescence investigation of these nanostructures shows a typical band edge emission at 656 nm with a full-width at half-maximum of 22.3 nm. Optical waveguide measurement along an individual nanowire indicates that the output signal of the guided light has a rapid linear decrease accompanied with maximum red-shift about 109 meV after the transmission of 102 μm. This obvious red-shift is caused by the intensive band-tail absorption during the optical transmission process. Moreover, optically pumped nanolasers are successfully realized at room temperature based on these unique wires, further demonstrating the achievement of stimulated emission from spontaneous emission, promoted by the pump power intensity. This work may find a simple route to the manufacture of superior nanowires for applications in waveguide and integrated photonic devices.

A Highly Sensitive Two-Dimensional Inclinometer Based on Two Etched Chirped-Fiber-Grating Arrays †

PubMed Central

Chang, Hung-Ying; Chang, Yu-Chung; Liu, Wen-Fung

2017-01-01

We present a novel two-dimensional fiber-optic inclinometer with high sensitivity by crisscrossing two etched chirped fiber Bragg gratings (CFBG) arrays. Each array is composed of two symmetrically-arranged CFBGs. By etching away most of the claddings of the CFBGs to expose the evanescent wave, the reflection spectra are highly sensitive to the surrounding index change. When we immerse only part of the CFBG in liquid, the effective index difference induces a superposition peak in the refection spectrum. By interrogating the peak wavelengths of the CFBGs, we can deduce the tilt angle and direction simultaneously. The inclinometer has a resolution of 0.003° in tilt angle measurement and 0.00187 rad in tilt direction measurement. Due to the unique sensing mechanism, the sensor is temperature insensitive. This sensor can be useful in long term continuous monitoring of inclination or in real-time feedback control of tilt angles, especially in harsh environments with violent temperature variation. PMID:29244770

Method for simultaneously removing SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.X pollutants from exhaust of a combustion system

DOEpatents

Levendis, Yiannis A.; Wise, Donald L.

1994-05-17

A method is disclosed for removing pollutants from the exhaust of combustion systems burning fuels containing substantial amounts of sulfur and nitrogen. An exemplary method of the invention involves the formation and reaction of a sorbent comprising calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). The CMA is either dry-sprayed (in the form of a fine powder) or wet-sprayed in an aqueous solution in a high temperature environment such as a combustion chamber. The latter technique is feasible since CMA is a uniquely water-soluble form of calcium and magnesium. When the dispersed particles of CMA are heated to a high temperature, fine calcium and magnesium oxide particles, which are hollow with thin and highly porous walls are formed, affording optimum external and internal accessibility for reacting with toxic gaseous emissions such as SO.sub.2. Further, the combustion of the organic acetate portion of the sorbent results in the conversion of NO.sub.x to N.sub.2.

Millisecond laser ablation of molybdenum target in reactive gas toward MoS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles with thermally stable photoresponse.

PubMed

Song, Shu-Tao; Cui, Lan; Yang, Jing; Du, Xi-Wen

2015-01-28

As a promising material for photoelectrical application, MoS2 has attracted extensive attention on its facile synthesis and unique properties. Herein, we explored a novel strategy of laser ablation to synthesize MoS2 fullerene-like nanoparticles (FL-NPs) with stable photoresponse under high temperature. Specifically, we employed a millisecond pulsed laser to ablate the molybdenum target in dimethyl trisulfide gas, and as a result, the molybdenum nanodroplets were ejected from the target and interacted with the highly reactive ambient gas to produce MoS2 FL-NPs. In contrast, the laser ablation in liquid could only produce core-shell nanoparticles. The crucial factors for controlling final nanostructures were found to be laser intensity, cooling rate, and gas reactivity. Finally, the MoS2 FL-NPs were assembled into a simple photoresponse device which exhibited excellent thermal stability, indicating their great potentialities for high-temperature photoelectrical applications.

Effect of Back Contact and Rapid Thermal Processing Conditions on Flexible CdTe Device Performance

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

Mahabaduge, Hasitha; Meysing, D. M.; Rance, Will L.

Flexible CdTe solar cells on ultra-thin glass substrates can enable new applications that require high specific power, unique form-factors, and low manufacturing costs. To be successful, these cells must be cost competitive, have high efficiency, and have high reliability. Here we present back contact processing conditions that enabled us to achieve over 16% efficiency on flexible Corning (R) Willow (R) Glass substrates. We used co-evaporated ZnTe:Cu and Au as our back contact and used rapid thermal processing (RTP) to activate the back contact. Both the ZnTe to Cu ratio and the RTP activation temperature provide independent control over the devicemore » performance. We have investigated the influence of various RTP conditions to Cu activation and distribution. Current density-voltage, capacitance-voltage measurements along with device simulations were used to examine the device performance in terms of ZnTe to Cu ratio and rapid thermal activation temperature.« less

Ultra-fast self-assembly and stabilization of reactive nanoparticles in reduced graphene oxide films

PubMed Central

Chen, Yanan; Egan, Garth C.; Wan, Jiayu; Zhu, Shuze; Jacob, Rohit Jiji; Zhou, Wenbo; Dai, Jiaqi; Wang, Yanbin; Danner, Valencia A.; Yao, Yonggang; Fu, Kun; Wang, Yibo; Bao, Wenzhong; Li, Teng; Zachariah, Michael R.; Hu, Liangbing

2016-01-01

Nanoparticles hosted in conductive matrices are ubiquitous in electrochemical energy storage, catalysis and energetic devices. However, agglomeration and surface oxidation remain as two major challenges towards their ultimate utility, especially for highly reactive materials. Here we report uniformly distributed nanoparticles with diameters around 10 nm can be self-assembled within a reduced graphene oxide matrix in 10 ms. Microsized particles in reduced graphene oxide are Joule heated to high temperature (∼1,700 K) and rapidly quenched to preserve the resultant nano-architecture. A possible formation mechanism is that microsized particles melt under high temperature, are separated by defects in reduced graphene oxide and self-assemble into nanoparticles on cooling. The ultra-fast manufacturing approach can be applied to a wide range of materials, including aluminium, silicon, tin and so on. One unique application of this technique is the stabilization of aluminium nanoparticles in reduced graphene oxide film, which we demonstrate to have excellent performance as a switchable energetic material. PMID:27515900

Energy efficient engine pin fin and ceramic composite segmented liner combustor sector rig test report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dubiel, D. J.; Lohmann, R. P.; Tanrikut, S.; Morris, P. M.

1986-01-01

Under the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine program, Pratt and Whitney has successfully completed a comprehensive test program using a 90-degree sector combustor rig that featured an advanced two-stage combustor with a succession of advanced segmented liners. Building on the successful characteristics of the first generation counter-parallel Finwall cooled segmented liner, design features of an improved performance metallic segmented liner were substantiated through representative high pressure and temperature testing in a combustor atmosphere. This second generation liner was substantially lighter and lower in cost than the predecessor configuration. The final test in this series provided an evaluation of ceramic composite liner segments in a representative combustor environment. It was demonstrated that the unique properties of ceramic composites, low density, high fracture toughness, and thermal fatigue resistance can be advantageously exploited in high temperature components. Overall, this Combustor Section Rig Test program has provided a firm basis for the design of advanced combustor liners.

A room-temperature sodium rechargeable battery using an SO2-based nonflammable inorganic liquid catholyte

PubMed Central

Jeong, Goojin; Kim, Hansu; Sug Lee, Hyo; Han, Young-Kyu; Hwan Park, Jong; Hwan Jeon, Jae; Song, Juhye; Lee, Keonjoon; Yim, Taeeun; Jae Kim, Ki; Lee, Hyukjae; Kim, Young-Jun; Sohn, Hun-Joon

2015-01-01

Sodium rechargeable batteries can be excellent alternatives to replace lithium rechargeable ones because of the high abundance and low cost of sodium; however, there is a need to further improve the battery performance, cost-effectiveness, and safety for practical use. Here we demonstrate a new type of room-temperature and high-energy density sodium rechargeable battery using an SO2-based inorganic molten complex catholyte, which showed a discharge capacity of 153 mAh g−1 based on the mass of catholyte and carbon electrode with an operating voltage of 3 V, good rate capability and excellent cycle performance over 300 cycles. In particular, non-flammability and intrinsic self-regeneration mechanism of the inorganic liquid electrolyte presented here can accelerate the realization of commercialized Na rechargeable battery system with outstanding reliability. Given that high performance and unique properties of Na–SO2 rechargeable battery, it can be another promising candidate for next generation energy storage system. PMID:26243052

Highly sensitive MoTe2 chemical sensor with fast recovery rate through gate biasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhihong; Xie, Yuan; Chen, Jiancui; Yu, Yuanyuan; Zheng, Shijun; Zhang, Rui; Li, Quanning; Chen, Xuejiao; Sun, Chongling; Zhang, Hao; Pang, Wei; Liu, Jing; Zhang, Daihua

2017-06-01

The unique properties of two dimensional (2D) materials make them promising candidates for chemical and biological sensing applications. However, most 2D nanomaterial sensors suffer very long recovery time due to slow molecular desorption at room temperature. Here, we report a highly sensitive molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) gas sensor for NO2 and NH3 detection with greatly enhanced recovery rate. The effects of gate bias on sensing performance have been systematically studied. It is found that the recovery kinetics can be effectively adjusted by biasing the sensor to different gate voltages. Under the optimum biasing potential, the MoTe2 sensor can achieve more than 90% recovery after each sensing cycle well within 10 min at room temperature. The results demonstrate the potential of MoTe2 as a promising candidate for high-performance chemical sensors. The idea of exploiting gate bias to adjust molecular desorption kinetics can be readily applied to much wider sensing platforms based on 2D nanomaterials.

On the origin of high ionic conductivity in Na-doped SrSiO 3

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

Chien, Po-Hsiu; Jee, Youngseok; Huang, Chen

Understanding the local structure and ion dynamics is at the heart of ion conductor research. This paper reports on high-resolution solid-state 29Si, 23Na, and 17O NMR investigation of the structure, chemical composition, and ion dynamics of a newly discovered fast ion conductor, Na-doped SrSiO 3, which exhibited a much higher ionic conductivity than most of current oxide ion conductors. Quantitative analyses reveal that with a small dose (<10 mol%) of Na, the doped Na integrates into the SrSiO 3 structure to form Na xSr 1-xSiO 3-0.5x, and with >10 mol% Na doping, phase separation occurs, leading to the formation ofmore » an amorphous phase β-Na 2Si 2O 5 and a crystalline Sr-rich phase. Variable-temperature 23Na and 17O magic-angle-spinning NMR up to 618 °C have shown significant changes in Na ion dynamics at high temperatures but little oxide ion motion, suggesting that Na ions are responsible for the observed high ionic conductivity. In addition, β-Na 2Si 2O 5 starts to crystallize at temperatures higher than 480 °C with prolonged heating, resulting in reduction in Na+ motion, and thus degradation of ionic conductivity. This study has contributed critical evidence to the understanding of ionic conduction in Na-doped SrSiO 3 and demonstrated that multinuclear high-resolution and high-temperature solid-state NMR is a uniquely useful tool for investigating ion conductors at their operating conditions.« less

On the origin of high ionic conductivity in Na-doped SrSiO 3

DOE PAGES

Chien, Po-Hsiu; Jee, Youngseok; Huang, Chen; ...

2016-02-17

Understanding the local structure and ion dynamics is at the heart of ion conductor research. This paper reports on high-resolution solid-state 29Si, 23Na, and 17O NMR investigation of the structure, chemical composition, and ion dynamics of a newly discovered fast ion conductor, Na-doped SrSiO 3, which exhibited a much higher ionic conductivity than most of current oxide ion conductors. Quantitative analyses reveal that with a small dose (<10 mol%) of Na, the doped Na integrates into the SrSiO 3 structure to form Na xSr 1-xSiO 3-0.5x, and with >10 mol% Na doping, phase separation occurs, leading to the formation ofmore » an amorphous phase β-Na 2Si 2O 5 and a crystalline Sr-rich phase. Variable-temperature 23Na and 17O magic-angle-spinning NMR up to 618 °C have shown significant changes in Na ion dynamics at high temperatures but little oxide ion motion, suggesting that Na ions are responsible for the observed high ionic conductivity. In addition, β-Na 2Si 2O 5 starts to crystallize at temperatures higher than 480 °C with prolonged heating, resulting in reduction in Na+ motion, and thus degradation of ionic conductivity. This study has contributed critical evidence to the understanding of ionic conduction in Na-doped SrSiO 3 and demonstrated that multinuclear high-resolution and high-temperature solid-state NMR is a uniquely useful tool for investigating ion conductors at their operating conditions.« less

Polar materials with isolated V 4+ S = 1/2 Triangles: NaSr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl and KSr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl

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

Sanjeewa, Liurukara D.; McGuire, Michael A.; McMillen, Colin D.

Here, crystals of ASr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl, A = Na, K, were synthesized from high-temperature hydrothermal brines, and their structure and magnetic properties were investigated. These materials present a unique combination of a salt inclusion lattice, a polar crystal structure, and isolated V 4+ ( S = 1/2) trimer magnetic clusters. The structures consist of a trimeric V 3O 13 unit based on V 4+ ( S = 1/2), having rigorous 3-fold symmetry with a short V–V separation of 3.325(3) Å. The trinuclear V 4+ units are formed by three edge shared VO 6 octahedra sharing a centralmore » μ3-oxygen atom, which also imparts a polar sense on the structure. The V 3O 13 units are isolated from one another by tetranuclear Ge 4O 13 units, which are similarly arranged in a polar fashion, providing a unique opportunity to study the magnetic behavior of this triangular d 1 system as a discrete unit. Magnetization measurements indicate spin-1/2 per V atom at high temperature, and spin-1/2 per V 3 trimer at low temperature, where two V moments in each triangle are antiferromagnetically aligned and the third remains paramagnetic. The crossover between these two behaviors occurs between 20 and 100 K and is well-described by a model incorporating strong antiferromagnetic intra-trimer interactions and weak but nonzero inter-trimer interactions. More broadly, the study highlights the ability to obtain new materials with interesting structure–property relationships via chemistry involving unconventional solvents and reaction conditions.« less

Polar materials with isolated V 4+ S = 1/2 Triangles: NaSr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl and KSr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl

DOE PAGES

Sanjeewa, Liurukara D.; McGuire, Michael A.; McMillen, Colin D.; ...

2017-01-03

Here, crystals of ASr 2V 3O 3(Ge 4O 13)Cl, A = Na, K, were synthesized from high-temperature hydrothermal brines, and their structure and magnetic properties were investigated. These materials present a unique combination of a salt inclusion lattice, a polar crystal structure, and isolated V 4+ ( S = 1/2) trimer magnetic clusters. The structures consist of a trimeric V 3O 13 unit based on V 4+ ( S = 1/2), having rigorous 3-fold symmetry with a short V–V separation of 3.325(3) Å. The trinuclear V 4+ units are formed by three edge shared VO 6 octahedra sharing a centralmore » μ3-oxygen atom, which also imparts a polar sense on the structure. The V 3O 13 units are isolated from one another by tetranuclear Ge 4O 13 units, which are similarly arranged in a polar fashion, providing a unique opportunity to study the magnetic behavior of this triangular d 1 system as a discrete unit. Magnetization measurements indicate spin-1/2 per V atom at high temperature, and spin-1/2 per V 3 trimer at low temperature, where two V moments in each triangle are antiferromagnetically aligned and the third remains paramagnetic. The crossover between these two behaviors occurs between 20 and 100 K and is well-described by a model incorporating strong antiferromagnetic intra-trimer interactions and weak but nonzero inter-trimer interactions. More broadly, the study highlights the ability to obtain new materials with interesting structure–property relationships via chemistry involving unconventional solvents and reaction conditions.« less

Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction Over Agulhas Extension Meanders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, W. Timothy; Xie, Xiaosu; Niiler, Pearn P.

2007-01-01

Many years of high-resolution measurements by a number of space-based sensors and from Lagrangian drifters became available recently and are used to examine the persistent atmospheric imprints of the semi-permanent meanders of the Agulhas Extension Current (AEC), where strong surface current and temperature gradients are found. The sea surface temperature (SST) measured by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and the chlorophyll concentration measured by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) support the identification of the meanders and related ocean circulation by the drifters. The collocation of high and low magnitudes of equivalent neutral wind (ENW) measured by Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), which is uniquely related to surface stress by definition, illustrates not only the stability dependence of turbulent mixing but also the unique stress measuring capability of the scatterometer. The observed rotation of ENW in opposition to the rotation of the surface current clearly demonstrates that the scatterometer measures stress rather than winds. The clear differences between the distributions of wind and stress and the possible inadequacy of turbulent parameterization affirm the need of surface stress vector measurements, which were not available before the scatterometers. The opposite sign of the stress vorticity to current vorticity implies that the atmosphere spins down the current rotation through momentum transport. Coincident high SST and ENW over the southern extension of the meander enhance evaporation and latent heat flux, which cools the ocean. The atmosphere is found to provide negative feedback to ocean current and temperature gradients. Distribution of ENW convergence implies ascending motion on the downwind side of local SST maxima and descending air on the upwind side and acceleration of surface wind stress over warm water (deceleration over cool water); the convection may escalate the contrast of ENW over warm and cool water set up by the dependence of turbulent mixing on stability; this relation exerts a positive feedback to the ENW-SST relation. The temperature sounding measured by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder(AIRS) is consistent with the spatial coherence between the cloud-top temperature provided by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and SST. Thus ocean mesoscale SST anomalies associated with the persistent meanders may have a long-term effect well above the midlatitude atmospheric boundary layer, an observation not addressed in the past.

Selection of High Temperature Organic Materials for Future Stirling Convertors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shin, Euy-Sik Eugene

2017-01-01

In the future higher temperature Stirling convertors for improved efficiency and performance, various high temperature organic materials have been demanded as essential components for their unique properties and functions such as bonding, potting, sealing, thread locking, insulation, and lubrication. The higher temperature capabilities would also allow current state-of-the-art (SOA) convertors to be used in additional missions, particularly those that require a Venus flyby for a gravity assist. Stirling convertor radioisotope generators have been developed for potential future space applications including Lunar/Mars surface power or a variety of spacecraft and vehicles, especially with a long mission cycle, sometimes up to 17 years, such as deep space exploration. Thus, performance, durability, and reliability of the organics should be critically evaluated in terms of comprehensive structure-process-service environment relations based on the potential mission specifications. The initial efforts in screening the high temperature candidates focused on the most susceptible organics, such as adhesive, potting compound, o-ring, shrink tubing, and thread locker materials in conjunction with commercially available materials. More systematic and practical test methodologies that were developed and optimized based on the extensive organic evaluations and validations performed for various Stirling convertor types were employed to determine thermal stability, outgassing, and material compatibility of the selected organic candidates against their functional requirements. Processing and fabrication conditions and procedures were also optimized. This paper presents results of the three-step candidate evaluation processes, their application limitations, and the final selection recommendations.

Flexible, High-Wettability and Fire-Resistant Separators Based on Hydroxyapatite Nanowires for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Li, Heng; Wu, Dabei; Wu, Jin; Dong, Li-Ying; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Hu, Xianluo

2017-11-01

Separators play a pivotal role in the electrochemical performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The commercial microporous polyolefin-based separators often suffer from inferior electrolyte wettability, low thermal stability, and severe safety concerns. Herein, a novel kind of highly flexible and porous separator based on hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAP NWs) with excellent thermal stability, fire resistance, and superior electrolyte wettability is reported. A hierarchical cross-linked network structure forms between HAP NWs and cellulose fibers (CFs) via hybridization, which endows the separator with high flexibility and robust mechanical strength. The high thermal stability of HAP NW networks enables the separator to preserve its structural integrity at temperatures as high as 700 °C, and the fire-resistant property of HAP NWs ensures high safety of the battery. In particular, benefiting from its unique composition and highly porous structure, the as-prepared HAP/CF separator exhibits near zero contact angle with the liquid electrolyte and high electrolyte uptake of 253%, indicating superior electrolyte wettability compared with the commercial polyolefin separator. The as-prepared HAP/CF separator has unique advantages of superior electrolyte wettability, mechanical robustness, high thermal stability, and fire resistance, thus, is promising as a new kind of separator for advanced LIBs with enhanced performance and high safety. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Self-Validating Thermocouples for Assured Measurement Confidence and Extended Useful Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elliott, C. J.; Pearce, J. V.; Machin, G.; Schwarz, C.; Lindner, R.

2012-07-01

Accurate measurements of temperatures above 1500 °C pose unique and challenging requirements in space. Tungsten-rhenium (W-Re) thermocouples, which are commonly used, quickly exhibit significant thermoelectric inhomogeneity and drift. To address this issue, the National Physical Laboratory in cooperation with ESA/ESTEC is developing an innovative method of validating the performance of high-temperature thermocouples in-situ. The results of measurements using eutectic metal-carbon fixed-point cells containing Co-C (~1324 °C), Pt-C (~1738 °C), Ru-C (~1953 °C) and Ir-C (~2292°C) ingots incorporated onto the thermocouple in use are presented. By monitoring the thermoelectric signal each time the thermal environment passes through the melting temperature of the ingot, the user observes the degree of drift. This assures measurement confidence and extends the useful life of the thermocouple as the drift may be corrected for, if necessary. This approach opens the possibility for improved temperature measurement for ESA/ESTEC research applications and industrial use.

Battery Thermal Characterization

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

Keyser, Matthew A

The operating temperature is critical in achieving the right balance between performance, cost, and life for both Li-ion batteries and ultracapacitors. The chemistries of advanced energy-storage devices - such as lithium-based batteries - are very sensitive to operating temperature. High temperatures degrade batteries faster while low temperatures decrease their power and capacity, affecting vehicle range, performance, and cost. Understanding heat generation in battery systems - from the individual cells within a module, to the inter-connects between the cells, and across the entire battery system - is imperative for designing effective thermal-management systems and battery packs. At NREL, we have developedmore » unique capabilities to measure the thermal properties of cells and evaluate thermal performance of battery packs (air or liquid cooled). We also use our electro-thermal finite element models to analyze the thermal performance of battery systems in order to aid battery developers with improved thermal designs. NREL's tools are used to meet the weight, life, cost, and volume goals set by the U.S. Department of Energy for electric drive vehicles.« less

Bioenergetic response by steelhead to variation in diet, thermal habitat, and climate in the north Pacific Ocean

USGS Publications Warehouse

Atcheson, Margaret E.; Myers, Katherine W.; Beauchamp, David A.; Mantua, Nathan J.

2012-01-01

Energetic responses of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss to climate-driven changes in marine conditions are expected to affect the species’ ocean distribution, feeding, growth, and survival. With a unique 18-year data series (1991–2008) for steelhead sampled in the open ocean, we simulated interannual variation in prey consumption and growth efficiency of steelhead using a bioenergetics model to evaluate the temperature-dependent growth response of steelhead to past climate events and to estimate growth potential of steelhead under future climate scenarios. Our results showed that annual ocean growth of steelhead is highly variable depending on prey quality, consumption rates, total consumption, and thermal experience. At optimal growing temperatures, steelhead can compensate for a low-energy diet by increasing consumption rates and consuming more prey, if available. Our findings suggest that steelhead have a narrow temperature window in which to achieve optimal growth, which is strongly influenced by climate-driven changes in ocean temperature.

Half-precessional climate forcing of Indian Ocean monsoon dynamics on the East African equator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verschuren, D.; Sinninghe Damste, J. S.; Moernaut, J.; Kristen, I.; Fagot, M.; Blaauw, M.; Haug, G. H.; Project Members, C.

2008-12-01

The EuroCLIMATE project CHALLACEA produced a detailed multi-proxy reconstruction of the climate history of equatorial East Africa, based on the sediment record of Lake Challa, a 4.2 km2, 92-m deep crater lake on the lower East slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro (Kenya/Tanzania). Relatively stable sedimentation dynamics over the past 25,000 years resulted in a unique combination of high temporal resolution, excellent radiometric (210Pb, 14C) age control, and confidence that recording parameters of the climatic proxy signals extracted from the sediment have remained constant through time. The equatorial (3 deg. S) location of our study site in East Africa, where seasonal migration of convective activity spans the widest latitude range worldwide, produced unique information on how varying rainfall contributions from the northeasterly and southeasterly Indian Ocean monsoons shaped regional climate history. The Challa proxy records for temperature (TEX86) and moisture balance (reflection-seismic stratigraphy and the BIT index of soil bacterial input) uniquely weave together tropical climate variability at orbital and shorter time scales. The temporal pattern of reconstructed moisture balance bears the clear signature of half- precessional insolation forcing of Indian Ocean monsoon dynamics, modified by northern-latitude influence on moisture-balance variation at millennial and century time scales. During peak glacial time (but not immediately before) and the Younger Dryas, NH ice sheet influences overrode local insolation influence on monsoon intensity. After the NH ice sheets had melted and a relatively stable interglacial temperature regime developed, precession-driven summer insolation became the dominant determinant of regional moisture balance, with anti-phased patterns of Holocene hydrological change in the northern and southern (sub)tropics, and a uniquely hybrid pattern on the East African equator. In the last 2-3000 years a series of multi-century droughts with links to high latitude climate variability exerted widespread influence across the African continent. In northern and western tropical Africa these drought episodes accentuated the late- Holocene drying trend; in southern tropical Africa they mitigated or aborted the trend to increasing monsoon rainfall prescribed by SH insolation forcing.

High-Temperature, High-Load-Capacity Radial Magnetic Bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Provenza, Andrew; Montague, Gerald; Kascak, Albert; Palazzolo, Alan; Jansen, Ralph; Jansen, Mark; Ebihara, Ben

2005-01-01

A radial heteropolar magnetic bearing capable of operating at a temperature as high as 1,000 F (=540 C) has been developed. This is a prototype of bearings for use in gas turbine engines operating at temperatures and speeds much higher than can be withstood by lubricated rolling-element bearings. It is possible to increase the maximum allowable operating temperatures and speeds of rolling-element bearings by use of cooling-air systems, sophisticated lubrication systems, and rotor-vibration- damping systems that are subsystems of the lubrication systems, but such systems and subsystems are troublesome. In contrast, a properly designed radial magnetic bearing can suspend a rotor without contact, and, hence, without need for lubrication or for cooling. Moreover, a magnetic bearing eliminates the need for a separate damping system, inasmuch as a damping function is typically an integral part of the design of the control system of a magnetic bearing. The present high-temperature radial heteropolar magnetic bearing has a unique combination of four features that contribute to its suitability for the intended application: 1. The wires in its electromagnet coils are covered with an insulating material that does not undergo dielectric breakdown at high temperature and is pliable enough to enable the winding of the wires to small radii. 2. The processes used in winding and potting of the coils yields a packing factor close to 0.7 . a relatively high value that helps in maximizing the magnetic fields generated by the coils for a given supplied current. These processes also make the coils structurally robust. 3. The electromagnets are of a modular C-core design that enables replacement of components and semiautomated winding of coils. 4. The stator is mounted in such a manner as to provide stable support under radial and axial thermal expansion and under a load as large as 1,000 lb (.4.4 kN).

An air-stable Na 3SbS 4 superionic conductor prepared by a rapid and economic synthetic procedure

DOE PAGES

Wang, Hui; Chen, Yan; Hood, Zachary D.; ...

2016-01-01

All-solid-state sodium batteries, using abundant sodium resources and solid electrolyte, hold much promise for safe, low cost, large-scale energy storage. To realize the practical applications of all solid Na-ion batteries at ambient temperature, the solid electrolytes are required to have high ionic conductivity, chemical stability, and ideally, easy preparation. Ceramic electrolytes show higher ionic conductivity than polymers, but they often require extremely stringent synthesis conditions, either high sintering temperature above 1000 C or long-time, low-energy ball milling. Herein, we report a new synthesis route for Na 3SbS 4, a novel Na superionic conductor that needs much lower processing temperature belowmore » 200 C and easy operation. This new solid electrolyte exhibits a remarkable ionic conductivity of 1.05 mS cm -1 at 25 °C and is chemically stable under ambient atmosphere. In conclusion, this synthesis process provides unique insight into the current state-of-the-art solid electrolyte preparation and opens new possibilities for the design of similar materials.« less

Self-transducing silicon nanowire electromechanical systems at room temperature.

PubMed

He, Rongrui; Feng, X L; Roukes, M L; Yang, Peidong

2008-06-01

Electronic readout of the motions of genuinely nanoscale mechanical devices at room temperature imposes an important challenge for the integration and application of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). Here, we report the first experiments on piezoresistively transduced very high frequency Si nanowire (SiNW) resonators with on-chip electronic actuation at room temperature. We have demonstrated that, for very thin (~90 nm down to ~30 nm) SiNWs, their time-varying strain can be exploited for self-transducing the devices' resonant motions at frequencies as high as approximately 100 MHz. The strain of wire elongation, which is only second-order in doubly clamped structures, enables efficient displacement transducer because of the enhanced piezoresistance effect in these SiNWs. This intrinsically integrated transducer is uniquely suited for a class of very thin wires and beams where metallization and multilayer complex patterning on devices become impractical. The 30 nm thin SiNW NEMS offer exceptional mass sensitivities in the subzeptogram range. This demonstration makes it promising to advance toward NEMS sensors based on ultrathin and even molecular-scale SiNWs, and their monolithic integration with microelectronics on the same chip.

A Sacrificial Coating Strategy Toward Enhancement of Metal-Support Interaction for Ultrastable Au Nanocatalysts

DOE PAGES

Zhan, Wangcheng; He, Qian; Liu, Xiaofei; ...

2016-11-22

Supported gold (Au) nanocatalysts hold great promise for heterogeneous catalysis; however, their practical application is greatly hampered by poor thermodynamic stability. Herein, a general synthetic strategy is reported where discrete metal nanoparticles are made resistant to sintering, preserving their catalytic activities in high-temperature oxidation processes. Taking advantage of the unique coating chemistry of dopamine, sacrificial carbon layers are constructed on the material surface, stabilizing the supported catalyst. Upon annealing at high temperature under an inert atmosphere, the interactions between support and metal nanoparticle are dramatically enhanced, while the sacrificial carbon layers can be subsequently removed through oxidative calcination in air.more » Owing to the improved metal-support contact and strengthened electronic interactions, the resulting Au nanocatalysts are resistant to sintering and exhibit excellent durability for catalytic combustion of propylene at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the facile synthetic strategy can be extended to the stabilization of other supported catalysts on a broad range of supports, providing a general approach to enhancing the thermal stability and sintering resistance of supported nanocatalysts.« less

Dual-Templated Cobalt Oxide for Photochemical Water Oxidation.

PubMed

Deng, Xiaohui; Bongard, Hans-Josef; Chan, Candace K; Tüysüz, Harun

2016-02-19

Mesoporous Co3 O4 was prepared using a dual templating approach whereby mesopores inside SiO2 nanospheres, as well as the void spaces between the nanospheres, were used as templates. The effect of calcination temperature on the crystallinity, morphology, and textural parameters of the Co3 O4 replica was investigated. The catalytic activity of Co3 O4 for photochemical water oxidation in a [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) [S2 O8 ](2-) system was evaluated. The Co3 O4 replica calcined at the lowest temperature (150 °C) exhibited the best performance as a result of the unique nanostructure and high surface area arising from the dual templating. The performance of Co3 O4 with highest surface area was further examined in electrochemical water oxidation. Superior activity over high temperature counterpart and decent stability was observed. Furthermore, CoO with identical morphology was prepared from Co3 O4 using an ethanol reduction method and a higher turnover-frequency number for photochemical water oxidation was obtained. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Transcriptional Activation by Heat and Cold of a Thiol Protease Gene in Tomato

PubMed Central

Schaffer, Mark A.; Fischer, Robert L.

1990-01-01

We previously determined that low temperature induces the accumulation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit of a cloned mRNA, designated C14, encoding a polypeptide related to thiol proteases (MA Schaffer, RL Fischer [1988] Plant Physiol 87: 431-436). We now demonstrate that C14 mRNA accumulation is a response common to both high (40°C) and low (4°C) temperature stresses. Exposure of tomato fruit to 40°C results in the accumulation of C14 mRNA, by 8 hours. This response is more rapid than that to 4°C, but slower than the induction of many heat shock messages by 40°C, and therefore unique. We have also studied the mechanism by which heat and cold exposure activate C14 gene expression. Both high and low temperature regulate protease gene expression through transcriptional induction of a single C14 gene. A hypothesis for the function of C14 thiol protease gene expression in response to heat and cold is discussed. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:16667644

Development of a Novel Transparent Flexible Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer

PubMed Central

Pang, Da-Chen; Chang, Cheng-Min

2017-01-01

This paper presents the world’s first transparent flexible capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) that was fabricated through a roll-lamination technique. This polymer-based CMUT has advantages of transparency, flexibility, and non-contacting detection which provide unique functions in display panel applications. Comprising an indium tin oxide-polyethylene terephthalate (ITO-PET) substrate, SU-8 sidewall and vibrating membranes, and silver nanowire transparent electrode, the transducer has visible-light transmittance exceeding 80% and can operate on curved surfaces with a 40 mm radius of curvature. Unlike the traditional silicon-based high temperature process, the CMUT can be fabricated on a flexible substrate at a temperature below 100 °C to reduce residual stress introduced at high temperature. The CMUT on the curved surfaces can detect a flat target and finger at distances up to 50 mm and 40 mm, respectively. The transparent flexible CMUT provides a better human-machine interface than existing touch panels because it can be integrated with a display panel for non-contacting control in a health conscious environment and the flexible feature is critical for curved display and wearable electronics. PMID:28632157

Rapidly-Deposited Polydopamine Coating via High Temperature and Vigorous Stirring: Formation, Characterization and Biofunctional Evaluation

PubMed Central

Zhou, Ping; Deng, Yi; Lyu, Beier; Zhang, Ranran; Zhang, Hai; Ma, Hongwei; Lyu, Yalin; Wei, Shicheng

2014-01-01

Polydopamine (PDA) coating provides a promising approach for immobilization of biomolecules onto almost all kinds of solid substrates. However, the deposition kinetics of PDA coating as a function of temperature and reaction method is not well elucidated. Since dopamine self-polymerization usually takes a long time, therefore, rapid-formation of PDA film becomes imperative for surface modification of biomaterials and medical devices. In the present study, a practical method for preparation of rapidly-deposited PDA coating was developed using a uniquely designed device, and the kinetics of dopamine self-polymerization was investigated by QCM sensor system. It was found that high temperature and vigorous stirring could dramatically speed up the formation of PDA film on QCM chip surface. Surface characterization, BSA binding study, cell viability assay and antibacterial test demonstrates that the polydopamine coating after polymerization for 30 min by our approach exhibits similar properties to those of 24 h counterpart. The method has a great potential for rapid-deposition of polydopamine films to modify biomaterial surfaces. PMID:25415328

Wide gap, permanent magnet biased magnetic bearing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boden, Karl

1992-01-01

The unique features and applications of the presented electrical permanent magnetic bearing system essentially result from three facts: (1) the only bearing rotor components are nonlaminated ferromagnetic steel collars or cylinders; (2) all radial and axial forces are transmitted via radial gaps; and (3) large radial bearing gaps can be provided with minimum electric power consumption. The large gaps allow for effective encapsulation and shielding of the rotors at elevated or low temperatures, corrosive or ultra clean atmosphere or vacuum or high pressure environment. Two significant applications are described: (1) a magnetically suspended x ray rotary anode was operated under high vacuum conditions at 100 KV anode potential, 600 C temperature at the rotor collars and speed 18000 rpm with 13 mm radial bearing gap; and (2) an improved Czochralski type crystal growth apparatus using the hot wall method for pulling GaAs single crystals of low dislocation density. Both crystal and crucible are carried and transported by magnetically suspended shafts inside a hermetically sealed housing at 800 C shaft and wall temperature. The radial magnetic bearing gap measures 24 mm.

Hydrogen and Nitrogen Broadened Ethane and Propane Absorption Cross Sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hargreaves, Robert J.; Appadoo, Dominique; Billinghurst, Brant E.; Bernath, Peter F.

2015-06-01

High-resolution infrared absorption cross sections are presented for the ν9 band of ethane (C2H6) at 823 cm-1. These cross sections make use of spectra recorded at the Australian Synchrotron using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer with maximum resolution of 0.00096 cm-1. The spectra have been recorded at 150, 120 and 90 K for hydrogen and nitrogen broadened C2H6. They cover appropriate temperatures, pressures and broadening gases associated with the atmospheres of the Outer Planets and Titan, and will improve atmospheric retrievals. The THz/Far-IR beamline at the Australian Synchrotron is unique in combining a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer with an 'enclosive flow cooling' (EFC) cell designed to study molecules at low temperatures. The EFC cell is advantageous at temperatures for which the vapor pressure is very low, such as C2H6 at 90 K. Hydrogen broadened absorption cross sections of propane between 700 and 1200 cm-1 will also be presented based on spectra obtained at the Canadian Light Source.

Attachment of Free Filament Thermocouples for Temperature Measurements on CMC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lei, Jih-Fen; Cuy, Michael D.; Wnuk, Stephen P.

1997-01-01

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) are being developed for use as enabling materials for advanced aeropropulsion engine and high speed civil transport applications. The characterization and testing of these advanced materials in hostile, high-temperature environments require accurate measurement of the material temperatures. Commonly used wire Thermo-Couples (TC) can not be attached to this ceramic based material via conventional spot-welding techniques. Attachment of wire TC's with commercially available ceramic cements fail to provide sufficient adhesion at high temperatures. While advanced thin film TC technology provides minimally intrusive surface temperature measurement and has good adhesion on the CMC, its fabrication requires sophisticated and expensive facilities and is very time consuming. In addition, the durability of lead wire attachments to both thin film TC's and the substrate materials requires further improvement. This paper presents a newly developed attachment technique for installation of free filament wire TC's with a unique convoluted design on ceramic based materials such as CMC's. Three CMC's (SiC/SiC CMC and alumina/alumina CMC) instrumented with type IC, R or S wire TC's were tested in a Mach 0.3 burner rig. The CMC temperatures measured from these wire TC's were compared to that from the facility pyrometer and thin film TC's. There was no sign of TC delamination even after several hours exposure to 1200 C. The test results proved that this new technique can successfully attach wire TC's on CMC's and provide temperature data in hostile environments. The sensor fabrication process is less expensive and requires very little time compared to that of the thin film TC's. The same installation technique/process can also be applied to attach lead wires for thin film sensor systems.

Development and Test of a 1,000 Level 3C Fiber Optic Borehole Seismic Receiver Array Applied to Carbon Sequestration

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

Paulsson, Bjorn N.P.

2015-02-28

To address the critical site characterization and monitoring needs for CCS programs, US Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Paulsson, Inc. in 2010 a contract to design, build and test a fiber optic based ultra-large bandwidth clamped borehole seismic vector array capable of deploying up to one thousand 3C sensor pods suitable for deployment into high temperature and high pressure boreholes. Paulsson, Inc. has completed a design or a unique borehole seismic system consisting of a novel drill pipe based deployment system that includes a hydraulic clamping mechanism for the sensor pods, a new sensor pod design and most important –more » a unique fiber optic seismic vector sensor with technical specifications and capabilities that far exceed the state of the art seismic sensor technologies. These novel technologies were all applied to the new borehole seismic system. In combination these technologies will allow for the deployment of up to 1,000 3C sensor pods in vertical, deviated or horizontal wells. Laboratory tests of the fiber optic seismic vector sensors developed during this project have shown that the new borehole seismic sensor technology is capable of generating outstanding high vector fidelity data with extremely large bandwidth: 0.01 – 6,000 Hz. Field tests have shown that the system can record events at magnitudes much smaller than M-2.3 at frequencies up to 2,000 Hz. The sensors have also proved to be about 100 times more sensitive than the regular coil geophones that are used in borehole seismic systems today. The fiber optic seismic sensors have furthermore been qualified to operate at temperatures over 300°C (572°F). The fibers used for the seismic sensors in the system are used to record Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) data allowing additional value added data to be recorded simultaneously with the seismic vector sensor data.« less

Effects assessment of 10 functioning years on the main components of the molten salt PCS experimental facility of ENEA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaggioli, Walter; Di Ascenzi, Primo; Rinaldi, Luca; Tarquini, Pietro; Fabrizi, Fabrizio

2016-05-01

In the frame of the Solar Thermodynamic Laboratory, ENEA has improved CSP Parabolic Trough technologies by adopting new advanced solutions for linear tube receivers and by implementing a binary mixture of molten salt (60% NaNO3 and 40% KNO3) [1] as both heat transfer fluid and heat storage medium in solar field and in storage tanks, thus allowing the solar plants to operate at high temperatures up to 550°C. Further improvements have regarded parabolic mirror collectors, piping and process instrumentation. All the innovative components developed by ENEA, together with other standard parts of the plant, have been tested and qualified under actual solar operating conditions on the PCS experimental facility at the ENEA Casaccia Research Center in Rome (Italy). The PCS (Prova Collettori Solari, i.e. Test of Solar Collectors) facility is the main testing loop built by ENEA and it is unique in the world for what concerns the high operating temperature and the fluid used (mixture of molten salt). It consists in one line of parabolic trough collectors (test section of 100 m long life-size solar collectors) using, as heat transfer fluid, the aforesaid binary mixture of molten salt up to 10 bar, at high temperature in the range 270° and 550°C and a flow rate up to 6.5 kg/s. It has been working since early 2004 [2] till now; it consists in a unique closed loop, and it is totally instrumented. In this paper the effects of over ten years qualification tests on the pressurized tank will be presented, together with the characterization of the thermal losses of the piping of the molten salt circuit, and some observations performed on the PCS facility during its first ten years of operation.

Isotopic studies of epigenetic features in metalliferous sediment, Atlantis II Deep, Red Sea

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zierenberg, Robert A.; Shanks, Wayne C.

1988-01-01

The unique depositional environment of the Atlantis II Deep brine pool in the Red Sea produces a stratiform metalliferous deposit of greater areal extent than deposits formed by buoyant-plume systems typical of the midocean ridges because of much more efficient metal entrapment. Isotopic analyses of strontium, sulfur, carbon, and oxygen from the metalliferous sediments indicate that three major sources contribute dissolved components to the hydrothermal system: seawater, Miocene evaporites, and rift-zone basalt. An areally restricted magnetite-hematite-pyroxene assemblage formed at high temperatures, possibly in response to hydrothermal convection initiated by intrusion of basalt into the metalliferous sediment. A correlation between smectite Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios and oxygen isotope temperatures suggests that smectite is a potentially important chemical geothermometer, and confirms geochemical calculations indicating that Mg-rich smectite is more stable than Fe-rich smectite at elevated temperatures.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Temperature-driven phase transformation in self-assembled diphenylalanine peptide nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heredia, A.; Bdikin, I.; Kopyl, S.; Mishina, E.; Semin, S.; Sigov, A.; German, K.; Bystrov, V.; Gracio, J.; Kholkin, A. L.

2010-11-01

Diphenylalanine (FF) peptide nanotubes (PNTs) represent a unique class of self-assembled functional biomaterials owing to a wide range of useful properties including nanostructural variability, mechanical rigidity and chemical stability. In addition, strong piezoelectric activity has recently been observed paving the way to their use as nanoscale sensors and actuators. In this work, we fabricated both horizontal and vertical FF PNTs and examined their optical second harmonic generation and local piezoresponse as a function of temperature. The measurements show a gradual decrease in polarization with increasing temperature accompanied by an irreversible phase transition into another crystalline phase at about 140-150 °C. The results are corroborated by the molecular dynamic simulations predicting an order-disorder phase transition into a centrosymmetric (possibly, orthorhombic) phase with antiparallel polarization orientation in neighbouring FF rings. Partial piezoresponse hysteresis indicates incomplete polarization switching due to the high coercive field in FF PNTs.

Dirac dispersion generates unusually large Nernst effect in Weyl semimetals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watzman, Sarah J.; McCormick, Timothy M.; Shekhar, Chandra; Wu, Shu-Chun; Sun, Yan; Prakash, Arati; Felser, Claudia; Trivedi, Nandini; Heremans, Joseph P.

2018-04-01

Weyl semimetals contain linearly dispersing electronic states, offering interesting features in transport yet to be thoroughly explored thermally. Here we show how the Nernst effect, combining entropy with charge transport, gives a unique signature for the presence of Dirac bands and offers a diagnostic to determine if trivial pockets play a role in this transport. The Nernst thermopower of NbP exceeds its conventional thermopower by a 100-fold, and the temperature dependence of the Nernst effect has a pronounced maximum. The charge-neutrality condition dictates that the Fermi level shifts with increasing temperature toward the energy that has the minimum density of states (DOS). In NbP, the agreement of the Nernst and Seebeck data with a model that assumes this minimum DOS resides at the Dirac points is taken as strong experimental evidence that the trivial (non-Dirac) bands play no role in high-temperature transport.

Thermo-optic characteristic of DNA thin solid film and its application as a biocompatible optical fiber temperature sensor.

PubMed

Hong, Seongjin; Jung, Woohyun; Nazari, Tavakol; Song, Sanggwon; Kim, Taeoh; Quan, Chai; Oh, Kyunghwan

2017-05-15

We report unique thermo-optical characteristics of DNA-Cetyl tri-methyl ammonium (DNA-CTMA) thin solid film with a large negative thermo-optical coefficient of -3.4×10^-4/°C in the temperature range from 20°C to 70°C without any observable thermal hysteresis. By combining this thermo-optic DNA film and fiber optic multimode interference (MMI) device, we experimentally demonstrated a highly sensitive compact temperature sensor with a large spectral shift of 0.15 nm/°C. The fiber optic MMI device was a concatenated structure with single-mode fiber (SMF)-coreless silica fiber (CSF)-single mode fiber (SMF) and the DNA-CTMA film was deposited on the CSF. The spectral shifts of the device in experiments were compared with the beam propagation method, which showed a good agreement.

Superparamagnetism in carbon-coated Co particles produced by the Kratschmer carbon arc process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McHenry, M. E.; Majetich, S. A.; Artman, J. O.; Degraef, M.; Staley, S. W.

1994-04-01

A process based on the Kratschmer-Huffman carbon arc method of preparing fullerenes has been used to generate carbon-coated cobalt and cobalt carbide nanocrystallites. Magnetic nanocrystallites are extracted from the soot with a gradient field technique. For Co/C composites, structural characterization by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of a fcc Co phase, graphite, and a minority Co2C phase. The majority of Co nanocrystals exists as nominally spherical particles, 0.5-5 nm in radius. Hysteretic and temperature-dependent magnetic response, in randomly and magnetically aligned powder samples frozen in epoxy reveals fine-particle magnetism associated with monodomain Co particles. The magnetization exhibits a unique functional dependence on H/T, and hysteresis below a blocking temperature, TB~=160 K. Below TB, the temperature dependence of the coercivity is given by Hc=Hci[1-(T/TB)1/2], with Hci~=450 Oe.

Static analysis of C-shape SMA middle ear prosthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latalski, Jarosław; Rusinek, Rafał

2017-08-01

Shape memory alloys are a family of metals with the ability to change specimen shape depending on their temperature. This unique property is useful in many areas of mechanical and biomechanical engineering. A new half-ring middle ear prosthesis design made of a shape memory alloy, that is undergoing initial clinical tests, is investigated in this research paper. The analytical model of the studied structure made of nonlinear constitutive material is solved to identify the temperature-dependent stiffness characteristics of the proposed design on the basis of the Crotti-Engesser theorem. The final integral expression for the element deflection is highly complex, thus the solution has to be computed numerically. The final results show the proposed shape memory C-shape element to behave linearly in the analysed range of loadings and temperatures. This is an important observation that significantly simplifies the analysis of the prototype structure and opens wide perspectives for further possible applications of shape memory alloys.

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

Jamer, Michelle E.; Wang, Yung Jui; Stephen, Gregory M.

While antiferromagnets have been proposed as components to limit stray magnetic fields, their inability to be spin polarized inhibits their use in spintronic devices. Compensated ferrimagnets are a unique solution to this dilemma since they have zero net moment, but their nonsymmetric density of states allows the achievement of high spin polarization. Density-functional theory predicts Mn3Al in the D0(3) structure to be fully compensated and retain half-metallicity at room temperature. In this work, 50-nm Mn3Al thin films are synthesized using molecular beam epitaxy and annealed at various temperatures in order to investigate their magnetic properties. Magnetometry measurements confirm the highmore » Curie temperature of 605 K. Polarized-neutron reflectometry (PNR) indicates a low net magnetic moment, along with depth profiles of the structure and magnetization. From the PNR data, a saturation moment of 0.11 +/- 0.04 mu B/f.u. is extracted, confirming the nominal zero moment present in these thin films.« less

Quantum criticality at the superconductor-insulator transition revealed by specific heat measurements

PubMed Central

Poran, S.; Nguyen-Duc, T.; Auerbach, A.; Dupuis, N.; Frydman, A.; Bourgeois, Olivier

2017-01-01

The superconductor–insulator transition (SIT) is considered an excellent example of a quantum phase transition that is driven by quantum fluctuations at zero temperature. The quantum critical point is characterized by a diverging correlation length and a vanishing energy scale. Low-energy fluctuations near quantum criticality may be experimentally detected by specific heat, cp, measurements. Here we use a unique highly sensitive experiment to measure cp of two-dimensional granular Pb films through the SIT. The specific heat shows the usual jump at the mean field superconducting transition temperature marking the onset of Cooper pairs formation. As the film thickness is tuned towards the SIT, is relatively unchanged, while the magnitude of the jump and low-temperature specific heat increase significantly. This behaviour is taken as the thermodynamic fingerprint of quantum criticality in the vicinity of a quantum phase transition. PMID:28224994

Quantum criticality at the superconductor-insulator transition revealed by specific heat measurements.

PubMed

Poran, S; Nguyen-Duc, T; Auerbach, A; Dupuis, N; Frydman, A; Bourgeois, Olivier

2017-02-22

The superconductor-insulator transition (SIT) is considered an excellent example of a quantum phase transition that is driven by quantum fluctuations at zero temperature. The quantum critical point is characterized by a diverging correlation length and a vanishing energy scale. Low-energy fluctuations near quantum criticality may be experimentally detected by specific heat, c p , measurements. Here we use a unique highly sensitive experiment to measure c p of two-dimensional granular Pb films through the SIT. The specific heat shows the usual jump at the mean field superconducting transition temperature marking the onset of Cooper pairs formation. As the film thickness is tuned towards the SIT, is relatively unchanged, while the magnitude of the jump and low-temperature specific heat increase significantly. This behaviour is taken as the thermodynamic fingerprint of quantum criticality in the vicinity of a quantum phase transition.

Quasicrystals at extreme conditions: The role of pressure in stabilizing icosahedral Al 63Cu 24Fe 13 at high temperature

DOE PAGES

Stagno, Vincenzo; Bindi, Luca; Park, Changyong; ...

2015-11-20

Icosahedrite, the first natural quasicrystal with composition Al 63Cu 24Fe 13, was discovered in several grains of the Khatyrka meteorite, a unique CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. The presence in the meteorite fragments of icosahedrite strictly associated with high-pressure phases like ahrensite and stishovite indicates a formation conditions at high pressures and temperatures, likely during an impact-induced shock occurred in contact with the reducing solar nebula gas. In contrast, previous experimental studies on the stability of synthetic icosahedral AlCuFe, which were limited to ambient pressure, indicated incongruent melting at ~1123 K, while high-pressure experiments carried out at room temperature showed structural stabilitymore » up to about 35 GPa. These data are insufficient to experimentally constrain the formation and stability of icosahedrite under extreme conditions. Here we present the results of in situ high pressure experiments using diamond anvil cells of the compressional behavior of synthetic icosahedrite up to ~50 GPa at room temperature. Simultaneous high P-T experiments have been also carried out using both laser-heated diamond anvil cells combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (at ~42 GPa) and multi-anvil apparatus (at 21 GPa) to investigate the structural evolution of icosahedral Al 63Cu 24Fe 13 and crystallization of possible coexisting phases. The results demonstrate that the quasiperiodic symmetry of icosahedrite is retained over the entire experimental pressure range explored. In addition, we show that pressure acts to stabilize the icosahedral symmetry at temperatures much higher than previously reported. Based on our experimental study, direct crystallization of Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystals from an unusual Al-Cu-rich melt would be possible but limited to a narrow temperature range beyond which crystalline phases would form, like those observed in the Khatyrka meteorite. Here, an alternative mechanism would consist in late formation of the quasicrystal after crystallization and solid-solid reaction of Al-rich phases. In both cases, linking our results with observations in nature, quasicrystals are expected to preserve their structure even after hypervelocity impacts that involve simultaneous high pressures and temperatures, thus proving their cosmic stability.« less

Wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region: Invertebrate species composition, ecology, and management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Euliss, N.H.; Wrubleski, D.A.; Mushet, D.M.; Batzer, D.P.; Rader, R.B.; Wissinger, S.A.

1999-01-01

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the United States and Canada is a unique area where shallow depressions created by the scouring action of Pleistocene glaciation interact with mid-continental climate variations to create and maintain a variety of wetland classes. These wetlands possess unique environmental and biotic characteristics that add to the overall regional diversity and production of aquatic invertebrates and the vertebrate wildlife that depend upon them as food. Climatic extremes in the PPR have a profound and dynamic influence on wetland hydrology, hydroperiod, chemistry, and ultimately the biota. Available knowledge of aquatic invertebrates in the PPR suggests that diversity of invertebrates within each wetland class is low. Harsh environmental conditions range from frigid winter temperatures that freeze wetlands and their sediments to hot summer temperatures and drought conditions that create steep salinity gradients and seasonally dry habitats. Consequently, the invertebrate community is composed mostly of ecological generalists that possess the necessary adaptations to tolerate environmental extremes. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic nature of prairie pothole wetlands and suggest that invertebrate studies be evaluated within a conceptual framework that considers important hydrologic, chemical, and climatic events.

Delaminated sodium nonatitanate and a method for producing delaminated sodium nonatitanate

DOEpatents

Nyman, May D.

2016-02-02

A hydrothermal synthesis method of making a delaminated titanate is disclosed. The delaminated titanate has a unique structure or morphology. The delaminated titanate is first formed by forming at a low temperature a layered sodium nonatitanate (SNT), which may be referred to as layered sodium titanate. The layered SNT has a unique morphology. The layered SNT is then synthesized into a delaminated titanate having a unique morphology.

Electronic structure and superconductivity of FeSe-related superconductors.

PubMed

Liu, Xu; Zhao, Lin; He, Shaolong; He, Junfeng; Liu, Defa; Mou, Daixiang; Shen, Bing; Hu, Yong; Huang, Jianwei; Zhou, X J

2015-05-13

FeSe superconductors and their related systems have attracted much attention in the study of iron-based superconductors owing to their simple crystal structure and peculiar electronic and physical properties. The bulk FeSe superconductor has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of ~8 K and it can be dramatically enhanced to 37 K at high pressure. On the other hand, its cousin system, FeTe, possesses a unique antiferromagnetic ground state but is non-superconducting. Substitution of Se with Te in the FeSe superconductor results in an enhancement of Tc up to 14.5 K and superconductivity can persist over a large composition range in the Fe(Se,Te) system. Intercalation of the FeSe superconductor leads to the discovery of the AxFe2-ySe2 (A = K, Cs and Tl) system that exhibits a Tc higher than 30 K and a unique electronic structure of the superconducting phase. A recent report of possible high temperature superconductivity in single-layer FeSe/SrTiO3 films with a Tc above 65 K has generated much excitement in the community. This pioneering work opens a door for interface superconductivity to explore for high Tc superconductors. The distinct electronic structure and superconducting gap, layer-dependent behavior and insulator-superconductor transition of the FeSe/SrTiO3 films provide critical information in understanding the superconductivity mechanism of iron-based superconductors. In this paper, we present a brief review of the investigation of the electronic structure and superconductivity of the FeSe superconductor and related systems, with a particular focus on the FeSe films.

Enhancing data from commercial space flights (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherman, Ariel; Paolini, Aaron; Kozacik, Stephen; Kelmelis, Eric J.

2017-05-01

Video tracking of rocket launches inherently must be done from long range. Due to the high temperatures produced, cameras are often placed far from launch sites and their distance to the rocket increases as it is tracked through the flight. Consequently, the imagery collected is generally severely degraded by atmospheric turbulence. In this talk, we present our experience in enhancing commercial space flight videos. We will present the mission objectives, the unique challenges faced, and the solutions to overcome them.

Some properties of correlations of quantum lattice systems in thermal equilibrium

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

Fröhlich, Jürg, E-mail: juerg@phys.ethz.ch; Ueltschi, Daniel, E-mail: daniel@ueltschi.org

Simple proofs of uniqueness of the thermodynamic limit of KMS states and of the decay of equilibrium correlations are presented for a large class of quantum lattice systems at high temperatures. New quantum correlation inequalities for general Heisenberg models are described. Finally, a simplified derivation of a general result on power-law decay of correlations in 2D quantum lattice systems with continuous symmetries is given, extending results of McBryan and Spencer for the 2D classical XY model.

Method for exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Yi (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A new method is disclosed for the exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride into mono- and few-layered nanosheets (or nanoplatelets, nanomesh, nanoribbons). The method does not necessarily require high temperature or vacuum, but uses commercially available h-BN powders (or those derived from these materials, bulk crystals) and only requires wet chemical processing. The method is facile, cost efficient, and scalable. The resultant exfoliated h-BN is dispersible in an organic solvent or water thus amenable for solution processing for unique microelectronic or composite applications.

PMR polyimides - Processable high temperature composite matrix resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winters, W. E.; Serafini, T. T.

1975-01-01

Processing reproducibility and versatility were demonstrated for producing addition-cured polyimide/graphite fiber composites using a unique in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants directly on the fiber surface. The polymers so derived, designated PMR polyimides, can be fabricated into composite structures by laminating, random fiber molding or autoclave curing. Composites were determined to be thermally stable and retain useful properties after extended exposures at 550 to 650 F. The material and fabrication capability were demonstrated by the fabrication and evaluation of prototype complex fan blades.-

The Thermal Environment of the World's Highest Lake: Results from the First Field Season at Licancabur Volcano and Implications for Astrobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hock, A. N.; Cabrol, N. A.; Grin, E. A.; Murbach, M.; Fike, D. A.; Grisby, B.; Paige, D. A.; McKay, C.; Chong, G.; Demergasso, C.; Friedmann, I.; Ocampo-Friedmann, R.; Kiss, K. T.; Grigorsky, I.; Devore, E.

2002-12-01

At 5916 meters above sea level, the crater lake of Licancabur volcano (22°50' S 67°53' W) is the highest lake in the world and remains largely unexplored. In particular, the physical environment of the lake is not well understood: in this part of the Andes, liquid water is uncommon above 17,000 feet (~5200 meters). Most high lakes of the region are permanently frozen, and according to one account, water was even poured and frozen for a building foundation (Rudolph 1955). However, the crater lake at Licancabur is ice covered only part of the year and has higher bottom water temperatures than predicted. Calculating the temperature of maximum density (as per Eklund 1983) suggests that bottom waters should be no warmer than 4 °C, while a high-altitude diving expedition measured them at 6 °C (Leach 1984). Here, we investigate the possibility that the bottom water temperature anomaly may be due to one or more of the following factors: 1) geothermal heating, 2) solar heating/greenhouse effect from ice cover, and 3) heating due to environment/local topography, especially seepage of heated groundwater from the crater walls. The role of geothermal heating in the energy budget of the Licancabur crater lake is estimated here using measurements of water column temperature and heat flux from the bottom sediments. We also present temperature data for the water column and bottom sediment, as well as profiles of the pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) as a function of depth. Dataloggers will also be placed in the lake and surrounding terrain to monitor the effects of solar UV flux and ice cover on the lake?s energy budget through the course of one year. Future work will continue to this end?to better understand a unique terrestrial environment in terms of its counterparts no Earth?but will also be applied to better understand the environment and history of analogous sites elsewhere in the solar system. In particular, the low temperature, low pressure, high UV environment atop Licancabur makes it a unique terrestrial analog to relict lacustrine environments (e.g. volcanic lakes, impact crater lakes, hot springs, etc.) that may have given refuge to life on Mars. Results from this and future field seasons will be applied to constrain models of martian impact crater lake cooling and to better target future astrobiological missions to Mars.

The Licancabur Project: Exploring the Limits of Life in the Highest Lake on Earth as an Analog to Martian Paleolakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cabrol, N. A.; Grin, E. A.; McKay, C. P.; Friedmann, I.; Diaz, G. Chong; Demergasso, C.; Kisse, K.; Grigorszky, I.; Friedmann, R. Ocampo; Hock, A.

2003-01-01

The Licancabur volcano (6017 m) hosts the highest and one of the least explored lakes in the world in its summit crater. It is located 22 deg.50 min. South / 67 deg.53 min. West at the boundary of Chile and Bolivia in the High-Andes. In a freezing environment, the lake located in volcano-tectonic environment combines low-oxygen, low atmospheric pressure due to altitude, and high-UV radiation (see table). However, its bottom water temperature remains above 0 C year-round. These conditions make Licancabur a unique analog to Martian paleolakes considered high-priority sites for the search for life on Mars.

Fatigue properties of MA 6000E, a gamma-prime strengthened ODS alloy. [Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Ni-base alloy for gas turbine blade applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Y. G.; Merrick, H. F.

1980-01-01

MA 6000E is a corrosion resistant, gamma-prime strengthened ODS alloy under development for advanced turbine blade applications. The high temperature, 1093 C, rupture strength is superior to conventional nickel-base alloys. This paper addresses the fatigue behavior of the alloy. Excellent properties are exhibited in low and high cycle fatigue and also thermal fatigue. This is attributed to a unique combination of microstructural features, i.e., a fine distribution of dispersed oxides and other nonmetallics, and the highly elongated grain structure which advantageously modify the deformation characteristics and crack initiation and propagation modes from that characteristic of conventional gamma-prime hardened superalloys.

Weldability of a high entropy CrMnFeCoNi alloy

DOE PAGES

Wu, Zhenggang; David, Stan A.; Feng, Zhili; ...

2016-07-19

We present the high-entropy alloys are unique alloys in which five or more elements are all in high concentrations. In order to determine its potential as a structural alloy, a model face-centered-cubic CrMnFeCoNi alloy was selected to investigate its weldability. Welds produced by electron beam welding show no cracking. The grain structures within the fusion zone (FZ) are controlled by the solidification behavior of the weld pool. The weldment possesses mechanical properties comparable to those of the base metal (BM) at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Finally, compared with the BM, deformation twinning was more pronounced in the FZ ofmore » the tested alloy.« less

High-Temperature Adhesive Strain Gage Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pereira, J. Michael; Roberts, Gary D.

1997-01-01

Researchers at the NASA Lewis Research Center have developed a unique strain gage and adhesive system for measuring the mechanical properties of polymers and polymer composites at elevated temperatures. This system overcomes some of the problems encountered in using commercial strain gages and adhesives. For example, typical commercial strain gage adhesives require a postcure at temperatures substantially higher than the maximum test temperature. The exposure of the specimen to this temperature may affect subsequent results, and in some cases may be higher than the glass-transition temperature of the polymer. In addition, although typical commercial strain gages can be used for short times at temperatures up to 370 C, their long-term use is limited to 230 C. This precludes their use for testing some high-temperature polyimides near their maximum temperature capability. Lewis' strain gage and adhesive system consists of a nonencapsulated, unbacked gage grid that is bonded directly to the polymer after the specimen has been cured but prior to the normal postcure cycle. The gage is applied with an adhesive specially formulated to cure under the specimen postcure conditions. Special handling, mounting, and electrical connection procedures were developed, and a fixture was designed to calibrate each strain gage after it was applied to a specimen. A variety of tests was conducted to determine the performance characteristics of the gages at elevated temperatures on PMR-15 neat resin and titanium specimens. For these tests, which included static tension, thermal exposure, and creep tests, the gage and adhesive system performed within normal strain gage specifications at 315 C. An example of the performance characteristics of the gage can be seen in the figure, which compares the strain gage measurement on a polyimide specimen at 315 C with an extensometer measurement.

Space Shuttle Orbiter - Leading edge structural design/analysis and material allowables

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, D. W.; Curry, D. M.; Kelly, R. E.

1986-01-01

Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC), a structural composite whose development was targeted for the high temperature reentry environments of reusable space vehicles, has successfully demonstrated that capability on the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Unique mechanical properties, particularly at elevated temperatures up to 3000 F, make this material ideally suited for the 'hot' regions of multimission space vehicles. Design allowable characterization testing, full-scale development and qualification testing, and structural analysis techniques will be presented herein that briefly chart the history of the RCC material from infancy to eventual multimission certification for the Orbiter. Included are discussions pertaining to the development of the design allowable data base, manipulation of the test data into usable forms, and the analytical verification process.

Tailored metal matrix composites for high-temperature performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morel, M. R.; Saravanos, D. A.; Chamis, C. C.

1992-01-01

A multi-objective tailoring methodology is presented to maximize stiffness and load carrying capacity of a metal matrix cross-ply laminated at elevated temperatures. The fabrication process and fiber volume ratio are used as the design variables. A unique feature is the concurrent effects from fabrication, residual stresses, material nonlinearity, and thermo-mechanical loading on the laminate properties at the post-fabrication phase. For a (0/90)(sub s) graphite/copper laminate, strong coupling was observed between the fabrication process, laminate characteristics, and thermo-mechanical loading. The multi-objective tailoring was found to be more effective than single objective tailoring. Results indicate the potential to increase laminate stiffness and load carrying capacity by controlling the critical parameters of the fabrication process and the laminate.

Setup for irradiation and characterization of materials and Si particle detectors at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Väyrynen, S.; Pusa, P.; Sane, P.; Tikkanen, P.; Räisänen, J.; Kuitunen, K.; Tuomisto, F.; Härkönen, J.; Kassamakov, I.; Tuominen, E.; Tuovinen, E.

2007-03-01

A novel facility for proton irradiation with sample cryocooling has been developed at the Accelerator Laboratory of Helsinki University (equipped with a 5 MV tandem accelerator). The setup enables unique experiments to be carried out within the temperature range of 10-300 K. The setup has been constructed for "on-line" studies of vacancies with positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) including the option for optical ionization of the vacancies, and for current-voltage ( IV) measurements of irradiated silicon particle detectors. The setup is described in detail and typical performance characteristics are provided. The facility functionality was tested by performing PAS experiments with high-resistivity silicon and by IV measurements for two types of irradiated silicon particle detectors.

Uncooled radiometric camera performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Bill; Hoelter, T.

1998-07-01

Thermal imaging equipment utilizing microbolometer detectors operating at room temperature has found widespread acceptance in both military and commercial applications. Uncooled camera products are becoming effective solutions to applications currently using traditional, photonic infrared sensors. The reduced power consumption and decreased mechanical complexity offered by uncooled cameras have realized highly reliable, low-cost, hand-held instruments. Initially these instruments displayed only relative temperature differences which limited their usefulness in applications such as Thermography. Radiometrically calibrated microbolometer instruments are now available. The ExplorIR Thermography camera leverages the technology developed for Raytheon Systems Company's first production microbolometer imaging camera, the Sentinel. The ExplorIR camera has a demonstrated temperature measurement accuracy of 4 degrees Celsius or 4% of the measured value (whichever is greater) over scene temperatures ranges of minus 20 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius (minus 20 degrees Celsius to 900 degrees Celsius for extended range models) and camera environmental temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Direct temperature measurement with high resolution video imaging creates some unique challenges when using uncooled detectors. A temperature controlled, field-of-view limiting aperture (cold shield) is not typically included in the small volume dewars used for uncooled detector packages. The lack of a field-of-view shield allows a significant amount of extraneous radiation from the dewar walls and lens body to affect the sensor operation. In addition, the transmission of the Germanium lens elements is a function of ambient temperature. The ExplorIR camera design compensates for these environmental effects while maintaining the accuracy and dynamic range required by today's predictive maintenance and condition monitoring markets.

Method for the growth of large low-defect single crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powell, J. Anthony (Inventor); Neudeck, Philip G. (Inventor); Trunek, Andrew J. (Inventor); Spry, David J. (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A method and the benefits resulting from the product thereof are disclosed for the growth of large, low-defect single-crystals of tetrahedrally-bonded crystal materials. The process utilizes a uniquely designed crystal shape whereby the direction of rapid growth is parallel to a preferred crystal direction. By establishing several regions of growth, a large single crystal that is largely defect-free can be grown at high growth rates. This process is particularly suitable for producing products for wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as SiC, GaN, AlN, and diamond. Large low-defect single crystals of these semiconductors enable greatly enhanced performance and reliability for applications involving high power, high voltage, and/or high temperature operating conditions.

Concurrent Probabilistic Simulation of High Temperature Composite Structural Response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abdi, Frank

1996-01-01

A computational structural/material analysis and design tool which would meet industry's future demand for expedience and reduced cost is presented. This unique software 'GENOA' is dedicated to parallel and high speed analysis to perform probabilistic evaluation of high temperature composite response of aerospace systems. The development is based on detailed integration and modification of diverse fields of specialized analysis techniques and mathematical models to combine their latest innovative capabilities into a commercially viable software package. The technique is specifically designed to exploit the availability of processors to perform computationally intense probabilistic analysis assessing uncertainties in structural reliability analysis and composite micromechanics. The primary objectives which were achieved in performing the development were: (1) Utilization of the power of parallel processing and static/dynamic load balancing optimization to make the complex simulation of structure, material and processing of high temperature composite affordable; (2) Computational integration and synchronization of probabilistic mathematics, structural/material mechanics and parallel computing; (3) Implementation of an innovative multi-level domain decomposition technique to identify the inherent parallelism, and increasing convergence rates through high- and low-level processor assignment; (4) Creating the framework for Portable Paralleled architecture for the machine independent Multi Instruction Multi Data, (MIMD), Single Instruction Multi Data (SIMD), hybrid and distributed workstation type of computers; and (5) Market evaluation. The results of Phase-2 effort provides a good basis for continuation and warrants Phase-3 government, and industry partnership.

A dynamic aerodynamic resistance approach to calculate high resolution sensible heat fluxes in urban areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crawford, Ben; Grimmond, Sue; Kent, Christoph; Gabey, Andrew; Ward, Helen; Sun, Ting; Morrison, William

2017-04-01

Remotely sensed data from satellites have potential to enable high-resolution, automated calculation of urban surface energy balance terms and inform decisions about urban adaptations to environmental change. However, aerodynamic resistance methods to estimate sensible heat flux (QH) in cities using satellite-derived observations of surface temperature are difficult in part due to spatial and temporal variability of the thermal aerodynamic resistance term (rah). In this work, we extend an empirical function to estimate rah using observational data from several cities with a broad range of surface vegetation land cover properties. We then use this function to calculate spatially and temporally variable rah in London based on high-resolution (100 m) land cover datasets and in situ meteorological observations. In order to calculate high-resolution QH based on satellite-observed land surface temperatures, we also develop and employ novel methods to i) apply source area-weighted averaging of surface and meteorological variables across the study spatial domain, ii) calculate spatially variable, high-resolution meteorological variables (wind speed, friction velocity, and Obukhov length), iii) incorporate spatially interpolated urban air temperatures from a distributed sensor network, and iv) apply a modified Monte Carlo approach to assess uncertainties with our results, methods, and input variables. Modeled QH using the aerodynamic resistance method is then compared to in situ observations in central London from a unique network of scintillometers and eddy-covariance measurements.

Dynamic fracture development in response to extreme summer temperatures: 27/7/2014, Långören Island, Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leith, Kerry; Perras, Matthew; Siren, Topias; Rantanen, Tuomas; Heinonen, Suvi; Loew, Simon

2017-04-01

Long periods of exceptionally high temperatures in Finland and California during the summer of 2014 were associated with the formation of large 'exfoliation' or 'sheeting' fractures in bedrock surfaces. Videos taken at both locations show sharp fractures forming along the edge of thin (<1 m) bedrock sheets several meters across, before the rock surface appears to jump and buckle in the hot summer sun. Long striations visible on the surface of the rock at Långören Island are the result of boulders being dragged over the landscape during the last glacial period (>15,000 years ago), hinting at the rarity of the recent events on the otherwise undamaged surface. In order to uncover the mechanisms driving this remarkable event, we installed a unique low-cost monitoring system to track the behavior of the new Långören Island fracture through the summer of 2016. This included a local meteorological station, Arduino-based rock temperature profiles, acoustic emission measurements, and a 3G-enabled all-in-one PC for live data communication. Coupled with GPR data, field mapping, and a local DEM derived from a 'Go-Pro on a stick' structure from motion capture, we generate a unique insight into the conditions at the time of the 2014 event, and potential active micro-fracturing during a hot period in 2016. Our models suggest rock surface temperatures approached 40°C during 2014, almost ten degrees above the peak air temperature. The mid- to late-afternoon timing of fracturing was associated with peak thermal stress in the upper 1 m of bedrock, consistent with 2016 observations, where measured surface temperatures of around 35°C generate a thermal front that coincides with a series of acoustic emission events on a sensor installed in a borehole near the crest of the fracture.

Experimental study of flash boiling spray vaporization through quantitative vapor concentration and liquid temperature measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Gaoming; Hung, David L. S.; Xu, Min

2014-08-01

Flash boiling sprays of liquid injection under superheated conditions provide the novel solutions of fast vaporization and better air-fuel mixture formation for internal combustion engines. However, the physical mechanisms of flash boiling spray vaporization are more complicated than the droplet surface vaporization due to the unique bubble generation and boiling process inside a superheated bulk liquid, which are not well understood. In this study, the vaporization of flash boiling sprays was investigated experimentally through the quantitative measurements of vapor concentration and liquid temperature. Specifically, the laser-induced exciplex fluorescence technique was applied to distinguish the liquid and vapor distributions. Quantitative vapor concentration was obtained by correlating the intensity of vapor-phase fluorescence with vapor concentration through systematic corrections and calibrations. The intensities of two wavelengths were captured simultaneously from the liquid-phase fluorescence spectra, and their intensity ratios were correlated with liquid temperature. The results show that both liquid and vapor phase of multi-hole sprays collapse toward the centerline of the spray with different mass distributions under the flash boiling conditions. Large amount of vapor aggregates along the centerline of the spray to form a "gas jet" structure, whereas the liquid distributes more uniformly with large vortexes formed in the vicinity of the spray tip. The vaporization process under the flash boiling condition is greatly enhanced due to the intense bubble generation and burst. The liquid temperature measurements show strong temperature variations inside the flash boiling sprays with hot zones present in the "gas jet" structure and vortex region. In addition, high vapor concentration and closed vortex motion seem to have inhibited the heat and mass transfer in these regions. In summary, the vapor concentration and liquid temperature provide detailed information concerning the heat and mass transfer inside flash boiling sprays, which is important for the understanding of its unique vaporization process.

Temperature-driven topological transition in 1T'-MoTe2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, Ayelet Notis; Andrade, Erick; Kerelsky, Alexander; Edelberg, Drew; Li, Jian; Wang, Zhijun; Zhang, Lunyong; Kim, Jaewook; Zaki, Nader; Avila, Jose; Chen, Chaoyu; Asensio, Maria C.; Cheong, Sang-Wook; Bernevig, Bogdan A.; Pasupathy, Abhay N.

2018-01-01

The topology of Weyl semimetals requires the existence of unique surface states. Surface states have been visualized in spectroscopy measurements, but their connection to the topological character of the material remains largely unexplored. 1T'-MoTe2, presents a unique opportunity to study this connection. This material undergoes a phase transition at 240 K that changes the structure from orthorhombic (putative Weyl semimetal) to monoclinic (trivial metal), while largely maintaining its bulk electronic structure. Here, we show from temperature-dependent quasiparticle interference measurements that this structural transition also acts as a topological switch for surface states in 1T'-MoTe2. At low temperature, we observe strong quasiparticle scattering, consistent with theoretical predictions and photoemission measurements for the surface states in this material. In contrast, measurements performed at room temperature show the complete absence of the scattering wavevectors associated with the trivial surface states. These distinct quasiparticle scattering behaviors show that 1T'-MoTe2 is ideal for separating topological and trivial electronic phenomena via temperature-dependent measurements.

Metastable Eutectic Equilibrium in Natural Environments: Recent Developments and Research Opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, Fans J. M.; Nuth, Joseph A., II; Jablonska, Mariola; Karner, James M.

2000-01-01

Chemical ordering at metastable eutectics was recognized in non-equilibrium gas-to- solid condensation experiments to constrain 'silicate' dust formation in O-rich circumstellar environments. The predictable metastable eutectic behavior successfully predicted the observed ferromagnesiosilica, compositions of circumstellar dust, presolar and solar nebula grains in the matrix of the collected aggregate IDPs. Many of the experimentally determined metastable eutectic solids match the fundamental building blocks of common rock-forming layer silicates: this could have implications for the origin of Life. The physical conditions conducive to metastable eutectic behavior, i.e. high temperature and (ultra)fast quenching, lead to unique amorphous, typically nano- to micrometer-sized, materials. The new paradigm of metastable eutectic behavior opens the door to new and exciting research opportunities in uncovering the many implications of these unique amorphous and typically nano- to micrometer-sized, metastable eutectic materials.

Colony-specific calcification and mortality under ocean acidification in the branching coral Montipora digitata.

PubMed

Kavousi, Javid; Tanaka, Yasuaki; Nishida, Kozue; Suzuki, Atsushi; Nojiri, Yukihiro; Nakamura, Takashi

2016-08-01

Ocean acidification (OA) threatens calcifying marine organisms including reef-building corals. In this study, we examined the OA responses of individual colonies of the branching scleractinian coral Montipora digitata. We exposed nubbins of unique colonies (n = 15) to ambient or elevated pCO2 under natural light and temperature regimes for 110 days. Although elevated pCO2 exposure on average reduced calcification, individual colonies showed unique responses ranging from declines in positive calcification to negative calcification (decalcification) to no change. Similarly, mortality was greater on average in elevated pCO2, but also showed colony-specific patterns. High variation in colony responses suggests the possibility that ongoing OA may lead to natural selection of OA-tolerant colonies within a coral population. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantum-Sequencing: Fast electronic single DNA molecule sequencing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casamada Ribot, Josep; Chatterjee, Anushree; Nagpal, Prashant

2014-03-01

A major goal of third-generation sequencing technologies is to develop a fast, reliable, enzyme-free, high-throughput and cost-effective, single-molecule sequencing method. Here, we present the first demonstration of unique ``electronic fingerprint'' of all nucleotides (A, G, T, C), with single-molecule DNA sequencing, using Quantum-tunneling Sequencing (Q-Seq) at room temperature. We show that the electronic state of the nucleobases shift depending on the pH, with most distinct states identified at acidic pH. We also demonstrate identification of single nucleotide modifications (methylation here). Using these unique electronic fingerprints (or tunneling data), we report a partial sequence of beta lactamase (bla) gene, which encodes resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, with over 95% success rate. These results highlight the potential of Q-Seq as a robust technique for next-generation sequencing.

Constructing Black Titania with Unique Nanocage Structure for Solar Desalination.

PubMed

Zhu, Guilian; Xu, Jijian; Zhao, Wenli; Huang, Fuqiang

2016-11-23

Solar desalination driven by solar radiation as heat source is freely available, however, hindered by low efficiency. Herein, we first design and synthesize black titania with a unique nanocage structure simultaneously with light trapping effect to enhance light harvesting, well-crystallized interconnected nanograins to accelerate the heat transfer from titania to water and with opening mesopores (4-10 nm) to facilitate the permeation of water vapor. Furthermore, the coated self-floating black titania nanocages film localizes the temperature increase at the water-air interface rather than uniformly heating the bulk of the water, which ultimately results in a solar-thermal conversion efficiency as high as 70.9% under a simulated solar light with an intensity of 1 kW m -2 (1 sun). This finding should inspire new black materials with rationally designed structure for superior solar desalination performance.

High-Temperature Shape Memory Polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoonessi, Mitra; Weiss, Robert A.

2012-01-01

physical conformation changes when exposed to an external stimulus, such as a change in temperature. Such materials have a permanent shape, but can be reshaped above a critical temperature and fixed into a temporary shape when cooled under stress to below the critical temperature. When reheated above the critical temperature (Tc, also sometimes called the triggering or switching temperature), the materials revert to the permanent shape. The current innovation involves a chemically treated (sulfonated, carboxylated, phosphonated, or other polar function group), high-temperature, semicrystalline thermoplastic poly(ether ether ketone) (Tg .140 C, Tm = 340 C) mix containing organometallic complexes (Zn++, Li+, or other metal, ammonium, or phosphonium salts), or high-temperature ionic liquids (e.g. hexafluorosilicate salt with 1-propyl-3- methyl imidazolium, Tm = 210 C) to form a network where dipolar or ionic interactions between the polymer and the low-molecular-weight or inorganic compound forms a complex that provides a physical crosslink. Hereafter, these compounds will be referred to as "additives". The polymer is semicrystalline, and the high-melt-point crystals provide a temporary crosslink that acts as a permanent crosslink just so long as the melting temperature is not exceeded. In this example case, the melting point is .340 C, and the shape memory critical temperature is between 150 and 250 C. PEEK is an engineering thermoplastic with a high Young fs modulus, nominally 3.6 GPa. An important aspect of the invention is the control of the PEEK functionalization (in this example, the sulfonation degree), and the thermal properties (i.e. melting point) of the additive, which determines the switching temperature. Because the compound is thermoplastic, it can be formed into the "permanent" shape by conventional plastics processing operations. In addition, the compound may be covalently cross - linked after forming the permanent shape by S-PEEK by applying ionizing radiation ( radiation, neutrons), or by chemical crosslinking to form a covalent permanent network. With respect to other shape memory polymers, this invention is novel in that it describes the use of a thermoplastic composition that can be thermally molded or solution-cast into complex "permanent" shapes, and then reheated or redissolved and recast from solution to prepare another shape. It is also unique in that the shape memory behavior is provided by a non-polymer additive.

Neutron Time-of-Flight Diffractometer HIPPO at LANSCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogel, Sven; Williams, Darrick; Zhao, Yusheng; Bennett, Kristin; von Dreele, Bob; Wenk, Hans-Rudolf

2004-03-01

The High-Pressure Preferred Orientation (HIPPO) neutron diffractometer is the first third-generation neutron time-of-flight powder diffractometer to be constructed in the United States. It produces extremely high intensity by virtue of a short (9 m) initial flight path on a high intensity water moderator and 1380 3He detector tubes covering 4.5 m2 of detector area from 10' to 150' in scattering angles. HIPPO was designed and manufactured as a joint effort between LANSCE and University of California with the goals of attaining world-class science and making neutron powder diffractometry an accessible and available tool to the national user community. Over two decades of momentum transfer are available (0.1-30 A-1) to support studies of amorphous solids; magnetic diffraction; small crystalline samples; and samples subjected to extreme environments such as temperature, pressure, or magnetic fields. The exceptionally high data rates of HIPPO also make it useful for time-resolved studies. In addition to the standard ancillary equipment (100-position sample/texture changer, closed-cycle He refrigerator, furnace), HIPPO has unique high-pressure cells capable of achieving pressures of 30 GPA at ambient and high (2000 K) temperature with samples up to 100 mm3 in volume.

Fault detection and isolation of high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack under the influence of degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeppesen, Christian; Araya, Samuel Simon; Sahlin, Simon Lennart; Thomas, Sobi; Andreasen, Søren Juhl; Kær, Søren Knudsen

2017-08-01

This study proposes a data-drive impedance-based methodology for fault detection and isolation of low and high cathode stoichiometry, high CO concentration in the anode gas, high methanol vapour concentrations in the anode gas and low anode stoichiometry, for high temperature PEM fuel cells. The fault detection and isolation algorithm is based on an artificial neural network classifier, which uses three extracted features as input. Two of the proposed features are based on angles in the impedance spectrum, and are therefore relative to specific points, and shown to be independent of degradation, contrary to other available feature extraction methods in the literature. The experimental data is based on a 35 day experiment, where 2010 unique electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were recorded. The test of the algorithm resulted in a good detectability of the faults, except for high methanol vapour concentration in the anode gas fault, which was found to be difficult to distinguish from a normal operational data. The achieved accuracy for faults related to CO pollution, anode- and cathode stoichiometry is 100% success rate. Overall global accuracy on the test data is 94.6%.

Evolution of nonspectral rhodopsin function at high altitudes.

PubMed

Castiglione, Gianni M; Hauser, Frances E; Liao, Brian S; Lujan, Nathan K; Van Nynatten, Alexander; Morrow, James M; Schott, Ryan K; Bhattacharyya, Nihar; Dungan, Sarah Z; Chang, Belinda S W

2017-07-11

High-altitude environments present a range of biochemical and physiological challenges for organisms through decreases in oxygen, pressure, and temperature relative to lowland habitats. Protein-level adaptations to hypoxic high-altitude conditions have been identified in multiple terrestrial endotherms; however, comparable adaptations in aquatic ectotherms, such as fishes, have not been as extensively characterized. In enzyme proteins, cold adaptation is attained through functional trade-offs between stability and activity, often mediated by substitutions outside the active site. Little is known whether signaling proteins [e.g., G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)] exhibit natural variation in response to cold temperatures. Rhodopsin (RH1), the temperature-sensitive visual pigment mediating dim-light vision, offers an opportunity to enhance our understanding of thermal adaptation in a model GPCR. Here, we investigate the evolution of rhodopsin function in an Andean mountain catfish system spanning a range of elevations. Using molecular evolutionary analyses and site-directed mutagenesis experiments, we provide evidence for cold adaptation in RH1. We find that unique amino acid substitutions occur at sites under positive selection in high-altitude catfishes, located at opposite ends of the RH1 intramolecular hydrogen-bonding network. Natural high-altitude variants introduced into these sites via mutagenesis have limited effects on spectral tuning, yet decrease the stability of dark-state and light-activated rhodopsin, accelerating the decay of ligand-bound forms. As found in cold-adapted enzymes, this phenotype likely compensates for a cold-induced decrease in kinetic rates-properties of rhodopsin that mediate rod sensitivity and visual performance. Our results support a role for natural variation in enhancing the performance of GPCRs in response to cold temperatures.

High-Performance Na-O2 Batteries Enabled by Oriented NaO2 Nanowires as Discharge Products.

PubMed

Khajehbashi, S Mohammad B; Xu, Lin; Zhang, Guobin; Tan, Shuangshuang; Zhao, Yan; Wang, Lai-Sen; Li, Jiantao; Luo, Wen; Peng, Dong-Liang; Mai, Liqiang

2018-06-13

Na-O 2 batteries are emerging rechargeable batteries due to their high theoretical energy density and abundant resources, but they suffer from sluggish kinetics due to the formation of large-size discharge products with cubic or irregular particle shapes. Here, we report the unique growth of discharge products of NaO 2 nanowires inside Na-O 2 batteries that significantly boosts the performance of Na-O 2 batteries. For this purpose, a high-spin Co 3 O 4 electrocatalyst was synthesized via the high-temperature oxidation of pure cobalt nanoparticles in an external magnetic field. The discharge products of NaO 2 nanowires are 10-20 nm in diameter and ∼10 μm in length, characteristics that provide facile pathways for electron and ion transfer. With these nanowires, Na-O 2 batteries have surpassed 400 cycles with a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h g -1 , an ultra-low over-potential of ∼60 mV during charging, and near-zero over-potential during discharging. This strategy not only provides a unique way to control the morphology of discharge products to achieve high-performance Na-O 2 batteries but also opens up the opportunity to explore growing nanowires in novel conditions.

Self-Assembly of Porous Boron Nitride Microfibers into Ultralight Multifunctional Foams of Large Sizes.

PubMed

Lin, Jing; Yuan, Xiaohai; Li, Gen; Huang, Yang; Wang, Weijia; He, Xin; Yu, Chao; Fang, Yi; Liu, Zhenya; Tang, Chengchun

2017-12-27

As a kind of macroscopic boron nitride (BN) architectures, ultralight BN cellular materials with high porosity and great resilience would have a broad range of applications in energy and environment areas. However, creating such BN cellular materials in large sizes has still been proven challenging. Here, we report on the unique self-assembly of one-dimensional porous BN microfibers into an integral three-dimensional BN foam with open-cell cellular architectures. An ultrasonic-assisted self-assembly, freeze-drying, and high-temperature pyrolysis process has been developed for the preparation of cellular BN foam with a large size and desired shape. The developed BN foam has low density, high porosity (∼99.3%), great resilience, and excellent hydrophobic-lipophilic nature. The foam also exhibits excellent absorption capacities for a wide range of organic solvents and oils (wt % of ∼5130-7820%), as well as a high recovery efficiency (∼94%). Moreover, the unique hierarchical porous structure enables the foam to demonstrate a very low thermal conductivity (∼0.035 W/K/m). The excellent thermal insulation performance, superior mechanical property, and superb chemical and thermal stability enable the developed BN foam as an integrating multifunctional material in a broad range of high-end applications.

Highly sensitive response of solution-processed bismuth sulfide nanobelts for room-temperature nitrogen dioxide detection.

PubMed

Kan, Hao; Li, Min; Song, Zhilong; Liu, Sisi; Zhang, Baohui; Liu, Jingyao; Li, Ming-Yu; Zhang, Guangzu; Jiang, ShengLin; Liu, Huan

2017-11-15

Low dimensional nanomaterials have emerged as candidates for gas sensors owing to their unique size-dependent properties. In this paper, Bi 2 S 3 nanobelts were synthesized via a facile solvothermal process and spin-coated onto alumina substrates at room temperature. The conductometric devices can even sensitively response to the relatively low concentrations of NO 2 at room temperature, and their sensing performance can be effectively enhanced by the ligand exchange treatment with inorganic salts. The Pb(NO 3 ) 2 -treated device exhibited superior sensing performance of 58.8 under 5ppm NO 2 at room-temperature, with the response and recovery time of 28 and 106s. The competitive adsorption of NO 2 against O 2 on Bi 2 S 3 nanobelts, with the enhancement both in gas adsorption and charge transfer caused by the porous network of the very thin Bi 2 S 3 nanobelts, can be a reasonable explanation for the improved performance at room temperature. Their sensitive room-temperature response behaviors combined with the excellent solution processability, made Bi 2 S 3 nanobelts very attractive for the construction of low-cost gas sensors with lower power consumption. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Joule heating problem in silver nanowire transparent electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaligh, H. H.; Xu, L.; Khosropour, A.; Madeira, A.; Romano, M.; Pradére, C.; Tréguer-Delapierre, M.; Servant, L.; Pope, M. A.; Goldthorpe, I. A.

2017-10-01

Silver nanowire transparent electrodes have shown considerable potential to replace conventional transparent conductive materials. However, in this report we show that Joule heating is a unique and serious problem with these electrodes. When conducting current densities encountered in organic solar cells, the average surface temperature of indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver nanowire electrodes, both with sheet resistances of 60 ohms/square, remains below 35 °C. However, in contrast to ITO, the temperature in the nanowire electrode is very non-uniform, with some localized points reaching temperatures above 250 °C. These hotspots accelerate nanowire degradation, leading to electrode failure after 5 days of continuous current flow. We show that graphene, a commonly used passivation layer for these electrodes, slows nanowire degradation and creates a more uniform surface temperature under current flow. However, the graphene does not prevent Joule heating in the nanowires and local points of high temperature ultimately shift the failure mechanism from nanowire degradation to melting of the underlying plastic substrate. In this paper, surface temperature mapping, lifetime testing under current flow, post-mortem analysis, and modelling illuminate the behaviour and failure mechanisms of nanowires under extended current flow and provide guidelines for managing Joule heating.

A theory for the retrieval of virtual temperature from winds, radiances and the equations of fluid dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tzvi, G. C.

1986-01-01

A technique to deduce the virtual temperature from the combined use of the equations of fluid dynamics, observed wind and observed radiances is described. The wind information could come from ground-based sensitivity very high frequency (VHF) Doppler radars and/or from space-borne Doppler lidars. The radiometers are also assumed to be either space-borne and/or ground-based. From traditional radiometric techniques the vertical structure of the temperature can be estimated only crudely. While it has been known for quite some time that the virtual temperature could be deduced from wind information only, such techniques had to assume the infallibility of certain diagnostic relations. The proposed technique is an extension of the Gal-Chen technique. It is assumed that due to modeling uncertainties the equations of fluid dynamics are satisfied only in the least square sense. The retrieved temperature, however, is constrained to reproduce the observed radiances. It is shown that the combined use of the three sources of information (wind, radiances and fluid dynamical equations) can result in a unique determination of the vertical temperature structure with spatial and temporal resolution comparable to that of the observed wind.

Key product development based on cyclo olefin polymer for LCD-TV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Yuichiro; Kobayashi, Masahi; Arakawa, Kouhei

2006-09-01

Cyclo Olefin Polymer (COP), which was developed by Zeon Corporation, is well known and used as an optical plastic in optical markets, having unique properties such as high light transmission, low water absorption, low birefringence etc. Optes Inc, who is ZEON CORPORATION's affiliate optical parts manufacturer, has succeeded in the development of high performance optical base films. These are used for retardation and polarizing films in LCD's (Liquid Crystal Displays), made from Cyclo Olefin Polymer with own film extrusion technologies. The Optical base film developed by Optes Inc has superior properties compared with those of existing products such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Triacetate Cellulose (TAC) base in terms of low birefringence, high optical isotropy and high dimensional stability under high humidity and temperature conditions.

Unique Piezoelectric Properties of the Monoclinic Phase in Pb (Zr ,Ti )O3 Ceramics: Large Lattice Strain and Negligible Domain Switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Longlong; Chen, Jun; Ren, Yang; Pan, Zhao; Zhang, Linxing; Xing, Xianran

2016-01-01

The origin of the excellent piezoelectric properties at the morphotropic phase boundary is generally attributed to the existence of a monoclinic phase in various piezoelectric systems. However, there exist no experimental studies that reveal the role of the monoclinic phase in the piezoelectric behavior in phase-pure ceramics. In this work, a single monoclinic phase has been identified in Pb (Zr ,Ti )O3 ceramics at room temperature by in situ high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and its response to electric field has been characterized for the first time. Unique piezoelectric properties of the monoclinic phase in terms of large intrinsic lattice strain and negligible domain switching have been observed. The extensional strain constant d33 and the transverse strain constant d31 are calculated to be 520 and -200 pm /V , respectively. These large piezoelectric coefficients are mainly due to the large intrinsic lattice strain, with very little extrinsic contribution from domain switching. The unique properties of the monoclinic phase provide new insights into the mechanisms responsible for the piezoelectric properties at the morphotropic phase boundary.

Ionospheric ion temperature forecasting in multiples of 27 days

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sojka, Jan J.; Schunk, Robert W.; Nicolls, Michael J.

2014-03-01

The ionospheric variability found at auroral locations is usually assumed to be unpredictable. The magnetosphere, which drives this ionospheric variability via storms and substorms, is at best only qualitatively describable. In this study we demonstrate that over a 3 year period, ionospheric variability observed from Poker Flat, Alaska, has, in fact, a high degree of long-term predictability. The observations used in this study are (a) the solar wind high speed stream velocity measured by the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer satellite, used to define the corotating interaction region (CIR), and (b) the ion temperature at 300 km altitude measured by the National Science Foundation Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar over Poker Flat, Alaska. After determining a seasonal and diurnal climatology for the ion temperature, we show that the residual ion temperature heating events occur synchronously with CIR-geospace interactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate examples of ion temperature forecasting at 27, 54, and 81 days. A rudimentary operational forecasting scenario is described for forecasting recurrence 27 days ahead for the CIR-generated geomagnetic storms. These forecasts apply specifically to satellite tracking operations (thermospheric drag) and emergency HF-radio communications (ionospheric modifications) in the polar regions. The forecast is based on present-day solar and solar wind observations that can be used to uniquely identify the coronal hole and its CIR. From this CIR epoch, a 27 day forecast is then made.

High Temperature Materials for Chemical Propulsion Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elam, Sandra; Hickman, Robert; O'Dell, Scott

2007-01-01

Radiation or passively cooled thrust chambers are used for a variety of chemical propulsion functions including apogee insertion, reaction control for launch vehicles, and primary propulsion for planetary spacecraft. The performance of these thrust chambers is limited by the operating temperature of available materials. Improved oxidation resistance and increased operating temperatures can be achieved with the use of thermal barrier coatings such as zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and hafnium oxide (HfO2). However, previous attempts to include these materials showed cracking and spalling of the oxide layer due to poor bonding. Current research at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has generated unique, high temperature material options for in-space thruster designs that are capable of up to 2500 C operating temperatures. The research is focused on fabrication technologies to form low cost Iridium,qF_.henium (Ir/Re) components with a ceramic hot wall created as an integral, functionally graded material (FGM). The goal of this effort is to further de?celop proven technologies for embedding a protective ceramic coating within the Ir/Re liner to form a robust functional gradient material. Current work includes the fabrication and testing of subscale samples to evaluate tensile, creep, thermal cyclic/oxidation, and thermophysical material properties. Larger test articles have also being fabricated and hot-fire tested to demonstrate the materials in prototype thrusters at 1O0 lbf thrust levels.

High resolution radiometric measurements of convective storms during the GATE experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fowler, G.; Lisa, A. S.

1976-01-01

Using passive microwave data from the NASA CV-990 aircraft and radar data collected during the Global Atmospheric Research Program Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE), an empirical model was developed relating brightness temperatures sensed at 19.35 GHz to surface rainfall rates. This model agreed well with theoretical computations of the relationship between microwave radiation and precipitation in the tropics. The GATE aircraft microwave data was then used to determine the detailed structure of convective systems. The high spatial resolution of the data permitted identification of individual cells which retained unique identities throughout their lifetimes in larger cloud masses and allowed analysis of the effects of cloud merger.

Heat-pump cool storage in a clathrate of freon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomlinson, J. J.

Presented are the analytical description and assessment of a unique heat pump/storage system in which the conventional evaporator of the vapor compression cycle is replaced by a highly efficient direct contract crystallizer. The thermal storage technique requires the formation of a refrigerant gas hydrate (a clathrate) and exploits an enthalpy of reaction comparable to the heat of fusion of ice. Additional system operational benefits include cool storage at the favorable temperatures of 4 to 7 C (40 to 45 F), and highly efficient heat transfer ates afforded by he direct contact mechanism. In addition, the experimental approach underway at ORNL to study such a system is discussed.

Materials, Turbomachinery and Heat Exchangers for Supercritical CO2 Systems

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

Anderson, Mark; Nellis, Greg; Corradini, Michael

2012-10-19

The objective of this project is to produce the necessary data to evaluate the performance of the supercritical carbon dioxide cycle. The activities include a study of materials compatibility of various alloys at high temperatures, the heat transfer and pressure drop in compact heat exchanger units, and turbomachinery issues, primarily leakage rates through dynamic seals. This experimental work will serve as a test bed for model development and design calculations, and will help define further tests necessary to develop high-efficiency power conversion cycles for use on a variety of reactor designs, including the sodium fast reactor (SFR) and very high-temperaturemore » gas reactor (VHTR). The research will be broken into three separate tasks. The first task deals with the analysis of materials related to the high-temperature S-CO{sub 2} Brayton cycle. The most taxing materials issues with regard to the cycle are associated with the high temperatures in the reactor side heat exchanger and in the high-temperature turbine. The system could experience pressures as high as 20MPa and temperatures as high as 650°C. The second task deals with optimization of the heat exchangers required by the S-CO{sub 2} cycle; the S-CO{sub 2} flow passages in these heat exchangers are required whether the cycle is coupled with a VHTR or an SFR. At least three heat exchangers will be required: the pre-cooler before compression, the recuperator, and the heat exchanger that interfaces with the reactor coolant. Each of these heat exchangers is unique and must be optimized separately. The most challenging heat exchanger is likely the pre-cooler, as there is only about a 40°C temperature change but it operates close to the CO{sub 2} critical point, therefore inducing substantial changes in properties. The proposed research will focus on this most challenging component. The third task examines seal leakage through various dynamic seal designs under the conditions expected in the S-CO{sub 2} cycle, including supercritical, choked, and two-phase flow conditions.« less

A best-case probe, light source, and database for H2O absorption thermometry to 2100 K and 50 bar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brittelle, Mack S.

This work aspired to improve the ability of forthcoming researchers to utilize near IR H2O absorption spectroscopy for thermometry with development of three best-case techniques: the design of novel high temperature sapphire optical access probes, the construction of a fixed-wavelength H 2O absorption spectroscopy system enhanced by an on-board external-cavity diode laser, and the creation of an architecture for a high-temperature and -pressure H2O absorption cross-section database. Each area's main goal was to realize the best-case for direct absorption spectroscopy H2O vapor thermometry at combustion conditions. Optical access to combustion devices is explored through the design and implementation of two versions of novel high-temperature (2000 K) sapphire immersion probes (HTSIPs) for use in ambient flames and gas turbine combustors. The development and evaluation of a fixed wavelength H2O absorption spectroscopy (FWAS) system that is demonstrates how the ECDL allows the system to operate in multiple modes that enhance FWAS measurement accuracy by improving wavelength position monitoring, and reducing non-absorption based contamination in spectral scans. The architecture of a high temperature (21000 K) and pressure (50 bar) database (HTPD) is developed that can enhance absorption spectroscopy based thermometry. The HTPD formation is developed by the evaluation of two approaches, a line-by-line (LBL) approach, where transition lineshape parameters are extracted from spectra and used along with a physics based model to allow the simulation of spectra over a wide range of temperatures and pressures, or an absorption cross-section (sigmaabs) approach, where spectra generated from a high temperature and pressure furnace are catalog spectra at various conditions forming a database of absorption cross-sections that is then interpolated to provide a simulated absorbance spectra based on measured reference grade spectra. Utilizing near future reference grade H2O absorption spectra, generated by the Sanders Group by means of an ECDL and a high temperature and pressure furnace, a unique opportunity is taken to provide the research community with a database that can be utilized for optical thermometry.

Unique Color Converter Architecture Enabling Phosphor-in-Glass (PiG) Films Suitable for High-Power and High-Luminance Laser-Driven White Lighting.

PubMed

Zheng, Peng; Li, Shuxing; Wang, Le; Zhou, Tian-Liang; You, Shihai; Takeda, Takashi; Hirosaki, Naoto; Xie, Rong-Jun

2018-05-02

As a next-generation high-power lighting technology, laser lighting has attracted great attention in high-luminance applications. However, thermally robust and highly efficient color converters suitable for high-quality laser lighting are scarce. Despite its versatility, the phosphor-in-glass (PiG) has been seldom applied in laser lighting because of its low thermal conductivity. In this work, we develop a unique architecture in which a phosphor-in-glass (PiG) film was directly sintered on a high thermally conductive sapphire substrate coated by one-dimensional photonic crystals. The designed color converter with the composite architecture exhibits a high internal quantum efficiency close to that of the original phosphor powders and an excellent packaging efficiency up to 90%. Furthermore, the PiG film can even be survived under the 11.2 W mm -2 blue laser excitation. Combining blue laser diodes with the YAG-PiG-on-sapphire plate, a uniform white light with a high luminance of 845 Mcd m -2 (luminous flux: 1839 lm), luminous efficacy of 210 lm W -1 , and correlated color temperature of 6504 K was obtained. A high color rendering index of 74 was attained by adding a robust orange or red phosphor layer to the architecture. These outstanding properties meet the standards of vehicle regulations, enabling the PiG films with the composite architecture to be applied in automotive lighting or other high-power and high-luminance laser lighting.

Ultra-miniature wireless temperature sensor for thermal medicine applications.

PubMed

Khairi, Ahmad; Hung, Shih-Chang; Paramesh, Jeyanandh; Fedder, Gary; Rabin, Yoed

2011-01-01

This study presents a prototype design of an ultra-miniature, wireless, battery-less, and implantable temperature-sensor, with applications to thermal medicine such as cryosurgery, hyperthermia, and thermal ablation. The design aims at a sensory device smaller than 1.5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in length, to enable minimally invasive deployment through a hypodermic needle. While the new device may be used for local temperature monitoring, simultaneous data collection from an array of such sensors can be used to reconstruct the 3D temperature field in the treated area, offering a unique capability in thermal medicine. The new sensory device consists of three major subsystems: a temperature-sensing core, a wireless data-communication unit, and a wireless power reception and management unit. Power is delivered wirelessly to the implant from an external source using an inductive link. To meet size requirements while enhancing reliability and minimizing cost, the implant is fully integrated in a regular foundry CMOS technology (0.15 μm in the current study), including the implant-side inductor of the power link. A temperature-sensing core that consists of a proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) circuit has been designed and characterized. It employs a microwatt chopper stabilized op-amp and dynamic element-matched current sources to achieve high absolute accuracy. A second order sigma-delta (Σ-Δ) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is designed to convert the temperature reading to a digital code, which is transmitted by backscatter through the same antenna used for receiving power. A high-efficiency multi-stage differential CMOS rectifier has been designed to provide a DC supply to the sensing and communication subsystems. This paper focuses on the development of the all-CMOS temperature sensing core circuitry part of the device, and briefly reviews the wireless power delivery and communication subsystems.

Issues with the Application of Thermographic Phosphors to Measure High Temperatures in a Gas Turbine Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalid, A. H.; Kontis, K.

2009-01-01

The demand for more efficient engines is increasing as concerns over greenhouse gases continue to grow. Performance can be increased if higher turbine inlet temperatures are achieved. However, this increases the chance of material failure. Therefore, the optimum temperature is prescribed by the balance between the benefits of thermal efficiency and material life. To ensure safety and reliability, uncertainty in temperature measurement forces the engine to be operated below its thermal design limit. Accurate surface measurement offers the potential to increase engine performance by allowing them to operate closer to this limit. It can allow designers to better understand flow physics, and greatly facilitate the testing and development of newer thermal protection systems and concepts. The aim of this paper is to highlight the motivations of using phosphor thermometry in gas turbine environments as an alternative to current measurement methods such as discrete thermocouple measurements and pyrometry. Phosphor thermometry offers many advantages over conventional techniques. However, the harsh, high temperature and fast rotating environment presents some unique challenges and the paper further aims to discuss the issues that would arise in such environments. There will be increasing blackbody radiation, restrictions to optical access and time available to collect emissions. There will be imposed upper and lower temperature limits and other restrictions that will greatly influence the design of the measurement system, including the choice of phosphor, bonding technique, excitation and detection methodologies. A system would have to be bespoke to suit the end measurement goal.

High-Pressure Lightweight Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, Richard; McKechnie, Timothy; Shchetkovskiy, Anatoliy; Smirnov, Alexander

2013-01-01

Returning samples of Martian soil and rock to Earth is of great interest to scientists. There were numerous studies to evaluate Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission architectures, technology needs, development plans, and requirements. The largest propulsion risk element of the MSR mission is the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). Along with the baseline solid-propellant vehicle, liquid propellants have been considered. Similar requirements apply to other lander ascent engines and reaction control systems. The performance of current state-ofthe- art liquid propellant engines can be significantly improved by increasing both combustion temperature and pressure. Pump-fed propulsion is suggested for a single-stage bipropellant MAV. Achieving a 90-percent stage propellant fraction is thought to be possible on a 100-kg scale, including sufficient thrust for lifting off Mars. To increase the performance of storable bipropellant rocket engines, a high-pressure, lightweight combustion chamber was designed. Iridium liner electrodeposition was investigated on complex-shaped thrust chamber mandrels. Dense, uniform iridium liners were produced on chamber and cylindrical mandrels. Carbon/carbon composite (C/C) structures were braided over iridium-lined mandrels and densified by chemical vapor infiltration. Niobium deposition was evaluated for forming a metallic attachment flange on the carbon/ carbon structure. The new thrust chamber was designed to exceed state-of-the-art performance, and was manufactured with an 83-percent weight savings. High-performance C/Cs possess a unique set of properties that make them desirable materials for high-temperature structures used in rocket propulsion components, hypersonic vehicles, and aircraft brakes. In particular, more attention is focused on 3D braided C/Cs due to their mesh-work structure. Research on the properties of C/Cs has shown that the strength of composites is strongly affected by the fiber-matrix interfacial bonding, and that weakening interface realizes pseudo-plastic behavior with significant increase in the tensile strength. The investigation of high-temperature strength of C/Cs under high-rate heating (critical for thrust chambers) shows that tensile and compression strength increases from 70 MPa at room temperature to 110 MPa at 1,773 K, and up to 125 MPa at 2,473 K. Despite these unique properties, the use of C/Cs is limited by its high oxidation rate at elevated temperatures. Lining carbon/carbon chambers with a thin layer of iridium or iridium and rhenium is an innovative way to use proven refractory metals and provide the oxidation barrier necessary to enable the use of carbon/ carbon composites. Due to the lower density of C/Cs as compared to SiC/SiC composites, an iridium liner can be added to the C/C structure and still be below the overall thruster weight. Weight calculations show that C/C, C/C with 50 microns of Ir, and C/C with 100 microns of Ir are of less weight than alternative materials for the same construction.

Crystal structure across the β to α phase transition in thermoelectric Cu 2–xSe

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

Eikeland, Espen; Blichfeld, Anders B.; Borup, Kasper A.

Here, the crystal structure uniquely imparts the specific properties of a material, and thus provides the starting point for any quantitative understanding of thermoelectric properties. Cu 2–xSe is an intensely studied high performing, non-toxic and cheap thermoelectric material, and here for the first time, the average structure of β-Cu 2–xSe is reported based on analysis of multi-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It consists of Se–Cu layers with additional copper between every alternate layer. The structural changes during the peculiar zT enhancing phase transition mainly consist of changes in the inter-layer distance coupled with subtle Cu migration. Just prior to themore » transition the structure exhibits strong negative thermal expansion due to the reordering of Cu atoms, when approached from low temperatures. The phase transition is fully reversible and group–subgroup symmetry relations are derived that relate the low-temperature β-phase to the high-temperature α-phase. Weak superstructure reflections are observed and a possible Cu ordering is proposed. The structural rearrangement may have a significant impact on the band structure and the Cu rearrangement may also be linked to an entropy increase. Both factors potentially contribute to the extraordinary zT enhancement across the phase transition.« less

The water content of recurring slope lineae on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Edwards, Christopher S.; Piqueux, Sylvain

2016-01-01

Observations of recurring slope lineae (RSL) from the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment have been interpreted as present-day, seasonally variable liquid water flows; however, orbital spectroscopy has not confirmed the presence of liquid H2O, only hydrated salts. Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) temperature data and a numerical heat transfer model definitively constrain the amount of water associated with RSL. Surface temperature differences between RSL-bearing and dry RSL-free terrains are consistent with no water associated with RSL and, based on measurement uncertainties, limit the water content of RSL to at most 0.5–3 wt %. In addition, distinct high thermal inertia regolith signatures expected with crust-forming evaporitic salt deposits from cyclical briny water flows are not observed, indicating low water salinity (if any) and/or low enough volumes to prevent their formation. Alternatively, observed salts may be preexisting in soils at low abundances (i.e., near or below detection limits) and largely immobile. These RSL-rich surfaces experience ~100 K diurnal temperature oscillations, possible freeze/thaw cycles and/or complete evaporation on time scales that challenge their habitability potential. The unique surface temperature measurements provided by THEMIS are consistent with a dry RSL hypothesis or at least significantly limit the water content of Martian RSL.

Crystal structure across the β to α phase transition in thermoelectric Cu 2–xSe

DOE PAGES

Eikeland, Espen; Blichfeld, Anders B.; Borup, Kasper A.; ...

2017-06-13

Here, the crystal structure uniquely imparts the specific properties of a material, and thus provides the starting point for any quantitative understanding of thermoelectric properties. Cu 2–xSe is an intensely studied high performing, non-toxic and cheap thermoelectric material, and here for the first time, the average structure of β-Cu 2–xSe is reported based on analysis of multi-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It consists of Se–Cu layers with additional copper between every alternate layer. The structural changes during the peculiar zT enhancing phase transition mainly consist of changes in the inter-layer distance coupled with subtle Cu migration. Just prior to themore » transition the structure exhibits strong negative thermal expansion due to the reordering of Cu atoms, when approached from low temperatures. The phase transition is fully reversible and group–subgroup symmetry relations are derived that relate the low-temperature β-phase to the high-temperature α-phase. Weak superstructure reflections are observed and a possible Cu ordering is proposed. The structural rearrangement may have a significant impact on the band structure and the Cu rearrangement may also be linked to an entropy increase. Both factors potentially contribute to the extraordinary zT enhancement across the phase transition.« less

Weak links in high critical temperature superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tafuri, Francesco; Kirtley, John R.

2005-11-01

The traditional distinction between tunnel and highly transmissive barriers does not currently hold for high critical temperature superconducting Josephson junctions, both because of complicated materials issues and the intrinsic properties of high temperature superconductors (HTS). An intermediate regime, typical of both artificial superconductor-barrier-superconductor structures and of grain boundaries, spans several orders of magnitude in the critical current density and specific resistivity. The physics taking place at HTS surfaces and interfaces is rich, primarily because of phenomena associated with d-wave order parameter (OP) symmetry. These phenomena include Andreev bound states, the presence of the second harmonic in the critical current versus phase relation, a doubly degenerate state, time reversal symmetry breaking and the possible presence of an imaginary component of the OP. All these effects are regulated by a series of transport mechanisms, whose rules of interplay and relative activation are unknown. Some transport mechanisms probably have common roots, which are not completely clear and possibly related to the intrinsic nature of high-TC superconductivity. The d-wave OP symmetry gives unique properties to HTS weak links, which do not have any analogy with systems based on other superconductors. Even if the HTS structures are not optimal, compared with low critical temperature superconductor Josephson junctions, the state of the art allows the realization of weak links with unexpectedly high quality quantum properties, which open interesting perspectives for the future. The observation of macroscopic quantum tunnelling and the qubit proposals represent significant achievements in this direction. In this review we attempt to encompass all the above aspects, attached to a solid experimental basis of junction concepts and basic properties, along with a flexible phenomenological background, which collects ideas on the Josephson effect in the presence of d-wave pairing for different types of barriers.

Theoretical study of the zero-gap organic conductor α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Akito; Katayama, Shinya; Suzumura, Yoshikazu

2009-01-01

The quasi-two-dimensional molecular conductor α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 exhibits anomalous transport phenomena where the temperature dependence of resistivity is weak but the ratio of the Hall coefficient at 10 K to that at room temperature is of the order of 104. These puzzling phenomena were solved by predicting massless Dirac fermions, whose motions are described using the tilted Weyl equation with anisotropic velocity. α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 is a unique material among several materials with Dirac fermions, i.e. graphene, bismuth, and quantum wells such as HgTe, from the view-points of both the structure and electronic states described as follows. α-(BEDT-TTF)2I3 has the layered structure with highly two-dimensional massless Dirac fermions. The anisotropic velocity and incommensurate momenta of the contact points, ±k0, originate from the inequivalency of the BEDT-TTF sites in the unit cell, where ±k0 moves in the first Brillouin zone with increasing pressure. The massless Dirac fermions exist in the presence of the charge disproportionation and are robust against the increase in pressure. The electron densities on those inequivalent BEDT-TTF sites exhibit anomalous momentum distributions, reflecting the angular dependences of the wave functions around the contact points. Those unique electronic properties affect the spatial oscillations of the electron densities in the vicinity of an impurity. A marked behavior of the Hall coefficient, where the sign of the Hall coefficient reverses sharply but continuously at low temperatures around 5 K, is investigated by treating the interband effects of the magnetic field exactly. It is shown that such behavior is possible by assuming the existence of the extremely small amount of electron doping. The enhancement of the orbital diamagnetism is also expected. The results of the present research shed light on a new aspect of Dirac fermion physics, i.e. the emergence of unique electronic properties owing to the structure of the material. PMID:27877282

Turning up the heat: increasing temperature and coral bleaching at the high latitude coral reefs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

PubMed

Abdo, David A; Bellchambers, Lynda M; Evans, Scott N

2012-01-01

Coral reefs face increasing pressures particularly when on the edge of their distributions. The Houtman Abrolhos Islands (Abrolhos) are the southernmost coral reef system in the Indian Ocean, and one of the highest latitude reefs in the world. These reefs have a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine fauna and flora and support 184 species of coral, dominated by Acropora species. A significant La Niña event during 2011 produced anomalous conditions of increased temperature along the whole Western Australian coastline, producing the first-recorded widespread bleaching of corals at the Abrolhos. We examined long term trends in the marine climate at the Abrolhos using historical sea surface temperature data (HadISST data set) from 1900-2011. In addition in situ water temperature data for the Abrolhos (from data loggers installed in 2008, across four island groups) were used to determine temperature exposure profiles. Coupled with the results of coral cover surveys conducted annually since 2007; we calculated bleaching thresholds for monitoring sites across the four Abrolhos groups. In situ temperature data revealed maximum daily water temperatures reached 29.54°C in March 2011 which is 4.2°C above mean maximum daily temperatures (2008-2010). The level of bleaching varied across sites with an average of ∼12% of corals bleached. Mortality was high, with a mean ∼50% following the 2011 bleaching event. Prior to 2011, summer temperatures reached a mean (across all monitoring sites) of 25.1°C for 2.5 days. However, in 2011 temperatures reached a mean of 28.1°C for 3.3 days. Longer term trends (1900-2011) showed mean annual sea surface temperatures increase by 0.01°C per annum. Long-term temperature data along with short-term peaks in 2011, outline the potential for corals to be exposed to more frequent bleaching risk with consequences for this high latitude coral reef system at the edge of its distribution.

Effects of External Stimuli on Microstructure-Property Relationship at the Nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Baoming

The technical contribution of this research is a unique nanofabricated experimental setup that integrates nanoscale specimens with tools for interrogating mechanical (stress-strain, fracture, and fatigue), thermal and electrical (conductivity) properties as function of external stimuli such as strain, temperature, electrical field and radiation. It addresses the shortcomings of the state of the art characterization techniques, which are yet to perform such simultaneous and multi-domain measurements. Our technique has virtually no restriction on specimen material type and thickness, which makes the setup versatile. It is demonstrated with 100 nm thick nickel, aluminum, zirconium; 25 nm thick molybdenum di-sulphide (MoS2), 10 nm hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) specimens and 100nm carbon nanofiber, all in freestanding thin film form. The technique is compatible with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In-situ TEM captures microstructural features, (defects, phases, precipitates and interfaces), diffraction patterns and chemical microanalysis in real time. 'Seeing the microstructure while measuring properties' is our unique capability. It helps identifying fundamental mechanisms behind thermo-electro-mechanical coupling and degradation, so that these mechanisms can be used to (i) explain the results obtained for mesoscale specimens of the same materials and experimental conditions and (ii) develop computational models to explain and predict properties at both nano and meso scales. The uniqueness of this contribution is therefore simultaneously quantitative and qualitative probing of length-scale dependent external stimuli effects on microstructures and physical properties of nanoscale materials. The scientific contribution of this research is the experimental validation of the fundamental hypothesis that, if the nanoscale size can cause significant deviation in a certain domain, e.g., mechanical, it can also make that domain more sensitive to external stimuli when compared to bulk. We have showed that mechanical properties of freestanding nanocrystalline thin films have higher sensitivity to elevated temperatures compared to bulk. The Young's modulus of nanocrystalline aluminum thin film is measured about 50% of the room temperature value at 65% of the melting temperature. The higher volume fraction of grain boundaries can be ascribed to this observation since the inherent disorder on the grain boundary atoms means they are more sensitive to the temperature. At the bulk scale, thermal conductivity of metals is not sensitive to mechanical strain. However, this may not be true for grain sizes below the electron mean free paths, for which mechanical deformation mechanism and volume fraction of grain boundaries are drastically different from the bulk. Our experimental results show strong mechanical strain-thermal conductivity coupling, thermal conductivity of Zr film with average grain size of 10nm dropped from 20 W/m-K to 13 W/m-K with a strain level of only 1.24 %. In this dissertation, we present a series of studies tied by the common thread of synergy of two or more stimuli. The first example is on pure metals, which need very high temperature (> 0.5Tm, where Tm is melting point) or stress (>sigmay, where sigmay is the yield stress) to change microstructure. In contrast, we present experimental evidence of about 100 times grain growth in nanocrystalline nickel at only 0.2Tm (Tm is the melting temperature) when accompanied with only 0.2 sigmay ( sigmay is the yield stress) stress. This finding contradicts with the classical understanding that grain growth is a plastic deformation (>sigmay) mechanism. Interestingly, stressing the films by high stress (around sigmay) or temperature (0.5Tm) separately produce only insignificant grain growth. These results suggest that when synergistic, external stimuli can exert unprecedented influence over microstructure-properties in nanoscale materials. In a corollary study, we modeled nanocrystalline metals as a standard linear elastic solid and our experimental results on 100 nm thick (average grain size 10 nm) freestanding nickel specimens at temperatures from 300 to 425 °K support this hypothesis reasonably well. The viscosity of solid nickel ranged from 3.3x1013 Pa.s to 1.5x1013 Pa.s at these temperatures, which are about two orders of magnitude smaller than that expected for metals and are also less sensitive to temperature compared to bulk. The second case study involved a novel concept of electro-graphitization that induces synergistic thermo-electro-mechanical fields to graphitize carbon nanofibers at around 800 °C temperature and below 106 A/cm 2 current density. In comparison, conventional graphitization of carbon nanofiber requires very high temperatures (> 2800 °C). A more convincing study on the pronounced role of stimuli on microstructure-properties is the transformation of amorphous materials to nano or microcrystalline form. This is because typically the energy barrier for this kind of transformation is very high, requiring extreme conditions to initiate such transformation. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Microwave signatures of ice hydrometeors from ground-based observations above Summit, Greenland

DOE PAGES

Pettersen, Claire; Bennartz, Ralf; Kulie, Mark S.; ...

2016-04-15

Multi-instrument, ground-based measurements provide unique and comprehensive data sets of the atmosphere for a specific location over long periods of time and resulting data compliment past and existing global satellite observations. Our paper explores the effect of ice hydrometeors on ground-based, high-frequency passive microwave measurements and attempts to isolate an ice signature for summer seasons at Summit, Greenland, from 2010 to 2013. Furthermore, data from a combination of passive microwave, cloud radar, radiosonde, and ceilometer were examined to isolate the ice signature at microwave wavelengths. By limiting the study to a cloud liquid water path of 40 g m -2more » or less, the cloud radar can identify cases where the precipitation was dominated by ice. These cases were examined using liquid water and gas microwave absorption models, and brightness temperatures were calculated for the high-frequency microwave channels: 90, 150, and 225GHz. By comparing the measured brightness temperatures from the microwave radiometers and the calculated brightness temperature using only gas and liquid contributions, any residual brightness temperature difference is due to emission and scattering of microwave radiation from the ice hydrometeors in the column. The ice signature in the 90, 150, and 225 GHz channels for the Summit Station summer months was isolated. Then, this measured ice signature was compared to an equivalent brightness temperature difference calculated with a radiative transfer model including microwave single-scattering properties for several ice habits. Furthermore, initial model results compare well against the 4 years of summer season isolated ice signature in the high-frequency microwave channels.« less

The effects of internal heating and large scale climate variations on tectonic bi-stability in terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weller, M. B.; Lenardic, A.; O'Neill, C.

2015-06-01

We use 3D mantle convection and planetary tectonics models to explore the links between tectonic regimes and the level of internal heating within the mantle of a planet (a proxy for thermal age), planetary surface temperature, and lithosphere strength. At both high and low values of internal heating, for moderate to high lithospheric yield strength, hot and cold stagnant-lid (single plate planet) states prevail. For intermediate values of internal heating, multiple stable tectonic states can exist. In these regions of parameter space, the specific evolutionary path of the system has a dominant role in determining its tectonic state. For low to moderate lithospheric yield strength, mobile-lid behavior (a plate tectonic-like mode of convection) is attainable for high degrees of internal heating (i.e., early in a planet's thermal evolution). However, this state is sensitive to climate driven changes in surface temperatures. Relatively small increases in surface temperature can be sufficient to usher in a transition from a mobile- to a stagnant-lid regime. Once a stagnant-lid mode is initiated, a return to mobile-lid is not attainable by a reduction of surface temperatures alone. For lower levels of internal heating, the tectonic regime becomes less sensitive to surface temperature changes. Collectively our results indicate that terrestrial planets can alternate between multiple tectonic states over giga-year timescales. Within parameter space regions that allow for bi-stable behavior, any model-based prediction as to the current mode of tectonics is inherently non-unique in the absence of constraints on the geologic and climatic histories of a planet.

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

Pettersen, Claire; Bennartz, Ralf; Kulie, Mark S.

Multi-instrument, ground-based measurements provide unique and comprehensive data sets of the atmosphere for a specific location over long periods of time and resulting data compliment past and existing global satellite observations. Our paper explores the effect of ice hydrometeors on ground-based, high-frequency passive microwave measurements and attempts to isolate an ice signature for summer seasons at Summit, Greenland, from 2010 to 2013. Furthermore, data from a combination of passive microwave, cloud radar, radiosonde, and ceilometer were examined to isolate the ice signature at microwave wavelengths. By limiting the study to a cloud liquid water path of 40 g m -2more » or less, the cloud radar can identify cases where the precipitation was dominated by ice. These cases were examined using liquid water and gas microwave absorption models, and brightness temperatures were calculated for the high-frequency microwave channels: 90, 150, and 225GHz. By comparing the measured brightness temperatures from the microwave radiometers and the calculated brightness temperature using only gas and liquid contributions, any residual brightness temperature difference is due to emission and scattering of microwave radiation from the ice hydrometeors in the column. The ice signature in the 90, 150, and 225 GHz channels for the Summit Station summer months was isolated. Then, this measured ice signature was compared to an equivalent brightness temperature difference calculated with a radiative transfer model including microwave single-scattering properties for several ice habits. Furthermore, initial model results compare well against the 4 years of summer season isolated ice signature in the high-frequency microwave channels.« less

A 3D graphene interface (Si-doped) of Ag matrix with excellent electronic transmission and thermal conductivity via nano-assembly modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Xianzhu; Li, Ming; Zhang, Yafei

2018-04-01

The wide development of electronic materials requires higher load capacity and high temperature resistance. In this study, a novel architecture was fabricated consisting of a 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-Si interface using a simple nano-assembly sintering to achieve high current capacity and excellent thermal features. Via the analysis of catalytic oxidation for methanol, the loading catalytic activity of nano-Ag still remained to a certain extent for the composite with 0.8 vol.% rGO. The final Ag-rGO composite apparently possesses a higher initial oxidation temperature and lower rate of oxidation for internal passing and shielding, and the thermal conductivity is significantly enhanced from 344 to 407 W m‑1 K‑1. Importantly, with a 3D synergistic transportation network, the resistivity of the Ag-rGO composite is much lower than pure Ag, and with a longer conductive time under a stress condition of current density of 6.0  ×  104 A cm‑2. Thermal-electronic features demonstrate that the dispersed graphene interface can efficiently suppress the primary failure pathways (high temperature) in Ag matrix and make it uniquely efficient for the advancement of microscale and thermal-management electronics.

Effect of CeO2 addition on the properties of FeAl based alloy produced by mechanical alloying technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khaerudini, Deni S.; Muljadi, Sardjono, P.; Tetuko, Anggito P.; Sebayang, P.; Ginting, M.

2013-09-01

Iron aluminides based on FeAl is notable for their low materials cost, ease of fabrication and good corrosion, suffixation and oxidation resistance. However, the application based on these unique properties still require the development of Fe-Al based alloy since it shows some drawbacks such as a lack of high temperature strength and low ductility. To improve the mechanical properties of FeAl based alloy, ceria (CeO2) will be added to this compound. FeAl based alloy produced by the mechanical alloying (MA) technique. The developed specimens then assessed with respect to oxidation behaviour in high temperature, scale microstructure and hardness. The surface morphologies of the alloy evaluated and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The phase structures of oxide scale formed on them were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results found that the FeAl intermetallic compound containing CeO2 0.5 wt.% is less pores and CeO2 1.0 wt.% is more homogen in powder and solid form, higher hardness and increase in their resistance to oxidation behaviour in high temperature compared with another percentage of CeO2.

Design of unique composites based on aromatic thermosetting copolyesters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parkar, Zeba

Aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) has promise in high-temperature applications. It can be employed as a bulk polymer, as a coating and as a matrix for carbon fiber composites (ATSP/C composites). This work focuses on the applications of high performance ATSP/C composites. The morphology of the ATSP matrix in the presence of carbon fiber was studied. The effect of liquid crystalline character of starting oligomers used to prepare ATSP on the final crystal structure of the ATSP/C composite was evaluated. Matrices obtained by crosslinking of both liquid crystalline oligomers (ATSP2) and non-liquid crystalline oligomers (ATSP1) tend to crystallize in presence of carbon fibers. The crystallite size of ATSP2 is 4 times that of ATSP1. Composites made from ATSP2 yield tougher matrices compared to those made from ATSP1. Thus toughened matrices could be achieved without incorporating any additives by just changing the morphology of the final polymer. The flammability characteristics of ATSP were also studied. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of bulk ATSP was found to be 40% whereas that of ATSP/C composites is estimated to be 85%. Thus, ATSP shows potential to be used as a flame resistant material, and also as an aerospace reentry shield. Mechanical properties of the ATSP/C composite were characterized. ATSP was observed to bond strongly with reinforcing carbon fibers. The tensile strength, modulus and shear modulus were comparable to those of conventionally used high temperature epoxy resins. ATSP shows a unique capability for healing of interlaminar cracks on application of heat and pressure, via the Interchain Transesterification Reaction (ITR). ITR can also be used for reduction in void volume and healing of microcracks. Thus, ATSP resin systems provide a unique intrinsic repair mechanism compared to any other thermosetting systems in use today. Preliminary studies on measurement of residual stresses for ATSP/C composites indicate that the stresses induced are much lower than that in epoxy/C composites. Thermal fatigue testing suggests that ATSP shows better resistance to microcracking compared to epoxy resins.

Data Transfer for Multiple Sensor Networks Over a Broad Temperature Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krasowski, Michael

2013-01-01

At extreme temperatures, cryogenic and over 300 C, few electronic components are available to support intelligent data transfer over a common, linear combining medium. This innovation allows many sensors to operate on the same wire bus (or on the same airwaves or optical channel: any linearly combining medium), transmitting simultaneously, but individually recoverable at a node in a cooler part of the test area. This innovation has been demonstrated using room-temperature silicon microcircuits as proxy. The microcircuits have analog functionality comparable to componentry designed using silicon carbide. Given a common, linearly combining medium, multiple sending units may transmit information simultaneously. A listening node, using various techniques, can pick out the signal from a single sender, if it has unique qualities, e.g. a voice. The problem being solved is commonly referred to as the cocktail party problem. The human brain uses the cocktail party effect when it is able to recognize and follow a single conversation in a party full of talkers and other noise sources. High-temperature sensors have been used in silicon carbide electronic oscillator circuits. The frequency of the oscillator changes as a function of the changes in the sensed parameter, such as pressure. This change is analogous to changes in the pitch of a person s voice. The output of this oscillator and many others may be superimposed onto a single medium. This medium may be the power lines supplying current to the sensors, a third wire dedicated to data transmission, the airwaves through radio transmission, an optical medium, etc. However, with nothing to distinguish the identities of each source that is, the source separation this system is useless. Using digital electronic functions, unique codes or patterns are created and used to modulate the output of the sensor.

Transcriptomic responses to high water temperature in two species of Pacific salmon

PubMed Central

Jeffries, Ken M; Hinch, Scott G; Sierocinski, Thomas; Pavlidis, Paul; Miller, Kristi M

2014-01-01

Characterizing the cellular stress response (CSR) of species at ecologically relevant temperatures is useful for determining whether populations and species can successfully respond to current climatic extremes and future warming. In this study, populations of wild-caught adult pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) salmon from the Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada, were experimentally treated to ecologically relevant ‘cool’ or ‘warm’ water temperatures to uncover common transcriptomic responses to elevated water temperature in non-lethally sampled gill tissue. We detected the differential expression of 49 microarray features (29 unique annotated genes and one gene with unknown function) associated with protein folding, protein synthesis, metabolism, oxidative stress and ion transport that were common between populations and species of Pacific salmon held at 19°C compared with fish held at a cooler temperature (13 or 14°C). There was higher mortality in fish held at 19°C, which suggests a possible relationship between a temperature-induced CSR and mortality in these species. Our results suggest that frequently encountered water temperatures ≥19°C, which are capable of inducing a common CSR across species and populations, may increase risk of upstream spawning migration failure for pink and sockeye salmon. PMID:24567748