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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 307 records · Page 17

EARTHDATA PUB: A Data Publication Workflow Solution for NASA’s EOSDIS

Each NASA Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC) faces the challenge of dealing with an increasingly diverse number of publishable data products from diverse data producers. Data producers, on the other hand, may experience pain points when interacting with the EOSDIS for the first time or when publishing different data at different DAACs. As a result, there has been a growing need to develop a common software framework that serves as a common interface for data producers, rigorously defines the data publication procedure for DAAC staff, facilitates the management of various data publication processes, and tracks the progress of data publication. This software should also account for the different configurations at different DAACs. Currently, two primary data publication workflow and tracking tools exist in operation at the EOSDIS: Semi-Automated ingest System (SAuS) and Data Publication workflow Portal (DAPPeR). However, neither tool is cloud-ready. Automated data processing could be managed by Cumulus, an EOSDIS cloud-based data ingest, archive and management system. However, Cumulus does not support manual tasks or on-premise implementations. We propose to develop the Earthdata Publication Minimum Viable Product (Earthdata Pub MVP) -- a cloud-hosted solution that works with both cloud and on-premise systems and implements the communications and exchange requirements generated by the Earthdata Pub information architecture team.

Rice, Justin L.↗

DEC Ada interface to Screen Management Guidelines (SMG)

DEC's Screen Management Guidelines are the Run-Time Library procedures that perform terminal-independent screen management functions on a VT100-class terminal. These procedures assist users in designing, composing, and keeping track of complex images on a video screen. There are three fundamental elements in the screen management model: the pasteboard, the virtual display, and the virtual keyboard. The pasteboard is like a two-dimensional area on which a user places and manipulates screen displays. The virtual display is a rectangular part of the terminal screen to which a program writes data with procedure calls. The virtual keyboard is a logical structure for input operation associated with a physical keyboard. SMG can be called by all major VAX languages. Through Ada, predefined language Pragmas are used to interface with SMG. These features and elements of SMG are briefly discussed.

Laomanachareon, Somsak↗

Spaceflight tracking and data network support in the space tug era

This paper describes the Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN) which will be used to provide command, telemetry and tracking support to the Space Tug in the 1980's. A description of the mission support capabilities of the two major elements of the STDN - the ground based sites (GSTDN) and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) - is provided. This paper also contains a summary description of the mission/STDN RF and Data Handling interface.

Stelter, L. R.↗

The sun-tracking control of solar collectors using high-performance step motors

Sun-tracking solar energy-focusing devices involving a central receiver, thermionic conversion, or a distributed solar thermal collector system are described. The Perkins solar collector uses a fixed focal point about which an 18 m-diameter parabolic dish moves on tracks. The elevation axis also moves on a circular track. A microprocessor manipulates sun sensor information and sun ephemeris data to ensure correct placement. Stepper motors are digital devices which provide direct interface with digital electronics and a wide dynamic range, and could easily be associated with the microprocessors. Design philosophy, performance criteria, wind load analysis, and control system requirements are also discussed.

Hughes, R. O.↗

Random vortex method for combusting flows

The random vortex method (RVM) of Chorin was developed by the recirculating flows. The RVM method models turbulence from first principles, tracking the vorticity and obtaining the interaction of vorticity with the bulk flow field. A computer program was produced called MIMOC, Modeling the Interface Motion of Combustion, which can be used to calculate the reacting flow field behind a rearward facing step. Several comparisons between experimental data and calculations were made. The RVM methood computes qualitatively good results, but the quantitative agreement as yet is not completely satisfactory. Much of the difficulty may be caused by the treatment of boundary conditions and the techniques used for obtaining statistical averages of velocities and turbulence quantities. For the rearward facing step the computed reattachment length equals the experimental value. However, the reverse velocity in the recirculation zone is over predicted by 300 percent. In the calculations, a uniform entrance velocity was assumed with no boundary layer at the step lip. This high velocity may be overdriving the reverse flow region.

Marek, C. J.↗

Management experience of an international venture in space The Ulysses mission

The management of the Ulysses project, a probe which will fly a solar polar orbit, is described. The 5-yr mission will feature a flyby of Jupiter to deflect the spacecraft into a high-inclination orbit. Data on the solar corona, solar wind, the sun-wind interface, the heliospheric magnetic field, solar and nonsolar cosmic rays, etc., will be gathered as a function of the solar latitude. NASA will track and control the probe with the Deep Space Network. JPL provides project management for NASA while the Directorate of Scientific Programs performs ESA management functions. The DOE will provide a radioisotope thermoelectric generator while NASA and ESA each supply half the scientific payload. A NASA-ESA Joint Working Group meets about twice per year to monitor the project and discuss the technical and scientific requirements. Safety issues and measures which are being addressed due to the presence of the Pu-238 heat source for the RTG are discussed.

Yoshida, Ronald Y.↗

Experiments in teleoperator and autonomous control of space robotic vehicles

A program of research embracing teleoperator and automatic navigational control of freely flying satellite robots is presented. Current research goals include: (1) developing visual operator interfaces for improved vehicle teleoperation; (2) determining the effects of different visual interface system designs on operator performance; and (3) achieving autonomous vision-based vehicle navigation and control. This research program combines virtual-environment teleoperation studies and neutral-buoyancy experiments using a space-robot simulator vehicle currently under development. Visual-interface design options under investigation include monoscopic versus stereoscopic displays and cameras, helmet-mounted versus panel-mounted display monitors, head-tracking versus fixed or manually steerable remote cameras, and the provision of vehicle-fixed visual cues, or markers, in the remote scene for improved sensing of vehicle position, orientation, and motion.

Alexander, Harold L.↗

Object-oriented model-driven control

A monitoring and control subsystem architecture has been developed that capitalizes on the use of modeldriven monitoring and predictive control, knowledge-based data representation, and artificial reasoning in an operator support mode. We have developed an object-oriented model of a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). The model based on the NASA Kennedy Space Center CELSS breadboard data, tracks carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, carbodioxide, and water. It estimates and tracks resorce-related parameters such as mass, energy, and manpower measurements such as growing area required for balance. We are developing an interface with the breadboard systems that is compatible with artificial reasoning. Initial work is being done on use of expert systems and user interface development. This paper presents an approach to defining universally applicable CELSS monitor and control issues, and implementing appropriate monitor and control capability for a particular instance: the KSC CELSS Breadboard Facility.

Drysdale, A.↗

OMV mission simulator

The Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) will be remotely piloted during rendezvous, docking, or proximity operations with target spacecraft from a ground control console (GCC). The real-time mission simulator and graphics being used to design a console pilot-machine interface are discussed. A real-time orbital dynamics simulator drives the visual displays. The dynamics simulator includes a J2 oblate earth gravity model and a generalized 1962 rotating atmospheric and drag model. The simulator also provides a variable-length communication delay to represent use of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) and NASA Communications (NASCOM). Input parameter files determine the graphics display. This feature allows rapid prototyping since displays can be easily modified from pilot recommendations. A series of pilot reviews are being held to determine an effective pilot-machine interface. Pilots fly missions with nominal to 3-sigma dispersions in translational or rotational axes. Console dimensions, switch type and layout, hand controllers, and graphic interfaces are evaluated by the pilots and the GCC simulator is modified for subsequent runs. Initial results indicate a pilot preference for analog versus digital displays and for two 3-degree-of-freedom hand controllers.

Cok, Keith E.↗

Space station automation and robotics study. Operator-systems interface

This is the final report of a Space Station Automation and Robotics Planning Study, which was a joint project of the Boeing Aerospace Company, Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, and Boeing Computer Services Company. The study is in support of the Advanced Technology Advisory Committee established by NASA in accordance with a mandate by the U.S. Congress. Boeing support complements that provided to the NASA Contractor study team by four aerospace contractors, the Stanford Research Institute (SRI), and the California Space Institute. This study identifies automation and robotics (A&R) technologies that can be advanced by requirements levied by the Space Station Program. The methodology used in the study is to establish functional requirements for the operator system interface (OSI), establish the technologies needed to meet these requirements, and to forecast the availability of these technologies. The OSI would perform path planning, tracking and control, object recognition, fault detection and correction, and plan modifications in connection with extravehicular (EV) robot operations.

Source record↗

The Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Report

Topics addressed include: tracking and ground-based navigation; communications, spacecraft-ground; station control and system technology; capabilities for existing projects; network upgrade and sustaining; mission interface and support; and Ka-band capabilities.

Posner, E. C.↗

The 158 micrometer (CII) line: A measure of global star formation activity in galaxies

Some 158 micron (CII) fine structure line observations from a sample of fourteen gas rich galaxies are reported. These measurements confirm and generalize previous basic results that the (CII) line is bright amounting to approximately 0.1 to 1 percent of the Far Infra Red (FIR) luminosity of the nuclear regions of galaxies; the (CII) line is formed in the warm (temperature of the gas is greater than 200 K), dense (n sub H greater than 1000/cu cm) photodissociated gas at the interfaces between giant molecular clouds and ionized gas regions and is therefore associated with the molecular gas component in spiral galaxies; the (CII) line tracks the FIR continuum in a manner consistent with the PDR models; the integrated (CII) to isotope (12)CO (transition 1 to 0) line ratio is large (greater than or equal to 1000) in all galaxies studied, and is similarly large for galactic molecular clouds; the (CII) line is therefore energetically very important for the study of giant molecular clouds. Conclusions obtained from these results are given.

Stacey, G. J.↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers(SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This paper will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V)tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This paper details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

Demetrios Katsaduros↗

Lean Model-Based Systems Engineering on the NASA High-Density Vertiplex Subproject

The High Density Vertiplex (HDV) subproject of NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project adopted Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) in July of 2020, prior to subproject formulation. A small and lean team of HDV Systems Engineers (SE) are utilizing MagicDraw to execute NASA SE processes via MBSE. The SEs learned how to use MagicDraw from scratch and HDV is the first project for which the SEs have utilized MagicDraw. This presentation will demonstrate project technical execution via MBSE, utilizing the digital elements built into the SysML (Systems Modeling Language). SysML provides a model-centric means of carrying out the NASA SE common technical processes by providing tools for complete system modeling, including requirements and interface management and design capture. The authors also leverage and extend SysML to perform other SE tasks, such as Verification and Validation (V&V) tracking. MBSE has two main purposes for HDV: 1) documenting the subproject’s logical architecture for distribution outside of the subproject, 2) capturing the subproject’s physical architecture in a single-source-of-truth for use by the subproject’s members. This presentation details the challenges, lessons learned, and solutions that were encountered in implementing MBSE in the first iteration on a multi-iteration, full-lifecycle design, build, fly project.

systems engineering↗

Radar Performance Improvement

The AN/APQ-153 fire control radar modified to provide angle tracking was evaluated for improved performance. The frequency agile modifications are discussed along with the range-rate improvement modifications, and the radar to computer interface. A parametric design and comparison of noncoherent and coherent radar systems are presented. It is shown that the shuttle rendezvous range and range-rate requirements can be made by a Ku-Band noncoherent pulse radar.

Little, G. R.↗

The 158 micron forbidden C II line - A measure of global star formation activity in galaxies

Some 158 micron forbidden C II fine structure line observations from a sample of fourteen gas rich galaxies are reported. These measurements confirm and generalize previous basic results that the C II line is bright amounting to approximately 0.1 to 1 percent of the FIR luminosity of the nuclear regions of galaxies; the C II line is formed in the warm (temperature of the gas is greater than 200 K), dense (n sub H greater than 1000/cu cm) photodissociated gas at the interfaces between giant molecular clouds and ionized gas regions and is therefore associated with the molecular gas component in spiral galaxies; the C II line tracks the FIR continuum in a manner consistent with the PDR models; the integrated C II to isotope (C-12)D (transition 1 to 0) line ratio is large (greater than or equal to 1000) in all galaxies studied, and is similarly large for galactic molecular clouds; the C II line is therefore energetically very important for the study of giant molecular clouds. Conclusions obtained from these results are given.

Stacey, G. J.↗

Health Monitoring of Thermal Barrier Coatings by Mid-Infrared Reflectance

Mid-infrared (MIR) reflectance is shown to be a powerful tool for monitoring the integrity of 8wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Because of the translucent nature of plasma-sprayed 8YSZ TBCs, particularly at MIR wavelengths (3 to 5 microns), measured reflectance does not only originate from the TBC surface, but contains strong contributions from internal scattering within the coating as well as reflectance from the underlying TBC/substrate interface. Therefore, changes in MIR reflectance measurements can be used to monitor the progression of TBC delamination. In particular, MIR reflectance is shown to reproducibly track the progression of TBC delamination produced by repeated thermal cycling (to 1163 C) of plasma-sprayed 8YSZ TBCs on Rene N5 superalloy substrates. To understand the changes in MIR reflectance with the progression of a delamination crack network, a four-flux scattering model is used to predict the increase in MIR reflectance produced by the introduction of these cracks.

Eldridge, J. I.↗

Health Monitoring of Thermal Barrier Coatings by Mid-Infrared Reflectance

Mid-infrared (MIR) reflectance is shown to be a powerful tool for monitoring the integrity of 8wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Because of the translucent nature of plasma-sprayed 8YSZ TBCs at MIR wavelengths (3 to 5 pm), measured reflectance does not only originate from the TBC surface, but contains strong contributions from internal scattering within the coating as well as reflectance from the underlying TBC/substrate interface. Therefore, changes in MIR reflectance measurements can be used to monitor the progression of TBC delamination. In particular, MIR reflectance is shown to reproducibly track the progression of TBC delamination produced by repeated thermal cycling (to 1163 C) of plasma-sprayed 8YSZ TBCs on Rene N5 superalloy substrates. To understand the changes in MIR reflectance with the progression of a delamination crack network, a four-flux scattering model is used to predict the increase in MIR reflectance produced by the introduction of these cracks.

Eldridge, J. I.↗