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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

Orbiter Landing Loads Math Model Description and Correlation with ALT Flight Data

Results of the space shuttle approach and landing test are examined in order to assess landing gear characteristics and performance and verify landing dynamic analyses. The landing gears were instrumented with load-calibrated strain gages, a wheel-speed sensor, and strut stroke measurement devices. The mathematical procedure used in predicting the shuttle touchdown loads and dynamics is presented together with the comparisons between measured flight data and the analytical predictions. Conclusions from these data are also presented.

Hamilton, D. A.↗

Numerical Experimentation with Maximum Likelihood Identification in Static Distributed Systems

Many important issues in the control of large space structures are intimately related to the fundamental problem of parameter identification. One might also ask how well this identification process can be carried out in the presence of noisy data since no sensor system is perfect. With these considerations in mind the algorithms herein are designed to treat both the case of uncertainties in the modeling and uncertainties in the data. The analytical aspects of maximum likelihood identification are considered in some detail in another paper. The questions relevant to the implementation of these schemes are dealt with, particularly as they apply to models of large space structures. The emphasis is on the influence of the infinite dimensional character of the problem on finite dimensional implementations of the algorithms. Those areas of current and future analysis are highlighted which indicate the interplay between error analysis and possible truncations of the state and parameter spaces.

Scheid, R. E., Jr.↗

Optimization of Ocean Color Algorithms: Application to Satellite Data Merging

The objective of our program is to develop and validate a procedure for ocean color data merging which is one of the major goals of the SIMBIOS project. The need for a merging capability is dictated by the fact that since the launch of MODIS on the Terra platform and over the next decade, several global ocean color missions from various space agencies are or will be operational simultaneously. The apparent redundancy in simultaneous ocean color missions can actually be exploited to various benefits. The most obvious benefit is improved coverage. The patchy and uneven daily coverage from any single sensor can be improved by using a combination of sensors. Beside improved coverage of the global Ocean the merging of Ocean color data should also result in new, improved, more diverse and better data products with lower uncertainties. Ultimately, ocean color data merging should result in the development of a unified, scientific quality, ocean color time series, from SeaWiFS to NPOESS and beyond. Various approaches can be used for ocean color data merging and several have been tested within the frame of the SIMBIOS program. As part of the SIMBIOS Program, we have developed a merging method for ocean color data. Conversely to other methods our approach does not combine end-products like the subsurface chlorophyll concentration (chl) from different sensors to generate a unified product. Instead, our procedure uses the normalized water-leaving radiances (L(sub WN)(lambda)) from single or multiple sensors and uses them in the inversion of a semi-analytical ocean color model that allows the retrieval of several ocean color variables simultaneously. Beside ensuring simultaneity and consistency of the retrievals (all products are derived from a single algorithm), this model-based approach has various benefits over techniques that blend end-products (e.g. chlorophyll): 1) it works with single or multiple data sources regardless of their specific bands, 2) it exploits band redundancies and band differences, 3) it accounts for uncertainties in the (L(sub WN)(lambda)) data and, 4) it provides uncertainty estimates for the retrieved variables.

Maritorena, Stephane↗

Optimization of Ocean Color Algorithms: Application to Satellite Data Merging

The objective of the program is to develop and validate a procedure for ocean color data merging, which is one of the major goals of the SIMBIOS project. As part of the SIMBIOS Program, we have developed a merging method for ocean color data. Conversely to other methods our approach does not combine end-products like the subsurface chlorophyll concentration (chl) from different sensors to generate a unified product. Instead, our procedure uses the normalized water-leaving radiances L((sub wN)(lambda)) from single or multiple sensors and uses them in the inversion of a semi-analytical ocean color model that allows the retrieval of several ocean color variables simultaneously. Beside ensuring simultaneity and consistency of the retrievals (all products are derived from a single algorithm), this model-based approach has various benefits over techniques that blend end-products (e.g. chlorophyll): 1) It works with single or multiple data sources regardless of their specific bands; 2) It exploits band redundancies and band differences; 3) It accounts for uncertainties in the L((sub wN)(lambda)) data; 4) It provides uncertainty estimates for the retrieved variables.

Ritorena, Stephane↗

A multi-modal sweat sensing patch for cross-verification of sweat rate, total ionic charge, and Na + concentration

Sweat sensors introduced in recent years have targeted a variety of sweat features and biomarkers for non-invasive health monitoring. Amongst these targets, reliable monitoring of sweat rate is crucial due to its modulation of sweat analyte concentrations and its intrinsic significance to numerous medical and physiological health conditions. In this paper, we present a sweat rate sensor structure comprising of electrodes with interdigitated fingers in a microfluidic channel. Each time the accumulating sweat impinges on an electrode finger, the sensor reports a jump in admittance that can be simply and efficiently counted to estimate sweat rate, overcoming selectivity limitations of previously reported sweat rate sensors. We further integrate an impedimetric sensor for measuring total ionic charge concentration and an electrochemical Na + sensor, together creating a multi-modal system for analyzing fluid and electrolyte secretion. We demonstrate how low analyte diffusion rates through this microfluidic device allow for multi-purpose sensor function, including utilizing the sweat rate sensor signal to corroborate total ionic sensor measurements. This cross-verification capability ensures data integrity in real time, satisfying a vital consideration for personalized healthcare technologies. We use the presented patch for continuous analysis of sweat rate, total ionic charge concentration, and Na + concentration during exercise, while demonstrating how multi-modal cross-verification brings new trust to sensor readings.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Super-resolution surface slope metrology of x-ray mirrors

We present experimental, analytical, and numerical methods developed for reconstruction (deconvolution) of one-dimensional (1D) surface slope profiles over the spatial frequency range where the raw data are significantly perturbed due to the limited resolution of the measurement instrument. We characterize the spatial resolution properties of a profiler with the instrument's transfer function (ITF). To precisely measure the ITF, we apply a recently developed method utilizing test surfaces with 1D linear chirped height profiles of constant slope amplitude. Based on the results of the ITF calibration, we determine parameters of an analytical model for the ITF that is used in the original reconstruction software. Here, we treat surface slope metrology data obtained with the Optical Surface Measuring System (OSMS), using as a sensor an electronic autocollimator (AC) ELCOMAT-3000. The spatial resolution of the OSMS is limited by the size of the AC light-beam-collimating aperture. For the purposes of this investigation, the OSMS is equipped with a circular aperture with a diameter of 2.5 mm. This is a typical arrangement of most AC-based slope profilers developed for surface slope metrology of state-of-the-art x-ray mirrors. Using the example of surface slope metrology of two state-of-the-art elliptically shaped x-ray focusing mirrors, we demonstrate that the developed data reconstruction procedure allows us to significantly improve the accuracy of surface slope metrology with the OSMS over the spatial wavelength range from ~1.6 mm to 7 mm. Thus, the amplitude of the quasi-periodic error characteristic of the deterministic polishing process used appears to be higher by a factor of~2 than is apparent from the rough metrology data. Underestimation of the surface slope errors in this spatial wavelength range can lead to serious errors in the expected performance of x-ray mirrors in synchrotron beamlines, especially at modern light sources utilizing coherent x rays, where the perturbations can lead to increased speckle-like intensity variation.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Analytical evaluation of tilting proprotor wind tunnel test requirements

Specific test requirements related to the wind tunnel testing of the XV-15 advanced tilt rotor research aircraft were determined. The following analytical tools were developed: (1) digital simulation of the XV-15, incorporating a simplified tunnel support model, control system loop, measurement lags, gust disturbances, and sensor noise, (2) specialization of existing data analysis programs to the high order XV-15 dynamical model (transfer function program, a time series analysis program, an advanced maximum likelihood parameter identification program), (3) several auxiliary programs to provide estimates of damping from transfer functions as well as calculations of model decomposition of system response. The following results were discussed: (1) modelling of the aircraft, instrumentation, and controls, (2) results of the rotor/cantilever wing model and coupled wing, (3) examples of data prediction with system identification techniques, and (4) detailed conclusions and recommendations.

Hall, W. E., Jr.↗

Automated vehicle guidance using discrete reference markers

Techniques for providing steering control for an automated vehicle using discrete reference markers fixed to the road surface are investigated analytically. Either optical or magnetic approaches can be used for the sensor, which generates a measurement of the lateral offset of the vehicle path at each marker to form the basic data for steering control. Possible mechanizations of sensor and controller are outlined. Techniques for handling certain anomalous conditions, such as a missing marker, or loss of acquisition, and special maneuvers, such as u-turns and switching, are briefly discussed. A general analysis of the vehicle dynamics and the discrete control system is presented using the state variable formulation. Noise in both the sensor measurement and in the steering servo are accounted for. An optimal controller is simulated on a general purpose computer, and the resulting plots of vehicle path are presented. Parameters representing a small multipassenger tram were selected, and the simulation runs show response to an erroneous sensor measurement and acquisition following large initial path errors.

Johnston, A. R.↗

Effect of the space environment on materials flown on the EURECA/TICCE-HVI experiment

The primary benefit of accurately quantifying and characterizing the space environmental effects on materials is longer instrument and spacecraft life. Knowledge of the limits of materials allows the designer to optimize the spacecraft design so that the required life is achieved. Materials such as radiator coatings that have excellent durability result in the design of smaller radiators than a radiator coated with a lower durability coating. This may reduce the weight of the spacecraft due to a more optimum design. Another benefit of characterizing materials is the quantification of outgassing properties. Spacecraft which have ultraviolet or visible sensor payloads are susceptible to contamination by outgassed volatile materials. Materials with known outgassing characteristics can be restricted in these spacecraft. Finally, good data on material characteristics improves the ability of analytical models to predict material performance. A flight experiment was conducted on the European Space Agency's European Retrievable Carrier (EuReCa) as part of the Timeband Capture Cell Experiment (TICCE). Our main objective was to gather additional data on the dust and debris environments, with the focus on understanding growth as a function of size (mass) for hypervelocity particles 1E-06 cm and larger. In addition to enumerating particle impacts, hypervelocity particles were to be captured and returned intact. Measurements were performed post-flight to determine the flux density, diameters, and subsequent effects on various optical, thermal control and structural materials. In addition to these principal measurements, the experiment also provided a structure and sample holders for the exposure of passive material samples to the space environment, e.g., the effects of thermal cycling, atomic oxygen, etc. Preliminary results are presented, including the techniques used for intact capture of particles.

Maag, Carl R.↗

Static strain measurements on gas turbine combustor liners

It is noted that the combustor, a critical hot section component, can suffer failure through crack formation, buckling, and liner burn-through. Thus, there is a need to develop instrumentation which can function reliably in the combustor liner environment during testing and provide data to verify the accuracy of the analytical predictive tools used in designing the combustors. The results of an investigation into the suitability of a number of resistive, capacitive, optical, and electronic sensors are presented. The three sensors judged to possess the potential for measuring static strains up to + or - 2,000 micro-strain at temperatures to 1150 K with an accuracy of + or - 10% are the Kanthal A-1 Wire Strain Gage, Speckle Photography with Heterodyne Halo Evaluation, and the Thin Film Capacitive Sensor.

Raymondo, P.↗

Imaging spectrometry for earth remote sensing

Initial results of the novel remote earth sensing technique of imaging spectrometry, which is technically feasible from both spacecraft and aircraft platforms, indicate that the direct identification of surface materials on a picture-element basis is possible through proper sampling of absorption features in the reflectance spectrum. Sensors of this type are able to acquire images simultaneously in 100-200 contiguous spectral bands. Computerized data reduction and storage techniques are available for the large data sets thus generated, and novel analytic techniques are under development to maximize information content extraction.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Ultra-Pure, High Endurance Liquid Bladder with Volume Sensor for Space Applications

The NASA Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) incorporates a Feedwater Supply Assembly (FSA) to store consumable cooling water. The FSA accepts pure water prior to each Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), then supplies this water to a membrane evaporator at ambient suit pressure during the eight hour EVA. The FSA must function reliably for hundreds of EVAs over 15 years of service without introducing contamination that may accumulate and foul the membrane. We present a unique design that combines the benefits of a flexible fluoropolymer bladder with the strength and convenience of a rigid tank, providing an ultra-pure, ambient-pressure reservoir with fill-drain cycle life exceeding 3000, internal pressure tolerance exceeding 100 psi, high volumetric efficiency, near-zero dead volume, optical transparency for visual inspection, simplified mounting, and very low mass. We also incorporate a novel volume sensor suitable for both microgravity and arbitrarily accelerated environments and capable of real-time monitoring with accuracy on the order of 2.5% full scale. Analytical predictions are supported by experimental test data from a mature subscale prototype.

PLSS Portable Life Support System FSA Feedwater Su↗

Novel Data Driven Noise Emulation Framework using Deep Neural Network for Generating Synthetic PMU Measurements

Sensors play a critical role in supporting day-to-day grid operations and they are essential to operator’s decision-making process. Furthermore, sensors and sensor behaviors need to be emulated with grid simulations to perform modeling studies and to design cutting edge power systems applications. Ensuring the accurate behavior of these applications requires accurate emulation of sensors and pertinent signals. However, most grid simulators and modeling tools assume either zero error scenarios or simplistic noise models that may not always correlate to real-world sensors. To address the above issue, this work presents an initial study on the noise characteristics of phasor measurement units (PMUs), along with models for recreating their unique noise signatures. The proposed methods (both analytical and machine-learning-based) provide a substantial increase in a sensor’s model fidelity, a feature that can be leveraged by an end-user application to yield more accurate system representations. The proposed methods were then applied to micro PMU data from the EPFL microgrid campus to extract sensor noise profiles. This data was used to train a deep learning model, which was tested to emulate the noise characteristics present in actual signals. Based on the observed results and the employed data-driven methodology, the proposed methods may be adapted to replicate the behavior of other grid sensors and power new applications capable of detecting sensor degradation and eventual device failures in near real-time.

PMU, noise emulation, synthetic measurements, deep↗

Glassy carbon formation from pyrolysis of polymeric coatings on fiber-optic sensors

Deploying fiber-optic sensors in nuclear reactors requires a detailed understanding of radiation effects on the fiber materials and the transmitted signals. Previous work has shown large wavelength shifts in the reflected spectra obtained from polymer-coated fiber-optic temperature sensors exposed to high neutron fluences. The sensor drift resulting from these wavelength shifts cannot be explained by radiation effects on fused silica glass. These shifts are hypothesized to be caused by the conversion of the polymeric fiber coating to a glassy carbon via radiolysis and/or pyrolysis and subsequent radiation-induced compaction. Here, thermal degradation of these polymeric coatings was studied to provide insight into the potential origins of the sensor drift phenomenon. Acrylate- and polyimide-coated fibers were heated under various temperatures (250–1300 °C) and environments (oxidative and inert), and the resulting coating products were characterized via mass-loss data, scanning electron microscope imaging, and Raman spectroscopy. Results suggest that the polymer decomposition product of both coating types, at least under inert conditions, is indeed a glassy carbon. Analytical models that account for radiation-induced glassy carbon coating compaction show significant compressive fiber strains and predicted wavelength shifts that agree well with experimental measurements, providing additional evidence that supports the hypothesized origins of the sensor drift.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multi-Formalism Modeling for Disaster Resilience, Forecasting, and Response

Disaster response preparedness, risk mitigation, and effective post-event response are critical for national security, public health, and economic integrity. For areas impacted by extreme events, timely and accurate impact assessments of lifeline infrastructures are critical. Traditional disaster management and situational awareness platforms are not capable of handling the massive influx of available information from traditional and non-traditional sources. Next-generation analytic assessment approaches, where use of dynamically sourced, heterogeneous data with near real-time availability are integrated into a continually-updated analytics framework. The objective of this research was to develop a foundational multi-formalism modeling platform to integrate novel data sources for use in improving situational awareness after a disaster event. Specifically, to 1) provide an architecture for machine-learning based data fusion various multi-sensor datasets; 2) classify, geolocate, and temporally bin novel data sources for use in spatially-enabled machine-learning based data fusion; and 3) derive confidence-based observation data with machine-learning based prediction to fill spatial and temporal observation gaps. This project developed a reusable cloud-based pipeline architecture for ingesting, storing, and analyzing relevant data, executing a range of deep-learning models, and visualize the information geographically. The pipeline development was informed by previous PNNL investments (StreamKit) and built upon leading-edge technologies consisting of: 1) a raw datastore; 2) a data enrichment pipeline with custom and third-party analytics; 3) enriched data storage; and 4) a custom UI to display the enriched data. Machine learning/deep learning models were selected and tested to classify social media images for relevancy and presence of flood waters. Our custom trained relevance models were run on a validation dataset and the overall accuracy of the relevance classifiers ranged from 65% to 90%. We found that convolutional neural network (CNN) models were both faster and more accurate than more traditional machine learning models. We applied the relevance classifier to remove non-relevant images and then undertook a limited training of CNN models to detect flood on ~1,800 labeled images. The testing accuracy of the flood detection models were ~88%. To improve the geographic location of both social media and oblique aerial images we tested a multi-step workflow built on a pre-trained deep-learning model. To identify similarity features from test and reference scenes, we applied the Xception and Faiss models to a set of test images with inaccurate spatial locations, as well and precisely-located reference scenes from the general area. Matching reference scenes to the test scenes with the closest similarity index had limited success in improving the precision of test scene location and additional methods have been identified for testing. Data fusion between authoritative geographic data (satellite imaging) and non-authoritative crowdsourced data is an underlying theme throughout this research and methods are tested bring these data to a common geographic form through feature matching and transformations. The automated extraction of supporting information for disaster response from oblique aerial images or ground-level social media images is accomplished through semantic image segmentation and transformation. The non-authoritative data are used to validate the authoritative data collections and processing and optionally, t+0 flood models. In addition, the common form geographic data are combined with other static landscape features to develop spatially-explicit training vectors used in deep generative statistical inference models to develop complex non-linear relationships in static and dynamic data and ultimately derive a spatially continuous and probabilistic assessment of flood damage with the event domain.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Analytical and experimental study of mean flow and turbulence characteristics inside the passages of an axial flow inducer

The inviscid and viscid effects existing within the passages of a three bladed axial flow inducer operating at a flow coefficient of 0.065 are investigated. The blade static pressure and blade limiting streamline angle distributions were determined and the three components of mean velocity, turbulence intensities, and turbulence stresses were measured at locations inside the inducer blade passage utilizing a rotating three sensor hotwire probe. Applicable equations were derived for the hotwire data reduction analysis and solved numerically to obtain the appropriate flow parameters. The three dimensional inviscid flow in the inducer was predicted by numerically solving the exact equations of motion, and the three dimensional viscid flow was predicted by incorporating the dominant viscous terms into the exact equations. The analytical results are compared with the experimental measurements and design values where appropriate. Radial velocities are found to be of the same order as axial velocities within the inducer passage, confirming the highly three dimensional characteristic of inducer flow. Total relative velocity distribution indicate a substantial velocity deficiency near the tip at mid-passage which expands significantly as the flow proceeds toward the inducer trailing edge. High turbulence intensities and turbulence stresses are concentrated within this core region. Considerable wake diffusion occurs immediately downstream of the inducer trailing edge to decay this loss core. Evidence of boundary layer interactions, blade blockage effects, radially inward flows, annulus wall effects, and backflows are all found to exist within the long, narrow passages of the inducer.

Gorton, C. A.↗

Design of molecular switches and sensors based on proton transfer - Theory vs. experiment

Substituent and solvent effects on tautomeric equilibria of isomeric phenylazo naphthols and the analogous Schiff bases are calculated by various quantum chemical methods and solvation models. Special emphasis is put on the reliability of the computational procedures used. The results obtained should aid in resolving discrepancies of experimental data resulting from UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Application of Geostatistical Simulation to Enhance Satellite Image Products

With the deployment of Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites that provide daily, global imagery, there is increasing interest in defining the limitations of the data and derived products due to its coarse spatial resolution. Much of the detail, i.e. small fragments and notches in boundaries, is lost with coarse resolution imagery such as the EOS MODerate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. Higher spatial resolution data such as the EOS Advanced Spaceborn Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), Landsat and airborne sensor imagery provide more detailed information but are less frequently available. There are, however, both theoretical and analytical evidence that burn scars and other fragmented types of land covers form self-similar or self-affine patterns, that is, patterns that look similar when viewed at widely differing spatial scales. Therefore small features of the patterns should be predictable, at least in a statistical sense, with knowledge about the large features. Recent developments in fractal modeling for characterizing the spatial distribution of undiscovered petroleum deposits are thus applicable to generating simulations of finer resolution satellite image products. We will present example EOS products, analysis to investigate self-similarity, and simulation results.

Hlavka, Christine A.↗