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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 253 records · Page 14

Remote Instrumentation and Data Acquisition: An Internship Research Report

This report outlines the development and implementation of a remote data acquisition system for waveform analysis using a Rohde & Schwarz oscilloscope. The project involved capturing waveform data, and transferring it to a local machine for visualization and analysis. The core logic was developed in C++ with a focus on object oriented programming and the use of polymorphism so the main application can interact with any instrument without knowing its exact type, simplifying the overall logic and making it easier to add or swap out components without changing the rest of the codebase.. The system issues Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments (SCPI) via a socket connection and parses the oscilloscope’s ASCII waveform data. The C++ application was containerized using Docker for ease of portability, and reproducibility. Emphasis was placed on secure networking practices, error handling, and effective data capture. The report describes the technical steps taken, challenges encountered, and lessons learned, providing insight into the practical integration of hardware interfacing with remote computational environments.

Parikh, Jaymil [Fermilab]↗

Applied virtual reality at the Research Triangle Institute

Virtual Reality (VR) is a way for humans to use computers in visualizing, manipulating and interacting with large geometric data bases. This paper describes a VR infrastructure and its application to marketing, modeling, architectural walk through, and training problems. VR integration techniques used in these applications are based on a uniform approach which promotes portability and reusability of developed modules. For each problem, a 3D object data base is created using data captured by hand or electronically. The object's realism is enhanced through either procedural or photo textures. The virtual environment is created and populated with the data base using software tools which also support interactions with and immersivity in the environment. These capabilities are augmented by other sensory channels such as voice recognition, 3D sound, and tracking. Four applications are presented: a virtual furniture showroom, virtual reality models of the North Carolina Global TransPark, a walk through the Dresden Fraunenkirche, and the maintenance training simulator for the National Guard.

Montoya, R. Jorge↗

Portable X-Y Scanner

Lightweight device uses one drive motor for surface scanning. Electromechanical X-Y Scanner indexed in both x and y by single motor. Constructed of readily available inexpensive parts. Used to move eddycurrent sensor over surface of metal plate; other applications for unique features include low power consumption, light weight, and portability.

Kurtz, G. W.↗

Improved Low-Temperature Performance of Li-Ion Cells Using New Electrolytes

As part of the continuing efforts to develop advanced electrolytes to improve the performance of lithium-ion cells, especially at low temperatures, a number of electrolyte formulations have been developed that result in improved low-temperature performance (down to 60 C) of 26650 A123Systems commercial lithium-ion cells. The cell type/design, in which the new technology has been demonstrated, has found wide application in the commercial sector (i.e., these cells are currently being used in commercial portable power tools). In addition, the technology is actively being considered for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) applications. In current work, a number of low-temperature electrolytes have been developed based on advances involving lithium hexafluorophosphate-based solutions in carbonate and carbonate + ester solvent blends, which have been further optimized in the context of the technology and targeted applications. The approaches employed, which include the use of ternary mixtures of carbonates, the use of ester co-solvents [e.g., methyl butyrate (MB)], and optimized lithium salt concentrations (e.g., LiPF6), were compared with the commercial baseline electrolyte, as well as an electrolyte being actively considered for DoE HEV applications and previously developed by a commercial enterprise, namely LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) + ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)(30:70%).

Smart, Marshall C.↗

Potential aerospace applications of high temperature superconductors

The recent discovery of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS) with superconducting transition temperature, T(sub c), above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen has opened the door for using these materials in new and practical applications. These materials have zero resistance to electric current, have the capability of carrying large currents and as such have the potential to be used in high magnetic field applications. One of the space applications that can use superconductors is electromagnetic launch of payloads to low-earth-orbit. An electromagnetic gun-type launcher can be used in small payload systems that are launched at very high velocity, while sled-type magnetically levitated launcher can be used to launch larger payloads at smaller velocities. Both types of launchers are being studied by NASA and the aerospace industry. The use of superconductors will be essential in any of these types of launchers in order to produce the large magnetic fields required to obtain large thrust forces. Low Temperature Superconductor (LTS) technology is mature enough and can be easily integrated in such systems. As for the HTS, many leading companies are currently producing HTS coils and magnets that potentially can be mass-produced for these launchers. It seems that designing and building a small-scale electromagnetic launcher is the next logical step toward seriously considering this method for launching payloads into low-earth-orbit. A second potential application is the use of HTS to build sensitive portable devices for the use in Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE). Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUID's) are the most sensitive instruments for measuring changes in magnetic flux. By using HTS in SQUID's, one will be able to design a portable unit that uses liquid nitrogen or a cryocooler pump to explore the use of gradiometers or magnetometers to detect deep cracks or corrosion in structures. A third use is the replacement of Infra-Red (IR) sensor leads on Earth Orbit Systems (EOS) with HTS leads. IR detectors on these EOS missions are cooled to a 4.2K to improve their signal to noise ratio. They are connected to data acquisitions systems using manganin wires (low thermal conductors) to reduce the heat load on the cryogen. Replacing these wires with HTS leads will increase the lifetime of these missions by about 50 percent. This is a promising application that is ready for actual implementation on such systems. The analysis also show that an the number of IR detectors increase in larger EOS systems, substantial increase in the lifetime of each mission will be realized by using HTS leads instead of the manganin ones.

Selim, Raouf↗

Biomedical technology transfer. Applications of NASA science and technology

Ongoing projects described address: (1) intracranial pressure monitoring; (2) versatile portable speech prosthesis; (3) cardiovascular magnetic measurements; (4) improved EMG biotelemetry for pediatrics; (5) ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration; (6) pediatric roentgen densitometry; (7) X-ray spatial frequency multiplexing; (8) mechanical impedance determination of bone strength; (9) visual-to-tactile mobility aid for the blind; (10) Purkinje image eyetracker and stabilized photocoalqulator; (11) neurological applications of NASA-SRI eyetracker; (12) ICU synthesized speech alarm; (13) NANOPHOR: microelectrophoresis instrument; (14) WRISTCOM: tactile communication system for the deaf-blind; (15) medical applications of NASA liquid-circulating garments; and (16) hip prosthesis with biotelemetry. Potential transfer projects include a person-portable versatile speech prosthesis, a critical care transport sytem, a clinical information system for cardiology, a programmable biofeedback orthosis for scoliosis a pediatric long-bone reconstruction, and spinal immobilization apparatus.

Harrison, D. C.↗

LiCoO2 and SnO2 Thin Film Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Battery Applications

There is an increasing need for small dimension, ultra-lightweight, portable power supplies due to the miniaturization of consumer electronic devices. Rechargeable thin film lithium-ion batteries have the potential to fulfill the growing demands for micro-energy storage devices. However, rechargeable battery technology and fabrication processes have not kept paced with the advances made in device technology. Economical fabrication methods lending excellent microstructural and compositional control in the thin film battery electrodes have yet to be fully developed. In this study, spin coating has been used to demonstrate the flexibility of the approach to produce both anode (SnO2) and cathode (LiCoO2) thin films. Results on the microstructure crystal structure and electrochemical properties of the thin film electrodes are described and discussed.

Maranchi, Jeffrey P.↗

Recent Developments and Applications of Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays

There are many applications that require long wavelength, large, uniform, reproducible, low cost, stable, and radiation-hard infrared (IR) focal plane arrays (FPAs). For example, the absorption lines of many gas molecules, such as ozone, water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide occur in the wavelength region from 3 to 18 micron. Thus, IR imaging systems that operate in the long wavelength IR (LWIR) region (6 - 18 micron) are required in many space borne applications such as monitoring the global atmospheric temperature profiles, relative humidity profiles, cloud characteristics, and the distribution of minor constituents in the atmosphere which are being planned for future NASA Earth and planetary remote sensing systems. Due to higher radiation hardness, lower 1/f noise, and larger array size the GaAs based Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) FPAs are very attractive for such space borne applications compared to intrinsic narrow band gap detector arrays. In this presentation we will discuss the optimization of the detector design, material growth and processing that has culminated in realization of large format long-wavelength QWIP FPAs, portable and miniature LWIR cameras, holding forth great promise for myriad applications in 6-18 micron wavelength range in science, medicine, defense and industry. In addition, we will present some system demonstrations using broadband, two-color, and high quantum efficiency long-wavelength QWIP FPAs.

Gunapala, S. D.↗

Canadian experience with nickel cadmium systems

The Defense Research Establishment Ottawa (DREO) has been studying the nickel-cadmium system, both vented and sealed, since the early 1950's. Reasonable success has been achieved in a wide variety of applications covering: military vehicle use under Arctic conditions; high performance military aircraft; manpacked communications sets; remote standby power and small portable instrumentation. Early studies on the vented system for high rate vehicle and aircraft cranking applications proved useful in later studies on the sealed NiCd system. This was especially true in the areas of plate loading and electrolyte composition. To achieve high rate cranking currents of 20C to 30C, it was necessary to have light to moderate plate loadings, a large reactive surface area, and electrolyte of optimum conductivity. DREO undertook some fundamental studies to understand the system from the inside out rather than test cells from the outside and then analyze their components. The conclusions of these studies were incorporated into the Procurement Specification for Ni-Cd cells ISISA Spec S615-P-2. A brief comment will be made on the choice of cell design and how some of the factors of cell manufacture could affect cell performance.

Lackner, J. L.↗

The Persistent Challenge of Data Locality in the Post-Exascale Era

The era of exascale computing, exemplified by systems like Frontier achieving exaflop-level performance, marks a milestone. However, the quest for sheer compute power leads to strong imbalance in system design. Hence, scaling advancements in memory, network bandwidth, and storage are also necessary and pose challenges, with a crucial need to address data locality issues. This article underscores the fundamental importance of data locality as a key abstraction for optimizing application performance. Despite notable software solutions, the growing complexity of parallelism and memory hierarchy demands performance-portable data locality solutions across diverse computing platforms. Additionally, the article revisits data locality aspects, covering hardware considerations, application perspectives, software stack abstractions, and tool support. It concludes with insights into data locality challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the ongoing significance of collaborative research for progress in this critical issue.

Unat, Didem [Koc University, Istanbul (Turkey)] (O↗

Thin spray film thickness measuring technique

Thin spray film application depths, in the 0.0002 cm to 0.002 cm range, are measured by portable, commercially available, light density measuring device used in conjunction with glass plate or photographic film. Method is automated by using mechanical/electrical control for shutting off film applicator at desired densitometer reading.

Jones, G.↗

A device-dependent interface for interactive image display

The structure of the device independent Display Management Subsystem (DMS) and the interface routines that are available to the applications programmer for use in developing a set of portable image display utility programs are described.

Perkins, D. C.↗

A device-independent interface for image display software

The structure of the device independent Display Management Subsystem (DMS) and the interface routines that are available to the applications programmer for use in developing a set of portable image display utility programs are described.

Perkins, D. C.↗

Algorithms and programming tools for image processing on the MPP, part 2

A number of algorithms were developed for image warping and pyramid image filtering. Techniques were investigated for the parallel processing of a large number of independent irregular shaped regions on the MPP. In addition some utilities for dealing with very long vectors and for sorting were developed. Documentation pages for the algorithms which are available for distribution are given. The performance of the MPP for a number of basic data manipulations was determined. From these results it is possible to predict the efficiency of the MPP for a number of algorithms and applications. The Parallel Pascal development system, which is a portable programming environment for the MPP, was improved and better documentation including a tutorial was written. This environment allows programs for the MPP to be developed on any conventional computer system; it consists of a set of system programs and a library of general purpose Parallel Pascal functions. The algorithms were tested on the MPP and a presentation on the development system was made to the MPP users group. The UNIX version of the Parallel Pascal System was distributed to a number of new sites.

Reeves, Anthony P.↗

The development of interior noise and vibration criteria

A generalized model was developed for estimating passenger discomfort response to combined noise and vibration. This model accounts for broadband noise and vibration spectra and multiple axes of vibration as well as the interactive effects of combined noise and vibration. The model has the unique capability of transforming individual components of noise/vibration environment into subjective comfort units and then combining these comfort units to produce a total index of passenger discomfort and useful sub-indices that typify passenger comfort within the environment. An overview of the model development is presented including the methodology employed, major elements of the model, model applications, and a brief description of a commercially available portable ride comfort meter based directly upon the model algorithms. Also discussed are potential criteria formats that account for the interactive effects of noise and vibration on human discomfort response.

Leatherwood, J. D.↗

Activity-Centric Approach to Distributed Programming

The first phase of an effort to develop a NASA version of the Cybele software system has been completed. To give meaning to even a highly abbreviated summary of the modifications to be embodied in the NASA version, it is necessary to present the following background information on Cybele: Cybele is a proprietary software infrastructure for use by programmers in developing agent-based application programs [complex application programs that contain autonomous, interacting components (agents)]. Cybele provides support for event handling from multiple sources, multithreading, concurrency control, migration, and load balancing. A Cybele agent follows a programming paradigm, called activity-centric programming, that enables an abstraction over system-level thread mechanisms. Activity centric programming relieves application programmers of the complex tasks of thread management, concurrency control, and event management. In order to provide such functionality, activity-centric programming demands support of other layers of software. This concludes the background information. In the first phase of the present development, a new architecture for Cybele was defined. In this architecture, Cybele follows a modular service-based approach to coupling of the programming and service layers of software architecture. In a service-based approach, the functionalities supported by activity-centric programming are apportioned, according to their characteristics, among several groups called services. A well-defined interface among all such services serves as a path that facilitates the maintenance and enhancement of such services without adverse effect on the whole software framework. The activity-centric application-program interface (API) is part of a kernel. The kernel API calls the services by use of their published interface. This approach makes it possible for any application code written exclusively under the API to be portable for any configuration of Cybele.

Levy, Renato↗