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NASA NTRS2008

Distribution automation applications of fiber optics

Motivations for interest and research in distribution automation are discussed. The communication requirements of distribution automation are examined, and shown to exceed the capabilities of power line carrier, radio and telephone systems. A fiber-optic-based communication system is described that is co-located with the distribution system and that ould satisfy the data rate and reliability requirements. A cost comparison shows that it could be constructed at a cost that is similar to that of a power line carrier system. The requirements for fiber optic sensors for distribution automation are discussed. The design of a data link suitable for opticallypowered electronic sensing is presented. Empirical results are given. A modeling technique that has been used to understand the reflections of guided light from a variety of surfaces is described. An optical positionindicator design is discussed. Systems aspects of distribution automation are discussed, in particular the lack of interface, communications and data standards. The economics of distribution automation are examined

Friend, H.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Robust Modal Filtering and Control of the X-56A Model with Simulated Fiber Optic Sensor Failures

The X-56A aircraft is a remotely-piloted aircraft with flutter modes intentionally designed into the flight envelope. The X-56A program must demonstrate flight control while suppressing all unstable modes. A previous X-56A model study demonstrated a distributed-sensing-based active shape and active flutter suppression controller. The controller relies on an estimator which is sensitive to bias. This estimator is improved herein, and a real-time robust estimator is derived and demonstrated on 1530 fiber optic sensors. It is shown in simulation that the estimator can simultaneously reject 230 worst-case fiber optic sensor failures automatically. These sensor failures include locations with high leverage (or importance). To reduce the impact of leverage outliers, concentration based on a Mahalanobis trim criterion is introduced. A redescending M-estimator with Tukey bisquare weights is used to improve location and dispersion estimates within each concentration step in the presence of asymmetry (or leverage). A dynamic simulation is used to compare the concentrated robust estimator to a state-of-the-art real-time robust multivariate estimator. The estimators support a previously-derived mu-optimal shape controller. It is found that during the failure scenario, the concentrated modal estimator keeps the system stable.

Modal Filtering↗

NASA NTRS2016

Robust Modal Filtering and Control of the X-56A Model with Simulated Fiber Optic Sensor Failures

Modal Filtering↗

NASA NTRS2011

Vacuum Nuller Testbed (VNT) Performance, Characterization and Null Control: Progress Report

Herein we report on the development. sensing and control and our first results with the Vacuum Nuller Testbed to realize a Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) for exoplanet coronagraphy. The VNC is one of the few approaches that works with filled. segmented and sparse or diluted-aperture telescope systems. It thus spans a range of potential future NASA telescopes and could be Hown as a separate instrument on such a future mission. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a well-established effort to develop VNC technologies. and has developed an incremental sequence of VNC testbeds to advance this approach and the enabling technologies associated with it. We discuss the continued development of the vacuum Visible Nulling Coronagraph testbed (VNT). Tbe VNT is an ultra-stable vibration isolated testbed that operates under closed-loop control within a vacuum chamber. It will be used to achieve an incremental sequence of three visible-light nulling milestones with sequentially higher contrasts of 10(sup 8), 10(sup 9) and ideally 10(sup 10) at an inner working angle of 2*lambda/D. The VNT is based on a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, with a "W" configuration to accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. We discuss the initial laboratory results, the optical configuration, critical technologies and the null sensing and control approach.

Lyon, Richard G.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Infiltration/cure modeling of resin transfer molded composite materials using advanced fiber architectures

A model was developed which can be used to simulate infiltration and cure of textile composites by resin transfer molding. Fabric preforms were resin infiltrated and cured using model generated optimized one-step infiltration/cure protocols. Frequency dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDEMS) was used to monitor in situ resin infiltration and cure during processing. FDEMS measurements of infiltration time, resin viscosity, and resin degree of cure agreed well with values predicted by the simulation model. Textile composites fabricated using a one-step infiltration/cure procedure were uniformly resin impregnated and void free. Fiber volume fraction measurements by the resin digestion method compared well with values predicted using the model.

Loos, Alfred C.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Virtual Instrumentation for a Fiber-Optics-Based Artificial Nerve

A LabView-based computer interface for fiber-optic artificial nerves has been devised as a Masters thesis project. This project involves the use of outputs from wavelength multiplexed optical fiber sensors (artificial nerves), which are capable of producing dense optical data outputs for physical measurements. The potential advantages of using optical fiber sensors for sensory function restoration is the fact that well defined WDM-modulated signals can be transmitted to and from the sensing region allowing networked units to replace low-level nerve functions for persons desirous of "intelligent artificial limbs." Various FO sensors can be designed with high sensitivity and the ability to be interfaced with a wide range of devices including miniature shielded electrical conversion units. Our Virtual Instrument (VI) interface software package was developed using LabView's "Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench" package. The virtual instrument has been configured to arrange and encode the data to develop an intelligent response in the form of encoded digitized signal outputs. The architectural layout of our nervous system is such that different touch stimuli from different artificial fiber-optic nerve points correspond to gratings of a distinct resonant wavelength and physical location along the optical fiber. Thus, when an automated, tunable diode laser sends scans, the wavelength spectrum of the artificial nerve, it triggers responses that are encoded with different touch stimuli by way wavelength shifts in the reflected Bragg resonances. The reflected light is detected and a resulting analog signal is fed into ADC1 board and DAQ card. Finally, the software has been written such that the experimenter is able to set the response range during data acquisition.

Lyons, Donald R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Infrared-Controlled Welding of Solar Cells

Proposed apparatus for welding large arrays of solar cells to flexible circuit substrates would sense infrared emission from welding spot. Emission would provide feedback for control of welding heat. Welding platform containing optical fibers moves upward through slots in movable holding fixture to contact solar cells. Fibers pick up infrared radiation from weld area.

Paulson, R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control

NASA programs that focus on the use of fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control are reviewed. Fiber optics for aircraft control is attractive because of its inherent immunity to EMI and RFI noise. Optical signals can be safely transmitted through areas that contain flammable or explosive materials. The use of optics also makes remote sensing feasible by eliminating the need for electrical wires to be connected between sensors and computers. Using low-level optical signals to control actuators is also feasible when power is generated at the actuator. Each application of fiber optics for aircraft control has different requirements for both the optical cables and the optical connectors. Sensors that measure position and speed by using slotted plates can use lossy cables and bundle connectors if data transfer is in the parallel mode. If position and speed signals are multiplexed, cable and connector requirements change. Other sensors that depend on changes in transmission through materials require dependable characteristics of both the optical cables and the optical connectors. A variety of sensor types are reviewed, including rotary position encoders, tachometers, temperature sensors, and blade tip clearance sensors for compressors and turbines. Research on a gallium arsenide photoswitch for optically switched actuators that operate at 250 C is also described.

Baumbick, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus (SFODB)

Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus (SFODB) is an IEEE 1393 compliant, gigabit per second, fiber optic network specifically designed to support the real-time, on-board data handling requirements of remote sensing spacecraft. The network is fault tolerant highly reliable, and capable of withstanding the rigors of launch and the harsh space environment. SFODB achieves this operational and environmental performance while maintaining the small size, light weight, and low power necessary for spaceborne applications. On December 9, 1998, SFODB was successfully demonstrated at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

Bretthauer, Joy W.↗

NASA NTRS1999

IEEE 1393 Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus: A Standard Approach to On-Board Payload Data Handling Networks for the AIAA Space Technology Conference and Exposition "Partnering in the 21th Century"

The Spaceborne Fiber Optic Data Bus (SFODB) is the next generation in on-board data handling networks. It will do for high speed payloads what SAE 1773 has done for on-board command and telemetry systems. That is, it will significantly reduce the cost of payload development, integration and test through interface standardization. As defined in IEEE 1393, SFODB is a 1 Gb/s, fiber optic network specifically designed to support the real-time, on-board data handling requirements of remote sensing spacecraft. The network is highly reliable, fault tolerant, and capable of withstanding the rigors of launch and the harsh space environment. SFODB achieves this operational and environmental performance while maintaining the small size, light weight, and low power necessary for spaceborne applications. SFODB was developed jointly by DoD and NASA GSFC to meet the on-board data handling needs of Remote Sensing satellites. This jointly funded project produced a complete set of flight transmitters, receivers and protocol ASICS; a complete Development & Evaluation System; and, the IEEE 1393 standard.

Andrucyk, Dennis J.↗

NASA NTRS2008

NASA Tech Briefs, December 2008

Topics covered include: Crew Activity Analyzer; Distributing Data to Hand-Held Devices in a Wireless Network; Reducing Surface Clutter in Cloud Profiling Radar Data; MODIS Atmospheric Data Handler; Multibeam Altimeter Navigation Update Using Faceted Shape Model; Spaceborne Hybrid-FPGA System for Processing FTIR Data; FPGA Coprocessor for Accelerated Classification of Images; SiC JFET Transistor Circuit Model for Extreme Temperature Range; TDR Using Autocorrelation and Varying-Duration Pulses; Update on Development of SiC Multi-Chip Power Modules; Radio Ranging System for Guidance of Approaching Spacecraft; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Logic Gates Made of N-Channel JFETs and Epitaxial Resistors; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Communication Limits Due to Photon-Detector Jitter; System for Removing Pollutants from Incinerator Exhaust; Sealing and External Sterilization of a Sample Container; Converting EOS Data from HDF-EOS to netCDF; HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 Compatibility Library; HDF-EOS Web Server; HDF-EOS 5 Validator; XML DTD and Schemas for HDF-EOS; Converting from XML to HDF-EOS; Simulating Attitudes and Trajectories of Multiple Spacecraft; Specialized Color Function for Display of Signed Data; Delivering Alert Messages to Members of a Work Force; Delivering Images for Mars Rover Science Planning; Oxide Fiber Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Cells; Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane; Heterogeneous Superconducting Low-Noise Sensing Coils; Progress toward Making Epoxy/Carbon-Nanotube Composites; Predicting Properties of Unidirectional-Nanofiber Composites; Deployable Crew Quarters; Nonventing, Regenerable, Lightweight Heat Absorber; Miniature High-Force, Long-Stroke SMA Linear Actuators; "Bootstrap" Configuration for Multistage Pulse-Tube Coolers; Reducing Liquid Loss during Ullage Venting in Microgravity; Ka-Band Transponder for Deep-Space Radio Science; Replication of Space-Shuttle Computers in FPGAs and ASICs; Demisable Reaction-Wheel Assembly; Spatial and Temporal Low-Dimensional Models for Fluid Flow; Advanced Land Imager Assessment System; Range Imaging without Moving Parts.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2010

Visible Nulling Coronagraphy Testbed Development for Exoplanet Detection

Three of the recently completed NASA Astrophysics Strategic Mission Concept (ASMC) studies addressed the feasibility of using a Visible Nulling Coronagraph (VNC) as the prime instrument for exoplanet science. The VNC approach is one of the few approaches that works with filled, segmented and sparse or diluted aperture telescope systems and thus spans the space of potential ASMC exoplanet missions. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has a well-established effort to develop VNC technologies and has developed an incremental sequence of VNC testbeds to advance the this approach and the technologies associated with it. Herein we report on the continued development of the vacuum Visible Nulling Coronagraph testbed (VNT). The VNT is an ultra-stable vibration isolated testbed that operates under high bandwidth closed-loop control within a vacuum chamber. It will be used to achieve an incremental sequence of three visible light nulling milestones of sequentially higher contrasts of 10(exp 8) , 10(exp 9) and 10(exp 10) at an inner working angle of 2*lambda/D and ultimately culminate in spectrally broadband (>20%) high contrast imaging. Each of the milestones, one per year, is traceable to one or more of the ASMC studies. The VNT uses a modified Mach-Zehnder nulling interferometer, modified with a modified "W" configuration to accommodate a hex-packed MEMS based deformable mirror, a coherent fiber bundle and achromatic phase shifters. Discussed will be the optical configuration laboratory results, critical technologies and the null sensing and control approach.

Lyon, Richard G.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Fiber Bragg Grating Filter High Temperature Sensors

We present a scaled-down method for determining high temperatures using fiber-based Bragg gratings. Bragg gratings are distributed along the length of the optical fiber, and have high reflectivities whenever the optical wavelength is twice the grating spacing. These spatially distinct Bragg regions (located in the core of a fiber) are sensitive to local temperature changes. Since these fibers are silica-based they are easily affected by localized changes in temperature, which results in changes to both the grating spacing and the wavelength reflectivity. We exploit the shift in wavelength reflectivity to measure the change in the local temperature. Note that the Bragg region (sensing area) is some distance away from where the temperature is being measured. This is done so that we can measure temperatures that are much higher than the damage threshold of the fiber. We do this by affixing the fiber with the Bragg sensor to a material with a well-known coefficient of thermal expansion, and model the heat gradient from the region of interest to the actual sensor. The research described in this paper will culminate in a working device as well as be the second portion of a publication pending submission to Optics Letters.

Lyons, Donald R.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Microelectromechanical Systems

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is an enabling technology that merges computation and communication with sensing and actuation to change the way people and machines interact with the physical world. MEMS is a manufacturing technology that will impact widespread applications including: miniature inertial measurement measurement units for competent munitions and personal navigation; distributed unattended sensors; mass data storage devices; miniature analytical instruments; embedded pressure sensors; non-invasive biomedical sensors; fiber-optics components and networks; distributed aerodynamic control; and on-demand structural strength. The long term goal of ARPA's MEMS program is to merge information processing with sensing and actuation to realize new systems and strategies for both perceiving and controlling systems, processes, and the environment. The MEMS program has three major thrusts: advanced devices and processes, system design, and infrastructure.

Gabriel, Kaigham J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Analytical modeling and sensor monitoring for optimal processing of polymeric composite material systems

Process simulation models and cure monitoring sensors are discussed for use in optimal processing of fiber-reinforced composites. Analytical models relate the specified temperature and pressure cure cycle to the thermal, chemical, and physical processes occurring in the composite during consolidation and cure. Frequency-dependent electromagnetic sensing (FDEMS) is described as an in situ sensor for monitoring the composite curing process and for verification of process simulation models. A model for resin transfer molding of textile composites is used to illustrate the predictive capabilities of a process simulation model. The model is used to calculate the resin infiltration time, fiber volume fraction, resin viscosity, and resin degree of cure. Results of the model are compared with in situ FDEMS measurements.

Loos, Alfred C.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Measuring Water-Layer Thickness

Technique uses optical proximity detector. Detector consists of sensing probe, cartridge containing photocell and light source, and electronics package, housed in metal carrying case. Light transmitted from fiber-optic probe reflected by observed surface and transmitted back through probe to photoreceiver, output of which indicated on digital voltmeter or other suitable instrument. Sensor used to detect presence of bubbles or particles in water stream or to trigger alarm when condensing water becomes present in bottom of supposedly dry tank. Fiber-optic probes of sizes up to 0.285 in. (7.24 mm) with varying sensitivities and configurations available for use with system.

Faulcon, N.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Distribution automation applications of fiber optics

Motivations for interest and research in distribution automation are discussed. The communication requirements of distribution automation are examined and shown to exceed the capabilities of power line carrier, radio, and telephone systems. A fiber optic based communication system is described that is co-located with the distribution system and that could satisfy the data rate and reliability requirements. A cost comparison shows that it could be constructed at a cost that is similar to that of a power line carrier system. The requirements for fiber optic sensors for distribution automation are discussed. The design of a data link suitable for optically-powered electronic sensing is presented. Empirical results are given. A modeling technique that was used to understand the reflections of guided light from a variety of surfaces is described. An optical position-indicator design is discussed. Systems aspects of distribution automation are discussed, in particular, the lack of interface, communications, and data standards. The economics of distribution automation are examined.

Kirkham, Harold↗

NASA NTRS2004

Microminiature Monitor for Vital Electrolyte and Metabolite Levels of Astronauts

Ions, such as proton (pH) and potassium, play a crucial role in body fluids to maintain proper basic functioning of cells and tissues. Metabolites, such as glucose, control the energy available to the entire human body in normal as well as stress situations, and before, during, and after meals. These molecules diffuse easily between blood in the capillaries and the interstitial fluid residing between cells and tissues. We have developed and approach to monitoring of critical ions (called electrolytes) and glucose in the interstitial fluid under the human skin. Proton and potassium levels sensed using optode technology that translates the respective ionic concentrations into variable colors of corresponding ionophore/dye/polymeric liquid membranes. Glucose is monitored indirectly, by coupling through immobilized glucose oxidase with local pH that is then detected using a similar color scheme. The monitor consists of a tiny plastic bar, 100-200 microns wide and 1-2 mm long, placed just under the skin, with color changing spots for each analyte as well as blanks. The colors are read and translated into concentration values by a CCD camera. Direct optical coupling between the in vivo sensing bar and the ex vivo detector device requires no power, and thus eliminates the need for wires or optical fibers crossing the skin. The microminiature bar penetrates the skin easily and painlessly, so that astronauts could insert it themselves. The approach is fully compatible with telemetry in space, and thus, in vivo clinical data will be available real time in the Earth based command center once the device is fully developed. The information provided can be used for collecting hitherto unavailable vital data on clinical effects of space travel. Managing clinical emergencies in space with the sensor already in place should also become much more efficient than without a continuous monitor, as is currently the case. Civilian applications may include better glucose control of patients with moderate to severe diabetes: a growing health problem in the US and World-wide.

Tohda, Koji↗