Convincing Systems Engineers to Use Human Factors Experts During Process Design.
Abstract not provided.
See, Judi E↗
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Rancor-HUNTER: Using a Simulator Engine for Realistic Human Performance Modeling of Nuclear Power Operations
The Human Unimodel for Nuclear Technology to Enhance Reliability (HUNTER) is a software system to simulate human performance in support of human reliability analysis (HRA) in nuclear power plants. This paper summarizes recent work to integrate HUNTER with a plant simulator, namely the Rancor Microworld Simulator. Rancor is an offshoot of earlier work at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to support plant modernization. The graphical software tools used to mimic digital human-system interface upgrades at INL’s Human Systems Simulation Laboratory were linked to the Rancor Microworld Simulator, an INL-developed simplified plant model. HUNTER becomes a “virtual operator” coupled to the Rancor simulator, thereby allowing a tight coupling between a digital human twin and a digital twin of the plant. Rancor-HUNTER may be run through Monte Carlo iterations across a dynamic range of performance shaping factors, thereby producing distributions of human performance in terms of procedure paths, errors instantiations, and task durations. This paper overviews the various unique features of Rancor-HUNTER and presents an example run of Rancor-HUNTER for a startup scenario.
99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
1-G Human Factors for Optimal Processing and Operability of Ground Systems up to CxP GOP PDR
During the mid stages of design development, up to Constellation Program (CxP) Preliminary Design Review (PDR), the requirements for leveraging I-G human factors for optimizing ground processing of Flight Hardware were mature for levels - 2, 3, 4, and 5. This paper gives an overview of the accomplishments achieved during that time. The main focus of this paper will be on the CxP Ground Operations Project human factors engineering analysis process using a Human Factors Engineering Analysis Tool (HFEAT) for developing the level- 5 requirements effecting the design development of the subsystems for Ground Support System (GSS), and Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
Stambolian, Damon B.↗
Training and certification of human organizational factors designers in nuclear plant engineering - 344
Performing an increasing number of small and large-scope nuclear Human Factors Programs, AREVA NP is facing the challenging situation that (1) well-trained experts in Human Factors or Usability Engineering are currently hard to find and (2) newly hired ones need at least two years 'on the job' to become familiar with the nuclear field and the complexity of engineering Human Factors in this field. To innovatively meet this challenge we focus instead on company-internal engineers. Demonstrated nuclear engineering knowledge and skills and pronounced interest to extend both renders them optimal applicants to the AREVA NP two years Human Organizational Factors Training and Certification program. The AREVA NP training shall convey Human Factors knowledge and skills within the limited time of two years. We also stress the need to change participants' mindset from a technically-biased to a human-centered approach, committed to involve end-users throughout design. Next to psychology principles, user testing, user-centered design, plant operation principles, and the acquisition and documentation of users' requirements, design constraints, and inherent tradeoffs, participants will be trained to apply learned methods in a real environment and meet the challenges of real projects. The following sections provide insights in the training conception and preparation phase, the identification of appropriate candidates, the development of course syllabuses, and the schedule of lectures and tests. The promising experiences made thus far are reported as well. (authors)
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
Three-Dimensional Engineered High Fidelity Normal Human Lung Tissue-Like Assemblies (TLA) as Targets for Human Respiratory Virus Infections
Unlike traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like assemblies (TLA) (Goodwin et aI, 1992, 1993, 2000 and Nickerson et aI. , 2001,2002) offer high organ fidelity with the potential to emulate the infective dynamics of viruses and bacteria in vivo. Thus, utilizing NASA micro gravity Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) technology, in vitro human broncho-epithelial (HBE) TLAs were engineered to mimic in vivo tissue for study of human respiratory viruses. These 3D HBE TLAs were propagated from a human broncho-tracheal cell line with a mesenchymal component (HBTC) as the foundation matrix and either an adult human broncho-epithelial cell (BEAS-2B) or human neonatal epithelial cell (16HBE140-) as the overlying element. Resulting TLAs share several characteristic features with in vivo human respiratory epithelium including tight junctions, desmosomes and cilia (SEM, TEM). The presence of epithelium and specific lung epithelium markers furthers the contention that these HBE cells differentiate into TLAs paralleling in vivo tissues. A time course of infection of these 3D HBE TLAs with human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) wild type A2 strain, indicates that virus replication and virus budding are supported and manifested by increasing virus titer and detection of membrane-bound F and G glycoproteins. Infected 3D HBE TLAs remain intact for up to 12 days compared to infected 2D cultures that are destroyed in 2-3 days. Infected cells show an increased vacuolation and cellular destruction (by transmission electron microscopy) by day 9; whereas, uninfected cells remain robust and morphologically intact. Therefore, the 3D HBE TLAs mimic aspects of human respiratory epithelium providing a unique opportunity to analyze, for the first time, simulated in vivo viral infection independent of host immune response.
Goodwin, T. J.↗
Digital Human Modeling
The development of models to represent human characteristics and behaviors in human factors is broad and general. The term "model" can refer to any metaphor to represent any aspect of the human; it is generally used in research to mean a mathematical tool for the simulation (often in software, which makes the simulation digital) of some aspect of human performance and for the prediction of future outcomes. This section is restricted to the application of human models in physical design, e.g., in human factors engineering. This design effort is typically human interface design, and the digital models used are anthropometric. That is, they are visual models that are the physical shape of humans and that have the capabilities and constraints of humans of a selected population. They are distinct from the avatars used in the entertainment industry (movies, video games, and the like) in precisely that regard: as models, they are created through the application of data on humans, and they are used to predict human response; body stresses workspaces. DHM enable iterative evaluation of a large number of concepts and support rapid analysis, as compared with use of physical mockups. They can be used to evaluate feasibility of escape of a suited astronaut from a damaged vehicle, before launch or after an abort (England, et al., 2012). Throughout most of human spaceflight, little attention has been paid to worksite design for ground workers. As a result of repeated damage to the Space Shuttle which adversely affected flight safety, DHM analyses of ground assembly and maintenance have been developed over the last five years for the design of new flight systems (Stambolian, 2012, Dischinger and Dunn Jackson, 2014). The intent of these analyses is to assure the design supports the work of the ground crew personnel and thereby protect the launch vehicle. They help the analyst address basic human factors engineering questions: can a worker reach the task site from the work platform provided; can she or he see the task site; can she or he control tools, which, if dropped, might damage the system? Figure 7.3.1 provides an example of such analysis for a future NASA launch vehicle. [figure 7.3.1 here] In-space systems for operation by astronauts have long been targets for DHM analysis, given the focus on mission success and concerns for astronaut safety. Figure 7.3.2 illustrates the analysis of the design to support astronaut tasks for an International Space Station glovebox. [Figure 7.3.2 here] Use by
Dischinger, H. Charles, Jr.↗
Influence of Microbial Membranes on Biofilm Formation, Scaling Reactions, and Production Chemistry in Engineered Energy Systems (Final Report)
Humans are engineering the deep subsurface for the purposes of energy-capture, energy-storage, and environmental mitigation. Despite the potential for microbial communities to significantly alter the effectiveness of these technologies, we have historically lacked a clear understanding of how microbial cells interact in a fractured shale system. Existing knowledge has been heavily based on genomic information, lacking studies on in situ physiologies, kinetic rates, and attachment mechanisms governing biogeochemical reactions in the system. The overarching goal of this research was to advance understanding of engineered hydrocarbon extraction systems as they evolve from newly developed environments to mature use. Plasma membranes protect microbial cells, mediate many critical functions, and respond to intracellular cues and ecological perturbations through physicochemical modifications. The project objectives were to 1) characterize variables influencing growth and membrane features of shale taxa, 2) characterize the interactions between shale matrices and microorganisms and 3) elucidate engineered and environmental processes driving biogeochemical signatures at the field scale. Objectives were realized through laboratory experiments involving growth of pure cultures and enrichments in continuous culture and biofilms; access to samples from two DOE-NETL funded energy-capture sites: Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Laboratory (MSEEL and MSEEL II); and through collaborations with scientists and engineers at the Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory (EMSL) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Key findings showed (a) Halanaerobium congolense WG10 makes its membrane more fluid and thicker through increasing its polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition under non-optimal salinities (7% and 20%) compared to the optimum (13% NaCl); (b) anionic phospholipids within the plasma membrane are important for high salinity tolerance in H. congolense WG10 while zwitterionic species modulate biofilm physiologies in both isolate and mixed cultures, and (c) tyrosine accumulation with overexpression of Na+/H+ antiporters are essential for osmoprotection in H. congolense WG10 under high salinity while upregulation of aromatic amino acid synthesis and cell envelope maintenance underpin biofilm formation. It is clear from these results that microbial persistence in fractured shale reservoirs under environmental and engineered perturbations requires strategic plasma membrane lipid chemistry adjustments and metabolic restructuring, with implications for improved shale microbiology management and more efficient hydrocarbon extraction approaches targeting microorganisms.
03 NATURAL GAS↗
Integration of MSFC Usability Lab with Usability Testing
As part of the Stage Analysis Branch, human factors engineering plays an important role in relating humans to the systems of hardware and structure designs of the new launch vehicle. While many branches are involved in the technical aspects of creating a launch vehicle, human factors connects humans to the scientific systems with the goal of improving operational performance and safety while reducing operational error and damage to the hardware. Human factors engineers use physical and computerized models to visualize possible areas for improvements to ensure human accessibility to components requiring maintenance and that the necessary maintenance activities can be accomplished with minimal risks to human and hardware. Many methods of testing are used to fulfill this goal, such as physical mockups, computerized visualization, and usability testing. In this analysis, a usability test is conducted to test how usable a website is to users who are and are not familiar with it. The testing is performed using participants and Morae software to record and analyze the results. This analysis will be a preliminary test of the usability lab in preparation for use in new spacecraft programs, NASA Enterprise, or other NASA websites. The usability lab project is divided into two parts: integration of the usability lab and a preliminary test of the usability lab.
Cheng, Yiwei↗
Assessing Engine Hot Fire Data for Human Spaceflight Applications
Development and certification of liquid engine systems for human spaceflight missions requires exhaustive analysis to meet the NASA’s requirements for engine health, reliability, and performance. The techniques used to assess requirement conformance and test-to-test engine health pose many unique challenges including the unusually large scale of data, complex component and system analysis, and rigorous engineering judgement standards. To address these challenges, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Engine Systems branch has developed and maintained a robust software suite and operational processes that satisfy programmatic requirements levied on engines and the 7 Elements of Flight Rationale. Analysis at a systems level includes subsystem assessment of components such as turbomachinery and combustion devices as well as structural and fluid dynamics and transient and steady-state assessment at a systems level. Some of the most important tools to accomplish this analysis are automated script databases, creation of historical and statistical comparisons, and parameters calculated at the full data rate. These tools greatly simplify the crucial processes of anomaly investigation, limit monitoring, health assessment, and timely communication of key conclusions drawn from hot fire testing and flight data analysis.
Data Assessment↗
Assessing Engine Hot Fire Data for Human Spaceflight Applications
Development and certification of liquid engine systems for human spaceflight missions requires exhaustive analysis to meet the NASA’s requirements for engine health, reliability, and performance. The techniques used to assess requirement conformance and test-to-test engine health pose many unique challenges including the unusually large scale of data, complex component and system analysis, and rigorous engineering judgement standards. To address these challenges, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s Engine Systems branch has developed and maintained a robust software suite and operational processes that satisfy programmatic requirements levied on engines and the 7 Elements of Flight Rationale. Analysis at a systems level includes subsystem assessment of components such as turbomachinery and combustion devices as well as structural and fluid dynamics and transient and steady-state assessment at a systems level. Some of the most important tools to accomplish this analysis are automated script databases, creation of historical and statistical comparisons, and parameters calculated at the full data rate. These tools greatly simplify the crucial processes of anomaly investigation, limit monitoring, health assessment, and timely communication of key conclusions drawn from hot fire testing and flight data analysis.
Data Assessment↗
GN&C Engineering Best Practices For Human-Rated Spacecraft Systems
The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) recently completed an in-depth assessment to identify a comprehensive set of engineering considerations for the Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (DDT&E) of safe and reliable human-rated spacecraft systems. Reliability subject matter experts, discipline experts, and systems engineering experts were brought together to synthesize the current "best practices" both at the spacecraft system and subsystems levels. The objective of this paper is to summarize, for the larger Community of Practice, the initial set of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) engineering Best Practices as identified by this NESC assessment process.
Dennehy, Cornelius J.↗
GN&C Engineering Best Practices for Human-Rated Spacecraft Systems
The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) recently completed an in-depth assessment to identify a comprehensive set of engineering considerations for the Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (DDT&E) of safe and reliable human-rated spacecraft systems. Reliability subject matter experts, discipline experts, and systems engineering experts were brought together to synthesize the current "best practices" both at the spacecraft system and subsystems levels. The objective of this paper is to summarize, for the larger Community of Practice, the initial set of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) engineering Best Practices as identified by this NESC assessment process.
Dennehy, Cornelius J.↗
GN&C Engineering Best Practices for Human-Rated Spacecraft System
The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) recently completed an in-depth assessment to identify a comprehensive set of engineering considerations for the Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (DDT&E) of safe and reliable human-rated spacecraft systems. Reliability subject matter experts, discipline experts, and systems engineering experts were brought together to synthesize the current "best practices" both at the spacecraft system and subsystems levels. The objective of this paper is to summarize, for the larger Community of Practice, the initial set of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) engineering Best Practices as identified by this NESC assessment process.
Dennehy, Cornelius J.↗
Postures and Motions Library Development for Verification of Ground Crew Human Factors Requirements
Spacecraft and launch vehicle ground processing activities require a variety of unique human activities. These activities are being documented in a primitive motion capture library. The library will be used by human factors engineering analysts to infuse real to life human activities into the CAD models to verify ground systems human factors requirements. As the primitive models are being developed for the library, the project has selected several current human factors issues to be addressed for the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion launch systems. This paper explains how the motion capture of unique ground systems activities is being used to verify the human factors engineering requirements for ground systems used to process the SLS and Orion vehicles, and how the primitive models will be applied to future spacecraft and launch vehicle processing.
Stambolian, Damon↗
Application of HFE to the design and V and V of a computerized procedure system: benefits and challenges - 234
The application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) practices to the Human Machine Interface design and subsequent Verification and Validation (V and V) is a widely applied practice when talking about the design of complete control rooms or important control room modernizations, but not so often applied to the design of computerized operator support systems. In order to overcome the challenges faced on designing a Computerized Operation Support System (COSS) that meets the process efficiency requirements and integrates seemingly with hybrid plant operation concept, the involvement of a HFE team early in the COSS design and implementation process along with operation, Instrumentation and Control (I and C) and cybersecurity experts will guarantee the project success. This paper documents the HFE process applied during the design and evaluation of a Computerized Procedure System (CPS) and how final product was shaped to ensure that the transition from paper to computerized procedures will help in meeting Delivering the Nuclear Promise (DNP) goals, improving plant efficiency. The HFE program included the following activities: 1. A review of existing operating experience 2. An analysis of functions and tasks associated to the use and maintenance of CPS 3. A design verification of the system to meet guidelines prescribed in the NUREG-0700 (Rev.2), requirements of the ISG-05 and cybersecurity criteria (NEI 08-09, IEC-62646, EPRI 1015313, these among others). 4. An integrated system validation in a full scope simulator The application of HFE practices in the design and implementation of COSS helps not only to ensure that efficiency and safety improvement requirements are met, but also to evaluate the potential return of the investment, that such tools should bring. (authors)
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
A Guide for Selecting Appropriate Human Factors Methods and Measures in Control Room Modernization Efforts in Nuclear Power Plants
Abstract. Many of the U.S. nuclear power plants are approaching the end of their 60-year licensing period. The U.S. Department of Energy Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program is conducting targeted research to extend the lives and ensure long-term reliability, productivity, safety, and security of these plants through targeted research, such as with integrating advanced digital instrumentation and control technologies in the main control room. There are many challenges to this, one being the integration of human factors engineering in the design and evaluation of these upgrades. This paper builds upon recent efforts in developing utility-specific guidance for integrating human factors engineering in the control room modernization process by providing commonly used data collection methods that are applicable at various phases of the upgrade process. Advantages and disadvantages of each method is provided for consideration of an optimal human factors evaluation plan to be used throughout the lifespan of the upgrade process.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
Multi-Target Camera Tracking, Hand-off and Display LDRD 158819 Final Report
Modern security control rooms gather video and sensor feeds from tens to hundreds of cameras. Advanced camera analytics can detect motion from individual video streams and convert unexpected motion into alarms, but the interpretation of these alarms depends heavily upon human operators. Unfortunately, these operators can be overwhelmed when a large number of events happen simultaneously, or lulled into complacency due to frequent false alarms. This LDRD project has focused on improving video surveillance-based security systems by changing the fundamental focus from the cameras to the targets being tracked. If properly integrated, more cameras shouldn’t lead to more alarms, more monitors, more operators, and increased response latency but instead should lead to better information and more rapid response times. For the course of the LDRD we have been developing algorithms that take live video imagery from multiple video cameras, identify individual moving targets from the background imagery, and then display the results in a single 3D interactive video. In this document we summarize the work in developing this multi-camera, multi-target system, including lessons learned, tools developed, technologies explored, and a description of current capability.
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗