Low-density Component Research Articles

JWST/MIRI Detection of [Ne v], [Ne vi], and [O iv] Wind Emission in the O9 V Star 10 Lacertae

Abstract We report the detection of broad, flat-topped emission in the fine-structure lines of [Ne v], [Ne vi], and [O iv] in mid-infrared spectra of the O9 V star 10 Lacertae obtained with James Webb Space Telescope/Mid-Infrared Instrument. Optically thin emission in these high ions traces a hot, low-density component of the wind. The observed line fluxes imply a mass-loss rate of >3 × 10−8 M ⊙ yr−1, which is 1 order of magnitude larger than previous estimates based on UV and optical diagnostics. The presence of this hot component reconciles measured values of the mass-loss rate with theoretical predictions and appears to solve the “weak wind” problem for the particular case of 10 Lac.

Direct-drive ICF target with compound ablator containing a low-density component

The results of theoretical investigation of implosion and combustion of a direct-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) target as a shell with compound outer layer (ablator) intended to absorb laser radiation and produce the ablation pressure compressing the target are presented. It is proposed to supplement the solid ablator of conventional ICF target with an outer layer of a low-density porous substance with density corresponding to the nearly critical one of laser-produced plasma. It is shown that for a laser pulse with energy of 2–3 MJ, designed to ignite the deuterium-tritium reaction in modern experiments, the target with a compound ablator can provide a significant increase in fusion energy yield when the mass fraction of low-density component is in (10–15) % interval.

Approaching the Multiphase Interface of Ir-Based PEM Electrolyzers Using Operando ‘Tender’ X-Ray AP-XPS

Electrochemical water splitting is a promising pathway for the renewable production of hydrogen as an alternative fuel and chemical feedstock. Yet, the process is plagued by slow kinetics of the essential oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. Further, large-scale hydrogen production from such devices will require reduced platinum group metal (PGM) loadings (often iridium-based anodes) and/or new materials due to factors such as PGM scarcity, cost and loss during operation. In the hopes of enabling progress of rational design for OER catalysts, effective characterization of the electrode-liquid interface is crucial. Synchrotron-based X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) offers a versatile way to obtain surface chemical and elemental characterization of these materials. The use of X-rays in the ‘tender’ regime (~2-6 keV) allows for deeper probing than the conventional ‘soft’ x-ray (< 2000 eV) set up that is common at synchrotrons and lab-based sources. The photoelectrons generated from tender x-rays have enough energy to penetrate tens of nanometers through low density components such as a layer of liquid or polymeric electrolyte. This opens the door to access the chemistry at the interface of liquid and ionomer electrolyte-electrocatalyst materials. With the use of a fully operational two-electrode system, we are able to study these membrane electrode assemblies under active water splitting conditions.My talk will explain our specific approach, which is often crucial for successful collection of accurate data, highlighting elements of cell design and experimental setup that are helpful for this process. I will also show recent AP-XPS results on iridium-based polymer electrolyte membranes for water splitting. With application of elevated potential, we can correlate the iridium valency and surface species with the appearance of product traces in a mass spectrum. Figure 1

STUDY OF MICROSCALE PORE STRUCTURE AND FRACTURING ON THE EXAMPLE OF CHINA SHALE FIELD

Accurate characterization of pores and fractures in shale reservoirs is the theoretical basis for effective exploration and development of shale oil and gas. Currently, the scientific community has developed methods for determining the characteristics of the pore and fracture structure of shales with different resolutions, and also discussed the mechanisms of the influence of the characteristics of pores and cracks on the filtration of shale oil and gas. In this work, firstly, a three-dimensional model of a variable-scale pore-fracture structure was created. Secondly, on the basis of data obtained using computed tomography, the characteristics of the development of pores and cracks at different geometric sizes (25 and 2 mm) were statistically analyzed. Third, pore and fracture structures of mixed, felsitic and laminated felsitic shale have been relatively studied. The results show that: (a) the fractured porosity of group I felsite shale is 0.36–0.89 %; mixed shale of group I is 0.34–0.47 %; mixed shale of group III is 0.12–0.86 %; mixed shale of group III is 0.13–0.15 %. (b) Compared to mixed shale of group I, fracturing in felsite shale of the same group is more developed. In addition, the average fractured porosity of felsite shale is 0.28 % greater than that of mixed shale. After analyzing group III, it was noticed that the cracks of the mixed dolomite shale are less developed compared to the mixed shale of the same group, while the average porosity of the cracked shale is 0.33 % less than that of the cracks of the mixed shale (c). Various components of shale samples are distinguished on a gray scale. High density components are bright white (e.g. pyrite); medium density components — light gray (for example, quartz, carbonate and clay minerals); low-density components — dark gray (for example, organic matter); cracks — black (d). The volume of matrix components is relatively high and constitutes the bulk of the total volume of shale samples. The distribution of high-density minerals has a certain randomness. High-density ellipsoidal or irregular minerals (mainly pyrite) range in diameter from a few microns to hundreds of microns, and their volume is relatively small (e). Three types of microscale fractures are mainly developed in shale: microscale fractures within mineral particles (intragranular fractures), microscale fractures between mineral particles (intergranular fractures), and shrinkage fractures. Intragranular cracks are mainly microscale cracks formed by rigid particles that collapse in a certain direction under stress.

Internal dynamics of a polaron uniformly moving along a molecular chain in a constant electric field

This paper presents a detailed study of the uniform motion of a Holstein polaron as it moves along a chain in a constant electric field. The calculations showed that, depending on the parameters of the system, the duration of the uniform motion of the polaron along the chain can reach tens and hundreds of Bloch periods for a given value of the electric field intensity. It is shown that in the process of the uniform motion, the macro-part of the polaron moves at a constant velocity, retaining its shape. At the same time, the low-density components of the polaron, which arise immediately when a constant electric field is instantaneously switched on, have their own internal dynamics and demonstrate characteristic elements of the Bloch oscillations, such as the period of Bloch oscillations and the maximum Bloch amplitude. It is shown that not only the velocity and duration of the uniform motion of the polaron, but also the characteristics of the low-density components of the polaron depend on the value of the electric field intensity.

Volume Density Structure of the Central Molecular Zone NGC 253 through ALCHEMI Excitation Analysis

We present a spatially resolved excitation analysis for the central molecular zone (CMZ) of the starburst galaxy NGC 253 using the data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array Comprehensive High-resolution Extragalactic Molecular Inventory, whereby we explore parameters distinguishing NGC 253 from the quiescent Milky Way’s Galactic center (GC). Non-LTE analyses employing a hierarchical Bayesian framework are applied to Band 3–7 transitions from nine molecular species to delineate the position–position–velocity distributions of column density ( NH2 ), volume density ( nH2 ), and temperature (T kin) at 27 pc resolution. Two distinct components are detected: a low-density component with (nH2,Tkin)∼(103.3cm−3,85K) and a high-density component with (nH2,Tkin)∼(104.4cm−3,110K) , separated at nH2∼103.8cm−3 . NGC 253 has ∼10 times the high-density gas mass and ∼3 times the dense-gas mass fraction of the GC. These properties are consistent with their HCN/CO ratio but cannot alone explain the factor of ∼30 difference in their star formation efficiencies (SFEs), contradicting the dense-gas mass to star formation rate scaling law. The nH2 histogram toward NGC 253 exhibits a shallow declining slope up to nH2∼106cm−3 , while that of the GC steeply drops in nH2≳104.5cm−3 and vanishes at 105 cm−3. Their dense-gas mass fraction ratio becomes consistent with their SFEs when the threshold nH2 for the dense gas is taken at ∼104.2−4.6 cm−3. The rich abundance of gas above this density range in the NGC 253 CMZ, or its scarcity in the GC, is likely to be the critical difference characterizing the contrasting star formation in the centers of the two galaxies.

Self-Assembly TiO2-Ti3C2Tx Ball-Plate Structure for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

MXene is a promising candidate for the next generation of lightweight electromagnetic interference (EMI) materials owing to its low density, excellent conductivity, hydrophilic properties, and adjustable component structure. However, MXene lacks interlayer support and tends to agglomerate, leading to a shorter service life and limiting its development in thin-layer electromagnetic shielding material. In this study, we designed self-assembled TiO2-Ti3C2Tx materials with a ball-plate structure to mitigate agglomeration and obtain a thin-layer and multiple absorption porous materials for high-efficiency EMI shielding. The TiO2-Ti3C2Tx composite with a thickness of 50 μm achieved a shielding efficiency of 72 dB. It was demonstrated that the ball-plate structure generates additional interlayer cavities and internal interface, increasing the propagation path for an electromagnetic wave, which, in turn, raises the capacity of materials to absorb and dissipate the wave. These effects improve the overall EMI shielding performance of MXene and pave the way for the development of the next-generation EMI shielding system.

Transition from a Uniform Mode of Polaron Motion to an Oscillatory One When the Initial Polaron State Changes

A study of the nature of the motion of a Holstein polaron in a homogeneous polynucleotide chain in a constant electric field, depending on the initial polaron state, was carried out. The calculations performed showed that the duration of the uniform motion of the polaron along the chain is finite and depends on the entire set of system parameters, including the characteristic size of the initial polaron state. It is shown that at a fixed value of the electric field intensity, an increase in the characteristic size of the initial polaron state leads to a decrease in the time of uniform motion of the polaron along the chain. The calculations carried out earlier showed that with the uniform movement of the polaron along the chain, low-density components of the polaron are formed immediately after the electric field is turned on. Moreover, the low-density components of the polaron have their own internal dynamics, which are different from the dynamics of the macro-part of the polaron. With uniform motion, the macro-part of the polaron moves at a constant velocity, maintaining its shape, while the low-density components of the polaron demonstrate such characteristics of Bloch oscillations as the period of Bloch oscillations and the maximum Bloch amplitude. It is also shown that a change in the shape of the initial polaron state exerts influence upon not only the duration of the uniform motion of the polaron along the chain, but also the characteristics of the low-density components of the polaron.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Wax Incorporated Floating Beads of Dapagliflozin

Introduction: The current work's objectives are to build numerous floating drug delivery systems utilising various wax concentrations to prolong the release of dapagliflozin and to study the influence of sodium alginate on the system's buoyancy. Dapagliflozin is used as a anti diabetic drug which is used in treatment of type-2 diabetes.The goal of the study is to create sodium-based emulsion gel beads with wax incorporated utilising a modified emulsion-gelation process. Method: Emulsion gelation method used for preparation of floating beads. The Model drug was mixed with olive oil-containing sodium alginate wax before being hot-melted, homogenised, and then extruded into a calcium chloride solution. The manufactured Wax-incorporated Emulsion Gel Beads were analysed for Micromeritics investigations, entrapment efficacy, in-vitro buoyancy rate, and dissolution rate. Result: Several preformulation experiments, including bulk density, tapped density, and Carr's index, were within acceptable ranges, and highest drug release after 12 hours is 96.63% particularly for batch F2. Wax was added to the formulation to greatly extend the drug release; however, it was not enough to maintain the release of a highly water-soluble medication. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the usage of hydrophobic carriers such as waxes can be used to provide the desired sustained release effect. Oils and other low-density components were utilised to help the formulation's flotation. The study concluded that floating wax microspheres may use as medication carrier to prolong drug release.

Comparative Studies of Ir-Based PEM Electrolyzers Via Operando ‘Tender’ X-Ray AP-XPS

Ir-based catalysts are considered the state-of-the-art cathode material for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting devices. However, large scale hydrogen production from such devices will require reduced Ir loadings and/or new materials due to factors such as Ir scarcity, cost and loss during electrolysis operation. In the hopes of enabling progress of rational design for OER catalysts, effective characterization of the electrode-liquid interface is crucial. Synchrotron-based X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) offers a versatile way to obtain surface chemical and elemental characterization of these materials. The use of X-rays in the ‘tender’ regime (~2-6 keV) allows for deeper probing than the conventional ‘soft’ x-ray (< 2000 eV) set up that is common at synchrotrons and lab-based sources. The photoelectrons generated from tender x-rays have enough energy to penetrate tens of nanometers through low density components such as a layer of liquid or polymeric electrolyte. This opens the door to access the chemistry at the interface of liquid and ionomer electrolyte-electrocatalyst materials. With the use of a fully operational two-electrode system, we are able to study these membrane electrode assemblies under active water splitting conditions.My talk will highlight recent AP-XPS results on iridium-based polymer electrolyte membranes for water splitting. With application of elevated potential, we can correlate the iridium valency and surface species with the appearance of product traces in a mass spectrum. I will show trends within and between Ir catalyst types that lend to a better understanding of these OER cathodes. Figure 1

Innovative Ceramic Forming Techniques for High-Strength, Low-Density Components

The development of high-strength, low-density ceramic components is a critical area of research in the field of material sciences and mechanical engineering, with potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. In this paper, we present innovative ceramic forming techniques that enable the fabrication of high-performance ceramic components with unprecedented mechanical properties. We introduce a novel hybrid approach that combines the advantages of both additive manufacturing and traditional ceramic forming methods, such as slip casting and injection molding. By utilizing a customized ceramic slurry formulation and a modified 3D printing process, we successfully produced complex-shaped components with a uniform microstructure and enhanced mechanical properties. The resulting ceramic components exhibited a significant increase in flexural strength and fracture toughness compared to conventionally processed ceramics, while maintaining a low density. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the improved mechanical performance. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential of innovative ceramic forming techniques for the development of high-strength, low-density ceramic components, and pave the way for their widespread adoption in various engineering applications.

Переход от равномерного режима движения полярона к колебательному при изменении начального поляронного состояния

A study of the nature of the motion of a Holstein polaron in a homogeneous polynucleotide chain in a constant electric field, depending on the initial polaron state, was carried out. The calculations performed showed that the duration of the uniform motion of the polaron along the chain is finite and depends on the entire set of system parameters, including the characteristic size of the initial polaron state. It is shown that at a fixed value of the electric field intensity, an increase in the characteristic size of the initial polaron state leads to a decrease in the time of uniform motion of the polaron along the chain. It is also shown that a change in the shape of the initial polaron state exerts influence upon not only the duration of the uniform motion of the polaron along the chain, but also the characteristics of the low-density components of the polaron.

The Incipient Formation of the Internal Dynamics of a Uniformly Moving Polaron in a Polynucleotide Chain Subjected To a Constant Electric Field

In this paper we consider the incipient formation of the internal dynamics of a uniformly moving polaron in a polynucleotide chain subjected to a constant electric field. The calculations performed show that Bloch oscillations arising in the course of the polaron oscillatory motion along the chain do not completely disappear when the polaron's motion along the chain becomes uniform. When the polaron moves uniformly along the chain, Bloch oscillations are also observed, although in a slightly different form. It is shown that the shape of the electron density distribution in a polaron during its stationary motion in a constant electric field takes an explicit structure. In this case, such characteristics of Bloch oscillations as the period of Bloch oscillations and the maximum Bloch amplitude demonstrate low-density components of the polaron.

(Invited) Operando ‘Tender’ X-Ray AP-XPS Studies of Ir-Based PEM Electrolyzers

Synchrotron-based X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) a is a versatile technique for surface chemical and elemental characterization of materials. Application of this technique to in situ studies was historically challenging in large part due to the attenuation of signal from interaction of photoelectrons with the surrounding environment. With the technological development of ambient pressure systems, we are now able to study catalysts in conditions that resemble their working environments. Further, the use of X-rays in the ‘tender’ regime (2-7 keV) allows for deeper probing than the conventional ‘soft’ x-ray (< 2000 eV) set up that is common at synchrotrons and lab-based sources. The photoelectrons generated from tender x-rays have enough energy to penetrate tens of nanometers through low density components such as a layer of liquid or polymeric electrolyte. This opens the door to access the chemistry at the interface of liquid electrolyte-electrocatalyst materials.We have built a fully operational two-electrode system for the study of PEM electrolyzers in working conditions. Water flows through the cell and the chamber is held at 100% humidity (20 Torr at 300 K) to yield a fully hydrated environment for our electrocatalyst. We are then able to run operando electrochemical measurements while acquiring XP spectra to elucidate the important physical and chemical processes taking place at the interface. My talk will highlight recent results on iridium-based polymer electrolyte membranes for water splitting. With application of elevated potential, we can correlate the iridium valency and surface species with the appearance of product traces in a mass spectrum. Figure 1

Low-density components of a Holstein polaron during its uniform motion in a constant electric field in the initial period of time

In this paper, we consider the formation of low-density components of a polaron during its uniform motion in a polynucleotide chain subjected to a constant electric field. The calculations performed show that Bloch oscillations, usually observed during the oscillatory regime of polaron motion along the chain, do not completely disappear when the polaron motion along the chain becomes uniform. It is shown that after the electric field is turned on, the low-density components of the polaron, which have their own internal dynamics, are formed. And despite the fact that the macro-part of the polaron moves at a constant velocity, retaining its shape, the low-density components of the polaron demonstrate such characteristics of Bloch oscillations as the period of Bloch oscillations and the maximum Bloch amplitude.

Structural difference of gas coal separation components and its effect on sulfur transformation during pyrolysis of high sulfur coal

Two gas coals were respectively separated into four components with different vitrinite content using ZnCl2 solution. The carbon structure, composition of coal macerals and minerals, and plastic layer behavior of separating components were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (13C NMR), coal petrographic analyzer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and Gieseler fluidity. Combining with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), effect of different gas coal separation components on sulfur transformation behavior during pyrolysis of high-sulfur coal and distribution of sulfur forms in coke was investigated. The results show that with increase of vitrinite content in gas coal, the relative ratio of aliphatic carbon in coal increases, and the release amount of volatiles increases during pyrolysis; hydrogen free radicals in volatiles promote decomposition of sulfur, stabilize sulfur free radicals in time and release as sulfur-containing gases, and thus sulfur content in coke is reduced. Low density components in gas coal have the largest maximum fluidity and widest plastic range, and stability of plastic layer is the best during co-pyrolysis with high sulfur coal. The basic minerals in gas coal are mainly enriched in high density components, which leads to increase of sulfide sulfur and sulfate sulfur in the coke. For utilization of gas coal in coal-blending pyrolysis, enrichment of vitrinite and selection of coals with easier removal of alkaline minerals are beneficial for reducing sulfur in coke.

The thermal structure and mechanical behavior of the martian lithosphere

In depth knowledge of the thermal and rheological properties of the crust and mantle of Mars is fundamental for constraining the strength of its lithosphere, and thereby for the understanding its geodynamics, tectonics, and thermal evolution. In this context, an interesting debate on Martian crustal composition is ongoing. The presence of highly differentiated rocks at several locations, and their implications for the thermal state, structure, and evolution of the planet are not well understood. Here we systematically explore the effects of crust material properties (specifically thermal conductivity and density) on the thermal and mechanical structure of the Martian lithosphere. For this purpose, we analyze different key indicators of the thermal state, the strength and mechanical behavior of the lithosphere under a wide range of conditions. We do so by considering suitable parameters for both a nominally basaltic Martian crust and an end-member basaltic crust that would include a significant low density and high thermal conductivity component. We find that crust material properties have a strong control over the thermal state of the entire lithosphere, and thereby over the strength of the lithospheric mantle. Although a lower crustal density reduces the brittle strength, the colder geotherm due to a higher thermal conductivity leads to a stronger crust and lithospheric mantle, and therefore to a thicker lithosphere. It also leads to a stronger lithosphere as a whole in terms of total strength and effective elastic thickness, as a consequence of higher crust and mantle contributions. On the other hand, we also investigate the influence of the rheology of Mars' upper mantle on the total strength of its lithosphere. Water content has a large effect on the rheology of the upper mantle. A wet rheology implies a substantial reduction of the mantle contribution to the total strength and effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere, resulting in a significantly weaker lithosphere as a whole. Our results will serve both to improve our understanding of geophysical observations from the InSight and ExoMars missions, and to further constrain theoretical modeling efforts.

A carbonaceous chondrite and cometary origin for icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn

The inner structure of icy moons comprises ices, liquid water, a silicate rocky core and sometimes an inner metallic core depending on thermal evolution and differentiation. Mineralogy and density models for the silicate part of the icy satellites cores were assessed assuming a carbonaceous chondritic (CI) bulk composition and using a free-energy minimization code and experiments. Densities of other components, solid and liquid sulfides, carbonaceous matter, were evaluated from available equations of state. Model densities for silicates are larger than assessed from magnesian terrestrial minerals, by 200 to 600 kg.m−3 for the hydrated silicates, and 300 to 500 kg.m−3 for the dry silicates, due to the high iron bulk concentration in CI. The stability of Na-phlogopite in the silicate fraction up to 1300 K favors the trapping of most 40K in the rocky/carbonaceous cores with important consequences for modeling of the thermal evolution of icy satellites. We find that CI density models of icy satellite cores taking into account only the silicate and metal/sulfide fraction cannot account for the observed densities and reduced moment of inertia of Titan and Ganymede without adding a lower density component. We propose that this low-density component is carbonaceous matter derived from insoluble organic matter, in proportion of ∼30-40% in volume and 15-20% in mass. This proportion is compatible with contributions from CI and comets, making these primitive bodies including their carbonaceous matter component likely precursors of icy moons, and potentially of most of the objects formed behind the snow line of the solar system.

Parameter optimization of aluminum alloy thin structures obtained by Selective Laser Melting

ABSTRACTSelective Laser Melting (SLM) involves numerous fabrication parameters, the interaction between those parameters determine the final characteristics of the resulting part and because of the latter, it is considered a complex process. Low-density components is one of the main issues of the SLM process, due to the incorrect selection of process parameters. These defects are undesired in high specialized applications (i.e. aerospace, aeronautic and medical industries). Therefore, the characterization of the defects (pores) found in aluminum parts manufacture by SLM and the relationship with fabrication parameters was performed. A robust orthogonal design of experiments was implemented to determine process parameters, and then parts were manufactured in SLM. Relative density of the samples was then characterized using the Archimedes principle and microscopy; the data was then statistically analyzed in order to determine the optimal process parameters. The main purpose of the present research was to establish the best processing parameters of an in-house SLM system, as well as to characterize the pore geometry in order to fully eliminate pores in a future research.

Effect of nitrogen passivation on interface composition and physical stress in SiO2/SiC(4H) structures

The electron density and physical stress at the thermally oxidized SiC/SiO2 interface, and their change with nitrogen incorporation, were observed using x-ray reflectivity, Raman scattering, and in-situ stress measurement. There is no evidence for residual carbon species at the SiO2/SiC. Instead, a ∼1 nm thick low electron density layer is formed at this interface, consistent with interfacial suboxides (SiOx, 0.3 &amp;lt; x &amp;lt; 2), along with high interfacial stress. Nitrogen passivation, a known process to improve the interface state density and electronic properties, eliminates the low density component and simultaneously releases the interface stress. On the basis of these findings, a chemical interaction model is proposed to explain the effect of the nitrogen in terms of both stress reduction and elemental control of the dielectric/SiC interface, resulting in a higher quality gate stack on SiC.