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At least 307 records · Page 17

Re-engineering the mission life cycle with ABC and IDEF

The theory behind re-engineering a business process is to remove the non-value added activities thereby lowering the process cost. In order to achieve this, one must be able to identify where the non-value added elements are located which is not a trivial task. This is because the non-value added elements are often hidden in the form of overhead and/or pooled resources. In order to be able to isolate these non-value added processes from among the other processes, one must first decompose the overall top level process into lower layers of sub-processes. In addition, costing data must be assigned to each sub-process along with the value the sub-process adds towards the final product. IDEF0 is a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) process-modeling tool that allows for this functional decomposition through structured analysis. In addition, it illustrates the relationship of the process and the value added to the product or service. The value added portion is further defined in IDEF1X which is an entity relationship diagramming tool. The entity relationship model is the blueprint of the product as it moves along the 'assembly line' and therefore relates all of the parts to each other and the final product. It also relates the parts to the tools that produce the product and all of the paper work that is used in their acquisition. The use of IDEF therefore facilitates the use of Activity Based Costing (ABC). ABC is an essential method in a high variety, product-customizing environment, to facilitate rapid response to externally caused change. This paper describes the work being done in the Mission Operations Division to re-engineer the development and operation life cycle of Mission Operations Centers using these tools.

Mandl, Daniel↗

Development of Flight Slit-Jaw Optics for Chromospheric Lyman-Alpha SpectroPolarimeter

In sounding rocket experiment CLASP, I have placed a slit a mirror-finished around the focal point of the telescope. The light reflected by the mirror surface surrounding the slit is then imaged in Slit-jaw optical system, to obtain the a-ray Lyman secondary image. This image, not only to use the real-time image in rocket flight rocket oriented direction selection, and also used as a scientific data showing the spatial structure of the Lyman alpha emission line intensity distribution and solar chromosphere around the observation area of the polarimetric spectroscope. Slit-jaw optical system is a two off-axis mirror unit part including a parabolic mirror and folding mirror, Lyman alpha transmission filter, the optical system magnification 1x consisting camera. The camera is supplied from the United States, and the other was carried out fabrication and testing in all the Japanese side. Slit-jaw optical system, it is difficult to access the structure, it is necessary to install the low place clearance. Therefore, influence the optical performance, the fine adjustment is necessary optical elements are collectively in the form of the mirror unit. On the other hand, due to the alignment of the solar sensor in the US launch site, must be removed once the Lyman alpha transmission filter holder including a filter has a different part from the mirror unit. In order to make the structure simple, stray light measures Aru to concentrate around Lyman alpha transmission filter. To overcome the difficulties of performing optical alignment in Lyman alpha wavelength absorbed by the atmosphere, it was planned 'following four steps in order to reduce standing time alignment me. 1. is measured in advance refractive index at Lyman alpha wavelength of Lyman alpha transmission filter (121.567nm), to prepare a visible light Firuwo having the same optical path length in the visible light (630nm).2. The mirror structure CLASP before mounting unit standing, dummy slit and camera standing prescribed position in leading frame is, to complete the internal alignment adjustment. 3. CLASP structure F mirror unit and by attaching the visible light filter, as will plague the focus is carried out in standing position adjustment visible flight products camera. 4. Replace the Lyman alpha transmission filter, it is confirmed by Lyman alpha wavelength (under vacuum) the requested optical performance have come. Currently, up to 3 of the steps completed, it was confirmed in the visible light optical performance that satisfies the required value sufficiently extended. Also, put in Slit-jaw optical system the sunlight through the telescope of CLASP, it is also confirmed that and that stray light rejection no vignetting is in the field of view meets request standing.

chromospheric↗

Development of Flight Slit-Jaw Optics for Chromospheric Lyman-Alpha SpectroPolarimeter

In sounding rocket experiment CLASP, I have placed a slit a mirror‐finished around the focal point of the telescope. The light reflected by the mirror surface surrounding the slit is then imaged in Slit‐jaw optical system, to obtain the alpha‐ray Lyman secondary image. This image, not only to use the real‐time image in rocket flight rocket oriented direction selection, and also used as a scientific data showing the spatial structure of the Lyman alpha emission line intensity distribution and solar chromosphere around the observation area of the polarimetric spectroscope. Slit‐jaw optical system is a two off‐axis mirror unit part including a parabolic mirror and folding mirror, Lyman alpha transmission filter, the optical system magnification 1x consisting camera. The camera is supplied from the United States, and the other was carried out fabrication and testing in all the Japanese side. Slit‐jaw optical system, it is difficult to access the structure, it is necessary to install the low place clearance. Therefore, influence the optical performance, the fine adjustment is necessary optical elements are collectively in the form of the mirror unit. On the other hand, due to the alignment of the solar sensor in the US launch site, must be removed once the Lyman alpha transmission filter holder including a filter has a different part from the mirror unit. In order to make the structure simple, stray light measures Aru to concentrate around Lyman alpha transmission filter. To overcome the difficulties of performing optical alignment in Lyman alpha wavelength absorbed by the atmosphere, it was planned following four steps in order to reduce standing time alignment me. 1: is measured in advance refractive index at Lyman alpha wavelength of Lyman alpha transmission filter (121.567nm), to prepare a visible light Firuwo having the same optical path length in the visible light (630nm). 2: The mirror structure CLASP before mounting unit standing, dummy slit and camera standing prescribed position in leading frame is, to complete the internal alignment adjustment. 3: CLASP structure F mirror unit and by attaching the visible light filter, as will plague the focus is carried out in standing position adjustment visible flight products camera. 4: Replace the Lyman alpha transmission filter, it is confirmed by Lyman alpha wavelength (under vacuum) the requested optical performance have come. Currently, up to 3 of the steps completed, it was confirmed in the visible light optical performance that satisfies the required value sufficiently extended. Also, put in Slit‐jaw optical system the sunlight through the telescope of CLASP, it is also confirmed that and that stray light rejection no vignetting is in the field of view meets request standing.

Kubo, Masahito↗

Advanced Inductively Coupled Plasma Etching Processes for Fabrication of Resonator-Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector

Resonator-quantum well infrared photodetectors (R-QWIPs) are the next generation of QWIP detectors that use resonances to increase the quantum efficiency (QE). To achieve the expected performance, the detector geometry must be produced in precise specification. In particular, the height of the diffractive elements (DE) and the thickness of the active resonator must be uniformly and accurately realized to within 0.05 lm accuracy and the substrates of the detectors have to be removed totally. To achieve these specifications, two optimized inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching processes are developed. Using these etching techniques, we have fabricated a number of R-QWIP test detectors and FPAs with the required dimensions and completely removed the substrates of the test detectors and FPAs. Their QE spectra were tested to be in close agreement with the theoretical predictions. The operability and spectral non-uniformity of the FPA is about 99.57% and 3% respectively.

plasma etching process↗

International Space Station (ISS) Bacterial Filter Elements (BFEs): Filter Efficiency and Pressure Testing of Returned Units

The air revitalization system aboard the International Space Station (ISS) provides the vital function of maintaining a clean cabin environment for the crew and the hardware. This becomes a serious challenge in pressurized space compartments since no outside air ventilation is possible, and a larger particulate load is imposed on the filtration system due to lack of sedimentation due to the microgravity environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The ISS Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLS) system architecture in the U.S. Segment uses a distributed particulate filtration approach consisting of traditional High-Efficiency Particulate Adsorption (HEPA) media filters deployed at multiple locations in each U.S. Segment module; these filters are referred to as Bacterial Filter Elements, or BFEs. These filters see a replacement interval, as part of maintenance, of 2-5 years dependent on location in the ISS. In this work, we present particulate removal efficiency, pressure drop, and leak test results for a sample set of 8 BFEs returned from the ISS after filter replacement. The results can potentially be utilized by the ISS Program to ascertain whether the present replacement interval can be maintained or extended to balance the on-ground filter inventory with extension of the lifetime of ISS beyond 2024. These results can also provide meaningful guidance for particulate filter designs under consideration for future deep space exploration missions.

Filtration↗

Transonic flutter study of a wind-tunnel model of an arrow-wing supersonic transport

A 1/20-size, low-speed flutter model of the SCAT-15F complete airplane was tested on cables to simulate a near free-flying condition. Only the model wing and fuselage were flexible. Flutter boundaries were measured for a nominal configuration and a configuration with wing fins removed at Mach numbers M from 0.76 to 1.2. For both configurations, the transonic dip in the wing flutter dynamic pressure q boundary was relatively small and the minimum flutter q occurred near M = 0.92. Removing the wing fins increased the flutter q about 14 percent and changed the flutter mode from symmetric to antisymmetric. Vibration and flutter analyses were made using a finite-element structural representation and subsonic kernel-function aerodynamics. For the nominal configuration, the analysis (using calculated modal data) predicted the experimental flutter q levels within 10 percent but did not predict the correct flutter mode at the higher M. For the configuration without wing fins, the analysis predicted 16 to 36 percent unconservative (higher than experimental) flutter q levels and showed extreme sensitivity to mass representation details that affected wing tip mode shapes. For high subsonic M, empennage aerodynamics had a significant effect on the predicted flutter boundaries of several symmetric modes.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Transonic flutter study of a wind-tunnel model of an arrow-wing supersonic transport

A 1/20-size, low-speed flutter model of the SCAT-15F complete airplane was tested in a wind-tunnel on cables to simulate a near free-flying condition. Only the model wing and fuselage were flexible. Flutter boundaries were measured for a nominal configuration and a configuration with wing fins removed at Mach numbers M from 0.76 to 1.2. For both configurations, the transonic dip in the wing flutter dynamic pressure q boundary was relatively small and the minimum flutter q occurred near M = 0.92. Removing the wing fins increased the flutter q about 14 percent and changed the flutter mode from symmetric to antisymmetric. Vibration and flutter analyses were made using a finite-element structural representation and subsonic kernel-function aerodynamics. For the nominal configuration, the analysis (using calculated modal data) predicted the experimental flutter q levels within 10 percent but did not predict the correct flutter mode at the higher M. For the configuration without wing fins, the analysis predicted 16 to 36 percent unconservative (higher than experimental) flutter q levels and showed extreme sensitivity to mass shapes.

Ruhlin, C. L.↗

Large scale topography of Io

To investigate the large scale topography of the Jovian satellite Io, both limb observations and stereographic techniques applied to landmarks are used. The raw data for this study consists of Voyager 1 images of Io, 800x800 arrays of picture elements each of which can take on 256 possible brightness values. In analyzing this data it was necessary to identify and locate landmarks and limb points on the raw images, remove the image distortions caused by the camera electronics and translate the corrected locations into positions relative to a reference geoid. Minimizing the uncertainty in the corrected locations is crucial to the success of this project. In the highest resolution frames, an error of a tenth of a pixel in image space location can lead to a 300 m error in true location. In the lowest resolution frames, the same error can lead to an uncertainty of several km.

Gaskell, R. W.↗

Residual Gas in Closed Systems. III: Development and Reduction of Gases Generated by Source Materials

The amounts and composition of residual gases formed in sealed ampoules loaded with different sources (elements and II-VI and IV-VI compounds) after consecutive annealings were investigated. A given source was subjected to a series of heat treatments, with intermediate measurements and removal of the gas accumulated in the system. The results of these experiments are discussed in terms of the underlying thermochemical and kinetic phenomena and practical limitations of reducing the amount of residual gases in sealed ampoules.

Palosz, W.↗

A Selected Operational History of the Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) for International Space Station (ISS)

The Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) has been developed jointly by Boeing Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama and Honeywell Engines & Systems, Torrance, California to meet the internal thermal control needs for the International Space Station (ISS). The ITCS provides heat removal for the critical life support systems and thermal conditioning for numerous experiment racks. The ITCS will be fitted on a number of modules on the ISS. The first US Element containing the ITCS, Node 1, was launched in December 1998. Since Node 1 does not contain a pump to circulate the fluid it was not filled with ITCS fluid until after the US Laboratory Module was installed. The second US Element module, US Laboratory Module, which contains the pumps and all the major ITCS control hardware, was launched in February 2001. The third US Element containing the ITCS, the US Airlock, was launched in July 2001. The dual loop system of the ITCS is comprised of a lowtemperature loop (LTL) and a moderate-temperature loop (MTL). Each loop has a pump package assembly (PPA), a system flow control assembly (SFCA), a threeway mixing valve (TWMV), several rack flow control assemblies (RFCA), cold plates, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, pump bypass assembly (PBA) and a heat exchanger. In addition, the MTL has an additional TWMV, a payload regeneration heat exchanger (P/RHE) and a manual flow control valve (MFCV). The LTL has a service performance and checkout unit (SPCU) heat exchanger. The two loops are linked via one loop crossover assembly (LCA) providing cross loop capabilities and a single PPA, two-loop functionality. One important parameter monitored by the ground stations and on-orbit is the amount of fluid leakage from the ITCS. ISS fluid leakage is of importance since ITCS fluid is costly to re-supply, may be difficult to clean up in zero-g, and if uncontained could lead to equipment failures and potential hazards. This paper examines the nominal leakage observed over period of a year of on-orbit operation and compares this with analysis predictions. This paper also addresses the off-nominal leakage and a fluid transfer event causing significant changes in accumulator quantity.

Patel, Vipul P.↗

Intermodule ventilation studies for the Space Station

This paper examines the ability of the Space Station intermodule ventilation system to maintain centralized control of CO2 removal and O2 supply. The resulting concentration gradients that will arise are calculated by assuming steady state, ideal gas, isothermal conditions, and perfect mixing of air within and between the pressurized elements. In order to estimate the degree of mixing actually obtained for a given ventilation scheme, a program has been developed based on a potential flow solution technique. Preliminary results from this study indicate that substantial short circuiting and recirculation air flow patterns could arise if a simple duct and diffuser air exchange method at the docking port interface were employed.

Davis, Roy G.↗

Self-Consistent Ring Current Modeling with Propagating Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves in the Presence of Heavy Ions

The self-consistent treatment of the RC ion dynamics and EMlC waves, which are thought to exert important influences on the ion dynamical evolution, is an important missing element in our understanding of the storm-and recovery-time ring current evolution. Under certain conditions, relativistic electrons, with energies greater than or equal to 1 MeV, can be removed from the outer radiation belt by EMlC wave scattering during a magnetic storm (Summers and Thorne, 2003; Albert, 2003). That is why the modeling of EMlC waves is critical and timely issue in magnetospheric physics. This study will generalize the self-consistent theoretical description of RC ions and EMlC waves that has been developed by Khazanov et al. [2002, 2003] and include the heavy ions and propagation effects of EMlC waves in the global dynamic of self-consistent RC - EMlC waves coupling. The results of our newly developed model that will be presented at Huntsville 2006 meeting, focusing mainly on the dynamic of EMlC waves and comparison of these results with the previous global RC modeling studies devoted to EMlC waves formation. We also discuss RC ion precipitations and wave induced thermal electron fluxes into the ionosphere.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

High Precision and Spatial Resolution Chemical Interrogation of Planetary Materials Using fs-LA/LIBS in Tandem With Multi-Collector ICP-MS

Combining femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA) with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), together with multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS), can provide remarkable insights into the composition, structure, and therefore geologic history of planetary materials and their terrestrial analogs. Using the Applied Spectra iX-fs-Tandem LA-LIBS Instrument and the Nu SP1700 MC-ICP-MS housed within the Center for Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology at NASA Johnson Space Center, we present preliminary tandem fs-LA-(MC)-ICP-MS/LIBS measurements of planetary analog materials. The synergistic integration of fs-LA-LIBS offers high spatial resolution elemental mapping, enabling the identification of microscale variations within samples. Simultaneously, the MC-ICP-MS can deliver precise isotopic analyses, and integrating the two datasets yields a wealth of geochemical information for a given sample. LA-based chemical mapping experiment designs are contingent on the information sought (i.e., quantitative, or semi-quantitative) and the preferred or available volume of material removed for the analysis. For example, occasionally, there are significant limitations in the depth of ablation due to the sample value, the amount of material available, or simply the need to coordinate with other in-situ techniques. In these limited sample scenarios, the “depth-controlled” chemical maps allow for precise post-mapping ion-polishing of the sample, while the isotopic and elemental maps can be used for targeting future analyses (e.g., conventional LA analyses, SIMS analyses, and micro milling for solution ICP-MS/TIMS). The emerging methodology will establish a powerful tool for investigation of astromaterials and materials returned by future planetary sample science missions.

Jacob B Setera↗

Beryllium reflected cavity reactor for UF6 critical experiments

Experiments and theoretical studies are being conducted for NASA on critical assemblies with one-meter diam by one-meter long low-density cores surrounded by a thick beryllium reflector. These assemblies make extensive use of existing nuclear propulsion reactor components, facilities, and instrumentation. Due to excessive porosity in the reflector, the initial critical mass was 19 kg U(93.2). Addition of a 17-cm-thick by 89-cm-diam beryllium flux trap in the cavity reduced the critical mass to 7 kg when all the uranium was in the zone just outside the flux trap. A mockup aluminum UF6 container was placed inside the flux trap and fueled with uranium-graphite elements. Fission distributions and reactivity worths of fuel and structural materials are available. These results will be used to guide the design of a prototype plasma core reactor which will test energy removal by optical radiation.

Jarvis, G. A.↗

What SNC meteorites tell us about Martian magmatism

The SNC meteorites record relatively recent (less than b.y.) basaltic volcanism on a hydrous planet with a core. This much was known about Mars even before the Viking mission. The SNCs tell that the basalts were unusually low in Al2O3 and, despite overall similarities in major elements, apparently sampled two isotopically distinct regions of Mars: one is relatively depleted in incompatible elements (Nahklite source) with a U-Pb model age of 4.3 b.y. and is probably a portion of the upper Martian mantle, whereas the other is relatively enriched in incompatible elements (Shergottite source) with a 4.5 b.y. U-Pb age and is probably Martian crust assimulated into the mantle-derived Shergottite magma. The SNCs tell that the overall abundances of moderately volatile elements, such as alkalies, are higher on Mars than on earth. Given extensive volcanism and a depleted mantle, the present day absence of a thick atmosphere is more likely due to catastrophic removal of a primordial atmosphere than lack of degassing.

Longhi, John↗

Capillary-Pumped Heat-Transfer Loop

New type of capillary-pumped heat-transfer loop primes itself at startup. Removes substantial quantities of heat like that generated by people and equipment in rooms and vehicles. Creates continuous path for its working fluid; both vapor and liquid move in same direction. Key element in operation of loop is formation of slugs of liquid, condensed from vapor and moved along loop by vapor bubbles before and after it. Both evaporator and condenser contain axial arteries carrying water. Heat entering evaporator from heat source provides energy for transport of fluid and heat. Dimensions in inches.

Source record↗

Evolution and use of combined mechanical and thermal codes for cryogenic turbopump bearings

Shaft bearing system analysis codes were developed, improved, and used to investigate Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Liquid Oxygen (LOX) turbopump bearing problems, and to support the Marshall Space Flight Center Bearing and Seal Materials Test (BSMT) program. Thermal network modeling uses the SINDA thermal code, and the modeling of bearing quasi-dynamic characteristics uses the SHABERTH bearing/shaft code. These codes are solved concurrently for a bearing/shaft system using software developed for this purpose. Simulation of the SSME LOX turbopump turbine and pump end bearings and the MSFC BSMT operating in liquid nitrogen (LN sub 2) and LOX was done. The thermal network models include the bearing components, bearing carriers, shaft, housing, frictional heat, and viscous fluid energy. A cage model was included to account for heat generation between the cage and rolling elements. Since most bearing surfaces operate at temperatures well above the coolant saturation temperature, and move at high speed relative to the coolant, forced convection boiling is the dominant mechanism for heat removal. Improved modeling of forced convection film boiling was incorporated to take into account the local vapor generation at the high temperature surfaces. Rearing preloads in the pump and tester are provided by preload springs. As bearing operating clearances and contact angles change due to thermal effects and loading, the bearing preload changes with these varying conditions. These characteristics were modeled and are included in the overall system models. Results from these models indicate an operational limit which, if exceeded, predicts a thermal excursion.

Cody, Joe C.↗

Impact mineralogy and chemistry of the cretaceous-tertiary boundary at DSDP site 576

We have identified the K/T boundary in pelagic clay sediments from cores at DSDP Site 576 in the western North Pacific. Detailed geochemical and trace mineralogical analyses of this boundary section are in progress and initial results indicate similarities and differences relative to the only other clay core investigated in detail; DSDP Site 596, a locality in the western South Pacific. Peak Ir concentrations of 13 ng/g in DSDP Hole 576B are virtually identical with those observed in the South Pacific, but in the North Pacific this peak is much narrower and the integrated Ir fluence of 85 ng cm(exp -2) is 4 times lower (320 in Hole 596). Of the 34 elements measured, only Ir and Cr were found to have anomalous concentrations in K/T boundary samples. Trace mineral residues were obtained by washing away clays and sequential chemical leaches (including HF) to remove typical hydrogenous and biogenous sediment components (e.g., zeolites and radiolarian opal). We attempted to quantitatively recover the entire trace mineral assemblage for grains greater than 30 micrometers in diameter. Our mineral residues were dominated by two phases: quartz and magnesioferrite spinel. Other non-opaque mineral grains we have positively identified were trace K-feldspar, plagioclase, corundum, and muscovite. Of these only K-feldspar exhibited planar deformation features (PDF). We have not found abundant plagioclase, as in the South Pacific suggesting that this phase was either not preserved in the North Pacific, or that in the south, it has a non-impact (i.e., volcanic) source. PDF in quartz were commonly obscured by secondary overgrowths on the surfaces of quartz grains, presumably from diagenetic reprecipitation of silica dissolved from opaline radiolarian tests that are common in these sediments. However, careful examination revealed that most grains had multiple sets of PDF. Of the 133 quartz grains greater than 30 micrometers analyzed, 62 percent showed evidence of shock. The largest shocked grain recovered to date had a maximum diameter of 160 micrometers, consistent with other sites in the Pacific.

Bostwick, Jennifer A.↗